Every step to crafting the award-winning whiskey at RockFilter Distillery is intentional. The distillery is two miles away from where Christian Myrah, head distiller, grows the organic grains. It’s also down the road from the oldest water powered mill in Minnesota, Schech Mill, which still uses the original stones imported from France. The mill has been in operation since 1876 and for the last several years has been grinding Christian’s grains. 

“I think it’s all about the process and how we treat the land and the soil and everything from start to finish. From farm to distillery, we literally control the process from the time the seed goes into the ground to the time it goes into the bottle,” he says. 

We decided to taste-test the Rail Splitter Bourbon in three of our favorite bourbon cocktail recipes. The Rail Splitter Bourbon will be featured in the April RackHouse Whiskey Club box and otherwise is currently only distributed within Minnesota. 

Bernheim Buck

The Rail Splitter Bourbon uses a hearty mash bill of triticale combined with corn, which yields a luscious rye-like peppery bourbon, with the more delicate and soft finish of a traditional wheated bourbon. This recipe brings out a boozy, whiskey flavor with the right hint of sweetness. “There’s a reason this bourbon is award-winning,” said the RackHouse Whiskey Club staff. 

• 2 oz. RockFilter Distillery Rail Splitter Bourbon
• ¾ oz. simple syrup
• ¾ oz. lime juice
• 2 strawberries
• 2 oz. ginger beer

Directions: In a mixing glass, gently muddle strawberries and lime juice. Add bourbon and simple syrup, shake with ice until well chilled. Strain cocktail over ice in a tall glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge. 

Kentucky Jewel

At first whiff, a mysteriously rich nose hints at the spiciness of Rye, yet a soft slight floralness with caramel. On the palate, it’s a complex bright peppery note tangled with the sweet richness of corn and the softness of wheat. Just as they intended. “They should really call this one the Minnesota Jewel,” said RackHouse Whiskey Club staff. Dad jokes all day, every day. 

• 1-½ oz. RockFilter Distillery Rail Splitter Bourbon
• ½ oz. pineapple juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 splash of champagne

Directions: Combine all ingredients except champagne into a shaker and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with a floating mint leaf. 

Smash and Grab

Legend has it that Christian’s great, great-grandfather is the namesake for the Rail Splitter Bourbon. In the winter of 1856, he split 10,000 oak fence rails by hand for a penny a piece, making himself a tidy $100 in the process. “Do you think Christian is hiring? I would cut wood by hand for more of this bourbon,” said RackHouse Whiskey Club staff. 

• 2 oz. RockFilter Distillery Rail Splitter Bourbon
• ¼  oz. simple syrup
• 2 orange slices
• 2 mint sprigs

Directions: Combine in a cocktail shaker. Muddle lightly and shake vigorously. Double strain into an Old Fashioned glass with ice and garnish with an orange slice.