Ep 8. George Washington Rye

In Moonshiners: Master Distiller season 2 episode 8, titled "George Washington Rye," the focus turns to creating a classic rye whiskey, inspired by none other than the founding father himself. Hosted by three master distillers, the episode follows each of them as they try to put their own spin on the recipe, utilizing unique ingredients and techniques.

First up is Mark Ramsey, who has been making moonshine for over three decades. He decides to add a touch of honey to his rye whiskey, as a nod to George Washington's affinity for the sweetener. Mark collects his ingredients from his farm, and sets to work distilling them with his usual precision.

Next, we meet Digger Manes, who is famous for his short-barrel rye whiskey. Digger heads to his local farmers market to source some heirloom rye grain, which he believes will add a depth of flavor to his whiskey. He mixes this with some classic rye spices, like anise and coriander, and gets to work on his unique distillation process.

Finally, we meet Chico Maldonado, who has been distilling whiskey in Tennessee for over 20 years. Chico decides to push the boat out by aging his whiskey in a unique way, using George Washington-inspired barrels made from Spanish cedar. He believes these will add a smoky, woody note to the final product, and sets to work charring them to perfection.

As the three distillers work away on their George Washington-inspired rye whiskeys, we get to learn more about the history of this classic liquor. Moonshining has a long history, dating back to the days of Prohibition, and rye whiskey has always been a popular choice for those seeking a quality, hard-hitting liquor.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of laughs and moments of high drama, as the distillers race to produce their unique takes on this classic drink. But in the end, there can only be one winner, and we eagerly await the final taste test to see which of the three has come out on top.

Overall, "George Washington Rye" is a fascinating exploration of the art of distilling, and an ode to a classic American spirit. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a casual fan, this episode of Moonshiners: Master Distiller is sure to have you thirsty for more.