Whiskey Review: Door County Distillery Single Malt Whisky

Named for the eponymous Wisconsin county in which it is situated, Door County Distillery incorporates the surrounding terroir into its spirits. Single-source ground water from the Door Peninsula, naturally infused with limestone and minerality, is collected and treated in preparation for the distillery’s “artisanal” copper pot still, which was imported from Germany.In a similarly local vein to its water sourcing practices, the mash for Door County Distillery Single Malt Whisky comes from Shipwrecked Brew Pub in Egg Harbor, a microbrewery also located within Door County.

Master Distiller Kyle Thomas has described Door County Distillery as “craft distilling with a local flair,” and credits the distillery’s success in part to being on-trend with their spirit offerings. Since opening its doors in 2011, Door County Distillery has expanded from producing vodka, cherry vodka, and gin to producing several varieties each of vodka, gin, brandy and whiskey, along with bitters and moonshine. It is reportedly the first distiller in Door County to produce several of these categories.

At the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Door County Distillery took home several awards for its spirits, including a silver medal awarded to its Single Malt Whisky. It also won gold in the Single-Malt Whiskey category at the 2016 Denver International Spirits Competition. Door County Distillery Single Malt Whisky has received additional awards and accolades as well – including a double-gold medal at The Fifty Best’s first American Single Malt Whisky Tasting in 2016, and a gold medal at the same competition in 2017.

Tasting Notes: Door County Single Malt Whisky

Vital stats: Door County Single Malt Whisky is made in small batches, incorporating mash from Shipwrecked Brew Pub, aged in American oak and is “100% Door County.” It is finished at 80 proof.

Appearance: Wildflower honey hue. Poured to a paler yellow.

Nose: Immediate but gentle notes of white grape, brine, Chinese five spice. A hint of salt water taffy. Once poured, a tinge of lacquer.

Palate: All-around mellow, in flavor and mouth-feel. Flavors of preserved lemon were balanced by warmer ginger tones that lingered in the aftertaste. Warming, without being spicy.