Monday, July 25, 2022

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Volume 01, Issue 10


Welcome to another installment of BBB. In this edition we have blurbs and links for Timberwolf Whiskey, 
Brother's Bond, Blue Runs Spirits, Virginia ABC intel theft, Northern Latitudes, Limestone Branch, Eight Settlers Distillery, Company Distilling, Arcane Alpha, more. 

                                                                                                                               

Timberwolf Whiskey Launches Barrel-Aged Bourbon Brand

A new bourbon brand just burst onto the scene with an homage to peope who favor outdoor living and a satisfying drink.

Timberwolf Whiskey is now exclusively available online at https://timberwolfwhiskey.com. The new company is in the market for regional distribution.


Timberwolf Whiskey is a 94-proof bourbon with "a distinctive bold, peppery flavor for sipping straight or mixing. Being from the pacific northwest, our brand demographic is people who enjoy the outdoors, mountains and nature."

Crafted in small batches and barrel-aged, Timberwolf Whiskey's ingredients are 60% corn, 35% rye and 5% barley. "Obviously, being an aged bourbon, we do source barrels from other distillers," founder Rob Thomas noted.

For more information, visit https://timberwolfwhiskey.com.

                                                                                                                               

Call Leaving Green River Spirits


Jacob Call, the man who brought the old Green River Distilling Co. in western Owensboro back to life, starting in 2014, is leaving at the end of July.

But Call, the distillery’s master distiller and director of operations, says he’s not leaving the bourbon industry — and he’s not leaving Owensboro.

He said that’s all he can say until the no-compete clause in his contract expires on Oct. 31.

                                                                                                                               

Brother’s Bond Bourbon Launches First Limited Release, Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Bourbon


Brother’s Bond Bourbon, the brand started by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, is launching its first limited release. The new expression, Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Bourbon, was made from a selection of 70 barrels of Brother’s Bond Original, bottled at 57.9% abv. Cask Strength is available now on ReserveBar for pre-sale and will ship soon to select retailers for a suggested $80 a 750-ml. Brother’s Bond launched last year and depleted over 30,000 cases with distribution in 35 states.

                                                                                                                               

Blue Run Spirits Will Launch Golden Rye Whiskey Batch 2


Georgetown, Kentucky’s Blue Run Spirits will launch Golden Rye Whiskey Batch 2 later this afternoon. The rye was made during the same distillation cycle as the first batch of Golden Rye and is bottled at 47.5% abv. Batch 2 was blended from 102 barrels and will be available through the brand’s website this afternoon at 3pm, as well as rolling out to select retailers across the U.S. Blue Run’s volume is expected to rise to 50,000 six-pack cases this year, quintupling over its 2021 total, with sales projected at around $15 million.

                                                                                                                               

2 Charged In Scheme To Steal Intel From Virginia ABC On High-Demand Bourbon


A former sales associate for Virginia ABC and another man have been indicted in what authorities described as a conspiracy to obtain internal ABC inventory data on high-demand and limited-availability bourbons, and provide that insider information to interested parties for a price.

                                                                                                                               

Northern Latitudes Distillery To Open In Suttons Bay


Northern Latitudes, the popular distillery in Lake Leelanau, will soon open a second location in downtown Suttons Bay, in the space previously occupied by Bayside Coffee & Tea—possibly at the end of July.

Northern Latitudes is home to Latitudes Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Deer Camp Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Deer Camp Straight Rye Whiskey, and Deer Camp Straight Wheat Whiskey among other products.

                                                                                                                               


The Best-Known Basic Bottles Of Bourbon, Blind Tasted And Ranked


UPROXX takes on some of the most well-known, popular, easy-to-find bottles of bourbon on the market in a bourbon throw down. Their results may surprise you.

                                                                                                                               

Limestone Branch Distillery Announces 2022 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam announced the upcoming release of 2022 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Featuring a delicately balanced blend of 7-year, 15-year and 16-year aged bourbons hand-selected by Beam and aged in Marsala Superiore casks, the latest expression of Yellowstone Limited Edition will begin to be available in September with a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750ml bottle.

                                                                                                                               

From Making Moonshine In Romania With Grandpa To Opening A Distillery In Utah, Eight Settlers Is All About Achieving The American Dream


Before laying eyes on each other in 1994, Radu and Katia Dugala separately left their home countries of Romania and Brazil to build a new life for themselves in Utah. As they followed in the footsteps of many of the state’s early pioneers in the 1850s, the hardworking immigrants met in Park City and married in 2005 only to achieve their American Dream by opening the Old Wagon Saloon & Grill in downtown San Jose, California, followed by the much bigger, Eight Settlers Distillery & Restaurant, a historically-rich distillery paying homage to the eight families who settled the area between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in the mid-1800s.

Before Eight Settlers was named, Katia was researching the history of the area. She contacted the City of Cottonwood Heights, read books, and went to the historical society, which is how she stumbled across the eight families who originally settled the Big and Little Cottonwood area.


All of Eight Settlers’ products pay tribute to their local history. For example, their Ragtown American Whiskey is named after a community in Salt Lake County in the early 1900s named Ragtown, a place where prospectors, drifters, and miners set up tents and shanties or lived in dugouts. The Butler Vodka is named after one of Cottonwood Heights’ early settlements from 1869 called Butler Bench. 

The Green Ditch Gin is named after one of the ditches dug by Mormon pioneers who had no experience with Utah’s dry climate. The pioneers developed a system of artificial irrigation and land management, allowing them to grow and prosper. Finally, the Devil’s Gate Bourbon pays tribute to the pioneers who would risk their lives traversing across Devil’s Gate, a narrow, rocky gorge, one of the most formidable and diabolical obstacles the pioneers had to cross.

Find the full story from The Salt Lake Tribune here. Visit Eight Settlers Distillery’s website here.

                                                                                                                               

Trinity River Distillery Announces The Hiring Of Brett Luchesi As Master Distiller



Trinity River Distillery® announces the hiring of its new Master Distiller, Brett Luchesi. Brett has been a part of the industry for 11 years, starting out with Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits in San Diego, CA. He has played crucial roles in distillery build outs, design, layout, process piping, recipe formulation, spirit portfolio growth, large alcohol brand acquisitions, distillery consulting, and process efficiencies. His dedication and craft have been recognized and awarded nationally and internationally. "I am thrilled to be a part of Silver Start Spirits," Luchesi states. "It's a tight knit team, they share my values in doing this the right way and making the highest quality products possible. My family and I are excited to be a part of the Fort Worth community."

Since launching in 2012 Trinity River Distillery®, with its Silver Star® brands, has been making some of the finest tasting spirits produced in the great state of Texas. Each brand is made with nature's finest rainwater collected on-site in 13,000-gallon storage tanks on-site at their iconic near-downtown Fort Worth facility that Ranch Style Beans used to call home.

The current portfolio of Silver Star® brands includes:

Award-winning Silver Star® Vodka, is 100% Gluten Free. We use the nest hand-selected Texas corn and purified Texas rainwater. Silver Star® Vodka is naturally smooth, slightly sweet, and tastes great on the rocks or used in one of your favorite cocktails.

Award-winning Silver Star® Whiskey is a traditional bourbon mash, comprised of Texas corn, rye, and barley. After distillation, the whiskey is placed into charred, single-use, American white oak barrels and laid to rest. After barrel aging, we cut to proof using purified Texas rainwater. Silver Star® Whiskey is a uniquely smooth, slightly sweet everyday drinking whiskey.


Award winning Silver Star Texas Honey® is made with Silver Star® Whiskey comprised of Texas corn, rye, and barley. We then fold in natural Texas wildflower honey and cut to proof using purified Texas rainwater. Silver Star Texas Honey® is a favorite among mixologists, chefs,and all honey lovers.

1849, Silver Star Texas Bourbon Whiskey® is made from our preferred mash of Texas grown corn, rye and barley and aged in new American white oak barrels for 3 years. The result is a balanced straight bourbon whiskey that has become a favorite of mixologists. We named it "1849" in honor of the establishment of Fort Worth, Texas by Mexican American War hero, General William Jenkins Worth. It's not only characterized by a legend and a legendary city, but it's the true spirit of the modern west.

About Trinity River Distillery:

Launching in 2012, Trinity River Distillery is the parent company for its Silver Star Brands of Vodka, Whiskey, Texas Honey Liqueur and Bourbon – all made from nature's finest rainwater. The facility resides in the historic Ranch Style Beans Plant in Fort Worth, TX and is open for tastings – which includes live entertainment and food - as well as tours and events. For more information go to www.silverstarspirits.com.

                                                                                                                               

No. 7 No More: Jack Daniel’s Former Master Distiller Has Started His Own Spirits Brand


In 2020, Jeff Arnett, master distiller for Jack Daniel’s, announced that he was leaving the whiskey giant after 12 years. At the time it was unclear exactly why he was moving on, but a year later it was revealed that he and a few partners were starting a new venture called Company Distilling. In early July, the new Townsend, Tenn. location opened its doors, so what exactly can we expect to see from Arnett’s new project?
The flagship whiskey was obviously made somewhere else given that Company is just getting up and running. And while there may be a Tennessee whiskey from the distillery in the future (it must be filtered through charcoal before barreling, aka the Lincoln County Process), this is a straight bourbon that’s finished with maple wood, referring to staves submerged in the liquid rather than a barrel finish. It’s a wheated bourbon, meaning wheat is the predominant flavoring grain instead of rye, and it’s bottled at 90 proof. If maple wood sounds familiar to Jack Daniel’s fans, Arnett used this type of barrel to finish No. 27 Gold, a higher-end whiskey from the distillery. But, as he told Bourbon and Banter, those barrels are very leaky which is why he switched to a stave finish for this new bourbon. The liquid was sourced from three states, and distilled in both column and pot stills at undisclosed locations.

Read the full story from the Robb Report here.

                                                                                                                               

Arcane Distilling Launches Flagship Whiskey, Arcane Alpha


Arcane Distilling in Brooklyn, New York has announced the launch of its flagship whiskey, Arcane Alpha.

Arcane initially launched back in 2017 with a very limited vacuum-distilled whiskey and fernet run out of a small space in Brooklyn. The brand has since relaunched under new leadership – King’s County Distilling alum Phil Morgan and beer entrepreneur and CEO Brian Thompson – with a brand new distillery in Bushwick, Brooklyn that will open to the public in early 2023.


Arcane Alpha is distilled from a triple IPA loaded with bright, citrusy hops and rested in large oak foudres to add mouthfeel, color, and flavor without overwhelming the beer notes with too much wood character. Bottled at 93 Proof (41.5% ABV), Arcane Alpha is described as having “intense aromas of Cascade and Mosaic hops, balanced by light malt notes and a mild oak finish,” and “tasting notes reflecting flavors of citrus, red berries, and baking spice.”

Arcane Alpha is available at ArcaneDistilling.com, which offers shipping to nearly 30 states, and at retail for a suggested price of $45.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

                                                                                                                               


                                                                                                                               



Monday, July 18, 2022

[Press Release] Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Announces Initial Release


Contact:

Holly Weyler
holly@flytrapsnap.com
502.836.8715

Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Honors Process, Quality and Creativity

 

Initial release available this month in select markets

 
Sparta, Kentucky (July 18, 2022) – Black barns are a hallmark of the rolling hills and hollers of Kentucky. At a time when distilling was a punishable offense, the black stained barns, caused by a naturally occurring microflora that feeds on airborne alcohol, were a giveaway to anyone looking to bust up an illegal distilling operation. In a sign of solidarity and community, Kentuckians would paint all barns black to make the still barns indistinguishable from others.

In this spirit of community and fellowship, a team of four friends and founders today announce the release of Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The initial release, available in stores later this month, is Hidden Barn Small Batch, composed of just seven barrels distilled by Master Distiller Royce Neeley and expertly blended by Master Blender Jackie Zykan.

Together with their partners, Nate Winegar and Matt Dankner of Colorado’s 5280 Whiskey Society, Neeley and Zykan are embracing the spirit of “doing things the hard way” with their first series release - putting process and quality above all else.

“We wanted to produce the kind of whiskey we would be proud to share, we wanted to lift the guardrails and pursue boundless creativity and unmatched quality in our process,” said Jackie Zykan, Master Blender for Hidden Barn. “Hidden Barn whiskies are full of subtlety and nuance, emphasizing quality at every turn and crafted to be shared in the celebration of good friends and good whiskey.”

Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s first series is comprised of distillate produced at the Neeley Family Distillery. In the spirit of doing things the hard way, Master Distiller Royce Neeley touches every step of the process from grain to aging, personally hand-collecting wild Kentucky yeast, carefully monitoring a 5-day fermentation using traditional cypress fermenters, and personally distilling and hand-cutting the double pot distillation.

The Whiskey Made the Hard Way series was fermented using wild yeast and is double pot distilled. It was collected at 127 proof, and entered the barrel at 110 proof. The seven barrels represent some of the first lots to mature under the watchful eye of Neeley. To maintain the integrity and viscosity of the liquid, the bourbon is screened for sediment and sees no additional filtration.

Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch #001 is presented at an undiluted batch proof of 53% ABV and offered at a suggested retail price of $74.99. The initial offering will be available in Kentucky, Colorado, Florida and California, with more distribution expected before the end of the year.

Product: Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch #001 Whiskey Made the Hard Way series

Number of barrels: 7

Producer: Neeley Family Distillery (DSP-KY-20039) Sparta, KY

Mash: 70 percent Corn, 20 percent Rye, 10 percent Malted Barley

Fermentation: 5 days using wild-caught Kentucky yeast and Northern Kentucky aquifer water

Distillation: Double pot distilled, collected at 127 proof

Maturation: Between 4-5 years

Barrel: Two-year seasoned American white oak

Fill: 110 proof

Filtration: Sediment filter only

What’s inside (in order of prominence): Almond, Butterscotch, Sweet Cherry, Dried Fig, Black Tea, Spearmint, Allspice, Black Pepper, Grapefruit Peel, Cardamom

About Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kentuckians have been known to stand united. The sense of community that was so crucial to the production of bootleg whiskey in those hidden barns of Kentucky is the same spirit that inspires the Hidden Barn brand today. Local gatherings to unwind, trade stories and share a good pour of whiskey are where the founders of Hidden Barn found their fellowship. The shared desire to build connection and fellowship drove them to become business partners. Founded in 2022 by Master Distiller Royce Neeley, Master Blender Jackie Zykan, 5820 Whiskey Society’s Nate Winegar and Matt Dankner, Hidden Barn honors the tradition of whiskey made the hard way in a celebration of community, shared passion and alchemy to create whiskey worth sharing. More information available at HiddenBarnWhiskey.com. Follow on Instagram: @hidden_barn.


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flytraps llc
holly@flytrapsnap.com
502.836.8715

All photos courtesy Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Medici.



Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Woodford Reserve Releases 2022 Limited-Edition Master’s Collection ‘Batch Proof’ Series


Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky has released its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression – Woodford Reserve Batch Proof. This latest expression is built upon Woodford Reserve’s traditional bourbon mash bill 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt. The recipe balances the sweetness of corn with the spice of rye, and the nuttiness of malt to build on the traditional Woodford flavor profile.

The 2022 Batch Proof release is barreled at 118.4 proof. This expression is part of the annual Master’s Collection series, which celebrates Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and their commitment to craftsmanship. Batch Proof is made by blending barrels into a batch and then bottling the whiskey at its actual proof.

Batch Proof takes Woodford Reserve’s trademark flavor range of sweet vanilla and toasted oak to a whole new level offering consumers the privilege of tasting Woodford Reserve in its purest form, not the standard 90.4 proof for which Woodford Reserve is known.

2022 Batch Proof Includes Lower-Level Rickhouse Barrels

“Barrels drawn from the first floors of our heat-cycled warehouses routinely possess lower proof presentations due the more relaxed angel share process found there,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “This batch had more of these barrels in its composition, and therefore a lower batch proof presentation than past releases.”

The 2022 Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof bourbon is bottled at 118.4 proof (59.2 ABV) and has a suggested retail price of $129.99 for a 750ml bottle. Batch Proof is available starting today in select U.S. and global markets and at the distillery.



[Press Release] Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces New Dining and Tourism Destination

Media Contact: Woody Maglinger, RunSwitch PR
270-302-6642 / woody@runswitchpr.com

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN CO. Ky. (July 12, 2022) — Buffalo Trace Distillery today announced plans to introduce an exciting new local tourism and dining destination at the distillery near downtown Frankfort. An existing building that currently operates as a gas station will be converted to support the venue. The new destination is expected to open in
2023.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery we are always looking for ways to engage and inspire our visitors and residents of our local community alike,” said Sara Saunders, Vice President Buffalo Trace Distillery. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to honoring the traditions of our 234-year history while also embracing change as we aim to invite even more whiskey lovers into our family. This exciting project does just that, and we are thrilled to be adding another quality dining and tourism destination for both Franklin County residents as well as the 400,000+ guests from around the world who visit our distillery each year.”

It is anticipated that the new destination will inject significant revenue into the local community, paving the way for the creation of new local jobs and serving as a strong tie-in to the downtown Frankfort redevelopment master plan.

“Our commonwealth’s world-famous bourbon industry is a vital component of our thriving agriculture ecosystem,” said Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles. “We are thrilled to see the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery continue to expand through this exciting project that will showcase Kentucky Proud food and beverages to an even wider audience in the years to come.”

While specific plans are still being finalized, the destination will be constructed at the Fair Oaks Lane entrance to the distillery on the site of the existing BP gas station and convenience store, a property Buffalo Trace Distillery currently owns. Operations at the gas station will end in August 2022 with plans to break ground on the new venue to follow shortly thereafter.

“As a longtime Franklin County resident and business owner, I am thrilled to see our neighbor, Buffalo Trace Distillery, continuing to pour resources and new opportunity back into our growing community,” said Marc Stone, President of Stonebridge Hospitality, the area’s largest hotelier. “This new experience, available to visitors from across the globe who come right here to Franklin County, will encourage guests to spend more time here, a benefit to every local business.”

Company officials anticipate that groundbreaking for the new tourism and dining destination will take place in fall of this year, with a grand opening target of summer 2023.

Full details about Buffalo Trace Distillery’s catalogue of signature products and distinctive visitor experiences are available at BuffaloTraceDistillery.com.

# # #

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.





Bardstown Bourbon Company New Releases Dropping Wednesday!

For Immediate Release – July 11, 2022

The Newest in Discovery and Collaboration

Our newest releases showcase the best of blending through innovation and exploration. The Discovery Series returns with a new twist, highlighting our most Rye-forward expression to date and taking it a step further by finishing with custom-selected oak staves. We also take you on an international journey with a first-of-its-kind in global spirits, the Fercullen collaboration in partnership with the Powerscourt Distillery in Wicklow, Ireland.

Discovery

The Discovery Series was designed to showcase the art of blending with an emphasis on old and rare whiskies sourced from a variety of origins. The latest release in the series, Discovery #8, features a unique blend of Kentucky Bourbons, two Indiana ryes, and aged Canadian whiskey. It represents the most Rye forward expression of any Discovery release to date and then takes innovation a step further by maturing the final batch with a custom selection of oak staves. Each oak stave was selected for its unique flavor profile ranging from French toast to Rioja barrels.

“We built this series to explore all of the ways you can take whiskey in new directions through thoughtful blending that pushes the boundaries of what’s been done before,” said Dan Callaway, VP Product Development and Hospitality. “Layering flavor and nuance, these limited releases continue to be truly singular in nature.”

Discovery #8 marks the most complex release to date. Maple, dark chocolate, baked cherry, and toasted oak create a captivating, complex aroma. The palate presents rye spice with luscious oak undertones that lead to a luxurious, long-lasting finish. Discovery Series #8 is presented at 114.1 proof and offered at an SRP of $139.99 and will be available at the distillery and distributed in 20 markets across the country beginning July 13, 2022.

Discovery Series #9 takes the spirit of discovery further by uncovering rare barrels of craft Georgia bourbon with a unique, elegant flavor. The blend is structured around this distinctive profile, adding classic Kentucky bourbon, 17-yr. Tennessee Whiskey, and a touch of sweetness from Canadian Whiskey. It is a combination of tradition and forward-thinking, large-scale and craft. The elements fold into one another remarkably, creating a robust, vibrant, one-of-a-kind pour.

On the nose, Discovery #9 opens with a decadent bouquet of cocoa nib, plum, and cedar box, highlighted by lively orange peel. Vanilla cream with cinnamon spice takes the lead on the palate, building to an indulgent, sublime finish.

Discovery #9 release is slated for a September release both at the distillery and at retail. It is presented at 112.5 proof and offered at an SRP of $139.99.

Fercullen Collaboration

 

The Fercullen, meaning “Men of the Hills” in Gaelic, is the first of its kind in global spirits and a true transatlantic effort from two historic whiskey cultures. We collaborated with the Powerscourt Distillery in Wicklow, Ireland to create this release by meticulously shipping bourbon blends and Irish whiskey to and from Ireland until we arrived at a perfect union. The result is a blend that truly celebrates the tradition of both countries, highlighting a beautiful bourbon blend and an exquisite 21-year Irish single malt to create a breathtaking and inimitable pour. Take a journey across the pond and experience traditional aged Irish whiskey notes of honeyed malt, lemon peel and ginger meet classic Kentucky bourbon aromas of vanilla, dark chocolate and roasted peanuts. The palate unifies and intensifies the flavors, leading to a magnificent, celebration of authentic flavor. 
 

About Bardstown Bourbon Company:

Founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin in the heart of Bourbon Country on 100 acres of active farmland, Bardstown Bourbon Company, 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Ky., is one of the country’s most modern and technically advanced whiskey distilleries. Celebrating the art of making high-quality, authentic bourbons, the innovative distillery produces custom rye, whiskey and bourbon for prominent brands including High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch and many others through its one-of-a-kind collaborative distilling program. Bardstown Bourbon Company honors tradition and drives innovation with their exceptional destination experience for visitors, offering the only full-service restaurant located within a distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, The Kitchen and Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Contacts

Holly Weyler
holly@flytrapsnap.com
502.836.8715 


 

[Press Release] Talnua Distillery Releases First-ever Bottled-in-Bond American Single Pot Still Whiskey

2022 World's First Bottled-in-Bond American Single Pot Still Whiskey

(Arvada, Colorado / July 7, 2022) Talnua Distillery released the world’s first Bottled-in-Bond American Single Pot Still Whiskey on Independence Day weekend, 2022. The release was a single barrel presented exclusively at the Irish Whiskey Fans of America meetup which was hosted at the distillery.

The release marks a hallmark moment in the revival of Single Pot Still Whiskey. The important bond between Ireland and America that has lasted for centuries inspired this release and the collaboration with Barry Chandler who is the creator of Irish Whiskey Fans of America and the Stories and Sips whiskey club.

As a friend of Talnua, Barry was asked to help select the Single Barrel that would be the first representation of Bottled-in-Bond Single Pot Still Whiskey in America.

The whiskey from a select few casks crossed the Atlantic to the ancestral home of Single Pot Still Whiskey where one was hand picked for its unique qualities.

This release is a milestone in American whiskey and was immortalized on the weekend of our nation’s Independence Day in accordance with the Federal Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

The whiskey features a mashbill of un-malted and malted barley, which was triple distilled following old world customs, and aged 4 years in charred virgin American white oak casks. The release was bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) in sophisticated gold foil labels, paired with certificates of authentication, and enclosed in attractive birch tubes secured with red ribbon.

Supply of the single barrel was limited to less than 250 bottles, a handful of bottles remain at the distillery post-event and are available for pickup only at the distillery for a retail price of $150. No online sales or shipping available.

Meagan and Patrick Miller of Talnua Distillery

About Talnua Distillery

Talnua Distillery is an artisan small batch distillery that proudly hand crafts each of our spirits. Established in 2017, we embarked on a mission to define a new chapter of whiskey history with the introduction of our American Single Pot Still Whiskey.

True to gaelic-style distilling practices, and unique to the new world, our spirits are produced using a mashbill of un-malted and malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills. Located on the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the altitude, changing seasons, crystal clear mountain spring water, and local barley all lend a uniquely American terroir to our products.

We are honored to carry on the traditions of our Irish ancestry and are proud to be leading the way as America’s First Single Pot Still Distillery. 

It all began with husband and wife team Patrick and Meagan Miller. In a Galway pub on their honeymoon, they sat watching the 2011 Ireland vs. USA Rugby World Cup Match. An eager bartender was thrilled to share with them the first single pot still whiskey to be released in decades. He regaled them with the history of this nearly extinct style of whiskey and with the passion that one day, single pot still would regain its rightful place on the world stage. The love affair was instant, and the couples’ passion was forever ingrained in the story of single pot still whiskey.

With family history rooted in Irish ancestry, the couple returned to Ireland every year and knew that single pot still whiskey would forever be a part of their story. Knowing that single pot still whiskey was not yet available in the US they set out to create the first Single Pot Still distillery outside of Ireland. They wanted to bring this style of whiskey to America and imbue it with the nation's terroir while honoring Gaelic distilling traditions, the immigrant soul, and the pioneering spirit of the American people.

Our whiskeys and gins are produced using Single Pot Still distillation methods with a mashbill of 50% un-malted / 50% malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills. We age in the finest oak casks to mature every drop. For more information on Talnua Distillery, please visit www.talnua.com, www.facebook.com/TalnuaDistillery, or www.instagram.com/talnuadistillery.


 

 

Booker’s® Bourbon Announces Second Release of 2022 Collection

The second release of the Booker’s® Bourbon 2022 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2022-02 “The Lumberyard Batch”. Here are the Master Distiller Notes and label inspiration from Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller.

Master Distiller Notes

The batch is made up of five production dates that were aged in seven different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for Booker’s “The Lumberyard Batch” is as follows:

  • 2% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse X
  • 3% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse 5
  • 3% came from the 4th floor of 9-story warehouse D
  • 17% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse Z
  • 19% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse Q
  • 28% came from the 4th floor of 7-story warehouse 1
  • 28% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

This batch was pulled during the rainy weeks ahead of the Kentucky Derby. The beautiful amber color of this batch reminds me of the horses that will compete on the racetrack. The aroma is deep with hints of vanilla and oak that lead you back to enjoy it several times to explore its depth. It has a balanced taste with a bit of sweetness and a pleasant finish that will leave you longing for another sip. My dad would be really proud to have a batch dedicated to his hard-working years at The Lumberyard and the experience this liquid delivers with every glass.

Label Inspiration

This batch is named in honor of my dad, Booker Noe’s pre-distillery years. While his journey to becoming a distiller wasn't exactly a straight path, it led him to his true passion.

After a short stint at the University of Kentucky, Booker hitch-hiked across America in hopes of joining the Air Force. After being accepted to the Air Force, the local police called his mom to verify his information to be cleared. When Booker’s Mom found out where he was, she convinced him to come home and work at the local lumberyard with uncle Jeremiah Beam, also known as Uncle Jere. Booker was over 6 feet tall and very strong at an early age. He never backed away from physical labor of any kind, which made him a natural fit for the job. Booker gave 110% during his time at the lumberyard, which eventually landed him his first role working at the distillery and from then on, the rest was history.

Since that first day, Booker held just about every job at the distillery and worked his way up to Master Distiller. Booker’s esteemed distilling career wasn’t given to him, he earned it. His experience at the lumberyard shaped the solid work ethic and curiosity he is known for. I am excited to share The Lumberyard Batch with you and hope you will be able to gather with family and friends to enjoy it.

For more information, visit https://www.bookersbourbon.com/.



[Press Release] Heaven's Door Spirits Announces Debut of The Decade Series

A Limited Release Collection of 10+ Year Aged Whiskeys

CHICAGO, July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Dylan's portfolio of award-winning American whiskeys, Heaven's Door Spirits, announced today the inaugural release of its Decade Series.

The Decade Series is a limited collection of super-premium American whiskeys, each 10 years of age or older. The first release in the series is a high-rye 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey.

The Decade Series collection began over 10 years ago when the founders of Heaven's Door hand-selected barrels from small producers across the country. Now, those barrels are ready to be shared.

The inaugural release in the Decade Series lineup, a high-rye 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey, is bottled at 100 proof to highlight the nuances and flavors wrought from a decade of barrel aging. This release is neither chill-filtered nor charcoal-mellowed, which allows the bold flavors of the rye to come through along with sweet notes of toffee and bitter chocolate followed by a long, silky-smooth finish.

"We've been patiently waiting on our barrels of aged liquid to mature to the optimal flavor profile for many years, and we are thrilled to release them for our fans to enjoy. When we sourced these barrels from our industry partners years ago, the product was phenomenal, but we purposely let some of them sit for several additional years to get even better…" said Heaven's Door Master Blender Ryan Perry. "Our first release is whiskey the world has not yet tasted. This Tennessee bourbon has a mash bill that's non-traditional to all other whiskeys ever created from the state, with 22% rye and without charcoal mellowing. The distillation is much more reminiscent of what you would expect from a traditional Kentucky bourbon."

Heaven's Door has won countless awards recognizing the brand as one of the world's best small batch whiskeys available on the market today, including the #1 Consumer Choice Award at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and "Best Bourbons of the Century…So Far" by the Robb Report. For the future, the brand has not set anything in stone but is anticipating subsequent Decade Series releases to include a wheated bourbon and rye whiskey.

Decade Series Release #01 is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water and features the following characteristics:

  • Age - 10 Years
  • Proof -100 Proof
  • ABV - 50%
  • Nose - Maple, butterscotch, poached pear, banana
  • Palate - Sweet notes of toffee and bitter chocolate with a silky, leathery finish

The limited-edition Decade Series Release #01 has a suggested retail price of $99.00. It is now available at ReserveBar.com and select retailers nationwide.

The Heaven's Door portfolio of award-winning whiskeys includes the Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, $49.99 SRP), Double Barrel Whiskey (100 proof, $49.99 SRP), and Straight Rye Whiskey (92 proof, $79.99 SRP). Heaven's Door is the perfect melding of art and craft, as each bottle features co-creator Bob Dylan's unique ironwork sculptures.

Heaven's Door's portfolio of whiskeys is available nationwide and online via shop.heavensdoor.com. For more information about the brand, visit www.heavensdoor.com or engage with the brand on Instagram or Facebook

About Heaven's Door Spirits, LLC:

Heaven's Door Spirits is a partnership between legendary musician and visual artist Bob Dylan and Spirits Investment Partnership ("SIP"). Heaven's Door Spirits is Bob Dylan's first and only consumer brand partnership in his 50-year career. Website: www.heavensdoor.com.

About Bob Dylan:

Bob Dylan is generally regarded as one of the world's most influential and groundbreaking artists. In the decades since he first burst into the public's consciousness via New York City's Greenwich Village folk music scene in the early 1960s, Bob Dylan has sold more than 125 million records and amassed a singular body of work that includes some of the greatest and most popular songs the world has ever known. He continues to traverse the globe each year, performing more than 100 concerts annually in front of audiences who embrace his new material with the same passion as his classic output. In recent years, his work as an author and visual artist has further burnished his popularity and acclaim; a worldwide best-selling memoir, Chronicles Vol. 1, spent 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List, in 2004, and several major exhibitions of his paintings and iron gates have been shown in recent years at some of the world's most prestigious museums and galleries.

About Spirits Investment Partners:

Spirits Investment Partners ("SIP") is a boutique spirits innovation and brand development company comprised of a team of highly seasoned professionals with expertise in new product development, branding, sales, marketing, structured finance and investing. Website: https://www.spiritsinvestors.com/

©2022 Heaven's Door Spirits. Please Drink Heaven's Door Responsibly

SOURCE Heaven's Door Spirits, LLC

CONTACT: Ian Rapport, ian.rapport@citizenrelations.com



Sunday, July 10, 2022

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Vol. 1, Issue 09

BBB is back with the latest blurbs on 15 Stars Fine Aged Bourbon, Rebel Bourbon auction for Ukraine, Distillery of Modern Art, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, Warbringer Mesquite Smoked Bourbon, Jackie Zykan and Hidden Barn, Playboy's Rare Hare 1953, Old Forester 117, and Forgotten 50 Distilling.

                                                                                                           

They set out to make Kentucky bourbon from popcorn. Then they started winning awards.

New bourbon brand 15 Stars has been winning awards with its very first releases, a 14-year-old called Timeless Reserve, and a new 7- and 15-year-old release coming in July. Provided
A Kentucky bourbon you’ve probably never heard of has been racking up rave reviews and awards. And they owe it all to a special popcorn.

15 Stars Fine Aged Bourbon, released by a father and son team working with Bardstown Bourbon Co., won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards and won Double Platinum from the ASCOT Awards created by Louisville-based spirits critic Fred Minnick.

Their first limited-release bourbon, 15 Stars 14 Year Old Timeless Reserve, was a finalist for best straight bourbon at San Francisco, according to Rick Johnson, who started the company with his son, Ricky, three years ago.

Their first bourbon is in stores only in Kentucky, in very limited release of only 1,650, with a suggested retail price of $279 a bottle. It’s 103 proof with a nose of butterscotch and maple, a palate of dark chocolate and molasses and a finish of dark chocolate, oak and coffee, according to the tasting notes.

The next release, called 15 Stars 7&15, blends two bourbons of those ages and will be available in late July in stores in Kentucky including Liquor Barn and Total Wine & More. That bourbon also was awarded Double Platinum in the 2022 ASCOT Awards. It will have a suggested retail price of $139 a bottle. It is 107 proof with a nose of cinnamon, rose petals and apricot, a palate of citrus and spice and soft toasted oak finish.

Read the full article here.

                                                                                                           

SB and Lux Row to auction barrel for Ukraine

Lux Row Distillers and The Spirits Business have partnered to auction a barrel of Rebel Bourbon to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Read the full article here.

                                                                                                           

Spirits and art highlighted at new distillery

 
Distillery of Modern Art - the name says it all.

The newest entry to metro Atlanta’s craft libation scene is also a modern art gallery.
The venue officially opened June 16. It’s been under construction for 19 months—delayed in part by the pandemic. The former sign manufacturing site in a nondescript corner of Chamblee has been transformed into an open, airy, trendy space where seven liquors (vodka, peach vodka, gin, corn whiskey, rye whiskey, bourbon and amaro peach) are produced.

Read the full article here.

                                                                                                           

Whiskey Wednesday: Take a Hike With Five Trail Whiskey

 
This week, we try a new blended whiskey from ... Coors?

Now, Molson Coors has made the leap to the spirits side of the business with the venerable beer company’s first whiskey, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey. Retailing at around $60 a bottle, this whiskey lives squarely in the premium price point, so it had better be something special, right? Well, aside from the novelty of being Coors’ first whiskey, it really is a pretty unique blended whiskey.
The blend is listed as 45 percent wheated bourbon from Indiana, 35 percent four-grain bourbon from Kentucky, 15 percent Colorado single malt, and 5 percent 13-year-old bourbon from Kentucky. The Colorado component was distilled using the same barley that Coors uses in its beers, so that’s one local stamp on the product. Another Colorado touch is when the four whiskeys are de-barreled and blended in Kentucky, Colorado river water is used to dilute the final product down to 95 proof.

The result is definitely a nice whiskey, exhibiting the sweeter corn/vanilla/caramel elements of the bourbon components and the complexity of the older Kentucky bourbon. But the single malt from Coors barley adds a lovely grain element to make the blend more interesting.

Read the full article on the Nashville Scene.

                                                                                                           

Ventura County Distillery Wins Award for Best Pot Still Bourbon in America


Warbringer Mesquite Smoked Bourbon, made by Sespe Creek Distillery in Oxnard, California, took the country's top award at this year's World Whiskies Awards competition.

Read the full article here.

                                                                                                           

Master Taster Leaves Bourbon ‘Dream Job’ To Start New Brand

There are dream jobs. And then, there’s owning your own company.

Former Old Forester master taster Jackie Zykan leaves what WSJ called a “whiskey lover’s dream job” for a shot at a whiskey brand called “Hidden Barn,” her partnership with two 5280 Whiskey Society founders and Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery.

Read the full Forbes article by Fred Minnick here.

                                                                                                           

Playboy Debuting “Rare Hare 1953” 17 Year Bourbon Release

PLBY Company, Inc (Owner of Playboy) has teamed up with Spirit Investment Partners (SIP) to create the release of Rare Hare 1953, an ultra-premium 17-year aged straight bourbon. Marking the inaugural whiskey offering from Playboy Spirits, a joint venture of PLBY Group and Spirit Investment Partners (SIP), the Rare Hare brand expects to offer a portfolio of ultra-premium spirits in select markets around the world beginning with the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. 

A fitting tribute to the year Playboy was founded, the Rare Hare 1953 Anniversary Edition is a 17-year Kentucky bourbon finished in XXO Cognac casks from the Champagne region of France. Per the brand, Rare Hare 1953 is imbued with subtle notes of Grande Champagne and Fine Champagne grapes with hints of candied fruit and spices. Bottled at 111 proof and packaged in a commemorative box, only 1,953 bottles will be released for the U.S. market launch and 1,953 bottles for select markets in Asia and Europe.

Each bottle is individually numbered and comes in a sleek custom box equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology.  The NFC chip will give inaugural 1953 owners access to the Rare Hare Society offering exclusive luxury travel experiences, intimate events, private barrel releases and more. 

Rare Hare 1953 is available for purchase for $589 (suggested retail price) at select retail locations or online at rareharespirits.com.

                                                                                                           

Old Forester's Next Release in the 117 Series: Whiskey Row Fire

The limited-edition release marks the 7th anniversary of the fire on Whiskey Row and commemorates the bravery of the Louisville Fire Department

 
LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Old Forester Distilling Co. announces the release of the newest installment of The 117 Series – Whiskey Row Fire.

This commemorative bottle honors the 7th anniversary of the fire on Whiskey Row that nearly destroyed the historic block.

"I remember that day and that fire vividly," Louisville Fire Chief Greg Frederick said. "We are extremely proud of our brave firefighters who risked their lives and saved the block."

On July 7, 2015, a four-alarm fire ravaged the buildings on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. Teams of brave Louisville first responders were able to contain and extinguish the catastrophe, preserving the site for the Old Forester Distillery at 117/119 West Main. The block is now home to restaurants, bars, a hotel and other businesses – and has become a tourist destination.

In 2020, men and women of Louisville Fire, many of whom fought the blaze, selected eight single barrels from a lot filled the same day they extinguished the fire. All 8 barrels sold out in two days and proceeds were donated to the Louisville Firefighter Disaster Fund.

The remainder of the barrels filled that day slumbered an additional two years in the warehouse and are now batched together to create the 117 Series - Fireman Barrels.

At nearly 7 years old - these barrels are fully mature and wise in character.

Today, Frederick and Louisville Fire Department members were special guests of Old Forester and toured the distillery. In addition, Old Forester is making a charity donation to the Louisville Fire Department to help firefighters who are in distress.

The 117 Series is a limited-expression lineup that debuted in Spring 2021.

Old Forester Whiskey Row Fire is bottled at 100 proof and will be available starting July 7th at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. for $59.99 in limited quantities. Visit OldForester.com for more information.

Tasting notes: 

  • Color: Dark orange brown
  • Aroma: Sweet notes of honey comb, malt and marzipan mingle with delicate cedar and fresh oak notes atop cherries laced with vanilla cream.
  • Flavor: Brown sugar, marzipan, vanilla and honey sweeten a mix of berry fruit.
  •  Finish: Long notes of honey and vanilla linger with a touch of fruit.

About the 117 Series:

The 117 Series offers a deep dive, or deconstruction, on how either the individual Old Forester Whiskey Row Series expressions are crafted or highlights other historical moments of Old Forester's history on W. Main Street.

About Brown-Forman:

For 152 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's & Cola, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Slane, and Fords Gin. Brown-Forman's brands are supported by over 4,800 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit https://www.brown-forman.com/.

About Old Forester Bourbon:

Old Forester is Brown-Forman's founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, "There is nothing better in the market."

Please sip responsibly.

Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 50% Alc. by Vol., Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. ©2022 Brown-Forman. All rights reserved. Please do not share or forward this content with anyone under the legal drinking age.

SOURCE Old Forester Distilling Co.

CONTACT: Chris Poynter, Chris_poynter@b-f.com

                                                                                                          

New Distillery in Berlin Aims For September Opening


While work is still underway, connections of a new distillery in Berlin, Maryland are hopeful it will be open in September.

Forgotten 50 Distilling, located on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin, received its Class 1 distilling license last week and continues to move closer toward opening. The extensive renovations required for the building, and the decision to serve food as well as drinks, have kept the distillery’s connections busy for the past year.

Check out the full story here.