In recent years, the bourbon industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of craft bourbon. Craft distilleries, with their emphasis on quality, innovation, and attention to detail, have been captivating whiskey enthusiasts with their unique expressions and hidden gems. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the rise of craft bourbon, uncovering the stories behind these distilleries and discovering the hidden gems that lie within their bottles. Join us as we delve into the world of craft bourbon and celebrate the artistry and passion of these remarkable producers.

1. The Craft Bourbon Movement

a) A Commitment to Quality: Craft bourbon distilleries prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on small-batch production and meticulous craftsmanship. These distillers often use traditional methods, including pot stills and hands-on techniques, to create exceptional spirits.

b) Embracing Innovation: Craft distilleries are not bound by tradition alone. They embrace innovation by experimenting with unique grain combinations, alternative aging techniques, and innovative barrel finishes. This spirit of experimentation results in a diverse range of flavors and expressions.

c) Local Sourcing and Sustainability: Many craft bourbon distilleries prioritize local sourcing of ingredients, supporting local farmers and communities. They strive to incorporate sustainable practices, such as utilizing renewable energy, managing water usage, and implementing eco-friendly packaging.

2. Exploring Craft Bourbon Distilleries

a) New Riff Distilling (Newport, Kentucky): New Riff Distilling has gained recognition for its commitment to traditional bourbon-making techniques. Their focus on high-quality ingredients, open fermentation, and slow, non-chill filtration showcases their dedication to producing outstanding bourbons.

b) Balcones Distilling (Waco, Texas): Balcones Distilling is known for pushing the boundaries of bourbon production. Their small-batch spirits, crafted with unique grain blends and innovative aging methods, result in bold and flavorful expressions that captivate the senses.

c) Copperworks Distilling Co. (Seattle, Washington): Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Copperworks Distilling Co. combines traditional bourbon-making techniques with a unique twist. Their approach involves aging their bourbon in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile that showcases both American and European oak influences.

d) Garrison Brothers Distillery (Hye, Texas): Garrison Brothers Distillery is recognized for its handcrafted, Texas-born bourbon. With a commitment to sourcing locally grown corn and aging in the intense Texas climate, their bourbons boast rich, bold flavors and a unique terroir.

3. Discovering Hidden Gems

a) Single Barrel Releases: Craft distilleries often offer single barrel releases, showcasing the individuality and complexity of each barrel. These limited-edition bottlings allow whiskey enthusiasts to taste the nuances and variations that arise from barrel aging.

b) Unique Grain Bills: Craft distilleries are known for experimenting with alternative grain bills, incorporating non-traditional grains such as quinoa, millet, or triticale. These innovative approaches yield bourbons with distinctive flavor profiles that intrigue and surprise.

c) Barrel Finishes: Craft distilleries are at the forefront of barrel finishing experimentation. They utilize a variety of cask types, such as wine barrels, port casks, or rum barrels, to impart additional layers of flavor and complexity to their bourbons.

d) Collaborations and Limited Edition Releases: Craft distilleries often collaborate with other artisans, such as brewers or winemakers, to create unique limited edition releases. These collaborations result in extraordinary expressions that merge the worlds of bourbon, beer, wine, or other spirits.

4. Supporting the Craft Bourbon Movement

a) Visit Distilleries and Tasting Rooms: Take the opportunity to visit craft bourbon distilleries and experience their passion firsthand. Many offer tours, tastings, and educational experiences that provide insight into their production processes and allow you to sample their exceptional bourbons.

b) Engage with Craft Bourbon Communities: Join online bourbon communities, attend tastings, and participate in events that celebrate craft bourbon. These interactions provide opportunities to learn, share, and discover new releases and hidden gems.

c) Explore Local Retailers and Whiskey Bars: Seek out local retailers and whiskey bars that specialize in craft bourbons. These establishments often curate unique selections and can guide you toward lesser-known brands and expressions that deserve recognition.

Conclusion

The rise of craft bourbon has added a new dimension to the whiskey landscape, offering whiskey enthusiasts a diverse range of flavors, techniques, and hidden gems to discover. Craft distilleries bring a sense of artistry, innovation, and passion to their bourbons, captivating our palates with their distinctive expressions. By exploring the craft bourbon movement, visiting distilleries, engaging with communities, and supporting local establishments, we can celebrate and enjoy the remarkable bourbons crafted by these talented artisans. So, raise a glass to the rise of craft bourbon, and embark on a journey of exploration and appreciation for the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Cheers!