Introduction
I picked up Hinterhaus Discovery Batch 3 out of curiosity more than anything else. I’ve had some good experiences with small American craft whiskies, and this bottle – with its modest packaging and detailed batch info – caught my eye. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but I’m always up for a dram from an emerging distillery that’s willing to do things their own way.
Nose
As soon as I poured it, the nose leaned firmly into youthful grain and toasted elements. There was a clear presence of corn and cereal, but also a rounder sweetness underneath – something between caramel and peanut brittle. A touch of dried citrus peel added a drying edge, and the oak was subtle but present. It’s aromatic, but not heavily perfumed. Rather, it felt like standing next to still-warm lumber in a workshop – earthy, real, and unfussy.
Palate
The first sip confirmed that this whiskey has a lot of character. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with a dry opening that quickly develops into a nuttiness – think pecans or peanuts, lightly salted. That grain-forward profile from the nose carries through, paired with vanilla, a touch of marzipan, and a light zippy spice, like white pepper or ground ginger. A slightly charred wood influence hums in the background, adding texture more than overt flavour. It’s not hugely complex, but it doesn’t feel too simple either – it keeps your attention.
Finish
The finish is where the whiskey showed a bit more structure. It dries out again, with lingering nut husks, some cinnamon warmth, and a slightly smoky char. It’s not long, but there’s enough variation in those final moments to leave a clean yet memorable impression. Nothing overly sweet here—just a crisp goodbye with a dusting of oak spice and a whisper of barrel char.
Price and Value
As with many small-batch American whiskies, price can vary depending on distribution. That said, for something in the range of craft distilling – where prices often climb quickly – this bottle feels fairly priced for what it offers. It may not wow on every sip, but there’s plenty of intent and quality in the glass. If you’re curious about American craft whiskey that leans more toward honest grain flavour rather than heavy sweetness or oak overload, it’s a solid investment.
Background
Hinterhaus is a relatively new name on the American whiskey scene, based in Arnold, California. They produce in small batches and put an emphasis on local sourcing and thoughtful distillation. Discovery Batch 3 is one of their limited releases and reflects both their style and the influence of higher elevation maturation. You can learn more about them on their official site:
Hinterhaus Distillery.
From what I understand, this whiskey is built from a mix of grains, likely bourbon-inspired in mashbill, and matured in new American oak barrels—probably with a light to medium char. Its youthful personality and bold grain presence suggest it’s on the younger side, but the cask management has clearly been handled well.
Final Notes
Would I pick up this bottle again? Yes, especially if I were looking to introduce a friend to American craft whiskey that’s not overloaded with sugar or novelty finishing. It’s straight-up and balanced. Is it beginner-friendly? I’d say so—there’s enough approachability here without skimping on flavour clarity. What sort of setting suits it? It feels like a good bottle to enjoy with one or two whiskey-curious friends, maybe after a day outdoors or over shared conversation. Compared to other craft distilleries I’ve tried in the past couple of years, Hinterhaus holds its own. While it might not have the polished edges of a 10-year-old Kentucky bourbon, it offers a personality that feels both regional and intentional.