A long-held dream has finally taken shape for co-owners Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs with the launch of their new venture, Watch Hill Whiskey Company. This exciting new brand enters the bourbon scene with ambitious goals and a commitment to quality that sets it apart from competitors. With their first release, they aim to make a significant statement by presenting a bourbon that many are already hailing as one of the best ever produced.
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The Vision Behind Watch Hill Whiskey Company
Howes and Craggs, who also co-own Watch Hill Proper, have crafted a vision for their whiskey company that revolves around high-quality, high-proof, and limited-quantity releases. Their inaugural line, dubbed the Exceptional Series, reflects the high standards they established at Watch Hill Proper. The duo's focus on excellence is evident in every aspect of their production, ensuring that only the finest whiskeys make it to market.
Exceptional Series: Batch 01
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The first offering from the Exceptional Series, Batch 01, is nothing short of remarkable. This release consists of just 29 numbered bottles of a unique 20-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon that boasts an impressive 146 proof. Out of this limited yield, only 22 bottles were made available for purchase, priced at $2,500 each. To secure a chance at obtaining one of these bottles, customers had to enter a lottery process. Tastings of this exceptional bourbon are currently offered at Watch Hill Proper, where enthusiasts can experience its unmatched quality firsthand.
Tommy Craggs expressed his excitement regarding this release, noting, “To our knowledge, this hasn’t been done before in terms of hitting all three of these pillars specifically for a Kentucky-made, hazmat, 20-year or older bourbon.” His enthusiasm for discovering this "unicorn" bourbon showcases the dedication both co-owners have to delivering an unparalleled whiskey experience.
Future Releases: What to Expect
Batch 02: A Taste of What's Next
Looking ahead, the next release in the Exceptional Series, Batch 02, is set to launch in mid-November. This upcoming bourbon, also a 20-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, will feature a slightly lower proof of 124.1. Howes and Craggs are confident that this release will rank among the best bourbons that aficionados have ever tasted. They describe it simply as “pure and simple delicious in every way.” Interested buyers can register for a chance to purchase Batch 02 on their official website, with entries closing on November 20. The price for this highly anticipated bourbon will be $900 plus tax.
As the company continues to discover and release exceptional whiskeys, each subsequent batch from the Exceptional Series will be made available at Watch Hill Proper, ensuring that fans can look forward to ongoing high-quality offerings.
The Definitive Series
In addition to the Exceptional Series, Watch Hill Whiskey Company is also introducing the Definitive Series, which is currently available for tasting and purchase. This series features a more regular release schedule, with unique blends and single-barrel whiskies. Each month, bottles from the Definitive Series will be released, starting with an impressive Batch 01 that carries a proof of 126.5 and retails for $85 per bottle, with a discounted price of $75 for members of the Watch Hill Proper Wine & Whiskey Club.
According to Craggs, “The Definitive Series are whiskeys that define what a good whiskey should taste like.” This commitment to quality ensures that every release in this series will meet the high expectations set by the company. The second batch in this series is set for release in early November, exclusively for Bottle Club members.
The Proper Series
Another exciting aspect of Watch Hill Whiskey Company is the Proper Series, which will showcase a variety of expressions and will serve as the house whiskeys for the cocktail program at Watch Hill Proper. This series is designed to offer drinkers a diverse range of flavors, further enriching the whiskey experience for patrons and enthusiasts alike.
The Founders' Journey
The journey that led to the establishment of Watch Hill Whiskey Company is a testament to the passion and determination of its founders. In 2022, Howes and Craggs opened Watch Hill Proper, which is renowned as the world’s largest and most prestigious American whiskey bar. Every detail within this bar was meticulously designed to reflect their uncompromising vision for an ideal whiskey experience.
During their extensive search for exceptional American whiskeys, they tasted countless varieties, often passing over many remarkable options. However, their relentless quest finally led them to an expression of craftsmanship that resonated with them deeply—an experience free from the need for fabricated history or contrived heritage. This pivotal moment marked the birth of Watch Hill Whiskey Company, which aims to provide whiskey lovers with an extraordinary tasting journey.
Final Thoughts
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Watch Hill Whiskey Company is poised to make a significant impact on the bourbon market with its commitment to quality, innovative releases, and a clear vision for excellence. With the Exceptional Series leading the charge, whiskey enthusiasts can look forward to exceptional offerings that celebrate the art of bourbon-making. As Howes and Craggs continue their quest for extraordinary whiskeys, they invite consumers to join them on this exciting journey. For more information, or to stay updated on upcoming releases, visit Watch Hill Whiskey Company.