Unveiling the Spirit of Service: Anderson & Link Whiskey – A Colorado Original

At Anderson & Link Whiskey Company, we believe that true craftsmanship is born from dedication, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. These are not just words on a label; they are the very principles that guided us through our years of service to this nation, and they are the bedrock upon which our distillery in the heart of Colorado is built. We are more than just a whiskey company; we are a veteran-owned and operated enterprise, bringing the same passion and meticulous attention to detail from the battlefield to the barrel.

For years, we’ve honed our vision, meticulously planning every step to bring you something truly extraordinary. Today, we are immensely proud to announce the inaugural release of our hand-selected, single barrel whiskeys. This isn't just another spirit; it's a testament to a unique vision, a bold choice of grain, and a promise of an unparalleled tasting experience. Prepare to discover the Anderson & Link difference – a taste of Colorado's spirit, unlike anything you have ever tried before.

From Service to Spirit: The Anderson & Link Story

The journey from military service to crafting fine whiskey might seem unconventional to some, but for us, it was a natural evolution. The values instilled during our time in uniform – discipline, integrity, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection – are precisely what drive our operations at Anderson & Link. Every decision, from the sourcing of our grain to the charring of our barrels, is approached with the same strategic thought and unwavering commitment that defined our military careers. We understand the importance of a mission, and our mission now is to produce exceptional whiskey that honors our past and celebrates our future.

Our roots run deep in the vibrant, rugged landscape of Colorado. There’s a distinct spirit here – one of independence, innovation, and a profound connection to the land. This environment isn't just our home; it's an integral part of our whiskey's character. The crisp mountain air, the pure Rocky Mountain water, and the unique climate all play a subtle yet significant role in the aging process, imparting nuances that could only come from this special place. We are proud to be a local Colorado business, contributing to the rich tapestry of craft distilleries that call this state home, and inviting you to taste the essence of our beautiful surroundings in every sip.

The Heart of Our Craft: Embracing 100% Malted Rye

In a world increasingly saturated with various whiskey styles, we chose a path less traveled, a path we believe leads to truly distinctive flavor. Our inaugural offerings are not just rye whiskeys; they are 100% Malted Rye whiskey. This is where Anderson & Link truly sets itself apart, delivering a profile that challenges expectations and delights the palate.

To understand the significance of 100% Malted Rye, it's helpful to consider the broader landscape of American whiskey. For years, the American Single Malt category has been gaining prominence, and rightly so. These whiskeys are typically made from 100% Malted Barley, mirroring the traditions of Scotch and Irish whiskies. Malted barley provides a foundation of sweetness, often with notes of cereal, bread, and sometimes a delicate fruitiness or nuttiness, depending on the malting process and aging. They are known for their smoothness and often approachable character.

Rye whiskey, on the other hand, is celebrated for its distinctive spice. Traditional rye whiskeys often use a mash bill with a significant percentage of rye (typically 51% or more) combined with other grains like corn or barley. This combination usually yields a bolder, spicier spirit.

Our decision to use 100% Malted Rye is a deliberate and innovative one. Malting is a process where grains are steeped in water, allowed to germinate, and then dried. This process converts starches into fermentable sugars and develops complex enzymes, but crucially, it also unlocks a different spectrum of flavors within the grain itself. While rye typically brings a peppery, sometimes dill-like spice, malting it transforms these characteristics. The malting process mellows some of the sharper, more aggressive notes commonly associated with raw rye, while simultaneously enhancing its inherent richness and complexity.

The result? A whiskey that truly is not like anything you have ever tried before. You might anticipate the robust spiciness that comes with rye, and indeed, subtle hints of that classic rye character are present. However, what truly defines our 100% Malted Rye is its exceptional smoothness and a rich, expansive range of flavors. It’s a delicate dance between the familiar and the utterly novel. We’ve found that the malting process brings forth an unexpected depth of sweetness, often revealing notes of dark fruit, rich caramel, toasted nuts, and even a hint of chocolate, all interwoven with a gentle, lingering spice that is more nuanced than sharp. It’s a testament to the versatility of the rye grain when treated with meticulous care and a visionary approach.

Our Inaugural Offering: A Trio of Unforgettable Expressions

For our inaugural release, we have hand-selected three distinct single barrels, each a unique expression of our 100% Malted Rye whiskey, all aged for over 4 years. The beauty of a single barrel offering is that each bottle tells its own story, influenced by the specific characteristics of that individual barrel and its unique interaction with the spirit over time. While they share the same foundational grain and aging process, each barrel develops its own subtle nuances, making every bottle a discovery.

We invite you to explore the spectrum of our inaugural release, designed to cater to different preferences while consistently delivering the unparalleled character of our 100% Malted Rye:

1. Anderson & Link Single Barrel Rye (90 Proof): This expression is crafted for balance and approachability, serving as a perfect introduction to our unique style. At 90 proof, it offers an incredibly smooth and inviting experience. The nose is rich with notes of sweet caramel and a hint of baking spice, while the palate unfolds with layers of dried fruit, vanilla, and a gentle, lingering warmth. It’s a whiskey that encourages contemplation, revealing its complexities sip by sip, and proving that lower proof doesn't mean less character.

2. Anderson & Link Single Barrel Rye (100 Proof): Stepping up in proof, our 100-proof single barrel delivers a more robust and assertive character without sacrificing the inherent smoothness of our malted rye. This expression amplifies the rich flavors, bringing forward more pronounced notes of toasted oak, dark chocolate, and a more vibrant, yet still harmonious, spice. The increased proof point allows the whiskey's full body to shine, offering a deeper and more intense tasting experience that still maintains remarkable drinkability.

3. Anderson & Link Cask Strength Single Barrel Rye (122.7 Proof): For the true connoisseur and adventurer, our Cask Strength offering is bottled at an impressive 122.7 proof, directly from the barrel. This is our whiskey in its purest, most unadulterated form. Expect an explosion of flavor – intense spice, rich molasses, profound oak, and a lingering warmth that speaks to its raw power. This expression is a journey in itself; sip it neat to experience its full force, or add a few drops of water to unlock an even broader spectrum of hidden aromas and flavors, revealing new dimensions with every addition. It truly showcases the incredible depth and versatility of our 100% Malted Rye at its most potent.

   
   

Across all three of these exceptional single barrel offerings, you will find a consistent thread: an exceptionally smooth character that belies the common perception of rye whiskey. While they do possess some of the spicy notes that come with Rye, these are beautifully integrated, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to the rich range of flavors that develop from the malting process and over four years of careful aging in charred oak barrels. Expect a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that evolve on the palate, leaving a memorable and deeply satisfying finish.

The Anderson & Link Difference: A Taste of Colorado's Spirit

At Anderson & Link Whiskey Company, we are driven by a singular purpose: to craft spirits that are not only exceptional in quality but also embody the values we hold dear – integrity, dedication, and a pioneering spirit. Being a veteran-owned and operated company in Colorado isn't just a point of pride; it's woven into the very fabric of our whiskey.

We invite you to experience the culmination of our passion and precision. Our 100% Malted Rye single barrel whiskeys are more than just beverages; they are a testament to what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation, and when a commitment to excellence guides every step. We are confident that once you taste our 90 proof, 100 proof, or Cask Strength 122.7 proof offerings, you'll understand why we believe it's truly unlike anything you've ever tried before.

Discover the Anderson & Link difference. Seek out our inaugural release and raise a glass to the spirit of service, the beauty of Colorado, and the unparalleled taste of 100% Malted Rye.

Sláinte!