Alpine Distilling, nestled in the heart of Park City, Utah, has crafted something truly special with its Triple Oak Whiskey. This small-batch bourbon recently earned a rare 98 Platinum rating at the Enthusiast Reports International Spirit Competition, a score that places it among the elite in the global spirits world. With only three other spirits in the past 15 years hitting this mark, according to Lincoln Salazar, CEO of Enthusiast Report, this whiskey stands out as a testament to skill, patience, and innovation.
The journey to this award-winning whiskey starts with the vision of Rob Sergent, a Kentucky native whose family has been distilling for generations. Growing up in the Bluegrass State, Rob learned the art of whiskey-making from a lineage steeped in tradition. But he didn’t just rest on heritage. Moving to Utah, a state with challenging high-altitude conditions and strict liquor laws, Rob and his wife, Sara Sergent, built Alpine Distilling from the ground up in 2016. Their goal was clear: create a whiskey that could compete with the best while embracing the unique environment of the Rocky Mountains.
What makes Triple Oak Whiskey stand out is its meticulous crafting process. It all begins with pristine mountain water sourced from a subterranean aquifer in Utah, giving the whiskey a clean, crisp foundation. The grains, carefully selected from top U.S. farms, including those in Kentucky, are chosen for their quality and flavor potential. Rob’s team uses a specific Kentucky bourbon yeast to maximize flavor during fermentation, a nod to his roots that sets the stage for something extraordinary.
The real magic happens during the aging process. Triple Oak is first distilled in a hand-built American copper pot still, designed to Rob’s exact specifications. After initial aging in #3 charred new American oak barrels, the whiskey is transferred to custom barrels crafted by master cooper Chris Hansen. These barrels, made from toasted, quarter-sawn American oak with hand-split French oak heads, are a game-changer. The unique wood selection and double-toasting process are tailored to combat Utah’s low humidity, which can dry out barrels and affect flavor. This careful approach allows for faster lignin extraction, releasing hemicellulose—natural sugars in the wood that infuse the whiskey with rich notes of caramel, toffee, and honey.
The result is a bourbon that’s both bold and refined. On the nose, Triple Oak greets you with inviting aromas of caramel, fruity pear, dried apricot, vanilla, honey, and a hint of orange peel. Take a sip, and the palate comes alive with creamy molasses, caramelized apples, chocolate, cinnamon, almond, hazelnut, and subtle grain notes. The finish is where this whiskey truly shines, leaving lingering flavors of roasted nuts, brioche, doughnuts, and a touch of elegant warmth that’s vibrant yet smooth. At 96.8 proof (48.4% ABV), it’s a sipper that feels luxurious without overwhelming the senses.
Alpine Distilling’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the liquid in the bottle. The distillery operates with a focus on sustainability, earning accolades like the 2021 Utah Green Business Award from Utah Business and Rocky Mountain Power, as well as the 2022 Business of the Year from Recycle Utah. Their small-batch philosophy—producing just one barrel a day at most—ensures every bottle gets the attention it deserves. This hands-on approach is evident in the whiskey’s complex yet balanced profile, which has impressed a panel of judges with over 100 years of combined industry experience.
The Enthusiast Reports International Spirit Competition is no casual affair. Judges, forbidden from eating or drinking hours before tasting, evaluate thousands of spirits in a blind setting. Roaming proctors ensure no communication between panelists, guaranteeing an unbiased assessment. For Triple Oak to score a 98 in this rigorous environment speaks volumes about its quality. It didn’t just outshine other whiskeys—it stood tall among all spirits entered, a rare feat in a competition known for its strict standards.
While Triple Oak is the star of the show, Alpine Distilling’s expertise extends beyond whiskey. Sara Sergent, the master distiller, has made waves in the spirits world, particularly with gin. Her induction into the London Gin Guild as a “Warden Rectifier”—only the second woman in U.S. history to earn this honor—highlights her skill. Alpine’s Elevated Gin, named “Gin of the Year” in 2021, continues to rack up awards for its innovative use of botanicals. Together, Rob and Sara have created a distillery that blends Kentucky tradition with Utah’s adventurous spirit, earning recognition from outlets like Forbes, CNN, and USA Today.
For whiskey lovers, Triple Oak is a must-try, but it’s not always easy to find. Available through special order on Utah’s DABS website for $179.99 or at select retailers like Binny’s in Chicago, it’s a premium spirit that’s worth the effort. In Park City, visitors can experience it firsthand at Alpine’s Social Aid & Pleasure Club, a cozy lounge that feels like an extension of Rob and Sara’s passion for hospitality. Here, guests can sip Triple Oak alongside inventive cocktails or even enjoy it paired with local culinary creations, like barrel-aged Worcestershire sauce or botanically infused desserts crafted with input from top chefs like Zane Holmquist of Stein Eriksen Lodge.
Triple Oak Whiskey isn’t just a drink—it’s a story of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. From the careful selection of grains to the hand-crafted barrels that give it its name, every step reflects Alpine Distilling’s commitment to quality. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or someone looking to elevate their next pour, this whiskey delivers an experience that’s as bold as the mountains it calls home. Visit alpinedistilling.com to learn more or plan a trip to Park City to taste it for yourself.
