Small U.S. Craft Distilleries Making Big Whiskey

Small U.S. Craft Distilleries Making Big Whiskey

Tired of drinking the same old whiskey from the big Kentucky distilleries? Want to try somethink new and fresh? Something that pushes beyond the normal boundries. Well then I implore you to explore the best craft distilleries in America.

Redemption Whiskey

With its robust, peppery, "rye-forward" whiskeys, Redemption Whiskey aims to celebrate America's whiskey-loving past. With a 95% rye content, their famous Redemption Rye has garnered numerous accolades, including Rye Brand of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition in 2021. Redemption's other specialty whiskeys, such as the 10 Years Aged Barrel Proof Rye, which boasts flavors like fennel and cardamom with aromas of black caramel, molasses, and freshly-cut grass, have also won honors. Redemption Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

Castle & Key Whiskey

The rebuilt castle that presently houses Castle & Key's distillery was first constructed in 1887 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. With its 113 acres of beautifully designed grounds, it seems like a palace in Europe. Their Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey and their award-winning Restoration Rye are both highly recommended. Castle & Key Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

Traverse City Whiskey Co. Whiskey

In addition to their range of distinctive whiskeys, Traverse City Whiskey Co. produces four barrel-proof whiskeys: a bourbon, rye, wheat, and cherry. Their best-selling American Cherry whiskey, a sweet whiskey steeped in locally picked cherries, is one of their more unusual products. It's excellent for blending as well as sipping. Traverse City Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Whiskey

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. specializes in barrel-finished whiskey and bourbon, as well as small-batch and single-barrel products. They grind, boil, ferment, double-distill, and barrel all of their spirits in one place in Louisville, Kentucky. Kentucky Peerless Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

Wyoming Whiskey

In 1890, the Mead family settled in Wyoming as ranchers. Since then, they have expanded to source regional ingredients and create high-quality handmade whiskey. Their Single Barrel Bourbon, which has notes of orange and browned butter, their Small Batch Bourbon, which has caramel and vanilla undertones, and their Barrel Strength Bourbon, which is a potent, buttery whiskey with smokey, saccharine characteristics, are some of their best-selling whiskeys. Wyoming Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

Ironroot Republic Whiskey

For a genuine grain-to-glass experience, Ironroot Republic matures, ferments, distills, mashes, and bottles all of their spirits in Denison, Texas. They provide whiskey, bourbon, brandy, cognac, gin, vodka, and moonshine, but their premium whiskey is their most well-known product. Try their Apotheosis VI bourbon, which has a lovely depth of taste with notes of molasses, tea, dried apple, sticky tobacco, sour cherry, hazelnuts, and coffee. It is aged in three different types of sherry casks. Ironroot Republic Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

Woodinville Whiskey

Under the guidance of industry legend the late David Pickerell, former Maker's Mark Master Distiller, two lifelong friends and Woodinville locals, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, established the Woodinville Whiskey Company, a small distillery. The largest craft distillery in Washington is located in Woodinville. "Woodinville Whiskey may just be the best craft whiskey in America," Forbes wrote. Woodinville Whiskey can be found in stores as well online at retailers such as Total Wine.

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