Exclusive Tasting: Element Brewing & Distilling-Thermonuclear

When Whisky Gets a Little Heat

There's a certain category of flavored whisky that makes purists cringe before they've even tasted it. I get it—the market is flooded with overly sweet, artificially flavored spirits that taste more like candy than craft. But every once in a while, someone does it right. Element Brewing & Distilling's Thermonuclear is one of those rare exceptions.

Local Craft, Local Pride

Element Brewing & Distilling operates out of Millers Falls, Massachusetts—just a stone's throw from where I live in Baldwinville. They started as a brewery back in 2009, founded by Dan Kramer and Ben Anhalt, and added distilling to their operation in 2017. That addition made them the first commercial distillery in Franklin County since before Prohibition.

What I appreciate about Element is their approach: they describe themselves as "fusing art and science," combining traditional techniques with innovative flavors. They're not trying to compete with Kentucky bourbon producers or Scottish single malts on their own turf. Instead, they're making spirits that could only come from a place where creativity isn't constrained by convention.

They've also earned recognition as a "green beverage producer" through the BetterBev program—100% renewable energy, can carrier reuse programs, the works. Supporting local craft that actually cares about sustainability? That's an easy yes.

The Spirit

Chipotle pepper, honey, and Saigon cinnamon infused whisky | 66 Proof (33% ABV)

The name "Thermonuclear" tells you exactly what you're getting into—this isn't subtle. Element has infused their whisky with chipotle peppers, honey, and Saigon cinnamon, creating something that walks the line between spicy and sweet with surprising confidence.

At 66 proof, it sits on the lower end of the ABV spectrum for whisky, which actually works in its favor here. The reduced alcohol allows the infusion flavors to express themselves without the burn overwhelming everything else.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The first thing that hits you is the chipotle—that distinctive smoky, earthy aroma that's immediately recognizable if you've ever worked with dried peppers. But it's not aggressive.

The honey rounds it out, adding a floral sweetness that keeps the smoke from dominating. Underneath, the Saigon cinnamon adds warmth and complexity, more aromatic than the sharp bite of cassia cinnamon you find in most baked goods.

Palate

Here's where Thermonuclear earns its name. The chipotle peppers deliver a smoky, spicy kick that builds gradually across your tongue. It's not the sharp, immediate burn of fresh peppers—it's that slow, warming heat that chipotle is known for. The whisky base provides enough structure to carry the infusion without disappearing entirely.

The honey and cinnamon come through on the mid-palate and finish, providing a sweet counterpoint that keeps the heat in check. It's a well-balanced interplay—the spice never becomes punishing, and the sweetness never becomes cloying.

Finish

Smooth and sweet, with lingering warmth. The cinnamon hangs around longest, leaving you with that cozy, spiced sensation. The heat fades gracefully rather than sticking around to overstay its welcome. It's the kind of finish that invites another sip.

How to Enjoy It

Neat: This is genuinely enjoyable on its own. The lower proof and balanced flavor profile make it approachable without ice or water. Pour it into a rocks glass, let it breathe for a minute, and sip slowly. The flavors evolve as it opens up.

On the Rocks: A single large cube mellows the heat slightly and brings forward more of the honey sweetness. Good option if you find the chipotle a bit assertive neat.

In Cocktails: This is where Thermonuclear gets interesting for a bartender. The built-in spice and sweetness mean you can use it to add complexity to classics without additional ingredients. Try it in place of regular whisky in a Gold Rush—the honey in the cocktail will complement the honey in the spirit, while the chipotle adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with fresh lemon.

For something more adventurous, use it as the base for a spiced Hot Toddy. The cinnamon and honey are already there—add hot water, a squeeze of lemon, and you've got a drink that will warm you from the inside out on a cold New England night.

Final Thoughts

Thermonuclear isn't trying to be something it's not. It's a flavored whisky that leans into its identity—spicy, sweet, and unapologetically bold. Element Brewing didn't just dump some pepper extract into neutral grain spirit and call it a day. This tastes like actual chipotle, actual honey, actual cinnamon, crafted by people who understand how these flavors interact.

Is it for everyone? No. If you want a traditional whisky experience, look elsewhere. But if you're open to something different—something that brings a little heat and creativity to your glass—Thermonuclear delivers exactly what it promises.

Plus, you're supporting a local Massachusetts craft producer that's been doing things right for fifteen years. That counts for something.

A Feast for the Mind & Senses—with a little extra kick.

— Alexander F. Cramm

Founder, AFC & Co | The Neurodivergent Bartender