If you look at the bottle it screams New Hampshire…with a leather thong around the neck and the name, “The Deer Slayer”…. then bam! I think maybe the only reason it screams New Hampshire to me is because that is where it is from and I knew it. Where else would they come up with venison flavored whiskey? Maybe in the nearby western suburbs of Philadelphia near their partner bottling distillery New Liberty? Alas, it is a no…. it is New Hampshire.
Before trying this, I asked myself… did they actually age whiskey with raw deer flesh? Chuck some raw meat in a vat and age? Thankfully… no. What they did is slow-smoke red deer venison along with a few seasonal ingredients like porcini mushrooms, cranberries, juniper berries, and green peppercorns. Then they took a 3-year old white wheat whiskey, for its lighter body and taste, and distilled it, which created “The Deer Slayer” literally and physically. As an aside; I’d love to know who got the venison smoked aftermath. I bet it was delicious; I’m jealous of whoever got it!
So, if you have ever tasted fresh venison, which by the way is spectacular, then your first sip will be very familiar. A carnivorous creation with smoky and savory notes. A unique totally one-of-a-kind spirit, which, according to their site, is sold out. So suck it I have a bottle! It has a subtle gamey taste and spice note on the palate, with a lingering finish of berries and well smoked venison. The finish reminds me of a turkey dinner…how appropriate for this time of year!
Sadly the bottle is only 200 ML, but they need to pass the love around. This is definitely a non-vegan whiskey, but it is for someone willing to try something new. Whiskey in the wild! – Sláinte
ABV: 49.5%/99 Proof
