By now, the world clearly knows that 95% of the world's bourbon is born in Kentucky. But did you know that all fifty states not only make whiskey, but they distill other unique spirits as well? Today, we travel virtually to Broad Branch Distillery in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to discover six very unique spirits, ranging from a 60 proof flavored whiskey to a 6+ year aged, 100 proof Rye.
We tasted the Broad Branch Distillery Spirits line up from 50 mL sample bottles. This includes four of their CORE spirits and two of their PREMIUM selections. This tasting was very unique, as it included North Carolina rum and a classic Carolina Spirit that was reminiscent of tequila. Don't get us wrong - we LOVE our bourbon and whiskey (and we tasted those too!) but it's always fun to discover new flavors and products outside of the famous distilled brown water.
BBD relishes the Blue Ridge Moutain distilling processes and they live by the mission to create the best products they can while employing the craftmaking of the Old World style. Though modern-looking and feeling, this team knows that time honored traditions of mashing, fermenting, aging and bottling spirits at the precise moment means that every bottle is getting the best that they have to offer. At BBD, you're going to find a contemporary twenty-first century building located in the Winston-Salem Arts District with friendly faces and welcoming vibes.
So let's get into the bottles...
First up is "Nightlab", representing a traditional, time-honored North Carolina 100-year-old recipe. This spirit was completely new to us and we couldn't wait to dig in. If you smelled and tasted this, you would swear, without a doubt, that you were drinking a high end tequila. This mash is comprised of grain, sugar cane and hops. While there is no agave here, there is that agave flavor profile. Most tequila is bottled at 80 proof, so if you like higher proof liquor, you will definitely want to set aside the Patron for this gem! It is extremely clean and easy to drink, whether in a cocktail, on ice or sipping neat.
ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)
Distillery: Broad Branch Distillery
Suggested retail price: $33.95
Drink The Bottles score: 90/100
While we don't know the mash bill on "Frank's Reserve" we can tell you that this bottle feels right. What does that mean? It means it is a very smooth, lower proof derived of grains, sugar cane and hops. This doesn't taste "hoppy" at all, likely because it was aged in European Chardonnay barrels and new American Oak barrels for 3 years each. The 6 year age statement is delivering a beautiful deep amber color with cherry pie and peppery spice on the nose and palate. We tasted this neat and while it is pretty straight forward, it is impressive in its own right. For someone who is wanting to taste different spirits and who hasn't garnered a taste for 100+ proof offerings yet, this one comes highly recommended.
ABV: 44% (88 proof)
Distillery: Broad Branch Distillery
Suggested retail price: $39.95
Drink The Bottles score: 87/100
All of the products we tasted from BBD were well received, but we have to admit.... we were very excited to pour and taste this one! This is their blueberry flavored whiskey, "Smashing Violet". We tasted this neat, on ice and blended with a dash of pulp-free lemonade (from concentrate). The pours were very small but introduced the palate to an inviting and absolutely delicious blueberry flavor. We picked up some hints of spice cabinet and subtle flavors of New York cheesecake after some air time in the glass. This one doesn't hit you in the face with an overwhelming blue monster, but that's because there are no added flavors, sweeteners or colors. You get two things here - whiskey and blueberries. This is crafted extremely well. They could have really made this a "go to hell" high proof party drink and we are glad they didn't. We think we need to buy a bottle and try this over vanilla ice cream!
ABV: 30% (60 proof)
Distillery: Broad Branch Distillery
Suggested retail price: $46.95
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
The Broad Branch Distillery "Sungrazer" Craft Rum was a great surprise for us as well. Nice light golden color, this triple distilled beauty ages in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels for 3 months, creating an sweet-smelling and flavorful finish. This is 100% Caribben molasses at the top of the game. The nose shows off some spring floral boquet, candied apricot, sweet hard candy and even some bubble gum notes with some air time and swirling. Mouth covering flavors of sweet caramel taffy makes this memorable and one to keep on hand for drinking neat or for some awesome cocktails.
ABV: 40% (80 proof)
Distillery: Broad Branch Distillery
Suggested retail price: $36.95
Drink The Bottles score: 90/100
When we started tasting this "Rye Fidelity" rye whiskey, we couldn't write our tasting notes and thoughs fast enough. From the medium hickory color to the long finish, we knew we were in for a ride! It's funny how many bourbon and whiskey drinkers we run into who immediately tell us that Rye "isn't their thing" because of the spicy feel and burn. So for them, we challenge them to taste this incredible bottle! We have personally really tasted some delicious Rye whiskeys this year and this one is definitely a contendor for our favorite! Mocha and muddled ripe berries on the nose, this Rye has a dominant chocolate pie with graham cracker crust flavor, mixed berry jam and some espresso bean flirting at your tongue with some time in the glass. It's extemely viscous and it completely covers your mouth. Incredible! This is North Carolina's only 6+ year single barrel straight rye whiskey and Broad Branch Distillery has set the standard. No, that's not right. They have set the bar for others to try to reach! We dare any other North Carolina distillery to produce a rye this fantastic!
ABV: 50% (100 proof)
Distillery: Broad Branch Distillery
Suggested retail price: $69.95
Drink The Bottles score: 95/100
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the second offering in the Broad Branch Premium Spirits category. This is "Big Winston", a 6-year-old straight bourbon whiskey. Mash bill unknown, this low rye bourbon Mahogany-colored bourbon presents notes of vanilla cream, spice cabinet, oak and wet tea leaf on the nose. Lovely brown sugar with hints of spice at first taste. Then joining are welcoming flavors of toasted nuts, vanilla custard and dried plum. The finish is extremely smooth. We tasted this one neat in a Glencairn and would love to try this in a cocktail. Well done!
ABV: 42.5% (85 proof)
Distillery: Broad Branch Distillery
Suggested retail price: $59.95
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
