Named the most awarded craft distillery since 2018, ASW Distillery, out of Atlanta, Georgia, prides themselves on being Southern Pot-Still Pioneers. With a unique hybrid approach to making whiskey, ASW (originally American Spirit Whiskey) combines traditional, Scottish-style double copper pot distillation (the method used to distill single malt whiskey for centuries) with innovative, Southern-style grain in distillation. On their website, ASW describes their mission further:
To distill spirits is to continue a tradition born in the Middle Ages and perfected tirelessly throughout the centuries by monks, moonshiners, and master distillers. At its most basic, the science of distillation requires only water, yeast, flame, and grain (or, in the case of brandy, fruit). But the art of distillation requires much more: patience, tenacity, innovation. We believe much remains uncharted in the craft of distilling spirits—new grain profiles, new distillation and aging techniques, new flavors, and ultimately, entirely new experiences for those who enjoy a dram. By constantly re-evaluating traditional methods, we hope to contribute in some small way to the discoveries that await.
Combining tradition and innovation while continuing to forge into uncharted territory in the craft of distilling spirits seems like the best recipe for craft distilleries to remain relevant. However, the ingredients used and the master's "in the kitchen" are also huge factors in determining success. Perhaps even more important is a team passionately pursuing the mission set forth each and every day. The folks at ASW seem to embrace all of the above, and the end result is the whiskey we get to experience, enjoy, and appreciate.
Rye whiskey, in particular, seems to be experiencing a renaissance after being long forgotten since the end of prohibition. With this spirit in mind, ASW has crafted its own take on this ever-expanding category. Resurgens Rye is "a revival of the Appalachian-style ryes of yore, made from 100% malted rye (rather than unmalted rye and corn like most ryes)." It is one such expression uniquely crafted from the inside out, with beautiful artwork on its label to boot.
Renowned artist David Hale, from Athens, Georgia, is the master behind the label art. He also happens to be a direct descendant of Basil Hayden, believe it or not. The flagship Resurgens Rye, a Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition winner, features a burnt orange bird on the label. The bottle up for review, and its blue bird, is a single barrel pick from Liquor Junction in collaboration with Nick Anderson, founder of your favorite independent whiskey review website, Amongst The Whiskey. I was fortunate enough to snag one of these in November of 2023 and have spent a lot of time with this bottle since. As such, I am thrilled to share my well-calibrated experience with you, dear reader. So, let's dive in!
Company on Label: ASW Distillery
Whiskey Type: American single malt rye
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% malted rye
Proof: 112.8°
Age: NAS Further identification: Barrel # 544 is a single barrel pick selected by Liquor Junction in collaboration with Nick from Amongst The Whiskey
Nose: This is one of those rare first nosings that melts away everything around you. Like an embrace from someone you love after a long absence, there's a familiar excitement here. Luscious semi-sweet chocolate, moist spice cake, and stewed plums waft up from the glass with an incredible creamy quality. Deeper inhales remind me of lemon custard in a vintage ornate glass dish, with a perfectly formed mint leaf placed perfectly on top. Additional swirls return me to that lover's embrace of chocolate and cake. I could linger here for countless hours, but this pour deserves a taste!
Returning to the glass after a few sips amplifies the stone fruit on the nose, which is sultry and eager to keep my attention. The creaminess layering in here offers no tell that this is a high proof whiskey. The empty glass smells like a moment you know will be a cherished memory.
Palate: Oh, those first sip flutters. My eyes are closing, my head is rolling, and both shoulders are lowering as my lips curve upward while the liquid journeys down my throat. This is what good whiskey does to you: it transforms you into a flow of natural movements. The velvety mouthfeel pairs incredibly well with its more robust spiced partner. A second sip brings out the sweet kiss of dark chocolate, twirling into thick, rich caramel and baked plums before dipping effortlessly into candied lemon. The finish is long and complex but not pretentious. As I take my final sip, the chocolate, caramel, citrus, and stone fruit continue to put on a show, mixing together in subtle variation but masterful synergy nonetheless. This is the dance of well-made whiskey.
TL;DR: A masterful performance well worth your time and attention
Rating: 5/5
This is a beautiful dram that demands closed eyes and sinking into cool pillow sighs. The taste is like a dream on the same fluff of cotton. When a sip feels familiar yet utterly unique and takes you away to another place, even if for just a moment, the pour becomes something so much more; it becomes Pouretry in motion.
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