An underground craft whiskey fit for discerning tastes has just been quietly released. The American Craft Whiskey Distillery, though a bit unimaginative in name, is unlike other distilleries. It operates out of Mendocino County, California in the Germain-Robin facility. This place grew in prominence when it created high quality and very highly-sought brandies using an antique French still, The Whiskey Wash noted.
It is this same still that the company uses for its Low Gap whiskey products. It is very much worth noting that this won the 2012 Whiskey Advocate's Artisan Whiskey of the Year Award. Now, there are two new offerings from American Craft Whiskey: a bourbon and a four year old wheat whiskey. They are both very new but are expected to get rave reviews from craft whiskey circles around the country.
The Low Gap 4 Year Wheat Whiskey is made from 100% Bavarian hard wheat that was double distilled onsite using the antique still. After that, the whiskey is aged in for four to five years “in a special selection of new and used oak,” including Limousin oak. They are bottled at 45.5% ABV and goes for around $75 per bottle.
The wheat whiskeys are something the company already has extensive experience in. However, bourbons are a whole different matter. Crispin Cain, founder, describes bourbon as “the pinnacle of our whiskey production.” Below is what he has to say about it, word for word:
In 2010, we started making whiskey in earnest, but I waited to make bourbon until I was fully confident about the whole production process.
The nose is full, with butter, vanilla, sweet corn, and oak. At 43.2% ABV the bourbon is approachable and smooth. Extremely likeable and friendly, this whiskey is both something to keep and something to share.
The bourbon’s mash bill includes 65% corn, 20% malted barley, and 15% malted rye. Complete fermentation to dryness, and double distillation in an old Cognac still, lend this whiskey its best qualities. A straight bourbon, it has been aged for two years in new bourbon barrels.
The Low Gap Bourbon is priced at $65.See image here.
