Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Volume 02, Issue 16

Welcome to the latest edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, where we bring you the latest news and updates from the world of bourbon and spirits. In this edition, we cover a range of exciting stories, including Thomas Ashbourne Craft Cocktails expanding to Kroger stores nationwide, UPROXX's rankings of Weller Wheated Bourbon, the upcoming Bourbon & Blues event by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, and Mythology Distillery's move to Steamboat Springs. We also highlight Ross & Squibb Distillery's partnership with the Chris Long Foundation, Company Distilling's expansion into Colorado, Frey Ranch's new Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon, InsideHook's list of the best bourbons under $100, Still Austin's "The Artist'' Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, Oduoak's bourbon-based fragrance line, the release of Yellowstone Limited Edition 2023 bourbon, Eric LeGrand's partnership with Rutgers University, and the captivating experience offered by Cathead Distillery in Mississippi. Join us as we explore these stories and more in this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs. Cheers!


Thomas Ashbourne Craft Cocktails Now Available At Kroger Stores Nationwide

Thomas Ashbourne Craft Spirits, a female-led craft cocktail company, has expanded its retail presence to around 800 Kroger Family Companies nationwide. The company will offer two of its five ready-to-sip libations, The Perfect Cosmo by SJP, created by actress Sarah Jessica Parker, and The Classic Old Fashioned, both made with fresh, all-natural ingredients. The Perfect Cosmo by SJP is made with vodka and triple sec, with aromas of lime, sweet cranberries, and hints of strawberries. The Classic Old Fashioned features premium bourbon whiskey with hints of sweet maplewood, caramel, and notes of bright orange bitters. The cocktails are kosher, certified gluten-free, and have a spirit base ranging from 12-25% ABV.


UPROXX Ranks Every Bottle Of Weller Wheated Bourbon

W.L. Weller Wheated Bourbon is a highly sought-after bourbon brand with eight expressions available on liquor store shelves. However, the brand's high prices and limited availability can cause pause. It's important to be cautious when purchasing inflated bourbon bottles, and seek advice before making a purchase. UPROXX’s Zach Johnston ranks all eight expressions of Weller to help consumers understand their strengths and weaknesses before purchasing a significantly marked-up bottle. The full article, including his tasting notes, can be found HERE.


THSO Presents Bourbon & Blues On Aug. 25

The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra and Labor Link are partnering to host Bourbon & Blues at the Hulman Center on Aug. 25. VIP tickets are $75 for tasting and $55 for non-alcoholic, while general admission tickets are $55 for regular and $30 for non-alcoholic. The event will feature bourbon tastings, music by the Men of Note Jazz Band, appetizers, a cash bar, a silent auction, dancing, and proceeds benefit the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra. Vendors include Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman, Twenty 20, Hust Culinary, Luxco/MGP, Big Machine, Log Still, and Mark Anthony Brands. The tasting list includes Rabbit Hole, Jefferson’s, Smooth Ambler, Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Tom Bullocks, Sonoma Distillery, Ballotin Whiskies, Three Chords Bourbon, cocktails and bourbon from St. Elmo’s, and more. Tickets can be purchased at www.thso.org or by calling the Terre Haute Symphony office at 812-242-8476.


Mythology Distillery Moves From Denver To Steamboat Springs

Mythology Distillery, originally inspired by a ski trip in Alaska, opened in LoHi in 2018 and recently moved to Steamboat Springs on a 1.5-acre campus. The location features a distillery, a restaurant called the Confluence offering Chinese soup dumplings and noodle dishes, and a full bar serving craft beer, boutique wines, and cocktails. The outdoor Whiskey Garden includes a large central fire pit, an additional bar, seating, live music, and even a pair of slides. The distillery also has a 5,000-square-foot rackhouse for aging spirits, designed to follow the natural climate of Steamboat. Sustainability is a focus for Mythology, with waste recycling, water conservation measures, and solar power. In the future, they plan to explore available spaces in Denver and open a small cocktail bar. By the end of July, a free shuttle service will be available for pick-ups from the Steamboat Resort transit center and downtown. The distillery is located at 2875 Elk River Road and is open daily from noon to 10pm. The full article can be found HERE.


Ross & Squibb Distillery Partners With The Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys Initiative

Ross & Squibb Distillery, in partnership with NFL legend Chris Long's Foundation's Waterboys Initiative, is working to provide clean and safe water to the community of Oloile in southern Kenya. The distillery, which has benefited from the clean water of the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer since 1847, wants to express gratitude by helping bring clean water and opportunities to the community. The project involves the construction of a deep borehole well, elevated water storage, and a distribution system. Well Aware, the implementing partner for the foundation in Kenya, expects the water system to be operational in August. For the full article, click HERE.


Company Distilling Continues Distribution Expansion, Bourbon & Gin Now Available In Colorado

Company Distilling is expanding its premium whiskey and gin products into new markets starting with Colorado. Their Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood and Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin is now available in the state. The Company has previously made its premium bourbon and gin available in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. The Founder and Master Distiller for Company Distilling, Jeff Arnett, shared how Colorado has been on their radar since it caters to people who love the outdoors and the quality of life. Their Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood is created using a blend of column and pot distillation providing a complex yet smooth taste that opens with sweet notes of caramel, and cinnamon toast combined with green apple and finishes off with a blend of oak and maple. For the full article, click HERE.


Introducing Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon

Frey Ranch® Distillery has released Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon, a new permanent expression in its award-winning American Whiskey portfolio. This small batch whiskey is produced using 100% slow-grown grains grown, harvested, milled, and distilled on the Frey Ranch farm year-round. Co-Founder and Whiskey Farmer Colby Frey cultivates the corn, wheat, barley, and rye used in Frey Ranch's flagship four-grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey. At 124.3 proof and aged for an average of five years, Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon offers a cask strength experience with robust notes of caramelized, brulé, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The whiskey opens with a mélange of flavors, including birthday cake frosting, glazed butter cake, cloves, orange creamsicle, dried stone fruit, and a subtle hint of smoke and black cherry. The new Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon is available in California, Nevada, at the Frey Ranch Tasting Room and online at www.freyranch.com. The full press release can be found HERE.


10 Best Bourbons Under $100 According To InsideHook

There are numerous expensive bourbon bottles available, but some are based on hype rather than quality. However, there are also reasonably affordable, yet excellent whiskey bottles. Here are ten of the best bourbons under $100, according to InsideHook, available in almost every state at a reasonable price. Try a couple or all ten and experience the difference. You can find InsideHook’s full article HERE. Let me know what you think of their list in the comments.


Still Austin Announces "The Artist" Cask Strength Rye Whiskey

Still Austin's "The Artist" Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is a tribute to the artists, dreamers, and visionaries who inspire us all. It embodies the essence of art and inspiration, starting with its complex aromas of honey, cherries, fig, cloves, and coffee. On the palate, it offers a rich combination of flavors including chocolate, apricot, sandalwood, ginger, and caramel. The finish brings in notes of rye spice, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, molasses, and orange zest. With an ABV of 49.8% (99.6 proof), it carries a bold and captivating strength. The whiskey's creation was a challenge, from using a custom-built 42-foot column still from Scotland to exclusively sourcing grains from Texas. It represents an inclusive and imaginative worldview, celebrating whiskey for the artists, outsiders, and ne'er-do-wells. Long live bourbon. For more information, visit: stillaustin.com.


Want To Smell Like Bourbon? Jackie Zykan’s Oduoak Is For You

Oduoak (pronounced “oh-du-oak”) is a bourbon-based fragrance line created by Kentucky whiskey expert Jackie Zykan. The fragrances draw inspiration from the complex aromas of bourbon whiskey, with notes of vanilla, spice, fruit, herbs, and florals. Zykan, with her background in biology and chemistry, has crafted unique eau de parfum formulations that capture the essence of whiskey experiences. The collection includes fragrances like Feral Gent and Walk of Shame, available in 15 mL rollers and 30 mL atomizers. Oduoak invites everyone to explore the connection between bourbon and fragrance, offering a sensory journey through scent. For more information, visit: https://www.oduoak.com/.


Yellowstone Limited Edition 2023 Heads To Retail

Limestone Branch Distillery's Master Distiller, Steve Beam, has announced the release of the 2023 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This bourbon is a blend of 7-year, 13-year, and 16-year aged bourbons finished in Tokaji casks, bottled at 101 proof. The whiskey offers aromas of honey, green grapes, and freshly baked cinnamon, with flavors of dry spice, caramel, dark cherry, citrus, and white pepper. The finish brings notes of dry tobacco, honeysuckle, and smoky oak. The limited edition release, rolling out in August, will consist of 10,000 cases nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750-ml bottle. This follows the recent launch of Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey by Limestone Branch Distillery. The full press release can be found HERE.


Eric Legrand Teams Up With Rutgers University To Bring His Distinctive Whiskey To Home Games.

Rutgers University has entered into a multiyear partnership with Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, marking the university's first collaboration with a spirits company. Eric LeGrand, a former Rutgers defensive tackle who was paralyzed during a game in 2010, co-founded the whiskey brand along with spirits entrepreneur Brian Axelrod. The partnership allows the whiskey to be featured in select hospitality areas at SHI Stadium and Jersey Mike's Arena during Rutgers football games. The whiskey, which launched in March 2023, is distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky, and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky. Each bottle retails for $44.99, and $5.20 from every case sold is donated to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Eric LeGrand is known as an ambassador for Rutgers Athletics and continues to inspire through his philanthropic efforts. In addition to the whiskey partnership, LeGrand's LeGrand Coffee House has also been available at Rutgers games.


This Mississippi Distillery Is A Must-See For Spirits Lovers

Cathead Distillery is a hidden gem in Mississippi, offering a captivating experience for spirits enthusiasts. Located in Jackson, it is the state's first and oldest distillery, known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The distillery produces a range of handcrafted spirits, including Cathead Vodka with a smooth and sweet finish, and Old Soul Bourbon Whiskey with rich caramel and vanilla notes. Visitors can take guided tours to witness the distillation process and enjoy live music performances and food truck events on-site. Cathead Distillery provides a unique and vibrant destination for those exploring the local spirits scene in Mississippi. After the visit, visitors can also consider staying at the scenic RV campground, complete with a swimming pool for relaxation. Cathead Distillery is located at 422 S Farish St, Jackson, MS 39201. Check out the full article HERE for more information.


Thank you for joining us in this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, where we've explored the latest news and stories from the world of bourbon and spirits. From new releases and rankings to partnerships and hidden gems, the world of whiskey continues to evolve and delight enthusiasts. We hope you've enjoyed this edition and found inspiration for your next whiskey adventure. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and remember to savor each sip responsibly. Cheers!




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