From Buffalo Trace to The Big Apple. Brandon Collins, Head Distiller for Taconic Distillery, joins us for this week’s episode of The Bourbon Lens. Brandon moved on from his role at one of the most recognizable distilleries in world to take on craft distilling in New York state. Taconic Distillery is located 90 miles north of New York City and is gaining ground by their willingness to experiment with excellent barrel finishes and their ability to produce high quality bourbon and rye whiskey. On this episode, we were drinking Taconic’s Mizunara Cask finished bourbon, weighing in at 107 proof. Read more on Mizunara Oak in this article from Wine Enthusiast
We hope you enjoy this week’s episode and maybe even discover a rising distillery you might not be aware of. Taconic Distillery has plans to expand its distribution to Kentucky during 2020, so look for them on a shelf near you soon.
Brandon Collins Bio/Background:
Raised in Carlisle, OH, Brandon grew up with a love of chemistry that eventually led to his passion for producing amazing whiskey. Brandon received a BS in Chemical Engineering at Ohio State University, where his studies included Brewing and Fermentation Science. After graduating college, he went on to hold a highly coveted Distillery Supervisor position at Buffalo Trace. During his tenure at Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the country, Buffalo Trace was named “Whiskey Distiller of the Year” in 2014 and “Brand Innovator of the Year” in 2015, by Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky America”.
During his travels Brandon developed a love for New York City, where he currently resides. When an opportunity arose at Long Island Spirits in 2017 he decided it was time to combine his two passions and relocate to New York. There he went on to produce a “Chairman’s Trophy Rye Whiskey” in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Taconic Distillery, established in 2013, is a purveyor of fine craft spirits located in the Hudson Valley of New York. We handcraft our award-winning bourbon and rye whiskies in small batches using the finest ingredients, including grains grown in New York and natural spring water from our farm.
Inspired by hunting and fishing, Taconic embraces a passion for the outdoors and that passion is imprinted on all our spirits.
All of our spirits are brilliant for simple sipping. They also make excellent traditional and signature cocktails.
We are proud members of the American Distilling Institute, the American Craft Spirits Association and the New York Distillers Guild.
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