History

River Basin Distillery is located in the New Orleans area and follows a narrative that ties American whiskey to the history of the Mississippi River. According to the story, River Basin Rye brings the history of whiskey full circle: in the 19th century, New Orleans was the whiskey capital, and distillates were transported down the Mississippi in new oak barrels to New Orleans. During this journey, the clear unaged whiskey absorbed the color and flavors from the wood, and when poured into salons along Bourbon Street, it acquired an amber color and a distinctive woody taste. River Basin Distillery follows this timeless American heritage. Located where the Mississippi River bends to form Crescent City, they source their whiskey from upriver, just as it was done 200 years ago.

Production

River Basin Rye is produced as a whiskey based on a mash made up of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. It is aged for over two years and bottled in New Orleans, LA. It has 47% ABV (94 proof) and is finished with a wax seal and individually signed by the bottling master. The liquid is described as a full-bodied whiskey that brings the fiery spirit of the French Quarter with a Big Easy finish of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, and cloves.

River Basin Rye

A distinctive rye whiskey based on a 95% rye mash, aged in new American white oak casks and bottled in New Orleans. This whiskey is described as a representative of the historical American heritage and its distinctive finish.

Visits and Experiences

River Basin Distillery engages with local bartenders in New Orleans by supporting them through the pandemic and by sharing stories and experiences around cocktails. The profiles Edward Allen, Brandi Dobney and Deiara Stolearenco show how a personal approach and connections through cocktails are central to their work. Edward focuses on honoring New Orleans' cocktail history and has started a creative project called Get In The Damn Pool; Brandi has experience with cocktails and food and runs a catering business, Wing Woman; Deiara brings a personal approach and works with social media to engage her regular customers.

Philosophy

River Basin Distillery follows a timeless American heritage and a dedicated craft that reflects the region. They also have a Giving Back initiative and collaborate with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana to donate a portion of the proceeds to preserving Louisiana wetlands.