Defiant American Single Malt Whisky

[B.B. Babington]

yes, they spell it "whisky". This is from Blue Ridge Distilling Co., Bostic NC. It's interesting that they don't claim direct lineage to oldtime moonshiners since if ya go west of Bostic ya start getting into some serious history, especially from prohibition and post-prohibition years. They seem to show more integrity than many other companies in that their advertising seems honest and does not try to misrepresent or overstate the product.

Its color suggests some years in a barrel but it has a VERY young taste. No wood flavor to go along with no age statement. Curious to know if they use used barrels along with their advertised 100% malted barley. Perhaps it's because I've got this year's Woodford Malt on the mind; but nose was reminiscent of Woodford, especially made me think of the Woodford Sweet Mash. Since this is a newer product, I suspect it is a sweet mash in line with other "whisky." Nose certainly not as strong as Woodford. Flavor also made me think of what a vatting of Woodford and corn whiskey would taste like. Surprising amount of bite for 82 proof. Floaties in the bottom of bottle suggested non-chill filtered but dropping an ice cube in the glass got no result. Almost zero aftertaste.

this goes in the huge category of overpriced craft. It cost me about $52. When they have some material with more age, then it probably will be more interesting. If you like experimenting with a lot of different flavors and craft distilleries and have lots of $$ falling out of your pocket then perhaps give it a shot.

[TunnelTiger]

The price doesn't bother me for a craft or trying something new but I'll pass with it only being 82 proof.

[tanstaafl2]

Saw this on the shelf today. Can't recall the price but I am guessing at least $40+ like most "craft" spirit. Apparently they have decided barrels are unnecessary and can make young 100% malt whisky taste beyond its years, or should I say months, by sticking some toasted oak boards in it. At least they do make it themselves it would appear.

Maybe they can but I am at best guarded in my level of confidence no matter what Ms. Orchant may think. 82 proof doesn't help it much either.

Defiant whisky

[MyOldKyDram]

That's one generic-ass looking label.

[393foureyedfox]

That's one generic-ass looking label.

yeah, someone lacks imagination, and/or basic computer imaging skills

[squire]

Got the pattern down though, low age, low proof, high price.

[kaiserhog]

Got the pattern down though, low age, low proof, high price.

If I saw one at 92 proof, I would go for it.

[TunnelTiger]

Saw this on the shelf for the first time @ $55. It seems that $50 is the starting price point for most if not all "craft" (cough, cough) whiskeys.

[Hop]

Picked up a bottle of this today at the local NC ABC store. Tried a pour of it this evening and I have to say I'm not impressed. Not sure if it's youth or the base stock but there are many others out there much better for the price.

[squire]

It seems that $50 is the starting price point for most if not all "craft" (cough, cough) whiskeys.

Undeniable proof that sometimes we don't get what we pay for.

[Jazzhead]

This is fantastic stuff. I love to try new things, and the best thing I say about Defiant is that when the first bottle ran out, I went out and got another,

This is very, very unusual whiskey. It's not a bourbon, and will appeal most to open minded scotch drinkers. It's a single malt, no corn, wheat or rye, and has the smoky nose you'd expect from an island malt, As a point of reference, it reminds me most of Ledaig (the peated version of Tobormory), with that sort of new bike tire thing going on. I think it is complex and delicious, perfect for consuming with barbeque.

It is aged not much more than 60 days. They use charred oak shavings and immerse the spirit in it. I don't know anyone else who ages whiskey like this, although the idea seems to be similar to the small barrel aging used by many craft distillers, to increase the spirit's contact with the charred wood.

As far as I'm concerned, it works. Comparing it to its American malted barley-based peers, I like it better than McCarthy's and Corsair Triple Smoke (both similar in style, but Defiant is more balanced) , and it's LOT less expensive than Balcones Single Malt (which is to die for).

I've bought this in Elkton, Maryland for $40- not cheap, but not overpriced like many craft products.

Edited January 4, 2015 by Jazzhead

[Jono]

Sounds like something to keep an eye out for, there are so many new whisk(e)ys hitting the shelves it is hard to decide.

[IncredulousNosco]

On 1/4/2015 at 5:53 PM, Jazzhead said:

This is fantastic stuff. I love to try new things, and the best thing I say about Defiant is that when the first bottle ran out, I went out and got another,

This is very, very unusual whiskey. It's not a bourbon, and will appeal most to open minded scotch drinkers. It's a single malt, no corn, wheat or rye, and has the smoky nose you'd expect from an island malt, As a point of reference, it reminds me most of Ledaig (the peated version of Tobormory), with that sort of new bike tire thing going on. I think it is complex and delicious, perfect for consuming with barbeque.

It is aged not much more than 60 days. They use charred oak shavings and immerse the spirit in it. I don't know anyone else who ages whiskey like this, although the idea seems to be similar to the small barrel aging used by many craft distillers, to increase the spirit's contact with the charred wood.

As far as I'm concerned, it works. Comparing it to its American malted barley-based peers, I like it better than McCarthy's and Corsair Triple Smoke (both similar in style, but Defiant is more balanced) , and it's LOT less expensive than Balcones Single Malt (which is to die for).

I've bought this in Elkton, Maryland for $40- not cheap, but not overpriced like many craft products.

 

My wife picked me up a bottle of this some time ago. And I don't personally think there is a context that exsist where this young, rapid aged garbage can be remotely compared in taste to Ledaig. And even Corsair Triple Smoke is a world better. 

 

 

[meadeweber]

On 1/4/2015 at 5:53 PM, Jazzhead said:

 

$40- not cheap, but not overpriced like many craft products.

$40 is not overpriced for 2 month old whisky?

[dcbt]

Wow, old thread.  Some once-familiar names that don't frequent here anymore like foureyedfox and squire.

I don't think it's fair to the big boys, or even craft shops, to compare them to rapid-aged technospirits.

[meadeweber]

 

14 minutes ago, dcbt said:

Wow, old thread.  Some once-familiar names that don't frequent here anymore like foureyedfox and squire.

I don't think it's fair to the big boys, or even craft shops, to compare them to rapid-aged technospirits.

Yes, sorry for missing the date on the post I quoted.

BTW squire still chimes in periodically which is fortunate for the rest of us.