QHA-Review_August_Digital

A SPIRITED BUNCH
“We’ve always had the ‘get up and go’ mindset.
Each of our endeavours taught us the value of
being different and have carried much influence in
our lives,” they said.
When they finally had the opportunity to
collaborate on a project they both obsessed
about, whiskey, they worked hard to develop a
unique, high-quality spirit that was the perfect
balance between complexity and drinkability.
After four years of sleepless nights, blending,
infusing, development and feedback, JD and
Chris finally bottled their Ginger Spiced Whiskey
in 2017.
The pair said they were overwhelmed by the
whiskey’s positive reception, and immediately
knew they had something people wanted.
“It was a very surreal experience. The first few
months in business was the most tested period
of time for the brand. We lived, breathed and
learned the industry day in and day out. We were
self-distributing in New Jersey which meant we
were both the sales team and delivery boys.
“We spent every day going door-to-door
on our bicycles to have bar managers try
Misunderstood, sometimes waiting for hours until
someone showed up. During those few months,
we realised its true potential in the cocktail world
and its ability to break traditional whiskey barriers.
“After three months of hitting the pavement and
lots of Watermelon Ginger Smashes, we sold
out of our first batch and started partnering
with distributors. We weren’t the delivery boys
anymore,” they said.
A couple of months ago, Misunderstood’s Ginger
Spiced Whiskey received a Double-Gold Medal
and Best Flavoured Whiskey in the Fifty-Best
tasting competition, and its not hard to see why.
As a blend of select bourbon and American
whiskey, the spirit is aged in American oak
barrels and finished with two types of ginger.
The refreshingly distinct and smooth taste is akin
to fresh cut ginger root, silky caramel and light
toasted oak with hints of ginger snap cookies
and crème brûlée, making the whiskey a winter
warmer if ever there was one.
Above all else, Misunderstood’s Ginger Spiced
Whiskey is seriously fun, and is made by best
mates to be enjoyed by best mates.
“We’ve been building the business glass by glass.
We’ve met some awesome friends throughout,
made unforgettable memories and have enjoyed
every glass of Misunderstood that’s been
poured,” JD and Chris said.
Misunderstood is distributed in Australia by
Southtrade International. Please get in touch with
your local representative for more infomation.
QHA REVIEW | 61