MOONSHINE SHOWDOWN Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash Continuing to work through bottles in my collection that I’ve yet to review. “White Dog” is the name given to distillate straight from the tap. I bought these a few years ago, as I was interested in the foundations of the distillation process. I recall being less than impressed—this from the perspective of someone who has had moonshine more than once—so I’m taking one for the team here and seeing if I can find some value beyond mere intellectual interest. Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 Color is gin-clear, as this distillate has never been in contact with wood. Nose is warm and inviting, and shows sweet corn, Cheerios, and sweet yeast rolls. The ethanol manifests itself not unlike Italian grappa. Mouthfeel shows significant viscosity, and there is continued corn sweetness on the palate, as well as that grappa taste—but with none of the paint-thinner bitterness that grappa often has. The finish is short, and there is a little burn, but not out of sync with the high proof. The overall impression is one of warmth and fullness. It’s actually not one-dimensional: sweetness, warmth, and bready elements are apparent. It’s quite interesting to acquaint oneself with the foundational characteristics of a distillate, before the wood maturation; it’s the wood that provides the majority of a whisk(e)y’s aromatics and flavors. Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 can be found for a little over $15 (for a 375ml bottle). Would I buy it again? It’s not at the top of the list, but the answer is yes: it is unique conversation starter that not only offers educational insight, but is also inexpensive and can actually be consumed. 2.5 on the Distiller scale. 125 proof. NAS because there is none. Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash Like the White Dog Mash #1, the White Dog Wheated Mash is as clear as purified water; there has been no barrel aging whatsoever. The nose is different than the Mash #1: think of opening the bag that contains your favorite loaf of wheat bread and inhaling deeply. That, and peanuts. The sweet corn is underneath. Not quite as oily on the palate as the Mash #1, but it’s not thin like water. Ethanol is evident on the nose, palate, and finish. The spiciness is slightly higher than the Mash #1, even though the Wheated Mash is 11 proof points lower. There is a lingering alcohol burn, longer than the Mash #1. The Wheated Mash is not as round and warming as the Mash #1. It can also be found for around $15 (for a 375ml bottle). Would I buy it again? I don’t like it as much as the Mash #1, but I would buy it as well for the intellectual exercise alone. 2.25 on the Distiller scale. 114 proof. NAS because there is none. I’m not aware of any other distillery that sells White Dog at retail. It is sold in half-sized 375ml bottles; thus it would appear that it is being sold more for educational purposes than anything else. Buffalo Trace is to be commended for this. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.