History

Seven Troughs Distilling was established in 2012 and is located in Sparks, Nevada. We handcraft small batches of craft spirits using a mid-19th-century fermentation and distillation process. We produce moonshine, rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon – all with a unique story and tied to the state of Nevada. Our process allows time to focus on spirit quality: open fermentation in wooden hogsheads and distillation in a directly heated pot still, giving new meaning to the phrase labor of love. If you have ever wanted to see how whiskey is made, we are as close as you can get.

Production / Manufacturing

Our mid-19th-century process is not efficient, but it gives time to focus on the quality of the spirits we produce. We open the fermentation in wooden hogsheads, distill in a directly heated pot still, and breathe new life into the phrase labor of love.

Products / Whiskey Series

• Straight Bourbon (107 proof, 750 ml): A recreation of early territorial whiskey. Flame-distilled. Lightly aged. Composition: 55% corn, 25% wheat, 20% floor-malted barley.
• Rum (80 Proof, 750 ml): Born on the Playa, Black Rock Rum is intensely flavorful from black molasses and enhanced by wine-fade aging. A classic Navy-style dark rum.
• Argentum Gin (90 Proof, 750 ml): Argentum gin is a collaboration with Great Basin Brewing Company. A truly single-malt gin, rich in juniper, hops and citrus.
• Old Commissary (100 Proof, 750 ml): An authentic recreation of Nevada's first legal whiskey, distilled from 100 percent barley. Lightly sweet with an anisette finish.
• Barrel Proof Moonshine (125 Proof, 750 ml): Barrel Proof Moonshine is a classic Bourbon White Dog distilled from corn, wheat, and malted barley. This white whiskey is grain-forward and smooth with a long malt finish.

Additions: Bloody Mary Mix – made in Reno, Nevada, and sold in Northern Nevada Costco stores; balanced spicy and zesty, like Ernest Hemingway's original recipe. Served with vodka for a savory, poetic mouthfeel.

Visits / Experiences

• No information in the material about tours or visits.

Philosophy

We believe in the power of handcrafted craftsmanship and quality over efficiency. Our mid-19th-century method highlights the era when open fermentation in wooden casks and directly heated pot-stills were the norm, which gives a clear connection to how whiskey was made in the past. We place emphasis on local grain and local talent and regard the work as a labor of love.