Sugarlands Distilling Releases 1st Aged Rye – It's as Easy as 123.4 Proof

Sugarlands Distilling - Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey, Cask Strength

As the craft spirits world ages, so does their product. Companies that started out from day one with unaged spirits or moonshine are starting to bring aged product to market. Such is the case for Sugarlands Distilling, a craft spirits maker known for its moonshine and its prime location in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Roaming Man – Whiskey for the Wandering Spirit

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Sugarlands Distilling Company recently released their newest spirit – Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey. This is the companies’ first aged spirit produced since the distillery officially opened in March of 2014. The new release is bottled at a cask strength of 123.4 proof.

Sugarlands Distilling - Head Distiller Greg Eidam II — Sugarlands Distilling – Head Distiller Greg Eidam II

“We’re excited to enter the aged whiskey arena with Roaming Man,” said Head Distiller Greg Eidam. “From the beginning, we decided not to source an aged whiskey and have patiently distilled and aged our own unique expressions.”

The first edition of Roaming Man was released for presale in November 2016 and sold out within hours. The company plans to expand its aged whiskey operation in 2017 by continuing to create unique mash bills and traditional whiskeys.

“After years of working on our whiskey project, we are very excited to be able to release an incredible straight rye whiskey finally. Just like our award-winning rye distillate, our company is maturing with time,” Eidam said.

Sugarlands Distilling Co. will be releasing their second batch of Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey in July 2017. Presale will begin on May 29, 2017. Purchasers will be able to pick up their second edition Roaming Man Whiskey between July 1 and October 1, 2017.

Location, Location, Location – 1 Million Visitors a Year

Sugarlands Distilling - Distillery in Gatlinburg, TN

Each year, nearly 1 million people visit the distillery, making it America’s top-rated distillery experience and the number one “thing to do” in Gatlinburg, Tenn., according to TripAdvisor.com. To put this number in perspective, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, made up of 21 distilleries in 2016 including Bulleit’s Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Four Roses Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Jim Beam Distillery, Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Town Branch Distillery, Wild Turkey Distillery and Woodford Reserve Distillery saw 1,065,961 visits last year. That number also includes 11 of the states craft distillers. You can see the complete list of 2016 Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Craft Tour members here.

The Gatlinburg distillery combines innovative drinks with a raconteur and thrilling vibe. At the downtown Gatlinburg distillery, craft moonshine and whiskey partners up with live music, moonshine tastings, distillery tours and outdoor adventures in the Sugarlands—an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also known as “moonshiners’ paradise.”

Tasting Notes

The company says at a cask strength of 123.4 proof, one might expect this Straight Rye Whiskey to have a kick, however, you will be shocked at how gentle Roaming Man is. With a classic rye spiciness of black pepper and hints of tobacco and oak, this approachable rye whiskey will not disappoint. Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey is well balanced with the sweetness of vanilla and caramel along with hints of apple and pineapple.

The East Tennessee distillery currently offers 20 varieties of craft spirits distilled in the Great Smoky Mountains.