gearpatrolJan 27, 2024, 6:03 AM

Chapter 4: Craft Vs. Big Bourbon

Here's how to tell the difference between the big guys and the small distillers. View in Browser There are around 2000 craft distilleries across the country now, and many of them make bourbon that

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There are around 2,000 craft distilleries across the country now, and many of them make bourbon that is very different from what the corporate giants are distilling. Some of these young distilleries are still learning their craft, using smaller barrels for aging and releasing younger whiskeys–arguably a work in progress. But we are now entering an era in which craft distilleries are giving the big dogs a run for their money, and really bringing creativity and innovation to the industry.

Just like Big Bourbon, the craft world has many different options to consider, so here are some of the best to start with while exploring this category.

FEW Spirits
Located just outside of Chicago in Evanston, IL, this distiller has been making bourbon and other spirits for the past decade. FEW recently released a limited-edition 10th Anniversary Bourbon, made from a mash bill of four grains, as well as a bottled-in-bond version of the flagship bourbon.

Kings County Distillery
On the East Coast, Kings County Distillery has been making bourbon in the heart of Brooklyn since 2010, making it the oldest distillery in the city to operate since Prohibition. Try the Straight Bourbon, made from a mash bill of 80 percent corn and 20 percent barley. There’s a peated version available as well, if you are a fan of smoky scotch.

Frey Ranch
Some other craft bourbon of note comes from Frey Ranch in Nevada, which is a true field-to-bottle operation, the young Kentucky Peerless located in Downtown Louisville, and California’s Redwood Empire which released its first bourbon distilled entirely in-house this past fall.

The best way to get a sense of the difference between these types of whiskeys — both within the craft world, and then the difference between craft and big bourbon — is to taste side by side. Here are some suggestions of bourbons to try together.

Craft vs. Craft
Pit FEW’s bottled-in-bond up against Redwood Empire’s bottled-in-bond to compare the texture and flavor of these similarly aged 100-proof bourbons.

Craft Vs. Big Bourbon
Or see how craft compares to the big dogs–Kentucky Peerless’s Double Oak bourbon undergoes a similar secondary maturation as Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked, but the two are markedly different in flavor.

Next up, we’ll explore the world of brands that source their bourbon instead of distilling it themselves.

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.

Further Reading

• The Best Whiskey Distiller You've Never Heard of Is Finally Getting His Due

• 5 Bourbon Makers to Know Before They Go Mainstream

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