Ragged Branch Distillery is a craft distillery located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded by Dave Pickerell in 2016, it is dedicated to producing high quality spirits using traditional methods and local ingredients. The distillery has quickly become one of the most popular craft spirit producers in the area, with its products being featured on many top-tier menus and served at award-winning restaurants.
At Ragged Branch Distillery, the team is committed to creating unique and flavorful spirits that capture the essence of Virginia's terroir. To do this, they source only the finest ingredients from local farms and use them to produce both whiskey and vodka that embody the flavor of the region.
The process for making whiskey at Ragged Branch begins with a mash consisting of corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley that is cooked in a copper stil over an open flame. This mixture is then distilled twice before being barreled in new American oak barrels for aging. Once aging has occurred, each batch of whiskey is carefully blended to create distinct flavors that are unique to Ragged Branch Distillery.
In addition to their whiskeys, Ragged Branch also produces small batches of vodka that receive rave reviews from those who have sampled it. The vodka is made using locally grown wheat and corn which are fermented before being distilled four times in copper stills. The resulting spirit is then filtered through charcoal before being bottled at 80 proof.
For those looking to experience Ragged Branch's portfolio of spirits firsthand, they offer tours of their facility along with tastings every Saturday afternoon from 12pm – 4pm. These tours provide visitors with an inside look at how their spirits are created from start to finish as well as some samples along the way!
Ragged Branch Distillery is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone looking for a taste of Virginia's finest craft spirits! With its commitment to traditional methods and local ingredients as well as its dedication to creating unique flavors, it's no wonder why so many people have fallen in love with this Charlottesville gem!
Who Is the Owner of Ragged Branch?
Ragged Branch Distillery is co-owned by Chris Sarpy and Alex Toomy, who have partnered with legendary distiller Dave Pickerell to create a unique line of small-batch spirits. Sam Huston, of Bacchus Importers, plays an important role in the Ragged Branch family as their exclusive sales partner. Chris and Alex met in 2006 whie working together at a media company. They shared a passion for spirits and soon began formulating a plan to create a craft distillery. After years of research, planning, and hard work, they opened the doors to Ragged Branch in 2016 with Master Distiller Dave Pickerell at the helm. The trio has created an impressive range of products that reflect their commitment to quality and innovation. From barrel-aged whiskeys to experimental gins and vodkas, each bottle is crafted with care and attention to detail.
Collectible Bourbons
Collectible bourbons are highly sought-after and rare varieties of whiskey that have been aged for a longer period than typical whiskey. Some of the most collectible bourbons include Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Bourbon, Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Madeira Casks, A.H. Hirsch Reserve 1974 16-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Milam & Greene: The Castle Hill Series 13-Year-Old Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Straight Bourbon, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and Blanton's Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Collectible bourbons are typically more expensive than typical whiskey due to their rarity and the amount of time it takes to age them. Many collectors seek out limited edition bottles or special releases for their collections. Collecting bourbon is a great way to apreciate the artistry of distilling as well as build an impressive collection that can be shared with friends and family for years to come.
The History of Kentucky's Oldest Bourbon
The oldest bourbon in Kentucky is the Maker's Mark Distillery, located in Loretto, Kentucky. Established in 1805, it is the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. The original recipe for Maker's Mark Bourbon has remained virtually unchanged for over 200 years, making it one of the most traditional bourbons aailable today. The mash bill includes 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat and 14% malted barley – all locally sourced from nearby farms – and each bottle is hand-dipped in signature red wax. Aged for six to eight years in new charred oak barrels, Maker's Mark Bourbon has a smooth flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Conclusion
Ragged Branch Distillery is an award-winning craft distillery located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded by Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, Co-Owners Chris Sarpy and Alex Toomy, and Sam Huston from Bacchus Importers, Ragged Branch crafts small batches of whiskey and other spirits with a focus on quality and innovation. Their flagship product is the Town Branch Bourbon, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that's aged for a minimum of five years in oak barrels. With a unique blend of ingredients and careful aging process, Ragged Branch has created an exceptional bourbon that's enjoyed by craft whiskey aficionados around the world. With thir commitment to perfection and dedication to creating outstanding spirits, Ragged Branch Distillery is sure to remain a leader in the craft distilling industry for many years to come.
