Why haven't beer makers also been whiskey distillers?

[Jono]

It seems like a natural extension of the base product into a distilled spirit....

Wow, a quick Google search turned up this story:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/...zdI/story.html

Brewer, distiller concoct a joint venture
Berkshires company to use Sam Adams beer to create a pair of premium whiskeys
By Dan Adams | Globe Correspondent June 18, 2012

A trend developing? Certainly if the product is successful it could spawn imitators.

JIm Koch says it nicely:

"When you distill, you’re taking little slices of the essential flavors in beer,” said Jim Koch, Boston Beer founder. “To me, it’s just a continuation of learning and understanding beer.”

[kickert]

Corsair has always taken this approach. The owner joking refers to beer as whiskey that just hasn't been finished yet. Many of their experimental whiskeys are based on beer recipes.

[Gillman]

Some have. E.g. Molson in Canada in the early 1800's brewed and distilled. Generally though the businesses have been separated, for which probably there are a variety of technological, regulatory, business (e.g. scale considerations) and financing reasons. The revival of craft brewing, coupled with an interest in spirits, has enabled some producers to overcome the obstacles mentioned, in certain areas.

Gary

[BradleyC]

Oskar Blues announced a year ago plans to distill whiskey and package it in cans. The Party Source also plans on doing both.

[BradleyC]

Anchor Steam is another example.

[redbear]

Ranger Creek, Rogue, and Dogfish Head all distill.

[MyOldKyDram]

Canned whiskey? Sounds kinda awful. Well, at least how do you reseal it?

[BradleyC]

They have a 16 oz can with a screw top that they have used for 2 collborations that were available at the brewery only. I think it's a strange concept myself.

chaka2BIG.jpg

[MyOldKyDram]

The "whiskey for us" people should run with this idea, just make the can 8 oz bigger. Hipsters flock to tall boys.

[Gentleman Racer]

That Boston Globe article was interesting. It makes me think of Charbay whiskey, which claims to distill pilsner quality beer. It's good stuff, notable hops in the flavor. WAY overpriced though.