The American Whiskey Starter Kit Vol. 2

In this box, each sip tells a story, a tale of American heritage and innovation, of tradition and rebellion. This is your opportunity to explore the nuances of American whiskey, discover new favorites, and deepen your appreciation for the incredible versatility of the US’s beloved spirit.

Let's kick off our journey with American Metal Whiskey, born from the untamed ethos of the American Metal Custom Shop. This small-batch whiskey mirrors the craftsmanship of meticulously built custom cars and bikes—a bold, full-throttle flavor with a smooth finish that cuts through the ordinary. Crafted for those who forge their own path, every pour is a nod to the open road, independence, and grit.

Next stop, Stranahan's Blue Peak Single Malt Whiskey. Named after a breathtaking peak in Aspen, this dram is a true love letter to the Rocky Mountains. Aged for 4 years in new American oak casks, it's finally finished Solera-style, making it as complex and captivating as the alpine scenery that inspired it.

Our final stop, Milam & Greene Triple Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is a premium bourbon steeped in Texas pride. Blended from three bourbons—spicy Texas, rich Kentucky, and structured Tennessee—it’s a perfect mix of heritage and innovation. Bottled at 94 proof, it delivers warm, balanced flavors that honor Texas craftsmanship.

Now, grab your glass, and let's hit the open road. Adventure - and great whiskey - awaits!

SMARTASS CORNER

1. 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.

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

3. Bourbon and single malt whiskey differ in their base. Bourbon is corn-based (51% of the grain bill or higher), while single malt uses barley exclusively. When it comes to taste, bourbon tends to be sweeter than single malt. This is because corn has a higher sugar content than malted barley.

4. American Single Malt is the wild child of whiskeys! It uses any malted grain it likes. It disregards the Scottish pot distillation rule and distills in its own way. Geography? Anywhere goes!

5. American Metal Whiskey, founded in 2021 in Danbury, CT, stems from the award-winning American Metal Customs, known for turning classic cars and motorcycles into stunning blends of vintage style and modern craftsmanship.

6. Building a custom car from scratch can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on complexity and resources. A simple project might take 900-1,200 hours.

7. Entrepreneur Marsha Milam discovered her passion for whiskey during a visit to a Kentucky warehouse. This sparked the creation of Milam & Greene, where she teamed up with whiskey expert Heather Greene, master distiller Marlene Holmes, and brewer Jordan Osborne, combining over 90 years of expertise to craft exceptional whiskeys.

8. Milam & Greene’s unique approach involves aging whiskey in various climates across four states, resulting in a diverse array of flavors

9. Stranahan's, the first legal distillery in Colorado since Prohibition, pioneered the path for American Single Malt Whiskey.

10. A fire in George Stranahan's barn in 1994 led to an unexpected outcome. Jess Graber, a volunteer firefighter, helped extinguish the fire and discovered a shared love for whiskey with Stranahan. This ignited their venture into establishing the Stranahan’s distillery.