It was about a 5 hour-ish drive for us to get to Lincoln, Nebraska. Pretty easy drive. All interstate. But, being that it was that far we decided to get to Lincoln the night before so we would be fresh for the shoot the next day.
When you think of Lincoln, Nebraska you might think of the University of Nebraska. "Might" being the operative word. I don't know that much about Lincoln. I didn't even know it was the state capitol, (well, I probably learned it in school, but have long since forgotten that). Don't judge, do you know the state capitol of Iowa? I know it's a Big 10 school, but did you know the city was named after Abraham Lincoln? I didn't. Lincoln also has the International Quilt Museum. Hmmmm. There's a nugget.
But we were there in search of Whiskey. And boy did we find a gem of a distillery. And in Lincoln, Nebraska of all places. Who would have thunk it?!?
The distillery is located downtown Lincoln on P street, just a stones throw away from the football stadium. Walking into the distillery you are met with a wall of small barrels on one side, a big open expanse of merchandise and a nice large bar.
Then off to the side is a small tasting room and then another area for sitting. But wait...there's more. Take the stairs up and you will find another bar. Very cool and happening place. But hold on, instead of going upstairs, you can go to the back on the first floor and there's yet another bar with a very cool secluded seating space and upstairs is a hidden speak easy. This place is just a great hang out.
And, we haven't even gotten to the whiskey, one of the owners, Cody and the master whiskey taster, Kip were super generous in showing us around and telling the story of SideShow Spirits.
Now, talk about a guy who knows way more about whiskey then you probably want to know, and you are talking about Kip Givens. I could talk to this guy for hours. He walked us through tasting several of their whiskey's and even surprised us with a bottle from a previous barrel of their single malt whiskey. And Oh-My-Lord!!! Look, if you are curious about American Single Malt, hunt this down and try it from SideShow Spirits. These guys are making some fantastic whiskey. See the episode below.
I'm not sure what ranks as the top memory from this distillery shoot. Trying a Single Malt from a previous barrel (that they no longer have), Meeting the fantastic people that are running this joint or trying a Rye whiskey (the first one they have distilled and barreled) right from the barrel (when they proofed it, it was just over 130 proof and I guessed it much lower). Keep an eye out of that tasting video.
Kirk (the other Executive Producer) asked me on our way to Lincoln "what made you interested in this distillery?" My response - "it's a distillery in Lincoln, Nebraska! I need to try it."
There are craft distillery's in all 50 states. And they are making some amazing whiskey. Sure, you can take the path that everyone follows and taste the same thing that you always taste. Or, you can explore a bit and take the path least traveled, and you just might find some new favorites and some pleasant surprises. And sometimes they blow you away. I've already finished one bottle. Looks like I'm going back to Nebraska. I just have to do it before football season starts. (It's that whole Big 10 football thing.)
It's proof positive that great whiskey can be made anywhere. You just have to be willing to explore and seek it out. I can't wait to go back and try the Rye when they bottle it.
That's the journey of Craft Whiskey. I know I will be keeping a bottle or three of SideShow Spirits on my shelf at all times.
What am I drinking while writing this: SideShow Spirits Single Malt, Barrel #2 (Kip found a bottle and I bought it!!!)
Proof: 115.2
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Ripe Raspberry and Strawberry. It's like a red fruit explosion of sweetness. Summer in a bottle!
Pallet: Great mouthfeel, creamy and viscous, Sweet, brown sugar, dark chocolate, dark caramel.
Finish: Long, well balanced, cocoa, light oak, coffee.
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