New York Farm Distillery Second Act Spirits announced the release of its Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof Whiskey. This new expression offers an unadulterated experience of the distillery’s award-winning Clocktower Bourbon, bottled directly from the barrel at just over 116 proof. 

This five-year-old release will be available at the Second Act Spirits tasting room in Amsterdam, N.Y., and at select liquor stores across New York State starting on Saturday May 31st.  

For bourbon aficionados, “barrel proof” or “cask strength” signifies whiskey in its purest form – uncut, undiluted, and without chill filtering before bottling. This method allows the spirit to present its full, unbridled character, offering an intensity and depth of flavor that is often sought after by discerning drinkers. 

The higher alcohol by volume, typically ranging from 110 to 130 proof for such bourbons, carries a richer concentration of the congeners — the compounds responsible for a bourbon’s taste and aroma, such as vanilla, caramel, and baking spices. This direct-from-the-barrel approach provides an authentic tasting experience, allowing consumers to appreciate the bourbon as the distillers do, or to customize their dram with a few drops of water to unlock nuanced flavors. Aged for five years in new, charred American oak barrels, this bourbon is bottled without dilution, capturing the spirit’s robust and complex flavor profile developed during its maturation. 

While the original Clocktower Bourbon is lauded for its notes of buttery caramel, creamy vanilla, and a subtle oak presence leading to a smooth, complex finish, the Barrel Proof version is anticipated to offer an intensified experience. The 5-year aging process is crucial, allowing the spirit to extract significant character from the wood, balancing the inherent intensity of a barrel-proof offering with developed smoothness and complexity.  

This release builds upon the success of the original Clocktower Bourbon. The introduction of a barrel-proof iteration is a natural progression, catering to the growing segment of whiskey enthusiasts who actively seek out higher-proof expressions for their concentrated flavors and authentic character.  

Second Act Spirits, founded by a husband-and-wife team with more than 30 years in the craft beverage business, operates as a New York Farm Distillery. This designation underscores their unwavering commitment to utilizing locally sourced New York ingredients, fostering strong partnerships with local farmers, and contributing to the region’s agricultural heritage. 

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof to our community and to bourbon lovers across New York,” Rich and Stacey Michaels, Co-Founders of Second Act Spirits, said in a statement. “This release is a direct reflection of our ‘second act’ philosophy – taking our passion and experience to new heights. Presenting our award-winning Clocktower Bourbon in its undiluted, barrel-proof form allows enthusiasts to experience the full intensity and complexity that we, as distillers, get to appreciate straight from the cask. It’s a bold, authentic expression, and we believe it truly showcases the quality of New York grains and our dedication to the craft.”  

Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof will be available for purchase at the Second Act Spirits tasting room located at 37 Prospect Street, Amsterdam, N.Y. The tasting room hours are Thursday and Friday, 4–8 PM; Saturday, 2–8 PM; and Sunday, Noon–6 PM. It will also be rolling out to select liquor stores throughout New York State. Consumers are encouraged to ask for it at their favorite local retailers.  

The growing demand for craft spirits with authentic narratives and transparent sourcing is a significant trend in the beverage alcohol industry. New York State’s craft distilling scene has seen remarkable growth, with farm distilleries playing a crucial role in connecting consumers with locally produced, high-quality spirits and bolstering the state’s agricultural economy. 

The recent legislative support for direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping in New York further opens avenues for distilleries like Second Act Spirits to reach a wider audience. This new barrel-proof offering aligns perfectly with these consumer desires for authenticity, robust flavor, and a connection to the spirit’s origin and makers.  

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About Second Act Spirits

Second Act Spirits is a New York Farm Distillery founded by a husband and wife team with a deep passion for craft spirits and over three decades of experience in the craft beverage industry. Committed to using New York-sourced ingredients, Second Act Spirits supports local agriculture and prides itself on quality and craftsmanship. The distillery’s tasting room is located in the historic Amsterdam Clocktower in Amsterdam, N.Y. The portfolio includes the award-winning Clocktower Bourbon and other artisanal spirits. For more information, visit https://secondactspirits.com/.