Review: Thumb Butte Rodeo Rye, Supporting Local Craft Distilleries

Like the old saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In my years of travelling, I have always attempted to use this motto when it comes to my vacation drinking choices. This is generally accomplished through sampling the local beer scene, but I sit surrounded by the glorious red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. It seemed obvious to me that to celebrate the American west, in a place that Hollywood used to immortalize the western film genre to find a local whiskey with a pioneering spirit. So, when in Arizona, I’m drinking like the Arizonans do.

Here I sit, staring at a bottle of Rodeo Rye distilled and bottled by Thumb Butte Distillery in Prescott, Arizona. This whiskey is a 90 proof rye single batch whiskey, (from batch 28, bottle 42). The label indicates that it has been “Made with Arizona Mountain Water”. There is also a seal indicating it is a limited edition. The labeling “story” on the back of the bottle ties in the fact that Prescott is the home of the World’s Oldest Rodeo, Steve McQueen’s Junior Bonner, as well as a mention of Prescott’s Whiskey Row.

The color of this whiskey is somewhere between apple juice and gasoline. Upon pulling the cork out of the bottle, there is definitely a fruit aroma upon the first sniff which turned to a grainy alcohol tone as you continue taking it in. My first taste notes on this one is that you can’t miss a strong apricot flavor. There is definitely a spiciness with it as you expect with rye’s. Unfortunately for me, there is a lot of burn. This whiskey would have a place in my cabinet for those nights that you need to feel the burn, and through out the expectations for a full flavor profile. This is not a sipping whiskey.

Here is the magical answer with this one. I decided to mix it with Coke because that’s what I had on hand. Flavors like vanilla that I did not catch before appeared as an excellent whiskey for mixing with your favorite cola. There may be really good uses for this one in cocktails. There is a place for whiskey that you can drink neat and a place for mixing whiskeys. This whiskey is either good for shots at the old west saloon or for a good cocktail.

Thumb Butte uses Arizona grains in their whiskeys. Sourcing locally, which especially for those of us with an appreciation for agriculture is a good thing. Knowing that this Arizona whiskey was made from grains harvested in Arizona, using water from Arizona, in a distillery that also uses barrels recycled from the local wine world makes this whiskey important as it completes a local economic circle. Their emphasis seems to be a focus on quality over quantity. To learn more about Thumb Butte Distillery and their spirits, visit http://thumbbuttedistillery.com/.

Supporting local craft brewers and distillers is important as it is these local independent craftsmen and artisans who have turned a passion into a business. Their main intent to share their creations with others. In a world where large distilleries dominate the market, it’s possible that the pioneering aspect of distilling grains is missed at times. This pioneering attitude thrives in the craft distillery world and it is our duty as fans of the craft to support them.

If I can ever get my hands on Thumb Butte Distillery’s Bloody Basin Bourbon, I’d like to give it a whirl.

Cheers Y’all!