Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Dry Land Distillers. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
In Longmont, Colorado at Dry Land Distillers they make a spirit that is playfully nicknamed “30-mile whiskey.” It is the brand’s Colorado Antero Wheat Whiskey and, according to the producers, “everything about this whiskey occurs within 30 miles; growing, harvesting, malting, distilling, and consumption. (Even the spent grain goes to Black Cat Farm in Boulder)”.
It is the only known whiskey in the world said to be distilled exclusively from Colorado Antero Wheat. This grain was developed by Colorado State University with the help of local farmers. Co-founder of the distillery and award winning home brewer, Aaron Main said in a statement about it that “we designed our spirits to showcase the raw ingredients – the wheat, cactus, even raw sugar cane. All take center stage.”
Dry Land’s commitment to terroir driven whiskey has been well received in their home state. They are the winner of the 2020 Colorado Craft Distiller of the Year and Antero Wheat won medals at Denver International Spirits competition and Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Competitions last year.
This is the second Dry Land wheat whiskey that I have had the pleasure of sampling, the other being the distillery’s Heirloom Wheat. That expression was incredibly light with a clean finish, giving me the impression that these distillers know what they’re doing. I expect that Antero Wheat, bottled at 106 proof, will have some similarities to its wheat whiskey sibling.
If you’re looking for Dry Land spirits outside of Colorado you are largely out of luck for the time being. That is part of the charm of a hyper local product. Distribution is exclusive to the surrounding area and the rest of us will have to wait for their expansion or pay a visit to their small town tasting room. I wasn’t sure that I liked wheat whiskeys, but both made me wish that I lived in Colorado. There, you can pick up a bottle of Dry Land Antero Wheat single barrel single malt for $65 per 750 ml bottle.
Tasting Notes: Dry Land Distillers Antero Wheat
Vital Stats: Mash Bill: 100% Antero Wheat. Single barrel and single malt. 106 proof (53% ABV). No age statement.
Appearance: Honey
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Nose: Leather, slate and smoke are forward with warming notes of vanilla pudding, freshly baked cinnamon rolls and Mexican hot chocolate.
Palate: The palate is rich with sweet treats. Butterscotch sundae, glazed doughnut and salted caramel give way to charcoal smoke with a thick mouthfeel. The finish is medium length and stings with salt and pepper.
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