Friday, February 2, 2024

B&M Digest, Volume I, Issue 02

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release Of 2024 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection

Heaven Hill Distillery has unveiled the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as part of its limited annual release. This 2024 edition, priced at $299.99 per 750 ml. bottle, features a bourbon whiskey mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, bottled at 120 proof. The whiskey, aged for 18 years in 133 barrels from December 2005, offers a nose of dried flowers and old oak, a palate with vanilla sweetness, old leather, and oak char, and a dry, spicy finish. The packaging includes detailed information, and the release is set to ship in early March 2024 on a national limited basis. The announcement follows the recent release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. Announces The Release Of Its First Homemade Bourbons

Hard Truth Distilling Co. has announced the release of its first homemade bourbons, including Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, Hard Truth Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon, and Hard Truth Sweet Mash Four Grain Bourbon. These bourbons join the brand's existing lineup. The Sweet Mash Bourbon has a mashbill of 73% corn, 19% rye, and 8% malted barley, bottled at 90 proof. The Wheated Bourbon and Four Grain Bourbon are presented as Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof. The bourbons will be available at the distillery on Feb. 24 and in select markets starting March 1, with prices ranging from $44.99 to $59.99 per 750ml bottle. The release marks a significant moment for the distillery, highlighting their commitment to the grain-to-glass process and showcasing their first batch of sweet mash whiskey, which was bourbon. For the full article from Whiskey Raiders, click HERE.

Old Forester Names Assistant Master Distiller

Old Forester has appointed Caleb Trigo as Assistant Master Distiller, responsible for quality and innovation at the historic bourbon brand. Trigo will oversee quality control, distillery operations, provide technical leadership, and support brand advocacy efforts. Having been with parent company Brown-Forman since 2009, Trigo spent over five years as an operations leader at the Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row in Louisville. Trigo, who holds a Master's Degree in Distilling from Heriot-Watt University and a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Louisville, will work alongside Master Taster Melissa Rift to contribute to Old Forester's growth. He expressed honor in the role, aiming to learn from Master Distiller Chris Morris. Morris praised Trigo's skills and determination, predicting that he will contribute to leading Old Forester to new heights. Trigo, an avid traveler and foodie, resides in Louisville with his husband and favors an Old Forester Boulevardier cocktail.

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Returns As 2024 Winter Distillery Series

Woodford Reserve has released the highly-anticipated 2024 edition of its Double Double Oaked Bourbon, part of an annual series showcasing Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall's dedication to innovation. The bourbon, available in limited quantities at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, features a distinct flavor profile with tasting notes of burnt marshmallows, dried cherry, and bittersweet chocolate. It is created by finishing mature Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for an extra year in a heavily toasted, lightly charred, new oak barrel. The suggested retail price for a 375ml bottle is $79.99, and customers are limited to purchasing two bottles. Sales are in-person only, and the release will also be available at select Kentucky retailers. The full article can be found HERE.

New Whiskey Pays Tribute to Baseball’s Negro Leagues

The Negro National League, established in 1920 by Andrew “Rube” Foster during a time of racial segregation in American baseball, is being celebrated through a collaboration between the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Kansas City distillery J. Rieger & Co. The Fielder’s Choice Collection consists of four new whiskeys, each representing a different Negro Leagues team with unique labels. A portion of the sales from the collection will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The whiskeys include a Kansas City whiskey, a small batch straight bourbon paying tribute to the St. Louis Stars, a 100-proof light whiskey honoring the Chicago American Giants, and a small batch 100-proof rye whiskey celebrating the Homestead Grays. The collection is available for pre-sale on the J. Rieger website, and a launch event is scheduled for February 21. The collaboration aims to preserve the legacy of Negro Leagues baseball. The full article can be found HERE.

Redwood Empire Announces Launch Of Its Small Lot Series

Redwood Empire, a Northern California distillery, has unveiled three new whiskeys as part of its Small Lot Series. Known for both sourcing and blending whiskey from various distilleries and producing its in-house distillate, the series showcases meticulous attention to detail. The releases include Foggy Burl Single Malt Whiskey, Devil’s Tower High Rye Bourbon, and Screaming Titan Wheated Bourbon. Foggy Burl, a blend of 27 casks of 100% malted barley, offers notes of dark chocolate and caramel at 94 proof. Devil’s Tower, a blend of 25 barrels with a mashbill of 51% corn, 45% rye, 2% wheat, and 2% malted barley, presents sweet and spicy notes at 99 proof. Screaming Titan, with at least 30% wheat in the mashbill, will be available in March and includes sourced whiskey in the blend. Foggy Burl and Devil’s Tower are currently available for purchase, and other expressions like Lost Monarch American Whiskey can be found on platforms like Total Wine. The full article can be found HERE.

Uncork Me Wine Fest Returns

The Uncork Me Indiana wine festival is set to return to Military Park, Indianapolis, on June 22, 2024, from 2-7 p.m. The event, organized by Brothers Molloy Events, drew around 3,000 attendees and featured 30 Indiana wineries, meaderies, and cideries in its inaugural 2023 edition. New for 2024 is a VIP early access ticket offering privileges like a private shaded area, lounge furniture, temperature-controlled bathrooms, and a private Books Bourbon & Bacon and wine pairing. Participating establishments include Acres Away Winery, Chateau de Pique, Easley Winery, Mad Horn Meadery, Misbeehavin' Meads, and many more. The festival will also feature live entertainment, including music by DJ MaryJane, drag performances by Ana Crusis, and aerial performances by Suspended Animation Aerials. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, pretzel necklaces, and one factory-sealed water bottle per person. Ticket prices range from $10 for designated drivers to $95 for VIP access and can be purchased online.

Other Bourbon and Mead News

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