One of the BEST Craft Distillers - Islay of American Whiskey

Summary

In this engaging review, Ryan explores Rock Filter Distillery's unique approach to whiskey-making, drawing parallels to the distinct flavors of Islay Scotch. He delves into the distillery's innovative use of Cherrywood-smoked grains, creating a fusion of smoky and sweet flavors reminiscent of Midwest campfires. Ryan's personal anecdotes and vivid descriptions of tasting the Fence Jumper and Black Hammer whiskies provide a sensory journey that highlights the distillery's identity and the craftsmanship behind their products.

Takeaways

• 🥃 The video discusses Rock Filter Distillery, a craft distillery known for its innovative approach to whiskey production.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳 Ryan compares Rock Filter to the Isle of Islay in Scotland, known for its distinctive, heavily peated scotches, suggesting Rock Filter has a similar unique identity in American whiskies.
• 🌲 The distillery is based in Minnesota and uses Cherrywood to smoke many of their grains, imparting a campfire note with a bright, fruity sweetness.
• 👨‍🎓 The founder of Rock Filter Distillery is a veteran, and the brand's website features humor and a narrative of transitioning from combat to distillation.
• 🌽 The 'Fence Jumper' is a bourbon with a mash bill of 51% Axin green corn and 49% Cherrywood smoked winter rye, named after animals sampling the corn.
• 🔨 The 'Black Hammer' is a cask-strength, 100% corn whiskey with a third of the grains smoked with Cherrywood, offering a robust and unique flavor profile.
• 👃 In the tasting notes, the 'Fence Jumper' offers a semi-smoky rye whiskey nose with butterscotch and a hint of campfire, while the 'Black Hammer' has a deep, maroon color and a nose reminiscent of old Jack Daniels with a farmland and apple fritters scent.
• 👄 The taste of the 'Fence Jumper' is grain-forward with smokiness and sweetness, evoking memories of Midwest farm culture and bonfires.
• 💰 The 'Black Hammer' is priced around $70-75 and is described as unique, adventurous, and very drinkable, with flavors of campfire smoke and harvest particulates.
• 🏆 Rock Filter Distillery stands out for its unique identity and flavor profile, setting it apart from other craft distilleries and making it a notable choice for whiskey enthusiasts.
• 📦 The video encourages viewers to try Rock Filter products for a unique whiskey experience, suggesting that it would pair well with Southern barbecue flavors.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Ryan?

The main focus of the video is to explore and review the products of Rock Filter Distillery, a craft distillery known for its innovative approach to whiskey making.

What does Ryan appreciate about craft distilleries?

Ryan appreciates that craft distilleries should innovate, push boundaries, and do so successfully without creating an unpleasant drinking experience.

How does Ryan describe the whiskeys from Rock Filter Distillery?

Ryan describes the whiskeys from Rock Filter Distillery as having a unique profile with a campfire note, bright fruity sweetness from being smoked with Cherrywood, and having a strong identity similar to the Isle of Islay in Scotch whisky.

What is special about the 'Fence Jumper' bourbon from Rock Filter Distillery?

The 'Fence Jumper' bourbon is special because it contains 51% aoxin green corn and 49% Cherrywood smoked winter rye grains, giving it a unique flavor profile with a campfire note and a bright, fruity sweetness.

What is the significance of the name 'Fence Jumper' for one of the whiskeys?

The name 'Fence Jumper' comes from an incident where the distillery's oxin green corn was sampled by animals that jumped the fence, thus 'tasting' and approving the corn.

What is the mash bill composition of the 'Black Hammer' whiskey?

The 'Black Hammer' whiskey has a mash bill of 100% corn, with a third of the grains smoked with Cherrywood, and it is bottled at cask strength.

What is the proof of the 'Fence Jumper' bourbon?

The 'Fence Jumper' bourbon is 94 proof.

How does Ryan relate the taste of the whiskeys to his personal experiences?

Ryan relates the taste of the whiskeys to his childhood memories of being on a farm, experiencing Midwest farm culture, bonfires, and the smell of harvest dust in the air.

What does Ryan suggest about the uniqueness of Rock Filter Distillery's products?

Ryan suggests that Rock Filter Distillery's products are unique and have a strong sense of identity that can be easily recognized among other whiskeys.

What advice does Ryan give to those who want to try something different from the usual whiskey options?

Ryan advises those looking for something different to try Rock Filter Distillery's products, as they offer a unique and enjoyable tasting experience that stands out from typical whiskey options.

How does Ryan describe the community engagement on his channel?

Ryan encourages community engagement through his Patreon supporters and invites viewers to join their Discord community, emphasizing the value of the shared experience and discussion around the whiskeys.