As promised when it was launched, American Metal Whiskey is coming – or, I should say, returning – to Mama Tried.
American Metal Customs – a custom shop that specializes in building and restoring classic cars and motorcycles – released its own branded 90-proof whiskey in November and at the time Josh Allison, the shop’s master builder and co-founder, said, “We're beyond excited to bring American Metal Whiskey to motorcycle, hotrod, and whiskey enthusiasts across the U.S.
"In 2024 we plan to get face-to-face with audiences by sampling our new whiskey at a variety of core enthusiast events including the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show.”
Well, Allison is headed to Mama Tried, which takes place Feb. 23-25 at the Eagles Ballroom, and he’s bringing his whiskey – distilled in Tennessee and aged up to five years in Vermont (presumably at Quechee-based Vermont Spirits) – along for the ride.
It appears the saddle bags have space for samples of the 10-year single-barrel – distilled in Indiana – to make the trip, too.
In fact, Mama Tried attendees last year got a sneak peek at American Metal Whiskey before its release and word is that they sampled 100 bottles.
The whiskey, which is available online, is also at some retail in Milwaukee, including The Branded Bar at the Iron Horse Hotel, Elwood’s Liquor & Tap, Bad Moon Saloon and Fuel Cafe.
But you’ll have three opportunities to taste it at Mama Tried, too.
First, Mama Tried VIP ticket holders will have access to the The American Metal VIP lounge where there will be free, custom whiskey cocktails made with American Metal Whiskey free of charge. You’ll also be automatically entered into a drawing for a custom tank hand-built by Allison.
Next, The Spirited Dinner at the Iron Horse Hotel on Friday, Feb. 23 will include American Metal’s 90-proof and 10-year single-barrel drams.
Finally, the Mama Tried After Party at the Iron Horse Hotel on the next night, Saturday, Feb. 24, is sponsored by American Metal Whiskey, so you know you’ll get a taste there.
For more on the Spirited Dinner and to buy tickets, click here. For more on the after party and to buy tickets, go here.
The American Metal 90-proof whiskey was rated a 92 at the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and retails for $50. The 10-year has an MSRP of $214.
According to The Spirits Business magazine, American Metal is also sitting on some whiskey sourced from Kentucky that it plans to use for future releases.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
