In this edition of Castaway, we are sending Old Forester’s Caleb Trigo to the American Whiskey island. Caleb has been with Brown-Forman, Old Forester’s parent company, since 2009, and spent more than five years as an operations leader at the Old Forester Distillery located on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. He was named assistant master distiller in February 2024. In his role as assistant master distiller, Caleb oversees quality and innovation. He studies under the leadership of much-admired master distiller Chris Morris, something he considers a great honor. 

Caleb has a master’s degree in distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, and a chemical engineering degree from the University of Louisville. He began his Brown-Forman career as a process engineering co-op in research and development. Caleb and his husband, Anthony, live in Louisville. His favorite cocktail is an Old Forester Boulevardier, and outside of whiskey, Caleb is an avid traveler and foodie.

Whiskey #1

Old Forester

Single Barrel Rye

Making this selection was easy based on my palate and what I think might help enhance the experience of being on a desert island — this high-proof rye whiskey will certainly spice things up. And, let’s face it, things have clearly gone awry for me to end up on a desert island. Single Barrel Rye can be hard to find on the shelf, so if you’re looking for something similar, our everyday Old Forester Rye (a great deal at $26) is more reachable. It’s a great sipper — and great in cocktails (if you can find ingredients on the island to make a cocktail).

Whiskey #2

Jack Daniel’s

Bottled-in-Bond

To me, this hardy whiskey inspires a can-do attitude. I’d take this straightforward, bold whiskey to enjoy in front of a campfire at night. Its robust, wood-forward profile is the perfect complement to the moment. And, at 100 proof, it’s perfect for sipping. Bottled-in- bond whiskeys have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, and most American whiskey brands have one. I think Jack Daniel’s leads the category with this expression — and many whiskey lovers would agree.

Whiskey #3

Woodford Reserve

Double Oaked

Dessert on a desert island — am I right? Double Oaked has redefined the way some enjoy bourbon. It can truly be a dessert at the end of a meal… especially after spending all day exploring an island. I’d be inclined to uncork a nice bottle of Double Oaked to enjoy the sweet vanilla and caramel flavors. Chris Morris, who created Double Oaked, really set the stage for what a double-barrelled bourbon can be. Many others have tried to imitate his work, but in my view, none of them have come even close. We’ve discovered that Double Oaked is also a way to bring new whiskey drinkers in the bourbon category. As one writer once said, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is the Ted Lasso of American whiskey, because you can’t help but love it.

Whiskey #4

Slane

Irish Whiskey

Not only would this lighter whiskey hit the spot as something more refreshing, perhaps some luck of the Irish would serve me well. Slane has a balanced profile. The sweetness, coupled with lighter fruit-forward notes, would pair great with fruits found on an island. This distillery where this whiskey is made is just outside of Dublin at Slane Castle. The castle grounds have hosted massive live concerts, from U2 to the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan. So, as I sip this whiskey on the island, I can let my mind take me to Ireland for a musical sojourn.

Whiskey #5

Glenglassaugh

Sandend

As per this whiskey’s namesake, this sea-inspired single malt Scotch whiskey draws flavors from the ocean and salty sea air during maturation. Similar to my Irish whiskey selection, this fruit-forward Scotch would go very nicely with some coconut or pineapple. Glenglassaugh Sandend hits the mark for an exceptional and unique Scotch whiskey — it’s finished in bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks which develops the profile into waves of tropical sweetness, infused with a crack of sea salt.

A Luxury Item

A super nice dune buggy/ATV to explore and drive around the island — huge plus to have some A/C and music going while enjoying the ride. Music in the background would be perfect for relaxing and enjoying a nice whiskey while admiring the scenery.