Ace Liquor Center & BCA Announce First Barrel of 2023

Last Updated on April 5, 2023 by 5e2793

Act III: “The Final Duel”

On November 30, 2022, Gary Penna took to Facebook to drop what would become one of the most anticipated announcements heading into the new year. With just enough mystery to set the tone, Ace Liquor Center and the Bourbon Club of Arkansas officially unveiled their first barrel selection of 2023—and for those paying attention, the details immediately raised eyebrows.

As announced, Ace Liquor Center’s Justin Pierce and BCA selected Barrel #7143, pulled from Rickhouse I, Floor 8, clocking in at a robust 130.2 proof. If that warehouse location sounds familiar, it should—last year’s pick came from the exact same spot (I8), a detail that only added fuel to the excitement and speculation within the Arkansas bourbon community.

At the time of the announcement, no arrival or distribution details were released, though members were advised to expect a randomizer, similar to prior high-demand releases. One thing was clear: this wasn’t just another barrel pick. This was framed as Act III — “The Final Duel”, signaling both continuity and climax in an ongoing series of sought-after selections.

As with previous releases, members were encouraged to keep notifications on and stay ready. More details were promised—and history suggests they’d be worth the wait.

Background: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Founded in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most historic and continuously operating distilleries in the United States, with roots tracing back to 1775. The distillery sits along the Kentucky River near an ancient buffalo crossing—hence the name—and has operated through fires, floods, Prohibition, and world wars.

Buffalo Trace is especially revered for its warehouse-driven flavor variation. Differences in rickhouse location, floor height, airflow, and temperature swings play a critical role in how barrels mature. Rickhouse I, Floor 8 is notable for producing barrels with intense concentration, elevated proof, and bold character—often highly prized by selection teams.

The distillery is also known for an expansive portfolio that includes some of the most coveted names in American whiskey. While individual barrel picks vary widely, high-proof selections from upper floors frequently deliver deep oak influence, rich caramelized sugars, dark fruit, and powerful spice—traits that align perfectly with the excitement surrounding this announcement.

Why This Pick Matters

• Proven Location: A return to Rickhouse I, Floor 8—last year’s success made expectations sky-high.
• High Proof: 130.2 proof suggests a barrel with serious intensity and presence.
• Limited Access: Anticipated randomizer indicates demand far outstripping supply.
• Narrative Continuity: Act III: The Final Duel positions this release as part of a larger story, not just a one-off bottle.

As more information emerged in the weeks that followed, this announcement stood as the opening bell for one of the most closely watched Arkansas barrel picks of the year.

Stay tuned to ArkansasLiquor.com as we continue to document and archive the releases that shape Arkansas’s bourbon culture—one barrel at a time. 🥃