Spirit Works Four Grain Straight Bourbon is a pot-distilled bourbon from Sebastopol, California, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
Spirit Works set up shop in The Barlow in Sebastopol, West Sonoma County, after many years of dreaming, learning and planning, and produces grain-to-glass spirits there. Each batch of the Four Grain is the proprietary master blend of the distillery's two bourbon formulas, featuring 60% corn with wheat, rye and barley in the mash bills.
Meticulously pot distilled, it shows impressive palate complexity from each of the four grains and is especially delicious sipped neat. The nose brings honeysuckle, toasted sugar and stone fruit; the palate shows chicory, brown butter and treacle; the finish closes on roasted savory cooking spices.
It is a fine gift for bourbon fans who like to explore craft distilleries.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Four-grain bourbons combine the sweetness of corn, the softness of wheat and the spice of rye, with barley adding a malty backbone.
Blending two bourbon recipes lets the distillers balance each grain's contribution.
Grain-to-glass production means the distillery handles every step, from milling to bottling.
A splash of water opens the stone fruit on the nose.
It works beautifully in a Manhattan, where the brown butter and treacle notes add depth.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Honeysuckle, toasted sugar, stone fruit.
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Palate: Chicory, brown butter, treacle.
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Finish: Roasted savory spices.
Specifications
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Distillery: Spirit Works, Sebastopol, California
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Style: Four-grain straight bourbon
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Mash Bill: 60% corn with wheat, rye and barley
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Still: Pot distilled
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Region: California, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Best sipped neat or with a drop of water; it also makes a rich Old Fashioned. It pairs with roast duck, pecan pie or aged gouda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four grains?
Corn, wheat, rye and barley.
Where is it made?
Sebastopol, in West Sonoma County, California.
How is it distilled?
In a pot still.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
