From Farm to Glass

LOUISIANA FARMER RELEASES FIRST COMMERCIAL RICE-BASED WHISKEY

In 2021, J.T. Meleck Distillers released its first small-batch whiskey aged in 30-gallon barrels, known as the Founder’s Edition, to test the market’s perception of a rice-based whiskey.

Following its success, the Louisiana-based distillery official launched it’s small-batch American Rice Whiskey aged four years in 53-gallon barrels, the first American brand to craft a whiskey made 100 percent from rice selling at a commercial level — a feat no American brand has ever done. “We were patient in our process to release a rice whiskey that was the best it could be, authentic to our Louisiana brand and true to our family’s story,” Mike Frugé, founder and owner of J.T. Meleck Distillers said.

Frugé works the same land in Branch, La., where his great, great uncle John Meleck planted his first seed in 1896. “Five generations later,” Frugé said, “We still grow rice…on the same 20 acres as our Uncle John. We’ve grown since then, but we are still as connected to the dirt as John was.” He found a niche in the market using rice instead of traditional grains like wheat, rye, barley, sorghum, corn, and potatoes.

Their rice whiskey follows J.T. Meleck’s award winning first rice-based vodka released in 2018. The American Distilling Institute, the largest trade association that represents and promotes craft distillers, recognized J.T. Meleck’s Rice Vodka with three awards Best of Category, Best of Class, and the Double Gold Award, signifying the vodka is considered the best it can be.

The distiller’s small-batch craft rice whiskey, aged for four years in American oak barrels, is panning out to be yet another high-quality, sought-after spirit harvested, distilled, and bottled on the family farm. Famed whiskey reviewer Fred Minnick, Ascot Awards Founder and Chief Taster, said of J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey, “This is one of the more fascinating new whiskies I have tasted, not just all year but in my career…if you are a whiskey lover, this is a bottle that you want to hunt. If you are a bourbon lover. I think there are enough sweet notes in here…I think that you would love it.” Enjoy is neat, over ice, a classic cocktail, or an after-dinner coffee-flavored drink. J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey is now available year-round at select retailers throughout Louisiana and Arkansas. R