About
GRAIN-TO-GLASS SPIRITS Oola Distillery produces small batches of gin, vodka, flavored vodkas and bourbon whiskey. This is the real deal-spirits made with a sense of place and a connection to the people who grew the raw ingredients and the man who coaxed them into their more spirited forms-gins in which you can taste the botanicals, distinctive vodkas, and bourbon whiskey flavorful and smooth. OUR DISTILLER For Oola owner and distiller, Kirby Kallas-Lewis, Oola is a labor of love, intellectual curiosity and commitment to the neighborhood he has called home for more than two decades. Kirby has been studying the art and science of distilling intensively. He has participated in numerous workshops, tastings, and conferences on the topic of craft distilling by some of the leaders in the industry. A former artist and tribal art dealer, Kirby has long been interested in the power that great food, wine, art, cocktails and entertaining have in connecting people to each other and to a place.
The third release in our Whiskey Discourse series, OOLA Distillery Discourse Three Shores Whiskey, is all about a conversation within whiskey-making traditions. This “discourse” involves a conversation with iconic whiskeys from three different countries: a Highland Scotch, our own American high rye Whiskey, and a deep, rich and smooth Canadian Whiskey. The process starts by transferring two fully mature whiskeys, Highland Scotch and Canadian Whiskey, into American Oak Barrels for up to one year of additional aging. This is when the integration begins. All three whiskeys have influence from the American Oak that will later contribute to the balance that we were able to achieve in this whiskey.
All three Whiskeys are top representations of their respective styles. The goal here was to create something that excels beyond the individual components—the sum is definitely greater than the parts in this beautifully-balanced spirit. Enjoy this conversation. I’m sure you’ll agree that it gets all the more interesting when diverse opinions are bellied up to the bar.
Tasting Notes
NOSE: A whiff of smoke coupled with sweet sea brine.
PALATE: Spicy clove and cinnamon note, contributing a complexity mid-palate.
FINISH: Long, rich, ripe pear and candied stone fruit.