Experience a revered piece of bourbon history with the 1972 Ancient Ancient Age, meticulously matured for a full decade. This exceptional expression offers a complex symphony of mature oak, dried fruits, and warm spices, reflecting a golden era of distilling. A truly rare opportunity to savor a legendary vintage.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet, showcasing mature oak, dried dark fruits like fig and prune, and a hint of worn leather. Underlying notes of vanilla bean, roasted nuts, and a delicate spice blend of cinnamon and clove emerge, testament to its long maturation. A subtle earthy quality intermingles with faint echoes of dried tobacco leaf.

Palate: A surprisingly robust and full-bodied palate, considering its age. The initial sweetness of caramel and butterscotch quickly gives way to a rich tapestry of flavors. Dark cherry and plum interweave with a pronounced, yet well-integrated, oak presence. There's a delightful nuttiness, perhaps pecan or almond, followed by a gentle warmth of baking spices. A subtle cocoa bitterness balances the sweetness, leading to a complex and evolving mid-palate.

Finish: Long and elegantly lingering, the finish is a testament to its decade in wood. Waves of warm oak and dried fruit persist, joined by a pleasant, gentle spice that slowly fades. Traces of dark chocolate and leather remain, leaving a refined and memorable impression. The unknown proof suggests a softer, more approachable heat than many modern bourbons, allowing the nuanced flavors to truly shine.

About the Distillery

Ancient Age Distilling Co., founded in 1937, was a significant player in post-Prohibition Kentucky bourbon. Known for its consistent quality and approachable offerings, the distillery played a key role in making bourbon accessible to a wider audience. Over the years, the distillery and its brands have undergone various ownership changes, eventually becoming part of Buffalo Trace Distillery's legacy.