Watershed Distillery, located at the epicenter of Ohio’s craft distilling scene in Columbus, has made a big impact by sweating the small stuff – small producers in particular.
When Greg Lehman and Dave Rigo founded Watershed in 2010, they were made intimately aware of the onerous restrictions that Ohio law placed upon smaller operations looking to grow their brand. Working together with other craft distillers, including their near-neighbors at Middle West Spirits, Lehman co-founded the Ohio Distiller’s Guild to push legislation making it easier for smaller scale distilleries to gain consumer recognition and distribute their products. The proliferation of microdistilleries in the state is testament to their success.
In the years since, Watershed has expanded their operations, but it has not changed their approach of celebrating the small details that make all the difference in distillation. They remain particularly vocal about sourcing their materials, even their barrels, close to home.
Tasting Notes: Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon
Vital Statistics: 120.8 proof. Aged six years, finished in apple brandy barrels. Priced at roughly $90
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Appearance: It pours a viscous amber.
Nose: The aromas from the oak barrel come in strong here, accompanied by the rich sweetness of medjool dates.
Palate: It’s hot, but it drinks smoother than the proof. There is a lot going on here. I even thought it was a bit “busy” at first, until I found it opened up really nicely after sitting in the glass for a few minutes. A couple drops of water could be added for a similar effect. There is sweetness here, but it plays in a supporting role to flavors of dried dates and figs with some spice moving into a light, herbaceous quality. The tannins in the finish linger for a while, giving one time to parse out the individual notes in a complex flavor.
