There’s no denying the appeal of American single malt whiskey. Although it’s only been a recognized category since January, several distilleries have been making it for years. It was so surprising that a name like Stranahan’s, Westward, or Westland didn’t take home the prize of being named American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at the London Spirits Competition.
The winner was a lesser-known whiskey called Root Shoot Spirits’ American Single Malt Whiskey, which should definitely be on your radar if you enjoy the style.
Root Shoot Spirits American Single Malt Whiskey
This bottled-in-bond American single malt whiskey is made from 100% Colorado-grown grain sown, grown, and malted at nearby Olander Farms, Root Shoot Malting’s fifth-generation family farm.
It’s matured for at least four years in American white oak barrels. According to the brand, the result is a memorable whiskey that begins with a nose of “and honey granola.” The palate has flavors like “alpine florals breeze across the palate, and the sip finishes with an alpenglow of rich pastry, faint cocoa dust, and long, lingering bright-yet-spicy flavors.”
Using the criteria of quality, value, and aesthetics, it won the top prize in a panel of more than seventy whiskey experts and industry professionals.
“Recognition for Root Shoot Whiskey is also recognition for the soil, sun, sweat, and stubbornness that went into making it,” says Root Shoot Farmer and Founder Todd Olander.
“Whiskey, especially single malt, is as good as its raw materials, and ours have been carefully cultivated for generations using lots of hard work, dedication, and regenerative agricultural practices.”
Where can I buy it?
Root Shoot American Single Malt Whiskey is available at Colorado alcohol retailers and online for the suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750ml bottle.
