PBMichiganWolverine
Fifty Stone Single Malt
American Single Malt — Maine, USA
Reviewed
October 25, 2019 (edited December 14, 2019)
I was always curious about this one —it’s a young American craft single malt made with floor malted barley ( which is a rarity in the US, and in most Scottish distilleries as well ), and then smoked with seaweed and American peat. But unfortunately, outside Maine and some North Atlantic states, it’s really hard to purchase. Thankfully, I got a sample courtesy of @jonwilkinson7309.
I’ve always had a soft spot for craft American distilleries; something about the passion and can-do attitude. One of my goals is to have an American whiskey made in every state ( might have to hold out with Alaska ). Unfortunately, many of the craft distilleries put out product way too young , or simply too expensive for what it offers. This one though, isn’t in that category. At just over $40, it’s not gong to break the bank. And if you’re a fan of medicinal peat Islay, you’ll love this.
So, this markets itself as made in the Highlands style, but a big whiff of that peat begs to differ. You get a truck load of medicinal iodine, brine, and salt —all wrapped into a buttery pastry dough. It’s like a Laphroaig, but with less complexity.
If you’re ever driving through Maine, NH, or VT, pick this up. At $40-45 USD, you can’t go wrong.
Thanks Jon for the pour !
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@SolanaRoots Either way, I'm happy to send a sample (or samples). I long ago realized that I'll never be able to consume all the whiskey I've hoarded so there's plenty to share. Besides, I also try to limit my open bottles, so you'd help me get just a bit closer to some bottles that I'm dying to get to!
@SolanaRoots oh damnit..VA too. I need a list...I’m like 30% there.
@PBMichiganWolverine What about VA? Anything from Lee’s home state?
@SolanaRoots that’s true. And OR, PA, WI ( J Henry).
@PBMichiganWolverine You definitely have the WA box ticked off too with Westland. And NM too once you crack your bottle of Colkegan (really eager to see your review on that one)
@jonwilkinson7309 Nice! Looking forward to your review of that bottle. I’m always standoffish with sample trading since I usually only have 3-4 bottles open so hard to reciprocate. May need to hit you up though :)
@SolanaRoots Yes it was - it was a must buy. Really nice notes and very well balanced. I had a nice chat with the two founders. Super cool guys and completely committed to their vision of high quality organic spirits. If you want a sample feel free to email me at my Distiller user name @gmail.
@Whiskey_Hound @jonwilkinson7309 a long way to go—-I’ve only hit CO, AZ, CA, IN, ME, NY, MI, IL, KY, TN, SC, UT, WY, NJ. Of which my favorite was AZ ( Dorado mesquite) and UT ( HW Midwinter )
@PBMichiganWolverine Nice review, and that's an admirable goal you've got! I'd like to see a best-of-list including all 50 states once you cross the finish line
@jonwilkinson7309 By chance, was one of the bottles Split Rock Organic Bourbon? Have my eye on that one...
Good stuff! I like the 50 state idea. Maine has developed a pretty vibrant distilling scene. I went to a food festival in Portland this past weekend and nine distilleries were there, including five whiskey producers. I managed to limit my purchases to two bottles, but there were quite a few worthy options.