You will taste the heart of Texas Spirits with your visit Milam & Greene Distillery. With unique whiskey profiles, theirs is a soulful tale that sets Texas whiskey apart. The best they offer is in the special bottlings such as Unabridged.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Distillery History and Facility
- Spirit Highlights
- Other Spirits
- Clubs and Memberships
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- About the Author
Introduction
Deep in the heartland of the Lone Star State, the world of Texas Whiskey is crafting narratives that resonate with aficionados far and wide. With a unique blend of time-honored traditions and cutting-edge innovations, these distilleries are shaping a legacy that stands tall in the global spirits arena. In this review, we’ll journey into one such revered establishment, uncovering the essence of its offerings and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Let’s embark on a flavorful exploration, diving deep into the notes, nuances, and narratives that make Texas Whiskey an unparalleled experience.
Distillery History and Facility
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Milam & Greene’s origins are a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Born from a collaboration between a whiskey expert, a master distiller, and a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer, this distillery embodies the essence of Texas spirit. Their state-of-the-art facility in Blanco, Texas, is not just a testament to their commitment to producing top-tier whiskey, but also serves as a reflection of the region’s legacy.
Walking through the facility, one can sense the dedication to preserving time-honored distilling techniques while also embracing cutting-edge technologies. The gleaming copper stills, charred oak barrels, and the aroma of fermenting grains provide a sensory experience that brings to life the story of Texas Whiskey.
The brand we know today as Milam & Greene was previously known as Ben Milam Whiskey. The distillery decided to rebrand, and in doing so, they expanded their whiskey lineup and shifted their name to Milam & Greene, which emphasizes a collaboration between Marsha Milam, the founder, Heather Greene, master blender, and Marlene Holmes, Kentucky veteran Master Distiller. This rebranding reflected their commitment to craft, quality, and innovation in the world of Texas Whiskey. The change represented a new chapter for distillery, highlighting their growth and evolution in the spirits industry.
Spirit Highlights
Unlike many distilleries, Milam and Greene offers a variety of great whiskeys; so many you won’t be sitting down in one sitting to work through them all. If the alcohol doesn’t get you, the taste bud overload probably will. But I did manage to sit down with five separate tastings, and I have outlined my experience below.
These first three tastings are staples of Milam and Greene, and you probably won’t have any difficulty getting your hands on them.
Milam & Greene Triple Cask Straight Bourbon: A delightful blend of bourbons aged up to four years, this spirit stands out for its rich, multi-layered flavor profile. Notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak dance on the palate, with a hint of spice on the finish. This is the only one I had previously tried as I had a bottle of this one in bar. I had only 1 dram from it a few weeks before this review, and quite enjoyed it. It was also the first one I tasted at the distillery, and so it immediately became my favorite! Duh! Some specs: 94 proof and MSRP is $47.
Milam & Greene Port Finished Rye: I am not a huge rye whiskey drinker, but I do enjoy a good one if it lands in front of me. This was my second tasting. My longtime buddy David loves this rye and swears by it, so we should take his word for it! For those with an adventurous palate, this whiskey offers a delightful twist. Finished in old port wine casks, it exudes a unique sweetness complemented by rye’s inherent spiciness. Dark fruits, chocolate, and a whisper of floral notes make this a memorable sip. Some specs: 94 proof and MSRP is $52.
Milam & Greene Single Barrel Bourbon: A testament to their craft, each bottle of this whiskey tells its own story. Hand-selected by the distillers, its deep amber hue reveals flavors of almonds and cherries, and a hint of tobacco. A true embodiment of the Texas spirit, and no two casks are the same. Some specs: 86 proof and MSRP is $57.
Other Spirits
The next two bourbons I tried on my adventure are part of the blender’s reserve and may be harder to come by due to their limited production. Additionally, you’ll find these a bit more expensive than the core bourbons above. Are they worth it? Read on!
Milam & Greene Distillery Edition Unabridged (Version 2): A lively spirit with a pronounced spiciness, complemented by undertones of citrus, herbs, and caramel. This became my favorite of all the ones I tried. I just found it full bodied with a sweet, but not too sweet flavor. I plan on acquiring a bottle of this one for when I want a nice, special bourbon to sip. Some specs: 118 proof and MSRP is $95.
Milam & Greene Distillery Edition Straight Bourbon: A versatile whiskey that’s perfect for both sipping and mixing. It carries hints of honey, dried fruit, and toasted nuts. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the Unabridged above. Some specs: 118 proof and MSRP is (not sure!). This year’s edition, batch 4, is now sold out.
Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection: A limited edition, cask strength single barrel whiskey. Some specs: 118 proof and MSRP is (not sure!). This year’s edition, batch 4, is sold out and is one I was not able to taste. The releases in this collection sell out within an hour of release. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Wildlife Collection releases benefit Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Milam & Greene Distillery Unabridged: A lively spirit with a pronounced spiciness, complemented by undertones of citrus and herbs.
Clubs and Memberships
There are no clubs or memberships offered by Milam and Greene.
Conclusion
In the vast landscape of Texas Distilleries, Milam & Greene emerges as a beacon of excellence, marrying the timeless traditions of whiskey-making with innovative techniques that set them apart. Their spirits don’t merely offer a taste but narrate the soulful tale of Texas’s rich terrain and the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. From their detailed distillation process to the depth of flavors in every sip, Milam & Greene encapsulates what it truly means to experience authentic Texas Whiskey. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or a curious enthusiast, a journey through their offerings promises a symphony of flavors that resonates with the heart of Texas. Cheers to Milam & Greene – a testament to Texas’s spirited legacy!
When you choose to visit Milam and Greene, take some time to sit outdoors under the trees and enjoy the beautiful grounds. Or if it is a little chilly in the shade, there are some tables in the sun. There’s always indoors too!
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FAQ
Q: How does Texas climate influence the taste of Milam & Greene whiskies?
A: Texas’ unique climate, with its hot days and cool nights, accelerates the aging process, imparting the whiskies with rich, robust flavors in a shorter time.
Q: Are tours available at the distillery?
A: Yes, Milam & Greene offers tours that provide an in-depth look into their distillation process and an opportunity to taste their exquisite range.
Q: What makes Milam & Greene stand out among other Texas Distilleries?
A: Their commitment to both tradition and innovation, coupled with the expertise of their team, makes them a standout in the world of Texas Whiskey.
Q: Is there a signature drink or cocktail recommended with Milam & Greene spirits?
A: While their whiskies are exceptional on their own, they also shine in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
Q: How often do they release new whiskies or limited editions?
A: Milam & Greene often experiment with new blends and finishes. It’s best to keep an eye on their official website or join their mailing list for updates on new releases and limited editions. They tend to sell out very quickly!
About the Author
A native of Texas, Ken “Texan” Pierce is a renowned alcohol aficionado with over 15 years of experience in the Texas wine, whiskey, and beer industry. With a vast number of alcohol production resources right in his back yard in the Texas Hill Country, Ken has made it his mission to promote and advance the Texas winemaking, distilling, and brewing industry across the country. His uncanny ability to identify tasting notes and pairings makes him a respected authority within alcohol enthusiast circles. When he’s not reviewing the latest craft spirits, you can find Ken playing his guitar, trying to sing, and sipping on a Texas libation.
