Holland America Line’s beverage program will introduce an exclusive single barrel select bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery this March. This special offering was curated by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson. Mayville, an avid Holland America Line cruiser, endorsed the cruise line for the Sazerac Barrel Select program.
“We strive to share experiences with our guests that they won’t find anywhere else,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions. “Collaborating with Buffalo Trace to craft a signature bourbon has been an incredible journey. Drew and Freddie guided us to select a barrel that will resonate with our guests and is the perfect representation of our two iconic brands.”
Holland America Line team members visited Buffalo Trace Distillery and its infamous Warehouse D in Kentucky. With the guidance of Mayville and Johnson, they selected four barrels for a tasting. The winning barrel features intense notes of oak and spice on the nose, that then relaxes into a smooth finish. “We aimed to select an expressive and distinctive barrel for Holland America Line,” reflected Mayville.
The winning barrel was Barrel #002, filled on December 21, 2015 and aged in Warehouse U on Floor 5, Rick 34. The hand-selected barrel has been bottled and shipped fleetwide for guests to begin enjoying in March. This exclusive bourbon offering will be available in the Ocean Bar on each Holland America ship. Guests can order it served as an Old Fashioned, on the rocks or neat.
Buffalo Trace is the newest partner in Holland America Line’s evolving beverage program. Previously, the program worked with bartender Ivy Mix to capturing the spirit of Mexico and Latin America in fresh cocktails. It has introduced a pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by celebrated mixologist David Wondrich on its Caribbean cruises.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.