Tag: Old Scout Bourbon

Non-Distilling Producers of Whiskey

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Non-Distilling Producers of Whiskey

a discussion with MGP Ingredients, Inc.

Some time ago, Hannah and I were discussing distillers and the various whiskies they produce. We each have our favorites and not so favorite labels made by the big conglomerates:

  • Beam/Suntory
  • Brown-Forman
  • Buffalo Trace/Sazarac
  • Four Roses
  • Heaven Hill
  • Wild Turkey

As Hannah and I were talking and listing the product line ups, she called me out. She said I had a bias against non-distilling producers of whiskey (NDPs).

Her comment got me to thinking … Am I a bourbon snob? Do I really have a bias for or against a label just because I may or may not know the distiller? I didn’t want to think so.

Until our conversation I had only bought a few NDP products. Maybe I just hadn’t found one which fit my profile. Bottles had come from Bulleit, (both their regular Bourbon and their Barrel Strength) as well as a few (and somewhat obscure) hard to find bourbons from Hudson’s Baby Bourbon, Jefferson’s Reserve, Noah’s Mill Genuine Bourbon, and Willet Pot Still Reserve I had read about. Other than the Bulleit Barrel Strength, none really impressed.

THE TOPIC TRIGGER
Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey

Well, as often happens, the discussion went by the wayside. Then a chance purchase caught my attention: Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel. This was a decent bourbon. Soon after came Old Ezra 07 Year Barrel Strength (a bottle which is now always on my shelf along with a backup in the bunker). Prior to the Lux Row distillery in Bardstown, KY opening in 2018, Luxco did source both Rebel and Old Ezra distillate.

Then came the catalyst for this article: a Smooth Ambler Old Scout BWE Private Pick. The barrel purchase had been arranged by members of a local whiskey enthusiast group of which I am a member. MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGP) had distilled our barrel.

With the discovery, another whiskey article quest had begun. After an extensive internet search, I sent an email referencing our potential post about contract distillers to MGP via their website. Several email exchanges later, I connected with Jenell Loschke, Public Relations and Content Manager at MGP.

MGP INGREDIENTS, INC. BACKGROUND

MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions. Since 1941, MGP has combined their expertise and energy aimed at formulating excellence, bringing product ideas to life collaboratively with their customers. MGP Ingredients was once known as Midwest Grain Products and to the layperson, the name has stuck with the acronym.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey
Lawrenceburg Distillery night hero, photo courtesy of MGP

MGP’s branded spirits portfolio covers a wide spectrum of brands in every segment, including iconic brands from Luxco, which was founded in 1958 by the Lux Family. (MGP purchased Luxco in April, 2021.) Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Their branded spirits mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners.

For more information, click MGP Ingredients.

ABOUT LUXCO

You may be aware of Luxco and their diverse line of products, from whiskeys (e.g. Ezra Broof, Rebel, George Remus, etc.) to tequilas and even gins (El Mayor, Burch Gin, etc.) Distilleries for all of these products are equally diverse, from Kentucky, to Washington D.C., as well as Ireland and Mexico.

Click Luxco Brands, to learn more.

Ms. Loschke was unable to confirm or deny for which bottlers her company distills …

While there’s a lot of discussion and speculation about which whiskeys are sourced from MGP, we don’t disclose our customers due to strict NDAs.

… but did indicate an interest in learning more about the direction and parameters we intended to take in our story. We exchanged a few ideas and decided the best way to prepare for the article would be via a question and answer exchange.

After choosing my topics and writing down my questions, I transmitted the list. A week or so later I received a reply from David Dykstra, Vice President of Alcohol Sales and Marketing at MGP. Following is our dialog …

WhiskeyfortheAges: Thank you for working with me on this project. Let’s jump right in.
WftA: Why would a distiller/bottler choose to partner with MGP?

David Dykstra, MGP: Distillers choose to partner with MGP because we are collaborative, flexible and deliver consistent quality at any scale. We work with—and champion – customers of all sizes, from startups to multinationals, with products and services that best meet their unique needs. With a new brand, for example, we can provide aged product to generate income while their operations are ramping up. Our work with established brands can range from ensuring a reliable supply to creating a customized mash bill or a unique medley of our time-tested products.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Finally, our spirits are proven. MGP is one of the largest U.S. distillers and one of America’s top multi-line producers (meaning non-brand affiliated) of premium distilled spirits. We are the largest U.S. producer of rye whiskey and distilled gin.

WftA: What benefit does a distiller/bottler get by partnering with MGP?

MGP: The benefit of partnering with MGP is our commitment to best addressing each customer’s individual needs. Our approach is not cookie-cutter.

WftA: What kind of guidance does MGP provide to its clients?

MGP: We are attuned to consumer trends. MGP can help a customer identify and quickly leverage opportunities. Our experienced sales and R&D teams are always available to provide one-on-one consultation.

WftA: What does MGP do for its clients?

MGP: MGP offers one-on-one consultation, product development, custom mash bills and tailored formulations via the expertise and collaboration of our master distillers and master blenders, barrel finishes/wood inserts, whiskey maturation and storage, and a variety of shipping options including via totes, tanker, or rail car.

WftA: How many recipes/mash bills/yeast strains does MGP offer potential clients?

We offer more than a dozen standard mash bills. Each can stand alone or be mingled to create the precise flavor a customer wants. MGP also collaborates with customers to create proprietary, customized whiskey and bourbon formulations, as well as custom gin formulations. We work with five yeast strains identified as best used for five types of spirits: rye whiskey, wheat whiskey, light whiskey, gin and vodka.

WftA: How much leeway does MGP give its clients in the development of mash bills/recipes and the like?

MGP: We support customers’ dreams and their desire to create stand-out spirits. That’s why we offer infinite customization options, including work with less-common grains.

WftA: Does MGP offer bottling and labeling services for their clients?

MGP: No.

WftA: How does MGP help new non-distilling producers of whiskey with product until their own distillate is ready to be bottled?
When do typical partnerships end?

MGP: It is difficult to define a “typical” partnership and when it might end, given the individualized approach we bring to our work.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey
photo courtesy MGP

We help get new distillers up and running with aged product, offering a minimum order of four barrels for standard mash bills. In addition, MGP serves as an on-going supplementary source for a brands’ needs throughout their lifecycle. Once a spirit is produced, we can ship it to the customer for maturation and customization at their distillery. Or we can mature and customize the product in our warehouse on their behalf. We help address variations in demand and production the brand may have.

WftA: How does a brand contact MGP?

MGP: They can reach us through our website, via email (sales@mgpingredients.com), or by calling 888-897-3836.

WftA: In behalf of our readers, I would like to thank you for your time and for assisting with my questions. I am sure they will enjoy our exchanges.

MGP: Thank you for thinking of us!

WRAP-UP

So what did I learn??? MGP can help any size bottler or distiller (including start-up crafts) by providing them with aged product until their distillate is ready. They can also help seasoned companies who may need an assist with recipes and inventory. In addition to warehousing, MGP offers the ability to ship product to their customers via totes, tanker, or rail car for maturation and customization at the bottler’s or distiller’s own facilities.

Finally as I was proofing this post, I decided maybe I have been a bit of a snob when considering product from an NDP. With my new-found knowledge I will now be much less reluctant to try offerings with “Bottled by …” labeling. What do you think? Can you too relax your standards?

Click the .. LEAVE A REPLY .. button in the field below to share your thoughts on Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey and the products they offer.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey
written October 2021 by Brian Dawson
Editor, WhiskeyfortheAges.com

Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick Review – Old Scout

Original review written August 10, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

While I had Smooth Ambler on a vacation, bringing this home and sipping it again doesn’t quite live up to the standard I’ve created in my head. Woody and salty, I find this leaves my palate confused and lost. 82/100

VITALS:
Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick Review

– Made In: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA
– Distillery: Midwest Grain Products (MGP)
– Bottled by: Smooth Ambler Spirits, Maxwelton, West Virginia, USA
– Classification: Bourbon Whiskey; Private Barrel Pick
– Age: 5 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=60%; Rye=36%; Malted Barley=4%
– Casks: unpublished char
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 58.4% (116.8 proof)
– Barrel #: 24339
– BW1=Smooth Ambler, Boise Whiskey Enthusiasts (BWE)
– Price: $52.95 USD in Idaho

For more information, visit smoothambler.com and mgpingredients.com/distilled-spirits/beverage/product/bourbon/bourbon-36-rye.html

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn glass with sister, Elora, as well as father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine sitting outside, perhaps in the middle of a wood. Looking up, I can picture seeing birdhouses, standing out in bright colors and decorated with songbirds and chirping. Smooth Ambler belongs with the earth and is meant to be surrounded by nature. Settle in, bury your toes in the dirt and let nature take over the senses with Old Scout sitting in the soul.

Photo by Johnny Brewer on Unsplash

NOSE:

Caramel and butterscotch leap from the glass with a bit of earthy nuttiness chasing just behind it. The nuttiness is very reminiscent of unsalted peanuts, and even still settled in their shells. Deeper inhales bring out a savory oakiness, smoke of a mild barbeque, and a freshly baked rye bread. There’s almost a vegetable quality, perhaps like a potato starch, though it is still very fresh and not at all unpleasant. I find a slight hint of black pepper and sea salt, but otherwise, the spices are very gentle and mild. The sea salt pairs with the aforementioned caramel along with a bit of dark chocolate for some sweetness. I do not find any fruit here whatsoever.

PALATE:
Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick Review

– Mouth Feel: This is very soft and velvety on the tongue, with only a slight zing of an alcohol tingle.
– Balance: Wood forward, yet still mostly balanced. The saltiness might be a little heavy at times and cover other flavors slightly, but it does add an interesting dimension to the bourbon overall.
– Visual: Carrot in color, there are long legs that disappear quickly, but the crown lingers for a good while.

– Taste: The freshly shelled peanuts, pine nuts, and corn come across the palate first, along with some smoky, oaky sawdust. The smokiness is a lot like the bark on a cut of cooked meat. The rye bread from the nose is here again, with the rye lifting the natural depth of the bourbon a bit. I taste a leather element that seems to be seasoned with a rich herbal quality, like a sprig of rosemary. I find a rich, but odd sweetness, almost like brown butter. The other sweetness noted on the nose is still here also, but seems more confined to a salted caramel.

The alcohol tickles just slightly, but otherwise is mild and blends with the freshness of the herbs. A small amount of sweetness emerges when I partake in the Kentucky chew, with brown sugar apples taking lead. The salt kicks in again and once again, makes the palate quite savory.

To be sure, this is a good bourbon; however, the savory flavors and surprises around every corner of this whiskey make it difficult to predict. It makes my mouth salivate for the saltiness, but without a poignant spice or juicy fruit, I can’t help but feel slightly lost. The woodiness and corn accents make this definitely bourbon, but by also being nutty and almost meaty, my palate just doesn’t know what to do.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. I get some flavors that stick around for a while, but any kind of bourbon heat dissipates quickly.
– Between Sips: Sea salt, fresh and bright rye, and a certain tang linger between sips. I wouldn’t say it’s a citric acid, but it does make the back corners of my mouth tingle a little.

– No More: Salted caramel and toffee color the empty glass with sweet oak. If the pour itself had tasted more like this, I know I would have enjoyed it more, because this empty glass smells incredible.

WORTH THE PRICE?

This is a good bourbon to be sure, but at over $50, the uniqueness of flavors and confusion settling on my palate makes me hesitate. I think the price is fair, and I’m sure for some, this would be an absolute steal. However, as it doesn’t quite line up with my preferred flavor profiles and leaves me more lost than found, I do not think I will be purchasing again.

I would like to note that I did enjoy this bourbon before partaking in reviewing it. I had been in the company of friends and family, and that can have more than enough effect on any pour to make an event enjoyable. And while I would have loved to have encapsulated that joy and carried it to an existing bottle at home, a part of me is happy to have left the bubble around the campfire of my vacation. There, it can always exist as a distinct point in time when everything tasted warm and delicious.

SMOOTH AMBLER BWE PRIVATE PICK REVIEW RATING: 82/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 82/100 to access other whiskies with this rating.

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