Whiskey Notes 7.25

The Block Distilling Co. 6 Year Straight Whiskey

Some of you might remember that my whiskey adventure kicked off about eleven years ago when I attended a Denver Whiskey Club event with my brother. That experience of learning and tasting all those unique whiskeys inspired me to start the Western Slope Whiskey Club and bring you incredible whiskeys and experiences every month.

Back in mid-October 2018, around 40 of us from the DWC headed to The Block Distilling Co. in Denver's RiNo district. We were there to help create a special barrel of whiskey.

A week before the event, Jake Norris (the first master distiller at Stranahans and then AD Laws Whiskey House), Kraig Weaver (co-owner & distiller at The Block Distilling Co), and Ryan Negley (my whiskey mentor, ASM ambassador, and whiskey blender) got together to whip up a unique whiskey recipe.

Once the whiskey was distilled, we got to fill the barrel at the event. We all signed the barrel and set it aside to age. Then the waiting game began. For three years, every time I visited The Block Distilling Co, I asked when it would be ready, only to hear, “Not Yet”. Just goes to show you can't rush a good whiskey.

Finally, in December 2024, Jake, Kraig, and Ryan decided the whiskey was ready to bottle. It was six years old and Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof. The cask only produced 160 bottles.

Here are the details of this whiskey:

• 41.2% Serenade Malted Barley from Troubadour Malting in Fort Collins, CO

• 13.7% Metcalfe Malted Barley from Rootshoot Malting in Loveland, CO

• 20% Malted Rye from Colorado Malting Company in Alamosa, CO

• 25% Oats from Whiskey Sisters in Burlington, CO

It aged for 6 years in Canton Cooperage 53-gallon barrels made from new American white oak. These barrels were yard-seasoned for 36 months and had a Char 3 with Toasted Heads, which really helped the whiskey soak up those unique flavors.

This whiskey is a true collaboration of Colorado grains, talent, and environment. The end result captures the essence of Colorado whiskey. It was crafted when American Single Malt whiskey was just starting to gain traction in the U.S., and not many distilleries were experimenting with a mashbill of more than 51% malted barley. I hope you enjoy this flavor-packed whiskey as much as I do and take the time to savor all its nuances.

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