Winglore Nickel on the Grass American Single Malt 750ML

Winglore Nickel on the Grass American Single Malt 750ML is a Virginia-distilled American single malt whiskey bottled at a robust 100.5 proof (50.25% ABV). Rooted in military aviation heritage — the name references a revered fighter pilot tradition honoring fallen comrades — this expression delivers the intensity and malt-forward character that has drawn increasing attention to the American single malt category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50.25%  |  Origin: Virginia, USA  |  American Single Malt  |  Distillery: Winglore Spirits

Production & Heritage

Winglore Spirits operates out of Virginia, a state that has rapidly earned recognition as a serious whiskey-producing region. As an American single malt, Nickel on the Grass is distilled from a 100% malted barley mashbill at a single distillery and aged in oak casks — requirements that align with the TTB's formal definition of the American Single Malt category established in 2022. The decision to bottle at 100.5 proof rather than diluting to a lower strength preserves a fuller spectrum of barrel influence and grain character, giving the whiskey notable viscosity and depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toasted cereal grain and honey rise first, followed by baking spice and a thread of dried orchard fruit. A faint oak char note anchors the nose and hints at the barrel's contribution.

Taste: The entry is rich and malty, with caramel sweetness and a honeycomb quality that gives way to bolder notes of cinnamon, cracked black pepper, and toasted walnut at mid-palate. The higher proof amplifies the texture without overwhelming the grain's natural sweetness, allowing a layer of dark stone fruit to emerge toward the peak.

Finish: Medium-long, with lingering warmth from the proof and a pleasant interplay of oak tannin and residual malt sweetness. A subtle smokiness and dry spice trail rounds out the conclusion.

How to Drink Nickel on the Grass

At 100.5 proof, this whiskey rewards a slow, neat pour — a few drops of water open the aromatics considerably without collapsing the structure. It also holds its own on a single large ice cube, which gradually tempers the heat and draws out sweeter notes. For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned, where the malt sweetness pairs naturally with bitters and a citrus peel; a Rob Roy, substituting it for Scotch to explore the American single malt angle alongside sweet vermouth; or a Penicillin, where the proof and grain character stand up to honey-ginger syrup and lemon.

Best For

• Whiskey enthusiasts exploring the American single malt category
• Aviation or military history buffs who appreciate a meaningful backstory
• Gifting to someone who values high-proof, small-batch American whiskey
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Virginia whiskey to Scotch or Pacific Northwest single malts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nickel on the Grass taste like? It leads with rich malt sweetness and caramel, moves into warm baking spice and toasted nut at mid-palate, and finishes with balanced oak tannin and lingering pepper. The 100.5 proof provides noticeable but well-integrated heat throughout.

How does Nickel on the Grass compare to Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction? Both are Virginia-produced American single malts, but Nickel on the Grass is bottled at a higher proof (100.5 vs. typically 92 proof for Courage & Conviction's core expression), delivering a bolder, more intense flavor profile. Courage & Conviction uses a combination of bourbon, sherry, and cuvée casks, while Winglore's oak aging program gives it a distinct character worth comparing directly.

Is Nickel on the Grass good for sipping neat? Yes — its 100.5 proof is firm but not punishing, and the malted barley base provides enough natural sweetness and complexity to make it an engaging neat pour. A few drops of water can help unlock additional aromas for those sensitive to higher proof spirits.

Where is Nickel on the Grass made? Nickel on the Grass is distilled and produced by Winglore Spirits in Virginia, USA. Virginia's climate, with its warm summers and cool winters, creates meaningful temperature swings that accelerate barrel interaction and contribute to the whiskey's flavor development.

What foods pair well with Nickel on the Grass? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the malt sweetness and barrel char; aged cheddar or Gruyère echoes the toasted nut and caramel notes; dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the whiskey's bittersweet finish; roasted pecans mirror the nutty mid-palate; and apple tart or pear galette brings out the dried fruit aromatics.

What sizes does Nickel on the Grass come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 100.5 proof.

Is Nickel on the Grass worth the price? Nickel on the Grass positions itself in the premium tier of American single malts, and the 100.5 proof bottling strength signals a commitment to flavor integrity over mass-market approachability. For drinkers invested in the American single malt movement, it represents a compelling entry from a Virginia producer in a category still defined by relatively limited offerings.

Why Nickel on the Grass?

American single malt remains one of the fastest-growing and most competitive segments in domestic whiskey, and Nickel on the Grass distinguishes itself on multiple fronts. The 100.5 proof bottling strength puts it in a minority of American single malts that prioritize barrel-proof or near-barrel-proof intensity, giving it a textural weight that lower-proof expressions simply cannot match. Its Virginia origin places it in a rising whiskey region whose climate-driven aging conditions produce distinctly different results than distilleries in the Pacific Northwest or Texas. Beyond the liquid, the name carries genuine cultural weight — "Nickel on the Grass" is a phrase every military aviator knows — giving this whiskey a story that is earned, not manufactured.