"We were looking for ways to put a new twist on an old favorite." said Boetje's production manager Harrison Kropp. "We saw some interesting barrel aged mustards at the World-Wide Mustard Competition in Wisconsin last year. So we thought it would be great to give it a try with Boetje's."
Ryan Burchett, owner and distiller at Mississippi River Distilling Company, said he didn't have to think twice about the project. "It was a total no-brainer for us. We were humbled to have such an established brand like Boetje's reach out to us for something like this. It's an honor to have our name on the same label as one of our all time favorites."
The distillery gave Kropp some oak whiskey casks that had been used to age Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey. After soaking for more than 30 days in the barrel, the mustard is ground and prepared for sale. "It brings a unique sweetness to our mustard along with the signature Boetje's punch." added Kropp. "I think this one is going to be a big hit once the grills start firing up."
"Our brand is all about being local." said Burchett. "Cody Road Bourbon is made from grain sourced directly from local farmers within 25 miles of our distillery. So to find a new local partner to do something totally different like this is a ton of fun for us."
The mustard is being made in small batches. Initially it will only be available at the gift shops at Boetje's and Mississippi River Distilling Company. Boetje's representatives will be at the distillery Friday night from 5:30 to 8 PM for the monthly "First Friday" celebration in LeClaire. They will have the mustard for sale along with free samples of the new spicy treat.
Mississippi River Distilling will also be introducing a new limited edition whiskey collaboration with Great River Brewing in Davenport that evening. Farmer Brown Whiskey was made by distilling the alcohol out of over 3,000 gallons of Farmer Brown Ale from the local brewery. This whiskey will be available for a short time at the distillery and through local retailers around Iowa and Illinois.
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NOTE: Distillery representatives will be at Boetje's 2736 12th St. in Rock Island on Thursday, March 5 at 10:30 AM to help bottle the mustard. Please contact Boetje's if you would like to attend.
