he Greatest Snow on Earth would logically have to equate to the greatest water on Earth, right? At Dented Brick® Distillery that certainly is the case.
This month the distillery was awarded two gold medals from USA Spirit Ratings competition for two of their specialty whiskeys: Limited Edition Barrel Finished Straight Rye Whiskey and Bottled in Bond in the USA Straight Rye Whiskey. This spirit competition rates according to quality, value, and packaging and is judged by a panel of top experts in the field of craft spirits.
First up, Dented Brick®’s Limited Edition Barrel Finished Straight Rye Whiskey won a 90 point rating. What makes this spirit so sensational? Not only is it made from their already award winning premium grain-to-glass rye whiskey, it’s laid to rest after its initial aging process in a former Cabernet Sauvignon barrel. Why wine you ask? To impart an even richer, more unique secondary finish than the rye whiskey alone. Notes of stone fruit, smoke, and spices accompany fine red wine. For the wine and whiskey lover alike, this whiskey is worth the trip down to the distillery to buy a bottle of your own.
Next up, Dented Brick®’s Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey also won gold with a 90 point rating. Bottled in Bond is a less common way of making whiskey, with unmatched quality control and a longer aging process. In pre prohibition times, rules and regulations were very loose and the process of making whiskey could be somewhat dangerous. Tobacco, glycerin, even formaldehyde, among other dangerous substances were used to influence the flavor and color of whiskey. The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was instated as quality control (as well as a tax incentive) to protect people from consuming these harmful substances.
To qualify for the title of Bottled in Bond, the whiskey must be made by one distiller, in one distillery, within one distilling season. It must also be aged four years (not the standard two) in a federally bonded warehouse and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). To contrast, it’s common for other whiskeys to be made with a combination of spirits from multiple barrels from multiple distributors, and is normally bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
No wonder it’s a feat to produce such a specific, highly controlled type of whiskey! And, because of its longer aging process, the flavors and aromas are more nuanced than the average whiskey, boasting notes of cinnamon, clove, pepper, caramel, and brown sugar. The finish is long with more spice, smoke, and a thick texture.This bottle is surely to be a conversation starter at your next backyard party or dinner with friends from out of town.