Greg Lehman - BourbonSphere

Watershed Distillery Releases New Batch of Bourbon Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels

Watershed Distillery is releasing batch four of its award-winning bourbon finished in apple brandy barrels. This highly limited, annual Ohio bourbon release is available only via online lottery. The lottery is now open and will close on Oct. 26, at 11:…

This handcrafted spirit is part of the Watershed Distillery Fall Finishing Series, a celebration of the flavors and feelings inspired by autumn. Aged six years and bottled at barrel strength, this bourbon is crafted by hand-selecting a small number of mature bourbons and then finishing them in Watershed’s charred American oak spent apple brandy barrels.

Greg Lehman, founder of Watershed Distillery says:

Finishing Watershed Distillery bourbon in barrels that have previously held other spirits like apple brandy or nocino, maple syrup or even wine, allows us to introduce complementary profiles to our spirits that aren’t imparted in the initial aging. It’s an act of secondary maturation to add complexities to already mature bourbons. In this case, we finished it in apple brandy barrels, and the result is a bourbon that has become something we look forward to each fall.

Watershed Distillery Apple Brandy Barrel Finished Bourbon 004 is the first offering in a series of three—two additional expressions will be released later this season. Bottled at 127.5 proof, tasting notes for this expression are as follows: aromas of cinnamon, clove, and toasted almonds, give way to cascading notes of honey, dried plums and baked apples. Suggested retail price is $89.99.

OHLQ Announces Watershed Exclusives – Arriving This Week (August 28th)

– 8/22/23 update: I heard from Watershed and each bottle is aged 4 years. The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of seven exclusive Watershed single barrel selections for $59.99 + tax hitting shelves this week (We…

- 8/22/23 update: I heard from Watershed and each bottle is aged 4 years.

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of seven exclusive Watershed single barrel selections for $59.99 + tax hitting shelves this week (Week of August 28th).

Greg Lehman, Founder of Watershed Distillery says:

As Ohio bourbon producers, it's been incredible to see the expansion of the OHLQ private barrel pick program over the years, and we are grateful to be partnering again this year. We have chosen seven incredible barrels from Watershed’s barrel room that have some special qualities and character that bourbon lovers will get excited about.

The seven barrels are:

Campfire Bonbon - A light and sugary delight, notes of marshmallow on the palate create an inviting sensation. Its approachable nature makes it effortlessly smooth, ensuring a pleasurable sip every time (129.5 proof).
Caramel Cream Delight - A sweet and inviting aroma, followed by notes of vanilla cream, butterscotch, caramel, a hint of brown sugar, and a satisfying punch of robust oak spice in the finish (131.1 proof).
Honeypot - Harmonious notes of honey nut cereal, banana bread, wheat, honeycomb, and a satisfying bite in this flavorful tasting experience (128.9 proof).
Malted Heaven - A single malt-like experience, with notes of craisins and tartness, complemented by a satisfying mouthfeel and a lingering, memorable finish (128.2 proof).
Plum Crazy - A rich and complex profile, reminiscent of brandy, scotch, or tawny port, with a luscious blend of plum and raisin flavors (128.2 proof).
Scrumptious Brown Sugar - A delightful aroma of candy, a consistently sweet brown sugar flavor, reminiscent of a cognac, providing a comforting and warm embrace with every sip (128.4 proof).
Stonefruit Nectar - A light, buttery nose leads to flavors of apricot and green tea, with a refreshing, creamy note and smooth finish (130.0 proof).

You can check this site to find bottles near you.

My Take

I was invited to an event around the release of the 2022 edition of the OHLQ single barrel release and came away with a few favorites. I didn't get to try this year's so I don't have a specific favorite or recommendations, but I think the Honeypot would probably be the one I would gravitate towards. The pros of this release are the huge proofs and the con being no age statements. If you like Watershed, it's worth a $60 flyer to track down a bottle.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.

Source: Watershed Distillery

Watershed Distilling Bought by Multinational Conglomerate Marussia Beverages

Columbus based Watershed Distilling has been purchased by Marussia Beverages for an undisclosed price. Marussia’s portfolio includes such brands as, Hatozaki Whiskys, 135 East Hyogo Japanese Gin, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Barenjager Honey Liqueurs, Ma…

Columbus based Watershed Distilling has been purchased by Marussia Beverages for an undisclosed price. Marussia's portfolio includes such brands as, Hatozaki Whiskys, 135 East Hyogo Japanese Gin, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Barenjager Honey Liqueurs, Mamont Vodka, Mossburn Scotch Whiskies, STROH Rums, Schladerer Fruit Brandies, Lenz Moser Wines, to name a few.

Watershed was founded in 2010 by business partners Greg Lehman and Dave Rigo and offers six spirits: vodka, two types of American style gin, bourbon, nocino and a bottled Old Fashioned cocktail.

Per an article from The Spirits Business, Greg Lehman will continue to oversee all operations and all production will remain in Columbus.

My Take

I'm sad that a craft distiller has been bought out by a large multi-national conglomerate but hopeful the owners got a lot of money. Watershed was instrumental in bringing spirits production to Ohio and I loved how they were part of Columbus. I saw so many restaurants that made Watershed the default for their cocktails because they were local... That should change now that they are part of a much bigger corporation and should make us all rethink what we order when we want something local to Columbus or Ohio.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below.

Source: NBC

Watershed Announces Dates for 2022 NocinoFest and Black Walnut Old Fashioned Release

Columbus based Watershed Distillery has announced the dates for its annual NocinoFest – Saturday, December 3 from 11 am to 3 pm. This year, they will debut a brand new, limited time offering this year at the event—Black Walnut Old Fashioned. …

Greg Lehman, CEO of Watershed Distillery says:

We put our two best holiday products in the same bottle for a one of a kind release. The holidays are one of our favorite times of the year here at Watershed and coming up with a special limited release to share with the community is always something that energizes our team.

The Black Walnut Old Fashioned is a marriage between Watershed’s bottled Old Fashioned and its Nocino. Watershed began making Nocino, a traditional Italian liqueur crafted from walnuts, in 2014 and remains one of the few producers of Nocino stateside. Black Walnut Old Fashioned is the first bottled cocktail of its kind and will be sold as a distillery exclusive. The bottled cocktail is 35.6% alcohol by volume and will retail for $39.99 per 750 ml bottle

NocinoFest will begin on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. Black Walnut Old Fashioned will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Also available is their Nocino, which is bottled at 24.8% alcohol by volume, available in 375 ml bottles, and retails for $29.99.

Admission to NocinoFest is free and will feature complimentary bites from Watershed Kitchen + Bar, Nocino inspired cocktails for purchase at the bar, and a chance to enter the lottery for the annual limited release of Watershed’s Nocino Finished Bourbon 003. Columbus Humane will be onsite with adoptable dogs and hosting a raffle fundraiser for a chance to win Watershed Nocino Finished Bourbon 003, available by lottery only. NocinoFest is a family-friendly event. Free on-site parking will be available.

My Take

The Black Walnut sounds intriguing. I haven't seen anything with that flavor profile before and it seems like it would be a great match in an Old Fashioned. I'm not a huge fan of pre-made cocktails, but I think this is unique enough that it's definitely worth a go. Also kind of cool to have a family friendly event and absolutely love that they including Columbus Humane.

What do you think? Drop a comment in the box below.

Source: Watershed Distillery

Watershed Announces Lottery and Availability for Barrel Strength 6 Year Bourbon

Columbus based Watershed Distillery has announced the launch of Batch 003 of their Watershed Barrel Strength 6 Year Bourbon. This limited release finished in apple brandy barrels, will be available only via an online lottery (details below) and through…

Greg Lehman, CEO of Watershed Distillery says:

This is our most mature bourbon making it our oldest, most complex bourbon yet. It is double oaked—first aged in bourbon barrels and then finished to perfection in barrels that once held our apple brandy. This extra step takes more time but creates a rich and delicious spirit unlike anything else.

Details

This is an annual release and is the first since Batch 002 received a platinum medal at the 2022 ASCOT Awards (American Spirits Council of Tasters). It comes bottled at 126.1 proof (63.05% alcohol) and carries an $89.99 price tag. It has the following tasting notes:

Nose: Aromas of stovetop caramel, toasted oak and rich vanilla bean.
Taste: Flavors of fig preserves, a touch of black cherry and toasted nuttiness with an unparalleled richness.
Finish: A robust and balanced that lingers with complexity and contentment

Lottery & Private Dinner Details

In order to give everyone an equal chance to purchase a bottle, Watershed is conducting a lottery for the ability to purchase a bottle. The lottery is open now and closes on September 14, at 11:59 p.m.. You can enter the lottery here.

Additionally, Watershed is hosting a private bourbon dinner on Tuesday, September 13, with seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.. Private dinner guests can bypass the lottery and purchase up to four bottles of the lottery exclusive that evening. Presale tickets are required. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased here.

My Take

I like the lottery portion of this release. Anytime there is a release where demand far surpasses supply, there should be ways for normal people to be able to buy a bottle... not the losers who camp out hours and days early so they can purchase and make money on the secondary market.

In terms of this specific release, $90 is around the right price for a six year barrel strength. For comparison, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof exclusive to Ohio sold for $79.99 without an age statement. If you're willing to come to Columbus to purchase the bottle, this is a good opportunity.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.

Source: Watershed

EXCLUSIVE: Watershed and OHLQ to release Six Single Barrel Bourbon Selections – Starting May 2

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) and Columbus based Watershed Distillery will have six unique single barrel selections exclusive for Ohio customers available at select stores beginning May 2. I was fortunate enough to have been invited to a p…

Greg Lehman, CEO of Watershed Distillery says:

Partnering with OHLQ on these barrel selections again this year has been a highlight of the spring season at Watershed. It’s exciting to see Ohio Liquor continue to expand their single barrel program, and we are really proud of these picks.

For this release, 15 barrels were selected by the team at Watershed. Of those, six were selected by a team from the State. Most of the bottles were selected from the bottled-in-bond barrels using a 3-grain mashbill (more on that below). The six barrels:

Confectioner’s Cask - Warm rising notes of fresh baked goods, softened with a confectioner’s arsenal of brown sugar and hints of vanilla frosting, finishing with pockets of baking spice (126.3 proof).

My Initial opinion - My favorite of the six. Picked up the caramel and was smooth going down. For a single barrel, I found this light and easy to drink, while having plenty of flavor.
Bourbon Buckeye - A one bite delicacy starting with a touch of cocoa that fades into off-the-press Belgian waffles, finishing with notes of tapped maple and brown butter (126.2 proof).

My initial opinion - A bit stronger tasting than the Confectioner's cask. Pretty solid. Contributor Jonny G preferred this over the Confectioner's Cask.
Ohio Dutch Apple - Light notes of new smoke give way for a floral hinting honeycomb made by apple tree pollinators (140.6 proof).

My initial opinion - I've never tried a bourbon with this high of a proof, however, it was surprisingly drinkable straight. That was a pleasant surprise. We picked up flavors of apple. There was obviously a nice Kentucky hug, but it wasn't overwhelming. This was Jon's favorite of the 6.
Malt Shop - A burst of heat pops on the tongue with notes of toasted oak, as the flavor mellows into waffle cone topped with French vanilla (130.7 proof).

My initial opinion - We picked up hints of chocolate. No complaints with this one.
Rich Lemon Pie - Baking spice links up with ginger to give hints at vanilla forward pie crust, as citrus notes pop into a gentle vanilla meringue (128.3 proof).

My initial opinion - I didn't write anything of note on this good or bad.
Crème de la Crème Brulée - Familiar notes of deep toasted oak are mellowed by butterscotch candies, finishing as stovetop sugars turning to caramel (121.49 proof).

My initial opinion - This is the last barrel made from the original Watershed five grain mashbill. It comes in at 5 years old. This was my least favorite. I didn't care for the aftertaste and it felt harsh drinking. However, if you're a fan of the original Watershed mashbill, this is one you're definitely going to want to search out as it may be your last chance to purchase.

As mentioned, these bottles will be available starting May 2 and carry a $59.99 + tax price. Additionally, anyone looking to try all six can attend a special dinner at Watershed Kitchen + Bar on Wednesday, May 11. Tickets to the dinner include a sampling of all single barrel bourbon offerings and the option to buy up to four of the six expressions in the bottle shop. You can purchase tickets to the dinner at Watershed’s OpenTable Experience page for $125 a person.

My Take

A huge thank you to Watershed for including me in the pre-release event and allowing myself and Jon to try the six expressions coming May 2. My favorites were the Confectioner's Cask and the Ohio Dutch Apple. I've never seen a proof as high as the Dutch Apple and was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to drink. If you're looking for a way to support an Ohio distillery, this is a release definitely worth checking out. I'll have an update once the dedicated product locator page on the State website is live.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below.

Source: Watershed Distillery