Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by GrainHenge. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. Additional reporting for this review was contributed by TWW staff.
GrainHenge is made in the beautiful prairies of Alberta, Canada, at Troubled Monk, a popular craft brewery. That makes it part of the growing collection of whiskeys that exploit the inherent synergies between brewing and distilling, both of which hinge on fermented grains.
The name GrainHenge pays homage to the ancient henges that would be gathering places, places of awe and mystery. Think of Stonehenge or the mysterious stones in Outlander that allow for time travel. But it puts a distinctly Canadian spin on that idea, honoring the “grain elevators, mills and abandoned wood structures that are the iconic symbols of the prairies.”
Perhaps great whisky does inspire the same sense of curiosity and wonder that ancient rock henges do. How did they do it? For GrainHenge, it all goes back to the brewery. Each expression of GrainHenge Whisky is inspired by one of their beers. Meeting Creek, the subject of this review, is based on the recipe for Open Road American Brown Ale, a brew with roasty flavors.
Taking cues from that brown ale, the mash bill includes a variety of specialty malts that the distillers say contribute “caramel, chocolate, and coffee” flavors. It was aged for 40 months in new American oak casks, and bottled at cask strength.
Tasting Notes: GrainHenge Meeting Creek
Vital Stats: Mash bill of 2-row, amber, crystal, and chocolate malt. Aged 40 months in new, charred American oak casks. Made by Troubled Monk in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
Appearance: Yellow gold in color.
Nose: The nose on this whisky is amazing. I get notes of dried apricots, clover blossoms, and vegetables. It is both pleasant and sweet.
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Palate: The palate is just as unique as the nose but a bit different in flavor. It’s both savory and sweet. It is oily, with dark coffee, and chocolate. It’s a bit musty.
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