For those who’re out exploring or snowboarding within the Jap Sierras and want a spot to quench your thirst, Shelter Distilling could have you lined. This craft distillery situated in The Village at Mammoth within the shadow of Mammoth Mountain has been cranking out every thing from agave-based spirits to beer and canned cocktails for years with a give attention to innovation and distinctive components. Extra not too long ago, a few of their choices have begun to see wider distribution past California. We obtained samples of two bourbons and a younger single malt. Ideas comply with.
Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon – Considered one of 9 totally different whiskey choices within the Shelter portfolio, that is one thing of a flagship for the distillery. It’s a very small batch mix of solely 2 or 3 barrels and distilled from a four-grain mashbill of California blue corn, wheat, barley, and rye. Aged at the least one 12 months and non-chill filtered. The youth is ever-present on the nostril, which showcases large, uncooked grain notes, a lacing of smoke, and undertones of recent tire rubber that fortunately dissipate with time to within the glass. The blue corn presents up a singular and interesting cereal component with notes of grilled peach, anise, and heat nuts. The palate is front-loaded with sweet corn and licorice earlier than a gently peppery midpalate units in, accented with baking spice. The end is heat, dry, and surprisingly inexperienced with recent mint and bell pepper. Fascinating and displaying promise however in all probability needing extra time within the barrel. 90 proof. B / $50
Shelter Distilling Single Barrel Blue Corn Bourbon – The identical bourbon as above however drawn from a single barrel and aged twice as lengthy (at the least two years). The aroma is drastically totally different, infused with traditional barrel notes of toffee, baking spice, and butterscotch which, at first, utterly overwhelm the distinctive grain dimension seen within the youthful expression. With time to open a little bit of stone fruit arrives and a few nuttiness, however issues keep solidly within the wheelhouse of youthful, conventional bourbon. The palate presents up a bit of extra nuance with early notes of weak black tea and ginger that give manner on the midpalate to butterscotch candies, wintergreen, and a few delicate astringency. The end is brief with notes of chocolate and peppery oak. It’s a better sipper, however much less attention-grabbing than the Small Batch. 92 proof. B / $70
Shelter Distilling American Single Malt Whiskey – The one single malt in Shelter’s whiskey secure, made with Colorado-grown malts which were double pot distilled, rested on Hungarian Oak chips, after which aged in American oak for at least six months (in case you haven’t seen a theme, Shelter is happy with their younger whiskeys). The aroma presents a well-balanced sweetness with notes of sunshine roasted malt, delicate gingerbread, and a little bit of pipe smoke. It’s nice sufficient however clearly missing the depth of age. On the palate, high notes of ginger snaps and pie spice are nearly buttery earlier than evolving on the midpalate to tinned peaches and vanilla pudding. The end lingers with barrel char, stone fruit and heat spice. Missing some power and complexity, nevertheless it’s a nice and really drinkable single malt. I’d be curious to style this one with extra age on it, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a transparent favourite of the three. 90 proof. B+ / $50
Shelter Distilling American Single Malt Whiskey
$50
