Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky – New York's Scottish-Inspired American Craft

Updated → September 2025

Discover Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky, a meticulously crafted American single malt from Wassaic, New York. Made from 100% New York State barley and aged in ex-bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, and red wine casks, this 92-proof whisky delivers complex notes of honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate, representing the pinnacle of American craft distilling with traditional Scottish techniques.

The Heritage Behind Little Rest

The story of Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky begins with a fascinating piece of local history that perfectly captures the spirit of patience and dedication embodied in every bottle. Near the distillery in Wassaic, New York, stands a steep hill that challenged horse-drawn carts in centuries past. Farmers would require an extra horse to pull their full carts uphill, and at the summit, a small hamlet developed where both horses and drivers could take what locals called "a little rest" before continuing their journey.

This philosophy of taking time, patience, and doing things properly resonates throughout the entire production process at Ten Mile Distillery. Founded by John Dyson, a respected figure in the wine industry with deep Scottish heritage, the distillery represents a return to traditional whisky-making methods rarely seen in American craft distilling. Dyson's background includes ownership of the prestigious Williams Selyem winery in Sonoma and the local Millbrook Winery, bringing decades of beverage production expertise to this ambitious whisky project.

Scottish Craftsmanship in New York

What sets Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky apart from virtually every other American single malt is the presence of Scottish Master Distiller Shane Fraser. Fraser brings an impeccable pedigree, having previously crafted spirits at legendary Scottish distilleries including Oban, Glenfarclas, and serving as distillery manager at Wolfburn in northern Scotland. This makes Little Rest the only American whisky produced under the direct guidance of a Scottish Master Distiller using authentic low and slow distilling techniques.

Fraser's influence extends beyond mere technical expertise. He has implemented traditional Scottish production methods rarely seen outside Scotland, including the use of custom-designed Forsyths stills featuring upward-tilting Lyne Arms. This specific design element, found in only a small fraction of distilleries worldwide, increases reflux and copper contact, resulting in a lighter, more refined spirit with exceptional complexity and smoothness that distinguishes this American single malt from its contemporaries.

From New York Grain to Glass

The commitment to local sourcing defines every aspect of Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky. The distillery exclusively uses 100% New York State-grown barley, establishing itself as the leading consumer of local barley in the state. In 2020 alone, Ten Mile purchased 500,000 pounds of barley from Hudson Valley farmers, including partnerships with Ken Migliorelli from Tivoli and the Kukon Brothers in Germantown.

Traditional Production Methods

The transformation of this premium local grain into exceptional whisky follows a deliberate, unhurried process that prioritizes flavor development over efficiency. Dennis and Jeanette Nesel of Hudson Valley Malt in Germantown convert the barley into 400,000 pounds of malt, maintaining the local supply chain that gives this whisky its distinctive terroir. The mashing process proceeds slowly and carefully, with the liquid pumped gently through filters to produce what distillers call a "clear wort"—a pristine, sugary barley-water completely free of grain solids that forms the foundation for the spirit's lighter, fruitier character.

Fermentation extends for a full seven days, significantly longer than industry standard, using specialized yeast strains selected specifically for their ability to produce exceptional flavors from malted barley. This extended fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks allows for gradual sugar-to-alcohol conversion, developing complex flavor compounds that would be lost in rushed production. The distillery's commitment to single daily batches allows for air rests between distillations, encouraging more effective copper contact that removes unwanted sulfur compounds and enhances the spirit's smoothness.

The Complex Flavor Journey

Every sip of Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky reveals layers of carefully developed flavors that showcase both its American origins and Scottish-inspired production methods. The initial nose presents an intriguing combination of waffle cone filled with maple vanilla ice cream, accompanied by sophisticated notes of soft brown leather and fine tobacco. This complex aromatic profile immediately signals that this is no ordinary American whisky, but rather a carefully orchestrated symphony of scents that evolve and develop as the spirit opens up in the glass.

Triple Cask Innovation

The maturation process for Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky represents a masterful blend of traditional and innovative aging techniques. The Classic expression achieves its remarkable complexity through a unique marriage of spirits aged in three distinct cask types: ex-bourbon barrels providing vanilla and caramel sweetness, Oloroso Sherry casks contributing dried fruit and nutty characteristics, and red wine barrels from Williams Selyem adding subtle fruit notes and tannic structure.

This triple cask approach, specifically utilizing a 50/50 blend of bourbon and Pinot Noir casks for the Classic expression, creates a flavor profile impossible to achieve through single cask aging alone. The distillery's transparency about their cask program extends to offering individual cask expressions, allowing enthusiasts to explore the component parts and understand how each cask type contributes to the final blend. The use of premium Francois Freres barrels from Williams Selyem represents a unique crossover between the wine and whisky worlds, adding layers of complexity rarely found in American single malts.

Professional Tasting Notes

Professional whisky evaluators consistently praise Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky for its exceptional balance and complexity. On the palate, the initial sweetness of molasses gives way to warming spices including nutmeg and cinnamon, while the mid-palate reveals creamy textures reminiscent of peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough. The finish demonstrates remarkable length, with black pepper providing a pleasant heat alongside freshly sliced ginger and light brown sugar sweetness that lingers elegantly.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate the nuanced character of this exceptional single malt, serving temperature and presentation matter significantly. Room temperature service allows the full aromatic profile to develop, while a few drops of spring water can open up additional layers of flavor without diluting the whisky's essential character. The 46% ABV bottling strength provides the perfect balance between flavor intensity and approachability, making it equally enjoyable neat or with minimal dilution.

Exceptional Food Pairings

The versatility of Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky extends beyond solo sipping into remarkable food pairing opportunities. The whisky's complex flavor profile complements smoked meats beautifully, with the spirit's sweetness balancing the savory smokiness of barbecued brisket or pulled pork. Aged cheeses, particularly sharp cheddars and nutty aged goudas, create harmonious flavor combinations that highlight both the whisky's creamy texture and the cheese's complex development.

For dessert pairings, dark chocolate proves an exceptional companion, with the whisky's vanilla and caramel notes enhancing the chocolate's richness while the spirit's spice elements prevent the pairing from becoming overly sweet. Stone fruit desserts, such as peach cobbler or plum tart, echo the subtle fruit notes from the wine cask aging, creating a cohesive and sophisticated ending to any meal.

How It Compares to Scottish Single Malts

While Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky employs traditional Scottish production methods, its distinctly American character sets it apart from its Highland and Speyside cousins. The use of New York State barley imparts a unique terroir-driven quality absent in Scottish expressions, while the innovative triple cask maturation program creates flavor combinations rarely found in traditional Scotch whisky production.

When compared to benchmark Scottish single malts like Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Little Rest demonstrates greater initial complexity despite its younger age, with the diverse cask program compensating for shorter maturation time. The American oak influence provides more pronounced vanilla and caramel notes than typically found in Scottish whiskies aged primarily in ex-sherry casks, while maintaining the elegance and refinement expected from traditional production methods.

The American Craft Whisky Movement

Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky represents a pivotal moment in American craft distilling, demonstrating that domestic producers can create world-class single malts without abandoning traditional methods. The distillery's approach challenges the common craft distilling practice of accelerating production through smaller barrels or aggressive aging techniques, instead embracing patience and time-honored methods that allow flavors to develop naturally.

This commitment to quality over quantity positions Ten Mile Distillery at the forefront of a movement toward premium American single malts that can compete globally. The success of Little Rest demonstrates growing consumer appreciation for domestically produced whiskies that maintain international quality standards while expressing unique American character through local ingredients and innovative cask programs.

Visiting Ten Mile Distillery

The Ten Mile Distillery experience in Wassaic offers whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness traditional Scottish distilling methods in action on American soil. Visitors can observe the impressive Forsyths stills with their distinctive upward-tilting Lyne Arms, understanding firsthand how this equipment contributes to the spirit's exceptional character. Tours include tastings of new make spirit directly from the stills, providing insight into how the raw distillate transforms through the aging process into Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky.

The distillery's location in the Hudson Valley provides a picturesque setting that reflects the agricultural heritage fundamental to the whisky's character. Surrounded by the farms that supply the distillery's barley, visitors gain appreciation for the complete grain-to-glass process that defines this exceptional American single malt. The tasting room offers opportunities to sample various expressions, including limited releases and single cask bottlings unavailable elsewhere.

Collectibility and Investment Value

As one of the pioneering premium American single malts, Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky presents intriguing possibilities for collectors and investors. The First Edition release from Spring 2023 already commands attention among whisky enthusiasts, with individually numbered bottles adding to their collectible appeal. The distillery's limited production capacity and commitment to traditional methods ensure that supply will remain constrained even as demand grows.

Cocktail Applications

While purists may prefer enjoying this exceptional single malt neat, creative bartenders have discovered that Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky elevates classic whisky cocktails to new heights. In an Old Fashioned, the whisky's inherent complexity reduces the need for additional bitters, while its natural sweetness requires less sugar than traditional bourbon-based versions. Manhattan variations using Little Rest showcase the spirit's versatility, with the wine cask influence creating seamless integration with quality vermouths.

Your Complete Purchasing Guide

Securing a bottle of Ten Mile Distillery Little Rest Single Malt Whisky requires understanding its limited availability and premium positioning. With retail prices typically ranging from $85 to $115, this represents significant value considering the traditional production methods, premium local ingredients, and the expertise of a Scottish Master Distiller. The distillery maintains a mailing list for enthusiasts, offering members advance notice of new releases and special cask offerings.

For those unable to visit the distillery directly, select retailers like Pascale's Wine & Liquors in Fayetteville, New York, maintain inventory of this sought-after American single malt. Given the limited production runs and growing reputation, purchasing upon availability rather than waiting proves wise, as specific batches and expressions often sell out quickly. The individually numbered bottles add an element of uniqueness that appeals to both drinkers and collectors.