Bourbon with a local flavour
Spirit lovers across the city will soon be able to get their hands on Perth's first locally distilled bourbon.
A five-year project from the Whipper Snapper Distillery, the "American-style whisky" will be on offer when the East Perth business opens next month.
Managing director Alasdair Malloch said the inspiration for the brew came from a retired World War II bomber pilot who lived next door to his Scarborough flat.
"He brewed homemade beer and some moonshine, so he was a great example to follow as a young man," he said.
"He shared drinks with a lot of the American pilots, which is where our recipe for the mash originates."
Although their product is distilled in traditional American style, down to ageing in handmade oak casks, it cannot be sold as bourbon because it is made outside the US. That does not bother distiller Jimmy McKeown, who wanted a local flavour.
"Our corn comes from Kununurra and the rest of our grain from around WA," he said.
Mr Malloch said he was surprised they were the first local distillery to make bourbon, given its popularity.
Whipper Snapper will also offer moonshine-style whisky and tastings at its Kensington shopfront.
