Venturing beyond beer has always been in our DNA. Last year we set out to make whiskey the newest chapter in our pursuit of fermented perfection. And while beer is always our first love, we have continued to press into the distilling world with our second batch of straight bourbon whiskey we distilled in partnership with Pursuit Distilling Co., to be released in our tasting room Friday, March 17th.
In order to use the moniker straight bourbon, the whiskey must meet specific criteria set by the U.S. government. The grain mixture must contain at least 51% corn, with the remaining portion comprising other grains such as rye, barley, or wheat. It must be distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and barreled at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
Straight bourbon whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).
Not only did we meet these government standards with our 100 proof whiskey, but we went on to age it for an extra six months in our Lost Love barrels. The additional aging in Imperial Rye Stout barrels gives this whiskey more layers and complexity while picking up some rye character, adding a mellow wood input, and making it a touch spicer.
With a fresh distilling license in our hands, we can now bottle and sell our own whiskey. Moreover, it sets us up for new distilling adventures in the future.
Look for whiskey in our tasting room on Friday, March 17th. Bottles will be available to purchase at $79.95 each, with a limit of two per customer. We produced just shy of 1,500 bottles, and we’re holding back enough to pour at both our Portland and Bend locations. If we sell out, don’t fret just yet, we plan to release an additional wave of bottles the following Friday. The idea behind the staggered release dates is to allow more guests access to buying our whiskey if they’re traveling into or out of town.
Starting Friday, we will also offer a special taster tray using Glencairn glasses, including Batch 1, Batch 2, and Lost Love.
The Glencairn glass you see above with our logo etched into it is also available for purchase.
Beyond Bend, but still in Oregon?
Forty cases will be available to liquor stores throughout Oregon the week of the 20th with a one-case limit per store. Check with your neighborhood liquor store to see if they will bring it in.
Like beer, whiskey is full of possibilities. So, join us in raising a glass and savoring this special moment.
Cheers!