Clear Water Distilling Co., or Clear Water Distillery, is a passion project that’s captured hearts and palates alike. From the moment you take that first sip of any spirit from its product line, you’ll understand why this distillery is making waves.
But what’s the real story behind these bottles? And, more importantly, are they worth your hard-earned cash?
Let’s cut through the hype and get down to brass tacks. Clear Water isn’t just another pretty face in the liquor industry. These folks are on a mission to shake up the spirits game, and they’re doing it with some seriously unique concoctions. We’re talking about spirits that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take.
In this review, we’re diving deep into Clear Water’s lineup. We’ll explore their star player—whiskey—and see if it lives up to its fame. Then, we’ll take a swing at their rum, vodka, and craft spirits. Are they game-changers or just fancy names? Grab a glass, and let’s get started.
Clear Water Distillery: An Introduction
Clear Water Distillery, born in the heart of Utah in 2020, isn’t your run-of-the-mill spirits brand. These folks are on a mission to shake up the booze world, and boy, are they making a splash. This craft distillery, founded by Matt Eau Claire, is all about breaking the rules and reinventing traditional spirits.
You might be thinking, “Oh great, another distillery attempting to revolutionize things.” Truth be told, they’re genuinely passionate about creating unique flavors that’ll make your taste buds sit up and take notice.
Do you know what their secret is? High-quality ingredients and a meticulous production process that’d make a Swiss watchmaker proud.
Sure, they’ve got your classic clear, sippable vodka and a mean aged rye whiskey. But where Clear Water truly shines is with their off-the-wall creations. Take Josephine Eau de Vie, for instance. It’s like brandy and whiskey had a love child—a blend of fruit purees and molasses, with a quick nap in toasted oak.
Or Lorenz—inspired by Arctic exploration. It’s a spicy little number made from table molasses that’ll have you reimagining your cocktail game.
There’s more. Clear Water Distillery’s Rene Rye-Magnac is what happens when French Armagnac and American Rye decide to tango. It’s perfect for sipping or mixing, depending on your mood.
And guess what? The distillery doesn’t stop there. They also do batch production, which means each batch has its own flavor twist, just like different wine vintages. It adds to the uniqueness of what they offer.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Clear Water Distillery’s Liquors?
All spirits pack a punch, and Clear Water is no exception. Most of their offerings clock in at around 40 to 50% ABV (alcohol by volume). That’s a pretty standard strength for vodka, whiskey, and gin.
That said, it’s not just about the numbers. What really matters is how the alcohol content compliments the flavor profile. Clear Water has mastered the art of balancing strength with taste, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience with every sip.
What Is the History of Clear Water Distillery?
Believe it or not, Utah County was bone-dry when it came to legal distilleries until 2020. Then, like a warm shot of whiskey on a frosty night, Clear Water Distilling Co. burst onto the scene. Talk about timing—they launched right when the world was going COVID-crazy. But instead of hunkering down, these folks shook things up in the spirits world.
At the helm of this standout brand are Matt, Stephanie, and John Eau Claire. (And yes, that’s their real name—talk about a destiny crafting fine spirits.) Their philosophy? It’s all about giving tradition a good shake (or stir, depending on your preference). They’re not content with just making another gin or vodka. And you know what? They’re pulling it off.
From day one, Clear Water has been turning heads faster than a bartender at happy hour. They’ve gone from the “new kids on the block” to serious contenders in record time. With plans for expansion and a successful crowdfunding campaign under their belt, this young brand is quickly transforming into a formidable force.
Where Is Clear Water Distillery From?
Clear Water Distillery is in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Fun fact: originally, the dream was to set up a shop in Lehi, which the Eau Claire family calls home. But fate (or perhaps better business sense) intervened—and Pleasant Grove turned out to be the perfect fit.
You can visit their spirit-making factory at 564 W 700 S Suite 401. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and every bottle tells a story.
When Was Clear Water Distillery Created?
Clear Water Distillery made a big splash in Utah’s spirits scene in March 2020, a major moment for distilling in the region. They were the first to claim their spot as a legal distillery in Utah County.
The founders, Matt and Stephanie Eau Claire, launched the distillery just before the COVID-19 pandemic. It hasn’t been an easy road, but the Clearwater team has repeatedly proved that resilience and innovation are the perfect ingredients for success.
What Types of Spirits do Clear Water Distillery Produce?
Clear Water Distillery is all about shaking things up. They don’t just do the usual vodka, gin, and whiskey stuff. These folks have dared to venture beyond, crafting a portfolio that’s as unique as a unicorn in a horse race.
Let’s take a boozy tour through their lineup, shall we?
Clear Water Distilling Vodka
This vodka pays homage to Scandinavian distilling traditions while incorporating New World grain. Filtered extensively, it offers a clean, crisp profile with a mild, sweet undertone.
The finish has a hint of white pepper, making it versatile for both sipping and mixing. Its smooth character makes it an excellent base for classic cocktails like martinis or more complex modern creations.
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Clear Water Distilling Wednesday Whiskey
A blend of select whiskeys that changes annually, Wednesday Whiskey offers a unique tasting experience with each batch. The current release features notes of toasted coconut and dulce de leche (caramelized milk), with a finish reminiscent of cigar boxes and crème brûlée (Trinity cream).
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Clear Water Distilling 5-Year Rye Whiskey Barrel Strength
This rye embodies the bold, spicy character that rye whiskey aficionados seek. Its robust flavor profile makes it ideal for classic cocktails like Manhattans or Sazeracs, where the whiskey’s character needs to shine through. It’s equally enjoyable, neat or on the rocks, offering a complex tasting experience for those who appreciate a more aggressive whiskey style.
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Clear Water Distilling ScandaLust Cinnamon Whiskey
Breaking away from the overly sweet, artificially flavored whiskeys on the market, ScandaLust offers a mature take on cinnamon whiskey. Using all-natural ingredients and no added sweeteners, it provides a genuine cinnamon flavor that complements rather than overpowers the base whiskey. This makes it suitable for sipping neat or adding depth to cocktails.
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Clear Water Distilling Rene Rye-Magnac
This innovative spirit blends American Rye with French Armagnac, creating a unique hybrid that marries the spiciness of rye with the fruity complexity of Armagnac. At 42% ABV, Rene Rye offers a balanced flavor profile that works well in cocktails traditionally made with either rye or brandy, opening up new possibilities for mixologists.
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Clear Water Distilling Joséphine Eau De Vie
Named after Joséphine Baker, this spirit defies easy categorization. Crafted with a blend of fruits and molasses, it offers a complex flavor profile that sits between brandy and rum. Its unique character makes it an interesting base for experimental cocktails or as a distinctive after-dinner sipper.
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What Ingredients Are in Clear Water’s Liquor?
Clear Water Distillery prides itself on using only the finest ingredients to craft its exceptional spirits. This includes grain, molasses, and fresh fruits for the base and experimental spirits. On top of this, the company also uses several additional ingredients for flavoring, such as spices (cinnamon, vanilla) and oak barrels.
How Much Does Clear Water Distillery’s Liquor Usually Cost?
Clear Water Distillery makes premium stuff, but don’t worry, it’s not super expensive. Their regular bottles, like vodka, cinnamon whiskey, and rum, are usually under $50. So, that’s not too bad. But if you want something extra special, like those limited edition ones, you might pay closer to $100. Still, for what you get, it’s totally worth it.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Clear Water Distillery’s Liquor?
Clearwater Distillery’s unique spirits offer a world of possibilities when it comes to enjoying them. Here are a few suggestions:
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Savor the complexity: Enjoy the true essence of each spirit by tasting it neat.
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Experiment with temperature: Try your spirit chilled, at room temperature, or even with a single ice cube to discover different flavor profiles.
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Enhance the experience: Adding ice can mellow the intensity of some spirits, allowing for a smoother taste.
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Explore variations: Try different types of ice, such as spherical or cubed, to see how it may change the drink.
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Unleash your creativity: Clear Water’s unique flavors offer endless possibilities for cocktail creation.
- Elevate your dining experience: Experiment with different food pairings to discover complementary flavors.
Remember, the best way to enjoy Clear Water Distillery’s liquor is to experiment and find what you love. Don’t be afraid to try new things and share your discoveries with others. Consider reaching out to the distillery (they offer guided tours) or experienced mixologists for more cocktail recommendations.
How to Choose a Good Liquor from Clear Water Distillery?
Clear Water Distillery offers a variety of choices—there’s something for everyone. The “right” option depends on individual preferences, taste, and budget. Be sure and look at our individual product reviews above to get a feel for which of their spirits would be right for you.
Where Can You Find Clear Water’s Liquor?
Currently, Clear Water Distillery’s unique concoctions are in 30 states across the U.S., with more joining the party all the time. It’s yet to mark its debut in Utah’s state-run liquor stores, but for those of you outside the Beehive State, you’re in luck.
Clear Water’s spirits are likely gracing the shelves of your local liquor stores and upscale malls. But the real treasure hunt? Check out those swanky bars, trendy cocktail lounges, and restaurants that pride themselves on their carefully curated spirit selections. That’s where you are most likely to find Clear Water making a splash.
Clear Water Distillery FAQs
Still curious about Clear Water Distillery? We answer the most common questions about this brand below.
What makes Clear Water Distillery's spirits different?
Clear Water Distillery sets itself apart by pushing the boundaries of traditional spirits. Their innovative approach to flavor creation, combined with a meticulous production process, results in unique and unforgettable taste experiences.
Are Clear Water Distillery spirits gluten-free?
Yes, all Clear Water Distillery spirits are gluten-free. The company understands the importance of dietary restrictions and has carefully crafted its products to accommodate a wide range of consumers.
How can I learn more about Clearwater Distillery and its products?
The best way to immerse yourself in the world of Clear Water Distillery is by visiting their space in Pleasant Grove, Utah. They offer tours, tastings, and the opportunity to meet their passionate team. Alternatively, you can explore their website, follow them on social media, or contact their customer support for any inquiries.
Clear Water Distillery: Where Innovation Sets Trends
What sets Clear Water apart isn’t just their innovative spirits but their approach to the craft. They’ve blended respect for tradition with a fearless drive to explore new frontiers in distilling. It’s this balance that makes their products not just drinks but experiences.
As Clear Water Distilling Co. continues to expand its reach across the country, it’s exciting to think about what they’ll come up with next. Will they revolutionize another classic spirit? Invent a completely new category? Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure—it’ll be worth raising a glass to.
