So, Oregon is the best, as everyone knows, but here’s another reason why: Oregon whiskey.
The November issue of Food and Wine Magazine has a great story by Nick Fauchald on page 170 about the rise of Oregon whiskeys, and credits our plentiful raw ingredients (grain, water, wood) and do-it-yourself spirit for a new revolution in American whiskey production. Of particular interest to me was this:
With “Whiskey Your Way,” amateur distillers make their own barrel of bespoke whiskey at House Spirits under [Lee] Medoff and [Christian] Krogstad’s tutelage. At the cost of around $5,000 (about $50 a bottle), Whiskey Your Way participants can customize their whiskey in whatever style they fancy: bourbon, rye, Irish, Scotch, or, if Medoff has his way, Oregonian.
So. Anyone wanna go in on a barrel with me?
Marleigh, the McCarthy’s Single Malt is difficult to find in Oregon even, because they do short runs and sell out very quickly. I ended up, no kidding, buying a bottle mailorder from binnys.com in Chicago.
All this excitement and I am still having a devil of a time turning up a bottle of Clear Creek Oregon scotch down here. I know someone in SoCal has one for sale!
I was … mostly … kidding about getting a group together and going in on a barrel, but I do appreciate the enthusiasm, kids! Sadly, the logistics of collecting $5000 and splitting a barrel sounds like a nightmare to me.
However! I do like your idea of finding a barrel and making our own, Lance. I actually have a storage unit that would be perfect for the aging, it’s right next to the Willamette River.
I think those barrels look a little fancy for our needs, and the spigot seems unnecessary. I’ve heard rumors that barrels can be found at homebrew shops, I’m going to look into it this weekend as we have plenty of homebrew options here in Eugene.
Stay tuned!
Another Californian here who would also be in on this, if the logistics worked.
Hey Lance, would something like
http://www.artisanbarrels.info
be something you’re looking for?
Jeff, you can put me down for two bottles! I would tend to go for bourbon or rye myself, but will happily go along with the consensus.
Cheers!
Why don’t you want the whole barrel for yourself, Jeff?
(Friend of Jason! in comment #6)
I’d be down for four bottles worth as well.
I’m in. Count me in for four actually. My desires tend more towards the rye end, but I’m all for supporting my old home state in this endeavor.
Sweet idea! Could a Californian get in on the action? I spent the first 23 years of my life there, that’s gotta count for something. I might even be able to get some friends to get on board as well.
Um Jeff,
How about you buy a barrel and we’ll make our own? I was hoping to do an unaged rye by Xmas this year. Are there any good coopers in the greater Eugene metro area? $100 for a barrel vs $5k for something you should be doing yourself seems a bit out there.
Okay, that’s three of us. Now we just need 997 more friends and we’re there!
Jeff
Why this Christmas!? Don’t they know I’m saving for a house?
Or, Can I get this somehow related to closing costs or a refurbishment loan? Decoration for basement bar refurbishment?
That’s a great idea. I’m interested in going in on this with you. Sent the link to a few friends as well.