Review of Denmark Distilling's Bourbon & Sorghum Whiskeys

 

One of the many things I love about Wisconsin is discovering yet another hidden craft distillery. We have quite a few of them; I find a new one every year or so. It is also one of the things I love about Distill America because it provides that vehicle of introduction.

 

In 1848, Danish immigrants founded a small village named Denmark in central Wisconsin. Today, it has about 2300 residents; it remains quaint and authentic to its Scandinavian roots. Brewing began in 1934 with the Denmark Brewing Company. It was one of the busiest in Wisconsin in its heyday before shuttering in 1947.

 

In the 1990s, Jim Ploetz was bit by the brewing bug. He started as a homebrewer and then moved into serious beer making. While that happened, Jim delved into the world of mead wines and sakis. He entered his wines at the Wisconsin State Fair and earned several ribbons as an amateur. Jim and his wife, Suzi, opened Duck Creek Vineyard and Winery in 2013 at Suzi’s childhood home.

 

In 2018, Jim and Suzi wanted to expand their horizons and started Denmark Distilling, making vodka, rum, moonshine, and sorghum whiskey. Later, gin and Bourbon were added to the portfolio.

 

“There is a rich history of moonshine in the Denmark area since County Road R used to be old highway 141. There are stories of Al Capone running moonshine during prohibition through this area and staying at the Maribel Hotel since there were a lot of caves that he could use as a hide out.” – Denmark Distilling

 

In 2021, Jim and Suzi completed the circle by founding New Denmark Brewing Company, paying homage to the area’s original. All three entities are on the same campus.  

 

Today, I’m exploring two of Denmark Distilling’s whiskeys: Noble Synergy Bourbon and Sorghum Whiskey. Jim assured me that these are very popular among his customers. I thank him and Suzi for providing me with these samples in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest reviews.

 

Let’s #DrinkCurious and discover what these are all about. For the record, I’m tasting each from Glencairn glasses.

 

Noble Synergy Bourbon Whiskey

 

• Mashbill: Undisclosed, at least 51% corn
• Age: At least six months
• Cooperage: 10-gallon new, charred oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80°)
• Price: $48.00 for a 750ml

 

Appearance: The Bourbon possessed a matted-orange color. It formed a thick rim with big, crawling tears.

 

Nose: I smelled sawdust, corn, nutmeg, grass, and a kiss of barrel char. Inhaling that vapor through my lips exposed me to earth. For the record, sawdust is extremely common when aging whiskey in smaller barrels.

 

Palate: The Bourbon’s mouthfeel was soft, almost like distilled water. I immediately tasted caramel and vanilla on the front of my palate. Midway through was fresh leather, while the back had charred oak and wood spice flavors.

 

Finish: Barrel char, fresh leather, and vanilla dominated the finish. The duration ran about 40 seconds, which is medium in my book. It was slightly warming despite the proof.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Because Noble Synergy Bourbon is aged in 10-gallon barrels, six months should be plenty and can easily be the barrier separating having something drinkable or over-oaked. That’s precisely where Noble Synergy hits. Any longer would bring it past the tipping point.

 

The leathery taste kept the oak in check with its tangy sweetness. While some experienced drinkers might scoff at 80°, there are some whiskeys where that’s the upper limit. Again, the smaller cooperage has an impact. Less water would translate to sharper, overoaked notes.

 

In all likelihood, Noble Synergy Bourbon would make for a fun cocktail base. There is enough there to carry through. As a neat sipper, this wasn’t something I’d gravitate to. The price is fair; about $50.00 is standard for craft distilleries. As it stands, I suggest trying this at a Bar or the distillery before committing.

 

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Sorghum Whiskey

 

• Mashbill: Locally-grown sorghum
• Age: At least six months
• Cooperage: 10-gallon new, charred oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80°)
• Price: $48.00 for a 750ml

 

Appearance: The Sorghum Whiskey was the color of raw honey. A massive rim shed thick, lightning-fast tears.

 

Nose: The sawdust quality was unmistakable. Beneath was made up of vanilla sugar cookies and muted molasses. Drawing the air into my mouth produced more vanilla sugar cookies.

 

Palate: My first sip revealed a thin mouthfeel. Gingerbread and caramel flavors met the front of my palate. The middle offered orange zest and a taste of Carroway seed. I found molasses and anise on the back.  

 

Finish: Carroway seed, anise, and gingerbread remained for about 55 seconds, placing it in a medium-long duration.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Few distillers dabble in Sorghum whiskeys, making them attractive in that aspect alone. I’ve had a handful over the years, and Denmark Distilling’s version holds up well. I’ve never had one aged in such small cooperage, and while I’m sure it has some effect on the flavor, it wasn’t notably impactful.

 

As with the Nobyl Synergy Bourbon, the Sorghum Whiskey is priced in line with what many craft distillers charge for their wares. The Sorghum Whiskey is unique and has enough flavor to make it worth purchasing a Bottle. 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 to do so responsibly.