**St. George Spirits: A Pioneer in American Craft Distilling** St. George Spirits, founded in 1982 in Alameda, California, is one of America’s pioneering craft distilleries. Operating from a former airplane hangar at the historic Alameda Naval Air Station, the distillery has earned acclaim under the leadership of Master Distiller Lance Winters, a former nuclear scientist. Winters has guided St. George Spirits toward producing some of the most innovative and technically ambitious spirits in the country. **Baller: A California-Inspired Japanese-Style Single Malt** Described by Lance Winters as "a California take on the Japanese spin on Scotch whisky," Baller is a unique offering in the craft distilling world. Designed specifically for Japanese-style highballs, this single malt stands out as the only intentional creation of its kind among craft distilleries. The name "Baller" and the samurai-inspired label reflect its distinctive character and purpose. The whiskey begins its journey aging in used bourbon and French oak wine casks, followed by filtration through maple charcoal. It is then finished in casks that previously held house-made umeshu, a Japanese-style plum liqueur crafted entirely from California-grown ume fruit. **Specifications** - **Mash Bill:** 100% American barley - **ABV:** 47% (94 proof) - **Age:** 3+ years **Tasting Notes** **Nose:** The aroma opens with honeyed malt, earthy pine straw, potpourri, and a subtle lace of wood smoke. A distinctive plum sweetness emerges, complemented by hints of apple cider vinegar and vanilla bean. As the whiskey breathes in the glass, the fruity ume notes intensify, giving way to a harmonious blend of fruit and smoke. Floral perfume intertwines with prune, lychee, honeysuckle, and a wave of vanilla. **Palate:** Buttery and medium-bodied, the palate begins with honey, vanilla, and almond. Mid-palate reveals malty fresh-baked bread, lychee, and brine, while the finish offers ginger beer, French oak, and smoke. The texture is chewy and thick, with flavors of plums, licorice, clove, cinnamon, and soft oakiness. **Finish:** Long and luscious, the finish features prunes, plums, figs, licorice, and muted spices. Butter, cream, caramel, and the bright ume plum create a rich foundation, accented by a soft peppery tingle and a fine mineral and oak-tannic edge.
