By
George Brozowski
When
the guys up at Dry Fly aren't out fly fishing
in the Gallatin River near Spokane Washington, they're making
small batch spirits in a sustainable way using locally grown
grains. Their spirits range from Vodka to Gin and whiskey
and, of course, their 101 Bourbon. Now, normally if you want
to produce a great spirit, you can age it forever or dilute
it to get it as smooth as possible - none of which these folks
have anything to do with. They age this bourbon for three
years and up the ante by serving it at 101 proof.
Not
only do they cut across the grain with the way they produce
this bourbon, they innovate by using a combination of 60%
corn, 20% unmalted wheat and 20% barley. That ain't the way
they make bourbon in Kentucky, but just maybe, that's a good
thing. Let's give this Bourbon 101 the taste test and see
what the fuss is all about.
The color is a deep amber, and the nose is an earthy, oaky,
fruity mélange with vanilla overtones and sweet honey
but very little in the way of ethanol vapors. It is an absolute
delight to inhale the aroma.
The
first thing I notice in taking a sip is the smoothness of
such a high proof spirit. Then I taste the peppery, fruity,
oaky, toffee, salty and sweet fig like palate. It's complex
and deep enough to make it very intriguing without muddying
up the flavors. There's so much going on here, yet it seems
like every distinct and different flavor waits its turn to
impress rather than stepping on or over another flavor. The
finish is peppery enough to make it interesting without making
it hurt and continues to impress with a taste of green apples,
butter, cherries and chocolate and lasts a medium amount of
time. This is a very impressive bourbon with lots of flavor
and character and depth and quality, and it wasn't even made
in or near Kentucky; go figure.
This
bourbon busts through some of those old wives tales and proves
that quality bourbon doesn't have to come from Tennessee or
Kentucky any more than great wine has to come from France.
The new breed of American distillers are taking their art
and science to new heights that know no geographical boundaries.
Do yourself a favor and try this Dryfly Washington
Bourbon 101; your taste buds will thank you.
A
750 ML bottle of Washington Bourbon 101 can run you anywhere
from $46.00 to $90.00 averaging $65.00 per bottle, and of
course, it is 101 proof.
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
www.dryflydistilling.com/bourbon/