St. George Spirits releases limited edition whiskey for beer lovers

In California, St. George Spirits has introduced a limited edition whiskey named Ruthless, produced from Sierra Nevada Brewing's Ruthless Rye IPA. This whiskey utilizes a unique process, where roughly 1,200 gallons of the beer were distilled to create just 750 bottles. Each bottle is priced at $85, reflecting the whiskey's craftsmanship and the extensive aging process it underwent, with some portions aged for over 11 years. This release is part of a collaborative effort that celebrates the longstanding relationship between St. George Spirits and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. The master distillers at St. George, Lance Winters and Dave Smith, expressed their affection for Ruthless Rye IPA and their desire to encapsulate its flavors through distillation. The resulting whiskey showcases intricate hop notes, floral characteristics, and tropical fruit tones, all complemented by underlying maltiness. This innovative approach highlights the distillery's heritage in producing spirits similar to beer, following techniques that date back over thirty years. The whiskey also contains a very small amount of original St. George Single Malt Whiskey, maintaining an authenticity to the collaborative effort. The partnership between these two California makers has proven fruitful, combining the artistry of craft brewing and distillation. Ruthless Rye IPA, known for its heavy hop profile and a significant rye component, presents a distinctive flavor palate that has been successfully transferred into the whiskey. Ken Grossman, the founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing, has meticulously followed the whiskey's evolution during its aging process, ensuring it respects the essence of the original beer. The distillation emphasizes the high percentage of rye in the original beer, maintaining a balance of flavors that contribute to the overall quality of the whiskey. Significantly, the release of Ruthless goes beyond just a commercial endeavor. St. George Spirits pledged to donate 50% of the proceeds from the whiskey sales to two charitable causes: the Alameda Food Bank and the Community Action Agency of Butte County. This commitment reflects both companies' dedication to community support and welfare, making this whiskey not only a celebration of their partnership but also a means to aid local charities. With only 750 bottles available, the launch is positioned as not only a product release but a blend of art, community spirit, and the celebration of craft distillation.