As part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance, a small group of us participated in a zoom happy hour event with co-founder Chris Frederickson straight from Traverse City Whiskey Distillery in Traverse City, Michigan. We were sent samples to taste and enjoy. Opinions are my own.
Around the end of 2015, I had two most fabulous experiences. I got to meet up with a forever friend from over 30 years ago and was gifted a bottle of Traverse City Whiskey Co from his home state of Michigan. That was the first time I had experienced any whiskey from the north. Since then, I have been trying to get my hands on this illusive northern spirit which was near impossible to obtain from where I was living at the time (due to the restrictive laws). Now…..it finally made it to the south.
It found me in Texas
Pull the cork out of a Traverse City Bourbon Whiskey bottle, listen for the trademark POP. That delightful sound was intentional and means you’re about to experience something unique, something you’ll experience only from the whiskey from Up North.
Lots of clouds, freezing and snowy winters lead into warm summer temperatures laced with humidity which allows the whiskey in the barrel to slowly develop deep layers of flavor and intensity with restrained amounts of alcohol over a period of four or more years. All of the elements combine to create rich flavors and aromas of vanilla, brown sugar, dried fruit, warm spices and a long finish.
Quite a different scenario in Texas with our long hot seemingly endless summers of searing heat. You can’t leave a whiskey in a barrel as long due to the extreme temperatures so you won’t find a whiskey over a couple of years old here.
You can taste the difference.
Idea .Dream. Passion. History
Co-found Chris Fredrickson’s great grandfather was a chemical engineer and distilled as a hobby. Chris and his father stumbled upon his distilling notes and patents on the family’s farm.
They were intrigued.
Together with his Michigan State classmates, friends and now co-founders Jared and Moti, the idea was born to continue what his grandfather had begun.
The whiskey
When they began the distillery, the Straight Bourbon Whiskey was their only product. 75% Corn 21% Rye 4% Malted Barley. This first whiskey is the backbone to all of their bourbon products and finished bourbons.
Their bourbon whiskies are great for cocktails and just as delightful neat or over the rocks.
Cherry Whiskey-American Addition
Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the World and Chris’ family and father are 3rd generation cherry farmers.
Cherries are the lifeblood of Traverse City.
Another fabulous idea was born and they decided to “own” the Traverse City “Cherry capital of the world” status.
In 2013 during the time of flavored and infused vodkas,they decided to infuse their straight bourbon with cherries and developed the cherry whiskey (70 proof ).
Traverse City Bourbon Whiskey Infused with Traverse City cherries -American Cherry Edition is a delightful blend of cherries and whiskey which makes awesome cocktails or enjoyed straight from the glass.
Balaton cherries were brought to Michigan from Lake Balaton, in Hungary. These are dark, tart cherries with a little bit of sweetness to them. Not as tart as the Montmorency (pie) cherries, and packed full of flavor.
This is unique to Northern Michigan.
Northern Michigan Balaton cherries are described as a larger cherry with a crunch and firm texture. The cherries used in the whiskey are farmed exclusively from a nearby in a neighboring town and takes 7 years to mature.
Rye, we wanted to stand out
From 2012-2016 the rye and bourbon portfolio grew.
Traverse City Northcoast Rye is a blend of two different ryes: 95% Rye 5% Malted Barley. It’s flavor profile is robust, earthy, buttery, and spicy.
The Barrel Proof Rye has won Double Gold at International Competition.
Cocktails
Chris asked us what we think of when we think of bourbon cocktails. Some of the popular cocktails mentioned were Sazeracs, which is a great afterwork cocktail enjoyment and especially great with the Traverse City Rye.
Old Fashioneds everyone’s favorite and can be created with any of the bourbon whiskies from their portofolio.
And how about Bourbon slushies, New Fashioneds, Coffee and Bourbon cocktails and Cherry Whiskey Sours? More to come on that!
Cherry Festival
There’s lots to do in Traverse City during the cherry growing season. Lots of site-seeing hiking/ biking trails and of course, drinking whiskey.
The Cherry Whiskey Festival will be the 3rd annual festival of it’s kind which was created because of the pandemic. They took the barrel proof and infused it for the cherry whiskey festival.
Festival TBA.
Michigan to Texas: Up North to Way Down South
This is just the introduction to Traverse City Whiskies from my perspective. There will be more posts about cocktails made with each bourbon whiskey from the portfolio.
*Traverse City Whiskey will be available soon at Twin Liquors in the Austin area.
Such intense and robust flavors from the Barrel Proof Traverse City Whiskey Rye. All you need is an ice cube and and a zest from a fresh orange.
Pingback: Make a Bourbon Smash and an Old Fashioned with Traverse City Co Cherry Infused Bourbon Whiskey – Wine With Lisa