Four of the Midwest’s top craft distilleries are teaming up for an unprecedented collaboration. Corsair Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee, Few Spirits in Evanston, Illinois, Journeyman Distilling in Three Oaks, Michigan and Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire, Iowa each contributed 30 gallons of whiskey that was blended into what is being called “Four Kings” Bourbon Whiskey.
The project has brought a wide group of professionals to the table for a first of its kind offering. Four distilleries with four different distributors along with retail stores and bars have all joined forces to make this project possible.
“It was a crazy idea we had over drinks last spring in Chicago,” said Journeyman Distilling owner and distiller Bill Welter. “As craft distillers, we spend a lot of time at the same events and get to know each other. Craft brewers have been doing collaborative work for years, but it hasn’t seemed to cross over into craft distilling yet. We decided to give it a try.”
The idea really took hold when Brett Pontoni, the spirits buyer at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago signed on to help. “I had a meeting with Brett and threw the idea at him to see what he thought.” Said Mississippi River Distilling Company owner and distiller Ryan Burchett. “He liked it so much, he started making phone calls to bring all of the distributors together before the meeting was over.”
“Getting the distributors on the same page was probably the biggest potential hurdle.” Said Pontoni. “I told them we would sell as much as they felt they wanted to blend. The key was getting four companies who all compete in the marketplace to come together. But it was a breeze. Everyone saw the amazing opportunity to do something new.”
Monique Huston of Stoller Wholesale Wine and Spirits, who represents FEW Spirits in the Chicago market said the project has been exciting for everyone. “This has been such a fun opportunity to work with people that have become friends in the business, but often times are on the other side of professional fences.”
Jason Griffin is the business manager for craft spirits at Wirtz Beverage who represents Mississippi River Distilling Company in Chicago. He said this was an opportunity to grow not just one brand, but to grow craft spirits as a whole. “For us, this was a chance to do something completely outside of the box for the common good of growing the presence of craft in the marketplace.”
The four distilleries all sent 30 gallons of bourbon to Mississippi River Distilling Company early last fall. Each distillery contributed bourbon with the exception of Corsair Distillery who added 15 gallons of standard bourbon and another 15 gallons that included a smoked wheat. “We tasted through a lot of whiskies looking for something that might add a unique twist to the product.” said Andrew Webber, president and distiller at Corsair. “Wheat is so light and sweet, but the smoke gives it another dimension. In the blend, it gives the whiskey a sweet kiss of light smoke on the finish that I think people are really going to like.”
Due to the different mash bills from the four distilleries, the whiskey is comprised of four grains: corn, wheat, rye and barley. The combination is a distinctive whiskey. “We were able to sample the blend before it went back into barrels for finishing,” said Few Spirits owner and distiller Paul Hletko. “The really striking thing to me was just how clean and smooth it was. We have four great distilleries doing it right. I can’t wait to taste it after bottling.”
The product will land in Chicago just in time for “Whisky Week Chicago 2014” which is a celebration of everything whiskey from April 20-26. The product will be unveiled at Binny’s “World of Whiskies” tasting show on April 24. Following that event, Delilah’s whiskey bar will host a tasting party with all four distillers in attendance. Binny’s will be the exclusive retail outlet for the whiskey. With roughly 600 bottles produced, it is expected to sell fast. “The marketplace is so thirsty for quality craft spirits,” said Brian Ciske of BC Merchants who distributes Corsair spirits in Chicago. “You add the fact that this is a rarity in the business and we know it won’t last long.”
Joe Katz from Tenzing Wine and Spirits, who distributes Journeyman Distilling products, says plans are already in the works for another blend for Whisky Week 2015. “This has all gone so amazingly well. I think everyone is trying to figure out what the next expression could be. I know the guys have discussed a Four Kings Rye or maybe something completely different. It’s going to be fun to see what comes next.”
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