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PROSPEROUS & PENNILESS RYE MALT WHISKEY bottle and glass

Prosperous & Penniless Rye Malt Whiskey

Prosperous & Penniless Rye Malt Whiskey is the artful marriage of ryes distilled in 2013 and wheat from 2010, crafting a harmonious blend. The rye underwent a meticulous maturation journey, embracing diverse aging methods that encompassed new American oak, century-old cognac barrels, and used Cabernet Sauvignon Fine French oak casks from Buena Vista Winery. This intricate process bestows a velvety texture upon the rye, accompanied by subtleties of citrus and luscious fruit undertones. 

$300.00

92 Points —Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2023
GOLD Medal —The Spirits Business, Global Spirits Masters
GOLD Medal —USA Spirits Ratings, 2024

Product Details

  • distiller

    Master Distiller, Crispin Cain of Tamar Distillery

  • mash bill

    93% rye malt whiskey (distilled in 2013 and 2014), 7% wheat malt whiskey (distilled in 2010, 2011, and 2012).

  • aroma

    Toasted grain, hazelnuts, citrus peel

  • palate

    Round with melon, toasted nuts, vanilla, tobacco, leather

  • aging

    24-30 months in new Bourbon barrels before being transferred to used Cognac and Limousin oak barrels and finished in used Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels for a total of four years.

  • color

    Golden

Calistoga depot wagon
Wood texture

The life of Sam Brannan - the visionary genius behind California's Gold Rush - was marked with both spectacular prosperity and magnificent failure.  Once hailed as a dreamer, leader, and empire builder during the pinnacle of his success, this soldier of fortune died in 1880, remarkably penniless and unable to afford his own funeral.

Brannan's Calistoga Distillery gained much acclaim before he fell victim to financial ruin, and this expertly crafted spirits pay homage to the entrepreneurial spirit of his original Calistoga Distillery, founded more than 170 years ago.