Grain-To-Glass Bourbon Whiskeys That Keep Everything Super Local

We all know the term farm-to-table, right? It’s a well-worn buzzword (phrase) in the restaurant business, created to showcase the use of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, and other ingredients. People like eating at a restaurant with this label because it makes them feel good about supporting local farmers. It’s no wonder that the already craft-driven world of bourbon whiskey has embraced the same idea — with terms like “farm-to-flask” and “grain-to-glass.”

Ostensibly, those terms mean the same thing as farm-to-table. We’re talking about bourbon whiskeys made using grains and corn sourced locally (sometimes even on-site) which are then distilled, aged, and bottled in-house. Brands who take this step are able to control every part of their production chain — which might not always be for the better but certainly does result in some fascinating juice.

Below, you’ll find 12 of our favorite grain-to-glass bourbons — expressions we love that take commitment to craft up a notch.

Black Button Four Grain Bourbon (New York)

ABV: 42%

Price: $49.99

The Story:

Rochester, New York’s Black Button is quickly becoming one of the most highly respected distilleries in the state. Its award-winning small-batch, four-grain bourbon is made from 60% corn, 20% wheat, 9% rye, 11% barley — with each grain coming from Edgewood Farms in nearby Groveland.

Everything is distilled, aged, and bottled by Black Button is 100% New York State. That includes the corn in the mash!

Tasting Notes:

Take a whiff of this whiskey and you’ll be treated to notes of charred oak, sweet treacle, toasted vanilla, and rich leather. The first sip is filled with hints of buttery caramel, sticky toffee pudding, subtle cinnamon, and tobacco. The finish is dry and ends with flavors of vanilla beans and brown sugar.

Bottom Line:

This locally sourced bourbon from Western New York is rich, highly sippable, and filled with strong vanilla and caramel presence.