The Driftless area in Wisconsin is a bountiful region rich with peat, bogs, an aquifer and sandy soil to grow the grains needed to distill award-winning spirits. This was the very reason Brian and Reneé Bemis chose the area to set up the Driftless Glen Distillery. The distinctive topography of the region combined with the skill of the Driftless Glen Distillery team saw the distillery win a remarkable five medals at the 2021 London Spirits Competition.

The London Spirits Competition is an annual spirit judging competition that rates spirits on the basis of their quality, value and packaging. To win a medal at the competition, the spirits have to impress a collection of judges who have cut their teeth and risen to the top of the UK drinks industry. The  DG Straight Rye Whiskey - Single Barrel, DG 51 Rye, DG Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Driftless Glen Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel and  Driftless Glen Exclusive Port Finished Bourbon were the five spirits from Driftless Glen Distillery that proved their mettle in a competition that saw entries from over 70 countries.

DG Straight Rye Whiskey - Single Barrel

The highest scoring spirit from Driftless Glen Distillery was the DG Straight Rye Whiskey. - Single Barrel was awarded a gold medal for its 91 points showing at the London Spirits Competition. An outstanding whiskey from barrel to bottle, it has notes of dark chocolate, fruit and liquorice. There are notes of cherry and dark chocolate and a characteristic spice while sipping. 

DG 51 Rye

Starting the list of silver medals from Driftless Glen Distillery was the DG 51 Rye, which scored 89 points. Crafted in a traditional Maryland style, the whiskey has soft caramel and mocha notes on the nose. The palate expresses a nice richness with notes of cinder toffee and cereal. It closes with a long, creamy finish. 

The Driftless Glen Spirits, Source Facebook

Driftless Glen Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel

This 83 point scoring winner has a lot of distinct characteristics that come from its ageing in oak barrels. The bourbon has a hint of sweetness which is joined by subtle notes of cloves and cinnamon. It also has flavours of peanuts, butterscotch, and dark chocolate. 

DG Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Driftless Glen produces two bourbon whiskeys and they both found recognition at the 2021 London Spirits Competition. The DG Straight Bourbon Whiskey scored 82 points and has notes of caramel and vanilla along with subtle hints of spice. The bourbon also has a light intensity on the nose and flavours of burnt sugar, charred wood and nuts. 

The list of winners from Driftless Glen Distillery is rounded off by the Driftless Glen Exclusive Port Finished Bourbon that scored a bronze medal at the competition. These award-winning spirits are all at the centre of different cocktails mixed by the distillery. Here are some of them that can be mixed at home. 

Esquire Martini

Ingredients: 

• 1.75 oz. Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz. sweet & sour mix
• 0.5 oz. lemonade
• One cherry for garnish

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake it well. Strain the mix in a martini glass and serve after sinking one cherry for garnish. 

Blackberry Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Driftless Glen Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
• 0.75 oz. Reneé Blackberry Ginger Balsamic
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters
• 1 orange slice
• 2 blackberries

Method:

In an old fashioned glass add 1 orange slice and 2 blackberries along with Reneé Blackberry Ginger Balsamic, 2 dashes of Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters and simple syrup. Muddle the mix and then add ice and the Driftless Glen Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Top with Sour & Sprite. 

The Strawberry Smash

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Driftless Glen Bourbon Whiskey
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup
• 0.25 oz. lemon juice
• Lemonade 
• 1 strawberry

Method:

In a tall ball glass, add 1 strawberry followed by lemon juice, simple syrup, ice and the Driftless Glen Bourbon Whiskey. Top the mix with lemonade and stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy. 

The Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Driftless Glen Rye Whiskey
• 0.75 oz. Reneé Maple Balsamic
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup
• 2 dashes of walnut bitters
• 1 orange slice
• 2 cherries

Method:

In an old fashioned glass, add 1 orange slice and 2 cherries. Proceed to add the simple syrup, 2 dashes of walnut bitters and the Reneé Maple Balsamic. Muddle nicely and add ice and Driftless Glen Rye Whiskey. Top it with Sour & Sprite and garnish with an orange slice, cherry and a crispy piece of bacon. The Maple Old Fashioned is ready to serve. 

The distillery has a lot of other cocktails that can be stirred together as well. Get the Driftless Glen Distillery selection from various online stores like Drizly, Shots Box, and Spirit Hub to name a few. 

Header Image- Driftless Glen Distillery, Source Facebook