Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Company Distilling. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Tennessee was home to only three distilleries until relatively recently: 2009, when laws were relaxed.
Before that, the production of distilled spirits was only legal in Moore, Coffee, and Lincoln counties, where distillers Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, George Dickel Whisky and Prichards’ Rum operate. But when the new law was passed, about 44 counties became eligible for distilleries, with manufacturers allowed in any county where both retail package sales of liquor and liquor-by-the-drink sales have been locally approved.
The founders of Company Distilling, based in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, were some who helped get those laws in place. And a more recent article in Whisky Advocate shares some more of the details about the company and their whiskey: According to the piece, the name “Company” was inspired by the idea of producing spirits “worth gathering over,” which are meant to be enjoyed in good company. At the helm of Company is Jeff Arnett, who previously served as Jack Daniels’ master distiller.
Company currently offers two products: Company Distilling Straight Bourbon whiskey finished in maple wood, and Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin. They have two distillery locations—or one, with another open very soon. There’s one in Thompson’s Station, with another in Townsend scheduled to cut the proverbial ribbon in mid-July.
We received a sample of the bourbon to taste. Like the folks at Bourbon Obsessed, we didn’t know too much about it, other than it’s a wheated bourbon and both column and pot distilled. Currently, it’s only available in Tennessee.
Company Straight Bourbon Whiskey (image via Company Distilling)
Tasting Notes: Company Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Wood
Vital stats: 90 proof, unknown mash bill, distilled in both column and pot still, finished in maple wood, about $56.
Appearance: Polished copper, or a glass jar of cinnamon held up to noonday light. Ever wonder the color of if a dried apricot got a slight suntan? This is it.
Nose: Speaking of dried fruit, I get dried mango, vanilla ice cream with lots of flecks of vanilla (i.e., Breyer’s). Tangerines: fresh ones. And Hershey’s syrup. I think this straddles both fruity and non-fruity desserts.
Palate: Oh, wow. I really like this. It is not harsh at all, it’s smooth and easy drinking and at 90 proof maybe a little toooooo easy-drinking. This does not tingle or sparkle on the tongue with pepper, and I am here for it. It is not heavy, nor is it wispy. It does not taste strong—by which I mean it does not taste of alcohol. At 90 proof, it’s strong, but you wouldn’t think it. I’m looking forward to seeing what else emerges from these capable folks.