Originally Posted by
exerda
Speaking of Smooth Ambler, I stopped by their distillery last weekend and tried several things of theirs you can't find in VA's crappy ABC stores.
I'm a fan of their 7 year bourbon and their 7 year rye, both sourced products. Tried the 10 year bourbon, which the server claimed was typically something those who like the 7 don't like (and vice versa). It was tasty, and I bought a bottle. I can't recall if it's wheated and the 7 is high rye content or vice versa.
They also had a 9 year release of the same stuff as the 7, single barrel. Not sure it's substantially better with 2 more years to it.
Tried the Contradiction, which is a blend of their sourced 10 and their own distilled bourbon with 2 years of age. (The 10 must be wheated as IIRC their distillate is high rye bourbon.) This is available in DC and MD. Bought a bottle.
They also had a 3 year expression of their own distillate, which though definitely showing youth has promise. They said they plan a wider release of it a couple of years or so. And they're growing their own rye now as well, with their corn coming from Indiana IIRC.
It's funny how you mentioned that those who like the 7 don't tend to like the 10 yo product (and vice versa).. I've always been a huge fan of the 7.. the first time I tried the 10 yo I hated it... way too sweet.. I got overwhelmed by caramel tones... then one night I was eating ice cream and I poured myself a glass... holy cow.. what a perfect pairing it was...
Their own distillate is a 60% corn, 20% wheat, 20% barley mashbill.. I haven't tried the yearling yet but I have heard that it shows promise..
It's great that they show the meatballs on their website.. just realized why the 10 yo is so sweet- it's a high corn product (75%).. and yes the 7 is a high rye...
It's good stuff; a buddy of mine flies his private plane into there from time to time and keeps inviting me to come....
FDW