Showing posts with label Bardstown Bourbon. Show all posts

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 08

Welcome to Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, where we try to keep you up-to-date on the latest news and releases in the world of bourbon and whiskey. In this edition, we have exciting updates from some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as some newer players on the scene. The New Orleans Bourbon Festival returns for its 5th installment, while Milam & Greene expands its Texas distillery. Green River Distilling Co. also expands its portfolio with a new wheated bourbon and distribution, and Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery features the world's longest bar. Jack Daniel's has a new addition to its annual aged series release with a 12-year-old Tennessee whiskey, while Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 100 Rye. Cedar Ridge also brings us a new barrel-proof bourbon, and Browne Family Vineyards expands into spirits with a new distillery. Finally, RD1 Spirits expands its bourbon distribution to Indiana, and Pinhook announces the launch of its Vertical Series Rye 7 Year.

A Timeline of All the Major Modern Kentucky Whiskey Distillery Openings

Kentucky's bourbon industry has experienced a recent boom, with the number of distilleries rising from 19 in 2009 to 95 in 2021. Many of the new distilleries pay homage to the region's history while adding their own contemporary twists through innovative aging processes and modern tasting rooms. Examples of new distilleries include Angel's Envy, New Riff Distilling, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Castle & Key Distillery, Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery, and Lux Row Distillers. The full article can be found on VinePair.

New Orleans Bourbon Festival Returns For Its 5th Installment

The New Orleans Bourbon Festival is returning for its fifth year from March 22 to March 25, featuring a Bourbon Brawl bartender competition, VIP Welcome Reception, educational seminars, and two grand tastings. The festival offers exclusive opportunities for brown spirit enthusiasts to taste and learn about American-made whiskies from around the country, complemented by local restaurants and eateries. Attendees can interact with master distillers and like-minded enthusiasts, all while enjoying the vibrant culture and charm of New Orleans. To purchase tickets and to find more information about this year’s New Orleans Bourbon Festival, along with a complete schedule of events, go to neworleansbourbonfestival.com.

Milam & Greene Expands Texas Distillery

Milam & Greene Whiskey has completed a multi-million-dollar expansion of its distillery in Blanco, Texas, increasing production to more than 1,000 barrels per year. The expansion included new distilling equipment, a larger distillery footprint, new warehousing facilities, and an updated tasting room. The extension features a new 1,000-gallon Vendome copper pot still, new boilers, fermenters, and mash tuns. Milam & Greene Whiskey also distills whiskey at Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company using the same mash bill and yeast recipe. For the full article, click here.

KY House Passes Bill To Give Tax Break To Bourbon Industry

The Kentucky House has approved House Bill 5, which gradually lowers property tax for distilleries from 2026 to 2039. Supporters say the tax break is necessary to save jobs in a growing industry, while opponents argue that it could reduce revenue for county services, such as fire departments and sheriff's offices. Failure to provide this tax break may impact the flow of bourbon jobs and infrastructure throughout the state. For the full article, click here.

Green River Distilling Co. Expands Portfolio with Green River Wheated Bourbon and Distribution

According to their press release, Green River Distilling Co, a part of Bardstown Bourbon Company, is expanding in 2023 with two new expressions and distribution in 21 new markets. The company is introducing Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, a complement to their flagship high rye bourbon, in 25 markets across the United States. Green River Wheated is made up of 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% wheat, and 9% 6-row barley. It is presented at 90 proof (45% ABV) and is line priced with Green River Bourbon at a suggested retail price of $34.99.

Green River Full Proof Single Barrel, a single barrel expression of Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon presented at 119 proof (59.5% ABV), is also launching with this expansion. Each retailer will be able to hand-select their unique single barrel on-site at the historic Green River Distillery in Owensboro, KY. Green River Full Proof Single Barrel is offered at a suggested retail price of $59.99. For more information, visit greenriverspirits.com.

Introducing Humble Baron, Home Of The World’s Longest Bar

Humble Baron, home of the world's longest bar, will open on March 23, 2023, at the Nearest Green Distillery. With a length of 518-feet, the bar will have 17 stations and will offer elevated fare and hand-crafted cocktails to guests while they watch live entertainment. The venue covers more than 17,000 square feet with a capacity of 500 people indoors and more than 15,000 outdoors, and aims to be a place where "everyone has a seat at the table." For more information, visit unclenearest.com or humblebaron.com.

Jack Daniel’s Introduces New 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey in Its Annual Aged Series Release

The Jack Daniel Distillery has launched its new 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 2 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey as part of its annual Aged Series. The 12-Year-Old whiskey has notes of pipe tobacco, seasoned oak, and butterscotch, while the 10-Year-Old Batch 2 has an oak flavor with layers of dark fruit and bittersweet cocoa. Both whiskeys have a grain bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye and are charcoal mellowed before aging in new, toasted and charred American white oak barrels. They will be available in the US in 700 mL bottles at suggested retail prices of $80 and $70, respectively. Visit www.jackdaniels.com for more information.

Lux Row Distillers Introduces Rebel 100 Rye

Lux Row Distillers announced the newest variant in the Rebel brand family: Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey. Rebel 100 Rye is set to reach retail shelves across the country later this month at a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey delivers smooth, spicy rye flavor via its 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% malt mash bill. Offered at 100 proof, Rebel 100 Rye features a spicy nose that opens into rich rye flavor balanced by hints of vanilla. For more information about the company and its brands, visit Lux Row Distillers.

Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Cedar Ridge distillery in Iowa has released its new Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is made of 74% corn, 14% rye, and 12% malted barley, and aged in char #3 barrels. The whiskey is non-chill filtered and has a 116-proof, making it bolder than Cedar Ridge’s “Original 86” Bourbon. The barrels age in non-climate controlled rickhouses, experiencing temperature swings of over 100 degrees each year in Iowa’s climate. The suggested retail price for the 750-ml bottle is $39.99. For more information, visit cedarridgewhiskey.com.

Browne Family Vineyards Expands Into Spirits With New Distillery

Browne Family Vineyards founder, Andrew Browne, has opened a new distillery in East Central Spokane called Browne Family Spirits. The distillery produces a range of locally sourced bourbon and rye whiskeys, as well as gin and vodka. Master distiller Aaron Kleinhelter manages the distillery and is responsible for tours, tasting, distilling, and managing the raw ingredients. The facility also includes a tasting room that offers flights, cocktails, and bottles of the Browne Family Spirits, as well as light bites such as cheese and charcuterie boards. The organization's philosophy is to try new things, and Browne is excited about the future, aiming to bring customers a unique platform that offers the full experience from harvest to the aging process. For the full story, click here.

RD1 Spirits Expands Bourbon Distribution to Indiana

Kentucky-based distillery, RD1 Spirits, has expanded its bourbon distribution beyond its home state, announcing its entry into Indiana through Republic National Distributing Company. The company will introduce two small batch products to Indiana, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (49% ALC/VOL, 98 proof, 750 ml), and Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With French Oak (50.5% ALC/VOL, 101 proof, 750 ml), both aged over four years. RD1 has also added industry veterans to its leadership team to support sales, product development, finance, and marketing. For the full article, click here.

Pinhook Has Announced The Launch Of The Vertical Series Rye 7 Year

The Pinhook Vertical Series Rye 7 Year is a carefully crafted spirit that has been aged for seven years to achieve its distinct flavor profile. It's interesting that the only factor affecting the aroma and flavor of the spirit is the aging process, given that the mash bill, barrels, and fill dates are all the same across the releases. The blend of 28 barrels and the high proof of 105.12 certainly make it a unique and potentially bold choice for whiskey enthusiasts. The aromas of “caramel, orange zest, cedar, and clove,” followed by flavors of “chocolate, root beer, cardamom, and tobacco” sound like a complex and intriguing combination. It will be exciting to see how this latest release is received by whiskey aficionados. For more information, visit www.pinhookbourbon.com/products.

And there you have it, our roundup of the latest happenings in the bourbon and whiskey world. From exciting new releases to expansions and innovations, the industry continues to grow and evolve. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, there's always something new to discover and enjoy. Keep an eye out for these latest releases and developments, and stay tuned for more updates in the future. Cheers to a deliciously satisfying glass of bourbon or whiskey!

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

[Press Release] Bardstown Bourbon Co. to Release Final Expressions in Fusion Series

Bardstown, Ky. (September 21, 2022) -- With Bardstown Bourbon Company's own distillate reaching maturity and the forthcoming Origin Series impending release, the Fusion series is preparing to take a rest from the shelf. Fusion 8 is now available at the Bardstown Bourbon Co. gift shop, online, and at retailers across 20 states. Fusion 9, will be available later this fall.

Fusion series releases combine older sourced whiskey and younger bourbon which has been distilled and aged by Bardstown Bourbon Co. and shows a range of mashbills across the blends including corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. The journey of the unique series has been to see the changing flavor profiles as the Bardstown Bourbon Co. bourbon ages, becoming more prominent in the blends over time as the distillery has established itself as a major player in the industry. Both Fusion 8 and Fusion 9 feature 4-year-old bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Co., the oldest bourbon yet released by the brand.

Fusion 8, available now, brings together two vibrant high-rye Bardstown Bourbon Co. distilled bourbons, balanced by a bold 12-year-old Kentucky expression. The round mouthfeel leads to sizzle and spice on the palate making this Fusion a unique, standout blend. Ripe apricot, mint, and green tea are balanced by layers of caramel and honey over baked apples. A refreshing, lively spice awakens the palate and leads to a balanced, signature Fusion finish. Fusion 8 is presented at 95.5 proof (47.75 percent ABV).

"With Fusion, not only have we enjoyed the evolution of the series as more of our stock comes of age, but also the interesting play between old whiskies and younger ones which bring a complexity in flavor profile that you don't see elsewhere," said Dan Callaway, VP Product Development and Hospitality, who leads blending for Bardstown Bourbon Co., "As we move toward new and exciting releases with the distillate we've created, Fusion will remain a signpost in the history of Bardstown Bourbon Co. encompassing our approach to the art and science of modern bourbon blending."

Fusion 9, the series' final release, will be available later this fall. Waves of butterscotch and ripe cherry meet mint, coconut, and black pepper lead this nuanced blend. A luscious mouthfeel of red fruit and maple gives way to an indulgent finish of caramel sweetness with lasting rye spice.

"Throughout the series, we've showcased the best of our estate-distilled bourbon with carefully curated aged whiskey. We conclude the series with our favorite creation to date," said Callaway.

Fusion 9 is presented at 96.8 proof (48.4 percent ABV). Both releases are offered as 750 mL at an SRP of $64.99.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion 8 (Now available)

95.5 proof (47.75 percent ABV)

12% 4-year-old Bardstown Bourbon Co. - 75 percent corn/ 21 percent rye/ 4 percent malted barley
58% 4-year-old Bardstown Bourbon Co. - 70 percent corn/ 18 percent rye/ 12 percent malted barley
30% 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon - 78 percent corn/ 10 percent rye/ 12 percent malted barley

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion 9 (Available late fall)

96.8 proof (48.4 percent ABV)

48% - 4-year-old Bardstown Bourbon Co. - 75 percent corn/21 percent rye/ 4 percent malted barley
22% - 4-year-old Bardstown Bourbon Co. - 60 percent corn/26 percent rye/ 10 percent wheat/ 4 percent malted barley
30% 12 yr. KY 75 percent corn/ 13 percent rye/ 12 percent malted barley

About Bardstown Bourbon Company:

Founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin in the heart of Bourbon Country on 100 acres of active farmland, Bardstown Bourbon Company, 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Ky., is one of the country’s most modern and technically advanced whiskey distilleries. Celebrating the art of making high-quality, authentic bourbons, the innovative distillery produces custom rye, whiskey, and bourbon for prominent brands including High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch, and many others through its one-of-a-kind collaborative distilling program. Bardstown Bourbon Company honors tradition and drives innovation with their exceptional destination experience for visitors, offering the only full-service restaurant located within a distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, The Kitchen, and Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Contact:

Holly Weyler

holly@flytrapsnap.com

502.836.8715

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Bardstown Bourbon Company New Releases Dropping Wednesday!

For Immediate Release – July 11, 2022

The Newest in Discovery and Collaboration

Our newest releases showcase the best of blending through innovation and exploration. The Discovery Series returns with a new twist, highlighting our most Rye-forward expression to date and taking it a step further by finishing with custom-selected oak staves. We also take you on an international journey with a first-of-its-kind in global spirits, the Fercullen collaboration in partnership with the Powerscourt Distillery in Wicklow, Ireland.

Discovery

The Discovery Series was designed to showcase the art of blending with an emphasis on old and rare whiskies sourced from a variety of origins. The latest release in the series, Discovery #8, features a unique blend of Kentucky Bourbons, two Indiana ryes, and aged Canadian whiskey. It represents the most Rye forward expression of any Discovery release to date and then takes innovation a step further by maturing the final batch with a custom selection of oak staves. Each oak stave was selected for its unique flavor profile ranging from French toast to Rioja barrels.

“We built this series to explore all of the ways you can take whiskey in new directions through thoughtful blending that pushes the boundaries of what’s been done before,” said Dan Callaway, VP Product Development and Hospitality. “Layering flavor and nuance, these limited releases continue to be truly singular in nature.”

Discovery #8 marks the most complex release to date. Maple, dark chocolate, baked cherry, and toasted oak create a captivating, complex aroma. The palate presents rye spice with luscious oak undertones that lead to a luxurious, long-lasting finish. Discovery Series #8 is presented at 114.1 proof and offered at an SRP of $139.99 and will be available at the distillery and distributed in 20 markets across the country beginning July 13, 2022.

Discovery Series #9 takes the spirit of discovery further by uncovering rare barrels of craft Georgia bourbon with a unique, elegant flavor. The blend is structured around this distinctive profile, adding classic Kentucky bourbon, 17-yr. Tennessee Whiskey, and a touch of sweetness from Canadian Whiskey. It is a combination of tradition and forward-thinking, large-scale and craft. The elements fold into one another remarkably, creating a robust, vibrant, one-of-a-kind pour.

On the nose, Discovery #9 opens with a decadent bouquet of cocoa nib, plum, and cedar box, highlighted by lively orange peel. Vanilla cream with cinnamon spice takes the lead on the palate, building to an indulgent, sublime finish.

Discovery #9 release is slated for a September release both at the distillery and at retail. It is presented at 112.5 proof and offered at an SRP of $139.99.

Fercullen Collaboration

The Fercullen, meaning “Men of the Hills” in Gaelic, is the first of its kind in global spirits and a true transatlantic effort from two historic whiskey cultures. We collaborated with the Powerscourt Distillery in Wicklow, Ireland to create this release by meticulously shipping bourbon blends and Irish whiskey to and from Ireland until we arrived at a perfect union. The result is a blend that truly celebrates the tradition of both countries, highlighting a beautiful bourbon blend and an exquisite 21-year Irish single malt to create a breathtaking and inimitable pour. Take a journey across the pond and experience traditional aged Irish whiskey notes of honeyed malt, lemon peel and ginger meet classic Kentucky bourbon aromas of vanilla, dark chocolate and roasted peanuts. The palate unifies and intensifies the flavors, leading to a magnificent, celebration of authentic flavor.

About Bardstown Bourbon Company:

Founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin in the heart of Bourbon Country on 100 acres of active farmland, Bardstown Bourbon Company, 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Ky., is one of the country’s most modern and technically advanced whiskey distilleries. Celebrating the art of making high-quality, authentic bourbons, the innovative distillery produces custom rye, whiskey and bourbon for prominent brands including High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch and many others through its one-of-a-kind collaborative distilling program. Bardstown Bourbon Company honors tradition and drives innovation with their exceptional destination experience for visitors, offering the only full-service restaurant located within a distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, The Kitchen and Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Contacts

Holly Weyler
holly@flytrapsnap.com
502.836.8715

Monday, July 4, 2022

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.

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Vol. 01, Ed. 01

Welcome to the first edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, where we deliver quick snapshots of some of the latest bourbon and whiskey news.

Sweetens Cove Announces Kennessee

Sweetens Cove Kennessee is a blend of Kentucky and Tennessee bourbons finished with toasted maple sugar wood (image via Sweetens Cove)

"Did we just become friends?" one of the ads for Kennessee asks. The product is a mixture of Tennessee and Kentucky bourbon finished with toasted sugar maple wood.

Kennessee is a new product in the Sweetens Cove line and it hit Indiana shelves Friday. It is also being sold in Kentucky and Georgia, just in time for the Masters.

According to blender Marianne Eaves, Kentucky's first female master distiller, the magic behind the new whiskey is the curating and blending of Kentucky and Tennessee bourbons and the finishing of this blend with toasted sugar maple wood. More specifically, she created a base blend of select whiskeys, finishing them in a stainless steel tank with the addition of special wood spirals made from the sugar maple wood before final filtration, proofing and bottling.

“The use of toasted sugar maple to me is like a Kentuckian’s take on Tennessee’s Lincoln county process, adding flavors (mostly sweet and nutty) through the intentional deep toast instead of the way charcoal removes flavors and ‘mellows’ the whiskey,” Eaves said to us. “We make it bolder.”

Sweetens Cove Kennessee, bottled at 55.35% ABV, released April 1, 2022, for a price point of around $60 per 750 ml bottle. It is initially available in Georgia, Indiana and Kentucky, with plans to expand further across the U.S. in 2022.

Penelope Bourbon Introduces Architect Series

The fast-emerging craft whiskey brand Penelope Bourbon has announced its latest offering, the Architect Series.

Named in honor of the art of whiskey blending, this new release combines the brand’s signature four-grain mash bill with two styles of French oak staves.

Working in collaboration with Tonnellerie Radoux of France, a market leader in oak barrel manufacturing, Penelope Bourbon selected each stave using its “OakScan” process.

OakScan is a rapid analysis, stave by stave, based on Near Infrared Spectrometry, the company says. Each stave entering into production is scanned and marked with a letter. This letter indicates which category of tannic potential it belongs to. This is meant to help coopers sort the staves more easily and make barrels with specific polyphenolic indexes. This index estimates the polyphenolic content of wood between 0 and 100.

On the nose of this new whiskey is sweet candied cream and floral notes with hints of green apple, the company says, leading into sweet vanilla and viscous cream with savory oak. The body contains a creamy sweetness with herbal and floral flavors, before a finish of leather and heat, with floral and botanical lingering notes.

Aged 4 to 5 years, this Penelope Bourbon Architect Series is 104 proof. The suggested retail price is $60 per 750-ml. bottle.

Bardstown Bourbon Drops 7th Versions of Discovery and Fusion Series

Bardstown Bourbon Company has released Fusion Series #7 and Discovery Series #7 and they are now available at the distillery, and distributed in 20 markets across the country.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #7.

The Discovery Series is meant to showcase the art of blending with an emphasis on old whiskies sourced from a variety of origins. Discovery Series #7, for the first time, incorporates not only aged bourbons and rye, but also features aged Canadian Whiskey sourced from Ontario. This is the first time the series has reached into international territory.

Discovery #7 includes three aged straight bourbons blended with rye and Canadian whiskey. Flavors and aromas include baked cherry with a touch of mint, the company reports, plus raspberry genoise, and baked apple and brown sugar.

Discovery Series #7 comes bottled at at 114.5 proof. The suggested retail price is $139.99 per 750-ml. bottle.

Bardstown Bourbon Fusion Series #7

The Fusion Series blends older sourced whiskies with more-recently distilled stock produced by the company at its Bardstown, KY distillery. Fusion series releases show a range of mash bills across the selected aged products, and includes corn, rye, wheat and malted barley.

Fusion #7 is 70% three-year-aged bourbon produced by Bardstown Bourbon Co., and 30% twelve-year-aged sourced whiskey. It includes five mashbills: three from three-year-old Bardstown Bourbon Co. distilled whiskey and two from 12-year-old sourced stock.

The nose contains nectarine with toasted almond and honey, the company reports, followed by cedar and toffee with light tannins on the palate. Fusion #7 is 98.1 proof, with a suggested retail price of $64.99 per 750-ml. bottle.

Stave & Thief Society Expands Bourbon Certification Program Online

Stave & Thief Society, the Louisville, Kentucky-based Bourbon certification program, has officially launched an online version of its flagship Executive Bourbon Steward training. The new offering expands the reach of their tier-two certification, which had previously only been available through in-person classes taught at Moonshine University in Louisville.

“When we made the decision to take our Executive training online, we did take pandemic-related challenges into consideration; however, the truth is, we have been thinking about offering a virtual experience for much longer,” said Colin Blake, Moonshine University’s Director of Spirits Education. “While COVID-19 certainly quickened the pace of this release, our mission has always been to make Bourbon education as accessible and inclusive as possible – and virtual learning is another way we can deliver on that promise.”

Stave & Thief Society offers two levels of Bourbon Certification, each of which serves as an extension of this curated expertise. The first, Certified Bourbon Steward, can be achieved by independent study of the Society’s Bourbon Steward Handbook and requires passing an online test. The second is the Executive Bourbon Steward title, which can now either be achieved through on-demand virtual learning or participation in a hands-on, daylong class where students utilize Moonshine University’s state-of-the-art classroom, distillery, sensory library and beverage laboratory.

Since its launch, Stave & Thief Society has certified over 4,500 Bourbon Stewards from around the world – from restaurant and bar staff to hotel personnel, distillery tour directors, wine sommeliers, and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

For more about the Executive Bourbon Steward online certification program, click here.

For more information, visit staveandthief.c om.

Brush Creek Distillery Expands Distribution to Kentucky

Wyoming-based Brush Creek Distillery has expanded its first line of spirits, including Brush Creek Vodka (SRP $26.99), Brush Creek Gin (SRP $28.99), Brush Creek Straight Bourbon (SRP 57.99), and Brush Creek Straight Rye (SRP $47.99) into Kentucky. All four products were crafted in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, matured along Wyoming’s western frontier and crafted at The Farm at Brush Creek. Brush Creek Straight Bourbon Whiskey contains “bold aromas of malt and dried cherries mingle with hints of new leather and thyme. The palate envelops a silky coating of roasted cherries and dried blueberries. Toasted Oak notes and hints of cinnamon hit throughout the palate and create a refined finish,” according to their website. The 4-SKU lineup of spirits is now available in liquor stores, restaurants and hotels across the state. For more information, visit brushcreekdistillery.com.

Dread River to Launch First Bourbon Distilled in Birmingham, Available May 1st

Dread River will soon release its newest spirit, Dread River Straight Bourbon. Distilled from a mash bill of corn, wheat and malted barley, aged over two years and is finished in Caribbean rum casks. The spirit will be 90 proof.

The distillery will officially launch the bourbon during the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park throughout the race weekend from April 29 to May 1.

Named after a mythical river that is said to have once flowed under Birmingham itself, Dread River Distilling Co. is Alabama’s largest distillery. Inside its 24,000 square-foot facility on 7th Avenue South, Dread River distills their own vodka, whiskey, rye whiskey, rum, gin and bourbon. In additional to their spirits, Dread River brews a number of their own beers and wines, which guests are invited to enjoy at the distillery’s tasting room.

You can reserve Batch 1 bottles of Dread River Bourbon by visiting www.dreadriver.com, calling 205-588-1744 or emailing info@dreadriver.com.

Broad Branch Announces Big Winston Bourbon Bottled in Bond

Broad Branch is proud to announce the release of Big Winston Bourbon Bottled in Bond.

Aged for 4 years and Bottled in Bond, this single barrel, straight bourbon is distilled from a unique low rye mash. The finished expression perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with gentle spice, featuring notes of cream, tart cherry and buttery pie.

Big Winston Bourbon carries the name of its birthplace—Big Winston Warehouse. A former tobacco auction site nearly 100 years ago, it’s now home to Broad Branch. We mash, distill, age, proof and bottle Big Winston Bourbon here onsite, in the heart of the city.

Big Winston BiB will be available for purchase Saturday, April 2nd at 1 pm. This is a distillery-only release and must be purchased at our tasting room in downtown Winston-Salem. See you there.

Limit one Bottle Per Customer

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