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On Dec. 5, Pottstown’s Manatawny Still Works marked the anniversary of the 21st Amendment—if you’re not a history buff, that’s the one that repealed Prohibition—with the release of the first aged whiskey in its Small-Batch Whiskey Series, Batch 01.
The release of Batch01 was limited to 1,920 specially-labeled bottles. (Not coincidentally, Prohibition started in 1920.) The first batch in Manatawny’s series of one-off whiskeys included three separate distillations blended together and then barreled in late March 2014. The mash, comprised of a mixture similar to the distillery’s J. Potts White Whiskey, was aged for 226 days in 30-gallon honeycomb barrels, resulting in an oak-forward essence.
The variety of grains—42 percent malt, 41 percent wheat, 13 percent oats and 4 percent rye—results in a whiskey with a complex flavor profile. Oats and rye provide a spiciness that rounds out the character of Batch01, while notes of oak and smoked cherry in the nose complement pear, vanilla and new-wood flavors. Malt provides some up-front sweetness, and wheat softens the finish.
“Crafting young whiskeys allows us to use different raw materials, techniques and times in the barrel to offer batches featuring distinct flavor profiles,” said Max Pfeffer, Manatawny’s founding distiller. “I can’t tell you how awesome it is to be able to enjoy some whiskey that has taken our blood, sweat and tears to create.”
The distillery will produce future offerings in its Small-Batch Whiskey Series with a limited release every month or two, but the first one is particulary special to the makers and the customers, proving the distillery’s aged products are well worth the wait.
“The release of Batch01 represents a milestone for Manatawny Still Works,” said Randy McKinley, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “It’s also a major step in our long-term commitment to deliver the highest quality hand-crafted spirits to people who will love them.”
Taste for yourself. Visit Manatawny Still Works for a sample and a tour, and be sure to enjoy a cocktail while you’re there. Hours and tour information can be found online.
320 Circle of Progress Drive, Suite 104, Pottstown, (484) 624-8271, www.manatawnystillworks.com.