An episode of The Whisk(e)y Vault hosted at Whisky Marketing School in Austin, TX. Today we talk about Platte Valley Moonshine from McCormic Distilling Co.
I use Platte Valley to clean engine parts and nothing else. I never knew it was for drinking. Actually, I had a cocktail with Platte Valley in it once at a restaurant near Denver called The Fort. It was unusual because the restaurant is a mountain man/fur trapper themed adobe (mud brick with mud plaster) fort similar to Bent’s Fort on the Arkansas River on the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail. They owners of The Fort tried to replicate authentic drink recipes from the 1830s and 1840s mountain man era. The cocktail I had was comprised of a healthy pour of corn whiskey and a big pinch of black powder....yes, by black powder I mean gun powder. The drink was interesting but the black powder added little to the flavor and was gritty going down. I was warned afterwards not to smoke for several hours lest an unfortunate accident happen. True story.
I know next to nothing about whisky but I absolutely love this channel . its really cool hearing about the story's and and weird random history, Thanks for making cool stuff
I've been working my way through episodes by letting UA-cam auto play them. Not much interested in moonshine, but I was very glad of the insights on setting the baseline for what a single grain brings to the end product and the log book that Daniel shared at the end. I'd say keep up the good work, but you already have.
I drink/try all the different moonshines, and Platte Valley which is one of the CHEAPEST at 10 to 15 bucks a jug, is by far my favorite. It has a strong distinct corn flavor as you guys noted. But real “good” moonshine is supposed to be odorless and tasteless high proof (100) alcohol. And they mostly taste like rubbing alcohol. The platte valley is smoother and actually has some flavor. Mixes great with just about any juice, Apple juice (tastes like the polish drink of vodka and apple), or cranberry-grape juice are my favorites.
Finally found this episode again! Been looking for it bc I wanted another glance at your tasting book. I'm working with someone on Etsy right now to create my own. It's gonna be based on the Whisk(e)y Smith's deductive tasting sheet along with elements from different tasting books I've found. I'll let you know when it's done if you're interested in checking it out. She's gonna add it to her listing so others can buy one too.
I believe it would be interesting to see a novice (Like myself) start off using Daniel's book, only to go back a year later and try each Whisk[e]y again. Recording the learnt differences and taste comparisons.
Georgia Moon is 90% corn, 5% rye and 5% barley. It is the exact same whiskey as Mellow Corn minus the 4 years of aging. Tasting Georgia Moon side-by-side with Mellow Corn will give you a fantastic appreciation for what 4 years in a used barrel will do for a whiskey.
Thanks for all the awesome videos guys! Would love to see you test Talisker Dark Storm (and come with recommendations about other whiskeys that have a similar flavour profile).
Best line in video: "They're using a font that reminds me of Scooby Doo." - Rex (Although I didn't appreciate being flipped off when Rex 'pointed' toward the notes in Daniel's book. I'll never forgive you for that, Rex. Ever. Unless you want to wash my car. Shirtless. P.S. I dig chicks.)
I'm surprised no one found the strong grassy notes in the Platte valley. Clearly a sharp, acrid woody taste and grassy forenotes as in from a raw or #1 char oak barrel
Maybe my english is to bad, but when i google for the sheet you talked about for download i could not find it, by searching whiskysmith, so maybe i missunderstand you, but could you link it?
Wow. i actually found this one on an online shop in Denmark. 50$. thats a really nice price, if the taste is there :) i did not expect to find it. :) they also have the Georgia Moon for 31$. that is nice pricing
If you would like to do an episode on the evolution of "white dog" to a more finished product, Jack Daniels has their rye series that has their Unrested Rye (no age), Rested Rye (1 year) and Single Barrel (about 4 years). They may be keeping some of that original batch for an even older batch but I am not sure.
Along with this, you could test some of the aging products on the market in a budget whiskey and see if it gets any better. I've heard good things about the charred oak spirals and the toasted oak chips, but never tried them myself.
Bummer. Seems like a lot of these whiskey products that look cool and innovative turn out to be junk. I've been wanting to try one of those aging kits that comes with a 5L barrel and un-aged whiskey. That would be a cool experiment.
Agreed about tasty /willing to try all Japanese whiskeys because well the Japanese are delicate and foreign so they must have something new to offer… but what about Kavalan or Chinese????
Just saying, I would buy the shit out of a whiskey tasting book. I'm looking at the whiskeysmiths version, and I think a combination of your system and theirs would be awesome.
Daniel, do you know anything about the theory that BT purposely limits it's distribution in certain regions to influence local demand? I've read stories about it before, but never believed it. Today, I read a thread on Reddit about it and it brought my attention to the fact I haven't been able to find Blanton's in my local stores even though they tell me it's been on order for weeks. Apparently they can't keep it on the shelves once it comes in either. Not saying I believe it, but it does seem odd.
I don't have enough knowledge of the inner workings of BT to take a real vote. If I had to guess, based on what I know about business and the industry, I'd say it has more to do with simple supply and demand. If you're BT, and you have "x" amount of Blanton's, you have to allocate. You pick the areas you absolutely know you can blow through it to get it first along with areas you want to maintain good relationships with. Everyone else gets less or zero. That is a business decision based on prioritizing resources that then has a side effect of making it "rare" in certain markets. which would then allow retailers to up prices. But I don't think increased prices at a retailer really benefits BT directly. So it's an unintended side effect, but probably not the goal. Again, this is pure supposition. I could be completely wrong.
Wizard Academy I think you're 100% correct as I feel the same way. I have a business degree so I understand about distribution and how it may "appear" as a conspiracy but in reality it's normal business practice. CA isn't known as a heavy whisky drinking state so I'm sure we are lower on the distribution list than KY or TX would be. As far as the raffles and liquor stores holding it for limited buying, I'm sure that's simply due to fairness to other customers. If only a small amount is available, and loads of people want it, you have to do something to keep one person buying it all up. I don't even think they do it to raise prices as even the Van Winkle brands are still sold at sticker price. I think it's more to do with blowing through stock faster. Like you said. Thanks for giving a great reply BTW. Think it's really cool that you take time to reply to so many comments. Lots of UA-camrs don't engage with viewers at all. Cheers!
Oh! Almost forgot to ask... Is the mystery bottle you referred to Cask Islay? I got my hands on a bottle and thought the same thing. Caol Isla all the way. Which is prob why it was surprisingly good.
Ah. I've never had anything from them. Have you tried the Cask Islay? It's also good and prob very similar since both are most likely Caol Ila single malts. In fact, could you touch on unbranded whiskeys sometime? I'm not exactly sure what the purpose is. Happy 100 BTW!
This channel will likely lead me into whisk(e)y...... On a completely different note in talking about trying things blatantly outside the norm of the channel, is there any hope of a short series in specialty other drinks.... like malort?
I'll find some! We lean towards the brands that are more searchable, but we'll start adding in the one off stuff as well. Mail some to us, and we'll review it sooner ;-)
I use Platte Valley to clean engine parts and nothing else. I never knew it was for drinking. Actually, I had a cocktail with Platte Valley in it once at a restaurant near Denver called The Fort. It was unusual because the restaurant is a mountain man/fur trapper themed adobe (mud brick with mud plaster) fort similar to Bent’s Fort on the Arkansas River on the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail. They owners of The Fort tried to replicate authentic drink recipes from the 1830s and 1840s mountain man era. The cocktail I had was comprised of a healthy pour of corn whiskey and a big pinch of black powder....yes, by black powder I mean gun powder. The drink was interesting but the black powder added little to the flavor and was gritty going down. I was warned afterwards not to smoke for several hours lest an unfortunate accident happen. True story.
You're supposed to drink straight from the Mason jar. Also, you have too many teeth and that's affecting the experience.
funny , they are tasting my two favorite 'shines / white dog .
I know next to nothing about whisky but I absolutely love this channel . its really cool hearing about the story's and and weird random history, Thanks for making cool stuff
Thanks, Sean!
... And the bear says, "I'd like a beer and......... A bag of peanuts."
The bartender says, "Why the pause?"
You win comments so far.
Woman walks into a bar and says "I'd like a double entendre."
So the bartender gave it to her.
We absolutely need to start building a collection of "...walks into a bar" jokes.
Yes. Yes we do.
If I interpreted the joke correctly, that is freaking witty as hell
These are the best videos. Thank you guys.
I've been working my way through episodes by letting UA-cam auto play them. Not much interested in moonshine, but I was very glad of the insights on setting the baseline for what a single grain brings to the end product and the log book that Daniel shared at the end. I'd say keep up the good work, but you already have.
I drink/try all the different moonshines, and Platte Valley which is one of the CHEAPEST at 10 to 15 bucks a jug, is by far my favorite. It has a strong distinct corn flavor as you guys noted. But real “good” moonshine is supposed to be odorless and tasteless high proof (100) alcohol. And they mostly taste like rubbing alcohol. The platte valley is smoother and actually has some flavor. Mixes great with just about any juice, Apple juice (tastes like the polish drink of vodka and apple), or cranberry-grape juice are my favorites.
Finally found this episode again! Been looking for it bc I wanted another glance at your tasting book. I'm working with someone on Etsy right now to create my own. It's gonna be based on the Whisk(e)y Smith's deductive tasting sheet along with elements from different tasting books I've found. I'll let you know when it's done if you're interested in checking it out. She's gonna add it to her listing so others can buy one too.
Hell yes! Thanks!
add a little oxycontin to that shine and you got yerself a cocktail.
Hey, thanks for the response to my comment, guys! I'm loving the channel since Brushwood pointed me toward it in the comments of a Modern Rogue video.
Thanks Zelmel! Love the Rogue dudes. Cool guys.
A black shirt with Daniels Medallion would be awesome. Also sorry I’m late I’m watching these in order.
With furry hobbit feet slippers!
I believe it would be interesting to see a novice (Like myself) start off using Daniel's book, only to go back a year later and try each Whisk[e]y again. Recording the learnt differences and taste comparisons.
When I sip this....'I am a Man ...of Constant Sorrow'.......=))
99 episodes came round fast!
Georgia Moon is 90% corn, 5% rye and 5% barley. It is the exact same whiskey as Mellow Corn minus the 4 years of aging. Tasting Georgia Moon side-by-side with Mellow Corn will give you a fantastic appreciation for what 4 years in a used barrel will do for a whiskey.
Thanks for all the awesome videos guys!
Would love to see you test Talisker Dark Storm (and come with recommendations about other whiskeys that have a similar flavour profile).
Yes! I'll see if I can find some. I know I absolutely love Talisker Storm, but I haven't tried Dark Storm.
Second the Talisker, delicious!
Best line in video: "They're using a font that reminds me of Scooby Doo." - Rex (Although I didn't appreciate being flipped off when Rex 'pointed' toward the notes in Daniel's book. I'll never forgive you for that, Rex. Ever. Unless you want to wash my car. Shirtless. P.S. I dig chicks.)
Fun fact. Did you know the Scottish translation of "Spyrison" means "Digger of shirtless dudes."
It's a Greek patronym, so that's impossible. Means son of Spiro. Though I do look particularly svelte in a kilt.
I'm surprised no one found the strong grassy notes in the Platte valley. Clearly a sharp, acrid woody taste and grassy forenotes as in from a raw or #1 char oak barrel
Just opened a 1978 platte valley corn jug like this one. I’m enjoying it myself but it is very flat on flavor. Corn is supreme in it .
I’m reading a book on the history of glue - can’t put it down.
Maybe my english is to bad, but when i google for the sheet you talked about for download i could not find it, by searching whiskysmith, so maybe i missunderstand you, but could you link it?
Almost 100!
I find it interesting about what makes a whiskey a Bourbon, Rye, etc. So many rules it gets confusing.
Wow. i actually found this one on an online shop in Denmark.
50$. thats a really nice price, if the taste is there :) i did not expect to find it. :)
they also have the Georgia Moon for 31$. that is nice pricing
Since i can find this in Denmark, when they have it in stock... How does it taste with ice? or chilled? thinking for a hot summer day
Yeah, any way you can drink it is the right way
If you would like to do an episode on the evolution of "white dog" to a more finished product, Jack Daniels has their rye series that has their Unrested Rye (no age), Rested Rye (1 year) and Single Barrel (about 4 years). They may be keeping some of that original batch for an even older batch but I am not sure.
I love this idea!
Along with this, you could test some of the aging products on the market in a budget whiskey and see if it gets any better. I've heard good things about the charred oak spirals and the toasted oak chips, but never tried them myself.
Possible. I've done it before, and I'm really not a fan of most of them. The only one I found worth it was an actual barrel of at least 5 liters.
Bummer. Seems like a lot of these whiskey products that look cool and innovative turn out to be junk. I've been wanting to try one of those aging kits that comes with a 5L barrel and un-aged whiskey. That would be a cool experiment.
What about Tim Smith’s climax moonshine, from the show moonshiners?
Agreed about tasty /willing to try all Japanese whiskeys because well the Japanese are delicate and foreign so they must have something new to offer… but what about Kavalan or Chinese????
Kavalan is freaking awesome. Haven't tried the Chinese whisky yet.
Just saying, I would buy the shit out of a whiskey tasting book. I'm looking at the whiskeysmiths version, and I think a combination of your system and theirs would be awesome.
TheBioethicist we're going to have to work on something like this.
The tasting wheel is critical. I love the idea of coming up with a "shape" of the whiskey.
Hey, so I spent a couple hours pretending to be a designer, and I think I came up with something that might be cool for this. Could I email it to you?
Absolutely! that sounds awesome. daniel at whiskymarketing dot org
Daniel, do you know anything about the theory that BT purposely limits it's distribution in certain regions to influence local demand? I've read stories about it before, but never believed it. Today, I read a thread on Reddit about it and it brought my attention to the fact I haven't been able to find Blanton's in my local stores even though they tell me it's been on order for weeks. Apparently they can't keep it on the shelves once it comes in either. Not saying I believe it, but it does seem odd.
I don't have enough knowledge of the inner workings of BT to take a real vote. If I had to guess, based on what I know about business and the industry, I'd say it has more to do with simple supply and demand. If you're BT, and you have "x" amount of Blanton's, you have to allocate.
You pick the areas you absolutely know you can blow through it to get it first along with areas you want to maintain good relationships with.
Everyone else gets less or zero. That is a business decision based on prioritizing resources that then has a side effect of making it "rare" in certain markets. which would then allow retailers to up prices. But I don't think increased prices at a retailer really benefits BT directly. So it's an unintended side effect, but probably not the goal.
Again, this is pure supposition. I could be completely wrong.
Wizard Academy I think you're 100% correct as I feel the same way. I have a business degree so I understand about distribution and how it may "appear" as a conspiracy but in reality it's normal business practice. CA isn't known as a heavy whisky drinking state so I'm sure we are lower on the distribution list than KY or TX would be.
As far as the raffles and liquor stores holding it for limited buying, I'm sure that's simply due to fairness to other customers. If only a small amount is available, and loads of people want it, you have to do something to keep one person buying it all up. I don't even think they do it to raise prices as even the Van Winkle brands are still sold at sticker price. I think it's more to do with blowing through stock faster. Like you said.
Thanks for giving a great reply BTW. Think it's really cool that you take time to reply to so many comments. Lots of UA-camrs don't engage with viewers at all. Cheers!
Oh! Almost forgot to ask... Is the mystery bottle you referred to Cask Islay? I got my hands on a bottle and thought the same thing. Caol Isla all the way. Which is prob why it was surprisingly good.
It's Finlaggan Original. totally good.
Ah. I've never had anything from them. Have you tried the Cask Islay? It's also good and prob very similar since both are most likely Caol Ila single malts. In fact, could you touch on unbranded whiskeys sometime? I'm not exactly sure what the purpose is.
Happy 100 BTW!
This channel will likely lead me into whisk(e)y...... On a completely different note in talking about trying things blatantly outside the norm of the channel, is there any hope of a short series in specialty other drinks.... like malort?
not planned, but who knows!
Awesome stuff thanks for posting but wait, not making anymore???
Yeah, I'm working on a different variation. So the 4 I mad you will be the only ones left in the world ;-)
Wow don't I feel special!
Wait did Rex let Daniel read?
The slow gentle shake has been corrected on recent videos =p, my odc has been triggered
It's gotta be one note.. Corn. But isn't popcorn?...Haters.
Do more moonshine
Hey they mistaking me for a bear was a one time thing.
How does a bear win a fight?
With his bear hands!
What the hell is bio ethisism? Daniel be coming in with them big words 🤣
George dickel #12 and swismiss is actually good.
Daniel should have tied that raggedy beard with a rubber band or a single braid looooong ago.
hey you must try some of craft distillery like seven stills
I'll find some! We lean towards the brands that are more searchable, but we'll start adding in the one off stuff as well. Mail some to us, and we'll review it sooner ;-)
Whiskey Vault Here's more Moonshines to look for.
ua-cam.com/video/L5J62dfPq88/v-deo.html
Dude try antiquity blue whiskey
Sommelier Higher Institute of Tasting
Hine
I really dislike Plate Valley.
The bottle is awful, the whiskey is pale, the flavour is really... Maybe just not my thing, but I seriously dislike it.
Georgia moon...........garbage! An after taste that's ruins the experience
This is very bad whiskey