The Bourbon Mafia's Private Barrel Selections


At various times of the year, members of The Bourbon Mafia will visit distilleries to select that special barrel of bourbon that will be bottled, and enjoyed by the group. Most selections are from single-barrels, sourced for their unique, one of a kind personality. Each process is a little different, but every one of them is fun to take part in. In addition to selecting your personal bourbon, every distillery offers a personalized tour of their facilities if you travel there for the selection.



Here are the distilleries The Bourbon Mafia has visited for private barrel selections

Four Roses Private Selection

Four Roses will invite retailers or bourbon groups to a private tasting and selection of their favorite barrels. Each selection is bottled and private labeled in limited quantities. With the combination of 2 mashbills and 5 proprietary yeasts, 10 uniquely different Bourbon recipes are made, and ages varying from 8yrs on up to 12 years or so. Proofs will likewise range from just above 100 proof to 125 proof, depending on where the barrel was shelved.


Jim Beam Knob Creek

When selecting a Knob Creek bourbon or rye, you will go to a Bourbon rackhouse to select 1 of 3 barrels to have bottled. Once your group has selected a barrel, it will be bottled at 120proof. Ages can range from 9yrs to 15yrs. Rye selections are proofed at 115, and aged at 6yrs.


Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve

Wild Turkey's Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is handpicked as your group explores the rickhouses with Master Distiller, Eddie Russell. Individually bottled at 110 proof and non-chill filtered to guarantee maximum flavor, each barrel has its own unique personality yet still captures Wild Turkey's signature rich, creamy toffee and vanilla taste.


Angel's Envy

Members of The Bourbon Mafia were able to obtain a barrel of Angel's Envy, by picking a percentage of three barrels that were later batched, and bottled. This was a great experience for our group, and truly a great barrel.


Maker's Mark Private Selection

Beginning as fully matured Maker's Mark® at cask strength, Private Selection is created by adding 10 custom wood finishing staves to each barrel. Participants in this special barrel program get their say in the selection of these wooden staves. With 1,001 possible stave combinations, each expression of Private Selection has a customized finish and taste profile that is unique, yet undeniably Maker's®.


Buffalo Trace

Selecting a barrel is a one-of-a-kind experience that begins with choosing a brand from their exclusive portfolio. This process will allow you to sample directly from several barrels chosen especially for you by our experts.


Bulleit Single Barrel Private Selection

Bulleit produces their bourbons for their private selection using 2 different mash bills and 5 different yeast strains. The age of their bourbon used in this process, is between 8-12 years old, and is bottled at 104 proof, non-chill filtered.


Jefferson's Ocean Cask Strength

Jefferson’s Ocean is a fully matured Kentucky Bourbon, put it on a ship and sent it around the world. now bottled at 112 proof cask strength. It crossed the equator 4 times, stopped at over 5 different continents and truly is a Bourbon of the World. This is bottled at 112proof.


FEW Private Rye Whiskey

The generous rye content is married with the sweetness of corn for a genteel interpretation of the venerable spirit. Patiently aged in air-dried oak barrels, its spicy character transcends mere resurgence.