Deerhammer American Single Malt Wins 2018 Good Food Award
Deerhammer Distilling’s American Single Malt was named a winner in the spirits category of the 2018 Good Food Awards today at the organization’s annual awards ceremony
Photo by Kassia Borreson of the Good Food Awards blind tasting
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Deerhammer Distilling’s American Single Malt was named a winner in the spirits category of the 2018 Good Food Awards today at the organization’s annual awards ceremony at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center.
Now in its eighth year, the Good Food Awards are given to tasty, authentic and responsible food producers in 15 categories: spirits, beer, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, preserved fish, honey, oils pantry, pickles, preserves, and elixirs. Deerhammer American Single Malt was one of 279 finalists for the 2018 awards, which include 15 other spirits category finalists. This year’s judges included Summer-Jane Bell, the president of the US Bartender’s Guild, and Sue AnderBois, the director of Food Strategy of the State of Rhode Island, among several other food and beverage professionals and spirits writers.
Good Food Awards entries must be made in the United States, utilize ingredients that are grown and sourced responsibly and grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers as much as possible, free of artificial ingredients, and distilled without GMOs.
"It’s great to finally see the American Single Malt category gain some recognition, but even more awesome to be recognized by the Good Food Awards that takes the judging criteria seriously for American whiskey,” says Deerhammer founder and head distiller Lenny Eckstein. “This award is a huge honor for us.”
For more information about Deerhammer's American Single Malt, or with any other media inquiries, feel free to contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. For more information about the Good Food Awards, contact Madeline Wheeler at madeline@postcardcomm.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado.
Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills Whitewater Whiskey, Buena Vista Brandy, and Dutch Style Gin. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.
ABOUT THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS
The Good Food Awards (GFA) celebrate exceptional American craft food and drink producers who create distinctive, handcrafted, and sustainable products. The GFA brings together thought leaders from every sector of the food industry to choose the most delicious products from all regions of the country in a blind tasting. Products are evaluated by region, allowing the GFA to showcase the rich variety of terroirs of the nation’s food culture, elevating craft producers with the ultimate aim of stimulating local food economies. After the tasting, high-scoring producers are closely vetted for compliance with GFA requirements for sustainable production practices. Winners and runners-up are evaluated by the Good Food Foundation and announced each January at the Awards Ceremony. Learn more at goodfoodawards.org.
Deerhammer Distilling Introduces Port Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey
This whiskey is the first extension of Deerhammer’s flagship American Single Malt, aged for a total of three years both in oak and port wine barrels.
BUENA VISTA, CO — Deerhammer Distilling’s Port Cask Finish American Single Malt is now available in liquor stores across Colorado’s Front Range and at the tasting room in downtown Buena Vista. This whiskey is the first extension of Deerhammer’s flagship American Single Malt, aged for a total of three years both in oak and port wine barrels.
This exclusive Deerhammer expression marries tradition with innovation. The distillery’s American Single Malt has redefined the flavor, and future, of independent American craft whiskey. This whiskey is now routed down the traditional road of fortified wine cask finishing. A selection of Deerhammer’s finest two year matured, American Single Malt Whiskey was selected and transferred to ex-port wine casks for an additional year of maturation time. The results are characterized through nuanced flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and tannins, which enhance the complexity of our mainstay whiskey. Each component has been crafted with the intention of delivering a whiskey to be savored.
Only 2500 bottles of Port Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey will be available for purchase.
For more information about Port Cask Finish American Single Malt, or with any other media inquiries, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado.
Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills Whitewater Whiskey, Buena Vista Brandy, and Dutch Style Gin. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.
Deerhammer Distillery Drives The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission's Mission to Define and Recognize the Single Malt Whiskey Category
Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product.
The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) was formed in 2016 in response to the growing need for American-based producers to define the category—both domestically and internationally—in order to protect, educate, promote and ultimately grow it.
Helping to drive the American Single Malt Whiskey category is Deerhammer Distillery in Buena Vista, Colorado. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product.
“The various styles of whiskey being produced in this country are already so much broader than the historic bourbon and rye whiskies that we’re most known for,” says Deerhammer owner Lenny Eckstein. “With so many distilleries here in the US already producing an American Single Malt Whiskey, I think it’s important that the standards for the style be recognized so that consumers know why Deerhammer American single malt is different than offerings already coming from other countries - Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and India to name a few.”
MORE DETAILS
Established in 2016, ASMWC serves to establish, promote and protect the category of Single Malt Whiskey. It defines Single Malt Whiskey as spirit made from 100 percent malted barley; distilled entirely at one distillery; mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States of America; matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters; distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80 percent ABV); and bottled at 80 (U.S.) proof or more (40 percent ABV). Find ASMWC online at americansinglemaltwhiskey.org.
Deerhammer is one of ASMWC's more than 50 member producers in the United States. Beginning its life as porter-style malted barley whiskey, Deerhammer's Single Malt is shaped by open-air fermentation and double distillation through direct-fire copper pot stills. It is aged in charred virgin white oak casks for at least two years in Buena Vista's high alpine climate that maximizes the flavor potential of the mash, due to dramatic temperature shifts that can range from 40-80° in a single day. The result is a complex whiskey with notes of sweet coffee, cacao, caramel and spices.
If you would like more information about Deerhammer Distillery or The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission please contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado.
Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.