5 Whiskey Brands That Ship Straight to Your Door: Part 3
Welcome back to our ongoing series, exploring some of the finest whiskey brands that deliver direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping. In this third installment, we'll dive into Redwood Empire, Frey Ranch, Ironclad, Tincup, and WhistlePig. Each brand brings its unique flair and story to the world of whiskey. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these brands offer exceptional bottles that are just a click away from being delivered to your home. However, keep in mind that the majority of craft distillers can’t ship to your door. Instead, they use a third party to help them. The wine industry has been doing DtC for decades, but the spirits industry still has a lot of constraints. Thankful we are making our way to a more modern way of shipping. Now, let's embark on this journey together and discover what makes these brands stand out in the crowded world of whiskey.
1. Redwood Empire
About the Brand
Redwood Empire Whiskey takes inspiration from the towering redwoods of Northern California. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, Redwood Empire produces a range of whiskeys that reflect the beauty and spirit of its surroundings.
Location/Ownership
Located in Sonoma County, California, Redwood Empire is owned by Purple Brands, a company dedicated to producing premium wines and spirits. Fun fact: I came across a gin called D. George Benham's Gin (my last name), owned by Purple Brands and their owner, Derek Benham. Small world. Maybe one day I’ll cover a gin.
What Makes Them Special
Inspired by the naturalist John Muir, Redwood Empire stands out for its sustainability commitment. The brands’ ethos centers on environmental protection alongside crafting exceptional whiskey. They send leftover mash to local farmers for livestock feed and utilize a state-of-the-art water reclamation facility to ensure only pure water re-enters the water table. Additionally, they plant a tree for every bottle sold, supporting reforestation efforts. Their whiskeys, a blend of their own distillate and sourced varieties, offer complex and unique flavor profiles. A review of them is coming soon!
Where Do They Ship
Redwood Empire ships to most states across the U.S. Currently, they do NOT ship to AL, AK, AR, HI, MI, MS, SD, or UT—the usual suspects.
Click here to shop Redwood Empire
2. Frey Ranch
About the Brand
Frey Ranch is a family-owned and operated farm distillery. Their commitment to ground-to-glass production ensures that every step of the whiskey-making process happens right on their property, from growing the grains to distilling the spirits.
Location/Ownership
Located in Fallon, Nevada, Frey Ranch is owned by Colby and Ashley Frey, fifth-generation farmers. I'm glad to see there are still some family-owned distilleries around.
What Makes Them Special
What truly sets Frey Ranch apart is its control over every aspect of production. It grows its own grains, ensuring quality and consistency. This hands-on approach allows it to produce a truly authentic and high-quality whiskey.
Where Do They Ship
Frey Ranch ships to various states across the U.S., but sadly, it ships less than most. They do NOT ship to AL, AK, AR, HI, IN, LA, ME, MS, MT, SD, TN, UT, VT, WV, or WY.
3. Ironclad
About the Brand
Ironclad Distillery takes its name from the Ironclad warships that played a pivotal role in American Civil War history. The brand focuses on producing small-batch bourbon with a nod to its maritime heritage.
Location/Ownership
Situated along the James River in Newport News, Virginia, and within sight of the historic Battle of the Ironclads site, Ironclad operates out of the impressive S.W. Holt & Co. warehouse, built in 1913. Ironclad is a family-owned distillery managed by the King family.
What Makes Them Special
Ironclad is known for its meticulous attention to detail in crafting its bourbon. It uses locally sourced Virginia corn and ages its bourbon in new American oak barrels, resulting in a rich and flavorful spirit with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. As mentioned above, they are family-owned, which goes a long way these days in the whiskey world.
Where Do They Ship
Thankfully, Ironclad slaps this info right on the front page when purchasing. Thank you! Ironclad offers shipping to 42 states. However, they do NOT ship to the following states: AK, HI, ID, MA, MI, MS, OK, PA, SC, or UT. Utah, you need to be better. You are always on the DO NOT fly list.
4. Tincup
About the Brand
Tin Cup, CO, was an old mining town on the western side of the Rockies, named after the tin cups the miners used. Tincup Whiskey and its bottle cap pay homage to this piece of Colorado history. Tincup Orginal is a marriage of two great whiskies, a straight bourbon whiskey and a single malt cut to proof with Rocky Mountain water.
Location/Ownership
Tincup is produced in Denver, Colorado, and was founded by Jess Graber, the co-founder of Stranahan's Whiskey. Currently, Proximo Spirits, a privately held spirits importer based in Jersey City, New Jersey, owns Tincup American Whiskey.
What Makes Them Special
Tincup's water source is what makes it unique. They use pure Rocky Mountain water in their production process, giving their whiskey a distinctive, crisp finish. Their bottles also come with a metal cup, perfect for enjoying whiskey in the great outdoors, just like the miners of the West.
Where Do They Ship
Tincup has the second-lowest constraints on this list. Currently, it does NOT ship to AK, HI, TN, or UT.
5. WhistlePig
About the Brand
WhistlePig is renowned for its high-quality rye whiskey. The brand has garnered a reputation for excellence and innovation in the whiskey world, offering a range of aged and unique expressions.
Location/Ownership
Located in Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig operates on a picturesque 500-acre farm. The distillery was founded by Raj Peter Bhakta. In 2016 it was said Bhakta was removed from the board of directors and dismissed as operating manager. In 2018, Bhakta sold WhistlePig, and in 2019, the board forced Bhakta to sell his remaining shares in the company. Currently, WhistlePig is owned by Moët Hennessy.
What Makes Them Special
WhistlePig's commitment to producing world-class rye whiskey sets it apart. They age their whiskey for extended periods, resulting in exceptionally smooth and complex flavors. Their innovation in finishing techniques, such as using various types of barrels, adds unique character to their expressions.
Where Do They Ship
WhistlePig offers shipping to almost every state within the U.S., likely because they are owned by an international company. Currently, they do NOT ship to AK and HI. The one thing WhistlePig has nobody else is complimentary shipping, which gives them a leg up, especially if you want that $300 Estate Oak 15-year bottle.
That is it for Part 3 of our series! Each of these brands offers something special and unique, making them worth exploring for any whiskey enthusiast. From the sustainable practices of Redwood Empire to the ground-to-glass dedication of Frey Ranch, the meticulous craftsmanship of Ironclad, the adventurous spirit of Tincup, and the world-class rye of WhistlePig, there's something here for everyone. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll continue our journey through the world of whiskey, uncovering more brands that bring exceptional spirits directly to your doorstep.
Cheers to your next great bottle! 🥃✨
