Made in America from WSWA Access Live: Rod and Hammer’s Cask Bourbon from San Luis Obispo, Florida’s Von Payne Black and Devil’s Grin Gin from Texas.
In this follow up article from the recent WSWA Access Live I have three bottles for review all made stateside: a bourbon, an infused whiskey and a gin.
I sampled all three at the show – enjoying them all – and was gifted the bottles to take home for further study and a review on this website.
Sharing some information I found on their websites, along with my tasting notes. So here goes!
Rod and Hammer’s Cask Bourbon
$46.17, 90 proof. From the website:
SMOOTHER THAN A CALIFORNIA SUNSET.SIP ON A GOLDEN HORIZON, WHERE SUN-KISSED BARRELS MEET COASTAL WESTERN SPIRIT, AS YOU DISCOVER SMOOTH NOTES OF CARAMEL, MAPLE AND OAK EMERGE FROM GENTLE SPICINESS. GREAT FOR COCKTAILS OR ENJOYING ON THE ROCKS.
SURFER MEETS COWBOY.TEN YEARS AGO RODNEY “ROD” CEGELSKI, A CALIFORNIA SURFER, MET HAMISH “HAMMER” MARSHALL, AN AUSSIE JACKAROO, SPURRING A FRIENDSHIP ROOTED IN AN APPRECIATION OF QUALITY SPIRITS AND THE CENTRAL COAST. THE TWO FOUNDED ROD & HAMMER’S SLO STILLS TO SHARE THEIR PASSION WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
EB: So cool to find a whiskey company in San Luis Obispo, California, and the raised lettering on the rectangular bottle reminds you of it in big letters, as well as the gold – California is known for – metallic looking label.
At 112 proof, this cask bourbon will be big. The color is all gold, clean and clear. On the nose there is a lot of toasted wood, caramelized apple, sweet cigar, char, dark cocoa, and vanilla bean. On the mouth I noted dried spices, some of that apple, coffee bean and a heat – due to the proof – that made the whiskey last forever on the tongue.
Tasting again I thought I got more of the vanilla that I found on the nose. I never water down or add ice to a high proof bourbon – if I wanted that I wouldn’t buy it at a high proof. So, this Rod and Hammer Cask Bourbon I would have neat.
Von Payne Black
I reviewed this spirit two years ago when I was introduced to it at the 2024 Access Live event from WSWA. It’s infused with natural black currant – not flavored – and at the time I thought it a perfect gateway whiskey for those that don’t care for whisky – yet. So let me share some details from their website, and then my review.
About Von Payne Black
Von Payne Black Whiskey commands attention the moment it’s poured—thanks to its one-of-a-kind heavy metal gargoyle pour spout perched atop every bottle. This striking, gothic centerpiece is more than just a conversation starter—it’s a symbol of the bold character inside…Known as “the whiskey with the gargoyle on top,” Von Payne Black stands out in every way. Inside the bottle: a deep ruby red, premium blended whiskey infused with all-natural black currant—a bold, unforgettable taste that keeps fans coming back.
The most awarded infused whiskey in the world…
EB: In its heavy silver gargoyle-topped decanter and coming in at 90 proof/45% AB, this is an impressive spirit. The color is very dark ruby red with a gold edge, and quite opaque. Aromas included the black currant, other blue to black fruits, as well as lots of dark toasted oak, coffee, pipe smoke, and caramel. The very round mouthfeel was full of dark fruit, roasted nuts, black pepper, espresso, and chocolate. If you are expecting something sweet, or like a cough syrup, that’s not Von Payne. I would like to try this in an Old Fashioned for sure and continue to enjoy it neat as well.
Devil’s Grin Gin
Intrigued by the handsome bottle at first, and then learning about how each panel on the sides were created and etched to represent the different botanicals in the gin, I couldn’t wait to sample the Texas-made spirit inside.
About
14 botanicals garnered from six different continents. Devil’s Grin starts with a nod to London Dry — round, earthy juniper with a whisper of cedar — then blooms into citrus and floral before settling into a smooth, sweet finish. It’s a journey in a glass: layered, balanced and concocted for every kind of discerning gin drinker.
EB: Most people know that I’m a gin lover. I prefer the strong juniper in a London Dry in a gin and tonic, and the more floral aromatic gins in a Martini. I was intrigued by Devil’s Grin Gin because it is a London Dry with some interesting botanicals as well. Here’s what I thought: The color is clean and clear as expected, while the aromas cast a spell on me from a foot away; juniper, black licorice, rose petals, mint, lemon-lime, sage, and dried earth. Going in for a taste I got lots of heat, a well-stocked spice rack, fresh fruit – and all lasted on my palate for an eternity. Torn, I think I want this in a G and T as well as a Martini.
Social media
#WSWAAccess #WSWAMedia #CaesarsForum #WineAndSpirits #WSWAAwards @wswaaccess @wswamedia @caesarsforum @DevilsGrinGin @VonPayneWhiskey @RodAndHammer
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email [email protected] to ask a question about wine or spirits. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
