There’s something about bourbon that just fits the Driftless region. It’s unhurried. Honest. Built on tradition and attention to craft. You can’t fake a good pour, just like you can’t fake good land—or good people. That truth came to life during a recent event in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where The Blackhawk hosted a bourbon tasting that, quite frankly, will be hard to top.
This wasn’t some trendy flight night. This was a rare, serious bourbon experience that pulled in attendees from across the region and left everyone saying the same thing: “Unbelievable.” “Once in a lifetime.” “Absolutely priceless.” And after sitting through it, I don’t disagree.
A Tasting Worth Talking About
The evening featured some of the most sought-after, nearly impossible-to-find pours in one lineup. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)—George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas Handy, Eagle Rare 17 Yr, and Sazerac 18—was fully present. That alone would have been enough to draw collectors and enthusiasts from hours away. But it didn’t stop there.
Pours That Pushed the Conversation
For me, it started with Weller 12 Yr—reliable, grounded, a solid handshake to kick off the night. Then came Remus Gatsby, which stopped me in my tracks. Deep. Confident. It didn’t just warm the chest—it made you think. That kind of pour doesn’t scream. It lingers. It knows who it is.
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof brought a bold, unfiltered energy. George T. Stagg? Smooth brute strength in a glass. William Larue Weller? Complex without arrogance. And here’s the twist: despite all the attention around it, Weller Full Proof sat largely untouched. Not because it wasn’t respected—but because there was simply too much greatness available. It says something about a night when one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market quietly fades into the background.
When Hype Falls Flat
Not everything hit home. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon was good—but in a crowd like this, it got outshined. Blanton’s Gold offered a refined sip, but didn’t leave a mark the way some others did. That’s part of the lesson: just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it’s the best. Some bourbons earn their reputation. Others coast on it.
I didn’t show up to name-drop bottles—I showed up to pay attention.
Setting the Scene: Prairie du Chien Hospitality
What truly tied it all together was the environment. Prairie du Chien is a Driftless river town with soul. And The Blackhawk is a local gem—unpretentious, welcoming, and as focused on quality as any high-end venue in the Midwest. The event was hosted by Steve and Angie, owners of both The Blackhawk and the regionally renowned Jones’ Black Angus Supper Club. They won’t ask for recognition—but their work speaks for itself. From the pour list to the presentation, this night was dialed in without ever feeling staged. And the food? Let’s just say the appetizers came directly from the supper club kitchen, and their chef brought everything short of a standing ovation. Each plate was built to match the caliber of the pours—over-the-top in the best way. That’s the thing about Steve and Angie. They don’t throw events to get noticed. They do it because they care. And in a Driftless town like this, that means something.
Bourbon as Craft, Not Currency
As someone who trains dogs for a living, I’m wired to notice the small things. The way a dog shifts weight before a command. The calm between moments of drive. Bourbon, at its best, works the same way. It’s not just about burn—it’s about the story in the pour. Some bourbons start soft and finish loud. Others speak slowly and hang around longer than expected. The best ones don’t just get your attention—they earn it. And so do the people who bring them to the table.
Why It Mattered
This wasn’t a flex event. No one was here to one-up anyone. It was a night where every pour meant something, every plate had purpose, and every conversation felt rooted in shared appreciation. But let’s be honest—this collection? Unreal. I heard it all night: “You’ll never see this again in one place.” “This is museum-level.” “Priceless.” And they weren’t wrong. The full Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the entire Pappy Van Winkle line, the Heaven Hill 19 Yr, and the surprise additions made this tasting a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rarity, the selection, the quality—it wasn’t just good. It was unmatched. That’s what makes the Driftless special. We don’t need velvet ropes or spotlights. Just real craft, real people, and a willingness to gather around something that deserves it. This night deserved it.
By Rick Pedersen
