Cutwater Devil's Share Bourbon is the flagship whiskey from Cutwater Spirits, a San Diego distillery that began as the spirits division of Ballast Point Brewery before becoming Southern California's first post-Prohibition distillery. The name comes from co-founder Yusseff Cherney's play on the "angel's share," the portion of whiskey lost to evaporation during aging, with Devil's Share representing what remains behind in the barrel. Cutwater selects only the heart of each small batch and ages the bourbon in virgin, heavily charred American oak barrels for a minimum of four years. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), the nose brings rich aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, oak, and vanilla, while the palate delivers a robust, earthy character layered with caramel and vanilla cream, backed by cardamom and licorice. The finish is long and spicy, reflecting the distillery's brewing roots and their attention to precise, small-batch distillation. An award winner at multiple North American whiskey competitions, this bourbon stands out among craft American whiskeys for its distinctly rounded, well-balanced sweetness, making it a strong pick for bourbon drinkers looking to explore beyond the major Kentucky producers.
