Bourbon enthusiasts embarking on their next Holland America Line cruise are in for a unique treat. The cruise line’s beverage program has unveiled an exclusive partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, to introduce a single barrel select bourbon that promises a one-of-a-kind sipping experience on the high seas. This exceptional bourbon, curated by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson, will be available fleetwide in March, offering a premium addition to the cruise line’s already impressive beverage selection.
The bourbon, originating from Barrel #002 filled on December 21, 2015, and matured in Warehouse U on Floor 5, Rick 34, was hand-selected for its distinctive character. This barrel was chosen for its intense oak and spice notes on the nose and a smooth, lingering finish, promising a bourbon experience like no other. It will be served at the Ocean Bar on each Holland America ship, where guests can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or crafted into a classic Old Fashioned.
This unique bourbon is the result of a special collaboration initiated by Mayville, who is not only a master blender but also an avid Holland America Line cruiser. His endorsement of the cruise line for the prestigious Sazerac Barrel Select program, a privilege afforded to only a select few each year, has paved the way for this exclusive offering. The Sazerac family, known for its more than 450 award-winning brands from distilleries around the globe, allows participants of this program to hand-pick a barrel from its world-class collection, ensuring a truly unique and high-quality spirit.
The journey to select this special bourbon was a collaborative effort, with Holland America Line team members joining Mayville and Johnson at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. In the distillery’s private barrel selection room, they sampled four barrels under the expert guidance of Mayville and Johnson, ultimately selecting the barrel that perfectly represents the collaboration between these two iconic brands.
This bourbon introduction is part of Holland America Line’s evolving beverage program, which includes innovative partnerships and offerings, such as new cocktails inspired by Mexico and Latin America created by award-winning bartender Ivy Mix, the launch of its own De Lijn gin, and a traditional, pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by renowned mixologist David Wondrich for Caribbean cruises. With more destination-inspired beverage partnerships on the horizon, guests have much to look forward to.
For bourbon lovers, this exclusive single barrel select bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery aboard Holland America Line cruises represents an extraordinary opportunity to savor a truly unique spirit while enjoying the luxurious amenities and breathtaking destinations that Holland America Line is known for.