Cutwater Spirits Black Skimmer American Rye Whiskey
Cutwater Spirits Black Skimmer American Rye Whiskey is a 750mL American rye bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) by Cutwater Spirits of San Diego, California — a blend of straight whiskeys made in concert with some of the company's favourite whiskey distillers, meticulously selected, curated and blended in San Diego. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: American rye — a blend of straight whiskeys
- Age: No age statement; component mash bills and ages undisclosed
- Producer: Selected, curated and blended by Cutwater Spirits, San Diego
- Origin: California
San Diego's Curiosity, Bottled as Rye
Cutwater Spirits grew out of Ballast Point Brewing's spirits operation — an offshoot dating to 2007 — into its own company and a 50,000-square-foot distillery in Miramar, San Diego, built from 2016. The company takes its name from the cutwater, the black skimmer seabird known for skimming the water's surface. Black Skimmer the whiskey is a blender's bottling in the best sense: rather than a single house distillate, it is a blend of straight whiskeys made with partner distillers the Cutwater team admires, selected and married by Cutwater into a smooth-drinking American rye. More from the distillery is on the Cutwater Spirits vendor page, and more rye is in our rye whiskey collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer: honey and almond sweetness up front, black pepper warmth through the middle, and a hint of clove — a smooth-drinking blend with the spice kept in balance.
How to Enjoy
Built for cocktails — the pepper and clove stand up in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned — and smooth enough over a big cube on its own. More San Diego spirits are on the Cutwater Spirits vendor page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Black Skimmer Rye distilled?
It is a blend of straight whiskeys made in concert with partner distilleries, selected, curated and blended by Cutwater Spirits in San Diego. Cutwater's own copy frames it that way — it is not presented as a single-distillery San Diego distillate.
What proof is Cutwater Black Skimmer American Rye?
90 proof — 45% ABV — for this American Rye bottling, per its label panel and UPC listings.
What is a black skimmer?
A seabird — also called a cutwater — known for skimming the water's surface as it feeds. Cutwater Spirits, the San Diego distiller and blender behind this rye, takes its company name from the bird.
A blender's rye with a San Diego accent — order Cutwater Black Skimmer American Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.