76: Wanderback - American Single Malt Whiskey

American Single Malt Whiskey is on the rise and Wanderback Whiskey is right in the middle and playing a unique role. Phil Downer, Founder of Wanderback Whiskey, joins the Bourbon Lens to discuss the growing market category and what inspired him to create his unique brand.  Wanderback produces hand-crafted, limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon. Instead of making a flagship whiskey and reproducing the same taste over and over, Wanderback prefers to explore the endless possibilities of American whiskeys through partnerships.

Once distilled, their whiskey is transported to the family Farm in Hood River, Oregon for aging. Barrel selection is a deep passion and exploring unique cask types allows the whiskey to unveil its final and fullest expression. This process gives Wanderback the freedom to interpret endless iterations of limited edition American single malt whiskeys. They have currently released 3 batches and intend to release annually in addition to special releases. 

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Scott, Jake, and Michael
The Bourbon Lens

 

Links:

The Whiskey Wash - Wanderback Whiskey - A Sourced Whiskey Story Done Right

Hood River Oregon Tourism

Distiller.com - American Malt Whiskey

Seven Fifty.com - Emerging Styles of ASMW

Vine Pair - American Single Malt Whiskey

Esquire.com Best American Single Malt Whiskey Bottles

Whisky Advocate - American Malt Whiskey

American Single Malt Whiskey Commission

More About The Brand

Phil Downer founded Wanderback Whiskey Co. out of a strong passion for the burgeoning American single malt whiskey category, a belief that collaboration and transparency would create better whiskeys, and his desire to revitalize the family cherry orchard in Hood River, Oregon. Phil is currently completing his Brewing and Distilling Diploma at the famed Heriot Watt University in Scotland.

Wanderback has a unique mission and production process that combines the experience of top distilleries around the country with the mastery and vision of Wanderback’s founder, Phil Downer, to create small batches, of limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon that are unique, bold, and draw on the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

Details on the 3 Batches Enjoyed During this Episode

Batch No 1 American single malt whiskey
Made in collaboration with Westland Distillery in Seattle, our first ever American Single Malt whiskey release is an exceptional single malt made from a mix of four flavorful PNW barley malts and aged in new American oak barrels. Winner of the 2018 double gold medal from The American Distilling Institute.

Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Aged: Minimum 3 years
Distillation Type: Double pot distilled
Barrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks
Bottle Proof: 90 Proof

Batch No 2 American single malt whiskey

Batch No. 2 is made from the same grain bill as our first release. But, this time around we’ve explored unique finishes by transferring the whiskey into Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels at our farm in Hood River, Oregon. The additional six months in these barrels lends the whiskey a sweeter, savory and less smoky flavor profile. Winner of the 2020 gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Aged: Minimum 4 years in New American Oak then additional 6 months finishing in Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casks
Distillation Type: Double pot distilled
Barrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks plus 53-gallon Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casks
Bottle Proof: 100 Proof

Batch No 3 American single malt whiskey
Batch No. 3 is made from the same grain bill as the prior releases.This batch has been aged for a minimum of 5 years in new american oak and ex-bourbon barrels and finished in port wine casks. The port wine cask and the longer aging period have created a truly complete whiskey to add to our lineup. The effects of the port barrels display a smooth balanced mouthfeel with notes of dried dark fruits, cocoa nib, and toasted pecan. This is not your port forward whiskey. The true beauty of this whiskey is found in a happy medium of influence from the various casks used while not overshadowing the amazing product we started with.

Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Aged: 5 years in New American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels with an additional 6 weeks finishing in port wine casks.
Distillation Type: Double pot distilled
Barrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks plus 53-gallon French ex-port and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casks
Bottle Proof: 90 Proof