Bone Snappers on Ice!
photo by Matt Hakey
Whiskey aficionados have known for quite some time that Lawrenceburg, Indiana is home to some of the finest distillate in the world. Indeed, Midwest Grain Products of Indiana (“MGP”) has a robust lineup of whiskies and distilled spirits that produce branded spirits in their own name as well as source for dozens of brands all over the map, amassing cult followings in brands like Smoke Wagon, Joseph Magnus and High West. Few would debate that at the top of the list of products includes MGP’s 95% rye whiskey mash bill.
Legendary master distiller Greg Metze is quick to explain how in his experience aging the popular distillate, the 95/5 rye mash bill generally comes alive around five to six years. However, the concrete floors and 2 foot masonry walls in Lawrenceburg tend to create certain sweet spots within the warehouse. And unlike the open air rick houses of their Kentucky counterparts, the aging process in Lawrenceburg often results in lowering proofage over the years. Throw in the numerous other variables in single barrel whiskey, and its obvious why barrel selection is as much a science as it is an art. Fortunately for consumers, Backbone Bourbon got its hands on some pretty tasty ryes to put that to a test!
Earlier this year several Taters hit the road to Rural Inn where they released a special 9 year single barrel at 113.4 proof. The store’s proprietor, Ray Vandivier, known for a proclivity for fine barrel picks was truly proud of this particular barrel pick. As he should be!
Since the “bourbon boom” (including rye whiskey) well-aged MGP ryes have been quite scarce. And this mellow, yet spicy, honey barrel did not disappoint. Neither did Ray’s hospitality! It certainly would be quite a surprise for any Tater to leave Rural Inn anything but impressed. We highly recommend this small store off the beaten path!
Inspired by their Rural Inn experience, the Taters Board began its own quest for MGP gold! While we’ve experienced some delicious MGP ryes from 50-60 months, we wanted to hit that sweet spot that happens from 6-7 years. Not surprisingly, our journey took us to Backbone Bourbon Company, where we were able to narrow down to two very different barrels.
On the one hand we had a mellow 7 ½ year barrel, featuring the classic light and vibrant floral notes of the MGP rye. On the other hand we had a 6 year and 10 month barrel boasting of rich vanilla with bold baking spices. Immediately we could taste (and see!) the contrast in how the same distillate could vary so much within the same warehouse, with the younger barrel coming in much darker. Plus, despite its younger age, it was apparent that the angel’s had taken more than their share from the second barrel yielding an extremely short return.
Ultimately, the choice was a clear one. With a little water and some time to open up, short barrel S218 was the unanimous choice. At 122.7 proof and yielding a mere 82 bottles, this limited edition pick required some tatering befitting of our quest for MGP gold. That said, the folks at Backbone did us no favors with the name “Bonesnapper.”
Stumped without obvious tater puns or gimmicks it was not until Tater Charles’ epiphany that our vision came into focus. Indeed, it was Tater Tonya that invokes memories of our favorite bone snapper! Now if we’re being honest, we all know that Tonya failed to actually snap any bone in Nancy Kerrigan’s body. But in a world where Margot Robbie can star in movies as both Tonya Harding and Harley Quinn, the script writes itself!
Unfortunately the script is not one that is not suitable for all audiences. At 82 bottles, Tater Tonya will only be offered to Taters Barrel Club Members. Any unclaimed bottles will be offered to our waiting list. Of course we always recommend that you keep an eye out for our future auctions and events. You never know what might turn up when there’s a charity to support. Cheers!
