Mississippi River Distilling LeClaire, IA

[Jono]

Another new micro distillery that started with a vodka and now intends to
produce a "bourbon"....not a "straight bourbon" however:

http://mrdistilling.com/blog/?p=724

"The bourbon will be aged less than one year. Not a typical approach for most distillers."

“We’re taking a similar approach to our bourbon. We want it to taste more like the sweet grain than just what comes from the walls of the barrel.”

“If you like our vodka, I think you’ll love this bourbon.”

Well that is probably a truer statement than he realizes. However, they are using smaller 30 gallon barrels, but it will still be a young whiskey.

Their vodka ranks pretty well:

http://www.thefiftybest.com/spirits/domestic_vodka/

A lot of flavors described for such "neutral" spirits
River Baron vodka...silver medal.

When Obama stayed at the BlackHawk Hotel:

“We were approached over the weekend by management from Hotel Blackhawk about getting some River Baron for the President.” Said owner and distiller Ryan Burchett. “We were told his favorite cocktail is a vodka sour. So of course we were thrilled to introduce him to the River Baron!”

[tmckenzie]

I do not think I would have given Obama one damn drop.

[the Duff]

I do not think I would have given Obama one damn drop.

Why not? There vodka is repulsive! Its all over the place in the QC. Can't wait till someone poors me this bourbon thinking that there giving me some special treat.

[ILLfarmboy]

“If you like our vodka, I think you’ll love this bourbon.”

Meaning, if you like our water you'll love our coffee, 'cause it tasts darn near like our water??

[tmckenzie]

Well, if it is that bad, then give him enough to make him feel right at home. Put sugar in it if you have to.

[White Dog]

I do not think I would have given Obama one damn drop.

I'm sorry, but did I just drift over to the PR&C?

[tmckenzie]

Sorry, just could not resist.

[Jono]

I certainly wish them success in their endeavour, however, I hope they set aside stock for proper aging.

[IowaJeff]

It looks like their bourbon is out.

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/d...templeton-rye/

http://mrdistilling.com/frame/products_bourbon.shtml

Looks like a wheat recipe 90 proofer. One year old, aged in 'small barrels.'

Sounds like they are doing craft distilling the right way (or at least the way I like to see it) - distilling themselves with locally sourced ingredients. They even name the farmers who source the grains on their website. I don't think I'll try to buy a bottle, but hopefully I can procure a taste of it somewhere. I'll withhold final judgment until I taste it, but I'll tentatively agree with the hope that they have a plan for more aging.

[Bourbon Boiler]

"Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon has a distinctive aroma with enough kick to know it's bourbon, but with a beautifully smooth finish."

Doesn't sound like it's being marketed at us. I have no problem with micros doing this. It bothers me when they pretend they're making a product for the bourbon expert, but produce an underaged, boring release.