American Toasts: Coast to Coast

With the American Toasts: Coast to Coast Tasting Box, you're not just tasting whiskey; you're exploring the essence of America in each sip. Let’s dive in!

From the rolling hills and rustic charm of Vermont on the East Coast comes WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon. These folks believe in doing things their way—only using their grain, water, and wood. With corn, rye, and barley, this bourbon is aged for six years in Char #3 barrels. Imagine enjoying this bold yet sweet bourbon while sitting under a Vermont maple tree, pondering life's great mysteries, like why there are so many pigs here.

Next, we pause right in the heart of the country, amidst the grandeur of Colorado's majestic peaks with the 10th Mountain Bourbon Whiskey. Named in honor of the soldiers who trained in the nearby mountains for WWII, this bourbon is a tribute to resilience and strength. Made from 75% locally sourced Colorado corn, it’s smooth and medium-bodied, just like sipping liquid gold while surrounded by the crisp mountain air and breathtaking vistas of Vail.

Our last stop is Arnold, California on the West Coast, home to the eco-friendly Hinterhaus Distillery. This family-run gem values sustainability and has strong connections to the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Hinterhaus Calaveras Cask Finish Bourbon is a blend of carefully selected straight bourbons, finished in local wine casks for added depth and regional character. Named after the nearby Calaveras Big Trees National Park, known for its towering sequoias, this bourbon is as complex and memorable as the giant trees themselves.

Embark on a coast-to-coast whiskey adventure and savor the stories behind every sip!
 

Smartass Corner
 
1) American whiskey is a diverse playground for the palate, featuring bourbons, ryes, exotic varieties made from grains like wheat and spelt, and, recently, even single malts. 

2) American whiskey isn’t confined to just one style or region. Producers from coast to coast embrace local ingredients and innovative techniques, making every sip a new adventure. 

3) Bourbon rules refer to manufacturing methods rather than location. Bourbon must be matured in new and charred American white oak casks for at least 2 years. If the bottle has no age statement, the bourbon is at least 4 years old. No coloring or flavoring of any type is allowed, and the mash bill must contain at least 51% corn.

4) Bourbon was declared ‘The Official Spirit of America’ by an Act of Congress signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

5) WhistlePig’s master distiller, Dave Pickerell, was a luminary in the whiskey world. Before joining WhistlePig, he made his mark at Maker's Mark. His expertise brought WhistlePig to life with its first 10-year-aged rye.

6) WhistlePig is not just a name; it represents a unique farm and distillery in Vermont, surrounded by 500 acres of rye and experimental crops. 

7) Although WhistlePig's heart is in Vermont, its soul stems from Canada. The brand’s initial rye stock was sourced from Alberta, proving that great whiskey knows no borders.

8) The 10th Mountain Division arrived in Colorado in the 1940s to train a few miles outside of Vail so they would be prepared for the harsh climate of the Italian Alps. Based in Camp Hale, they were later deployed to Italy's Apennines Mountains to battle the German army in WWII. (Spoiler alert: they did more than well.)

9) More than just great whiskey, 10th Mountain Bourbon supports various veteran-focused charities, honoring its namesake division’s legacy of courage and service.

10) Calaveras Big Trees State Park is famous for its towering giant sequoias. These majestic trees have been wowing visitors since 1852, with the tallest ones standing proudly at over 250 feet. One of the park's quirky attractions is the Discovery Tree, a stump of a felled giant sequoia that has served as a dancing hall, bowling alley, and bar.