The Obscure Distillery has introduced a new rye whiskey called Rites of Fall, matured in wood from the American chestnut tree. At 47% ABV and priced at $150, this whiskey is notable for its use of a rare material—the wood of the functionally extinct American chestnut. The distillery, located in downtown Los Angeles, has also partnered with The American Chestnut Foundation, with proceeds from each bottle supporting research into restoring the chestnut tree. The whiskey is available for purchase online in California and at select retailers in Nevada.
The American chestnut tree was once a dominant species in North American forests, with nearly four billion trees before a fungal blight decimated its population in the early 20th century. The American Chestnut Foundation has been working to revive the species through research and breeding programs. In 2020, The Obscure Distillery joined these efforts by creating a whiskey-making process that uses fallen chestnut wood from managed orchards, rather than the traditional method of barrel-making. This allows the distillery to work with the wood in a sustainable way while imparting the whiskey with subtle chestnut flavors.
Rites of Fall combines Ohio rye with the distinct character of American chestnut, resulting in a whiskey with aromas of apricot, candied orange peel, and a nutty undertone, complemented by the spice of rye and dried fig notes. The distillery’s collaboration with The American Chestnut Foundation reflects a shared goal of preserving both the tree and its cultural significance.
The foundation remains focused on reintroducing the American chestnut to its native range, aiming to restore a once-vital species to North American ecosystems.
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