Sometimes, I drink whiskey with my neighbor. (He’s a relatively new dad with another on the way. Sometimes I share my stash with him. He’s happy I have this gig.) I was outside weeding recently when he rolled up on his bike after work, and we got talking. “I have a new one for you to try,” I said. “It’s from Montana.”
“Sure,” he scoffed. “Because that’s a place that’s known for whiskey.”
He did have a point. Montana has had some weird alcohol workarounds over the past century. Roughstock was the first to give it a shot. We covered some of it when we reviewed Roughstock’s bourbon; founded in 2005, Roughstock is based in Bozeman, Montana. It was Montana’s first distillery in more than 100 years, and has now led to the development of 14 more.
Roughstock was, at one point, a grain to glass operation. It unfortunately looks like they closed up, though if it is permanently or temporarily it is hard to say. They distilled using copper pot stills and aged their distillate in American white oak. They also specified they didn’t chill filter their whiskies, as it removes the flavors and oils essential to whiskey’s character. Their Wheat Mash whiskey is a 100% wheat whiskey made from hard white spring wheat grown close to the distillery, distilled twice, and aged in emptied malt casks. It’s unclear how long it’s aged; it’s referred to online as “lightly aged,” and it certainly is very light, but they make it clear it’s not white dog.
Tasting Notes: Roughstock Montana Wheat Mash Whiskey
Vital stats: 100% wheat, 90 proof, aged in malt casks, about $45.
Color: Very light, like ginger ale. Wan sunlight. Manila file folders.
Nose: It looks like ginger ale, and it smells like it too. Also: Old paper, banana, and hay.
Palate: Also very light! I was surprised, because I figured that something this light might have a bit of the white dog about it. But that’s not the case here. It’s delightful. It’s refreshing. I think those who might maybe be a little apprehensive around whiskey or think it’s too heavy or bitter would enjoy this one.
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And I’d encourage you to drink it neat. Ice might water it down too much and tamp down that light, fresh flavor. It finishes ever so slightly piney, with a 7-up or light soda vibe. I reckon this would actually quench your thirst (but if you are really that hot and thirsty, have a glass of water first: We don’t advocate dehydration here at the Whiskey Wash).
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