Release IX - A League of Their Own
x Sample A
SAMPLE A
Distillery: Ironton Distillery - Denver, CO
Whiskey: American Straight Malt Whiskey
Fun Fact: This brand is partially named after a Colorado mining Ghost Town, and they ferment their mash for SEVEN DAYS, which is more than twice the industry average of 3-4 days.
Proof: 43% ABV
Age Statement: 2 years old
Mashbill: 100% locally grown and malted barley
Color/Appearance: Bright Copper
Aroma Notes: Floral, pear blossom, bright fruits, plum, papaya, toasted white sugar, freshly grated nutmeg
Tasting Notes: Light roasted coffee, rich mocha, dried apricots, toasted pecans, smoky caramel
Finish: Crisp but long finish, a very nice balance of roasty and fruity notes that leaves you wanting more, a touch of aromatic bitters on the end
Our Take: Is this our favorite American Malt Whiskey we've ever had in a lineup? Tough to say, but this is pretty much the most perfect whiskey to kick off a release! This American Straight Malt Whiskey (note: it's only not called a single malt because that standard of identity has STILL not been approved by the US!) truly represents all that is beautiful about the Denver, Colorado region which Ironton Distillery calls home. Their distillery character is all about being super approachable, something that you can enjoy in a Glencairn tasting experience or out under the stars in a tin mug. (In fact, their team calls this whiskey their “porch pounder”, and, after trying this out, we think you should do it too!)
This is a female-led distillery, with Founder Kallyn Romero bringing her entrepreneurial spirit to work with Laura Walters, their head distiller, to create the delicious products Ironton produces. Laura has an incredible and unique background for a whiskey maker, with a degree in Fermentation Science, multiple tenures at wineries in Oregon, Washington, and New Zealand, before working her way up at Stranahan's, which is one of the oldest single malt producers in the country. She brought this extraordinary skill set over to Ironton and was on board from Day 1 of the distillery. Laura was able to build out the distilling set up to her specifics, focused on creative ways to produce flavor with no short cuts. Their whiskey is made from all locally sourced grains (including some grown by the Whiskey Sisters of Eastern Colorado) that are then specially roasted at a nearby malthouse, truly “Distilling the Spirit of Colorado”. Then they ferment their mash with brewer's yeast for an unheard of SEVEN days, almost twice as long as the industry standard of 3-4 days. This depth of flavor sings in the glass, producing a balanced whiskey loaded with flavors from all areas of our tasting sheet.
If you are in Denver, Ironton is a must-visit stop, located in the RiNo Arts District. Their pizzas are actually named after old mining towns in the south of the state (check out the Idarado!), which underscores that the commitment they make to their community doesn't just come from their name (see below), but is an authentic display of the appreciation they have for their community and its industrial roots. They are always working on something fun, with some amaros and products featuring local wine casks coming up! But for now, we think we'll just take this pour out to the porch and enjoy.
Distillery Story: FARM TO FLASK SPIRITS To us, small batch isn't just a trendy catchphrase—it's a philosophy for how we create our spirits using filtered house water and local ingredients wherever possible. Made onsite, never blended or mass-produced. We call it farm-to-flask. You'll call it delicious.
From the mountains to the city, there's an undeniable spirit of adventure that runs through the state of Colorado. Our goal is to capture it with the best ingredients, flavors and experiences this great state has to offer. And just like Colorado, there's always more to taste, discover and explore. We invite you to do just that at Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse.
Proudly Distilling the Spirit of Colorado Since 2018
There's an incredible spirit that runs through the state of Colorado. You'll find it on the top of mountains, deep in river valleys, across the cities and within all of the amazing citizens who call Colorado home. We call it the spirit of adventure. It's a spirit that not only inspires us, but fuels our passions each and every day. And if there's one thing we're as passionate about as Colorado adventures, it's a fine liquor in our glass. Our award-winning and approachable premium spirits are handcrafted to be sipped and enjoyed on any adventure.
Named after a lost, but not forgotten, mining town in southern Colorado and the 19th century ‘Ironton Addition' of Denver that would become known as RiNo Arts District today, Ironton Distillery holds true to our industrial, creative, and adventurous roots. We're proud to offer a place for adventure, creativity, good times, and, of course, great spirits.
Member price: $59.99 $49.99
SAMPLE A
Distillery: Ironton Distillery - Denver, CO
Whiskey: American Straight Malt Whiskey
Fun Fact: This brand is partially named after a Colorado mining Ghost Town, and they ferment their mash for SEVEN DAYS, which is more than twice the industry average of 3-4 days.
Proof: 43% ABV
Age Statement: 2 years old
Mashbill: 100% locally grown and malted barley
Color/Appearance: Bright Copper
Aroma Notes: Floral, pear blossom, bright fruits, plum, papaya, toasted white sugar, freshly grated nutmeg
Tasting Notes: Light roasted coffee, rich mocha, dried apricots, toasted pecans, smoky caramel
Finish: Crisp but long finish, a very nice balance of roasty and fruity notes that leaves you wanting more, a touch of aromatic bitters on the end
Our Take: Is this our favorite American Malt Whiskey we've ever had in a lineup? Tough to say, but this is pretty much the most perfect whiskey to kick off a release! This American Straight Malt Whiskey (note: it's only not called a single malt because that standard of identity has STILL not been approved by the US!) truly represents all that is beautiful about the Denver, Colorado region which Ironton Distillery calls home. Their distillery character is all about being super approachable, something that you can enjoy in a Glencairn tasting experience or out under the stars in a tin mug. (In fact, their team calls this whiskey their “porch pounder”, and, after trying this out, we think you should do it too!)
This is a female-led distillery, with Founder Kallyn Romero bringing her entrepreneurial spirit to work with Laura Walters, their head distiller, to create the delicious products Ironton produces. Laura has an incredible and unique background for a whiskey maker, with a degree in Fermentation Science, multiple tenures at wineries in Oregon, Washington, and New Zealand, before working her way up at Stranahan's, which is one of the oldest single malt producers in the country. She brought this extraordinary skill set over to Ironton and was on board from Day 1 of the distillery. Laura was able to build out the distilling set up to her specifics, focused on creative ways to produce flavor with no short cuts. Their whiskey is made from all locally sourced grains (including some grown by the Whiskey Sisters of Eastern Colorado) that are then specially roasted at a nearby malthouse, truly “Distilling the Spirit of Colorado”. Then they ferment their mash with brewer's yeast for an unheard of SEVEN days, almost twice as long as the industry standard of 3-4 days. This depth of flavor sings in the glass, producing a balanced whiskey loaded with flavors from all areas of our tasting sheet.
If you are in Denver, Ironton is a must-visit stop, located in the RiNo Arts District. Their pizzas are actually named after old mining towns in the south of the state (check out the Idarado!), which underscores that the commitment they make to their community doesn't just come from their name (see below), but is an authentic display of the appreciation they have for their community and its industrial roots. They are always working on something fun, with some amaros and products featuring local wine casks coming up! But for now, we think we'll just take this pour out to the porch and enjoy.
Distillery Story: FARM TO FLASK SPIRITS To us, small batch isn't just a trendy catchphrase—it's a philosophy for how we create our spirits using filtered house water and local ingredients wherever possible. Made onsite, never blended or mass-produced. We call it farm-to-flask. You'll call it delicious.
From the mountains to the city, there's an undeniable spirit of adventure that runs through the state of Colorado. Our goal is to capture it with the best ingredients, flavors and experiences this great state has to offer. And just like Colorado, there's always more to taste, discover and explore. We invite you to do just that at Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse.
Proudly Distilling the Spirit of Colorado Since 2018
There's an incredible spirit that runs through the state of Colorado. You'll find it on the top of mountains, deep in river valleys, across the cities and within all of the amazing citizens who call Colorado home. We call it the spirit of adventure. It's a spirit that not only inspires us, but fuels our passions each and every day. And if there's one thing we're as passionate about as Colorado adventures, it's a fine liquor in our glass. Our award-winning and approachable premium spirits are handcrafted to be sipped and enjoyed on any adventure.
Named after a lost, but not forgotten, mining town in southern Colorado and the 19th century ‘Ironton Addition' of Denver that would become known as RiNo Arts District today, Ironton Distillery holds true to our industrial, creative, and adventurous roots. We're proud to offer a place for adventure, creativity, good times, and, of course, great spirits.
x Sample B
SAMPLE B
Distillery: Leiper's Fork Distillery - Franklin, TN
Whiskey: Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Fun Fact: Leiper's Fork uses a pot-still to make their whiskey in a pre-prohibition style, self-describing their methods as “purposefully inefficient”!
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age Statement: 4 years old
Mashbill: 70% corn, 15% wheat, 15% malted barley
Color/Appearance: Rich Amber
Aroma Notes: Layers of sugars on the nose, toasted marshmallow on a cinnamon graham cracker, warm pralines drizzled in milk chocolate, a touch of homemade fig jam, some lemon freshness
Tasting Notes: Very rich, marzipan, light butterscotch, dried lemon zest, brown sugar on grapefruit, aged oak, almond toffee
Finish: Medium-long finish leaves you with dried mint, funky star fruit, a pleasing biscuity dryness
Our Take: Whenever a distillery says the way they do things is “purposefully inefficient”, they have our attention. This typically points to a commitment beyond the usual to flavor, craftsmanship, and quality in their products. And let us tell you, Leiper's Fork is all that and more!
Although this isn't our first whiskey voyage into the state of Tennessee, this Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon truly makes us feel welcomed and at home. Proprietor Lee Kennedy brings to the table his incredible knowledge of distilling (which may or may not have been honed at home) and works with the rest of his Leiper's Fork team, including Kendra Anderson, their head distiller and production manager, to bring you a true taste of TN. Not only are they sourcing hyperlocal grains (from within their own county!), but they are bringing back the pre-prohibition “backwoods chemistry” style of distilling that used to be found all across their state, utilizing open-top cypress fermentation tanks, distilling on a massive pot-still, putting their whiskey into the barrel at a low 110 proof, and never chill-filtering their spirit. Their yeast is specially chosen to work with their wheated bourbon mashbill and they utilize the sweet mash method for a gentler cook that allows for more control of flavor and consistency. They also very properly treat their casks like an ingredient, sourcing staves aged 18 months and varying char and toast levels based on the spirit going into the barrel. And for them, their toasted 6-row brewer's malt isn't just an enzyme workhouse, but is a grain that adds flavor to the finished product, making up 15% of the total mashbill, equal to the wheat!
Kendra calls craft whiskey “small, pure, intentional, and simple,” and that pretty much sums up the Leiper's Fork identity. “Simple and Honest” should be a slogan on their t-shirts based on the amount of transparency they give you. But when it's about building a distilling legacy, it just makes sense. As Lee says, “In whiskey, you gotta think in terms of decades.”
This Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon clearly comes from a place of passion and patience, as Leiper's Fork held on to have their first release be an aged whiskey, never compromising the vision the founders had for the distillery. And that vision had some road bumps along the way, including many prohibition-esque laws in their county that had to be overturned before they could even begin running the still in 2016!
But their team never shies away from a challenge, and we are thrilled to be along for the ride with them. At the end of the day, they're making big style whiskeys at a small batch scale using their local ingredients. Honestly, what else is American craft whiskey all about?
Distillery Story: SPIRIT OF TENNESSEE: Pouring our heart and soul into every drop from grain to glass
Since filling our first barrel in the Spring of 2016, our goal has been to resurrect the lost art of small batch whiskey production that was prevalent in the hills of middle Tennessee from its earliest founding. We are committed to employing age-old techniques that are reminiscent of Pre-Prohibition style whiskeys of a bygone era, bringing you unique whiskey profiles you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Leiper's Fork Distillery is a small batch whiskey distillery located in Williamson County Tennessee. Traditionally, Tennessee has been counted among the four main whiskey making regions of the world, along with Scotland, Ireland, and Kentucky. We are proud of this heritage and aim to carry on this tradition in the fine whiskeys we produce.
Leiper's Fork Distillery is characterized primarily by a low volume, low impact concept of production. This scale allows us greater attention to detail in order to create our signature premium spirits. Our whiskeys are 100% Mashed, Fermented, Distilled, Aged, and Bottled by our own hands to our own specifications. Producing only 25,000 gallons of whiskey annually, we are truly a genuine small batch distillery.
Member price: $79.99 $64.99
SAMPLE B
Distillery: Leiper's Fork Distillery - Franklin, TN
Whiskey: Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Fun Fact: Leiper's Fork uses a pot-still to make their whiskey in a pre-prohibition style, self-describing their methods as “purposefully inefficient”!
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age Statement: 4 years old
Mashbill: 70% corn, 15% wheat, 15% malted barley
Color/Appearance: Rich Amber
Aroma Notes: Layers of sugars on the nose, toasted marshmallow on a cinnamon graham cracker, warm pralines drizzled in milk chocolate, a touch of homemade fig jam, some lemon freshness
Tasting Notes: Very rich, marzipan, light butterscotch, dried lemon zest, brown sugar on grapefruit, aged oak, almond toffee
Finish: Medium-long finish leaves you with dried mint, funky star fruit, a pleasing biscuity dryness
Our Take: Whenever a distillery says the way they do things is “purposefully inefficient”, they have our attention. This typically points to a commitment beyond the usual to flavor, craftsmanship, and quality in their products. And let us tell you, Leiper's Fork is all that and more!
Although this isn't our first whiskey voyage into the state of Tennessee, this Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon truly makes us feel welcomed and at home. Proprietor Lee Kennedy brings to the table his incredible knowledge of distilling (which may or may not have been honed at home) and works with the rest of his Leiper's Fork team, including Kendra Anderson, their head distiller and production manager, to bring you a true taste of TN. Not only are they sourcing hyperlocal grains (from within their own county!), but they are bringing back the pre-prohibition “backwoods chemistry” style of distilling that used to be found all across their state, utilizing open-top cypress fermentation tanks, distilling on a massive pot-still, putting their whiskey into the barrel at a low 110 proof, and never chill-filtering their spirit. Their yeast is specially chosen to work with their wheated bourbon mashbill and they utilize the sweet mash method for a gentler cook that allows for more control of flavor and consistency. They also very properly treat their casks like an ingredient, sourcing staves aged 18 months and varying char and toast levels based on the spirit going into the barrel. And for them, their toasted 6-row brewer's malt isn't just an enzyme workhouse, but is a grain that adds flavor to the finished product, making up 15% of the total mashbill, equal to the wheat!
Kendra calls craft whiskey “small, pure, intentional, and simple,” and that pretty much sums up the Leiper's Fork identity. “Simple and Honest” should be a slogan on their t-shirts based on the amount of transparency they give you. But when it's about building a distilling legacy, it just makes sense. As Lee says, “In whiskey, you gotta think in terms of decades.”
This Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon clearly comes from a place of passion and patience, as Leiper's Fork held on to have their first release be an aged whiskey, never compromising the vision the founders had for the distillery. And that vision had some road bumps along the way, including many prohibition-esque laws in their county that had to be overturned before they could even begin running the still in 2016!
But their team never shies away from a challenge, and we are thrilled to be along for the ride with them. At the end of the day, they're making big style whiskeys at a small batch scale using their local ingredients. Honestly, what else is American craft whiskey all about?
Distillery Story: SPIRIT OF TENNESSEE: Pouring our heart and soul into every drop from grain to glass
Since filling our first barrel in the Spring of 2016, our goal has been to resurrect the lost art of small batch whiskey production that was prevalent in the hills of middle Tennessee from its earliest founding. We are committed to employing age-old techniques that are reminiscent of Pre-Prohibition style whiskeys of a bygone era, bringing you unique whiskey profiles you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Leiper's Fork Distillery is a small batch whiskey distillery located in Williamson County Tennessee. Traditionally, Tennessee has been counted among the four main whiskey making regions of the world, along with Scotland, Ireland, and Kentucky. We are proud of this heritage and aim to carry on this tradition in the fine whiskeys we produce.
Leiper's Fork Distillery is characterized primarily by a low volume, low impact concept of production. This scale allows us greater attention to detail in order to create our signature premium spirits. Our whiskeys are 100% Mashed, Fermented, Distilled, Aged, and Bottled by our own hands to our own specifications. Producing only 25,000 gallons of whiskey annually, we are truly a genuine small batch distillery.
x Sample C
SAMPLE C
Distillery: Bull Run Distilling Company - Portland, OR
Whiskey: Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Fun Fact: Bull Run takes its name from their water source, a pristine lake up in the Cascades that's been protected since the 1870s and leads to rounder and oilier spirits.
Proof:114 (57% ABV)
Age Statement: 4 years old
Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
Color/Appearance: Reddish Honey
Aroma Notes: Caramel corn, a touch of cayenne pepper, vibrant white grapes, a nice herbaceousness, clove, sweet tarts
Tasting Notes: Spicy, French Roast, Raisin Bran™, soft vanilla, cinnamon almonds
Finish: A medium long finish with lingering notes of cedar and licorice.
Our Take: It's pretty fun to Run with the Bull.
The history of craft distilling in America can't be told without talking about Bull Run Distillery! Lee Medoff, Head Distiller and Founder, has been making spirits in the Pacific Northwest since the 90s, beginning by brewing at McMenamins before starting House Spirits (one of the very first craft distilleries in the country) in 2004. He then went on to found Bull Run in 2010, and, together with his wife, Jennifer, Bull Run's Director of Operations who has a phenomenal background in wine and cocktails, they bring to life a culture focused on caring what you consume to their whiskey, truly infusing into their company ethos all that's beautiful in the Portland food, farming, and agriculture scene.
If you get them started talking about their wood program you are in for a treat, they are self-described barrel nuts who love sourcing all types of casks, seeing all the untapped potential in the variety of wood they can use to age their spirits, branching out from new American oak at times. Their attention to detail in every element of the whiskey-making process is inspiring. They source many of their grains from the local Klamath Basin, and take up the challenge to get the yeast character to come through in their spirits with a hot and fast fermentation that builds lots of fruity esters in the distillate. And the importance of their namesake Bull Run water source can't be overstated, as this pristine lake up in the Cascades provides the perfect foundation for their spirits, leading to a soft, round, and oily whiskey.
Lee's original inspiration was malt whiskey, as he loved the idea of jumping both feet first into a whole new style of whiskey, a passion he brings to their bourbon, as well. The Bull Run team continually trumpets their respect for blenders, and we concur with them, as the palates putting together that final combination of fantastically flavorful barrels has an outsized impact on the quality of the whiskey in your glass. This cask strength whiskey is dark and concentrated, giving more control to the consumer as to how you drink it. We know our members are going to love this classic bourbon courtesy of the Pacific Northwest!
Distillery Story: Named for our local water source, Bull Run Distillery is passionate about Portland whiskey. Our signature Oregon Single Malt Whiskey has been flowing from two custom 800-gallon pot stills since 2011. Our dedication extends to barrels, where vermouth, wine, and other various wood barrels host Bull Run whiskey and spirits for delicious results.
Founder and Head Distiller Lee Medoff started as a brewer at McMenamins and co-founded House Spirits before starting Bull Run Distillery.
Medoff, born and raised in Oregon, began his career as a brewer. He moved on to winemaking when he encountered his first distilling experiences, which led him to decide on becoming a distiller. He has been distilling legally and professionally since 1998.
He started House Spirits Distillery in 2004, where he helped create several popular craft spirit brands of which his namesake Medoyeff Vodka and Aviation Gin are the most successful. He was one of the founding members and first president of the Oregon Distillers Guild, America's first craft distillers guild. In 2010, with his sights set on making a pure malt Oregon Whiskey, he started Bull Run Distillery and began to develop unique barrel-finished products. This catapulted Bull Run's sought-after whiskeys to where they are today.
Member price: $59.99 $49.99
SAMPLE C
Distillery: Bull Run Distilling Company - Portland, OR
Whiskey: Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Fun Fact: Bull Run takes its name from their water source, a pristine lake up in the Cascades that's been protected since the 1870s and leads to rounder and oilier spirits.
Proof:114 (57% ABV)
Age Statement: 4 years old
Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
Color/Appearance: Reddish Honey
Aroma Notes: Caramel corn, a touch of cayenne pepper, vibrant white grapes, a nice herbaceousness, clove, sweet tarts
Tasting Notes: Spicy, French Roast, Raisin Bran™, soft vanilla, cinnamon almonds
Finish: A medium long finish with lingering notes of cedar and licorice.
Our Take: It's pretty fun to Run with the Bull.
The history of craft distilling in America can't be told without talking about Bull Run Distillery! Lee Medoff, Head Distiller and Founder, has been making spirits in the Pacific Northwest since the 90s, beginning by brewing at McMenamins before starting House Spirits (one of the very first craft distilleries in the country) in 2004. He then went on to found Bull Run in 2010, and, together with his wife, Jennifer, Bull Run's Director of Operations who has a phenomenal background in wine and cocktails, they bring to life a culture focused on caring what you consume to their whiskey, truly infusing into their company ethos all that's beautiful in the Portland food, farming, and agriculture scene.
If you get them started talking about their wood program you are in for a treat, they are self-described barrel nuts who love sourcing all types of casks, seeing all the untapped potential in the variety of wood they can use to age their spirits, branching out from new American oak at times. Their attention to detail in every element of the whiskey-making process is inspiring. They source many of their grains from the local Klamath Basin, and take up the challenge to get the yeast character to come through in their spirits with a hot and fast fermentation that builds lots of fruity esters in the distillate. And the importance of their namesake Bull Run water source can't be overstated, as this pristine lake up in the Cascades provides the perfect foundation for their spirits, leading to a soft, round, and oily whiskey.
Lee's original inspiration was malt whiskey, as he loved the idea of jumping both feet first into a whole new style of whiskey, a passion he brings to their bourbon, as well. The Bull Run team continually trumpets their respect for blenders, and we concur with them, as the palates putting together that final combination of fantastically flavorful barrels has an outsized impact on the quality of the whiskey in your glass. This cask strength whiskey is dark and concentrated, giving more control to the consumer as to how you drink it. We know our members are going to love this classic bourbon courtesy of the Pacific Northwest!
Distillery Story: Named for our local water source, Bull Run Distillery is passionate about Portland whiskey. Our signature Oregon Single Malt Whiskey has been flowing from two custom 800-gallon pot stills since 2011. Our dedication extends to barrels, where vermouth, wine, and other various wood barrels host Bull Run whiskey and spirits for delicious results.
Founder and Head Distiller Lee Medoff started as a brewer at McMenamins and co-founded House Spirits before starting Bull Run Distillery.
Medoff, born and raised in Oregon, began his career as a brewer. He moved on to winemaking when he encountered his first distilling experiences, which led him to decide on becoming a distiller. He has been distilling legally and professionally since 1998.
He started House Spirits Distillery in 2004, where he helped create several popular craft spirit brands of which his namesake Medoyeff Vodka and Aviation Gin are the most successful. He was one of the founding members and first president of the Oregon Distillers Guild, America's first craft distillers guild. In 2010, with his sights set on making a pure malt Oregon Whiskey, he started Bull Run Distillery and began to develop unique barrel-finished products. This catapulted Bull Run's sought-after whiskeys to where they are today.
x Sample D
SAMPLE D
Distillery: Buzzard's Roost Whiskey - Louisville, KY
Whiskey: Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
Fun Fact: Buzzard's Roost has an incredibly innovative philosophy behind their use of barrels for secondary maturation, drawing from their amazing collaborative partnership with Independent Stave Company to create their own proprietary barrels.
Proof: 105 (52.5% ABV)
Blend Specifications: 4 years old
Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
Color/Appearance: Golden Amber
Aroma Notes: Fresh gingerbread, dark German bread, layers of spice, brandied black cherries, toasted cinnamon stick
Tasting Notes: Spiced pumpernickel loaf, rounded vanilla notes, fruity Big League Chew™, orange marmalade, dehydrated citrus
Finish: Very balanced, long finish that ends with freshly grated nutmeg, pleasant orange zest, and vanilla toffee
Our Take: “Innovation within the realm of tradition.”
That's the motto Buzzard's Roost lives by, and it perfectly sums up the way that their incredible team approaches making delicious sipping whiskeys. CEO Judy Hollis-Jones founded the company with Jason Brauner, their head of production, after meeting up with him to pick a barrel of whiskey to bottle as presents for her friends (we hope we can make it on your friend list, Judy!), and figured that they might as well put their collective experience together and start their own brand. To quote Judy, “Retirement is overrated!” They bring an amazing set of skills to the table, as Judy's background was as a senior executive for global brands in the food industry, while Jason started one of the oldest bourbon-centric bars in the country back in 2005. Together they have the drive and creativity needed to succeed in an industry that demands curiosity.
Secondary maturation (frequently called “finishing”) is one of the ways they set themselves apart from the crowd. Working closely with Independent Stave Company, they have created a series of proprietary barrel profiles to take the already good spirit up a notch. These innovative approaches to aging are balanced with the idea that, at the end of the day, wood is a flavor driver in whiskey and is a great way to develop flavor through natural causes! And they aren't just using any old casks, but making frequent use of Char #1 (aka “flash char”) casks as well as multiple types of toasted barrels to allow creative access to the red line in the staves, where the flavor is derived. In addition, they don't bottle anything lower than 105 proof, saying that they work really hard to get that flavor into the whiskey, so let's not wash it away! We love this, as it gives more control back to the consumer as to how they want to drink their whiskey.
While Judy says that she isn't the typical co-founder of a bourbon brand, it's clear that her fantastic palate and experience with food brings a welcome perspective to the whiskey industry. This delicious Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is a remarkable example of that, and a great reminder that the future of whiskey in America will always be about innovation, and we have so many exciting things to come!
Distillery Story: Live slowly. Roost responsibly.
We strive to deliver exceptional whiskeys that can be enjoyed at any occasion. Our innovative approach to maturation gives us the ability to bring you a different whiskey experience with every release. We're proud to have received Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for our Single Barrel Rye and our Barrel Strength Rye, and Double Gold for our Toasted Barrel Rye and Char#1 Rye. We are also excited to have received Platinum for our Char #1 Bourbon and Smoked Barrel Rye. We truly hope you enjoy the Buzzard's Roost experience, and invite you to sit back, relax, and roost a while.
Sip and Roost awhile.
OUR PROCESS
We start by sourcing the best aged whiskey we can find, but the real magic is in our barrels. We use only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each one is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile.
We work closely with our cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel - from the seasoning to the charring to the development of our custom toast profiles. All of our barrels are unique and proprietary to our company, giving Buzzard's Roost a truly one-of-a-kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in our new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling.
Member price: $84.99 $69.99
SAMPLE D
Distillery: Buzzard's Roost Whiskey - Louisville, KY
Whiskey: Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
Fun Fact: Buzzard's Roost has an incredibly innovative philosophy behind their use of barrels for secondary maturation, drawing from their amazing collaborative partnership with Independent Stave Company to create their own proprietary barrels.
Proof: 105 (52.5% ABV)
Blend Specifications: 4 years old
Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
Color/Appearance: Golden Amber
Aroma Notes: Fresh gingerbread, dark German bread, layers of spice, brandied black cherries, toasted cinnamon stick
Tasting Notes: Spiced pumpernickel loaf, rounded vanilla notes, fruity Big League Chew™, orange marmalade, dehydrated citrus
Finish: Very balanced, long finish that ends with freshly grated nutmeg, pleasant orange zest, and vanilla toffee
Our Take: “Innovation within the realm of tradition.”
That's the motto Buzzard's Roost lives by, and it perfectly sums up the way that their incredible team approaches making delicious sipping whiskeys. CEO Judy Hollis-Jones founded the company with Jason Brauner, their head of production, after meeting up with him to pick a barrel of whiskey to bottle as presents for her friends (we hope we can make it on your friend list, Judy!), and figured that they might as well put their collective experience together and start their own brand. To quote Judy, “Retirement is overrated!” They bring an amazing set of skills to the table, as Judy's background was as a senior executive for global brands in the food industry, while Jason started one of the oldest bourbon-centric bars in the country back in 2005. Together they have the drive and creativity needed to succeed in an industry that demands curiosity.
Secondary maturation (frequently called “finishing”) is one of the ways they set themselves apart from the crowd. Working closely with Independent Stave Company, they have created a series of proprietary barrel profiles to take the already good spirit up a notch. These innovative approaches to aging are balanced with the idea that, at the end of the day, wood is a flavor driver in whiskey and is a great way to develop flavor through natural causes! And they aren't just using any old casks, but making frequent use of Char #1 (aka “flash char”) casks as well as multiple types of toasted barrels to allow creative access to the red line in the staves, where the flavor is derived. In addition, they don't bottle anything lower than 105 proof, saying that they work really hard to get that flavor into the whiskey, so let's not wash it away! We love this, as it gives more control back to the consumer as to how they want to drink their whiskey.
While Judy says that she isn't the typical co-founder of a bourbon brand, it's clear that her fantastic palate and experience with food brings a welcome perspective to the whiskey industry. This delicious Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is a remarkable example of that, and a great reminder that the future of whiskey in America will always be about innovation, and we have so many exciting things to come!
Distillery Story: Live slowly. Roost responsibly.
We strive to deliver exceptional whiskeys that can be enjoyed at any occasion. Our innovative approach to maturation gives us the ability to bring you a different whiskey experience with every release. We're proud to have received Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for our Single Barrel Rye and our Barrel Strength Rye, and Double Gold for our Toasted Barrel Rye and Char#1 Rye. We are also excited to have received Platinum for our Char #1 Bourbon and Smoked Barrel Rye. We truly hope you enjoy the Buzzard's Roost experience, and invite you to sit back, relax, and roost a while.
Sip and Roost awhile.
OUR PROCESS
We start by sourcing the best aged whiskey we can find, but the real magic is in our barrels. We use only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each one is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile.
We work closely with our cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel - from the seasoning to the charring to the development of our custom toast profiles. All of our barrels are unique and proprietary to our company, giving Buzzard's Roost a truly one-of-a-kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in our new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling.