Roughstock Montana Black Label, Cask Strength Single Malt (2011), 61.5%

Introduction

Roughstock Montana Black Label represents the pioneering spirit of America’s craft whisky movement, produced at the foot of the majestic Bridger Mountains where Montana’s wild heart and undaunted spirit are captured in every bottle.

Production Method

• Raw materials: 100% malted barley sourced from northern American farms, milled and mashed on-site at the distillery
• Distillation process: Small-batch distillation in traditional copper pot stills, allowing for careful control over the spirit’s character
• Maturation: Aged in heavily charred new American oak barrels, allowing Montana’s dramatic temperature fluctuations to accelerate maturation
• Special techniques: Bottled directly from the cask without chill-filtration or dilution, preserving all natural flavors and oils

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Complex bouquet of peppery plums, candied orange peel, honey, and subtle oak spice with hints of vanilla
• Palate: Powerful explosion of leather, cloves, chili heat, dark chocolate, toasted oak, and sweet malt, with remarkable depth at full cask strength
• Finish: Remarkably long and warming with persistent spice, mellowing into a refreshing light honey sweetness with lingering oak tannins

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (18-21°C/65-70°F)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky snifter or Glencairn glass to concentrate aromas
• Serving ideas: Try neat first to experience full intensity, then with a few drops of spring water to open up additional flavors
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, smoked meats, aged cheeses, or Montana-inspired fare like bison or wild game

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 61.5% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country/Region of origin: USA/Montana, produced at the foot of the Bridger Mountains
• Certifications/Awards: Gold Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition, “Craft Whisky of the Year” nomination by American Distilling Institute

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Roughstock Montana Black Label delivers an intensity and complexity rarely found in American craft whiskies, with its uncompromising cask strength character representing a true connoisseur’s expression.

As a limited release from 2011, each bottle represents an increasingly rare opportunity to experience one of the pioneering releases from Montana’s craft whisky renaissance.

Recognized by master distillers across the industry, Roughstock has set the standard for what American single malt can achieve when traditional Scottish techniques meet the bold innovation of Western American distilling.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and critics alike have praised Roughstock’s commitment to authentic, unfiltered cask strength expressions that challenge the conventions of American whisky.

Collectors who secured bottles from Roughstock’s early releases have consistently reported remarkable development in the bottles they’ve preserved, demonstrating the whisky’s excellent aging potential.

This recognition extends beyond America’s borders, with international spirits competitions acknowledging Roughstock’s contribution to elevating the global perception of American single malt whisky.

From Montana’s First Legal Distillery to You

Each bottle of Roughstock Black Label represents not just a premium spirit, but the culmination of a distilling tradition reborn after decades of Prohibition-enforced silence in Montana.

Crafted by passionate distillers who embody the same pioneering attitude as Montana’s original settlers, this whisky connects you to the authentic American frontier spirit and craft heritage.

By experiencing Roughstock Montana Black Label, you join a community of discerning enthusiasts who appreciate the raw authenticity of true craft spirits and the bold character that defines Montana’s contribution to the world of fine whisky.