Wilderness Trail Distillery
The tour begins with a brief history of the distillery and a peek into the Ferm Solutions lab, where the business got started. The next stop is the mash tuns and fermenters (the original 4,000 gallon ones; the new 20,000 gallon ones are in a separate area). Here we learned about some of the unique processes used at Wilderness Trail. First, because of the backgrounds of the owners (one has a PhD in microbiology, the other is a mechanical engineer), things get technical pretty quickly. The mash is done precisely (as is everything here), to optimize the starch gelatinization of each of the different grains. Fermentation is meticulously controlled in open fermenters, and a sweet mash process is used. Most bourbon distilleries use a “sour mash” process, where some of the fermented mash (aka “distiller’s beer”) which has already passed through the still, now know as the backset (or stillage), is added to the fresh mash in the fermenters. This method is said to maintain consistency between batches, as well as better control the pH (the backset makes the mash more acidic), which can help control bacterial growth. At Wilderness Trail, they will have none of that, and start completely fresh every time. On their website they state "By not acidifying the mash, we are able to bring more flavors forward from the grains with a softer finish, just as in preparing a fine meal.” I think they have succeeded in their goal!
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Please note that due to COVID Distillery Hours and Tour/Tasting Availability may vary. Please contact the distillery or check their web page or social media for details before you go.
| Days of operation | Tuesday - Saturday, 10a-5p, except from 12-1 |
| Paved Drive / Lot | Yes |
| Motorcycle Parking | No |
| Motorcycle unfriendly features | Main lot and drive are paved. Overflow parking is not paved. |
| Number of tours per day | 6 |
| Length of Tour(s) | 45 minutes to an hour |
| Advanced topic tours? | Occasionally |
| Advanced topic tour names | Variable |
| Tours by owners /distillers available? | Occasionally, but they are often on-site and they are very approachable |
| Number of different types of tours | 1, others on special occasions |
| On-Line Tour Reservations Available | ? |
| Advanced Reservations Recommended/Required | Probably not, except large groups |
| Cost for tour(s) in $ | $10.00 |
| Tasting Included? | Yes |
| Number of samples included in tasting | Variable, likely at least the 4 or 5 of the main spirits. |
| Tasting Only Option? | ? |
| Tasting Only Option Cost | ? |
| High-end tasting option? | No |
| High-end tasting option cost? | N/A |
| Designated Driver Option | No |
| Handicapped Accessible? | Some areas require stairs |
| Souvenirs included with tour? | Glass |
| Gift shop | Yes |
| On-Site bottle sales? | Yes |
| On-site food: Restaurant/Cafe/Snacks | No |
| On-site Cocktail bar | No |
| On-site event space | Yes |
| Should I visit? (Yes, Perhaps, No) | Yes |
| Unique Features | On site laboratory for Ferm Solutions, a consulting company for the fuel and beverage alcohol industries. One of the few bourbon distilleries to utilize the sweet mass process. |
| Website | http://wildernesstraildistillery.com |
| Date Visited | April 2019 |
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