Michter's To Release 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon For First Time Since 2021
Whiskey Boom In Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington's distillery scene is still young, with End of Days Distillery celebrating its third anniversary and Blue Shark Vodka gradually expanding since selling its first bottle in 2019. With new distilleries opening last year, there is still a lot of room to grow, and more spirit-makers are adding bourbons and whiskeys to their offerings. For example, Wilmington Distillery's Regulator is a blend of mostly bourbon with a small percentage of whiskey, while Momentum Distillery recently introduced its Rye Whiskey, which is aged with Brazilian hardwood on-site. Additionally, the Bloomquist family behind Blue Shark Vodka is aging a limited bourbon release for six years and plans to introduce an aged rum from Barbados in 2024. For the full article, click HERE.
Four Colorado Distillers Won Big At 'the Whiskey Magazine Awards – America 2023'
Four Colorado distilleries took home awards at 'The Whiskey Magazine Awards – America 2023' ceremony held at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. Storm King Distilling Company won 'Best American Whiskey' for their Side Gig expression, while Breckenridge Distillery won three awards in the blended whiskey categories. Distillery 291 won in the 'Best American New Make & Young Spirit' category, Hogback Distillery won 'Best American Single Cask Single Malt,' and Taluka Distillery won 'Best American Pot Still.' The awards recognize excellence in American whiskey-making, and a full list of winners can be found on the event's website. For the full article, click HERE.
Oak & Eden Launches A New Whiskey Customizer
Oak & Eden, a whiskey brand based in Southlake, Texas, has launched a new Whiskey Customizer that allows customers to personalize their bottles of whiskey. The customization process involves selecting a base from rye, bourbon, wheated bourbon, or four-grain bourbon at either 90 proof or 114 proof, and then choosing from American oak or French oak spires that have been soaked in 11 different infusions, including vanilla, port wine, coffee, cabernet, and orange liqueur. Each bottle is given its own name on the label and costs between $59 and $79, with nationwide shipping available for an additional fee. Oak & Eden claims to be the first national spirit brand to offer single bottle customization at this scale, with over 200 variations available to choose from. For the full article, click HERE.
Five American Single Malt Whiskeys to Try
The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC), founded by representatives from small distilleries across the US in 2016, now has over 100 member producers advocating for a regulatory definition of American single malt whiskey. Domestic sales of American single malt are growing rapidly, and producers are experimenting with innovative flavors and maturation techniques. Five standout American single malts are highlighted, including Virginia Distillery Co.'s Courage & Conviction, Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt, Westward Whiskey's American Single Malt Cask Strength, Corsair Distillery's Triple Smoke American Single Malt Whiskey, and Balcones "1" Texas Single Malt Whisky. For the full article, click HERE.
The Hidden Black History Behind How Whiskey Was Created
Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, two classic American spirits, have roots in Black history, with evidence showing that Black hands took on much of the work in their production. Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green, a Black man, was the master distiller who taught Jack Daniel how to make Tennessee whiskey. Although he was not able to start his own distillery, he is recognized as the first master distiller of Jack Daniel's, and his influence is acknowledged in other brands, including Fawn Weaver's Uncle Nearest whiskey brand. Other Black-owned distilleries, like Saint Liberty Whiskey, are also honoring the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the industry. For the full article, click HERE.
American Whiskey From 170-Year-Old Shipwreck Could Be Worth Millions
In 1854, a ship called The Westmoreland sank in Lake Michigan, carrying 280 barrels of whiskey. In 2010, the wreckage was discovered by a diver, who found the whiskey still preserved in the cold, calm waters. This "banished bourbon" has now captured the attention of whiskey enthusiasts who are interested in the unique taste that results from unintentional aging at the bottom of the sea. For the full article, click HERE.
Vermont’s New Distillery
Source: Village Garage Distillery website
Village Garage Distillery is a new attraction located in Bennington, Vermont, that has become popular among locals and tourists alike. It was created by two friends who wanted to offer the community a place to enjoy the bourbon, whiskey, and vodka made on-site. Since its opening in August 2021, the distillery has attracted visitors from all over. If you're looking for a fun and unique experience in Bennington, Village Garage Distillery may be worth checking out. For the full article, click HERE.
Black Button Distilling + Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra = Limited Sonic-Aged Bourbon
Source: Black Button Distilling website
Black Button Distilling and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra have collaborated to release a limited edition bourbon that has been sonic-aged by playing a piece of music directly to the aging barrel. The pulsating sound waves agitate the bourbon, resulting in a more vibrant and flavorful whiskey. The piece of music chosen for this collaboration was the RPO's performance of Beethoven's Egmont Overture, which was played for six straight months. Only 100 bottles of this limited edition Sonic Aged Bourbon are available for purchase at Black Button Distilling's location in Rochester. The RPO has been committed to enriching and inspiring its community through music since 1922. For the full article, click HERE.
Old Forester Is Letting You Sleep In "The Sleepeasy"
(megan resch photography | Brown Forman)
Old Forester's new initiative, "The Sleepeasy," offers an immersive experience for whiskey lovers. The one-bedroom apartment located on Whiskey Row in Louisville features vintage memorabilia from the brand's archives, a full kitchen, a queen-sized bed, and more. Guests who book the three-night experience will receive a personalized meet-and-greet with Master Taster Melissa Rift, lessons on crafting cocktails, a tour and tasting at Old Forester Distillery, and the chance to purchase limited-edition Old Forester whiskies, including the new 117 Series Warehouse H bourbon. The best part is that all proceeds from "The Sleepeasy" will go to the Center for Women and Families, a Louisville-based non-profit that helps women and families in crisis. This initiative is an excellent example of how businesses can give back to their communities while offering unique experiences to their customers. For the full article, click HERE.
That's all for this edition of BBB! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest news and trends in the American whiskey industry. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a curious newcomer, there's always something new to discover in this fascinating and constantly evolving world of spirits. Stay tuned for more updates, and until next time, cheers!
