Watershed Announces Lottery and Availability for Barrel Strength 6 Year Bourbon

12-8-22 Update - A brilliant reader pointed out that Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is aged 12 years. The article has been updated to reflect this. 

Columbus based Watershed Distillery has announced the launch of Batch 003 of their Watershed Barrel Strength 6 Year Bourbon. This limited release finished in apple brandy barrels, will be available only via an online lottery (details below) and through a private bourbon dinner on Tuesday, September 13.

Greg Lehman, CEO of Watershed Distillery says: 

This is our most mature bourbon making it our oldest, most complex bourbon yet. It is double oaked—first aged in bourbon barrels and then finished to perfection in barrels that once held our apple brandy. This extra step takes more time but creates a rich and delicious spirit unlike anything else.

Details

This is an annual release and is the first since Batch 002 received a platinum medal at the 2022 ASCOT Awards (American Spirits Council of Tasters). It comes bottled at 126.1 proof (63.05% alcohol) and carries an $89.99 price tag. It has the following tasting notes:

Nose: Aromas of stovetop caramel, toasted oak and rich vanilla bean. 

Taste: Flavors of fig preserves, a touch of black cherry and toasted nuttiness with an unparalleled richness. 

Finish: A robust and balanced that lingers with complexity and contentment

Lottery & Private Dinner Details

In order to give everyone an equal chance to purchase a bottle, Watershed is conducting a lottery for the ability to purchase a bottle. The lottery is open now and closes on September 14, at 11:59 p.m.. You can enter the lottery here. 

Additionally, Watershed is hosting a private bourbon dinner on Tuesday, September 13, with seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.. Private dinner guests can bypass the lottery and purchase up to four bottles of the lottery exclusive that evening. Presale tickets are required. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased here.

My Take

I like the lottery portion of this release. Anytime there is a release where demand far surpasses supply, there should be ways for normal people to be able to buy a bottle... not the losers who camp out hours and days early so they can purchase and make money on the secondary market. 

In terms of this specific release, $90 is around the right price for a six year barrel strength. For comparison, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof exclusive to Ohio sold for $79.99 with a 12 year age statement. If you're willing to come to Columbus to purchase the bottle, this is a good opportunity. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 

Source: Watershed