Draft #12: Transition

Written By Michael Bloom

My goal this time was to create an eminently enjoyable dram, uncomplicated and satisfyingly rich.  This meant emphasizing balance over complexity and creating a blend that is neither too sweet nor too spicy with just a hint of smoke.  I used the ratios from the balanced and bright draft #4 as a blueprint, and iterated from there.

I also knew that Draft #12 was going to be a transitional blend, in part out of necessity and part by choice.    Necessary,  because several of the whiskeys used in initial blends were no longer available either because I was using limited edition bottlings (Old Potrero, Westland, Journeyman, PeachTree);  they have limited distribution to Illinois, (St Augustine); or distilleries shuttered (Rich Grain Distilling, MS & Crouch Distilling, SC).  Where I made new choices, I often selected a different product offered by the original distillery.  (See details below) I see the stable of State bottles growing, providing  opportunities  to experiment with different mashbills and styles (and revert back to old favorites when given the chance!)

Due to the transition, I included more than one whiskey from the same State seven times. (You can track the doubles by noting duplicate States in the Bottle Gallery). There are 58 whiskeys in Draft #12, a new high.

New Distillery: 

Change: Same distillery, new expression 

  • New Riff, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Bottled in Bond

  • Atelier Vie Distillery, RIZ, Louisiana Rice Whiskey

  • Santa Fe Spirits Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey

  • Westward Whiskey, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, Pinot Noir Cask

  • Sons of Liberty Spirits Co, Battle Cry, American Single Malt Whiskey

  • Westland American Single Malt Whisky

  • Driftless Glen Distillery, Driftless Glen Straight Rye Whiskey Single Barrel

Michael Bloom
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