Description
Valentine Woodward Limited Whiskey, which is technically a bourbon, is crafted from over 50% corn, with the remainder of the mashbill being composed of rye and malted barley. Once the grains are purchased from local farmers, Valentine mashes and ferments them at this distillery, which is situated in an old brick building just off Woodward Avenue. After the mash has been fermented, it is distilled twice, first through a 600-liter copper-pot still, and then again through a 180-liter, Christian Carl copper-pot still. Following distillation, the whiskey is aged for a minimum of four years in new, maple-infused, American oak casks. The maple casks impart sweet notes of caramel, brown sugar, molasses and maple syrup to the whiskey, and complement its notes of rye, cinnamon and woody spices. Valentine Liberator Gin, named after the B-24 Liberator Heavy Bomber produced in Detroit during World War II, is made from a blend of ten unique botanicals, including juniper berries, orange peel and lemon zest. “We distill the gin using two unique methods,” says Valentine. “First, we macerate the botanicals that will provide the gin with its bolder flavors, and then distill the gin through a traditional alembic still. Then, we use a botanical vessel for the softer flavors, and distill the gin so that only the vapors pass over the botanicals.” As a result, the gin has an aroma of juniper and pine that is well-balanced by hints of coriander, cardamom and citrus peel. The initial bursts of juniper berries are mellow and tame, and are followed by touches of vanilla, white pepper, cardamom and cinnamon. Liberator Gin earned the Gold Medal and the titles “Best in Class” and “Best in Show” at the American Distilling Institute’s 7th Annual Judging of Craft Spirits. In addition, it earned a score of 90 points from the Beverage Testing Institute in 2013. “We are maniacally obsessed with doing things the right way,” says Valentine, “and just taking time and care in the whole process, you know, using good ingredients. It’s really hard to find that nowadays.” Try an incredible whiskey and gin today!
