The St. George Spirits Baller Single Malt Whiskey is a unique American take on the single malt category, drawing inspiration from Japanese whisky traditions. Crafted in Alameda, California, it's made from 100% American barley, predominantly two-row pale malted barley with a portion lightly roasted.
Production Process: After distillation in St. George's eau de vie pot stills, the whiskey is aged for 3-4 years in used bourbon casks and French oak wine casks. A distinctive step in its creation is filtration through maple charcoal, followed by a finishing period in casks that previously held St. George's house-made umeshu, a Japanese-style plum liqueur made from California-grown ume fruit. Bottled at 47% ABV, it is non-chill filtered.
Tasting Notes: The flavor profile is often described as crisp and dry, with a touch of malt sweetness. Key notes include:
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Nose: Fresh citrus, grapefruit peel, white grape, apple skin, dried mango, honeyed malt, earthy pine, potpourri, and a unique plum sweetness from the umeshu. A subtle wood smoke is also present.
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Palate: Noticeable smoke with bright notes of lemon peel, grilled peach, and orange zest alongside savory saltwater taffy and chimney soot. Hints of lychee and nutty almond can also be detected.
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Finish: Balanced with the smoke and citrus receding, leaving stewed plums, oak, and a lingering smoky character. Some find a slightly ashy but pleasant finish with sandalwood amidst the smoke.
Awards and Recognition: St. George Spirits and their whiskies have garnered numerous accolades over the years. For Baller specifically:
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Best Blended Malt Whisky at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
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Chairman's Trophy and a score of 96 points at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
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Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Named a "Category Pioneer" and "Fruity, smoky and singular" by Bon Appétit.
- Recognized as "Perhaps America's most unique single malt. Immensely drinkable" by PUNCH.
- Described as "Over-the-top delicious" by Bloomberg.
- Praised as "Uniquely delicious...the depth of the palate is remarkable" by Food & Wine.
Overall Impression: St. George Spirits Baller Single Malt Whiskey is a distinctive and complex spirit that defies traditional American whiskey categories. Its unique maturation and finishing process create a flavor profile that balances smoky notes with fruitiness and a touch of sweetness from the umeshu casks. It's often recommended for those seeking something different and is considered versatile enough to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in highballs and other cocktails.
