Awildan Distilling Small Batch American Single Malt Whisky Review

 


Almost three years ago, I visited what was then the newest Wisconsin distillery. It is called Awildan Distilling. Founded in nearby Sun Prairie in February 2020 by Jeff Olson, the distillery equipment was all ordered, and then COVID-19 hit. The production of his copper pot stills from Portugal by Hoga Company was set aside, and Jeff was stuck waiting it out. In December 2021, he resumed setting up the distillery and began producing whisky, rum, and genever.

 

Jeff’s two hand-hammered stills have custom-made heads and lyne arms, allowing him to embrace traditional Scottish distilling methods. One is a 600-liter tank, and the other is a 100-liter tank. All of his distilling is done in-house in obviously small batches. He also employs an electric boiler and chiller.

 

Jeff and I met because of his mother, who I had never met. She posted a proud momma Facebook update talking about Jeff’s brand-new facility. I saw the post, decided that I needed to see what the hoopla was all about, and discovered Jeff had opened his doors only two days prior! He asked me how I heard about it, and it was the subject of a good laugh. I recall him mentioning that his mother was his biggest cheerleader. That’s how it should be, right?

 

Jeff’s “spiritual” journey started as a home brewer before becoming the head brewer at Madison’s Karben4 Brewing. In 2017, he went to Scotland and engaged in a week-long production opportunity at Strathearn Distillery, which is Scottland’s smallest, and from there, he was hooked.

 

Jeff utilizes Golden Promise barley, a heritage variety primarily grown in Scotland. He then uses Kveik, a Scandinavian yeast strain that has been used for brewing for centuries. His fermentation process averages about three days, and he double-distills it in his copper pot stills. The hearts are used to make whisky or to be redistilled with botanicals for genever, while the heads and tails are saved for a future spirit run.

 

Awildan’s newmake has an entry proof of 123° and is aged three years in 30-gallon used barrels from Driftless Glen of Baraboo and FEW Spirits of Evanston, Illinois. Jeff also made barrel-aged spiced rum, and afterward, he used it as a finishing cask for his American Single Malt.

 

On June 7, 2025, Jeff held his Small Batch American Single Malt Whisky release party. Naturally, I had to go. I was shocked to see how much his distillery had grown; he had taken over the space previously occupied by the other businesses. I went to the tasting room upstairs, had a neat pour of his whisky, and did the #DrinkCurious thing.

 

And now, it is time for my honest, no-strings-attached review.

 

  • Whiskey Type: American Single Malt
  • Distiller: Awildan Distilling
  • Age: 3 years   
  • Mashbill: 100% malted Golden Promise barley
  • Cooperage: Vintage 30-gallon barrels
  • Alcohol Content: 62.7% ABV (125.4°)
  • Price per 750mL: $65.00 at the distillery

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to explore the whisky neat. The liquid was brilliant gold; it formed a thicker rim, which, in turn, released a wavy curtain of thick, fast tears.

 

Nose: After allowing the whisky time to breathe, I brought the glass just under my nostrils and inhaled. The aroma was rich, featuring notes of butterscotch, pears, cocoa powder, and oak. I opened my mouth and took in the air, which revealed a healthy dose of dark chocolate and orange zest.

 

Palate: The texture was dense and buttery. While the initial sip warmed my throat, my palate was already acclimated for the second. On the front, I tasted cocoa, butterscotch, and toffee. My mid-palate was met with notes of roasted almonds, figs, and pipe tobacco. The back featured notes of clove, cinnamon, and oak spice.   

 

Finish: The freight train finish rolled on and on. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, oak spice, cocoa, vanilla, and toffee made for a complicated journey. The duration held for 2:46, and I found my tongue and gums were left buzzing.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Three years is a long time for aging American Single Malt in 53-gallon barrels. Many distilleries turn out delicious ones anywhere from six months to two years. Add to that the fact that Jeff used 30-gallon barrels, which means it is approaching elderly status.

 

The result is an excellent sipping experience from the beginning to the end. The whisky is well-balanced and drank at about its stated proof. Also notable is the fact that, unless I knew Jeff used smaller barrels, there were none of the common tells to clue me in.    

 

I didn’t want to spill the beans on how I acquired this whisky. Let’s just say I was so impressed I took a Bottle home and cracked it open for this review. 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.

 


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