All About the Whiskey – 25 World-class Whiskeys

Jan 07, 2022

MICHTER'S DISTILLERY

FORT NELSON, KY

The US★1 expressions, so named to honor Michter’s heritage harkening back to America’s first whiskey company, founded in 1753, consist of some of the finest single barrel and truly small batch whiskeys available.

THE DISTILLERY

Michter’s purchased the Fort Nelson Building and became the first company to announce a new modern day distillery project in downtown Louisville. The Fort Nelson Building, located at 801 West Main Street in the heart of Louisville’s museum row, is named for Kentucky’s historic Fort Nelson. The building is part of the West Main Street Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Kentucky Mayor Fischer said, “Michter’s new distillery not only creates jobs for Louisville, it brings a significant bourbon presence to downtown while also saving a historic treasure in the Fort Nelson building.” This helped kick off the City’s support for Bourbon Row, a network of distilleries to be developed in downtown Louisville.

Michter's Fort Nelson distillery
The outside of Michter's Fort Nelson distillery at night.

THE PROCESS

1. Careful attention is paid to wood used in construction of the barrels
COOPERAGE

Michter’s uses wood that has been thoroughly dried, sometimes for as long as 18-48 months to enhance the natural properties of the wood, allowing for better flavor and reducing the levels of tannins imparted to the whiskey.

2. Barrels made to certain specifications are toasted before charring
TOASTING & CHARRING

Toasting a barrel before charring helps to make the wood’s sugars more accessible. These sugars caramelize and concentrate to form the “red line” in the barrel stave cross-sections due to the heat, ultimately adding flavor and color to the whiskey as it seeps through the char to the caramel red line.

3. The rye & bourbon enter into the barrels at 103 proof (51.5% ABV)
LOW ENTRY PROOF

The typical industry entry proof is 125 proof, but Michter’s believes that the lower 103 proof (51.5% ABV) level – historically the gold standard in Kentucky – allows for the concentrated sugars in the toasted wood to dissolve more readily into the distillate as it cycles in and out of the barrel. Although the lower entry proof yields fewer bottles per barrel, smooth flavor and richer mouthfeel makes it worth it.

4. Heat cycle the barrels during the aging process
HEAT CYCLING

Heat cycling is an uncommon practice used to raise and lower the temperatures in the barrel warehouses to induce extra cycles within a given year. This practice is extremely costly because heat cycling significantly increases the “Angel Share” evaporation during aging, but in most cases enhances the flavor of the whiskey.

5. Particular chill filter protocols are selected to best suit each whiskey
CHILL FILTER

Michter’s chill filters all of their whiskeys instead of using carbon filtration that can strip out flavor and aroma. Moreover, Michter’s uses different filtration mediums and techniques best suited to each of their individual whiskey offerings – despite it being time consuming and costly – to highlight each expression’s best qualities.

MICHTER'S MASTER DISTILLERS

DAN MCKEE, MASTER DISTILLER

Born and bred in Indiana, Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee moved to Kentucky to pursue his dream of making whiskey. He played an integral role in assisting with the construction of the company’s new Shively Distillery, and along with Ms. Heilmann and Andrea Wilson he built the company’s current production team.

Dan has continued to expand the company’s operations with his work to bring Michter’s Fort Nelson distillery online with its legendary pot stills and cypress wood fermenters from the original Michter’s Pennsylvania operation.

PAM HEILMANN, MASTER DISTILLER EMERITA

Pam is Michter’s Master Distiller Emerita. Upon assuming the position of Master Distiller at Michter’s, Pam became the first woman since Prohibition to serve as Master Distiller at a Kentucky Distillers Association distillery.

Prior to joining Michter’s, Pam spent nearly fifteen years at Beam Global, Inc. and is regarded as one of America’s most talented distillers. At Beam, she oversaw all aspects of whiskey production as Distillery Manager at the Booker Noe Distillery, at that time the world’s largest bourbon distillery, in Boston, Kentucky.

Michter's Straight Rye bottle
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE

Renowned for rye – America’s oldest whiskey variety – Michter’s takes the production of their Kentucky Straight Rye extremely seriously. Michter’s Kentucky Straight Rye is made from select American rye grain that is sheared to maximize the extraction of flavor from the grain. Ideal neat or in cocktails, every bottle comes from a single barrel.

84.8 proof, 42.4% ABV
Michter's 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottle
10 YEAR KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON

Mature in age and exceptional in quality, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon has earned its place as an enduring favorite of the most discerning whiskey connoisseurs. The “Best American Whiskey” according to Food & Wine magazine, this 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon represents the culmination of over a decade of patient aging in specially chosen, new charred American white oak barrels.

94.4 proof, 47.2% ABV
MICHTER’S SOUR MASH

Upon being named “Whisky Of The Year” for 2019 by The Whisky Exchange, Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey became the first whiskey made in the United States to ever achieve this honor. With its unique grain selection, it can’t be categorized as a rye or a bourbon. Toasted burnt sugar notes with spice, sweet, smoky fruit, candied cherries, and honeyed vanilla. Starts out like a bourbon, finishes like a rye.

86 proof, 43% ABV
MICHTER’S UNBLENDED AMERICAN WHISKEY

Unlike bourbon or rye, Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes whiskey-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. Crucially, Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey never contains grain neutral spirits – hence the “unblended” distinction. Deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish.

83.4 proof, 41.7% ABV

REDWOOD EMPIRE WHISKEY

SONOMA COUNTY, CA

Three Redwood Empire whisky bottles on top of a cut tree in forest

“Drink Among Giants”

The Northern California Coast is a unique place, one of the few in the world where giant redwood trees grow. A place of inspiration and renewal. This same cool climate makes it a perfect place to produce sublime whiskey. Aging barrels here allows for a slow and even ex- traction of flavor, producing a whiskey of exceptional balance and complexity. Taste what Redwood Empire inspires.

LAWS WHISKEY HOUSE

DENVER, CO

LAWS whiskey house barrel storeroom

“There are no Shortcuts”

“Craft over commodity. Quality over quantity. Whiskey above all.”  This phrase defines LAWS whiskies and their philosophies. They are redefining great American whiskey. Every whiskey they make is on its own road using heirloom grains, terroir driven flavors to enhance fellow whiskey hunters’ experience.

OLD PEPPER DISTILLERY

LEXINGTON, KY

Old Pepper Distillery exterior

“Since 1776”

The Pepper family brand of whiskey is an iconic Kentucky whiskey brand initially produced during the American Revolution. In 2008 the brand was relaunched by whiskey entrepreneur Amir Peay. After a multi-year construction effort, the historic James E. Pepper Distillery—which after fifty years of neglect had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair—has been completely rebuilt and restored. In December 2017, the distillery once again began distilling whiskey and is now known as Old Pepper Distillery.

WEST CORK CRAFTED IRISH DISTILLERY

WEST CORK, IE

Founders of West Cork Distillery

“Producers of Craft Irish Whiskey”

This Irish distillery was founded by John O’Connell, Denis McCarthy and Ger McCarthy. Led by a collaborative team of Master Blenders with nearly 100 years of combined experience, West Cork has be- come a recognized leader in innovation, distilling and bottling the finest craft Irish whiskey to come out of Ireland. With a careful eye for detail, West Cork Distillers uses only pot stills in all their whiskey distillation and only fresh local spring water.

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch whisky bottle
LOST MONARCH

An award winning bourbon-rye blend with an exceptional balance of sweetness and spice. Aromas of clove, cinnamon, vanilla, orange citrus zest and butterscotch notes, and an intriguing hint of sandalwood. Tastes of sweetness from corn and spiciness from rye combine with an almost maple syrup like flavor. Vanilla and caramel notes lead to a persistent, yet subdued peppery finish.

90 proof, 45% ABV
LAWS 4 grain bourbon bottle
FOUR GRAIN STRAIGHT BOURBON

After two Colorado family farms grow heirloom varietals of wheat, barley and rye, LAWS labor-intensive cooking technique brings each grain’s individual character to life, while open-air sour mash adds soulful complexity. After three years in 53-gallon charred oak barrels, influenced by the high-altitude climate, an entirely novel bourbon unfolds.

95 proof, 47.5% ABV
Old Pepper Distillery Single Barrel Rye bottle
SINGLE BARREL RYE

Bottled by hand at the Historic James E. Pepper Distillery, using water from the historic limestone well to cut whiskeys to proof. Distilled at various distilleries, including Old Pepper Distillery, Lawrenceburg Distillery (IN), and Bardstown Bourbon Co. (KY); relevant details can be found on the labels. Sensory notes are unique to each barrel, small batch or specialty finish.

Proof varies by batch
West Cork Irish Whiskey 8 Year bottle
8 YEAR SMALL BATCH IRISH WHISKEY

The whiskey is matured for eight years in first-fill, flame-charred American bourbon barrels sourced from the Calvin Cooperage. The whiskey exudes sweet floral aromas with hints of green apples, with rich flavor notes of malt, green apple, cracked nuts and mild spice. The floral finish features lasting sweetness and hints of citrus fruit.

80 proof, 40% ABV

SAVAGE & COOKE DISTILLERY

MARE ISLAND, CA

Savage and Cooke barrels

“An American Distillery”

Owned by Napa Valley winemaker Dave Phinney, Savage & Cooke is located on historic Mare Island. The decision to locate the distillery on Mare Island was due to its fascinating history as a naval shipyard, the plethora of space, stunning brownstone buildings and its proximity to both the Napa Valley and San Francisco. Savage & Cooke distills, ages, finishes and bottles a range of brown spirits including Bourbon, Whiskey and Rye all finished in amazing wine casks.

OLD CARTER WHISKEY

BARDSTOWN, KY

“Unique, Very Small-batch”

Mark and Sherri Carter would say, “Old Carter Whiskey Co. is focused on creating totally unique, very small-batch, straight rye and bourbon whiskies. They create spirits from the heart, each one a single expression of what they love.” They started in the business making 100 point wines and eventually got the whiskey bug. Their whiskies like their wines, are now highly sought after and highly allocated.

THE DALMORE

CROMARTY FIRTH, SCT

The Dalmore Distillery

“An Exceptional Whisky”

This Highland whisky’s heritage dates back to 1263. This Scotch’s house style derives from a close and trusted relationship that was forged with sherry house González Byass over 100 years ago. The casks enrich the signature chocolate and orange character of their whisky with rich and nutty flavors. Master Distiller Richard Paterson has been the creative force behind The Dalmore for nearly five decades. His unparalleled expertise and intimate knowledge of rare and precious casks have produced truly iconic, ground-breaking expressions that have set the standard in Single Malt Whisky.

HILLROCK DISTILLERY

HUDSON VALLEY, NY

Hillrock founders Jeff and Cathy with bottles

“200 Years in the Making”

In the early 1800’s, New York produced more than half the young nation’s barley and rye and the Hudson Valley was the country’s breadbasket. With the help of the late Master Distiller Dave Pick- erell, founders Jeffrey Baker and Cathy Franklin are on a mission to produce the finest handcrafted whiskies made with their own grain, floor malted, craft distilled in a copper pot still, aged in fine oak and hand bottled at their estate in the Hudson Valley Highlands. This is grain to glass defined.

SECOND GLANCE AMERICAN WHISKEY

The first impression is rich and bold with aromas of maple wood, cardamom, buttery toast and black cherries. Impressive intensity on the palate with a plethora of honey, caramel, hazelnut and baked dark fruits. The finish is layered and complex.

88 proof, 44% ABV
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

Old Carter Whiskey Co is the passion project by husband and wife team Mark & Sherri Carter. Old Carter Whiskey Co. is focused on creating totally unique, very small-batch, straight rye and bourbon whiskies. From selecting barrels, creating new blends, and handwriting each individual label by hand, the Carter’s do it all.

Proof varies by batch
THE DALMORE 15

The spirit is initially matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks, yielding soft vanilla and honey notes. It is then finished in multiple rare Sherry casks, including two available only to The Dalmore distillery. Each Sherry cask gifts the whisky with its own individual characteristics before they’re all married back together.

80 proof, 40% ABV
DOUBLE CASK RYE WHISKEY

Hillrock Double Cask Rye has been aged in new #3 char American oak casks, then #4 char new American oak casks which adds layers of caramel and vanilla to complement traditional rye spice. A deep golden amber color is highlighted by warm and inviting aromas of vanilla and caramel with hints of prune, apricot and rye spice which round out the nose. Initial caramel sweetness on the palate is followed by mint, clove, and cinnamon spices before fading to a caramel, butterscotch conclusion with a long, warm and sweet finish.

90 proof, 45% ABV

KAIYO WHISKY

OSAKA, JPN

Kaiyo Mizunara barrel

“Mizunara Oak”

This Japanese whisky was featured in Whisky Advocate as the #14 Whisky in the World in 2019 with 92 points. Mizunara oak is the modern signature of Japanese whisky, and Kaiyo whisky enables inquisitive imbibers to savor the spice, incense, and sandalwood flavors of this rare wood for an amazing price. Distilled and matured in Japan, the casks then undergo a three-month ocean voyage from Osaka to Liverpool before bottling to encourage further flavorsome interactions.

COMPASS BOX WHISKY

LONDON & SCOTLAND

Compass Box Whisky core line bottles

“Scotch Whiskymakers”

They are Scotch whisky makers and blenders for over 20 years now and are known for their creativity, amazing labels, and pure delicious- ness. Touting a core four expressions, Spice Tree, Story of the Spaniard, Peat Monster, and the newest Orchard House, Compass is also known for their Limited Editions. Compass Box releases several Limited Editions each year and they’re coveted by the whisky drinking public and collectors alike.

SIGNATORY

SCOTLAND

“Scotland’s Independent Bottler”

An independent bottler of some of the world’s best single malt Scotch- es from some of Scotland’s best distilleries. They’re best known for their Un-Chillfiltered Collection as well as their Cask Strength Collection that is recognized by its wide shouldered unmistakable bottle. It’s one thing to buy a bottle from your favorite Scotch distillery but find- ing it at cask strength is a whole nother story. Not all distilleries offer their whiskies at cask strength. Just one of the advantages of buying whisky from an independent bottler like Signatory.

JOSEPH MAGNUS BOURBON

HOLLAND, MI

“Legacy of Jos. A. Magnus”

These bourbons are big, bold, and rich. They’re also very sought after and not easy to find because of their limited quantities. This is another project that Nancy Fraley oversees and does all the blending. Joseph Magnus insisted on nothing short of perfection resulting in his highly acclaimed whiskies winning so many awards. His 100 proof bourbon is the entry point and then in very limited quantities Murray Hill Club and Cigar Blend round out the trio of treasures.

KAIYō THE SIGNATURE 43%

Delicate nose with vanilla, ripe dried fruit and hints of cherry, with a long lingering finish.

86 proof, 43% ABV
THE SPICE TREE

Rich, round and sweet blended Malt Scotch Whisky, balanced with a bold spice and vanilla character.

92 proof, 46% ABV
ARTIST BLEND

Artist Blend is suffused with fruitiness and texture, seeking out fragrant malt whiskies (approximately 55% of the recipe) from the Highlands of Scotland. By combining these with Lowland grain whiskies matured in first fill ex-Bourbon barrels, Artist Blend boasts a creaminess and lushness that makes it one of the most invigorating and pleasurable styles of Scotch whisky.

86 proof, 43% ABV
DEANSTON 2007 CASK STRENGTH COLLECTION

Signatory’s Cask Strength collection is a comprehensive selection of natural strength whiskies, in individually numbered bottles. This selection offers whiskies up to 35 years old, with rare malts being offered in a luxurious gift box with a certificate of authenticity. This one was distilled back in June 2007, and allowed to age in a first-fill sherry butt until July 2020, when it was bottled at cask strength with an outtun of 625 bottles.

129 proof, 64.5% ABV
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottle
JOSEPH MAGNUS STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

A marriage of straight bourbon whiskey aged in white oak barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and cognac casks. Rich deep flavors with notes of orange citrus, dried dark fruits, and vanilla.

100 proof, 50% ABV

BENJAMIN CHAPMAN WHISKEY

“Smooth in Every Sense”

Benjamin Chapman is fashioned with a blend of 51% 10-Year Canadian Rye and 49% 7-Year Canadian Prairie Wheat. The rye is distilled by artisans with pure glacial water sourced from the northern Rockies in an old-fashioned pot still for a clean and flavorful profile. Aged in white oak casks for just over ten years, an optimum level of char adds complex layers of vanilla and spice. The Canadian Prairie Wheat is distilled in continuous triple column stills and aged for a minimum of seven years in American oak whiskey barrels for a rich and bold style of whiskey.

CREAM OF KENTUCKY • HIGH PLAINS RYE

KENTUCKY

“Jim Rutledge’s Legacy”

After more than four decades of making some of the world’s finest bourbons (think Four Roses) legendary Master Distiller Jim Rutledge has thrown his hat into the rye whiskey ring. While planning his own distillery he wanted to start to dabble in what would be his signature style. Jim has a very discerning palate and has very high standards so sourcing the right whiskey wasn’t easy. In the end it took four whiskies blended from four states to even come close to his lofty standards. The result is an amazing rye whiskey.

COPPERCRAFT WHISKEY

HOLLAND, MI

“Handcrafted to Taste”

Their mission is to produce the finest craft whiskies as a tribute to the American Craftsman. To this end they distill, source, and blend, choice ingredients from around the nation. Coppercraft whiskies are well aged and have notes of cinnamon, oak, tobacco, toasted nuts, and toffee. Utilizing Cognac techniques, each product explores the unique effects of different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments.

EDRADOUR WHISKY

PITLOCHRY, SCT

“Scotland’s Little Gem”

World renowned as the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland and arguably the most unique. Dating back to 1825, Edradour, stands alone as the last stronghold of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery still in production today. Edradour is also known for its big sherried whisky flavors and big viscous mouth feel. This is about as boutique as Scotch whisky gets. The distillery is owned by Signatory famous for their independent single malt bottlings from the finest distilleries in Scotland.

BENJAMIN CHAPMAN 7-YEAR WHISKEY

Brilliant, iridescent amber color with bright yellow hues when the light catches the whiskey just right. Cinnamon and vanilla spice dominate the nose with subtle layers of caramel apple, dark chocolate and maple syrup. An invitingly smooth sipper, there is a hint of spice promised from the rye, balanced with silky flavors of white chocolate and crème brûlée from the wheat. An explosion of spice leads to a pleasing and smooth finish with lingering flavors of toasted oak.

90 proof, 45% ABV
CREAM OF KENTUCKY 13 YEAR BOURBON WHISKEY

Cream of Kentucky 13 is a 13-year-old straight bourbon that was sourced by the discerning eye of Jim Rutledge and is an exquisitely well-balanced and rich straight bourbon.

102 proof, 51% ABV
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE

In the super-premium category, the J.W. Rutledge Distillery is creating High Plains Rye. Its flagship mash-bill will entail a straight rye whiskey certain to become a fan-favorite.

97 proof, 48.5% ABV
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

Barrels of 4+ year old and 11+ year old sourced bourbons are blended to create a rich, smooth flavor. We use brandy blending and proofing techniques that take three months from barrel to bottle.

97 proof, 48.5% ABV
10 YEAR SINGLE MALT

Aromas of dried fruits, Oloroso and almonds. Notes of spicy Christmas cake, sweet golden syrup with slight honeyed almonds. A distinctive, old fashioned, rich mouth feel coming from the small copper farm stills. Finish is oaky with soft spices – mellow and warming. Aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks.

80 proof, 40% ABV

OLD TRESTLE

TRUCKEE, CA

“Good Whiskey Takes Time”

Old Trestle began as a group of friends in Truckee, California who believed that the world’s best whiskey had yet to be created. They take lessons from those that have come before us and look forward to create new traditions. As Truckee’s first distillery in over 100 years, they are bringing the science and art of distilling back to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Whiskey is at the heart of what they do, and like all good things, good whiskey takes time.

VIRGINIA DISTILLERY · COURAGE & CONVICTION

LOVINGSTON, VA

“American Single Malt Whiskey”

These American Single Malts from Virginia Distillery Co. are setting a new standard for what it means to create great single malt whisky, proudly distilled, matured, and bottled in America. Courage and Conviction is known for their innovation and barrel finishes. They leave nothing to chance enlisting the help of the late great Dr. Jim Swan and the best nose in the business Nancy Fraley. Their much anticipated barrel program is coming soon and has a lot of whisky enthusiasts very excited.

DRY FLY DISTILLING

SPOKANE, WA

“The Outdoors are Calling”

Dry Fly Distilling was created out of a passion for fly-fishing and the Pacific Northwest. They reflect the beauty of the area into spirits made from local ingredients and from sustainable farms. It has achieved a true farm to bottle operation. Every drop of liquor is hand-crafted and pure. Fly fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the nature and beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It’s a craft that makes you slow down and appreciate your surroundings. A good cast is like a good whiskey, smooth and hits the spot!

HIGH COAST WHISKY

STOCKHOLM, SWE

“Swedish Whisky”

This Swedish Single Malt World Whisky just received the honor of being the #6 Whisky in the World according the Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 for 2021. Beautifully situated in an industrial heritage site on the banks of the river Ångerman, 63° N Sweden, High Coast Distillery has been producing highly-acclaimed whisky for a decade. With deep levels of distilling know-how, lofty ambitions and their all-consuming passion, High Coast produces artisanal single malt whisky in a northern climate that makes their whisky unique. Hav, Alv, Timmer, “63”, and Berg will all soon be available in California.

Old Trestle Sierra Bourbon 750
SIERRA DOUBLE BARRELED BOURBON

Sierra Bourbon is a nod to the intrepid settlers that brought our country westward, embodying the spirit of the trailblazers before us. A full bodied, intense, and bold expression. Bourbon is made from corn, rye, and barley, aged in brand new American White Oak.

92 proof, 46% ABV
Virginia Distillery Courage and Conviction american single malt whisky
COURAGE & CONVICTION AMERICAN SINGLE MALT

With notes of caramel and butterscotch, our flagship American Single Malt evolves on the palate with hints of bright red fruit, raspberry, cocoa, barrel spice and vanilla. The finish is creamy and exceptionally smooth.

92 Proof, 46% ABV
Dry Fly Bourbon 101 bottle
STRAIGHT BOURBON 101

Dry Fly Bourbon 101 was the first legal bourbon made in Washington state. It features corn grown by our local Hutterian settlement and triticale grown by Mitch the farmer. Aged in 53 gallon American oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years.

101 proof, 50.5% ABV
High Coast HAV bottle
HAV

Hav is the Swedish word for Sea. In the majestic landscape of a world heritage site, High Coast Distillery sits where the beautiful river Ångermanälven merges into the sea. The message Hav brings to the world is an expression of oak, with a touch of spice and a little northern hardiness.

96 proof, 48.0% ABV

Wine Warehouse Portfolio

Wine Warehouse was founded in 1973 by brothers Bob and Jim Myerson who wanted to share their enthusiasm for premium quality wine with the wine trade in Southern California. Today, the company is one of the largest distributors of alcoholic beverages in the United States with branches in Northern and Southern California covering the state. We are dedicated to offering a wide selection of wine, beer, spirits, non alcoholic beverages, and glassware to licensed retailers and restaurateurs in the California market.

Breakthru Beverage California South

6550 E. Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90040

Breakthru Beverage California North

912 Harbour Way South
Richmond, CA 94804