Milam & Greene Whiskey has announced “The Answer” Straight Bourbon, a limited-edition release and the first bourbon in the U.S. to compare the impact of climate on aging between Kentucky and Texas. Aged for more than five years under identical conditions apart from climate, this two-bottle set offers a side-by-side comparison of how geography influences whiskey flavor and proof.
Scientific Approach to Bourbon Maturation
In 2019, Milam & Greene distilled a single batch of bourbon in Bardstown, Kentucky, using its proprietary yeast and mash bill (70% corn, 8% malted barley, and 22% malted rye). The batch was split: half aged in Kentucky and half shipped to Blanco, Texas. The goal was to isolate the role of local climate on maturation. The resulting whiskeys—both aged in 53-gallon barrels—highlight how environmental differences alter evaporation rates, proof, and flavor compounds.
Dramatic Climate Impact: Kentucky vs. Texas
The Kentucky-aged bourbon, matured in a cooler, more humid environment, resulted in a final proof of 108 due to slower evaporation (2–4% annually). In contrast, the Texas-aged sample reached 116 proof, with evaporation rates exceeding 10% per year in Blanco’s hotter, drier climate. Sensory and chemical analyses revealed significant differences in flavor compound concentrations, with the Texas bourbon showcasing woodier characteristics and the Kentucky version offering fruitier, floral notes.
Expert Insights from Heather Greene
“We wanted to better understand how temperature fluctuation between the two environments influences flavor extraction in our whiskey,” said Heather Greene, CEO and Master Blender at Milam & Greene. “This is exciting. I encourage other distilleries in Texas to iterate on our findings.” Greene emphasized that while the data is compelling, “nothing compares to the human experience of nosing and tasting.”
A Hands-On Tasting and Blending Experience
Each set of “The Answer” includes two 375ml bottles—one from each climate—packaged in a bespoke wooden box. The release encourages enthusiasts to compare the two whiskeys and even experiment with blending, a process central to Milam & Greene’s whiskey philosophy. Greene added, “Individually, each bourbon is delicious, and batched together, the combined bourbons also create gorgeous, complex whiskey.”
Limited Release and Distillery Launch Event
Only 800 cases of “The Answer” will be released starting at 12:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The set will retail for $149.99 via the Milam & Greene website, the distillery tasting room, and select retailers nationwide. A public release party is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the Blanco, TX distillery, featuring live music, food trucks, and whiskey-themed activities.
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