Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3 2026 Limited Edition Whiskey Set celebrates the fascinating history of American whiskey through five rare expressions inspired by brands originally bottled during Prohibition from 1920 to 1933. Produced by the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, this third installment revives Cove Spring, Walter B. Duffy, John G. Carlisle, Kentucky River, and Henry Watterson, honoring the distillery's historic legacy under Albert B. Blanton when it operated as the George T. Stagg Distillery. Each 375mL bottle features authentic Prohibition-era-inspired artwork and individual packaging, beautifully housed in a custom wooden collector's display case.
The collection offers an exceptional variety of Kentucky straight bourbons, straight rye whiskey, and blended straight whiskey, ranging from 100 to 140.6 proof. Highlights include Henry Watterson's powerful 140.6-proof uncut rye, Walter B. Duffy's blend of 10- and 14-year-old bourbons, and Cove Spring's rich 120.2-proof wheated bourbon, delivering diverse layers of caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, toasted oak, and warming spice. Released in limited quantities, the Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3 is a distinctive addition to rare bourbon collections and a memorable presentation for adult whiskey enthusiasts and collectors of American distilling history.
Key Features
2026 Prohibition Collection #3: Third installment of Buffalo Trace's limited-edition series celebrating historic whiskey brands from America's Prohibition era.
Five Rare Whiskey Expressions: Includes Cove Spring, Walter B. Duffy, John G. Carlisle, Kentucky River, and Henry Watterson.
Historic Prohibition-Era Heritage: Honors whiskey brands bottled under Albert B. Blanton's leadership when Buffalo Trace operated as the George T. Stagg Distillery.
Henry Watterson Straight Rye: Powerful 140.6-proof uncut and unfiltered Kentucky rye whiskey featuring intense spice, citrus, and herbal complexity.
Walter B. Duffy Aged Bourbon: A distinctive 107-proof blend of 10- and 14-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons.
Cove Spring Wheated Bourbon: Rich, uncut 120.2-proof Kentucky straight bourbon crafted using a wheated mash bill.
John G. Carlisle Bourbon: Classic 100-proof Kentucky straight bourbon featuring caramelized grain, orchard fruit, toasted nuts, and spice.
Kentucky River Whiskey: A balanced 100-proof blend of Kentucky straight whiskeys with honeyed grain, baked apple, and gentle oak.
Historic Bottle Replicas: Each 375mL bottle recreates the appearance and scale of its original Prohibition-era counterpart.
Prescription-Inspired Packaging: Individual cartons feature historical prescription-style cutouts inspired by medicinal whiskey sales during Prohibition.
Premium Wooden Display Case: Presented in a custom collector's case featuring archival imagery and vintage whiskey branding.
Limited Edition Collector Appeal: Released in limited quantities for collectors of rare bourbon, Kentucky rye, and historical American whiskey.
Five 375mL Bottles: Complete 1.875L collection featuring five distinctive whiskey expressions.
Tasting Notes
Cove Spring Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 120.2 Proof
Color: Rich copper amber.
Nose: Bold aromas of red cherry, toasted coconut, caramel, and oak.
Palate: Full-bodied and warming, featuring sweet corn, ripe cherry, baking spice, and toasted oak.
Finish: Long and balanced, with lingering red fruit, oak, and warming spice.
Walter B. Duffy Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 107 Proof
Color: Deep golden amber.
Nose: Inviting aromas of graham cracker, toasted corn, aged oak, and dried fruit.
Palate: Rich and layered, revealing dried fig, raisin, date, caramel, and subtle anise.
Finish: Long and refined, with lingering oak, dried fruit, and delicate spice.
John G. Carlisle Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 100 Proof
Color: Warm golden honey amber.
Nose: Classic aromas of caramelized grain, toasted nuts, vanilla, and orchard fruit.
Palate: Balanced and expressive, featuring rye spice, stone fruit, caramel, toasted oak, and baking spices.
Finish: Dry and pleasantly lingering, with notes of gentle oak, spice, and light nuttiness.
Kentucky River Blended Straight Whiskey – 100 Proof
Color: Rich amber with golden highlights.
Nose: Smooth aromas of honeyed grain, vanilla, caramelized sugar, and gentle oak.
Palate: Rounded and balanced, featuring baked apple, warm pastry, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Finish: Smooth and polished, with lingering sweet pastry, soft oak, and delicate spice.
Henry Watterson Kentucky Straight Rye – 140.6 Proof
Color: Deep amber with copper reflections.
Nose: Intense aromas of bold rye spice, citrus peel, fresh herbs, and cedarwood.
Palate: Powerful and structured, revealing zesty citrus, cedar, thyme, mint, and warming rye spice.
Finish: Exceptionally long, dry, and energetic, with lingering herbal spice, citrus, and oak.
How to Enjoy
Prohibition Collection Tasting Flight: Sample the five expressions in ascending proof order, beginning with Kentucky River and John G. Carlisle, followed by Walter B. Duffy, Cove Spring, and Henry Watterson.
Neat: Serve in individual whiskey tasting glasses to appreciate each expression's unique aromas, flavor profile, and historical character.
With a Splash of Water: Add a few drops of still water, especially to Cove Spring and Henry Watterson, to explore their rich flavors while softening the higher alcohol intensity.
On the Rocks: Serve a small pour over one large ice cube for a cooler, gradually mellowing tasting experience.
Side-by-Side Bourbon Comparison: Compare Cove Spring, Walter B. Duffy, and John G. Carlisle to experience differences in mash bill, maturation, proof, and flavor.
Rye Whiskey Exploration: Enjoy Henry Watterson Straight Rye separately to appreciate its bold herbal character and exceptional 140.6-proof intensity.
Food Pairings: Enjoy alongside smoked brisket, grilled steak, barbecue, aged cheddar, roasted pecans, dark chocolate, dried fruit, or caramel desserts.
FAQ
What comes in Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3?
Five 375mL whiskey bottles featuring historic brands in a wooden collector's case.
Is this the 2026 Prohibition Collection release?
Yes, this is Series #3, released in June 2026.
Which whiskey has the highest proof?
Henry Watterson Straight Rye, bottled at 140.6 proof.
Are any of the whiskeys age-stated?
Walter B. Duffy is a blend of 10- and 14-year-old bourbons.
Is this collection suitable for collecting?
Yes, its limited release, historic packaging, and five distinct whiskeys make it appealing to adult bourbon collectors.