Nestled just a short drive from the vibrant city of San Francisco, Savage & Cooke Distillery has been on an extraordinary journey to create whiskey that encapsulates the essence of California. With the combined expertise of accomplished winemaker Dave Phinney and the technical finesse of Master Distiller Jordan Via, this distillery embarked on a quest to craft a whiskey that would be distinctively Californian, reflecting the rich terroir and innovative spirit of the region.
This ambitious endeavor commenced in 2018, as Savage & Cooke set out to create a whiskey that would be uniquely their own. After years of patience, meticulous craftsmanship, and a touch of experimentation, the distillery is now ready to unveil their exceptional creations to the world.
The result of their relentless pursuit is three outstanding whiskeys, each with a story, a character, and a flavor profile that celebrates the essence of California. Two of these remarkable whiskeys have been produced, aged, and bottled entirely at the Savage & Cooke Distillery, while the third expression takes a unique journey as it's sourced, aged, and ultimately bottled at the distillery.
Lauren Blanchard, the General Manager of Savage & Cooke, shared her excitement about the journey, saying, "We have been very fortunate to have been able to source some great whiskey for our products. Now, along with our sourced whiskey, we have our own distillate coming of age. We are thrilled for this major distillery milestone and think our fans are going to be quite pleased with the results as well."
Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey: A Taste of California's Bounty
One of their standout creations is the Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey, a true embodiment of California's rich agricultural diversity. The distillery takes pride in sourcing grains grown within a 50-mile radius of their Mare Island location. The entire production process, from distillation to barreling, unfolds on this picturesque island.
To ensure consistency and complexity, five distinct batches of distillate are meticulously blended before being aged in White American Oak barrels for a minimum of three years. The aging process reaches its zenith when a portion of the rye whiskey is transferred to Dave Phinney's Grenache barrels for approximately two months. This final touch imparts layers of flavor and character to the whiskey.
The result is a captivating and inviting rye whiskey that offers a sensory journey from citrus and tropical notes to the warmth of white pepper and toasty vanilla. This remarkable spirit stands at a bold 100 proof, reflecting the richness and depth of California's bounty.
Grain Sourcing:
All of our grain is cultivated within a 50-mile radius of the distillery. We have established direct relationships with local farmers, ensuring that the grain is grown to precise specifications. The primary component of our grain mixture consists of rye, followed by corn and malted barley.
Production Process:
Whole kernels are delivered to the distillery, where they are then milled and mashed on-site. After fermentation, the wash undergoes distillation in a 20-plate, 24-inch Vendome Copper & Brassworks column still. To maintain consistency, five batches of distillate are blended prior to barreling.
Barrels and Aging:
Our Rye is aged in meticulously hand-crafted White American Oak Char #3 barrels, created by our local cooper, Seguin Moreau. The aging process lasts a minimum of three years, often extending beyond this period. All aging takes place on-site in one of three distinct locations, each providing ideal yet differing conditions related to temperature, humidity, sunlight, and airflow.
Finishing Barrels:
Once Master Distiller Jordan Via deems the Rye mature, a portion of it is transferred to Dave Phinney's Grenache barrels for approximately two months. This additional aging enhances the flavor, texture, and character of the Rye.
Water Source:
We source pristine water from a spring located on Dave's high-elevation mountain property in Alexander Valley, which is in close proximity to the distillery.
Mash Bill:
The mash bill consists of 51% Rye, 45% Corn, and 4% Malted Barley.
Flavor Profile:
Right from the beginning, our Rye is intriguing and inviting. It unfolds with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and florals that transition into white pepper and toasty vanilla on the palate. It's a rich, layered, and complete experience.
Savage & Cooke Bourbon Whiskey: A Symphony of Aromas and Flavor
The Savage & Cooke Bourbon Whiskey shares the same commitment to California's local ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. Grains, once again sourced from within 50 miles of the distillery, form the foundation of this exceptional bourbon. The distillate is carefully blended from five separate batches to achieve the desired level of consistency.
The aging process unfolds in White American Oak barrels, and each batch is aged for at least three years to reach a state of maturity. To infuse the bourbon with character and liveliness, a portion of it is transferred to Dave Phinney's Cabernet Sauvignon barrels for approximately two months.
The result is a bourbon that tantalizes the senses with aromas of orange peel and honey, complemented by toasty oak and caramel notes that persist throughout the palate. This bourbon is a testament to California's ability to produce lush and complex spirits. It presents itself at a robust 100 proof, showcasing the vibrant and bold character of the Golden State.
Grain Sourcing:
All of our grain is cultivated within a 50-mile radius of the distillery. We have established direct partnerships with local farmers, ensuring that the grain is grown to exact specifications. The primary components of our grain mixture consist of yellow corn, followed by rye and malted barley.
Production Process:
Whole kernels are transported to our distillery, where they are milled and mashed on-site. Following the fermentation process, the wash undergoes distillation in a 20-plate, 24-inch Vendome Copper & Brassworks column still. Prior to barreling, five batches of distillate are expertly blended to maintain consistency.
Barrels and Aging:
Our Bourbon is aged in meticulously hand-crafted White American Oak Char #3 barrels, created by our local cooper, Seguin Moreau. The aging process lasts a minimum of three years, often extending beyond this period. All aging occurs on-site, at one of three unique locations, each offering ideal yet distinct conditions related to temperature, humidity, sunlight, and airflow.
Finishing Barrels:
When our Master Distiller, Jordan Via, deems it mature, a portion of the Bourbon is transferred to Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from Dave Phinney for approximately two months. This additional aging enhances the flavor, texture, and character of the Bourbon.
Water Source:
Our pristine water is sourced from a spring located on Dave's high-elevation mountain property in Alexander Valley, not far from the distillery.
Mash Bill:
Our mash bill consists of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.
Flavor Profile:
Our Bourbon is mature yet vibrant, brimming with character. Aromas of orange peel and honey intermingle with toasty oak and consistent caramel notes that persist throughout the palate. It offers a lush and complex experience from start to finish.
Savage & Cooke American Whiskey: A Bold Expression of Craftsmanship
The Savage & Cooke American Whiskey represents the pinnacle of the distillery's craft, combining tradition and innovation to deliver a unique tasting experience. Each barrel is hand-selected for its distinct qualities, underscoring the commitment to excellence.
These barrels were acquired by S&C while still in their youth, allowing them to age gracefully at the distillery. The journey begins in ex-bourbon barrels, where the whiskey is slowly and steadily aged for a minimum of four years. When the aging process reaches its peak, the American Whiskey is transferred to Dave Phinney's Zinfandel barrels for an additional two months.
This extra aging imparts layers of flavor, texture, and character, resulting in a whiskey with aromas of maple wood, caramel, and black cherries. The flavors are rich and dense, culminating in a remarkable finish. The American Whiskey is cask strength, presenting a robust 113 proof that truly exemplifies the depth and intensity of this exceptional spirit.
Sourcing:
Each barrel has been carefully chosen for its distinctive qualities. S&C acquired these barrels when they were relatively young and aged them at the S&C distillery, where the ideal climate for their development was provided.
Barrels and Aging:
American Whiskey was patiently and consistently aged in ex-Bourbon barrels for a minimum of four years, often extending beyond this duration. All the aging takes place on-site in one of three different locations, each offering optimal yet varying conditions related to temperature, humidity, sunlight, and air circulation.
Finishing Barrels:
Once Master Distiller Jordan Via deems the American Whiskey mature, a portion of it is transferred to Dave Phinney's Zinfandel barrels for approximately two months. This additional aging enhances the flavor, texture, and character of the whiskey.
Water Source:
We obtain pristine water from a spring situated on Dave's high-elevation mountain property in Alexander Valley, which is in close proximity to the distillery.
Mash Bill:
The mash bill consists of 66% corn, 30% rye, and 4% malted barley.
Flavor Profile:
This American Whiskey is both delicious and robust, boasting aromas of maple wood, caramel, and black cherries. The flavors are rich and dense, leading to an impressive finish.
New Look, Same Dedication
In addition to the impressive whiskey lineup, Savage & Cooke has also introduced new packaging as part of their brand evolution. The three whiskeys, each with its own distinct character, now sport a fresh and modern look that mirrors the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence.
These three exceptional whiskeys are now available across the United States, inviting whiskey enthusiasts to explore the unique flavors of California through Savage & Cooke's meticulously crafted spirits. To learn more about the distillery and their whiskey offerings, visit their website at https://savageandcooke.com/.
About Savage & Cooke Distillery
Savage & Cooke Distillery is a relatively new and innovative player in the world of craft spirits. Located on historic Mare Island in Vallejo, California, this distillery was founded by Dave Phinney, a winemaker known for his success with the Orin Swift Cellars brand. While initially renowned for wine, Phinney transitioned into the world of spirits with the establishment of Savage & Cooke.
One of the notable aspects of Savage & Cooke is its commitment to producing unique and high-quality spirits. They focus on creating small-batch, handcrafted whiskey and other spirits, including bourbon, rye, and whiskey blends. Their emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail is reflected in the distinctive character and flavor profiles of their products.
The distillery's location on Mare Island adds an intriguing layer to its story. Mare Island has a rich history, serving as a naval shipyard in the past. Savage & Cooke occupies some of the historic naval buildings, infusing a sense of nostalgia and authenticity into the distillery's atmosphere.
Savage & Cooke has gained recognition for its Terroir Whiskey, an American bourbon that reflects the unique climate and conditions of California's wine country. The terroir concept, borrowed from winemaking, emphasizes the impact of local soil, climate, and other environmental factors on the flavor of the whiskey.
Visitors to the distillery can partake in guided tours, tasting experiences, and immerse themselves in the art of spirit production. Savage & Cooke Distillery's venture into the world of craft spirits has quickly garnered attention and acclaim, making it an exciting addition to the growing landscape of American whiskey and distillation.
