RoughStock Montana Bourbon Whiskey

Our whiskey uses 100% hard white spring wheat cultivated nearby at Wheat Montana Farms. This specific wheat variety, primarily used for baking, has a higher protein content than wheat typically used in distilling. Dubbed "Prairie Gold," it yields mellow, gentle notes during mashing and distillation, creating a unique taste from the start. After fermentation in our open-top Oregon fir tanks, it's double distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The pure, clean heart of the distillate is then aged in used pure malt casks. Maturing in these barrels allows the subtle wheat flavors to emerge without an overpowering oak character. Finally, it undergoes a brief finishing period of a few months in heavily toasted French oak, adding body and complexity to the finish. The absence of a distillery in Montana for over a century seemed regrettable. History suggests that exceptional whiskey relies on two key elements: outstanding grain and pure water. We are fortunate to have abundant supplies of both in Montana, rivaling any global location. With high-quality grain grown across the state and pure mountain snowmelt feeding our water sources, Montana is naturally suited for whiskey production. Indeed, exceptional whiskey. Situated at the foot of the Bridger Mountain Range in southwestern Montana, RoughStock Distillery handcrafts small-batch whiskeys with a western sensibility. We are Montana's first legal distillery since Prohibition and the first to produce whiskey in the state in over a century. Our base ingredients contribute to the purity and down-to-earth nature of our whiskeys, reflecting a true western style. The entire process, from grain milling to bottling, is carefully managed by our head distiller, maintaining high standards. We don't rely on automated processes, large factories, or external sourcing, nor do we use flashy gimmicks. You can expect simple, pure, 100% Montana-made whiskeys crafted by individuals passionate about making whiskey. We double distill our mash on the grain in custom copper pot stills, collecting only the quality heart of the distillate to preserve the original full flavors of the premium grains. It's then aged in custom American white oak barrels. Mature barrels are selected and blended for bottling. We do not chill filter our whiskeys, believing it removes essential oils and flavors that contribute to body, complexity, and character. Various factors influence the final taste: grain type, yeast selection, barrel specifics (toast/char), and local climate. Our barrel warehouse is temperature-controlled, and the frequent pressure fluctuations in our unique mountain region actively interact with the whiskey in the barrel staves. These elements, among others, impart distinct characteristics to the final product. We take pride in the fact that while our process is consistent, natural conditions dictate the final taste. Each bottle of RoughStock Whiskey is hand-signed with the batch number and the name of the individual responsible for its production. As a small-batch distillery, this information provides traceability and context for the unique flavor profile of each batch. Many distilleries blend numerous barrels for consistency, often at the expense of flavor. We celebrate the individuality of each small batch and its distinct flavor. A whiskey's age is merely a number, not an indicator of quality; it simply represents time spent in a barrel. A whiskey's maturity is determined by numerous factors, including age. A whiskey is considered fully matured when it achieves the desired flavor profile by the distiller, regardless of whether it took thirty days or thirty years. Our carefully selected barrels mature rapidly in our variable local mountain weather, achieving full maturity in a relatively short period. This is not a compromise on quality or maturity but rather a consequence of our unique mountain environment. We are confident you will discern the difference our handcrafted approach makes in every bottle. RoughStock Distillery meticulously crafts small-batch, western-style whiskeys using locally sourced grains. Our process emphasizes the premium grain without excessive oak influence. Our whiskeys offer a truly unique and unprecedented taste experience. We hope you concur.

Received as a sample from Drinks by the Dram. Nose: Barely perceptible. Requires deep inhalation to detect faint alcohol, fruit, and a light perfume. Palate: Mildly sweet at the front, then simply hot through the mid-palate and the rather brief finish. Faint hints of grain and sawdust. This might serve well as a mixer but was an underwhelming spirit to drink on its own. Rated 2 stars.

What's that strange smell? It resembles decaying fruit. More noticeable in the aroma than the taste, and it's quite off-putting.

I truly wished I could have enjoyed this more. It goes down rough. It definitely needs a mixer to mellow it out.

Completely awful swill. Undrinkable in every way.

The best I've ever had.