Today I spent some time with Olga Wilen from House Spirits Distillery out of distillers row in Portland Oregon. As you know, my favorite thing to taste is the micro distilled spirits, I believe they are the next growth market. House of Spirits brought in 4 things to taste, White Dog Whiskey, Krogstad Aquavit, Aviation Gin and a Coffee Spirit that is not being released as of yet.
The White Dog Whiskey is a clear whiskey that is made from 100% malted barley and is double distilled and brought down to 100 proof. I believe this is a better mixing whiskey than drinking neat or over the rocks.
Krogstad Aquavit is a take on the Scandinavian spirit that is flavored with caraway seeds and star anise. My take was the star anise was the more pronounced flavor, which I happened to like. Very smooth, seemed to be directed for mixologist, but I could see having it as a digistif.
Aviation Gin was a very nice less heavy-handed juniper style of gin. It would absolutely mix well and I can drink it straight.
Finally I tasted the coffee liquor which I don’t remember the name and since it won’t be release here until May, I guess I can not worry about it. However, it was really good and I don’t drink coffee. Over ice I think it would taste just like an iced coffee with a kick. It is made with Guatemalan coffee and taste almost like a black russian, again another easy mixing drink.
