Old Charter Oak Finest Oak Bourbon Whiskey
47.5% ABV (95 proof) | 750mL | Kentucky straight bourbon | Buffalo Trace Distillery — the Old Charter Oak Finest Oak Bourbon Whiskey is a limited expression from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, aged in hand-selected American white oak staves from Canton Cooperage that were open-air seasoned in Kentucky. Bottled at 95 proof, it carries the Old Charter name — a brand heritage dating to 1874 — and earned Gold at the 2026 American Whiskey Masters. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Old Charter was one of the original fine Kentucky bourbons, and the Old Charter Oak series explores how different oak changes the whiskey. For Finest Oak, Buffalo Trace selected premium staves and let them season in the open Kentucky air before coopering — a slower, gentler oak influence that shows in the glass. Among bourbons from Buffalo Trace, this is one of the more refined limited releases: the oak is present but polished, never raw.
Tasting notes
Expect vanilla, caramel and toffee up front, with oak spice, cherry and a cocoa note underneath. At 95 proof it drinks full but balanced, with a warm, lingering finish of sweet oak.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 95 proof Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Gold medal — 2026 American Whiskey Masters
- Hand-selected, open-air-seasoned oak staves from Canton Cooperage
- Old Charter heritage dating to 1874; limited expression
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn to appreciate the oak detail, or with a single large cube for a slower pour.
Frequently asked questions
What proof is Old Charter Oak Finest Oak?
It is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). Some retailer listings show 90 proof — the 95-proof figure reflects current bottlings.
Who makes Old Charter Oak bourbon?
It is distilled, aged and bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, part of the Sazerac family.
Is this the same as Old Charter Oak French Oak?
No — the French Oak expression is a different 12-year-old release at 92 proof. Finest Oak is its own limited bottling aged on select American white oak staves.