Deep Eddy distiller moves into flavoured whiskey

A new Texas-based spirits company that exclusively produces flavoured whiskey is set to launch this month, with the former master distiller of Deep Eddy Vodka joining as master blender.

Calibre Company Spirits, headquartered in Houston, has created a four-strong range of flavoured whiskey, promoting a category the company claims is “driving explosive growth” for large spirits groups, but “remains largely untouched” by smaller producers.

The range has been “tailor-made for the millennial generation” and will launch this month in Texas, South Carolina, Gerogia and Arkansas through three different distributors.

Jeff Weed, former master distiller of fellow Texas firm Deep Eddy Vodka, has been recruited as master blender at Calibre Company Spirits.

“It was an incredible experience being a part of the team that built Deep Eddy from the ground up: we started as a small Austin distillery with one product and evolved into a nationally recognised brand of six distinct flavoured vodkas,” said Weed.

“But I wanted to experiment with creating unique flavour profiles based on a different spirit, and when the opportunity to work with Caliber came along, I knew it was a perfect fit.”

Calibre Company Spirits’ portfolio will initially consist of Honey, Apple Cinnamon, Dark Cherry and a Classic variant, described as a “sweeter whiskey with tastes of vanilla bean, honey and oak”.

Tasting notes will not be included on the bottles, which will instead feature animated characters that embody the flavours, offering descriptions such as “heavy artillery” and “sweet shot”.

“The idea was born last year after we saw an opportunity to create something completely different than what we currently produce,” said Ryan Baird, president of Calibre Company Spirits. “We received a lot of requests for honey whiskey and with the explosion of flavoured whiskey’s thought this could be a very interesting brand.

“We have great respect for the Deep Eddy crew and knew Jeff would be perfect for the job as master blender on this new project.”