Independence Day stands as one of the most significant occasions on the American calendar. Each year, Americans worldwide commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which marked the transfer of power from the British and the dawn of the United States as we recognize it today.
In the realm of beverages, July 4th shines a spotlight on American whiskey and timeless cocktails. Many will turn to their cabinets for a glass of bourbon or a toast with rye whiskey. However, the landscape has expanded beyond these traditional selections.
In the past decade, a surge of craft and artisan distillers has entered the scene, challenging conventional ideas about American whiskey. These innovative distilleries now span across the country, each contributing their unique flair. Below, we explore eight pioneering establishments that are reshaping perceptions surrounding American whiskey.
Balcones
Founded in 2008, Balcones was ahead of the curve when it came to American craft distilleries. Their mission was straightforward: to break the mold and redefine the possibilities of American whiskey. Their Texas location alone indicated their departure from tradition, as the state was not typically associated with whiskey.
Now, nearly 15 years later, Balcones continues to lead the charge. Their innovative spirit has inspired countless others in the industry. Their diverse offerings include bourbon, rye, single malt, and even a unique smoked whiskey known as Brimstone.
Corsair
Established in 2008, Corsair has grown to embrace three distillery locations—its original in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and two newer sites in Nashville, Tennessee, making it the first craft distillery in that city since Prohibition. Early on, Corsair focused on experimenting with various heritage grains, achieving considerable success.
Having solidified its place in the market, Corsair now centers on a core range of single malt and rye whiskeys. A standout product is the Corsair Triple Smoked, a single malt that is uniquely smoked using peat and cherry and beech woods.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
FEW
Located in Evanston, Illinois, FEW has earned a reputation over the past decade for its diverse lineup, focusing on bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskies. A noteworthy release is the Brainville Rye—crafted in collaboration with the band The Flaming Lips.
Founder and Master Distiller Paul Hletko, also a former president of the American Craft Spirits Association, has significantly advanced the country’s artisanal spirits scene. With such a strong background, FEW is a distillery to keep an eye on in the years ahead.
High West
When considering American whiskey, Utah might not come to mind immediately, but High West is changing that narrative. As an early leader in the artisan distilling movement, the Park City distillery initially focused on rye whiskey and has since released superb expressions over the past decade.
Among its notable offerings is the Bourye—an inventive blend of bourbon and rye whiskey. Also impressive are Rendezvous Rye and Double Rye, along with a newly released single malt. This highlights the exceptional quality found in craft distilling.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Whistlepig
This rising star in the whiskey landscape is renowned for its exceptional straight rye offerings. Although the whiskey is initially distilled and matured in Canada, it continues its maturation journey at Whistlepig Farm in Vermont.
Since its inception in 2007, Whistlepig has become one of the few American brands to consistently include age statements on its labels, featuring whiskies aged 10, 12, and 15 years. While rye often plays second fiddle to bourbon and single malts, Whistlepig is elevating its status to rightful prominence.
Kings County
Situated in Brooklyn, New York, the Kings County microdistillery specializes in bold craft spirits, offering a selection that includes bourbon, corn, rye, and single malt whiskeys, as well as various flavored liqueurs.
Initially based in a warehouse in the Kings County area, the distillery later relocated to the historic Paymaster Building at the Brooklyn Naval Yard. This expansion allowed for state-of-the-art stills from Scotland, further enhancing their production capabilities. Complementing their urban appeal, the distillery’s bottles are reminiscent of vintage pharmacy containers.
Buy now at Kings County Distillery
Stranahan’s
Founded in 2003, Stranahan’s is one of the oldest craft whiskey distilleries in America. Nestled in Denver, high in the Rocky Mountains, it was the first facility to legally produce whiskey in Colorado. From its inception, the distillery has sourced all its barley from local suppliers.
The Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is widely regarded and has achieved somewhat of a legendary status. Be sure to look out for their limited-edition Snowflake release each winter, which has become a collector’s favorite and sells out quickly.
Westland
For over a decade, the Westland distillery, located in downtown Seattle, has been a trailblazer in the American single malt scene. The Pacific Northwest has emerged as a hotspot for craft brewers and distillers, and founder Matt Hoffman zeroed in on single malt production early on.
Westland utilizes a distinctive mash bill made from five different types of malted barley, and often incorporates regionally sourced ingredients like Washington state peat and Garryana oak, the latter of which is native to the west coast and is used for their annual limited-edition bottling.
