From the moment you walk in, you feel like family. Whether you are greeted by Pat Hoffman (Owner and Head distiller), his twin boys, David and Will (who are taller than the Big Human) or his wife Amy. It feels like you are returning to someplace you were meant to be.
I mean really, it's like you are reconnecting with a family friend you haven't seen in a long time. The Big Human was showing family pictures within a matter of minutes.
That’s the vibe at this small distillery located in the heart of corn fields in Western Iowa. Pat is a third generation farmer. Matter of fact, the distillery building is built on the exact same location as his grandfather’s house. As in many small craft distilleries, this is a family business. Everyone from the family has been involved in this passion project of Pat’s.
When you get there, don’t expect to be greeted by a sprawling visitor center with outdoor seating. This is a working farm. It’s likely that you will be parking next to work pick-up trucks or tractors. You might even have to park next to the corn bin where they store their corn for making whiskey. And, if it’s planting or harvest season, you may have to wave Pat in from the field.
Speaking of corn. Let’s talk about that a bit. Pat uses a type of corn called Wapsi Valley corn. This is an heirloom varietal of corn that almost no-one grows anymore. However Pat was able to find one farmer in New York state that was still growing this species of corn. So, Pat did some due diligence and brought it back to Iowa, and he’s now the only distiller (that he’s aware of) using this variety of Heirloom corn in his whiskey. In talking with Pat about this, it has a large fat content which adds to the flavors of his whiskey. And there are a lot of flavors in his whiskey.
And, Passion for making great whiskey, clearly came through as we were talking with Pat. He’s not only connected to the land he farms, he’s connected to the whiskey he makes. Pat has a hand in every bottle that eventually gets sold from this distillery. When you talk to Pat, you quickly realize that he’s not in it just to turn a buck. He’s in it to make “great” whiskey.
While this distillery is small, it is turning out a host of expressions and trying new things all time. We got to try his flagship bourbon along with a single barrel and cask strength and some fantastic Rye whiskey’s. You can see the video below of our tasting the Flagship Bourbon. However, the Single Barrel 102 Proof is one of Pat’s favorites. Matter of fact, if you want to taste what the Head Distiller is making “for himself”, this is the one to try. And we agree. It was clearly the winner for us. Nothing like drinking what the Head Distiller is making to put in his glass.
Walking around the grounds of this distillery reminded me of growing up. I grew up in the country, on a horse ranch, and surrounded by farms. Many of my uncles farmed. And, the tractor Pat had sitting in his Rickhouse was the same type as the one I learned to drive on. (yes, I learned to drive on a tractor). And, when we got to the tasting room, it was a cozy room carved out of the distillery area. A farmers ingenuity.
Yes, it’s a bit of drive to get to Lonely Oak. However if it’s summer time, you are going to get some fantastic views of farm fields loaded with crops. If it’s harvest time, the farmers (and likely Pat as well) will be doing what farmers do. In the field harvesting the crop (which Iowa is known for - Corn) that makes great whiskey. It’s worth the drive, and if you have never truly been in the heart of farm fields, you should experience it.
Oh, when you get there, ask Pat to tell you the story of how he came up with the name Lonely Oak.
What am I drinking while writing this: Lonely Oak Single Barrel Black Label
Proof: 102
Nose: Heavy Caramel, Vanilla, Pleasant Oak, Sweet Cream
Pallet: Great mouthfeel, Creamy, Viscous, Brachs Toffee chews, Heath Bar
Finish: Medium Long, Toffee, Milk Chocolate and a hit of black licorice
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