I was first introduced to the Stillhouse brand of whiskey at its tailgate party before a football game this fall. Eager to try more after that experience, I accepted an invitation to sample two bottles.
Stillhouse, which is distilled in Columbia, Tenn., launched in February and comes in original, apple crisp, peach tea, coconut, mint chip and red hot. Wisconsin is one of the first states in which it’s sold, and it generally retails for $27.99.
You have to admit the bottle is really unique. The whiskey comes in a stainless steel red can that resembles an oil can. I have to imagine it’s easier to transport these bottles than glass bottles to, say, a tailgate.
“This is a crafted whiskey in an innovative package, and we will continue to be disruptive in everything we do,” Founder and CEO Brad Beckerman said in a release.
I’ve sampled several other moonshine (clear corn) whiskeys, and most of them too closely resemble rubbing alcohol. Fortunately, Stillhouse’s original version (80 proof) is much more enjoyable. In fact, it’s got a surprising smoothness, and it leans on the sweet side. I drank it neat, on the rocks and in a mixer, so it’s versatile in that regard.
Meanwhile, the red hot whiskey (all flavors are 69 proof) also did not have a harsh bite. The best way to describe it is whiskey with a dash a cinnamon mixed into it. It’s just fine all by itself.
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Here are some recipes from Stillhouse:
Cran Apple Fizz
1 oz. Stillhouse Apple Crisp whiskey
2 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. soda
Garnish with a lime wheel
Stillhouse Mule
2 oz. Stillhouse Original whiskey
3 oz. ginger beer
4 squeezes of lime
Garnish with a lime wheel
Pineapple Express
2 oz. Stillhouse Coconut whiskey
3 oz. fresh pineapple juice
Garnish with a pineapple wedge
Tags: whiskey
