Bourbon and Rye take center stage at J.P. Trodden Distilling in Maltby, where visitors flock for premium, small batch whiskey
FOR THE BETTER part of the past decade, Mark and Jennifer Nesheim have stood out among the Greater Woodinville winery scene for crafting small batch, premium whiskey, notably bourbon. They recently moved the entire operation a few miles over to nearby Maltby, Wash. into a gorgeous new modern facility.
Mark, a former chef and restaurant executive, confesses the notion of launching J.P. Trodden Distilling came about one evening while he and Jennifer were contemplating his career shift “over a glass of exceptional wine.” A devotee of bourbon as much as wine, Mark rose to the calling.
Visitors flock from afar to the distillery and tasting room (located about five miles northeast of Woodinville) to sample the lineup of smooth, slow-aged bourbons, as well as a unique rye whiskey known as Bolster Road Maple Rye, a robust blend finished in used Vermont maple syrup oak barrels. Distillery tours can be arranged too.
The Nesheims are part of an elite cadre of Northwest artisan distillers whose blue-ribbon spirits are inspiring creative new heights among a generation of craft cocktail buffs. There’s a rotating menu of mixed drinks available, as well as straight pours.
For at-home cocktail enthusiasts, below are drink recipes for three timeless classics, courtesy of the mixology experts at J.P. Trodden, complete with their own personal flair. Of course, you can always visit the tasting room where they pour small-craft bourbon and rye that are the real deal, in addition to a menu of mixed cocktails.
The hip tasting room is located at 9206 200th St SE, Suite #A-1 in Snohomish (located next door to Flower World on Broadway Avenue in the town of Maltby). They are open Thursday-Sunday and offer lots of table seating. Phone 206-399-6291 or visit online at www.jptrodden.com.
Maple Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has been an all-American classic cocktail since 1895. We love that J.P. Trodden swaps out the traditional sugar cube for a splash of house made bourbon barrel-aged Vermont maple syrup.
2 oz J.P. Trodden Black Label Bourbon
½ oz Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
2-3 drops Jack Rudy Bitters
Garnish: floater of San Pellegrino, Orange Peel
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail mixing glass with ice. Stir 15-20 times until well chilled. Strain into a classic Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel and a floater of San Pellegrino.
Black Manhattan
Rye is the traditional whiskey of choice for the revered Manhattan. There are as many variations today as there are bartenders. Using Amaro Averna, a bitter digestif, in place of traditional sweet vermouth gives it extra punch.
2 oz Bolster Road Maple Rye Whiskey
1 oz Amaro Averna Liqueur
2 drops Jack Rudy Bitters
Garnish: Jack Rudy Bourbon Cherry
Combine all ingredients into cocktail mixing glass with ice. Stir 15-20 times until well chilled, then strain into an “up” cocktail glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
Mint Julep
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby, typically held the first weekend in May. Bottoms up!
2 oz J.P. Trodden Black Label Bourbon
1½ oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar & water) or Mint Julep Syrup
Garnish: mint sprig
Combine bourbon, syrup and hand-crushed mint leaves in a cocktail mixing glass. Using a Julep strainer, strain over crushed ice in a classic Mint Julep cup (or similar). Garnish with fresh mint.