As an expert sommelier and brewer, I find this quite interesting. Often, when we think of a whiskey brand being owned by a particular distillery, we assume that the whiskey itself is produced at that distillery. However, in the case of Widow Jane, it seems that the brand has chosen to source their whiskey from other regions.
This practice is not uncommon in the whiskey industry. Many brands choose to source whiskey from different distilleries, allowing them to create unique blends and flavor profiles. It is a way for brands to offer a diverse range of products and to showcase the distinct characteristics of different regions.
In the case of Widow Jane, the decision to source their whiskey from Indiana and Tennessee may have been made to highlight the specific qualities and flavors that these regions can offer. Each region has its own unique climate, water sources, and distilling traditions, all of which can contribute to the final flavor of the whiskey.
While some whiskey enthusiasts may prefer brands that produce their whiskey in-house, others may appreciate the variety and exploration that comes from sourcing whiskey from different regions. It allows for a greater range of flavors and styles, and can offer consumers a chance to try something new and different.
In my own experiences as a sommelier, I have come across many brands that choose to source their products from different distilleries. This can be especially prevalent in the world of craft whiskey, where smaller brands may not have the resources or production capacity to distill their own whiskey. Instead, they rely on sourcing from established distilleries to create their blends.
While Heaven Hill does own Widow Jane, the whiskey in this blend does not come from Kentucky. Instead, it is sourced from distilleries in Indiana and Tennessee. This practice is not uncommon in the whiskey industry and can offer consumers a chance to explore different flavors and styles.