Military Bourbon Review: Rush Creek Double Oak Bourbon

Official Product Website

History – In 2017, four Harvard locals—Jay T. Nolan, Jeff McCarthy, and brothers Mark and Todd Stricker—came together to establish Rush Creek Distillery. Their inspiration for this venture sprang from a casual conversation at a local tavern, where they envisioned creating a distillery dedicated to crafting high-quality spirits while positively impacting their community.

Situated in Harvard, Illinois, Rush Creek Distilling takes pride in its use of locally sourced ingredients that capture the unique essence of the region. They use water from a deep aquifer in the Rush Creek watershed and grains from the fourth-generation Book Family Farm. This local sourcing ensures not only superior quality but also reinforces their commitment to the community.

Master Distiller Jeff McCarthy brings a unique blend of mechanical expertise and a refined palate to the distillery. He oversees the production process, including the operation of their custom American pot still named Liberty. This meticulous attention to detail allows Rush Creek to produce a variety of spirits, such as slow-filtered Vodka, American Heartland-style Gin, and aged Whiskeys like the nine-year-old Trophy Whiskey and five-year-old American Gold Whiskey.

From the beginning, Rush Creek Distilling has embraced innovation and experimentation. They’ve sourced orphan whiskey barrels from Kentucky, transforming overlooked batches into unique spirits like their Trophy Whiskey. Their commitment to creativity extends to ongoing projects, including rum, barrel-aged gin, flavored vodkas, rye whiskey, and blended whiskey, which they periodically share with visitors for feedback.

Rush Creek offers more than just production; they provide a comprehensive visitor experience. Located at 1501 W. Diggins St., their distillery doubles as a production facility and a destination for tours, tastings, and crafted cocktails at the Craftsman Bar. Conveniently located at the end of the Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest line, Rush Creek Distilling welcomes guests to explore their offerings in a serene and unique setting.

In essence, Rush Creek Distillery epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders and their commitment to creating exceptional spirits grounded in community and craftsmanship. Their innovative approach and dedication to local resources continue to carve a niche in the craft spirits market while offering an inviting experience to visitors from near and far. Let’s dig in!

Appearance – The look of this bottle is truly mesmerizing. Its design immediately sparks the urge to go fishing as soon as you open it. The label, featuring an exquisite fish, combined with the rustic brown color of the bottle, gives off a cozy log cabin vibe.

Nose – A delightful symphony of rich chocolate, vanilla, and tapioca aromas. The inviting scent suggests a bourbon with a luxurious, thick texture.

Palate – An explosion of flavors featuring abundant milk chocolate, pecans, almonds, and robust mocha. This is a palate to truly admire!

Finish – The finish is superb, gently settling with the taste of creamy, pecan-crusted banana bread. It beautifully showcases the craftsmanship and love poured into this bourbon.

Value – (Value Undisclosed)

Summary – Rush Creek Distillery embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community and craftsmanship of its founders. By using locally sourced ingredients, such as water from the Rush Creek watershed and grains from the fourth-generation Book Family Farm, they ensure superior quality and strengthen their ties to the region. Master Distiller Jeff McCarthy’s expertise and meticulous attention to detail result in a variety of exceptional spirits, including slow-filtered Vodka, American Heartland-style Gin, and aged Whiskeys. Their commitment to innovation and experimentation is evident in their unique products like the Trophy Whiskey and ongoing projects with rum, barrel-aged gin, and more.

The distillery also provides a comprehensive visitor experience with tours, tastings, and crafted cocktails at the Craftsman Bar. Conveniently located at the end of the Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest line, Rush Creek Distilling welcomes guests to explore their offerings in a serene and unique setting. 

“This combination of high-quality spirits, innovative approaches, and community involvement makes Rush Creek Distillery a standout destination for craft spirit enthusiasts.”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 8

Nose- 1-20 – 18

Palate- 1-20 – 20

Finish- 1-20 – 15

Value- 1-20 – 10