Low Gap Debuts Artisan Bourbon, 4 Year Old Wheat Whiskey

American Craft Whiskey Distillery, despite the straightforward name, is not likely a craft distillery many know of. They operate in Mendocino County, California, in the historic Germain-Robin facility, itself noted for producing highly sought-after brandies created on an antique French still. This same still is also used to produce the distillery’s Low Gap Whiskey products, which won the 2012 Whiskey Advocate’s Artisan Whiskey of the Year award.

All of this background is to bring you up to speed on two of the newest releases from Low Gap: a bourbon and a four year old wheat whiskey. Both are now just coming to market, and I expect they will do quite well in craft whiskey circles as word of them spreads.

First, the Low Gap 4 Year Wheat Whiskey. It is described as being made from 100% Bavarian hard wheat that’s double distilled onsite on the old cognac still before being aged four to five years “in a special selection of new and used” oak that includes Limousin oak. It has been bottled at 45.5% ABV, and prices around $75.

While wheat whiskey is an established product category for Low Gap/American Craft, the bourbon is a bit of an experiment in a new direction. It is said by founder Crispin Cain to be “the pinnacle of our whiskey production.” Here’s exactly what is in this spirit that was aged in new Missouri oak, once again according to Cain:

In 2010, we started making whiskey in earnest, but I waited to make bourbon until I was fully confident about the whole production process.

The nose is full, with butter, vanilla, sweet corn, and oak. At 43.2% ABV the bourbon is approachable and smooth. Extremely likeable and friendly, this whiskey is both something to keep and something to share.

The bourbon’s mash bill includes 65% corn, 20% malted barley, and 15% malted rye. Complete fermentation to dryness, and double distillation in an old Cognac still, lend this whiskey its best qualities. A straight bourbon, it has been aged for two years in new bourbon barrels.

The Low Gap Bourbon is pricing at $65. Both whiskies look to be interesting offerings from some liquor craftsmen at the top of their game.