{"id":1704,"date":"2022-11-30T00:04:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T06:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/?p=1704"},"modified":"2023-04-05T00:31:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T05:31:00","slug":"ace-liquor-center-bca-announce-first-barrel-of-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/30\/ace-liquor-center-bca-announce-first-barrel-of-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Ace Liquor Center & BCA Announce First Barrel of 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Act III: \u201cThe Final Duel\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On November 30, 2022, Gary Penna<\/strong> 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<\/strong>\u2014and for those paying attention, the details immediately raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As announced, Ace Liquor Center\u2019s Justin Pierce<\/strong> and BCA<\/strong> selected Barrel #7143<\/strong>, pulled from Rickhouse I, Floor 8<\/strong>, clocking in at a robust 130.2 proof<\/strong>. If that warehouse location sounds familiar, it should\u2014last year\u2019s pick came from the exact same spot (I8<\/em>), a detail that only added fuel to the excitement and speculation within the Arkansas bourbon community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time of the announcement, no arrival or distribution details were released, though members were advised to expect a randomizer<\/strong>, similar to prior high-demand releases. One thing was clear: this wasn\u2019t just another barrel pick. This was framed as Act III \u2014 \u201cThe Final Duel\u201d<\/strong>, signaling both continuity and climax in an ongoing series of sought-after selections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with previous releases, members were encouraged to keep notifications on and stay ready. More details were promised\u2014and history suggests they\u2019d be worth the wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Source: Gary Penna – November 30 2022<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Source: Gary Penna – November 30 2022<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Source: Gary Penna – April 5 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Background: Buffalo Trace Distillery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Founded in Frankfort, Kentucky<\/strong>, Buffalo Trace Distillery<\/strong> is one of the most historic and continuously operating distilleries in the United States, with roots tracing back to 1775<\/strong>. The distillery sits along the Kentucky River near an ancient buffalo crossing\u2014hence the name\u2014and has operated through fires, floods, Prohibition, and world wars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buffalo Trace is especially revered for its warehouse-driven flavor variation<\/strong>. Differences in rickhouse location, floor height, airflow, and temperature swings play a critical role in how barrels mature. Rickhouse I, Floor 8<\/strong> is notable for producing barrels with intense concentration, elevated proof, and bold character\u2014often highly prized by selection teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014traits that align perfectly with the excitement surrounding this announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why This Pick Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Proven Location:<\/strong> A return to Rickhouse I, Floor 8\u2014last year\u2019s success made expectations sky-high.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • High Proof:<\/strong> 130.2 proof suggests a barrel with serious intensity and presence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Limited Access:<\/strong> Anticipated randomizer indicates demand far outstripping supply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Narrative Continuity:<\/strong> Act III: The Final Duel<\/em> positions this release as part of a larger story, not just a one-off bottle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay tuned to ArkansasLiquor.com<\/strong> as we continue to document and archive the releases that shape Arkansas\u2019s bourbon culture\u2014one barrel at a time. \ud83e\udd43<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Act III: \u201cThe Final Duel\u201d 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. 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