So much of whiskey is about the story, and Republic Restoratives have so much story that it’s hard to know where to begin. How about this for a tagline: It is “an urban, small batch, women-owned distillery and craft cocktail bar in the heart of Washington, D.C.” On top of that, it was an IndieGoGo-funded start-up that exceeded its ask in seven days, and really got going in 2015. Wait, even more: All of its barrels have a high-language “R” as a shout out to Gallaudet University, which is a stone’s throw from the operation.
Being women in whiskey shouldn’t be unique, but it is in the male-dominated whiskey world. Women owning and operating a distillery is, for now, uncommon, but hopefully RR’s ladies will spark a trend. Furthermore, by the look of the pictures, Republic Restoratives has to be one of the coolest drinking spots in D.C. It’s wedged onto a busy corner with a wide open space that speaks to being an overflow summer hot spot. I’m ready to get on a plane and check this place out right now. Borough Bourbon is their first whiskey release, and is up for review here.
Tasting Notes: Republic Restoratives Borough Bourbon
Vital Stats: 88 proof, finished in sauvignon blanc barrels, no age statement, $50 for 750ml.
Appearance: This pours a rich, golden orange with thick and slow legs, and leaves a very pronounced skyline.
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Nose: The first thing to hit my nose is an inviting candied orange, which gives in to a flicker of heat, dark bread crust, and sawdust. Very nice!
Palate: On the palate it’s light-medium bodied, clean and balanced, and has a simple raw wood character. It’s difficult to find much else for flavor notes.
Finish: Borough has a medium, drying finish, warming, with more wood notes.
With Water
Nose: Water has the same notes as neat, but it gels more, with some increase in the bread crust and a reduction in the heat.
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Palate: Some drops of water did wonders for this, bringing out a menthol note and a hint of vanilla bean, which balances the wood well.
Finish: The heat moves from warming to prickly, and a hint of charcoal emerges.
Final Thoughts: As someone who values progress and diversity in whiskey, there are few reviews I could approach that would have a better start than this. Next time I am in D.C. I will absolutely be stopping at Republic Restoratives. For the whiskey, I really wish I could get more information about the product (age, grain bill, process, etc) to put it in context, but very little is available. My best guess is that this is 2 years old at most, and it’s hard to know what influence the French oak contributes without knowing more. Regardless, this is a clean, straightforward whiskey with a great story at a great price. It’s an easy-drinking neat pour that could provide some nice character to a Manhattan.
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