Swede Hill Distilling Single Barrel American Whiskey
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
It’s no secret that the last decade has seen a boom in micro distilleries across America – many of which have limited distribution and hyper local fanbases. So, when I was gifted this bottle (Thank you Dan!), it’s not unusual I hadn’t heard of Swede Hill Distilling. Located in the Yakima Valley of central Washington, Swede Hill makes a variety of spirits including moonshine, flavored vodkas, and this American whiskey released as single barrels featuring a 45% ABV. Distilled from a combination of corn, rye, and malted barley and aged in new American oak casks, I find it a bit puzzling they don’t call this bourbon – unless it’s mashbill doesn’t meet the 51% corn threshold. But perplexing labeling aside, let’s dive in and see what this small distillery is churning out!
Age: Website lists both aged “for 2 years” and “4-5 years” – unclear which is accurate.
ABV: 45%
Cask: New American oak
MSRP: $50
Distillery Name: Swede Hill Distilling
Review Date: 1/26/24
Nose: Sweet notes of caramel corn, Cracker Jack dust, fresh cut lumber, and warm baked bread. Missing some darker bass notes but full of brighter, sweet notes.
Palate: Light, easy sipping palate featuring vanilla, candy corn, honey sticks, popcorn, mint, frosted sugar cookies, with a touch of craft funk. Light and simple mouthfeel with almost no heat. Incredibly easy to drink.
Finish: Short finish with ginger, anise, and waves of vanilla.
Score: 84
Would I buy again? Swede Hill’s American Whiskey is an easy drinking, no frills pour that won’t challenge your palate but will provide a nice background sipper this holiday season. It doesn’t feature much of that traditional craft “funk”, instead playing up a simple, well-executed palate that feels a cut above most other craft distillers. With a reasonable MSRP, this would be a perfect gift for those looking to take the next step in their whiskey journey and want to explore under the radar local pours.
