Side Gig Whiskey: Discover Storm King's Small-Batch Craft Spirit in 2024
Specialty whiskey enthusiasts have been buzzing about Storm King Distilling Co.'s award-winning Side Gig Whiskey. This exceptional whiskey recently won Best American Whiskey at the World Whiskies Awards, elevating its status among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. With a price point recently increased from $65 to $85, it still remains a reasonable purchase considering its exceptional quality.
Unlike many other offerings, Side Gig Whiskey benefits from the meticulous craftsmanship and unique aging process employed by Storm King Distilling Co. This hard-to-find whiskey boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, making it a prized addition to any collection. The distillery’s commitment to quality is reflected in each bottle.
For those interested in purchasing, availability can be limited due to high demand. If you have a chance to acquire a bottle, whether from a local shop or directly from the distillery, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. The balance of flavors and the prestige that comes with an award-winning whiskey make Side Gig Whiskey a standout choice for any aficionado.
Exploring Storm King Distilling Co.
Storm King Distilling Co. blends the rich agricultural heritage of Colorado with expert craftsmanship to produce exceptional spirits. The distillery leverages the unique climate and resources of the Uncompahgre Valley to create distinctive products.
History and Heritage of Storm King Distilling
Founded in Montrose, Colorado, Storm King Distilling Co. embraces the area's agricultural roots. The distillery is housed in a historic building, reflecting the longstanding traditions of the Montrose Fruit and Produce Association. Their grain is sourced from local farmers, showcasing the rich heritage of the Uncompahgre Valley. By focusing on locally grown ingredients, Storm King celebrates the region’s agricultural history while also supporting local economies.
Craftsmanship Without Pretense
Storm King Distilling Co. is known for its meticulous and honest approach to spirit crafting. They emphasize quality without unnecessary frills. Their Side Gig American Whiskey represents this ethos. Created as an evolving blend of straight whiskeys, it showcases creativity and precision. The distillery produces small batches, ensuring attention to detail in each product. Their methods prioritize flavor and authenticity, highlighting their commitment to producing top-notch spirits.
The Role of Colorado's Climate and Resources
Colorado's unique climate significantly influences the production process at Storm King Distilling Co. The Uncompahgre Valley's altitude and temperature variations enhance the aging process of their spirits. New charred American Oak barrels are used, imparting distinctive flavors to the whiskey. Additionally, the pristine water sources available to the distillery contribute to the purity and quality of their products. Utilizing local resources aligns with the distillery's philosophy of honoring its surroundings and making the most of what the Colorado landscape offers.
The Making of Side Gig Whiskey
Side Gig Whiskey is a unique blend born from creativity and high-quality ingredients. The journey of crafting this whiskey involves meticulous selection of raw materials, a careful distillation and aging process, and masterful blending to achieve the perfect flavor profile.
Selecting Quality Raw Materials
The foundation of Side Gig Whiskey starts with selecting the finest raw materials. This whiskey uses a blend of corn, red wheat, and other grains. The red wheat is sourced from Burlington, Colorado, and is chosen for its unique contribution to the whiskey's profile.
The balance of red and white wheat, along with corn, provides a base that is both sweet and grain-forward. This precise selection ensures the whiskey has a rich palate and a distinctive nose, laying the groundwork for the complexity of flavors.
The Distillation and Aging Process
Once the grains are selected, the distillation process begins. Storm King Distilling uses traditional methods to distill the mash, focusing on maintaining the integrity of the grains’ natural flavors. The whiskey is then aged in new charred American Oak barrels for a minimum of three years.
This aging process in oak barrels imparts a deep color and enhances the whiskey's character. The barrels’ charred interiors infuse the spirit with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, contributing to its well-rounded palate and smooth finish.
The Art of Blending and Flavor Profiling
Blending is where the true art of creating Side Gig Whiskey comes to play. The master blenders at Storm King Distilling meticulously combine different straight whiskies to craft a flavor profile that evolves over time. This evolving blend allows for innovation and uniqueness in each batch.
The final product boasts a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice, with a nose that captures the essence of its high-quality ingredients and a finish that is both satisfying and memorable. Through skillful blending, Side Gig Whiskey stands as a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
The Side Gig Whiskey Portfolio
Storm King Distilling Co. has established itself with the Side Gig Whiskey portfolio by blending innovative techniques with traditional processes. The portfolio caters to whiskey enthusiasts with a preference for unique flavors and high-quality blends.
Exploring the Range
The Side Gig Whiskey collection showcases various unique offerings. Each release aims to provide a fresh experience: experimental mash bills, non-traditional cask sizes, and distinctive blends.
Consumers can experience Side Gig Whiskey Batch No. 7 with a 45% ABV, which has received positive reviews. Each batch is crafted with careful consideration, creating an adventure in every bottle. The company also includes occasional special releases, further highlighting the creativity and dedication behind each product.
Awards and Recognition
Side Gig Whiskey has garnered significant acclaim in the industry. In 2023, it was named the world's best American whiskey by the World Whiskey Awards, a prestigious competition respected internationally. This honor reflects Storm King Distilling Co.'s commitment to excellence.
With 91 points out of 100, scored by tastings.com for Batch No. 7, Side Gig Whiskey stands as a top-tier choice. This recognition highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and quality that goes into each batch, earning the brand a well-deserved spot in the spotlight.
Enjoying Side Gig Whiskey
Discovering Side Gig Whiskey offers a rich adventure of flavors, whether you're enjoying it neat, crafting sophisticated cocktails, or pairing it with your favorite foods.
The Neat Experience
Sipping Side Gig Whiskey neat reveals its true character. This spirit boasts a blend of straight whiskies, resulting in an evolving taste profile.
Expect notes of citrus and spice, alongside a hint of fresh sweet corn. It's a discovery of each ingredient with every sip. This method allows the drinker to appreciate the distiller’s love and passion for their craft.
Cocktail Crafting: Old Fashioned and Beyond
The versatility of Side Gig Whiskey shines in cocktail crafting. An Old Fashioned made with this whiskey stands out with its complex flavors. Use a dash of bitters, a sugar cube, and a twist of orange peel to complement its base notes.
Additionally, experiment with other cocktails. A whiskey sour with Side Gig Whiskey might become your signature drink, highlighting its citrus undertones.
Pairing with Food
Pairing Side Gig Whiskey with food enhances its flavors. It goes well with savory dishes like grilled meats, where its spice notes stand out.
For a delightful contrast, try it with cherries or a rich chocolate dessert. The spirit’s sweetness balances the bitterness and richness of these foods, offering a well-rounded tasting experience at any event.
Each method of enjoying Side Gig Whiskey opens up a new way to appreciate this unique spirit.
Visiting the Distillery
Storm King Distilling Co. offers a unique experience for spirit enthusiasts visiting Western Colorado. Guests can enjoy guided tours, tasting sessions, and engage with the local community through various events.
Tours and Tastings
Guests can embark on a guided tour of the distillery, which walks them through the intricate process of crafting award-winning spirits like Side Gig Whiskey. The tour provides insight into grain selection, mashing, fermentation, and aging, highlighting the distillery's commitment to quality and passion for their craft.
The tastings element lets visitors sample a range of offerings, from the acclaimed Colorado Straight Bourbon to the sweet, grain-forward Colorado Straight Wheat Whiskey, fostering a deeper appreciation for each spirit's unique profile.
The Tasting Room Experience
The Tasting Room at Storm King Distilling Co. offers a comfortable and inviting space for guests to savor their spirits. Designed to reflect the rustic charm of Montrose, Colorado, it features local décor and a welcoming ambiance.
Visitors can purchase bottles of their favorite whiskeys and enjoy curated tasting flights that provide a well-rounded experience of the distillery's best. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide guests through the tasting process, ensuring an informative and enjoyable session.
Community Involvement and Local Events
Storm King Distilling Co. actively contributes to the local community by hosting events and participating in regional activities. They organize both educational and celebratory events, such as whiskey pairing dinners and seasonal festivals, which foster a sense of camaraderie among locals and visitors alike.
Their commitment to community involvement reflects the company's love for Western Colorado, helping to build a loyal following and promote a deeper connection with their brand. These efforts not only celebrate their passion for spirits but also strengthen the cultural fabric of the state.
Purchasing and Collecting
Side Gig Whiskey offers enthusiasts various options for purchasing and collecting unique bottles. Individuals can explore available products, find reliable online sources, and delve into special limited editions that make excellent additions to any collection.
Available Bottles and Where to Buy
Storm King Distilling Co. produces Side Gig Whiskey as part of their diverse lineup. Notable releases include 3 Year Old Side Gig American Straight Whiskey and Batch No. 7.
These bottles are available through select retailers in the United States, particularly in states where whiskey production and consumption are most prominent, like Louisville.
Local liquor stores in Colorado and regional outlets often stock Side Gig Whiskey. Enthusiasts should check stores that specialize in craft spirits for better availability.
Online Shopping and Website Information
For those looking to purchase Side Gig Whiskey online, Storm King Distilling Co. provides a secure checkout system via Square on their official website. Detailed product descriptions, pricing, and availability can be found here.
Retailer websites, like those of major liquor stores, may also offer various Side Gig Whiskey selections. Look for options that include customer reviews and ratings to ensure informed purchases.
Shopping online delivers convenience and access to exclusive batches that might not be available locally.
The Collector's Corner: Limited Editions and Special Releases
Side Gig Whiskey enthusiasts seeking to elevate their collection should look out for special releases and limited editions. Batch variations and anniversary bottles often come with distinct labeling and unique flavor profiles.
Production runs are sometimes small, making these bottles highly sought after among collectors. Engage with online communities and forums where collectors discuss their findings and trade limited editions.
Tracking these releases can be done through the distillery's website and reputable alcohol distribution networks. Collecting such rare bottles adds a layer of prestige and variety to one's whiskey collection.
The Business of Craft Whiskey
The craft whiskey industry has evolved significantly in recent years, marked by notable market growth and unique challenges faced by small distilleries.
Market Trends and Growth of the Craft Whiskey Industry
The craft whiskey market has shown substantial growth, driven by increasing consumer interest in premium and artisanal products. Sales of craft spirits have outpaced the overall market, with craft whiskey experiencing a surge in popularity.
Key trends in the market include a focus on unique flavor profiles and locally sourced ingredients. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for small-batch, artisanal spirits that offer a distinct taste experience. This shift has led to an increase in demand for craft whiskey, prompting new distilleries to enter the market. Additionally, innovations in distilling techniques and aging processes contribute to the diverse offerings available.
According to industry data, the sales volume of craft whiskey has been growing at a rate of over 10% annually. This rapid expansion is a testament to the changing preferences of drinkers who are seeking quality over quantity.
Challenges and Opportunities for Small Distilleries
Small distilleries face unique challenges, including high production costs and competition from established brands. Financing can be a significant hurdle, as the initial investment for equipment, ingredients, and aging barrels is substantial. However, these obstacles also present opportunities for differentiation.
Craft distilleries can capitalize on their flexibility to create innovative products that cater to niche markets. For example, Storm King Distilling Co.'s Side Gig American Whiskey represents an effort to utilize surplus whiskey and create an evolving blend that attracts consumers looking for something new and unique.
Local regulations and distribution hurdles can also impact small distilleries. Successful navigation of these challenges can lead to increased market presence and brand recognition. Small distilleries that invest in direct-to-consumer sales channels and build strong relationships with local retailers can find lucrative opportunities in a competitive market.
