American Toasts: Coast to Coast Vol. 2

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.

Heading South to Texas, where everything’s bigger—including the attitude of Yellow Rose Harris County Bourbon. Here’s a bourbon that breaks all the rules. Made with 100% Texas yellow corn, this small-batch bourbon is aged in American oak barrels under Houston’s wild temperature swings—because in Texas, even the angels take more than their fair share. It’s the bourbon equivalent of Southern hospitality—big, bold, and unforgettable.

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. Harris County Bourbon is aged in Houston, where dramatic 15-20 degree temperature swings contribute to its unique character, resulting in a significant 15% angel's share per year.
    
9. Harris County Bourbon offers a refreshing departure from classic Kentucky bourbons, with tasting notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecan pie. Unlike Kentucky bourbons, which must have a mash bill of at least 51% corn, this bourbon goes BIG on corn, capturing the essence of Texas.
    
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.