In Columbus, Ohio, there
exists a micro-distillery called Watershed
Distillery. Initially thought up by partners Greg Lehman and Dave Rigo,
they translated that plan into a working distillery in 2015. They started with
a small still, then joined by a larger one from Headframe Spirits in Montana.
Watershed was the second
post-Prohibition legal distillery in the state, and it maintains a restaurant
on-premises. The distillery utilizes locally-grown ingredients, and some are
unusual.
“We founded Watershed Distillery on the principles of community in 2010. We wanted to live in, work in and contribute to the community in which we grew up. We aimed to create spirits that stood apart in quality and character. Along the way, we set out to form a community of our own. One that could gather together to savor, celebrate and enjoy good spirits and company.” – Watershed Distillery
That brings us to Lost Lantern, an independent bottler of
American whiskeys. I’ve reviewed a handful of its releases, most of which
earned Bottle ratings. Lost Lantern just released its Fall 2021 Cask program,
and one of those casks is from Watershed.
Named Fall 2001: Single Cask #2, it is a five-grain Bourbon distilled
from a mash of corn, rye, spelt, malted barley, and wheat. I’ve had whiskeys
made from unusual grains, but I can say with confidence spelt isn’t one of
them. Spelt is an ancient grain related to wheat, rye, and barley. The newmake aged
five years in 53-gallon new, charred oak barrels coopered at Independent Stave Company. Non-chill
filtered and naturally colored, Lost Lantern packaged it at barrel proof of
118.8°. Only 160 bottles exist, and a 750ml
will set you back $100.00.
Before I #DrinkCurious, I’d like to take a
moment and thank Lost Lantern for providing a sample on Single Cask #2 in
exchange for a no-strings-attached, honest review.
Appearance: Served neat in my Glencairn glass, this cask
strength Bourbon appeared as the color of dark chestnut. It formed a thinner
rim that created thick, slow legs that fell back to the pool.
Nose: Aromas of corn, nutmeg, caramel, toasted oak,
and leather filled the air. As I drew that into my mouth, menthol caressed my
tongue.
Palate: I discovered an oily mouthfeel with a medium
body. The front of my palate found caramel, corn, and candied orange slices.
The middle featured vanilla, baked apple, walnut, and leather. Then, on the
back, I tasted tobacco leaf, black pepper, and toasted oak.
Finish: Medium to long in duration, caramel, candied
orange slices, old leather, walnut, oak, and black pepper held out for a sweet
and spicy finish.
Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Watershed Distillery’s Bourbon drank far beneath
its stated proof. There is no way in the world you would convince me it was
118.8°, as it was such an easy sipper! While I wasn’t a fan of the menthol note
from the nosing, that’s such a small part of the experience it is easily
dismissed. Everything meshed as you’d want, and I’m not sure if that’s due to
the unusual ingredient of spelt. Whatever it is, it works, and I’m happy to
convey my Bottle rating for it.
Cheers!
My Simple, Easy to
Understand Rating System
- Bottle = Buy It
- Bar = Try It
- Bust = Leave It
Whiskeyfellow encourages
you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.
Comments
Post a Comment
As we should drink in moderation, all comments are subject to it. Cheers!