Grand Traverse Distillery’s Ole George 100% Straight Rye Whiskey Wins Again!

Grand Traverse Distillery’s Ole George 100% Straight Rye Whiskey was awarded its third set of medals from the American Distilling Institute’s panel of judges at this year’s Craft Spirits Competition, held in March, in Louisville, KY.

“We are honored to again be recognized by such an esteemed organization as the American Distilling Institute,” says Grand Traverse Distillery President Kent Rabish, who also serves as Vice President of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association. “Michigan continues to garner national attention for its quality products and we’re happy to be part of the growth of this industry.”

Ole George was awarded “Silver – Best in Class “as well as “Gold – Best in Category” for a Craft Rye Whiskey. Landis Rabish, Lead Distiller, was on hand to accept the awards for the Distillery and was thrilled to have crafted such a popular and award winning Rye Whiskey.

“Ole George” Whiskey is distilled in a traditional fashion from a 100% rye mash bill and is bottled at 93 proof. Prior to prohibition, Americans drank rye whiskey – with its unique character that no other grain can provide, as the rye imparts a spicy flavor. “Ole George” Whiskey is made in small batches and is double-distilled in GTD’s copper pot still. It bottled straight from the barrel and is not chill-filtered, which can remove flavor from the whiskey. The goal with “Ole George” Whiskey is to let the unique flavor of the rye come through.

Since opening in June of 2007, GTD has prided itself as a “Grain to Bottle” craft distillery which supports the state’s active agriculture industry. It is the only distillery in Michigan to have every single Whiskey, Vodka and Gin we produce “Pure Michigan” certified.

Grand Traverse Distillery has added another accolade to its impressive award-wining portfolio with the recent “Best of Category – Gold Medal” honor in the Aged Rye Whiskey category for “Ole George”. The award was presented in early April in Colorado by the American Distilling Institute at its 7th Annual Judging of Artisan American Spirits. The Traverse City-based distillery has won awards for its various vodka brands – this is its first award in the whiskey category.

Grand Traverse Distillery operates tasting rooms throughout the state, including three in Traverse City (the original location on Industrial Circle, in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and a new location on Front Street downtown), River Place Shops in downtown Frankenmuth, a seasonal tasting room in Leland on the Leelanau Peninsula, not far from historic Fishtown, and a new location at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids.

For more information about Grand Traverse Distillery, log onto www.grandtraversedistillery.com or find them on Facebook.