Whiskey Wednesday – Eight Settlers Distillery
Eight Settlers Distillery from Cottonwood Heights, Utah has recently launched two whiskeys – Ragtown American Whiskey and Devil’s Gate Bourbon.
Katia and Radu Dugala founded Eight Settlers Distillery in 2020. The distillery is inspired by the rich history of Cottonwood Heights, an area first settled in the 1800s by eight families. According to the distillery, these families landed in what was originally known as Butlerville, Utah, nestled between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Amidst the Rock Mountains and lush green valley, the families cultivate the land that was rich in timber, water, farmland, minerals and granite rock. Then in 1952, the town became to be known as Cottonwood Heights.
The distillery is led by Head Distiller Dylan Kalil. He began his distilling career 10 years ago at High West Distillery, Utah’s best-known distillery. It was there where he worked his way up from the bottling line to learn the nuances of the distilling process to become a distiller.
Diving into Ragtown American Whiskey and Devil’s Gate Bourbon we first notice that both were distilled at an undisclosed distillery in Indiana. We can assume that this is from MGP. Both are also aged for a minimum of three years and are blended in Utah and come in at 90 proof.
Ragtown American Whiskey is said to be a blend of two robust and smooth straight American whiskeys. The nose on this one is full of sweet fruit. This converges into the palate as it begins with an upfront sweetness that’s followed by cinnamon and peppery spices. At first sip, it finishes a bit strong, it is 90 proof after all. But upon additional sips this strength dwindles to a more enjoyable experience on a fall evening. But don’t just take our word on this one as Ragtown American Whiskey was just awarded a Gold Medal and 92-point rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute.
Devil’s Gate Bourbon is a bourbon that was aged for three years in oak barrels in small batches. It pours a light amber color, a touch darker than its counterpart Ragtown American Whiskey. The nose is full of spices and a touch of oak and vanilla that comes along with it. Its palate is subdued at first sip but quickly expands to a hint of corn, vanilla and chocolate making it a well-balanced young bourbon. A great sipper either neat or on a rock.
In addition to the whiskey, Eight Settlers Distillery also offers a vodka and gin wit Butler Vodka and Green Ditch Gin. Their full portfolio is currently available via e-commerce to the following non-controlled states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York.
To learn more about Eight Settlers Distillery, visit eightsettlersdistillery.com or visit them in Cottonwood Heights UT.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.