Blackland Straight Bourbon “Prairie Gold” 3-Year
A Short History
Blackland Distillery, based in Fort Worth, Texas, set out to create a truly Texas-born bourbon, using solely locally sourced grain and in-house distillation. The “Prairie Gold” expression is their flagship straight bourbon—cooked, fermented, distilled and aged in Texas with an 80% yellow corn and 20% triticale mash bill. Aged for a minimum of three years in new American-oak barrels, Prairie Gold launched in early May 2023.
Key Features
-
Style: Straight Bourbon – aged at least 3 years.
-
Mash Bill: Approx. 80% Texas yellow corn / 20% Texas triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) grown by Texas farmers.
-
ABV / Proof: 50% ABV / 100 proof.
-
Barrel Regimen: Matured in new charred American oak barrels.
-
Fully produced in Texas: Local grain, on-site distillation & aging.
Tasting Notes
On the nose: warm vanilla sweetness, fresh baked caramel, and just a hint of toasted oak. On the palate: rich layers of toffee and buttery caramel evolve into spiced brown sugar, subtle baking spice and gentle black-pepper tones. The 100-proof backbone gives structure, but the finish is smooth and lingering, with oak, molasses and a quiet warming glow.
Awards & Recognition
While full awards-detail for the 3-Year release is still emerging, Prairie Gold has already garnered recognition: the brand announced that the expression earned “Best of Category – Bourbon Aged 4 Years & Under” honors at a major event, and has been featured in respected spirits forums and media coverage.
Overall Expression
The Prairie Gold 3-Year is a confident Texas straight bourbon: bold yet refined, combining the richness of a high-corn mash with the complexity of triticale and new-oak aging. It presents an invitingly sweet entry, evolves into layered spice and oak, and finishes with smooth warmth. This bottle showcases Blackland’s commitment to regional craftsmanship, making it a standout for bourbon lovers seeking something both locally rooted and distinctly character-rich.
