Corsair

Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, childhood friends, started brewing beer and wine in Amy Lee Bell's garage. A technical problem while working on a still gave Andrew the idea to produce whisky – and they soon began studying the art of distillation. This led to the founding of Corsair Distillery, whose spirits have since been celebrated in prestigious publications such as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate, and Saveur. With 41 international medals, Corsair's innovative creations stand for experimentation and quality. In addition to whisky, the distillery also produces gin, including a special Barrel Aged Gin, first introduced in 2010. This gin is based on their classic steam-distilled gin with an increased juniper content and is aged for six months in charred oak barrels that previously held spiced rum. The aging process imparts smooth notes of oak, sweetness, and spice to the gin. The result is a complex, harmonious gin that is a true delight when enjoyed neat.

This single barrel whiskey is the more powerful sibling of Corsair Dark Rye Whiskey and was bottled as a strictly limited single cask release by the Corsair Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee. The foundation for this exceptionally rich and expressive whiskey is a mash bill of 61% malted rye, 4% malted chocolate rye, and 35% malted barley. Unlike many other rye whiskeys, Corsair completely forgoes corn and instead uses malted barley, which means this Dark Rye technically qualifies as both a rye and a malt whiskey. This unique combination results in a remarkably smooth and complex character with aromas of chocolate, coffee, and spice instead of the often typical green rye notes. No artificial flavors or colors are added. On the nose, a subtle rye spice is present, accompanied by dark chocolate and oak. On the palate, the whiskey presents a dense, viscous mouthfeel, intense rye malt spice, peppery notes, and rich chocolate and oak. The finish is pleasantly clean, carried by subtle chocolate and spice nuances with a long-lasting rye presence.

This promising Corsair Dark Rye Whiskey comes from the Corsair Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee. The mash bill consists of 61% malted rye, 4% malted chocolate rye, and 35% malted barley. Unlike many other rye whiskeys, Corsair completely forgoes corn and relies instead on malted barley, which means this Dark Rye technically qualifies as both a rye whiskey and a malt whisky. No artificial flavorings or colorings are used in its production; rather, its character and depth are derived solely from high-quality rye and barley malts, careful distillation in pot stills, and maturation in small, charred American oak barrels. The nose reveals distinct rye notes and fresh citrus hints, accompanied by a delicate touch of chocolate. On the palate, the whiskey presents itself as soft and balanced with spicy rye malt sweetness, oak aromas and subtle chocolate and spice notes, which transition into a long-lasting finish with rye and chocolate tones.

Corsair produces gin in very small batches using hand-hammered gin-head pot stills. This unusual process makes Corsair Gin fresh and crisp, yet very smooth on the finish. Corsair prides itself on using an unusual blend of traditional botanicals, all sustainably harvested, which gives the gin its unique and refreshing character. Slightly citrusy, soft and refreshing, it's wonderfully suited for cocktails.

The Corsair Distillery was founded by Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, two childhood friends from Nashville, Tennessee, who brewed beer and wine in their garage. This passion led to the creation of their own micro-distillery. Today, Corsair has earned a global reputation for innovative, handcrafted whiskeys and spirits, with over 150 awards. The distillery combines unusual ingredients with traditional distillation to create exceptional spirits. Corsair Hydra Whiskey is a unique blend of five different smoked malts: pecan, apple, sugar maple, black walnut, and date plum. On the nose, smoky and fruity aromas unfold. On the palate, the five malts reveal their full diversity: first, leather and roasted pecans, followed by spicy date plum and apple notes, then black walnut and sweet maple nuances. The finish is accompanied by gentle wood notes. Corsair Hydra Whiskey is an exceptional blend - complex, harmonious and perfectly balanced.

Corsair Oatrage Whiskey is the latest addition to the distillery's portfolio. In addition to regular malt, coffee malt, typically used for brewing beer, is combined with malted oats. This unique blend gives Oatrage Whiskey an aroma unlike anything typically found in whiskey. The flavor profile of Corsair Oatrage Whiskey is reminiscent of chai tea, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Intense notes of dark chocolate and espresso mingle with spicy cask aromas. It boasts a rich, full flavor and a long finish. An exciting and highly unusual whiskey that will undoubtedly open up new territory even for connoisseurs.

Corsair Triple Smoke is produced by smoking malted barley in three different ways: once with cherry wood, another with peat, and the third with beechwood. It is pot-still distilled and then matured in new, charred oak casks. This whiskey has the sweetness and cask notes of an American whiskey and the rich smokiness of a single malt. Aromas of toasted fig bread, roasted nuts, and chocolate lead to nuanced flavors of fruit, toffee, and peat. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of almond brittle, smoke, and peppery spice.

Corsair Distillery, located in Nashville, Tennessee, was founded by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, who experimented with brewing beer and wine in their garage. This pioneering spirit continues to define the distillery, earning it international acclaim and over 150 medals at prestigious spirits competitions. A highlight of its diverse portfolio is the multi-award-winning Corsair Wildfire Whiskey. As the distillery's first "grain-to-glass" whiskey, it is made from barley grown, malted, and smoked with hickory wood on their own farm in Bells Bend. On the nose, this whiskey evokes the aroma of an authentic Southern barbecue with notes of smoke, caramel, and butterscotch. On the palate, it is hearty, spicy, and full-bodied, offering a rich and complex flavor profile—an exceptional whiskey for connoisseurs and enthusiasts.