Tommyrotter Triple Barrel American Whiskey

This Triple Barrel American Whiskey from the Tommyrotter Distillery in Buffalo, New York, is the fourth spirit of theirs I’ve tasted – and they haven’t disappointed me yet.

Tommyrotter Distillery Triple-Barrel American Whiskey Bottle label detail

The three other spirits of theirs I’ve tasted are their American Gin, Cask-Strength Bourbon-Barrel Gin, and their award-winning small-batch vodka. They’ve all been excellent. In fact their bourbon-barrel gin was amazing, so what would this whiskey be like?

Tommyrotter Distillery Triple-Barrel American Whiskey Bottle detail

Triple Barrel Background

The whiskey is a blend of three US whiskies/bourbons, though not surprisingly Tommyrotter doesn’t go into specifics. The three whiskies are blended and then finished in French oak barrels that have previously held wine. Again, no specific details, but we do know it’s bottled at a no-nonsense 46% ABV.

We also know it won a Silver Medal in the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and was a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist with 92 points in the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

An Example from Tommyrotter's Masterworks Collection, a cider-cask-finished Tennessee whiskey
An Example from Tommyrotter’s Masterworks Collection

Tommyrotter Background

So, what is a tommyrotter? Well, according to the Tommyrotter Distillery website:

The Tommyrotters’ Club was a band of rebellious artisans in the early 20th century who broke rank from the Arts and Crafts Movement to create for creation’s sake. They sought adventure, mischief and inspiration in nature. Honoring their industrious spirit of back, hand and heart, Tommyrotter Distillery crafts small batch spirits.

Tommyrotter was founded by Bobby Finan and Sean Insalaco and opened for business in July 2015 in a 116-year-old factory in Buffalo, New York. Their spirits have been winning awards and medals since the get-go.

Tommyrotter American Gin founders Bobby Finan and Sean Insalaco.
Tommyrotter’s founders Bobby Finan and Sean Insalaco

Tasting Tommyrotter Triple Barrel American Whiskey

The whiskey is a light brown color, which suggests it doesn’t spend too long a time in those barrels. On the nose it’s a pleasing aroma of strong orange, and more delicate vanilla. Those wine barrels definitely come through, as if you’ve walked into a heady wine warehouse on a hot day, and there’s a peppery spiciness in there too.

Tommyrotter Distillery Worker

On the palate there’s a definite kick from the 46% ABV, but it’s also very smooth. Those orange, vanilla, and spice notes are all beautifully and strongly present, and it’s a very mellow taste, very easy to sip. It doesn’t have that extra complexity that you get from a mature 12-year-old whiskey, but then at about $35 for a 750ml bottle, it doesn’t have the price tag either.

Buying Tommyrotter Triple Barrel American Whiskey

This is definitely a whiskey worth trying, as it shows Tommyrotter’s craftsmanship and devotion to producing quality spirits with a difference. They don’t do online sales from their website but there is a Where to Buy page there, where you can find out where you can buy a bottle, get it in a bar, or find a distributor. I was pleased to see that there are three stores selling Tommyrotter spirits within five miles of Tucson, where I live. You can also learn more about their whiskey range on the Tommyrotter website. Some of their spirits are also available at Caskers.

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