Saturday, April 29, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 12

The latest edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs (BBB) features news and updates in the bourbon industry, including reviews of Grand Teton Distillery's 8-year-old bourbon and New Liberty Distillery's Bloody Butcher bourbon. Other highlights include award-winning whiskies from Burton James Whiskey and Bardstown Bourbon Company, Sugarlands Distilling Company's Roaming Man Edition XV whiskey now available for purchase, Rock Town Distillery's new product line, an article about Twisted Path Distillery, and Two Souls Spirits announcing their ultra-rare spring release. Additionally, BBB takes a closer look at Copper Fox Distillery's expansion plans, Broad Branch Distillery's double gold medal win, and Fawn Weaver's mission to thank military members. The edition also features reviews of Chattanooga Whiskey's limited edition Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Finished Malt Whiskey and Still Austin Whiskey Co.'s double gold medal win at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and highlights Jack Daniel's limited-edition Tennessee Whiskey bottle, created in partnership with McLaren Racing.


Drinkhacker’s Review Of Grand Teton Private Stock Bourbon 8 Years Old

This is Drinkhacker’s Christopher Null’s review of Grand Teton Distillery's 8-year-old bourbon, aged at an elevation of 6000 feet in Idaho. The bourbon is made from a mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley and only 16 barrels were produced. The review describes the nose as woody and woodsy with moderate notes of mint, cloves, and pepper. On the palate, the bourbon is described as having a nutty element and a slick baking spice quality with notes of gunpowder and gingerbread. The finish is said to offer a pungent, lingering heat, evoking mint as it fades out. The reviewer concludes that it is a solid bourbon that is heavy on the nuts but complicated with plenty more to chew on. It is priced at $80 and is given an A- rating. For the full article, click HERE.


Drinkhacker’s Review Of New Liberty Bloody Butcher Bourbon 12 Months Old

The New Liberty Distillery's Bloody Butcher bourbon is made from a corn-heavy mash of the eponymously named corn variety grown in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, along with malted rye and malted barley. This expression is aged for just 12 months in new oak barrels. The whiskey has an aggressively oaky nose with a dark caramel sweetness that emerges with time. The palate is dominated by well-charred oak, with flavors of toasted popcorn and bitter, tannic cloves. The whiskey eventually reveals some charm with notes of caramel, chocolate, and butterscotch. The finish is sweet, with sawdust and some brutish qualities. The Bloody Butcher feels young and rough around the edges, but the potential for the older expressions is there. The whiskey is 95 proof and earns a grade of B-. The price is not available. For the full article, click HERE.


Burton James Whiskey Win Both A Gold And Silver Medal

Congratulations to Burton James Whiskey on its recent success at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition! Winning both a gold and silver medal is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality of their products. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most respected and competitive spirits competitions in the world, so this is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of. Well done! For more information, click https://www.burtonjameswhiskey.com/.


Roaming Man Edition XV Out Now

Sugarlands Distilling Company’s Roaming Man Edition XV whiskey is now available for purchase and tasting at the downtown Gatlinburg distillery, starting from Friday, April 28th, 2023, while supplies last. Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey is a cask strength whiskey distilled by Sugarlands Distilling Company. For more information, click HERE.


Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Award-Winning Whiskies And Summer Patio Series

Bardstown Bourbon Company won several awards at the SF World Spirits Competition for their Origin Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Origin Series Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and Collaborative Series Château de Laubade II. They also announced the launch of their Summer Patio Series with a limited release collaboration with Scout & Scholar brewery, featuring a 12-year Kentucky bourbon finished in barrels that previously held Master Distiller Steve Nally's 50th Anniversary Blend and his imperial wheat beer. The product will be available exclusively at the distillery starting May 12th.


Rock Town Distillery Bottles New Product Line

Rock Town Distillery, based in Arkansas, has collaborated with Bardstown Bourbon Company's Collaborative Distilling Program to produce a new bourbon line, The Column Still Collection. The line features a toasted French oak barrel finished straight bourbon whiskey, a small batch straight bourbon whiskey, and a single barrel cask strength straight bourbon whiskey. The use of Bardstown's column stills allowed for a significant production run, more than Rock Town could make in years on its own. The barrels, made in Arkansas and Kentucky, were aged at Rock Town's warehouse in Little Rock. The new bourbons can be found in liquor stores throughout Arkansas, as well as in several other states. The Collaborative Distilling Program is part of Bardstown Bourbon's core philosophy of collaboration and transparency, and it allows smaller distillers to increase their volume and produce their own custom bourbon without investing in extensive infrastructure or high labor costs. For more information, click HERE.


Twisted Path “Made From Scratch In Milwaukee”

Nice article from Shepherd Express about Twisted Path Distillery, a small-batch craft distiller located in Bay View, Milwaukee. The founder and distiller, Brian Sammons, uses only the finest organic ingredients to create unique and constantly evolving recipes for their rum, vodka, gin, and whiskey. Sammons explains how his products are gluten-free and that he uses different yeasts for each product. Twisted Path Distillery offers tours and is certified organic by the USDA. For the full article, click HERE.


Two Souls Spirits Announce Ultra-Rare Spring Release

Two Souls Spirits, an independent bottler of American craft spirits, has announced its 2023 Spring Collection. The collection includes two limited-release single-barrel whiskeys from Watershed Distillery and Sutherland Distilling, which will be exclusively available for online purchase on their website. The 6-year 100% corn bourbon from Sutherland Distilling, the first release in their new 'Ghost Barrel' series, represents the last remaining whiskey from the distillery, which closed in February. The American Single Malt from Watershed is a one-off, never-before-released whiskey, with an apple brandy barrel finish that adds a complex fruitiness. Two Souls Spirits follows the Scottish model of independent bottling, offering 100% transparency from start to finish. For more information, click HERE.


Copper Fox Distillery Has Big Plans For The Future

Copper Fox Distillery, which produces Copper Fox Original American Single Malt, a whiskey that takes four years to age, is struggling to keep up with demand. The distillery, which opened in 2015, sources its grain locally and malted and kilned on-site using wood from fruit trees such as apple, peach, and cherry. Copper Fox's success is attributed to its steady growth in the niche craft beverage industry, which has resulted in the distillery hosting regular special events, including a whiskey tasting at the Tartan Day celebration. Copper Fox employs 14 people locally and is focused on expanding its engagement with the community. The distillery is actively pursuing new partnerships and opportunities. Copper Fox will continue to expand its products, marketing, and product development. More information can be found HERE.


Broad Branch Distillery Earns Double Gold Medal

Congratulations to Broad Branch on their recent achievements at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition! It's impressive to hear that both of their submissions, the Wood Exploration Series Barrel 21 and Rye Fidelity 6-year Bottled in Bond, were recognized with medals. The team at Broad Branch has put a great deal of care and passion into their craft, with a focus on aging spirits on their timeline. It's exciting to see such dedication to quality and innovation being recognized on a global scale. For those interested in trying these award-winning whiskies, they can be found in North Carolina ABC stores or at the Broad Branch tasting room in downtown Winston-Salem. For more information, click HERE.


This Whiskey CEO’s Mission To Thank Military Members

Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, is touring the US to personally thank her military customers. The company, which was launched in 2017 to honor Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African American master distiller, has won several industry awards and was one of the country’s top five fastest-growing whiskeys by volume growth in 2018-19, according to IWSR. Weaver's tour will visit more than 35 military installations and includes hosting Happy Hours at 1856 hours toasting the armed forces. For the full article, click HERE.


Drinkhacker’s David Tao Reviews Chattanooga Whiskey Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Finished Malt Whiskey

Chattanooga Whiskey has released a limited edition of their Finishing Series, a blend of malt mashbills finished in Silver Oak Cabernet casks. This expression features five single malt mashbills, aged over four years, including an 18+ month finish in the Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon casks. On the nose, there are notes of malt, dark fruit, toasted nuts, and vanilla extract. The palate is caramelized and toasted with hints of blackberry, toasted pecans, vanilla, and honey leading to caramelized banana. The finish has a smokiness and spice with a lingering coffee note. The wine influence is subtle, and the whiskey is not overpowered. The Finishing Series is available at the distillery and in broad distribution at 95 proof. This is a fun and layered blend of single malt mashbills with a touch of bitterness on the finish. The full article can be found on Drinkhacker.


Still Austin Whiskey Co. Wins Double Gold Medals At The 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Still Austin Whiskey Co. has announced that its Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey have won Double Gold medals at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, adding to the Double Gold already won by its Straight Bourbon. This means that all three of Still Austin’s flagship whiskeys have now been awarded Double Gold medals. The company makes its whiskey in-house using Texas-grown grains and distills it in Austin. The team carefully tests barrels and selects the most complex and primed ones to be bottled. Still Austin spirits are available for purchase online and at select retail stores in Texas. For the full article, click HERE.


Jack Daniel’s Releases McLaren Racing Limited-Edition Tennessee Whiskey Bottle

It's worth noting that the limited-edition Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey featuring the custom label and packaging honoring the partnership with McLaren Racing is set to drop in May. While the label and box are new, the whiskey inside is the same Old No. 7, which is charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey made with a mashbill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley and bottled at 80 proof. The limited-edition bottle is meant to celebrate the shared spirit of independence, authenticity, and boldness between the two brands, as well as honor the founders of both companies, Jack Daniel and Bruce McLaren. The bottle will be available in select Formula 1 markets across the globe. For more information, click HERE.


That's all for this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs. We hope you enjoyed the exciting news and updates in the world of whiskey. Remember to drink responsibly, and stay tuned for the next edition of BBB. Cheers!

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 11

The latest Bourbon Barrel Blurbs highlight several exciting developments in the world of bourbon. First, 1845 Distilling Co. won Double Gold, Gold, and Silver medals for their Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Whiskey Acres earned a double gold medal for their bottled in bond bourbon, made from heirloom corn. In addition, Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits earned impressive awards at the same competition while Elijah Craig has been named the Official Bourbon of the Ryder Cup. Tamworth Distilling has released The Old Man of the Mountain Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is hosting a Grand Tasting event from May 15-21. Buffalo Trace is releasing an experimental peated bourbon as part of its Experimental Collection, while Furman University has launched its own private-label straight bourbon whiskey called FU All the Time made in partnership with Ironclad Distillery. Finally, Blackland Distillery is launching its flagship Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Chattanooga Whiskey has released their Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend.


1845 Distilling Co. Wins At The San Francisco World Spirits Competition

1845 Distilling Co has been awarded Double Gold, Gold, and Silver medals for their Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon in various categories at the San Francisco Competition, which had over 5,000 entries this year. They have also been named one of the three finalists for the Best of Class award, which will be announced in June in Las Vegas. To celebrate their achievements, they will release a limited supply of Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon earlier than anticipated and invite visitors to their distillery to taste and purchase their award-winning products. For more information, click HERE.


Illinois Estate Distillery Makes Heirloom Corn Bourbons

Whiskey Acres is a craft distillery in Illinois that produces bourbon using a "seed to spirit" approach, where they grow all the corn, wheat, rye, and barley used in their spirits. They selected three specific varieties of yellow dent corn for their bottled in bond bourbon, which won double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. Whiskey Acres is unique in that they distill single, heirloom grain spirits and use a proprietary blend of corn to showcase the high-quality grains they grow. This sets them apart from other bourbon producers who typically use commodity corn and cannot track the identity of the genetics of the corn used. The full article can be found on Forbes.


Elijah Craig And The Ryder Cup

Elijah Craig has been named the "Official Bourbon" and a Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup in a multi-year partnership between Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America. The partnership will be showcased at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome and the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York. For the full article, click HERE.


Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits Wins Big At San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Congratulations to Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits on their impressive awards at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition! It's an honor to receive four Double Gold Medals and seven Gold Medals from such a prestigious competition.
Barrell Craft Spirits earned Double Gold Medals for Barrell Dovetail and Barrell Seagrass, and Gold Medals for Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, Barrell Bourbon Batch 035, Barrell Bourbon Private Release Bourbon GXA1, Barrell Private Release Whiskey QJC1 Finished in a Cognac Park XO Cask, and Barrell Private Release Whiskey DJA2 Finished in a St. Agrestis Brooklyn Amaro Cask. Each of these spirits has unique and interesting flavor profiles, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of Barrell Craft Spirits.
Stellum Spirits also received Double Gold Medals for Stellum Rye and Stellum Fibonacci Rye, and Gold Medals for Stellum Bourbon and Stellum Lone Cypress Rye. Their use of different mash bills and blending techniques has resulted in a range of complex and flavorful spirits that clearly impressed the judges.

Overall, these awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teams at Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits in producing exceptional spirits.


The Old Man Of The Mountain Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

Tamworth Distilling’s The Old Man of the Mountain Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon is made from 82.4% organic yellow corn, 11% organic rye, and 6.6% malted barley. It was aged for four years at 100 proof in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and uses traditional sour mash press for fermentation. The bourbon is distilled using old-world double pot methods and aged in Kentucky-made 53-gallon barrels with #3 char. It exhibits notes of vanilla, caramel, fruitcake, black pepper, and cherry with a medium finish. Visit OldManoftheMountainBourbon.com for more information.


Tennessee Whiskey Trail Experience Grand Tasting Event

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Half Full Productions are hosting the 2nd Annual Tennessee Whiskey Trail Experience from May 15-21. The event will feature several whiskey-related events, including a Blend Your Own Bottle, a tour and BBQ at Jack Daniel’s, a Women in Whiskey Brunch, and a Grand Tasting. Participating distilleries include Old Dominick Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Company, and Jack Daniel’s Distillery. More information and tickets are available now at www.TnWhiskeyTrailExperience.com.


Blackland Distillery’s Long-Awaited Flagship Bourbon Finally Arrives In Fort Worth

Blackland Distillery is launching its flagship Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey on May 4. The bourbon has been aged for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels and is made using 100 percent Texas grains sourced from Texas farmers. The recipe is a blend of 80 percent yellow corn and 20 percent triticale. More information can be found HERE.


Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend Release Now Available

Chattanooga Whiskey is a distillery located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that produces a variety of whiskeys using traditional and innovative methods. Their Solera Room is home to three unique charred oak barrels that hold whiskeys from the past, present, and future, which are blended each year by Founder Tim Piersant to create a solera-style expression.

The Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend is a combination of whiskeys from Chattanooga, TN, and Lawrenceburg, IN, aged for over two years in 53-gallon, toasted and charred oak barrels. The blend includes 25% 1816RES, 50% SB091, and 25% INFINITY mash bills and has a proof of 100 (50% Alc/Vol).

The tasting notes for the Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend include berry cobbler, rhubarb, tobacco, vanilla bean, and bergamot orange. The batch size for this blend is 9-11 barrels, and it will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery today before being released to select states and Seelbachs.com.


Buffalo Trace Releasing An Experimental Peated Bourbon

Buffalo Trace is releasing a peated bourbon as part of its Experimental Collection. The new Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon is the 26th installment in the collection, which started in 2006. While the collection is called "experimental," the distilling team combines traditional production processes with innovative ingredients, mash bills, and barrel treatment to produce a unique expression. This expression's star is peat, which the team experimented with to see how it would affect the mash bill. The result is a smoked peated malt with a slightly smoky characteristic. The new expression will be available in May 2023 in limited quantities of 375-milliliter bottles at select retailers and restaurants, with a suggested retail price of $46.99. For the full article, click HERE.


Furman Launches FU All The Time Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Furman University has launched its own private-label straight bourbon whiskey called FU All the Time. The bourbon debuted at the launch party for the Clearly Furman campaign on April 15 and is made in partnership with Ironclad Distillery. It is made with four grains, corn, wheat and rye from Virginia, and malted barley, and aged in South Carolina oak barrels for at least three years. FU All the Time is smooth and fruity on the front end, with a biscuit flavor on the back of the tongue, and a rye bite that mellows out the 100 proof. It is currently available online and in liquor stores and restaurants across the Upstate, with statewide distribution coming soon. For more information, click HERE.


These latest Blurbs showcase the ongoing creativity and ingenuity of the bourbon industry, with distilleries constantly pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence. From the use of heirloom corn to the launch of new flagship bourbons, there is always something exciting happening in the world of bourbon. Whether you're a longtime bourbon aficionado or just discovering this rich and complex spirit, these latest developments are definitely worth keeping an eye on.


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 10

In this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, we highlight a new collaborative series from Bardstown Bourbon Company featuring Foursquare Rum barrels, Breckenridge Distillery's World's Best Blended award, Tattersall Distilling Co.'s new Kernza grain whiskey, Silverback Distillery's sweep at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, O.H. Ingram's whiskey brand expansion, Paste's review of Booker's Bourbon "Charlie's Batch," and Cook's Mill Bourbon's historic connections. Finally, Michter's is expanding its capacity to meet high demand and is releasing its 10 Year Rye and Milam & Greene Whiskey has released Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon, the second release in its Wildlife Collection. So grab a glass and settle in for some exciting whiskey news.


Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Newest Collaboration To Feature Foursquare Rum

Bardstown Bourbon Company will release a new collaborative series of blended Straight Rye and Bourbon, finished in Foursquare Barbados Rum barrels, starting from April 21, 2023. The custom blend of 7-year-old rye and 17-year-old bourbon, aged for 23 months in Foursquare Rum barrels, yields a concentrated expression that bursts with Barbados flavor. The series will be available in 26 states and online, with an SRP of $159.99. More information can be found HERE.


Breckenridge Distillery Won Big At World Whiskies Awards

Breckenridge Distillery's Breckenridge 105 High Proof has won the World's Best Blended award at the World Whiskies Awards in London. The 105 proof whiskey is blended and has notes of rich, dark caramel, toasted almonds, burnt chocolate, dried orange peel, vanilla, and spice. The award is one of many for the mountain distillery, which was founded in 2008 and has also won the World's Best Compound Gin award in 2021 and Colorado Distillery of the Year four times. More information can be found HERE.


Tattersall Distilling Co. Releases Its New Tattersall Kernza Perennial Grain Whiskey

Tattersall Distilling Co. has released the first 100% Kernza whiskey in the United States. The whiskey is made using the Kernza grain, which is billed as being better for the environment because it is a perennial crop that requires less tilling. Tattersall was tapped by the Land Institute of Kansas and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green initiative to see if there was an interest in working with the crop. For more information, click HERE.


Mother Daughter Duo Sweeps The 2023 New Orleans Bourbon

Silverback Distillery had a very successful showing at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, winning a total of six awards including the prestigious Best in Fest award. This independent craft distillery is owned by Christine "Hooch Mama" Riggleman and her daughter, Lauren "Baby Hooch" Riggleman, who is the youngest distiller in the United States. Their award-winning spirits include the Alpha Series Bourbon, Blackback Honey Rye Whiskey, and Strange Monkey Gin, among others. With over 20 international awards under their belt, Silverback Distillery is known for producing distinct, flavorful spirits using local grains, mountain water, and American craft(woman)ship. They have production facilities and tasting rooms in both Pennsylvania and Virginia, and are launching distribution in Kentucky this spring. For the full article, click HERE.


The O.H. Ingram Whiskey Brand Is In Expansion Mode.

It seems like O.H. Ingram is expanding its whiskey brand due to increased demand. The company has moved its floating barrel warehouses to a new facility in Columbus, Kentucky, which can accommodate up to 15 floating warehouses. With the two floating warehouses currently located in Columbus, O.H. Ingram will be able to mature up to 6,000 barrels of its River Aged whiskey on the Mississippi River. The brand is currently available in several U.S. states, including Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, and plans to expand further as supply allows.


Paste Reviews Booker’s Bourbon “Charlie’s Batch” (2023-01)

It sounds like Charlie's Batch, the latest release from Jim Beam's Booker's Bourbon brand, is an impressive whiskey with a rich, complex flavor profile. This batch is named after Charlie Hutchens, a former Jim Beam employee who designed and crafted the first wooden box for a bottle of Booker's for former Master Distiller Booker Noe. Hutchens has since continued to craft the boxes for all the years of Booker's that followed.

Charlie's Batch is presented at cask strength, with an ABV of about 63.3%. On the nose, it has notes of deeply caramelized sugars, charred oak, roasted nuts, brown sugar, almond extract, and herbal rye. The wood profile has a slightly funky, older oak aspect, while the ethanol is gentle and muted.

On the palate, Charlie's Batch has a deep, dark caramel flavor, with notes of vanilla and chocolate, savory herbal notes of rye, tobacco, and leather, and some black cherry and jammy fruitiness. The whiskey has a cinnamon brown sugar explosion, supported by modest oak tannin. Despite its high proof point, the ethanol is mild and disappears into the flavor profile, making the whiskey surprisingly drinkable. For the full article, click HERE.


Cook’s Mill Bourbon Has Strong Connections To A Storied Past

Cook’s Mill, located in Alamance County, North Carolina, was a gathering spot during the 1760s Regulator Movement, which some historians consider a catalyst for the American Revolution. Husband-and-wife team, Marc and Wendy Queen, purchased the mill with plans to restore it as a weekend getaway for themselves. However, they were struck by the mill's historic significance and decided to restore it as a working mill. While cleaning the mill, they discovered sacks of corn that had likely been stored there over fifty years ago, sparking the idea of distilling bourbon from locally produced heirloom corn. Through the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, five North Carolina farmers were enlisted to grow rare, heirloom corn varieties: Southern Beauty, Jimmy Red, Jackie Freeman, Levi Mallard, and Leco Milling. The Queens' partner, beverage industry veteran Morgan Chapman, helped develop the business side of things, and the first Cook’s Mill bourbon expression, introduced in October 2022, is distilled from North Carolina–grown corn. A portion of the proceeds from sales will go towards the ongoing restoration of the mill. More information can be found HERE.


Michter's Addresses Shortages, Announces New Release Of 10 Year Rye

Michter's is expanding its capacity to meet high demand for its whiskey by adding new fermenters, transitioning to a 24/7 operation, and investing in bottling equipment. Despite continuing to allocate all of its whiskeys, Michter's is releasing its 10 Year Rye, which has not been available since July 2022, and has a suggested retail price of $200 per 750ml bottle. More information can be found HERE.


Milam & Greene Whiskey Releases Bobcat Bourbon

Milam & Greene Whiskey has released Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon as the second release in its Wildlife Collection, which showcases the impact of Texas Hill Country weather on aging whiskey. Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon is named after the solitary, rarely seen bobcat and has been aged for over four years in new American oak barrels in Tennessee, followed by 10.5 months in Texas. It is a cask-strength, single-barrel bourbon with a mash bill of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. The release is limited to just 209 bottles, available for $99.99 exclusively on the Milam & Greene website and in the distillery tasting room. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle will benefit Texas Parks & Wildlife. For more information, click HERE.


That concludes this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs. We hope you enjoyed reading about the latest releases. Keep an eye out for more updates and news in the world of bourbon and whiskey. As always, please drink responsibly.


 

Monday, April 24, 2023

Latest Buzz in the World of Mead, Volume 02, Issue 04

In this Latest Buzz in the World of Mead, we have updates from various meaderies across the United States. 1634 Meadery is celebrating their eighth anniversary, Superstition Meadery has new releases in their 12oz cans, and Brillé Mead Company is the first meadery in Tucson, Arizona. Christina Garcia of Daily Meal explores whether mead is closer to wine or beer, while Bumbling Fools Mead opens a new tasting room in Minneapolis, and Foxes Den Meadery plans to open its doors to the public in Yorkville, Illinois. Lastly, the Celtic Cultural Alliance partners with Colony Meadery to host an event called “All About Mead”.


Eight Years Of 1634 Meadery

Congratulations to 1634 Meadery on their 8-year anniversary! It's great to hear that your meadery has been thriving and that you have been receiving support from locals and visitors alike. It's always inspiring to see small businesses succeed and grow.

I hope your celebration on Saturday, May 6th is a huge success and that you have a great time partying like Vikings! Cheers to many more years of success for your small business!

For more information, visit https://1634meadery.com/.


Is Mead Closer To Wine Or Beer?

Christina Garcia with Daily Meal dives in to find an answer. Meal Mead, a fermented beverage made from honey diluted with water and yeast, has a long history dating back thousands of years, with mythical and cultural significance in Norse legends. While it was thought to be the world's oldest alcoholic beverage, beer from 13,000 years ago in Israel has recently been discovered. Mead is distinguished from beer and wine by its use of honey as the primary fermentable sugar source. Mead can come in different types, with added fruit, spices, and varying strengths, and can be still or sparkling, sweet or dry. Mead shares some similarities with wine but also has unique characteristics, such as its honey flavor and longer fermentation time. The global beverage market value for mead, beer, and wine is reported at around $487M, $750B, and $339B, respectively, with potential for mead to grow in popularity. For the full article, click HERE.


New Releases From Superstition Meadery 

Superstition Meadery is releasing two of their flavors, Dune Bloom and BeeMosa, in 12oz cans. Dune Bloom is a sparkling prickly pear session mead with 6% ABV and costs $4.50 per can or $16 for a four-pack. BeeMosa is a classic flavor with 6% ABV and costs $3.75 per can or $14 for a four-pack. Both flavors are available in their Prescott Tasting Room and Downtown Phoenix restaurant on April 21st, and in their WebStore on April 25th. For more information, visit https://superstitionmeadery.com/.


Announcing ‘All About Mead’

The Celtic Cultural Alliance is partnering with Colony Meadery for an event called "All About Mead", which will educate attendees on the history and production of mead, as well as provide an opportunity to taste it. Mead, made from fermented honey, was a popular drink among Celtic tribes and Viking warriors but has largely disappeared over the centuries. The event will take place at Colony Meadery's production facility in Easton on June 6th, and tickets can be purchased on the Celticfest website. There is a limited number of tickets available, and a discount is offered to CCA Members. Tickets and event details can be found at: https://celticfest.org/mead/.


Illinois Natives Eye May Opening Of Yorkville Meadery

Foxes Den Meadery is a micro meadery owned and operated by Rico and Jenna Bianchi in Yorkville, Illinois. Rico began experimenting with mead making in 2015 and started sharing his creations with friends and family. In early 2022, an opportunity presented itself, and they began the licensing application process to open their meadery. They launched their exclusive membership program in May 2022, and after receiving all necessary licensing approvals in September 2022, they began production. Foxes Den Meadery has an 1,100 sq. ft. tasting room with outdoor seating that overlooks the Fox River, and they plan to have their grand opening on Memorial Day weekend. They are committed to using quality ingredients and serving their local community. For the full article, click HERE.


Minnesota’s Newest Mead-Maker Just Opened A Cozy Minneapolis Tasting Room

Bumbling Fools Mead has opened a new tasting room in Minneapolis, adding to the small number of meaderies in Minnesota. The co-founders of Bumbling Fools Mead, Noah Stein and Skot Rieffer, started making mead on a small scale a few years ago before taking it more seriously and winning best in show and third place at the Massachusetts Renaissance Faire's mead competition. They later found a space on Hennepin Avenue and obtained their manufacturing license, and they now offer traditional honey mead as well as experimental flavors such as the Queen's Kiss Clove Mead. Their mead is available through liquor stores, on tap at Can Can Wonderland and ROK Eatery + Bar, and via their webstore. For more information, click HERE.


Check Out Tucson's First Meadery, Brillé Mead Company

Brillé Mead Company is the first meadery in Tucson, Arizona, and the fifth in the state. The meadery specializes in Ethiopian-inspired mead, known as T'ej, which is traditionally made with gesho, a bittering herb. However, Brillé Mead Company primarily uses hops to balance the sweetness of the honey in their mead, along with other ingredients like spices, fruit, and local Arizona honey. The meadery is a collaboration between David Woods and Andrias Asnakew, who both lived in Ethiopia before relocating to Tucson. They will share the Dillinger Brewing Company taproom and production facility, but both businesses will use separate equipment and ingredients to create unique and delicious beverages. More information can be found HERE.


2 Towns And Nectar Creek Meadery Are Innovating Every Beyond Beer Category

2 Towns Ciderhouse and Nectar Creek Meadery are two niche craft beverage producers that have found success by prioritizing quality ingredients and full flavor. Both companies use the same craft fermentation philosophy and are produced in the same facility, though Nectar Creek specializes in mead, a fermented honey drink, which is experiencing renewed interest. Nectar Creek recently launched its premium Cellar Series line with Festoon, a plum and hibiscus mead, packaged in cans with a new look. Additionally, 2 Towns has expanded into canned cocktails with its Craftwell Cocktails line and hard teas with TeaREX Killer Tea. For the full article, click HERE.


There you have it, the Latest Buzz in the World of Mead! From new releases to upcoming events and the success of small businesses, the mead industry continues to thrive and expand. As mead gains more popularity, it will be exciting to see what new flavors and innovations emerge. Whether you're a fan of traditional honey mead or enjoy experimenting with different flavors, there's something for everyone in the world of mead. Cheers to all the mead enthusiasts out there!

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 09

 

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs brings you the latest news and updates from the world of whiskey. In this edition, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases its latest Charter Oak Bourbon Series aged in Spanish oak barrels. Bob Dylan's whiskey brand, Heaven's Door Spirits, announces the opening of a new distillery in Kentucky, while Lux Row Distillers' Blood Oath Pact 9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is now available at retail stores. Garrison Brothers Distillery introduces Lady Bird, a new bourbon creation infused with Texas wildflower honey, and A.M. Scott Distillery releases its full collection of spirits in Troy, Ohio. Finally, Virginia Distillery Co. is transforming American whiskey by producing unique American single malts while TX Whiskey is set to release, TX Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond, the fifth whiskey in their TX Experimental Series.


Buffalo Trace Just Dropped the Newest Bottle of Its Coveted Charter Oak Bourbon Series

The Old Charter Oak series from Buffalo Trace distillery features limited-edition whiskeys that are aged in barrels made from different types of wood. The latest release is called Spanish Oak Bourbon, which was matured entirely in barrels made from Spanish oak sourced from forests in northern Spain. The use of Spanish oak imparts spicier and more tannic flavors to the whiskey, as compared to American oak which imparts softer flavors like vanilla and caramel. The Old Charter Oak series has previously featured releases aged in Chinkapin Oak, Mongolian Oak, French Oak, and Canadian Oak barrels. The Spanish Oak Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $69.99, but previous releases have sold for much higher prices due to their rarity and collectibility. The whiskey is currently being rolled out to select markets around the country. For the full article, click HERE.


Heaven’s Door to Open Distillery in Kentucky

Heaven's Door Spirits, a whiskey brand co-founded by Bob Dylan, has announced plans to open a new distillery in Pleasureville, Kentucky, on a property once owned by Squire Boone. The distillery has been under development since 2017 and features two stillhouses, a visitor's center, an eighteenth-century grist mill, two cabins, and a Moravian barn. The distillery plans to open to the public in September 2023 and aims to lead the way in sustainable distilling by utilizing underground aquifers to access pristine limestone water and geothermal heating and cooling of the buildings. For the full article, click HERE.


Lux Row Distillers' Blood Oath Pact 9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Arrives at Retail in April

Blood Oath Pact 9 is a limited edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is finished in Oloroso Sherry casks. It is a blend of three extra-aged bourbons that include a 16-year ryed bourbon, a 12-year ryed bourbon, and a 7-year ryed bourbon finished in Oloroso Sherry casks from southwest Spain. The use of these casks imparts a unique combination of woody and ripe-fruit aromas and flavors to the bourbon, making it a memorable pour. The suggested retail price for a 750 ml bottle is $129.99, and the bourbon is offered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV). For more information, visit luxco.com.


Garrison Brothers Distillery Announces New Bourbon: Lady Bird

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, has announced the release of Lady Bird, a Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in a cognac cask and infused with Texas wildflower honey. The new bourbon creation, which has been in the making for almost eight years, will be the ninth addition to Garrison Brothers' bourbon portfolio and will benefit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. Lady Bird Bourbon was aged for four years in new white American oak barrels before being infused with Burleson's Texas Wildflower Honey for eight months. The bourbon was then matured for an additional three years in French XO Cognac casks. Bottled at 114 proof, the initial release of Lady Bird will feature just over 5,904 bottles for the market, each hand-sealed with a distinct Prairie Purple wax. The suggested retail price for each bottle will be $179.99, and for each bottle sold, Garrison Brothers will donate $5 to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. For more information, click HERE.


Troy, Ohio Distillery Releases Full Collection Of Spirits

A.M. Scott Distillery in Troy, Ohio, has released its full collection of spirits, including four vodkas, two gins, and three bourbons. The distillery president, Anthony Scott, said he was proud of the product and that the team was committed to developing new products. The distillery is located at 250 S. Mulberry St., and spirits are sold out of Provisions Co., a retail shop connected to the distillery at 214 S. Mulberry St. The full collection of spirits includes Lemon Vodka, Blueberry Vodka, Vanilla Vodka, Six-Times Distilled Vodka, Original Gin, Orange Gin, Scotty’s Single Barrel Bourbon, Scotty’s Small Batch Bourbon, and a limited number of bottles of Scotty’s Barrel Proof Bourbon. The bourbon collection is named in honor of Anthony Scott's grandfather, Scotty, and a portion of every bottle purchase will benefit The Darryl Worley Foundation. For more information or to order bottles online for local pickup, visit www.scottdistillery.com.


This Virginia Distillery Is Transforming American Whiskey

Virginia Distillery Co., a young whisk(e)y producer located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is making waves in the American spirits industry by producing a unique style of whiskey - American Single Malts. Unlike bourbon, rye, wheated, and Tennessee whiskey, which have to be made from a mashbill that includes at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, Virginia Distillery Co.'s whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and aged in an array of ex-bourbon, European red wine, and Sherry barrels for a more diverse taste profile. The subtropical climate in Virginia also adds depth to the whiskey, which cannot be replicated in Scotland's Highlands. The distillery also uses local spring water and North American-sourced barley and distills in copper pot stills crafted in Scotland. Virginia Distillery Co.'s flagship products go under the moniker Courage & Conviction, and the distillery also produces limited annual releases to promote women in the spirits industry. The proceeds from the sales of their latest bottle release, Scholar’s Craft Coffee Cask American Single Malt Whisky, will go towards the Angela H. Moore – Women In Distilling Scholarship at Appalachian State, with the goal of funding $100K in scholarship aid for women looking to enter the field of distillation and whiskey production. For the full article, click HERE.


TX Whiskey Releases Its Newest Edition To Its Limited Run Of Experimental Whiskeys

TX Whiskey's new experimental release, TX Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond, is now available. This limited edition expression is the fifth whiskey in the TX Experimental Series and is made using Texas-grown rye and aged for over four years at the Whiskey Ranch distillery. The whiskey features aromas of light baking spice and fruity notes of banana and apple, with a long finish of floral, caramel, and vanilla. It is bottled at 100 proof and is being released in 1500 375ml bottles. To celebrate the launch, TX Whiskey will host a release party at Whiskey Ranch, on Saturday, April 29 from 12 to 5 p.m, featuring live music, food trucks, and complimentary bottle engraving. For the full article, click HERE.


There you have it, folks! From exciting new releases to innovative distilling techniques, the world of whiskey continues to evolve and expand. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, there's always something new and interesting to discover. Keep an eye out for upcoming releases and distillery openings, and don't be afraid to explore lesser-known brands and regions. With so much variety and complexity in the world of whiskey, there's sure to be something that suits your taste preferences and interests. Cheers to the continued growth and innovation of this beloved spirit!