A few months ago I saw a great You Tube video about how some whiskey lovers we’re creating their “own” personal whiskies through the process of blending. Take a few drams you like and just experiment by mixing them together, letting it sit for a bit and then see what comes out of it.
I’m doing that now inside this beautiful, antique Jack Daniels decanter. Right now it contains remnants of Jack Daniels, 4 Roses Single Barrel, Maker’s Mark and Basil Hayden.
But now I’ve learned I can go even one step further if I want, by purchasing my own single barrel and you can too. It ain’t cheap, but it sure is cool.
Our friends at Pinckney Bend Distilling posted new opportunity. “We set aside barrels that are dramatically different from their peers for single barrel bottlings. A 15-gallon barrel makes 6 x 12 bottle cases of whiskey.”
If you are interested in purchasing a single barrel, you can taste and choose from a selection of barrels that Pinckney Bend will determine are ready to drink. The deal comes with your own private label, along with the empty barrel.
Here is how it works:
1. Fill Your Barrel With Whiskey
Pinckney Bend will set aside a new, 15-gallon Missouri White Oak barrel filled with new whiskey fresh from the still, brought to a barreling strength of 120 proof. The only difference between your barrel and every other barrel in the distillery will be a unique serial number and a brass plate on the head, inscribed with your name.
2. Follow Your Whiskey’s Progress With Periodic Sampling
You can follow the progress of your barrel by tasting samples every few months. This is perhaps the most fun and informative part of owning your own barrel of whiskey. It is certainly the best part of owning a distillery!
3. Decide When Your Whiskey is Ready
Their Rested American Whiskey generally takes about a year to mature. But maturity is a judgment call. When you own the barrel, you make the call. If you want to give your barrel another year or two of age, it’s completely up to you.
4. Bottle, Label & Take Your Empty Barrel Home
When you determine that it is ready, you can then help bottle and label it. We will apply an additional label identifying the whiskey as your own. You also take home the empty barrel.
The Math
I said this wasn’t cheap, and it isn’t. A 15-gallon barrel of whiskey barrel will generally produce between 65 and 75 bottles (750mL). Variables include evaporation (3%/year), how often you sample, and the desired proof of the finished whiskey.
The total cost, including sales tax, is in the neighborhood of $3,270.
