Military Bourbon Review: Last Shot Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon

Distillery

Last Shot Distillery

Mash bill

NAS

Age

Undisclosed

Proof

107 Proof

Price

$50 (2024)

Official Product Website

History – Last Shot Distillery, nestled just two miles from downtown Skaneateles, New York, began its journey in December 2015. Situated adjacent to the Charlie Major Nature Trail, the distillery found its home on a site steeped in history. This very location was once home to The Earll & Kellogg Distillery, which operated from 1840 to 1864, crafting spirits until production ceased due to the conversion of the property into a paper mill by Earls, Thayer & Co.

The inception of Last Shot Distillery owes much to the vision and passion of its co-owner and distiller, Chris Uyehara. After dedicating 37 years to the culinary arts as a chef, Chris yearned for a new venture. Fate intervened during a serendipitous conversation with his daughter and her friend, John Menapace. John, possessing both the ideal space and engineering acumen necessary for a distillery, became Chris’s partner in realizing this dream. Both Chris and John, long-standing residents of Skaneateles, united their expertise and love for their community to embark on this journey.

At the heart of Last Shot Distillery’s ethos lies a steadfast mission: to revolutionize the craft of distilling while honoring historic traditions and fostering a sense of familial belonging within the community. This commitment is evident in their dedication to sourcing 75% of the ingredients for their bourbon and whiskey from local farms, thereby encapsulating the essence of the region within each bottle.

The story of Last Shot Distillery not only chronicles the revival of a historical site but also symbolizes the resilience of entrepreneurial spirit and the enduring bond between community members. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, weaving together the threads of the past with the promise of a vibrant future.

In addition to sourcing ingredients from local farms, Last Shot Distillery infuses another element of regional authenticity into their bourbon production process: Skaneateles Lake water. This pristine water, drawn from the nearby Skaneateles Lake, not only imparts a unique flavor profile but also pays homage to the natural bounty of the area. With each bottle cut to proof using this locally sourced water, Last Shot Distillery further solidifies its connection to the land and the community it serves. Let’s dig in!

Value – The value is amazing for a bourbon that tastes so good!

Appearance – The bottle is of typical bourbon bottles which are simple and in an old medicine style bottle. The color is more on the red side of copper. Overall, pretty easy to pick out that “Hey this is a bourbon”. I do love that the proof is handwritten.

Nose – Peach / Fresh Baked Cake / White Wine / Lavender

Palate – Allspice / Spearmint / Cherry / Chocolate

Finish – Apple Wood / Smoke / Vanille and very nice as it rounds out with what we used to call a Kentucky hug but since this is from NY then I will say that it definitely doesn’t leave in a new york minute. I love how it lingers and really just sits on the tongue letting you know that you just drank bourbon a few minutes ago.

Summary – What truly sets this bourbon apart is not just its exceptional taste, but the palpable passion and dedication infused into every aspect of its creation. It’s evident that this isn’t merely a spirit; it’s a labor of love, a testament to the unwavering commitment to perfection. Delving deeper into its nuances, one discovers a symphony of flavors intricately woven together, a testament to the fine art of distillation. This bourbon imparts a valuable lesson—that greatness isn’t measured solely in years spent aging in a barrel, but in the love, attention, and expertise poured into its making. It’s a reminder that true mastery lies not in the passage of time, but in the depth of passion and the pursuit of excellence.