Located in Missoula, MT, Montgomery Distillery operates a farm to glass distilling operation. The Montgomery family farm in Heath, MT, sits on one of the largest spring creeks in the state which irrigates the concern’s wheat and rye. Commencing operations in 2012, Montgomery aims to create new and intriguing spirits using a pot still made for them by Germany’s oldest still maker. Today, we look at their attempt of an American Single Malt with the Montgomery American Single Malt Review. (Whiskey Rising also reviewed Montgomery’s Sudden Wisdom Rye.)

This American Single Malt contains a mash bill of 100% Montana malted barley. The whiskey is pot-stilled 2.5 times and aged for in 52 gallon New American Oak Barrels. My bottle, part of the fifth release, additionally ages in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. Each release apparently experiments with different used casks and methods. As such, the whole process for this batch clocked in at 5 years. Finally, this single malt lands at 90 proof (45% ABV). With that, on to the review!

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, this single malt presents as a subdued, hazy chestnut coloring. It lightens in the glass to that of a golden honey. Giving it a swirl demonstrates a deceptive thickness, a thin coating but strong viscosity. After the swirl, beads form very slowly and then ultimately form messy legs. The labeling feels rather matter of fact, but similar to their rye provides a solid level of information regarding the whiskey inside.

Nose

Bringing Montgomery American Single Malt to the nose creates a gentle warming sensation. Herbal tea infused with chamomile immediately appears upfront. As though planned, or perhaps due to a Pavlovian response, clover honey mixes with the tea and gains some prominence. As this milieu fades away, dates soaked in whole milk fill the gap. This whiskey has an oily, almost humid feel as it works its way through the olfactories. Furthermore, it essentially stiltedly crawls through the nostrils. While not a bad flavor profile emerges, a somewhat awkward experience ensues nonetheless.

Palate

Keeping with its thick nature, this single malt produces a mouth coating sensation upon entering the mouth. The first note that comes through is cedar wood that’s quickly followed by malts. In a bit of twist, eucalyptus pops up and provides a medicinal quality as it often does. Some wheat germ factors in, but toward the end castor bean gains some true prominence. Though this whiskey doesn’t necessarily feel completely medicinal, it certainly flirts with the idea. Where it does become notable is the extremely buttery to the point of oily nature it generates. The taste is fine, but the body as with the nose feels slightly awkward.

Finish

The finish starts off with a medium cinammon flair and eventually carries through to the end. Along the way, however, some other flavors jump out. First is seaweed, though somewhat subdued and satisfying like that found in higher quality ramen. Wheat germ again factors in but just barely in passing. Toward the end, a dignified mixture of oak, chewing tobacco and raisins arises. This mixes in with the cinammon and lingers briefly before the curtain call. Overall, a nice balanced finish to top off a drink that needed more levity.

Drinkability

Montgomery American Single Malt works both on the rocks or neat, but neat barely edges out the competition. Water brings chocolate out of the malt and introduces a blood orange flavor. Though both are independently nice, they feel a bit much here. Drink this whiskey while in a private study alone reading dusty tomes on mercantilism or naval warfare. Smoking jacket optional.

Facial Hair Rating

Montgomery American Single Malt fifth release receives the Ducktail Facial Hair Rating. A pervasive loneliness embodies this whiskey despite its otherwise noticeable sophistication. It’s reminiscent of the uncle that can provide detailed analysis of Prussian potato yields in the 1830’s, but freezes when someone asks ‘How are you?’

Overall

To conclude the Montgomery American Single Malt review – a little oozy. No doubt some nice flavors come through, but something seems to be holding it back. The whiskey somehow feels solitary and dense, like an oil spill in the middle of a lagoon. The texture and body, especially in the nose and palate, really crawl their way through and sometimes sit in place when movement would be preferable. It is smooth, yet almost too smooth. I enjoyed trying it but not sure how often I would circle back on this particular release. It’s certainly good enough to check out their next release to see how it changes over time, however.

Final Grade: C+

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