Koopers Whiskey Debuts 10-Year Rye with Extended Buffalo Trace Barrel Finishing

LEDBETTER, Texas (April 29, 2026) — Continuing its exploration of bold maturation techniques and distinctive whiskey blending, Koopers Whiskey announces the release of Koopers 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey that spent nine years maturing in a previously used Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel, creating a unique example of extended secondary maturation in American whiskey. This highly limited expression, which captures the brand’s origins and its evolution, will be released on Saturday, May 9, 2026, exclusively at the Koopers Whiskey tasting room in Ledbetter, Texas.

Koopers Whiskey has long embraced innovation through blending, aging, and finishing. This release reflects the transformative power of time, climate, and cask selection. While secondary finishing continues to shape the premium whiskey category, extended finishing in used bourbon barrels over multiple years remains a rare and compelling approach. The Koopers 10-Year-Old Straight Rye embodies both the intensity of long-term Texas aging and a maturation strategy rarely seen in the category, where most finishing periods last only months, not years.

“This whiskey tells our story better than anything we’ve released,” said Koopers Whiskey Master Blender Troy Kooper. “It starts with our roots at Koval Distillery in Chicago, where Michelle and I trained as distillers under Dr. Robert Birnecker. Koval gave us our start by allowing us access to unaged distillate while we were building our plans. But along the way, we fell in love with the art of aging, blending, and maturation—and that ultimately came to define who we are.”

Distilled in Illinois at Koval Distillery using a 100% rye mash bill, the whiskey was brought to Texas, where it underwent a full decade of maturation. After its initial aging period, the whiskey was transferred into a previously used 7-year-old Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel, allowing the whiskey to develop extraordinary depth under the influence of the Texas climate for nine years. The extended finishing period created a unique balance between the bold rye’s natural spice and the richer, sweeter, rounder characteristics associated with mature bourbon influence.

This release not only showcases Koopers Whiskey’s commitment to creative maturation but also pays tribute to the foundational relationships and decisions that shaped the brand. By combining original Koval distillate with extended finishing in a Buffalo Trace barrel, the whiskey offers a rare intersection of origin, craft, and innovation.

Koopers 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in a Buffalo Trace Barrel

• Mash Bill: 100% Rye
• Age: 10 Years Old
• Finish: 7-Year-Old Used Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel (9 years)
• Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
• Volume: 375ml
• State of Distillation: Illinois
• Price: $50 per bottle
• Availability: Extremely limited, 231 bottles

On the nose, the whiskey opens with bold rye spice layered with baked rye bread, vanilla bean, orange peel, and oak. The palate delivers a rich and complex profile featuring dark caramel, toffee, black pepper, cherry, and tobacco leaf, underscored by the intensity of aging in the Texas heat. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of toasted coconut, dark chocolate, and pipe tobacco.

Due to significant evaporation during a decade of Texas aging, the release is offered in 375ml bottles to maximize availability while preserving the integrity of this rare stock.

Availability:

Koopers 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in a Buffalo Trace Barrel will be available exclusively at the Koopers Whiskey Texas Tasting Room in Ledbetter, Texas, beginning at 11:00 a.m. on May 9, 2026. Bottles are priced at $50 each (375ml). Availability is extremely limited, with just 231 bottles produced.

For more information, please visit Koopers Whiskey’s official website, sign up for the newsletter, or follow the brand on Instagram or Facebook.

About Koopers Whiskey:

Koopers Whiskey is a family-owned Texas whiskey brand rooted in time-honored, old-world blending traditions. Founded by Troy Kooper and Michelle Kooper, the company crafts boutique Texas Bourbons and Ryes that reflect both the spirit of Texas and a commitment to quality without pretense. Each Koopers expression showcases a dedication to flavor, maturity, and complexity, allowing the whiskey itself to take center stage. Focused on maturation, blending, finishing, and exceptional craftsmanship, Koopers Whiskey creates distinctive, high-quality spirits designed to bring people together. The result is an elevated tasting experience that consistently delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Visit the Koopers Whiskey tasting room at 100 West U.S. 290, Ledbetter, TX 78945, or shop online at KoopersWhiskey.com.

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