In The News

Thanksgiving beverages that elevate and eliminate worry over what goes well with turkey

Whiskey

Tisquantum (more commonly known as Squanto), the first Indigenous person the Pilgrims are reputed to have met, asked for distilled spirits (he had encountered Europeans before). So, why not us, too? Sure, whiskey doesn’t really pair well with food. And don’t you dare say vanilla, because anyone who knows anything about spirits knows bourbon vanilla comes from the Bourbon Islands, off of Madagascar, and has nothing to do with American whiskey.

Drinking whiskey on Thanksgiving will certainly make a statement. If you choose to do so, the only real choice is this year’s U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championship’s grand national whiskey champion, Moylan’s whiskey. Novato’s Brendan Moylan and his Stillwater Spirits team produced four gold medal whiskeys this year: a cask strength bourbon, a “sanctioned bourbon” finished in sherry barrels, a blended rye finished in port barrels and a single malt “American” whiskey. My choice for Thanksgiving is Moylan’s “barrel strength” bourbon ($65). This whiskey is 112 proof, multiple barrel aged and four years old. Its big rich toffee-ish warmness will put to rest any notions of pairing that you might have. Go to moylansdistilling.com.

Jeff Burkhart is the author of “Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender, Vol. I and II,” the host of the Barfly Podcast on iTunes and an award-winning bartender at a local restaurant. Follow him at jeffburkhart.net and contact him at jeffbarflyIJ@outlook.com

Brendan Moylan on the Barfly Podcast

We welcome Brendan Moylan, the owner Moylan's Brewery and the owner of Stillwater Spirits, whose Moylan's Whiskey was proclaimed the Grand National Whiskey Champion at this year's U.S. Whiskey and Spirits Open competition

2022 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship

The 2022 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship is proud to announce the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Moylan’s Distilling in Petaluma, California repeated as U.S. Open Whiskey’s Grand National Champion after winning 4 gold medals, a silver, and a bronze medal. Their Moylan’s Bourbon with Sherry Finish was a favorite among the judges. Previously, no distillery or brewery has defended its title at a U.S. Open Championships.

Marin Brewing Company’s Brendan Moylan Wins Big and Is the U.S. Open Whiskey Grand National Champion

“Comparing and contrasting whiskeys — the bench trial — consume, taste and evaluate.” He goes on to say there is a lot of chemistry involved, and flavor is also imparted by the type of wood barrels — he is fond of using barrels that previously housed chardonnay wine, port and sherry. He also insists on using a 500-gallon Vendome Still from Kentucky, where he believes the very best still-builders reside. And he must be doing something right, as just last month the distillery repeated as U.S. Open Whiskey’s Grand National Champion. Along with locally made whiskeys, Moylan creates small batches of liqueurs and grappa that are all available at various Bay Area restaurants and retailers.

Moylan’s Distilling Adds 9 Gold or Better Medals in 2019 Spirits Competitions

Moylan’s Distilling Company’s (makers of Moylan’s Whiskies and Stillwater Spirits) presence in the international spirits competitions continues to grow with its accomplishments at the 2019 San Francisco International Spirits Competition and others, earning 9 gold medals or better in 2019. The craft distiller picked up a “Double Gold” for its Moylan’s 99° Rye Whisky and a “Gold” for the Moylan's 112.6° Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey at the highly prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Combine that with a Best of Show honors in Denver for their Bourbon and you can see what all the excitement is about, Great Quality Crafted Whisky!

The competitions this year were massive as new producers continue to appear on the scene. Professional judges used blind-tasting methods continue to recognize Moylan’s as one of the best spirit producers from around the world. With victories in New York, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles and now San Francisco, Moylan’s Distilling Company has positioned itself as one of the nation's top micro whisky distilleries. Our little tiny distillery is battling it out with the big boys and have walked away with over 40 Gold Medals.

“I’m humbled and pleased that Moylan’s continues to be so well received,” said Brendan Moylan, New World Distiller.

Both Moylan and Head Distiller Tim Welch are available to talk about their work at Stillwater Spirits, and Moylan’s Distilling Company, as well as the business of artisan craft spirits. They use “Ethyl” to craft their whiskies and brandies. She is a beautiful American-made copper still from Vendome in Kentucky. This hybrid pot still with a column allows them to produce the cleanest spirit possible. Everyone at Stillwater is committed to producing unparalleled handcrafted products.

Moylan’s is a locally owned craft distillery located at 611 – 2nd St., in Petaluma, Ca. Our products include award-winning vodkas, whiskeys, gin, bourbon, brandies and a few specialty items.

Visiting Stillwater Spirits

Visiting Stillwater Spirits on a Friday afternoon feels like walking into a party in progress. Blues music booms from wall-mounted speakers. Local brewers wander in to grab a drink and share their latest beer. The distillery dogs greet people who walk by and wonder what they’re missing. But there’s serious business happening inside those barrels.

Moylan’s Whiskies keep on winning 2019 GOLDS and MORE!

Moylan’s Distilling Company’s (makers of Moylan’s Whiskies and Stillwater Spirits) presence in theinternational spirits competitions continues to grow with its accomplishments at the 2019 San FranciscoInternational Spirits Competition and others, earning 9 gold medals or better in 2019. The craft distiller pickedup a “Double Gold” for its Moylan’s 99° Rye Whisky and a “Gold” for the Moylan's 112.6° Cask StrengthBourbon Whiskey at the highly prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Combine that with a Bestof Show honors in Denver for their Bourbon and you can see what all the excitement is about, Great QualityCrafted Whisky!

The competitions this year were massive as new producers continue to appear on the scene.Professional judges used blind-tasting methods continue to recognize Moylan’s as one of the best spiritproducers from around the world. With victories in New York, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles and nowSan Francisco, Moylan’s Distilling Company has positioned itself as one of the nation's top micro whiskydistilleries. Our little tiny distillery is battling it out with the big boys and have walked away with over 40 GoldMedals.

“I’m humbled and pleased that Moylan’s continues to be so well received,” said Brendan Moylan, NewWorld Distiller.

Moylan's Bourbon Whisky Cask Strength 112.6°

• Denver International Spirit Awards 2019 - Double Gold And “Best of Show”
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 - Gold
• Seattle International Spirit Awards 2019 - Gold

Moylan's American Rye Whisky 99°

• Seattle International Spirit Awards 2019 - Double Gold And “Best in Class”
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 – Double Gold

Moylan’s American Single Malt Whisky 86°

• Seattle International Spirit Awards 2019 – Gold

Moylan’s ADI Port Finished American Single Malt Whisky 86°

• World Whisky Awards – Best American Single Malt Single Cask

Moylan’s Cask Strength American Single Malt Whisky 117.4°

• Seattle International Spirit Awards 2019 - Double Gold

Stillwater Spirits Raspberry Eau de Vie 80°

• Seattle International Spirit Awards 2019 - Double Gold

Stillwater Spirits Bartlett Pear Brandy 80°

• Denver International Spirit Awards 2019 - Gold

Both Moylan and Head Distiller Tim Welch are available to talk about their work at Stillwater Spirits, andMoylan’s Distilling Company, as well as the business of artisan craft spirits. They use “Ethyl” to craft theirwhiskies and brandies. She is a beautiful American-made copper still from Vendome in Kentucky. This hybridpot still with a column allows them to produce the cleanest spirit possible. Everyone at Stillwater is committedto producing unparalleled handcrafted products.

Moylan’s is a locally owned craft distillery located at 611 – 2nd St., in Petaluma, Ca. Our productsinclude award-winning vodkas, whiskeys, gin, bourbon, brandies and a few specialty items.

Moylan’s Distilling Wins 5 Whiskey Awards at 3rd Annual Seattle International Spirit Awards

Five times is a charm. Moylan’s Distilling nabbed a quintet of whiskey awards at the recent 3rd Annual Seattle International Spirit Awards, taking home three best of class double gold and other awards in a range of categories in the highly competitive artisan spirits competition.

With 20 judges comprising a tasting panel of local, national and international industry professionals, the competition was fierce and included more than 374 entries from 110 distilleries, representing a 25 percent increases from the previous year.

Given the size and scope of the competition, Moylan’s is particularly pleased to take home so many prizes. “This contest embodies a great appreciation for the artisanal spirit, with a program that pits such spirits up against the large consumer brands,’ Brendan Moylan, proprietor of Stillwater Distilling says, an addition that judging was done single blind without consideration of price or producer.

The winning spirits include -

Double Gold
Moylan's Distilling Co. American Single Malt Whisky

Double Gold
Moylan's Distilling Co. American Single Barrel - Single Malt Whisky

Double Gold
Moylan's Distilling Co. Cask Strength Bourbon

Gold
Moylan's Distilling Co. Cask Strength American Single Malt Whisky

Samples were evaluated in category flights and scored individually by teams of panelists.

Both Moylan and Head Distiller Tim Welch are available to talk about their work at Stillwater Spirits / Moylan’s Distilling Company, as well as the business of artisan craft spirits.

It’s a craft distillery located just north of San Francisco in beautiful Sonoma County. Their products include award-winning vodkas, whiskeys, gin, bourbon, brandies, and a few specialty items.

They use Ethyl to craft their whiskeys and brandies. She is a beautiful American-made copper still from Vendome in Kentucky. This hybrid pot still with a column allows us to produce the cleanest spirit possible. Everyone at Stillwater is committed to delivering exceptional hand-crafted products.

Stillwater Spirits Wins Best Of Category and Four Gold Medals at 2018 LA International Spirit Competition

Stillwater Spirits, located in Petaluma, CA has staked its position as one of the nation's top micro distilleries after winning one best of category, and four gold medals at the 2018 LA International Spirit Competition.

This year's competition brought together the strongest field to date with more than 400 spirit entries from nearly 150 producers spanning 27 countries.

Distiller and purveyor, Brendan Moylan said. “It's great to see our hard work and passion come through in our finished products. I can honestly say that making whisky is one of my life's greatest journeys.”

For more than a decade the competition has assembled a panel of judges who use a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best spirits from around the world while helping to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism for which the competition is known.

BEST OF CATEGORY / GOLD MEDAL - 92 POINTS
MOYLAN'S DISTILLING CO. BOURBON WHISKY
Bourbon with Unique Finish

GOLD MEDAL - 92 POINTS
MOYLAN'S DISTILLING CO. AMERICAN RYE WHISKEY
American Rye

GOLD MEDAL - 92 POINTS
MOYLAN'S DISTILLING CO. AMERICAN SINGLE MALT 4 YEAR OLD
American Single Malt

GOLD MEDAL - 90 POINTS
MOYLAN'S DISTILLING CO. ADI AMERICAN SINGLE MALT 8 YEAR OLD
Single Barrel American Whiskey 10 years or less

Both Moylan and Head Distiller Tim Welch are available to talk about their work at Stillwater Spirits / Moylan’s Distilling Company, as well as the business of artisan craft spirits.

It’s a craft distillery located just north of San Francisco in beautiful Sonoma County. Their products include award-winning vodkas, whiskeys, gin, bourbon, brandies and a few specialty items.

They use Ethyl to craft their whiskeys and brandies. She is a beautiful American-made copper still from Vendome in Kentucky. This hybrid pot still with a column allows us to produce the cleanest spirit possible. Everyone at Stillwater is committed to delivering exceptional hand-crafted products.

Moylan’s Distilling Company at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition (LAISC)

Moylan’s Distilling Company’s presence in the international spirits competitions continues to grow with its accomplishment at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition (LAISC), earning its first gold for the Moylan's Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength. The craft distiller also picked up another gold and a best of category for its Moylan’s Cask Strength Port Finished American Single Malt.

The competition this year was robust since LAISC received 392 spirits entries from 146 producers. A panel of nearly two-dozen judges used a blind-tasting method to recognize the best spirits from around the world. With victories in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and now Los Angeles, Moylan’s Distilling Company has positioned itself as one of the nation's top micro whisky distilleries.

“I’m humbled and pleased that Moylan’s continues to be so well received,” said Brendan Moylan, New World Distiller.

Moylan's Bourbon Whisky Cask Strength 112.6°
LA International Spirits Competition 2017 Gold

Moylan’s Cask Strength Port Finished American Single Malt Whisky 111.8°
LA International Spirits Competition 2017 Gold & Best of Category
New York Wine and Spirits Competition 2016 Best in Show Whiskey
New York Wine and Spirits Competition 2016 Double Gold

Moylan’s American Single Malt Whisky 86°
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016 Gold
American Craft Spirits Competition 2016 Gold
Beverage Testing Institute 2013 & 2016 Gold

Moylan’s Cask Strength American Single Malt Whisky 117.4°
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016 Double Gold
American Distilling Institute 2016 Gold
Beverage Testing Institute 2013 & 2016 Gold

Both Moylan and Head Distiller Tim Welch are available to talk about their work at Stillwater Spirits, and Moylan’s Distilling Company, as well as the business of artisan craft spirits. They use Ethyl to craft their whiskies and brandies. She is a beautiful American-made copper still from Vendome in Kentucky. This hybrid pot still with a column allows them to produce the cleanest spirit possible. Everyone at Stillwater is committed to creating unparalleled handcrafted products.

Moylan’s is a locally owned craft distillery located in Petaluma, Ca. Our products include award-winning vodkas, whiskeys, gin, bourbon, brandies and a few specialty items.

Something New From Moylan's Whisky Of Northern California

Stillwater Spirits is a premiere craft distillery located in Petaluma, Ca. It is one of those small players in the industry of distillery that is not much heard on a national level, yet very popular among the locals of this part of North California. Stillwater Spirit has been known for being the maker of high quality whisky.

Stillwater Spirits markets its whiskey under the Moylan’s Whisky brand. As addition to their craft, they have launched two new expressions of their whisky with new label look to be more interesting.