Milwaukee-based Great Lakes Distillery will unveil its new Menomonee valley Straight Rye Whiskey at a party tonight.
Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley was once a wetland cut by the Menomonee River where rice grew in abundance. Over the years, it became a center of various endeavors including farming, railroading and distilling.
In 1882, there was a distillery on Menomonee Valley’s north bluff. Back then it was a lush valley with fresh water ideal for the production of whiskey and the cattle that devoured the distillery’s spent mash.
Today, Milwaukee’s Menomonee valley is as productive as ever, including the Great Lakes Distillery, which is celebrating the heritage at its plant, located at 616 W. Virginia St.
Menomonee Valley Rye recalls a time when rye whiskey was made in the valley more than 100 years ago.
“We produced this rye the first year we moved to our present location, and we’re happy to share this limited run of history with you,” said Guy Rehorst, founder and chief executive officer of Great Lakes Distillery.
Menomonee Valley Rye has been aged four years and eight months in 53-gallon barrels. It was produced from a mash of 75 percent rye, 12.5-percent corn and 12.5 percent malt. Only 544 750-milliliter bottles were produced.
A very limited amount will be available at liquor stores.
To read a recent BizTimes cover story about Great Lakes Distillery, click here.
