Many whiskey drinkers (and even some bartenders!) have a misbelief that a single-malt Scotch whiskey is not a blended whiskey, but this is simply not the truth. In fact, single-malt Scotch is a blend, as are nearly all the whiskies on the market in the US today – including bourbons, rye’s, Tennessee’s, and scotches.  The formal definition of a blended whiskey is one that contains a mix of barrel-aged malt and grain whiskeys, although informally, any blend of more than...

Once a “dead drink” – a whiskey largely passed over by post-prohibition drinkers as inferior to its sweeter cousin Bourbon – rye whiskey has been making an incredible comeback in the past few years as the trend for classic cocktails has brought rye back to prominence.In fact, US sales of the spirit have increased six fold in the last six years, from slightly over $15 million in supplier revenues in 2009 to more than $106 million in 2014. That translates to about $300 mill...

Bourbon is as classic as it gets. The unique taste of the drink emerges from the grains used in making it, the aging process, the char on the barrel used for storing, humidity, temperature, and many other factors. What if it was possible to make a craft bourbon, where the customer can control right from the grains used in making the liquor, to the process of proofing, and everything in between? Wouldn’t it be simply marvelous? This is exactly what the new online tool from Buffalo Trac...

Overall in the United States, despite the climate change, wheat production is above previous levels. All wheat growth combined is forecasted to be up 6%. These predictions are about on par with the industry predictions of 2.149 billion bushels.  The only type of wheat that is expected to see a negative hit is winter wheat. Forecasts of the production have it currently down 3% but that is still greater than the 2014 yield. In total there is expected to be a 33.3 million acres of winter ...

At Brooks Grain, we have been supplying high quality grain to distillers for decades. In that time, we have learned how to select the highest quality product at the best prices possible. We have also learned how to get our product to our distillers quickly and effectively.As a craft distiller, you have a lot on the line. In order to produce your product, your suppliers must be dependable. There is nothing more critical to your business than turning over your inventory. We understand that waiting...

Brooks Grain, LLC will be exhibiting at the American Distilling Institute’s (ADI) Annual Craft Spirits Conference & Vendor Expo. The event will take place April 3-6, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Convention Center.  The Craft Spirits Conference is one of the oldest and most successful conferences in the craft spirits industry. Baltimore is an interesting city packed full of intrigue, patriotism, and important history. To top it off, Baltimore and Washington DC ...

The creation of whisky is a beautiful combination of both art and science. When sampling whiskies, you will notice that not one is the same. This is because the distilling process is a craft, one that is customized to your liking. Part of the crafting process is making the flavors compliment you. This is exactly why there are so many different categories of whisky. Take a look and see how the grains impact the flavor of the whisky and that a high quality grain supplier can be your ticket to prod...

National Bourbon Heritage Month, created in 2007 by an act of congress, celebrates America’s “Native Spirit.” Recognized every September, bourbon lovers across the US share their love and appreciation for this delicious spirit.From rich family heritage to traditions and legacy, the bourbon industry has always been intertwined with our country’s history. September is about honoring this spirit and all of the people who have contributed to and continue to carry on this grea...

Dakota Quality Rye – The Great Plains Greatest GrainRye is one of the small grains grown in the Great Plains. It is a winter annual, planted in the fall, and is the hardiest of the small grains. Rye does well in cool climates (optimum temperature 55ºF to 65ºF) and tolerates most adverse weather. It is often grown in light, sandy soil, when weed problems are present or when the soil is low in fertility. Rye grain is similar to wheat in size and composition but is lower in protein....