Cut Spike Nebraska Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99)

At first we couldn’t believe our mouths. We knew that Cut Spike single malt had just taken Double Gold honors at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits competition (the highest possible honor), so obviously other people thought it was good, too. But after tasting so many mediocre American attempts at single malt whisky, we had become accustomed to the idea that the Scottish style of distillation would never be recreated here at home. There would be spin-offs, and experimental gasps at greatness, but that supple, malty profile would simply be something we needed to import from abroad. Then the folks at Cut Spike sent us a sample of their two year old Nebraskan single malt whisky made from 100% malted barley on a pot still crafted in Rothes, Scotland. Fermented at the brewery next door to Cut Spike in La Vista, the malt was matured for two years in new American oak with varying levels of char. The result is an incredible hybrid: soft, barley and vanilla-laden whisky that tastes somewhat like your standard Scottish single malt, but has its own unique character simultaneously. It’s the kind of whisky that you taste once and enjoy, but then the next day suddenly crave intensely. It impresses you instantly, yet doesn’t really reveal its full character until weeks later. The new oak blurs seamlessly into the malty mouthfeel, adding a richness on the finish normally not tasted in standard Scottish selections. Cut Spike is a major accomplishment for American distillation, pure and simple. – David Driscoll, K&L

Joe Manekin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 15, 2014

Here is our latest entrant in American craft whiskey, a very tasty, skillfully made whiskey from Nebraska. Nebraska? Yes, Nebraska! As mentioned earlier, this is stylistically a Bourbon-meets Sherry-barrel-aged Single Malt. Lovely richness, lots of sweetness and spice from new American oak barrels, but most importantly, the balance, drinkability and elegance of a well made single malt Scotch. These folks clearly studied how things are done in Scotland, and it shows. Very cool new whiskey that is well worth a try!

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 15, 2014

This rich, layered whisky shows just how good young craft malt can be. I am not a believer in paying a high price for young stuff just because it comes from a small hands-on distillery. It has to be in the bottle, and the Cut Spike has the stuffing to justify the price. It is rich and textural without being over the top, and has layers of complexity that caught me by surprise. If you are interested in seeing how good a new distiller can be, check it out!

Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 14, 2014

Fantastic! This didn’t really take too long to grow on me, I was hooked at the first waft of the wonderful vanilla and malty aromatics. Long and rich with a great touch of sweetness–who knew the Nebraskans had been hiding this gem? It’s definitely Scotch-like, but with a wonderful, smooth, rich twist that more than hints at its American roots.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 14, 2014

When the guys from Cut Spike first sent us the sample of their whiskey, they said, “Take your time with it. It grows on you.” I would pass that advise along to any K&L customer who buys a bottle. The first time you taste the Cut Spike single malt you’ll likely say, “That’s pretty good.” It’s later, however, that you start to really fall in love with the flavors. The new oak adds a dimension that’s somewhat between Scottish single malt and Bourbon, but the finish is so rich and integrated that it does indeed remind you of something like Glenmorangie. Personally, I think the Cut Spike whiskey is tremendous, but I can imagine others not being nearly as enthused. It ultimately will come down to personal interest and preference, but I love knowing this whiskey was made 100% in the USA with Scottish techniques and a little American new oak char. That makes it all taste better in my glass.

K&L Wine Merchants
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