White Dog Mikkeller Spirits Small Batch 42%

White Dog is the spirit in its purest form — before any cask has had its say. Everything you taste is the grain, the fermentation and the distiller. Here it is Mikkeller Black imperial stout, distilled at Braunstein.

Expert description

White Dog Mikkeller Spirits Small Batch is an unaged New Make Malt Spirit at 42%, distilled at Braunstein Distillery from Mikkeller Black, Mikkeller's powerful imperial stout. White Dog is the American term for unaged, new make spirit — the distillate before wood has had any influence. Here it is used deliberately: no cask maturation, no colour, no wood. Just a clean distillate from a complex beer base, giving a fascinating insight into what the spirit is before the cask takes over.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh and clear with cereal aromas, light fruit tones and a soft malt sweetness. Clear fermentation character throughout.

Palate

Clean and direct. Malt, a light fruity sweetness and a suggestion of grain bread. No cask notes — everything is the distillate.

Finish

Short and clean. The malt lingers briefly and the alcohol has a gentle bite.

Specifications

Name: White Dog Mikkeller Spirits Small Batch
Distillery: Braunstein Distillery
Bottler: Mikkeller Spirits
Region/Country: Denmark
Type: New Make Malt Spirit (White Dog)
Age: Unaged
ABV: 42%

Flavour profile

Unaged · Fresh · Malt-based · Clean · Experimental

Did you know?

The term "White Dog" originates from the American bourbon tradition, where unaged spirit was historically sold illegally and called "white lightning" or "white dog." Today many distilleries use the term to release their raw, unaged distillate — it is essentially a taste of the whisky's future before the cask gets to work.

See our full range of Mikkeller Spirits

Frequently asked questions about White Dog Mikkeller Spirits

What is a White Dog spirit?

White Dog is an American term for unaged, freshly distilled spirit — what leaves the still before any cask maturation. It is clear in colour and raw in character. It is the foundation of whisky before the ageing process begins.

How is this different from the Rum Cask and Oloroso Cask versions?

White Dog is unaged and reflects the pure character of the distillate itself. Rum Cask Black has been matured in rum casks and has tropical sweetness. Oloroso Cask Black has spent time in sherry casks and has nutty, fruity tones. Together, the three expressions make an illuminating comparison.

Can I use White Dog in cocktails?

Yes. It works well in drinks that normally call for vodka or a light rum — the malt profile adds extra depth. Try it in a Daiquiri variation or a simple Mule with ginger beer.

Is this a limited release?

Mikkeller Spirits are produced in small batches and are not always available. Check our current Mikkeller Spirits range for what is in stock.

Is White Dog the same as a raw spirit or new make?

Essentially yes. New make, raw spirit and White Dog all refer to unaged, freshly distilled spirit. The White Dog term comes from American bourbon culture; new make is the more common term in Scotch whisky circles. Both describe a spirit before cask maturation.

Who makes Mikkeller Spirits?

A collaboration between Danish craft brewery Mikkeller and Braunstein Distillery in Køge, Denmark. Braunstein handles distillation; Mikkeller contributes the brewing expertise and the Mikkeller Black base beer recipe.