Join the Circus with Backwards Distillery
Written By: Sarah Reish
What do three sibling, craft spirits, and the circus all have in common? Backwards Distilling Company, that’s what. And meeting Chad, brother and head distiller, was truly an experience we didn’t know we needed.
The history
Chad greeted and welcomed us to the downtown Casper tasting room, showed us around, then sat us down for a brief history of Backwards Distilling Company while giving us a tasting of the spirits. He shared that after graduating high school he had gone to Wyoming Tech to build hot rod cars. In his spare time he collected absinthe, as he loved the history of it. After some time, his mom told him he should make his own absinthe. This is when the conception of Backwards Distillery was born.
Joining the Circus
In the beginning Chad said he wanted to make the brand more hot rod themed because that was his passion. However, he started the distillery with his sister Amber and the brand wasn’t speaking to them. As a family the Pollock’s stuck to their roots. As children they loved going to the circus and they even attended a circus camp! Their circus theme branding speaks to the entire family, mom even has a part to play as she handles the decor and the ambience - which we love!
The Spirits
From the well loved vodka and gin, to the rum and Milk Jug Moonshine, to the whiskey and absinthe, each spirit is made small batch in the Backwards Distillery. We didn’t make it to the distillery this trip, but Chad invited us out next time we are in town. Our tasting was more than a tasting. Chad shared how each spirit was made and how they worked to included global elements to create flavor profiles that are uniquely their (Backwards Distilling Company) own. The gin is especially flavorful. The whiskey was an endeavor that included a three day consultation with Nancy Fraley a globally renowned consultant for whiskey, known to many in her industry as The Nose.
The Ringleader vodka is smooth, perfect for sipping or making into a fine craft cocktail.
The Contortionist Gin is a favorite of ours! We use it in our G&T’s at home. The gin is super light and flavorful, subtle juniper berries with wonderful citrus notes.
The Strongman Gin is super unique! Chad shared that there were 5x the juniper berries in this gin and they uses botanicals from all over the world. From India, Cubeb berries and from Brazil, pink peppercorn. The flavor was amazing and the power behind this Navy Strength gin was front and center.
The Sword Swallower Rum is one of a kind. The rum carries a fruit and floral element. It has been aged in used tequila barrels giving it a uniqueness that we can fully appreciate.
The whiskey has a bite without being overwhelming. It is a great whiskey to drink straight, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. This is not a whiskey that needs to be mixed.
Milk Can cinnamon moonshine, while we did not enjoy this during our tasting I did enjoy it mixed into a Mr. North hot cocoa and I have been craving it ever since!
Look Inside!
Who would enjoy Backwards Distillery Spirits & Tasting Room?
Anyone who appreciates high-end spirits and craft cocktails, will love this experience. Or, if you want a one-of-a-kind experience… this place is amazing. From the welcoming staff and owners to the ambiance. The unique styling elements of the interior made the circus theme classy and high-end. The drinks are craft and one of a kind. We enjoyed a Contortionist gin & tonic with butterfly pea flower infused gin, fever tree tonic, simple syrup, and garnished with a torched rosemary sprig. Our second cocktail featured Ringleader vodka, grapefruit juice, rosemary honey, and rosemary garnish.
Join the circus
You can find the downtown Casper tasting room at 214 S. Wolcott St. The are open and taking sit down reservations. You can find them on Resy.
Get creative and make a fun drink! Be sure to take a photo of the fancy drinks you’re making with your backwards spirits. Post to your social media and tag us in your photos @LiveWYldMag & @backwardsdistillingco and use #LiveWYld
