Mark Nesheim and his family have created something uniquely American right here in our community and carrying on the family tradition is only part of the story.
While all bourbons are a form of whiskey, not all whiskeys elevate to the level of bourbon but may fall into one of several other categories including Canadian, Scotch, or a rye, among others. J.P. Trodden makes bourbon, an exclusively American branch of whiskey, one their family is proud to make and is a Double Gold Medal Winner at the World Spirits Competition for their Black Label bourbon.
Many people enjoy bourbon “neat” or all by itself and at room temperature, but it is the central ingredient in some of the most common cocktails as well including Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, New York Sour, Manhattan, Kentucky Mule, and the Hot Toddy.
Mark and the team at J.P. Trodden have their own unique way of making their bourbons and it all starts with American craftsmanship and ingredients, including clean and crisp Washington water. Add that to the locally grown corn as well as winter wheat, sourced from a single farm in Quincy, WA, let it “ferment and steep” for 7 days and then distill in a copper pot still, made in Eugene, OR and the next small batch of J.P. Trodden small batch bourbon is underway. Once the blending and later the aging process, anywhere from 3 to 10 years depending on the bourbon, has been completed, each is bottled in glass proudly sourced from Tennessee.
Family history extends beyond the Prohibition era when Mark’s granddad and namesake, J.P. Trodden, took over his father’s mail carrier route, The Star Route, which zigzagged across the United States and Canadian border in the area that includes Okanagan, WA. Meeting Mark will offer a glimpse into what it may have been like to encounter his grandfather as he delivered the Post when spirits were more than discouraged, even legally prohibited. J.P., while not a bootlegger at all, was a generous man and was known to share his libations with those he served and especially so when resting at Cabin #5. Interestingly enough, Cabin #5 is still owned by the family today and rumor has it, the rich caramel-colored bourbons are still poured for those visitors who are willing to make the trek.
More convenient for those who live in the Snohomish area is the distillery and tasting room of J.P. Trodden. Located on the well-traveled Broadway Avenue in Maltby, you will find a beautifully constructed building, home to a grouping of beverage producers including Gorman, JM Cellars, Laterus, Two Vintners, and Guardian, all wineries along with J.P. Trodden. Upon visiting the distillery, you will find a beautifully appointed tasting room where you can sample nearly all they offer, including the newest whiskey, the Bolster Road Maple Rye Whiskey, a departure from their tradition but a blend with strong ties to their heritage.
With a strong foundation of experience in the food and beverage industry, Mark’s commitment to delivering a unique product and overall experience every time one encounters J.P. Trodden is obvious. Visit the distillery, sample their bourbons, learn more about the family, and their team. More importantly, talk with Mark and hear about the stories he heard firsthand, from his grandfather, about the area and what it was like to deliver the mail during this controversial and interesting time in American history. He may share something rare with you as well. Hear how friendship, generosity, and service, all important ingredients to any community, when properly blended and allowed the necessary time to steep result in a uniquely special experience.
J.P. Trodden located: 9206 200th Street, Maltby. Visit them online at www.jptrodden.com.