Overview: Sideshow Spirits has achieved significant recognition in its first nationwide competition entry, securing three gold medals at the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition. Based in Lincoln, Neb., the distillery demonstrated that high-quality spirits can be produced outside of traditional Kentucky regions. The winning portfolio includes a port barrel-finished bourbon, a corn-based spirit, and an unreleased American Single Malt.
The Full Story
Sideshow Spirits entered the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition for the first time at a national level, taking home gold medals in all three categories submitted. Managing Partner Cody Schmick noted that these awards communicate the quality of Nebraska’s offerings to consumers. The distillery is currently Lincoln’s only distillery, marking a significant milestone for the local spirits industry.
Schmick described the competition as one of the top whiskey award programs in the country. The winning lineup features the Sama, which undergoes aging in a new barrel before finishing in a port barrel to develop deep red color and wine flavors. Additionally, the Nebraska bourbon is crafted using 100% Nebraska corn, with local weather conditions influencing the aging process through significant degree swings that create more action within the barrels.
The production timeline requires barrels to remain on racks at the distillery for four years after filling. Schmick emphasized that decisions made four years ago are responsible for today’s award-winning bottles. These three specific awards represent a small portion of a broader production line containing more than 30 house-made alcohols produced by Sideshow Spirits.
Production & Profile
The Sama bourbon is aged three and a half years in a new barrel before moving into a port barrel, resulting in a deep red color and wine flavors. The Nebraska bourbon utilizes 100% Nebraska corn as its grain bill. Barrels remain on racks for four years after being filled. Schmick noted that the state’s weather plays a role in the aging process, with big degree swings of weather sometimes reaching 60-degree swings in a week, adding action to the barrel.
What This Means
The awards send a message to customers about what Nebraska has to offer. Schmick stated that when people see the gold medals, they will realize one does not have to go to Kentucky to get a great bourbon. Instead, consumers can purchase high-quality spirits right here in Nebraska.
Consumer Takeaway
The three award-winning bottles are among more than 30 house-made alcohols Sideshow Spirits produces. For the drinker, this release offers access to a production line where barrels remain on racks for four years and specific grain sourcing is utilized. The portfolio includes options ranging from a port barrel-finished bourbon to a corn-based spirit made entirely with Nebraska ingredients.
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