Whisky Review/Tasting: Ranger Creek Rimfire

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Texas, United States.
Type: Mesquite Smoked Texas Single Malt Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled from a smoked beer (a unique approach as it includes hops, unlike traditional whisky mash), using mesquite wood for smoking the malt. It is part of the Small Caliber Series, indicating maturation in small barrels.
Age Statement: 12 months of maturation.
Color and Clarity: The whisky has a nice color, which is attributed to its maturation in small barrels.
Bottle Design: The bottle includes detailed information such as batch number, bottle number, and season of maturation (Winter of 2007 in this case).

Balance of Flavors: A unique blend of sweetness, light fruity notes, and a delicate smokiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its gummy bear sweetness, vanilla, and fresh fruity notes like strawberry and raspberry. It has a soft, oily, buttery texture with a popcorn note, and a fresh, delicate smokiness reminiscent of a distant wood fire.
Comparison: Described as much sweeter and more bourbon-style than Scotch, with a unique smokiness that sets it apart.

Tribute: Named "Rimfire" as a tribute to the Winchester Rimfire Model 1866 rifle, famously known as "Yellow Boy" for its brass plating. This rifle was significant in Texas history as one of the first repeating rifles.
Anniversary Edition Rifle: An interesting anecdote is the manufacture of an anniversary edition of the "Yellow Boy" rifle, using modern equipment but following the historical design.

Mesquite Wood: The use of mesquite, a tree native to Texas, for smoking the malt adds a regional touch to the whisky, embedding the local landscape's essence into its flavor profile.

"It's a strange mixture of whiskey... very different to what I've tasted before."
"If you want to have an interesting whiskey that has flavors that you haven't had before, then I would recommend you try to find this whiskey."

Ranger Creek Rimfire is a unique Texas single malt whiskey, smoked with mesquite wood and distilled from a smoked beer.
It features a sweet, fruity, and delicately smoky flavor profile, with a soft, oily texture.
The whisky pays homage to the Winchester Rimfire Model 1866 rifle, a piece of Texas history.
Its use of mesquite wood and the distillation from smoked beer with hops contribute to its distinctive taste.
Recommended for those seeking an unconventional whisky experience with a blend of sweet and smoky flavors.

Whisky Enthusiasts Looking for Unique Flavors: Individuals interested in exploring unconventional flavor profiles will find Ranger Creek Rimfire intriguing due to its mesquite smoke and beer distillation process.
Bourbon Lovers: Those who prefer the sweetness and character of bourbon might appreciate Rimfire's sweet, bourbon-style profile with an added layer of smokiness.
Adventurous Drinkers: Anyone open to trying whiskies that break from tradition and incorporate innovative techniques and local ingredients.