Club Corner
American Whiskey Club: Bourbon Buddies
With the sun out longer in the evening, we feel obliged to enjoy more than just one drink after dinner. In that spirit, we have two great bourbons for the club. We here at PlumpJack have been working more with Sazerac (more on that later in the year) and we started out with a private barrel pick of the venerable Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Our second selection is Old Fitzgerald’s 7 Year Bottled in Bond. Old Fitz is best known for their decanter series which are older, more allocated, offerings. Additionally, they have other more entry level focused offerings, but this marks their first foray into a mid-tier offering. Cheers to double the enjoyment! Cheers! Will Popko Spirits Buyer Buffalo Trace Bourbon PlumpJack Private Barrel & Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon Location: Kentucky Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, traces its roots to the late 1700s, when settlers began distilling whiskey near an ancient buffalo migration route that crossed the Kentucky River. In 1870, bourbon pioneer E. H. Taylor Jr. purchased and modernized the distillery, introducing innovations that helped establish Kentucky bourbon's reputation for quality. Later, under the leadership of George T. Stagg, the distillery grew into one of the region's most important whiskey producers. Renamed Buffalo Trace in 1999, the distillery is now recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating bourbon distilleries in America and produces some of the industry's most celebrated brands, including Buffalo Trace, Blanton's, Eagle Rare, and Pappy Van Winkle. Old Fitzgerald is one of Kentucky's classic wheated bourbons, first created in 1870 by John E. Fitzgerald. Unlike many bourbons that use rye in the mash bill, Old Fitzgerald uses wheat, giving it a softer, smoother, and slightly sweeter flavor profile. It later became closely associated with Pappy Van Winkle and the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, helping establish the reputation of wheated bourbon. Today, Old Fitzgerald is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery and is best known for its highly sought-after Bottled-in-Bond decanter releases, which have become favorites among bourbon collectors and enthusiasts. Price: $32.99 | $69.99 Proof: 90 | 100 Tasting Notes: Nose: BT: vanilla, caramel, dark fruit Old Fitz: toffee, oak, baking spices Palate: BT: butterscotch, chocolate, oak Old Fitz: sweet wheat, dried fruit Finish: BT: warm oak, mild spice Old Fitz: honey, sweet spice Mashbill: BT: Mashbill #1 Old Fitz: 68% Corn 20% Wheat 12% Malted Barley
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American Whiskey Club Quarter 4
An Up-and-Comer There are a lot of newer whiskey distilleries here in America, but leading into the New Year we wanted to shine a spotlight on a producer that has a bright future, Augusta Distillery. For this selection we decided to spice it up. We have 3 different single barrels that will be going out at random of the Augusta Distillery Old Route 8 Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon. All three barrels are aged 8 years, close in proof, and are the same mashbill. We have tried them and concluded they are each a delicious holiday treat. We think you’ll be pleased to either revisit Augusta or get a fine first introduction. Cheers! Will Popko Spirits Buyer Augusta Distillery Old Route 8 Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon Location: Kentucky Located in Augusta, Kentucky, two hours east of Louisville on the southern bank of the Ohio River, Augusta Distillery pledges itself to bourbon’s historical benchmarks by bottling only single barrel, cask strength Kentucky whiskey at a minimum of eight years old. Augusta was conceived in 2017 by three college friends, Lance Bates, Robert Burns and Jeff Johnson, and the launch of Buckner’s 13 Year in 2020 earned the venture swift acclaim and a cult following. While current bottlings reflect Augusta’s talent for sourcing quality whiskey and its steadfast commitment to core production parameters, a state-of-the-art distillery and event center came online in 2024 and is run by Augusta’s Director of Distillery Operations & Master Distiller, Alexandra Castle—a celebrated member of the American whiskey community and former distiller at Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis and Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg—promising an exciting continuation of Augusta’s nascent bourbon legacy. We think this selection is fitting this time of year, specifically as an ideal pairing with holiday snacks, sweets and home cooking. And since it is that time of year for gathering with family and friends we think this selection would also be excellent for sharing and comparing with your whiskey friends. We are already looking ahead to making next year a fun one with some exciting partnerships and a great slate of American whiskey releases. Happy holidays and Happy New Year. See everyone in 2026! Price: $114.99 Barrel | Proof: #108 | 120.2 #135 | 120.5 #69 | 120.6 Tasting Notes: Nose: maple sugar candy, smoked cedar, dehydrated lemon Palate: creme brulee, saltwater taffy Finish: rich with toffee, white pepper and heated earth spice Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
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American Whiskey Club Quarter 3: Lost Lantern Far Flung Bourbon
Lost Lantern Far-Flung Bourbon Our featured producer this quarter has been making quite a buzz in the whiskey world as of late. Lost Lantern is an independent bottler and blender based in the small town of Vergennes, Vermont. Founded by two self-proclaimed whiskey nerds, they are devoted to showcasing the best craft distilleries across the country, some of which have never been distributed outside the borders of their home states. Lost Lantern has garnered numerous awards, including double gold and best in class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Cheers! Sam Crocker Spirits Buyer Lost Lantern Far-Flung Bourbon Batch 1 Components: A blend of Straight Bourbons from - Frey Ranch Distillery, Fallon, NV - Watershed Distillery, Columbus, OH - Boulder Spirits, Boulder, CO - Still Austin Whiskey Co., Austin, TX Lost Lantern is an independent bottler and blender of small-batch and single cask whiskeys from craft distilleries across the United States. Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski each got their start in different segments of the spirits industry; Nora as a Sales Manager at Astor Wine & Spirits, one of the country’s top spirits retailers, and Adam as a Senior Whisky Specialist at Whisky Advocate, focusing on new American distilleries. Together they are the tasting panel for Lost Lantern, with Nora heading production and operations and Aaron sourcing unique casks from craft distilleries around the country. Lost Lantern Far-Flung Bourbon is a blend of straight bourbons from four distilleries in four states that have never been blended before: 3-year-old bourbon from Still Austin, 5-year-old bourbon from Frey Ranch, 6-year-old bourbon from Boulder Spirits, and 7-year-old bourbon from Watershed. Frey Ranch is one of the country’s only estate distilleries, growing all their own grain for their distillery onsite in a uniquely arable pocket of northern Nevada. Their spicy, earthy whiskey reflects that climate. Boulder Spirits, founded by a Scotsman, makes a lot of single malt and their bourbon shows that influence with its uniquely high-malt mashbill. Coupled with high-elevation aging, their bourbon is incredibly bold and powerful. Still Austin makes their whiskies entirely with Texas-grown grains, reflecting the intensity of the Texas climate. Finally, Watershed is located in a more temperate climate, creating a whiskey that is full and balanced. The bourbon for this release came from a unique five-grain mashbill that includes locally grown spelt. Adapted from LostLantern.com Price: $107.99 Proof: 136.8 Tasting Notes: Oak spice, cocoa and ginger notes on the nose, with a rich, spicy palate balanced by clove and dark chocolate notes.
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American Whiskey Club Quarter 2 2024: Nashville Barrel Company
By now, you’ve probably heard the acronym “NDP,” which stands for “non-distilling producer,” i.e., a company that blends and/or barrels and/or bottles spirits that they did not distill themselves. In the last several years, there’s been a proliferation of NDPs, a few of which we have featured in this club. This quarter, I’m thrilled to share a single barrel from another NDP putting out great whiskey, Nashville Barrel Company. They have quickly garnered attention in the whiskey world, racking up four Double Gold medals and Best in Class at the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Competition, among other awards. Some months back, I had the opportunity to select a barrel from them, and I’m pleased to share it with you now. Cheers! Sam Crocker Spirits Buyer Nashville Barrel Company Single Barrel 6 Year Bourbon Location: Nashville, TN (distilled in Indiana) Nashville Barrel Company (NBC) was founded in 2018 by a small group of whiskey-loving friends. They saw the way the Bourbon market was headed—more expensive and more allocated—and didn’t want to lose the opportunity to source and select exceptional single barrels. Together they purchased a lot of barrels from MGP Distillery in Indiana and started bottling them out of a Nashville warehouse. Word soon started to get out, and whiskey groups from all over the country began asking to select barrels. By March of 2021, Nashville Barrel Company had opened their own distillery space in Nashville to offer tastings and tours. In addition to private single barrel selections, they bottle their own range of cask strength bourbon, rye, rum and agave spirits. I had the opportunity to meet co-founder James Davenport last year and was impressed by his passion for his work. After 5 years in the Navy, James moved to Nashville and spent the next decade working at one of the city’s most popular bottle shops. His co-founder Mike Hinds is a Tennessee native who has served on the boards of several 501(c)3 organizations, helping raise over 3 million dollars for cancer research. In addition to his non-profit career, Mike has been an active member of the Bourbon community. Today, he oversees operations at Nashville Barrel Company. Price: $96.99 ABV/proof: 55.67%/111.34 Mashbill: 75% corn 21% rye 4% malted barley Tasting Notes: Nose: peanut shells, ground cinnamon, maple candy Palate: baking spices, toasted oak Finish: long and sweet
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American Whiskey Club Quarter 4 2023: Pinhook Vertical Series 8 Year Bourbon
As another year comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the passage of time and the changes it brings. Time is an essential ingredient in making whiskey. This quarter’s selection is the latest in a series that shows the effect each year of aging has on a whiskey. If you’ve been following Pinhook for a while, you’re well aware of their unique approach. If you are new to them, this bottle should serve as an excellent introduction to their whiskeys. Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season! Cheers! Sam Crocker Spirits Buyer Pinhook Vertical Series 8 Year Bourbon Location: Frankfort, Kentucky Pinhook was founded in 2010 by 3 friends of disparate backgrounds: an acclaimed restaurateur and certified sommelier, a television producer, and a businessperson. On a whim and with no real plan in mind, they purchased 20 barrels of young bourbon from MGP in Indiana. 13 years later, they are now producing their own distillate at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY in addition to releasing their stock of MGP Bourbon and Rye. The Vertical series is a limited series of nine consecutive annual vintages that explore the true impact of age on a whiskey’s character by following a group of 1,350 MGP barrels as they mature from 4 to 12 years of age. Different proofs are set each year to best express the unique attributes of that vintage’s blend. Blended from only 120 barrels, the 8 Year is the fifth release in the series, and the most limited to date. Like all of Pinhook’s whiskeys, it is unfiltered. The vintage approach allows Pinhook to appreciate and savor the nuances of each year’s barrels, which are naturally shaped by the barrel oak, the climate, and the storage environment. Rather than following the traditional whiskey process that replicates flavor profiles, the vintage approach means that each vintage is blended and proofed to release the best whiskey every year. The name Pinhook comes from the old Kentucky term for buying baby thoroughbreds, seeing them through to maturity, and selling when they are ready to run. Successful pinhooks, much like whiskey, are made on instinct, experience, an appreciation of quality, a little luck, and a lot of patience. Price: $104.99 ABV/proof: 57.3%/114.6 Tasting Notes: A bright nose of orange curacao, oloroso sherry, clove, and brown sugar that leads to a full palate of dark cherry, plum, cinnamon, and burnt sugar. Mashbill: 75% Corn 20.5% Rye 4.5% Malted Barley
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American Whiskey Club Q2 2023: A Visit to Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers
Last year, I was lucky enough to visit Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery in Fallon, Nevada. Longtime club members might recall that we first featured a single barrel from Frey back in 2021. Their reputation for producing outstanding grain-to-glass whiskey has only grown since then, and we were thrilled when they invited us to select another single barrel. If you find yourself in Reno, I highly recommend traveling to the Ranch (about an hour due east) and seeing their amazing operation yourself. Cheers! Sam Crocker, Spirits Buyer Frey Ranch PlumpJack Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey #1108 Location: Fallon, NV Husband and wife team Colby and Ashley Frey run a truly grain-to-glass operation at Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers. Every step of the whiskey-making process is done on site, from growing and harvesting grain to distilling and hand-bottling. The farm has been in Colby's family for five generations, dating all the way back to 1854. Growing up on the farm, Colby learned to be a steward of the land. His mantra of "be good to the land and the land will be good to you" is inscribed on every bottle of Frey Ranch whiskey. It was Colby's idea to begin distilling the corn, rye, wheat and barley they grow, knowing that quality grain is the first step in making quality whiskey. Frey Ranch first released gin, vodka and absinthe to bring in income while their whiskey was aging. But making whiskey was always the end game. Their four grain bourbon comprises 66.6% non-GMO corn, 10% soft white winter wheat, 11.4% winter rye, and 12% two-row barley (malted on site). They also produce a Bottled in Bond Straight Rye from 100% rye grain. On a limited basis they have produced single-grain oat and wheat whiskies (both of which I was fortunate enough to sample during my visit). Upon my arrival at the ranch, I was greeted warmly by Colby himself, who showed me around the Ranch, from the fields to the fermentation tanks, the stills, and the hand-bottling line. Soon after I met Ashley, as well as Russell, the head distiller. The four of us sat down to taste six single barrel samples of their four grain straight bourbon. It was a tough choice; there wasn’t a dud in the bunch. After some discussion and a few more sips, I decided barrel #1108 was the winner. I hope you enjoy drinking it just as much as I enjoyed selecting it. Price: $95/btl ABV/proof: 68.45%/136.9 Tasting Notes: Appearance Mahogany Nose Maple syrup Vanilla custard Hint of char Palate Chocolate-covered cherries Caramel corn Finish Notes of pipe tobacco Lingering spice
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Q4 American Whiskey Club: Laws Whiskey House
For our final American Whiskey Club selection of 2022, we are excited to share our single barrel selection from Laws Whiskey House in Denver, Colorado. Laws takes a terroir-driven approach to their whiskey, as showcased in their Four Grain Straight Bourbon, comprised of all Colorado-grown grain. Our single barrel selection highlights the character of this unique whiskey at cask strength. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season! Cheers! Sam Crocker Spirits Buyer Laws Whiskey House Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey PlumpJack Barrel Select Location: Denver, CO Laws Whiskey House is a grain-to-glass distillery based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2011 by Al and Marianne Laws, they have been distilling everything in-house since day one. To make their whiskey, they use only heirloom varietals of grain that come from small family farms in Colorado. They work directly with the farmers to make a whiskey that is bold, balanced, and a true representation of place. Laws is focused on terroir, showcasing the grains and unique climate that is found in Colorado, which affects the aging process of the whiskey. The high altitude in Denver makes for a high level of “Angel’s Share” (evaporation) and relatively quick barrel interaction due to the low humidity and high barometric pressure. Now a team of 42 employees, Laws Whiskey House is continuing to grow while staying true to their founding philosophy. The wall of the distillery is painted with a simple phrase: “there are no shortcuts.” Laws’ mantra is, after all: Craft over commodity. Quality over quantity. Whiskey above all. PlumpJack’s Barrel Select is a 3.5-year-old barrel of Laws signature Four Grain Bourbon. Aged in full-sized (53-gallon) barrels, the mash bill is 60% corn, 20% wheat, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. The corn comes from a family farm in eastern Colorado called The Whiskey Sisters. The Cody Family supplies everything else, growing their heirloom grains high up in the mountains of Southern Colorado. The Cody family also malts on-site, leading them to be known as a sort of one-stop-shop for high-quality, low-yield heirloom grains. We at PlumpJack are excited to feature Laws Whiskey House, a distillery that is at the forefront of making high-quality, grain-focused whiskey in the American West. Price: $85/btl ABV/proof: 58.1%/116.2 Tasting Notes: Appearance: pale gold Nose: honey sweetness, hay, cinnamon candy, candied lemon Palate: custard, baking spice, fresh grain Finish: tongue-coating caramel and warming spice
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Q3 American Whiskey Club 2022
Approximately 10 years ago I started this club while I was working for PlumpJack, and now I am honored to be guest writing for this quarter’s American Whiskey Club which features my own brand, Subtle Spirits. I am very grateful for the opportunities PlumpJack gave me and how they significantly impacted where I am today. Sometimes things really come back around Full Circle. I hope you enjoy this bottle as much as I loved creating it. Cheers, Joshua Thinnes, Founder of Subtle Spirits & Creator of the PlumpJack American Whiskey Club Subtle Spirits Full Circle | Only 888 Bottles Produced | 6 years aged | Bottled at 99 proof Produced & Bottled by: Subtle Spirits, California Distilled: MGP, Indiana Artwork by: Gianluca Franzese Full Circle is a 153-gallon blend containing 51.25% straight rye and 48.75% straight bourbon, labeled as a Blend of Straight Whiskies. When combined together it yields a cumulative mash bill of 58.93% rye, 36.56% corn, and 4.51% barley grains. 88 bottles were bottled on 08/08/22 at cask strength, and the remaining 800 bottles will be bottled on 09/01 at 99 proof. The complete story behind Full Circle, the whiskey, the cover art, and how it all came to be is too long to tell here. I encourage you to visit our website to see how magically this came together, but the short version is this. I moved to San Francisco on 08/08/08 and landed on 24th & Church in Noe Valley. About 5 months after arriving I saw the wine shop down the street was hiring. I got the job. My first shift was the following day, by myself. After 11 years, a few promotions, and more epic barrel picks than I can count, it was time for me to move on from the family that gave me a platform where it all started. I’ve been working on letting go and letting the story write itself. Life is cyclical, and now the next chapter begins. Subtle Spirits is a non-distilling producer sourcing casks and pairing each release with original label art. Every release has its own story, brought to life by artists we commission to produce a unique piece of art that is featured on the label. The brand started subtly as an email list only, selecting private barrels from other brands as a means to build a larger audience, and save the capital needed to obtain casks, bulk goods, artwork, and the licenses to sell them. In 2021 we collaborated with artist Gabe Weis and made the first limited edition bourbon release with a certificate of authenticity on the blockchain (NFT) and accompanied it with a print of the artwork. We began distributing our own product in CA this March with the creation of our first blend, a Straight Rye titled Quixotic. Full Circle marks the sixth Original release. Price: $99-110 per bottle Aroma: brown sugar, vanilla, charred oak, sassafras, kola nut, wild cherry Coke, nutmeg, and mild tobacco leaves. Taste: Starts off sweet, caramelly, and creamy then brings in a load of baking spices and slightly dried fruit notes. Finish: Powerful and viscous with a chewy mouthfeel that coats your palate leaving a nice spice profile. Read more about Subtle Spirits. Read the complete story behind Full Circle on my Blog.
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American Whiskey Club - Q4 2021
For this quarter’s selection, we’re highlighting a distillery whose whiskey was named “best bourbon not from Kentucky” by Fred Minnick of Bourbon+ Magazine. A distillery whose story doesn’t begin with a family of distillers or century old recipes, but with two friends and a dream - to make the best craft whiskey in the world. We hope you enjoy their story, but most importantly the whiskey. Cheers, Brendon Pineda, Spirits, Beer and Wine Enthusiast Woodinville PlumpJack Private Select Cask Strength Bourbon | 59.7% ABV Woodinville Whiskey Company Woodinville, Washington The Woodinville Whiskey Company was founded in 2010 by longtime friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile. Sorensen and Carlile were mentored by the late David Pickerell, former master distiller for Maker’s Mark and WhistlePig. Pickerell, an industry legend, has consulted for more craft distilleries than anyone in America. Woodinville is crafted from 100% locally sourced grains from Quincy, Washington – two hours from the distillery. Their flagship products, the Bourbon and Rye both scored the highest honors by the American Distilling Institute, earning “Craft Whiskey of the Year” in their respective categories. In December 2020, Fred Minnick, renowned whiskey aficionado, hosted a blind tasting to where the Woodinville Bourbon nearly beat the Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Bourbon for first place. Most notably, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Woodinville’s Bourbon a Double Gold medal, and “Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey of 2020”, again rewarded the highest of honors. In 2017, the distillery was purchased by Moët Hennessy, however, the company continues to be run by Sorensen and Carlile. The most significant change since the partnership has been the expansion of production. More copper stills and storage space has allowed the distillery to continue expanding throughout the nation, getting their whiskies in more consumer’s hands. Having readily available products is something whiskey fans can appreciate, in a time where the demand has greatly surpassed the supply. Here at PlumpJack we raise a glass and toast to you and yours, we hope you have a great holiday season and a happy new year! Price: $81 per bottle Mashbill: 72% Corn 22% Rye 6% Malted Barley TASTING NOTES Color: amber Aroma: caramel apple, persimmons with cinnamon, black pepper, subtle tangerine, rye grain Taste: delicate entry with notes of red apple skins, black pepper, cinnamon, crushed white flowers, oak tannin Finish: dry, medium long
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