Frankfort Distillery Tops Competition at Blind Taste Test

FRANKFORT, IL — Frankfort Spirits has not yet even celebrated its two year anniversary and already this local craft distillery is bringing home the hardware. At the 2016 American Craft Spirits Association convention in Chicago, Frankfort Spirits Verdict Vodka and Emil Stimple Bourbon Double Barrel both won silver medals.

“From a record-breaking pool of hundreds of entrants from 39 states, Frankfort Spirits captured two highly coveted top awards, and we’re beyond excited to make that announcement,” said Jack King, a Frankfort Spirits founding partner.

Judging was done through a blind taste test, and the competition was top notch, King added.

Though it’s not a quick and easy process, King said that their distillery’s unique, gravity-fed filtration system and locally sourced ingredients allow them to produce exceptional quality, small batch spirits, which are worth the wait.

Verdict Vodka is made from 100% Illinois corn, distilled seven times and refined through a sophisticated charcoal-based filtration system. At 87 proof, it has a clean, sweet taste that makes it ideal to sip chilled or use as the base for creative cocktails.

The Emil Stimple Double Barrel Bourbon is a specialty whiskey which is literally removed from its original container, re-barreled in a brand new American-made, charred white oak barrel and aged for another year.

“This double barrel process and the char on the oak help intensify this 87 proof bourbon’s rich colors and flavors,” King explained.

“…it fills your senses,” said King’s colleague, founding partner Chris McFarland. “When you smell our bourbon, you’ll get aromas of butterscotch, caramel, and a bit of vanilla. An initial sweetness is tasted and followed by a quick hit of pepper. Emil Stimple finishes long and smooth, warming you from within.”

Yelp reviewer Jimmy L. had this to say about the Emil Stimple Double Barrel: “Off the nose, the whiskey has a sweet honey smell with lingering floral notes. Beautiful color and craftsmanship...Now the taste. Initially, the full-bodied liquid goes down smooth and lingers for half a minute. A very good indication of quality. I had to double check to make sure I wasn't drinking a Scotch because of the hint of peat! There is a light floral note in the taste with a hint of smoke. It really is quite simple, but that is what makes the whiskey unique. It doesn't try to spice things up or add too many flavors, it just does a few flavors really well.”

While Verdict Vodka is available at local retailers like Binny’s and Mariano’s, only a limited quantity remains of the Emil Stimple Double Barrel which is available at one location: Frankfort Spirits.

“The Emil Stimple Double Barrel is quite a contender,” King affirmed. “It has the potential to garner additional awards, but the window for the public to purchase this winner for themselves is closing. Just wait and see what we’ll be celebrating at our 2nd anniversary party in October!”

Spirits can be purchased at the distillery (located inside CD&ME) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort. Frankfort Spirits is open for tastings and tours on Sundays from 12-5 p.m. for a $10 tasting fee. Reserve your space online at frankfortspirits.com.

photo provided by Frankfort Spirits