That’s the Spirit - Commitment to Craft, Tommyrotter

Commitment TO Craft (AND MISCHIEF)

TOMMYROTTER DISTILLERS PRODUCE WHISKEY USING INNOVATIVE AND OUTSIDE-THEBOX TECHNIQUES.

By Joseph Luparello

FOUNDED IN 1895 near Buffalo, the Roycroft Community was a reformist group comprised of craft workers and artists, which accounted for a segment of the U.S. Arts and Crafts movement. Known as “Roycrofters,” the craftsmen carried out work under strict protocols. Among them were a select few who felt discontent and knew these rules limited their true potential.

This common desire to break free from the bounds of creativity birthed the secret society known as the “Tommyrotters.” Inspired by the word “tommyrot,” meaning nonsense, the misfits strongly believed great originality stemmed from craft and mischief.

Their brave acts of defiance and their impact led to the establishment of the Tommyrotter Distillery. Fearless of today’s rules, Tommyrotter Distillery utilizes small-batch, craft-first production methods. Because of the use of outside-the-box techniques, their products truly shine. It’s all thanks to the band of rebellious artisans of the early 20th century, who sought out adventure, mischief, and inspiration in nature. Tommyrotter ages three separate mash bills of bourbon in independent barrels: a high-corn mash bill, a high-wheat mash bill, and high-rye mash bill. When those three separate bourbons are of their respective ages, they make a proprietary blend of the bourbons. Afterward, the blend is finished in Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon barrels provided by Taub Family Selections that are rush-shipped from Napa after they’re emptied. When the barrels are received, they’re still wet with wine!

The finished product, Napa Valley Heritance Cask, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is great for mixing in drinks like a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or a New York Sour. Its packaging is a clean and modern take on the linear and geometric style that was signature of the Roycroft and the American Arts & Craft style.