Archives for December 2024

Nikola Tesla, the eccentric genius known for his groundbreaking work in electricity and magnetism, was also known for his peculiar habits and health theories. Among these was his daily consumption of whiskey, which he believed would help him live to the age of 150. Here’s the story:

A Man of Unusual Convictions
Tesla was a man of science but also a creature of ritual. He had strong beliefs about health and longevity, often informed by his unique interpretations of scientific principles and his observations of the world. Tesla believed that whiskey, when consumed moderately, had medicinal properties that could bolster health and extend life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whiskey was often touted as a remedy for various ailments, from colds to fatigue. Tesla embraced this notion and incorporated whiskey into his daily routine, convinced that its “tonic” properties would help him achieve his goal of living to 150 years old.

The Role of Moderation
Tesla’s whiskey habit wasn’t about indulgence but discipline. He didn’t drink to excess; instead, he treated whiskey as part of a carefully managed lifestyle. Alongside this, he was known for his meticulous eating habits, avoidance of tobacco, and a commitment to regular physical exercise, particularly walking.

He once said, “Whiskey will help clear your head and stimulate your brain,” reflecting his belief that a sharp mind was key to a long and productive life.

Unexpected Challenges
Tesla’s aspirations for longevity met unexpected obstacles. In 1920, during the Prohibition era in the United States, the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol were banned. This meant Tesla could no longer legally procure whiskey for his daily ritual. While it’s unclear how he coped with this restriction, Tesla likely found the ban frustrating, given his belief in whiskey’s health benefits.

Tesla’s Later Years
Despite his health theories and whiskey habit, Tesla’s life ended at age 86 in 1943—not 150 as he had hoped. By then, he had become a recluse, living in a New York City hotel and feeding pigeons in his spare time. While he didn’t achieve his goal of extreme longevity, he left behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific achievements that continue to inspire the world.

A Legacy of Curiosity
Tesla’s belief in whiskey as a longevity elixir is a charming footnote to his life, showcasing the quirky, human side of a man often revered as a superhuman innovator. It’s a reminder that even the greatest minds can hold unconventional beliefs and that their lives are as fascinating as their inventions.

More Whiskey Triva

Southern Distilling Company, renowned for its specialized customer service and high-quality whiskey production, has become the first contract distiller to offer bulk American Single Malt Whiskey production to both new and existing clients. With nearly a decade of expertise in crafting premium single malt whiskeys, the North Carolina-based distillery is proud to support the newly established American Single Malt Whiskey category.

Situated on a sprawling 20-acre campus, Southern Distilling Company boasts a cutting-edge 36,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the demands of large-scale production. The distillery supports over 140 clients worldwide, ranging from non-producing brand owners and investors to small and large distilleries. Co-founder and COO Vienna Barger celebrated the recent TTB ruling that officially recognizes the American Single Malt Whiskey category, stating, “We are thrilled to see this landmark decision, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

The distillery is now accepting immediate orders for 2025 new fill, with sample kits available for interested partners. Southern Distilling Company’s advanced fermentation and distillation systems are optimized for large-scale single malt whiskey production, capable of producing and aging over 20,000 barrels annually. The facility’s proven performance includes successful runs with both base and character malts tailored to client specifications.

“Since founding Southern Distilling Company in 2013, we’ve strived to blend heritage with innovation,” said co-founder and CEO Pete Barger. “By welcoming more American Single Malt Whiskey clients, both domestically and internationally, we’re continuing to expand the horizons of this exciting category.”
For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com/contract-distilling/

About Southern Distilling Company
Southern Distilling Company has reignited North Carolina’s distilling tradition while embracing the innovation of America’s craft spirits industry. The 20-acre distillery campus is proudly located in Statesville, North Carolina, a city with a big role in bourbon’s history. Before Prohibition, Statesville was known as the “Liquor Capital of the World.” It is now home to a state-of-the-art 36,000 square-foot distillery where days are spent distilling the highest quality bourbons and ryes and watching over more than 65,000 barrels patiently aging in the rickhouses.

Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country’s largest privately owned distilleries since being co-founded by Pete and Vienna Barger in 2013. It offers a diverse range of standard and custom new fill whiskeys, extensive aged barrel inventory, warehouse barrel storage, private label production, and co-packing for more than 140 brands globally. Southern Distilling Company supports sustainability and regenerative agriculture processes and sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility. It also produces Southern Star bourbons and rye whiskeys—its own line of award-winning artisan spirits. The distillery, located along Interstate 77 near the I-40 interchange is open for tours, tastings, cocktails, and bottle sales. It also hosts public events and experiences throughout the year. For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com.

George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon: A Historical Overview
Discover the fascinating history of George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon, a lesser-known venture that highlights the first U.S. president’s entrepreneurial legacy and his contributions to early American industry.

The Beginnings of Whiskey Production at Mount Vernon
After serving as the first president of the United States, George Washington returned to his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia in the 1790s. The plantation was a hub of diverse activities, from farming to textile production. Among these ventures, distilling whiskey emerged as a standout business.

Westland Distillery is thrilled to celebrate the official recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey.

As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery has long championed the category through its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The recognition marks a culmination of years of advocacy and effort by Westland and other distillers committed to establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.

“This recognition is a significant step forward, not just for Westland but for the entire industry,” said says Jason Moore, Westland’s managing director. “. “We’re proud to have played a role in shaping this category and are excited about the opportunities it creates for producers and whiskey enthusiasts alike.”

This distillery remains at the forefront of the movement, showcasing the diverse potential of American Single Malt Whiskey through its use of locally sourced ingredients, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability. The distillery continues to craft expressions that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest, setting a benchmark for the category’s future.

With this official recognition, the distillery looks forward to further elevating the profile of American Single Malt Whiskey and sharing its story with whiskey lovers around the world.

About Westland Distillery
Founded in 2004 in Portland, Oregon, by former brewer and winemaker Christian Krogstad, Westward Whiskey (originally under House Spirits Distillery) emerged as a pioneer in the American single malt category during a time when craft distilleries were rare in the U.S. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s rich brewing culture, innovative spirit, and abundant local ingredients, Westward has grown into a leading voice for elevated American whiskey. The distillery’s grain-to-glass approach emphasizes quality Pacific Northwest two-row barley, slow fermentation with craft ale yeast, double pot distillation, and maturation in new, heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels, resulting in bold, robust flavors that celebrate the region’s climate and craftsmanship.

The distillery[s core lineup showcases its commitment to peak flavor and innovation, starting with the flagship Westward Original American Single Malt—a balanced expression with notes of bright fruit, warm spice, and rich toasted oak. Higher-proof enthusiasts enjoy the Cask Strength variant, delivering intense baked fruit and spice straight from the barrel, while limited releases like the Stout Cask Finish (aged in ex-stout barrels from local brewers) add layers of chocolate, coffee, and dark malt. Special editions, including Pinot Noir cask finishes and the ambitious Milestone solera-aged series, further highlight their boundary-pushing style, earning acclaim in international competitions and positioning it as the pinnacle of American single malt whiskey.
Address: 65 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://westwardwhiskey.com

The legal definition of American Single Malt Whiskey
The legal definition of American Single Malt Whiskey (or Whisky) is established by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) through a final rule effective January 19, 2025. It recognizes “American single malt whisky” as a distinct type of whisky under the standards of identity in 27 CFR Part 5.
To qualify, the whiskey must meet the following criteria:

Made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley.
Mashed, distilled at or below 160° proof, and aged entirely in the United States.
Distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery.
Stored in oak barrels (charred new, uncharred new, or used) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters.
Bottled at not less than 80° proof.
No addition of neutral spirits, flavorings, or blending materials (though caramel coloring is permitted if disclosed on the label).

Additionally, the term “Straight American Single Malt Whisky” may be used if the whiskey has been aged for at least two years. This definition provides official recognition and protection for the category, distinguishing it from other whiskies like bourbon or rye, while allowing flexibility in barrel types compared to Scotch single malt requirements.

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