Occasionally, you run across an innovative spirit that is unique and surprising. Bluffton Whiskey is amazing. This superb whiskey was created at Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton, South Carolina. Bluffton Whiskey is 95 proof and has a mash bill of rice, wheat, and barley. The distillery has an intriguing history rooted in local legend and community spirit. It is named after the nearby Burnt Church Road after a church burned twice—once during the Revolutionary War and once during the Civil War.
The distillery was established in 2015 and quickly became known for its commitment to crafting high-quality spirits. It produces a variety of spirits, including bourbon and rum, using traditional methods and local ingredients. Burnt Church Distillery has gained attention for its innovative approach and dedication to preserving local heritage while creating distinctive products.
Carolina Gold Rice
Carolina Gold is an heirloom seed once known as “golden seed” rice. It was the standard rice in South Carolina with a flavor reminiscent of hazelnuts. South Carolina was the largest producer of rice in colonial America. Unfortunately, rice production moved to other states after the Civil War and with repeated hurricanes in the area. Hybrid strains were used, and the once-renowned Carolina Gold was soon forgotten. However, with renewed interest in Carolina Gold, food scientists began to create a stronger disease-resistant variety from the original seed that the USDA Rice Research Institute banked. Carolina Gold is now grown organically in North and South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia. This product makes Bluffton Whiskey, which has produced a wonderful spirit.
The Burnt Church lineup
Burnt Church has a wide range of distilled spirits. Their product line includes Anita’s Choice Bourbon, Johnny Fever Bourbon, Confession Bourbon, Palmer’s Stretch Rye Whiskey, Sin Eater Cinnamon Whiskey, Devil’s Elbow Gin, Burnt Church Vodka, Sippin’ Saint Moonshine, and BC Bourbon Cream.
Bluffton Whiskey
Recently, I featured Bluffton Whiskey at a tasting event. I had everyone in the room blind taste the whiskey. They did not know the proof, the mash bill, or the age. I asked for opinions on age and received answers from four to eight years. When I asked about the makeup of the mash bill, almost everyone thought it was a wheat whiskey. Finally, they were amazed when the group was told it was a rice-forward American Whiskey. More importantly, they were impressed that it was only two years old. I cannot recall another young whiskey with such a mature flavor.
Really! Bluffton Whiskey is amazing.
As any whiskey drinker knows, the American market has made whiskey primarily with grains like corn, rye, and barley. However, the craft spirits movement began gaining momentum in the late 20th century and encouraged innovation. Often, experiments with different grains such as oats, quinoa, and rice began to result in passable whiskey. This early success was refined and improved, which allowed Bluffton Whiskey to win awards and be the best of class in the rice whiskey category.