Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is an 88.9-proof (44.45% ABV) single barrel bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — one barrel at a time, never blended, at the oddball 88.9 proof that makes it instantly recognizable on the shelf. Named for Hancock Lee, co-founder of the 1775 Leestown settlement that became Frankfort, this is Buffalo Trace's high-rye single barrel program in its most accessible bottle: rich caramel and vanilla with a spicy rye backbone, bottled exactly as that barrel came out of the warehouse. This 750mL bottle is allocated in most markets, so when it's on the shelf, it doesn't sit. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 44.45% (88.9 proof)
- Size: 750mL — single barrel, non-chill filtered per Buffalo Trace practice
- Age: No age statement
- Origin: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky — high-rye mash bill
- Heritage: Introduced 1991; named for Hancock Lee, co-founder of the 1775 Leestown settlement
A Single Barrel from Buffalo Trace's High-Rye Program
Every bottle of Hancock's comes from exactly one barrel — no blending, no batching — drawn from Buffalo Trace's high-rye Mash Bill #2, the same mash bill behind Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee, and Rock Hill Farms. Bottled at 88.9 proof, it lands in a sweet spot: more presence than standard 86–90 proof bourbons, softer than barrel-proof bruisers. The result is a bourbon that drinks classic — caramel, oak, and baking spice — with the rye spice keeping it from ever going sweet. Explore more Buffalo Trace single barrels in our bourbon whiskey collection or browse the Hancock's range.
Tasting Notes
Caramel and vanilla up front, backed by oak and a lively rye spice — cinnamon, clove, and a hint of orange peel. The single-barrel selection shows in the depth: roasted nuts and a long, warming finish with lingering vanilla and pepper.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a single large ice cube. Because it's a single barrel, no two bottles are identical — if you find one you love, it's worth grabbing a backup while it's available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Hancock's different from Blanton's?
Both are Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 single barrels, but Blanton's is bottled at 93 proof and Hancock's at 88.9 — Hancock's drinks a touch softer and is typically easier to find.
Why is it bottled at 88.9 proof?
That's the house recipe for this expression — single barrels selected to drink their best at 88.9 proof rather than being cut further or bottled barrel-strength.
Is Hancock's allocated?
Yes — like most Buffalo Trace single-barrel expressions, distribution is limited and bottles sell through quickly when they land.
San Diego bourbon hunters can order Hancock's President's Reserve Single Barrel online from Del Mesa Liquor and have this 750mL allocated bottle shipped to your door.