Driftless Glen Distillery, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is an award-winning craft distillery that has gained recognition for its high-quality spirits and exceptional visitor experience. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Driftless Area, the distillery offers a unique opportunity for guests to witness firsthand the process of crafting spirits such as bourbon and rye whiskey. With a passion for creating artisanal products and a dedication to a sustainable, locally-sourced approach, Driftless Glen Distillery has become a beloved destination for whiskey enthusiasts and inquisitive travelers alike.
During a distillery tour, visitors have the chance to explore the inner workings of Driftless Glen, getting an up-close look at the distilling process and learning about the history and craftsmanship behind each spirit. Tours are offered at various times throughout the week and are suitable for adults aged 21 and over. To ensure an intimate and informative tour experience, space is limited to 10 people per group. By the end of the tour, guests will have an enriched understanding of the methods, ingredients, and passion that go into creating the quality spirits at Driftless Glen Distillery.
Apart from the enlightening tour, Driftless Glen also entices visitors with its fine dining restaurant featuring spirit-infused meals, a picturesque riverside setting, and opportunities to enjoy tastings in addition to the tour. The distillery’s commitment to supporting the local community, using high-quality ingredients, and sharing its knowledge with guests makes a visit to Driftless Glen Distillery not only a delightful outing but also an essential experience for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Wisconsin’s craft distilling scene.
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Driftless Glen Distillery Overview
Driftless Glen Distillery is an award-winning craft distillery located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The distillery is nestled on the banks of the Baraboo River, providing a picturesque setting for visitors. Driftless Glen offers a variety of high-quality spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, brandy, Rivershine, and gin.
The distillery prides itself on creating unique spirits that cater to different tastes. The owners, Brian and Reneé Bemis, scoured the country in search of a location with the perfect terroir to produce their distinct spirits. The Baraboo region, known as the Driftless Area, was chosen due to its exceptional water quality and local grains, which contribute to the character of the spirits produced at Driftless Glen.
Visitors to Driftless Glen can expect to experience the following:
- Tours: Driftless Glen’s distillery tour offers guests an inside look at the distillation process, from grain to bottle. They can witness firsthand how premium spirits are crafted using state-of-the-art equipment, including copper pot stills and American oak barrels for aging.
- Tastings: Following the tour, visitors can sample a selection of five spirits, allowing them to appreciate the unique flavors created by the craftsmanship and dedication of the Driftless Glen team.
- Restaurant: For those looking for a more substantial experience, the distillery features a fine dining restaurant overlooking the serene Baraboo River. The menu offers dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and creatively incorporates the distillery’s spirits for added depth of flavor.
- Upcoming Events: Driftless Glen frequently hosts special events, such as holiday celebrations and themed parties, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy their spirits in a festive setting and interact with fellow enthusiasts.
Visiting Driftless Glen Distillery is an ideal experience for anyone interested in the art of distilling quality spirits while taking in the natural beauty of the Baraboo River and surrounding Driftless Area landscape.
Distillery Tours
Tour Options
Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers distillery tours for visitors to experience the process behind their award-winning spirits. Tours typically last for around 45 minutes, giving participants an informative and enjoyable experience. The tour begins with samplings of Renee Olive Oil and Balsamic, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery’s operations, and concludes with a tasting of 5 different Driftless Glen spirits.
Booking a Tour
To reserve a tour spot, it is essential to book ahead of time. Driftless Glen hosts tours on:
- Saturdays: 11 am – 7 pm
- Sundays: 11 am – 6 pm
The cost for a tour is $20 per person, which is paid upon arrival. Participants must be 21 years or older, and the maximum group size per tour is limited to 10 people. For larger groups, please contact Scott at 608-356-4536. If you have a Groupon, make sure to note that during your booking and bring it with you to redeem at the tour.
To make a reservation for a Driftless Glen distillery tour, visit their booking page.
Tasting and Spirits
Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo, Wisconsin, offers a unique and immersive tour experience for spirit enthusiasts. In this section, we’ll explore their various spirits offered during the tour, focusing on Bourbon and Rye, Vodka, Gin, and Cocktails.
Bourbon and Rye
At Driftless Glen, Bourbon and Rye take center stage as the distillery’s award-winning spirits. Visitors can expect to taste a variety of these aged and robust spirits, with their distinct flavor profiles imparted by the local grains and unique maturation process in the Driftless Area.
- Bourbon: Crafted with a high-corn mash bill, Driftless Glen Bourbon showcases rich caramel and vanilla notes, making it a smooth and enjoyable sipping experience.
- Rye: The Rye whiskey offers a spicier alternative, balancing sweetness with bolder flavors such as pepper and oak, a testament to the distillery’s skill and craftsmanship.
Vodka
Driftless Glen’s Vodka is another premium spirit on offer during the tasting session. Produced using a meticulous distillation process, the vodka boasts a clean, smooth, and neutral flavor – perfect for mixing in cocktails or sipping straight.
Gin
The distillery’s Gin stands out with its unique blend of botanicals, including locally sourced juniper berries, which give it a distinct and vibrant taste. Driftless Glen Gin offers a refreshing twist on the classic spirit, making it an exciting option for gin connoisseurs visiting the distillery.
Cocktails
During the Driftless Glen tour, visitors can also enjoy a selection of handcrafted cocktails, showcasing the distillery’s spirits in a creative and delicious way. From classic mixtures to inventive concoctions, the cocktail offerings demonstrate the versatility and superb quality of the spirits produced at Driftless Glen.
In summary, the Tasting and Spirits segment of the Driftless Glen Distillery tour offers a diverse range of exceptional spirits, delighting visitors with their carefully crafted flavors and innovative cocktails. The tour opens doors to appreciating the art of distilling and the dedication that goes into producing top-quality spirits in the heart of the Driftless Area.
Production Process
At Driftless Glen Distillery, they take pride in their production process, ensuring that every step is meticulously handled to produce award-winning spirits. In this section, we will discuss their approach to selecting the Water Source, Grain Selection, and Barrel Aging, which are integral to the quality and taste of the final products.
Water Source
Driftless Glen distillery is strategically located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This choice was made due to the abundance of mineral-rich water sourced from the Baraboo area. The owners understand the importance of using high-quality water for our spirits, as it greatly affects the final taste and smoothness. The distinctive profile of the water from this region contributes to the unique characteristics of our spirits, setting them apart from other distilleries.
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Grain Selection
Choosing the right grains is essential for creating these exceptional, handcrafted spirits. They primarily use locally sourced grains, which not only supports local farmers but also ensures the spirits have a rich, full flavor. Their 100% grain-to-glass process ensures that they have full control over the quality and taste of all products, starting with the choice of grains.
- Bourbon: A high-corn mash bill, which imparts a smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet profile to their Bourbon.
- Rye Whiskey: High-quality rye grains that give the Rye Whiskey its signature bold, spicy, and complex character.
Each type of grain contributes to the unique flavor profile of Driftless Glen spirits, and their careful selection process ensures that only the finest grains are used in our distillery.
Barrel Aging
The aging process is an essential step in crafting superior quality spirits. At Driftless Glen, they use new, charred American Oak barrels to age their Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. The choice of barrels has a direct impact on the color, flavor, and aroma of the spirits.
The on-site rack house is carefully designed to create the optimal conditions for aging our spirits. The 5,400 barrels aging at this distillery are closely monitored by master distillers to ensure that the spirits mature to perfection. They believe in taking the time required for their spirits to develop their rich, complex flavors, ensuring that every bottle of Driftless Glen Bourbon and Rye Whiskey is a testament to our commitment to quality.
Location and Surrounding Area
We are proud to introduce our readers to Driftless Glen Distillery, an award-winning craft distillery located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Nestled on 300 Water Street, Driftless Glen Distillery is not only known for its fine spirits but also its picturesque surroundings.
Baraboo is a charming city rich in history and natural beauty. The Driftless Glen Distillery enhances the city’s appeal for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique destination to explore and enjoy. Visitors to the distillery can take advantage of its convenient location surrounded by various attractions and restaurants.
Some nearby eateries include Driftless Glen’s own restaurant, which offers a fine dining experience by the riverside, as well as Broadway Diner and Little Village Cafe. These establishments provide a range of culinary delights, from American comfort food to international cuisine in vegetarian-friendly settings.
In addition to the gastronomical experiences, the area around the distillery offers numerous opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities. Baraboo’s charming downtown is only a short distance away, perfect for a leisurely stroll to explore local shops and attractions. Nature lovers can take advantage of hiking trails in Baraboo’s beautiful parks or make a visit to the famed Devil’s Lake State Park.
Restaurant and Fine Dining
Driftless Glen Distillery, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, offers not only an immersive distillery tour experience but also features an on-site restaurant for visitors to enjoy. The restaurant at Driftless Glen provides fine dining options for patrons, with a range of dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
The menu at the restaurant incorporates elements from the distillery, as many dishes and cocktails are infused with the spirits that are carefully crafted on the premises. This integration of flavors showcases the versatility and quality of Driftless Glen’s spirits while giving guests a unique and memorable dining experience.
Guests can dine along the beautiful Baraboo River on the riverside patio during warmer months, creating a picturesque setting for any meal. The combination of the scenic location and delectable cuisine makes dining at Driftless Glen’s restaurant an unforgettable experience.
In summary, the restaurant at Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers a fine dining experience for guests to complement their distillery tour. With a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences and featuring dishes infused with the distillery’s own spirits, guests can expect a unique and enjoyable dining experience with a stunning riverside view.
Making a Reservation
To make a reservation for the Driftless Glen distillery tour in Baraboo, Wisconsin, it is essential to book a spot ahead of time due to the limited capacity of 10 people per tour. The distillery offers tours on the following schedule:
- Thursdays: 11 am – 6 pm
- Fridays: 11 am – 7 pm
- Saturdays: 11 am – 7 pm
- Sundays: 11 am – 6 pm
Please note that they do not offer tours on Wednesdays.
The tour costs $20 per person, and you can pay when you arrive at the distillery. Keep in mind that all participants must be at least 21 years old to take part in the tour. For larger groups, it’s recommended to call and make a reservation by contacting Scott at 608-356-4536.
The Driftless Glen distillery tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and offers an engaging and informative experience. Guests will have the opportunity to taste a selection of Renee Olive Oil and Balsamic samples, learn about the production process of the award-winning spirits, and conclude the tour with a tasting of 5 different Driftless Glen spirits.
To book your reservation, you can either call the distillery or utilize their online reservation system. While visiting Driftless Glen, you can also enjoy their restaurant and bar, which offers a variety of dining options and cocktails.
In summary, making a reservation for the Driftless Glen distillery tour is simple and ensures you don’t miss out on the chance to explore this award-winning craft distillery in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
FAQ
When do tours take place at Driftless Glen Distillery?
Tours are held Thursdays through Sundays at the following times:
- Thursdays: 11 am – 6 pm
- Fridays: 11 am – 7 pm
- Saturdays: 11 am – 7 pm
- Sundays: 11 am – 6 pm
Please reserve your tour spot ahead of time to ensure availability.
What is the cost of the tour?
The cost of the tour is $20 per person, payable upon arrival. Note that you must be 21 years of age or older to go on the tour.
How many people can join a single tour?
Each tour can accommodate up to 10 people. For larger groups, it is recommended to contact Scott at (608) 356-4536.
What is the duration of the tour?
The tours last approximately 45 minutes.
Is there a restaurant at Driftless Glen Distillery?
Yes, there is a fine dining riverside restaurant at the distillery, offering American cuisine with vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.
Are self-guided tours available?
Yes, self-guided tours are available, starting at $10 per adult.
Conclusion
Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers visitors an unforgettable experience through its award-winning craft distillery tour. As guests explore the facility, they gain insight into the production process of exceptional spirits, from the selection of grains to the final bottling stage. The tour not only showcases the distillation process but also immerses visitors in the spirit of Driftless Glen.
The distillery’s location on the banks of the Baraboo River adds to the unique charm and picturesque setting. Along with the tour, guests can indulge in fine riverside dining at the on-site restaurant, where they can enjoy a delicious meal crafted with locally sourced ingredients and infused with the distilled spirits produced on the premises.
In addition to the tours and dining experience, Driftless Glen Distillery hosts a variety of events and tastings, providing ample opportunities for visitors to connect with others who share an appreciation for finely crafted spirits. Additionally, joining Club DG offers exclusive perks for spirit enthusiasts.
In summary, a visit to Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo provides a memorable adventure for individuals interested in learning about the world of craft spirits. From the engaging distillery tour to the alluring riverside dining, this destination offers a captivating experience for all to enjoy.
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