Broad Branch Distillery's Newest Blend from Nancy Fraley

“This is exactly why we travel around the country, and we buy random bottles of whiskey, and we try to find interesting things because every once in a while when you think you’ve tried everything, you come across something like Broad Branch…Probably my favorite distillery right now.” - TJ/Brewzle

We'd have to agree. When we first introduced Broad Branch to the site last July, we were blown away by the quality of their whiskey. Since then, their offerings haven't lasted long on our site, and with good reason. I recently featured their Rye Fidelity in a video on Four of My Favorite Ryes Right Now, as well as a substitute for Tanyard Hill Rye, ultimately landing at #3 on my Rye Whiskeys of the Year for 2025.

After years in the making, Tradecraft, Broad Branch Distillery's first bourbon blend, is out now. Tradecraft is a 13-barrel blend of 8-year Big Winston low-rye bourbon and MGP high-rye bourbon, crafted by Nancy Fraley and bottled at 121 proof.

The nose is plush, oaky, and creamy with custard right off the rip.

The palate is viscous with exceptional balance: well-placed oak, creamy butteriness, and this lovely cane sugar and vanilla bean sweetness to finish the sip. Think homemade root beer float, derby pie, and orange-lemon bars.

The finish is a mix of blackberry, strawberry, and blueberry trailing amidst spiced cola concentrate and caramel cake, with a thin strand of chocolate shell and sweet oak continuing on.