Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Vol. 1, Issue 08

Time for another Bourbon Barrel Blurbs (BBB) where we link you to bourbon articles around the country. In this issue, we're looking at what are the best whiskey glasses, The American Whiskey Collective, Bardstown Bourbon Company's acquisition of Green River Spirits Company, talking sourcing with Cat’s Eye Distillery co-owner Gene Nassif, Brad Paisley's American Highway Reserve Bourbon, and more.

                                                                                                                                          

The Best Whiskey Glasses for Sipping Your Favorite Bourbon, Scotch and Rye

Will Price, writing for The Robb Report, tries to get the bottom of an age old discussion; what is the best whiskey glass for sipping your favorite libation. Read the article here and let me know what you think the best glass is in the comments.

                                                                                                                                          

PERNOD RICARD DOUBLES DOWN ON AMERICAN WHISKEY

"American Whiskey Collective" Created to Drive Growth for Jefferson's, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler and TX Whiskeys

Capitalizing on the strong growth – and growth potential -- of its American whiskey portfolio, Pernod Ricard is creating a dedicated business unit – The American Whiskey Collective -- to manage marketing and production of its premium, challenger American whiskey brands.

For the full press release, click here.

                                                                                                                                          

Bardstown Bourbon Company to acquire Green River Distilling

Bardstown Bourbon Company, an innovative distiller, producer and bottler of premium Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Green River Spirits Company. The acquisition is scheduled to close in July, subject to customary closing approvals and conditions. The transaction will bring together two leading Kentucky bourbon producers into a strong, independent spirits company with a commitment to Kentucky whiskey.

Distilling more than seven million proof gallons annually, Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the top 10 distilled spirits producers in the country. As a complement to its innovative contract distilling capabilities, Bardstown Bourbon Company has steadily built its own brand through its award-winning Discovery, Fusion and Collaborative Series. Green River Spirits Company will add the Green River brand as well as two production sites, positioning the combined business for continued growth in both Kentucky whiskey and custom distillation. Bringing together the historic legacy of Green River and the modern bourbon experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company provides an enticing and distinguished selection of Kentucky whiskey for bourbon drinkers and visitors.

“We’re excited to forge this new partnership, which brings together two world-class teams and expands the breadth of our portfolio and the number of customers served,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company. “Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded to honor the traditions and history of Kentucky bourbon while taking a wholly modern approach. The addition of one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky allows us to offer a comprehensive assortment that showcases the state’s flagship industry.”

The acquisition includes the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, which is the 10th oldest distillery in the state, and a state-of-the-art spirits production facility in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to its flagship Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Green River Spirits Company has a vibrant contract distillation business producing whiskey, rye, vodka, rum, gin, and flavored whiskey.

Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded by Peter Loftin in 2014 to offer custom distilling solutions to brands seeking scale or customization in the American whiskey market. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s branded whiskies are now available in 20 markets nationwide.

Bardstown Bourbon Company is a member of Pritzker Private Capital, which partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products and services sectors. The firm’s differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com.

                                                                                                                                         

An Insider’s Look At Spirits Sourcing: An Interview with Obtainium’s Gene Nassif

Drinkhacker's David Tao sits down with Cat’s Eye Distillery co-owner Gene Nassif to discuss spirits sourcing. Cat’s Eye, a Bettendorf-based micro distillery more widely known for its “Obtainium” brand sourced products. For the full article, click here.

                                                                                                                                         

Review: American Highway Reserve Route 1 and Route 2

Picture courtesy of American Highway Reserve.

Country music star Brad Paisley, in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Co., aged his American Highway Reserve Bourbon in barrels stored inside a 53-foot semi-trailer, dubbed the “rolling rickhouse” that followed his 2019 tour across the US of A for more than 7,000 miles. The first release, dubbed Route 1, was a blend of sourced Kentucky high-rye bourbons aged 3 to 15 years. The latest release, Route 2, followed Brad’s 2021 tour which traveled even more miles and includes 4- and 12-year old Kentucky stocks, as well as a majority share of bourbon distilled in Georgia(!). Drinkhacker's Drew Beard gives us his thoughts as he reviews both releases. Find the full review here.

                                                                                                                                        

Five Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons Made In Kentucky

Michael R. Veach, from bourbonveachdotcom, reviews five Kentucky-produced bottled-in-bond bourbons that are new to the market. Some are hard to find outside of Kentucky, but it will give people something to look for when visiting Kentucky. Find the full reviews here.

                                                                                                                                        

Top 10 Bourbon Buys Under $75

David Morrow over at the Whiskey Raiders writes, "We put together this list of the top 10 bourbons to find for under $75 to help bourbon veterans and novices alike find some great bottles without breaking the bank." To see the list, along with the Whiskey Raiders comments, click here.