Bird Creek's commitment to using unique types of barley in its
American single malts sourced through direct farmer relationships
has made its whiskey industry mark, with the small distillery
started by a "third-wave" coffee pioneer taking home top medals in
recent spirits competitions.
PORTLAND, Ore., May 8, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bird Creek Whiskey, an up-and-coming
American single malt distillery focused on rare types of malted
barley-influenced whiskeys, finds itself in the enviable position
of netting coveted awards in highly acclaimed, back-to-back spirits
competitions, having been awarded multiple top-flight medals and
accolades at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and
ADI's 2024 International Spirits Competition. These Best of
Category, Double Gold, and Gold nods have quickly put this
exclusive whiskey maker on the map.
"We are so honored to receive such high
praise in such prestigious tasting events for all the work our team
does and all the farmers we buy directly from. Our quality begins
at the farm, followed by a team working to produce the best
American single malt without exception."
Bird Creek, founded by pioneer "third-wave" coffee entrepreneur
Mark Stell of Portland Coffee
Roasters in 2017, crafts its award-winning whiskeys in a
specialized way. Just as its founder approaches the coffees that
have become his signature style over three decades, Bird Creek
sources its unique barley varieties by establishing direct,
personal relationships with Pacific Northwest farmers. This
commitment to quality and sustainability has led to highly
well-regarded American single malts distilled from barleys rarely,
if ever, used by other whiskey makers.
"My time in coffee has shown me that varieties make a difference
and that farmers and millers make even a bigger difference," said
Stell. "When buying our specialty malts and barleys, I am looking
for quality above all, followed by consistent supply and
storylines.
"Because we are so focused on rare, heritage, and ancient
varieties, the list tends to be narrowed down tremendously.
Heritage and ancient types like the ones I source are a cornerstone
of sustainability. Most of these have weathered the millennia and
are needed to carry us forward in drought and disease. It's
critical to continue these varieties—we are just happy they taste
amazing."
For ADI's 2024 International Spirits Competition, Bird Creek
took Best of Category American Single Malt, Bottled & Blended,
for its flagship Small Batch American Single Malt. Bottled at 92
proof, this whiskey blends the distillery's Baronesse and Full Pint
barley types. Aged for four years and six months in new, white
American oak, it also took home a Gold Medal. Joining Small Batch
in the ADI winner's circle with a Gold Medal is the Cask Strength
version of Baronesse, bottled at 115 proof after four years and
three months of aging.
These same heritage and ancient grains also carried Bird Creek
to victory at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition,
where Small Batch garnered a Double Gold, while the Cask-Strength
versions of Baronesse and Full Pint each took home Gold.
Baronesse, one of Bird Creek's signature rare barley types, is a
German-type grain bread for brewing beer. It is sourced from
Joseph's Grainery along the rolling hillside of the Palouse in Colfax,
Washington, on farm family land that's been worked for over
70 years.
Full Pint, meanwhile, is a spring 2-row type barley developed by
the Oregon State University Barley
Breed Program. It was part of a program to isolate genetics that
could be used for natural stripe-rust resistance, a fungal
infection detrimental to barley. Mecca Grade Estate Malt grows this
barley in Madras, Oregon, in that
state's High Desert climate.
"We are so honored to receive such high praise in such
prestigious tasting events for all the work our team does and all
the farmers we buy directly from," stated Stell. The farmers we buy
from have worked so hard to develop such quality barley—it's why we
share the awards with them. Our quality begins at the farm,
followed by a team that works to produce the best possible American
single malt without exception.
"Every step is carefully decided, from barley to barrel and
blending barley varieties for our small batch."
Bird Creek's specialty American Single-Malt whiskeys, including
the award-winning Small Batch and Cask Strength versions, can be
purchased directly from the distillery's tasting room in
Portland, Oregon, or conveniently
through its online store for shipment. For more information about
Bird Creek and to explore its range of whiskeys, please visit its
website.
ABOUT BIRD CREEK WHISKEY
Bird Creek Whiskey, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, pays homage to its Pacific
Northwest roots through the American single malt whiskeys it
produces. It uses rare barley types sourced via direct
relationships with the farmers that grow them. Started out of a
thirst for adventure, the brand's embrace of this part of the
world's unique outdoor setting has led to an ethos encompassing
multiple ties to the land around it. Bird Creek whiskeys are meant
to be enjoyed in times of celebration and contemplation with
friends, always responsibly.
Media Contact
Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, Bird
Creek Whiskey, 1 971-415-1801, thewhiskeybard@gmail.com,
https://birdcreekwhiskey.com/
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SOURCE Bird Creek Whiskey