Although colleges and alcohol often share a fraught relationship, New Mexico State University is taking a slightly elevated approach to that union.
They’re releasing a whiskey.
Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter Rye, via the Las Cruces-based Dry Point Distillers, is a new collaboration with NMSU, joining the school’s branded beer and wine program. Funds from the whiskey will help finance the school’s athletic department.
“I think the success of the first two products broke down some barriers of thought,” Mario Moccia, director of athletics at NMSU, tells Whisky Advocate. “And I think it’s a compelling story. It’s a small business, it’s owned by an alum, and those are two overriding factors of saying, ‘Let’s get in this category.’”
According to WA, the three-year old rye (95% rye, 5% malted barley mashbill, 45% ABV) is named after NMSU’s mascot and sourced (with Dry Point’s help) from the Indiana-based distilling giant MGP, which works with dozens of private labels.
As the distillery notes: “This high rye whiskey brings a spicy start with rich cherry and caramel notes, leaving a bold, long lasting flavor.”
The rye is only available in the Las Cruces area at the moment but will soon expand to Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
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