291 Colorado White Dog is a small-batch rye whiskey from Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs, distilled in a copper pot still and bottled at 101.6 proof (50.8% ABV).
The white dog is aged for less than two weeks in a new, charred American white oak barrel, just long enough to let the essence of the grains be enjoyed and the distiller's craft be recognized. First presented in 2011, it was quickly hailed as the best white dog ever tasted by prominent whiskey distillers, and it won Best American New Make at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.
The distillery sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain, using grains from the Colorado plains and water from Pikes Peak reservoirs. The result is a spicy, complex spirit that works in both classic white and dark spirit cocktails.
It is an unusual, award-winning gift for the adventurous whiskey drinker.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
Unaged and lightly aged whiskeys let the drinker taste the grain itself, here a spicy rye.
At just over 100 proof, it carries enough strength to stand up in stirred drinks.
The distillery also makes aged rye and bourbon finished with aspen staves, and the white dog shows the spirit before those barrels shape it.
Founder Michael Myers turned an artist's eye toward whiskey, and every detail at the distillery reflects that care.
Bartenders love using it in traditional cocktails in place of gin or vodka for a spicier twist.
Specifications
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Distillery: Distillery 291, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Style: White dog rye whiskey
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Still: Copper pot still
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Aging: Under two weeks in new charred American oak
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Proof / ABV: 101.6 proof (50.8% ABV)
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Region: Colorado, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Try a White Dog Tonic or a White Manhattan as a twist on the classic, or sip it chilled. It pairs with smoked trout, pickled vegetables or rye bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is white dog?
Whiskey with little or no barrel time, showing the grain's character.
Has it won awards?
Best American New Make, World Whiskies Awards 2020.
Where is it made?
Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
