Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 14

Hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable July 4th. I had absolutely no intention of posting today, but here I am with the latest edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, your go-to source for the latest news and updates in the world of bourbon. In this edition, we have an exclusive pre-order announcement from 22 Salute, featuring their handcrafted Fig-Vanilla Bourbon that not only promises a unique tasting experience but also supports a worthy cause. Four Roses Distillery celebrates its 135th anniversary with a brand refresh and the release of a rare Ten Recipe Tasting Experience kit. Eastern Light Distilling brings a new bourbon distillery to Eastern Kentucky, while Tony Leonard's groundbreaking book, "The Bourbon Whisperer," offers a comprehensive guide to bourbon tasting and mastery. Four Branches Bourbon launches their highly anticipated Founders Blend, and Booker's Bourbon unveils its second batch of 2023, paying tribute to Booker Noe's early days as an apprentice. Discover the story of Chattermark Distillery, Cardinal Spirits' community equity investment opportunity, Brush Creek's Heroes Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and the Summer 2023 - Cherrystone X Thomas Tew Rum Finished Rye from O'Brien & Brough. Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the bourbon world with our Bourbon Barrel Blurbs.

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22 Salute Announces Exclusive Pre-Order of Handcrafted Fig-Vanilla Bourbon

Renowned artisan spirits and specialty coffee provider, 22 Salute™ Spirits & Coffee, has unveiled its latest offering: Fig-Vanilla Bourbon 'With a Purpose™. This meticulously crafted, limited-edition bourbon not only promises a unique tasting experience but also contributes to a worthy cause. With just 150 numbered bottles available at $69.99, bourbon enthusiasts are urged to act quickly and secure their order. Made with natural ingredients and no added sugar, this 80-proof bourbon blends the sweetness of Mission Figs with the exquisite flavor of Madagascar Vanilla beans, redefining expectations for bourbon whiskey. In addition to offering a remarkable spirit, each purchase supports The Veterans Connection™, a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention among veterans and first responders. By purchasing the Fig-Vanilla Bourbon 'With a Purpose™, customers can indulge in a remarkable bourbon experience while making a meaningful impact. Pre-orders can be placed now on the 22 Salute™ website. Their full press release can be found HERE.

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Four Roses Distillery Celebrates 135 Anniversary With First Global Brand Refresh and Limited-edition Tasting Kit

Four Roses Distillery, the renowned Kentucky-based bourbon brand, has unveiled a global brand refresh, marking its first update since 2006. This new visual identity coincides with the celebration of Four Roses' 135th year as a heritage brand with a legacy predating Prohibition. The refreshed branding will be visible on all Four Roses bourbon bottles and the brand's new website. The design updates, led by agency Camp + King, include a renewed 3D rose emblem, engraved rose clusters on each bottle's cork, brightened labels with gilded borders, and the addition of Master Distiller Brent Elliott's signature. The updated website design offers a more cohesive and user-friendly experience. To commemorate this occasion, Four Roses is releasing a rare, limited-edition kit called The Ten Recipe Tasting Experience, showcasing the ten unique bourbon recipes that define the brand. The kit will include 50ml bottles of each recipe and a guided tasting video with Master Distiller Brent Elliott. The kit will be available for purchase starting June 30 at select locations. Despite the brand refresh, Four Roses remains committed to its tradition of producing high-quality bourbons rooted in its ten signature recipes. For more information, visit www.fourrosesbourbon.com or you can read the full article HERE.

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New Bourbon Distillery Coming To Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Light Distilling, a new player in Kentucky's bourbon market, is set to make its mark in Rowan County. With an investment of $143.7 million, the eastern Kentucky-based company aims to become a contract distiller, collaborating with craft bourbon makers. Governor Andy Beshear praised the venture, highlighting its potential to boost the craft bourbon industry, attract tourists, and generate economic growth. The distillery plans to create at least 50 jobs, offering competitive wages of $33 an hour along with benefits. Led by CEO Cordell Lawrence and master distiller Caleb Kilburn, Eastern Light Distilling represents a lifelong dream to bring Kentucky's signature bourbon industry to eastern Kentucky. Construction plans for the distillery are yet to be announced. For the full article, click HERE.

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The Bourbon Whisperer: A Comprehensive Guide to Bourbon Tasting, Collecting, and Mastery

Tony Leonard, a seasoned bourbon enthusiast, and expert, has released his groundbreaking book, "The Bourbon Whisperer: A Comprehensive Guide to Bourbon Tasting, Collecting, and Mastery." The book offers readers a captivating exploration of the world of bourbon, including its rich heritage, techniques for mastering tasting, tips for curating a personal collection, hosting bourbon-tasting parties, and understanding the latest trends in bourbon production. With engaging storytelling, insightful commentary, and practical advice, "The Bourbon Whisperer" invites readers to deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of bourbon. The book offers a transformative journey of discovery, allowing readers to experience the social connections, camaraderie, and cultural influences surrounding this beloved spirit. The book is available for purchase at thebourbonwhisperer.com. You can read the full press release HERE.

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Four Branches Bourbon Launches 'Founders Blend'

Four Branches Bourbon, a spirits brand founded by veterans from four branches of the US Military, has launched its highly anticipated Founders Blend for online purchase. The bourbon can now be shipped to 35 states, allowing bourbon enthusiasts across the country to experience its exceptional craftsmanship. The brand was created to honor those who have served and made sacrifices, and the founders have already made significant charitable contributions. With the guidance of Master Distiller Steve Nally, Four Branches Bourbon has created a unique blend featuring a 4-grain mash bill with a smooth flavor profile. The brand plans to expand its availability in the coming months and was recently featured on the show "Fox and Friends." You can read the full press release HERE and you can purchase their Founders Blend HERE for $99.99.

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Booker's Bourbon Announces Its Second Batch Of 2023, Booker's "Apprentice Batch."

Booker's Batch 2023-02 "Apprentice Batch" is the second release of the Booker's Bourbon 2023 Collection. It pays tribute to Booker Noe's early days as an apprentice under his cousin Carl Beam at the Jim Beam Distillery. Carl mentored Booker, and their collaboration led to the acquisition of a distillery in Boston, KY, where Booker honed his skills and became a Master Distiller. The batch is a deep amber color with flavors of vanilla, nuts, and oak, complemented by a robust aroma of vanilla and caramel. It has a long and full finish, perfect for sipping. The blend consists of barrels aged in six different warehouses, contributing to its distinctive character. After seven years of aging, the result is a pleasant and well-balanced bourbon that would have made Carl and Booker proud. For more information, visit: https://www.bookersbourbon.com/batches/.

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Chattermark - Fresh Grain To Exceptional Spirits

Chattermark is a distillery located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, that produces whiskey and gin. They prioritize using New England grains sourced from a family farm in Maine. The distillery employs a double-pot distillation process and has a handmade copper still from Germany. Founder John Sorgini, a former corporate lawyer and retired Air Force colonel, emphasizes craftsmanship and controlling the entire production process in-house. The name "Chattermark" reflects resilience and overcoming adversity. Chattermark's tasting room is open on select days, and their labels feature hidden secrets like Morse code and folding lines to turn the label into a paper airplane. You can read, or watch, the full story HERE.

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Cardinal Spirits Offers Community Equity Investment

Cardinal Spirits, a craft distillery in Bloomington, Indiana, is conducting a community equity round through crowdfunding investment. The distillery, founded in 2013, aims to raise funds for various purposes such as brand sales of canned cocktails and bottled spirits, whiskey production, the tasting room, and copacking operations. Cardinal Spirits has already secured investments from previous investors and the IU Angel Network. The company recently streamlined its operations by laying off some employees to improve profitability. The funds raised will be used to expand its whiskey operation and increase the distribution of its spirits and canned cocktails in more states. Cardinal Spirits recently restarted tours at its tasting room to showcase its products and engage with the local community. The distillery aims to focus on its core business of spirits production and aims to gain support and advocacy from its loyal fan base. For more information, visit: https://www.cardinalspirits.com/ or https://wefunder.com/cardinal.spirits/.

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Brush Creek Releases Heroes Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Brush Creek Distillery, located on the Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, has introduced its inaugural batch of Heroes Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This single-barrel selection of bourbon celebrates the everyday heroes of the past, present, and future. The bourbon is a blend of crimson red, blue, and white corn bourbon, initially matured in Indiana and further aged at Brush Creek in Wyoming. The flavors reflect patriotism and the spirit of the American West, making it an excellent pairing for barbecues. For more information, visit: https://brushcreekdistillery.com/.

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O’Brien & Brough Releases Summer 2023 - Cherrystone X Thomas Tew Rum Finished Rye

To celebrate the Fourth of July, Bristol, RI-based O’Brien & Brough has collaborated with Newport Craft Distilling to create a special edition whiskey. The unique barrel used for aging the whiskey has an interesting history, previously holding port wine at Newport Vineyards and Thomas Tew rum at Newport Craft. After arriving at its final destination, the barrel was filled with a blend of the establishment's oldest American straight rye whiskeys. The resulting whiskey has a prominent rum influence, with aromas of spiced vanilla and molasses. The collaboration showcases the flavors of the East Bay region and offers a limited release of only 100 hand-numbered bottles at $60. The Summer 2023 - Cherrystone x Thomas Tew Rum Finish is bottled at barrel proof and is available for pickup at the O&B Tasting Room. For more information, visit: https://www.obrienandbrough.com/.

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That wraps up this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, your guide to the latest news and developments in the world of bourbon. From exclusive pre-orders and brand refreshes to new distilleries, insightful books, and limited-edition releases, the bourbon landscape continues to evolve and captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and releases as we continue to explore the rich flavors, heritage, and craftsmanship of this beloved spirit. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or a curious novice, Bourbon Barrel Blurbs has you covered. Cheers to the timeless tradition and endless possibilities of bourbon!

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Volume 01, Issue 12

Triple B is back with another issue after an unplanned medical leave. This issue features blurbs on Southern Distilling Company, Four Roses 2022 L.E. Small Batch, Little Book Chapter 6, Michter's Distillery, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Uncle Nearest is still showing out, Bluegrass Bottling, Old Louisville Whiskey Co., Union Horse Revivalist, O.H. Ingram River Aged Roadshow, and the complications presented by the three-tier system. So grab a drink, get comfortable, and as Kelsey Grammer says in the movie Down Periscope, "Let's kick this pig!"

Southern Distilling Company partners with Charlotte FC

Southern Distilling Company has entered a multi-year deal with Charlotte Football Club as an official partner in the alcohol-whiskey category. How did I not know about Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey? I need someone to hook me up with a sample!

Four Roses 2022 Limited Edition Small Batch to Drop Sept. 17

Four Roses Distillery announces it will launch its 2022 Limited Edition Small Batch on September 17. The release will be the 15th in its series of limited-quantity special bottlings.

Non-chill filtered and bottled at 109 proof, the 2022 Limited Edition Small Batch features four different hand-selected recipes aged 14 to 20 years. These recipes represent four of the distillery’s 10 distinct Bourbon recipes – a 14 year-old Bourbon from the OESF recipe, a 14 year-old OESV, a 15 year-old OESK, and a 20 year-old OBSV.

Freddie Noe announces Little Book Chapter 6

In a press release, Freddie Noe, creator of Little Book® Whiskey, announced the sixth installment in his acclaimed, limited-release series – Little Book Chapter 6: "To The Finish."

The name of this year's chapter is inspired by Noe's passion for both whiskey-making and cooking, and more specifically, his curiosity for how flavors come together to complement each other.

Michter's Distillery will release its US*1 Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey

In September 2022, Michter's Distillery will release its US*1 Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey for the second time ever. It comes in at 86 proof and will sell in the U.S. for a SRP of $100 per 750ml bottle.

Old Forester Announces National Sweepstakes For 22nd Release Of Birthday Bourbon

The September 2nd release marks the 22nd limited edition expression, but this year's celebration will look different than years past. For the first time, Old Forester's Birthday Bourbon will be available to purchase through a sweepstakes running from August 24, 2022 through August 31, 2022. This gives people nationwide the opportunity to win the right to purchase the most coveted expression of Old Forester.

Because of the new policy, no Birthday Bourbon bottles will be sold at the distillery on September 2. Prize winners will be notified via email on September 2, 2022.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Makes Powerful Inc. 5000 List

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020, and 2021, has been ranked among the top 1,000 companies honored on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list. With growth of more than 3,000% since its first year, and nearly 700% during the capture period of this Inc. 5000 list, Uncle Nearest, ranked #921, joins an illustrious group of honorees like Microsoft, Facebook, Under Armour, Chobani, Patagonia and many other behemoths who first gained national exposure on the Inc. 5000 list. Every year, Inc. releases the ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America, based on percentage of revenue growth. Uncle Nearest is one of few spirit brands to ever be featured on the list.

Bluegrass Bottling to Open 2nd Location in Lancaster

Lisa Strevels runs the Kentucky-based, woman-owned Bluegrass Bottling LLC. Strevels started the business at the beginning of 2020, and in less than three years, her business is already adding a new facility in Lancaster.

On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear’s office said that it will give $6.25 million towards Strevels’ expansion project, as part of the state’s $1.1 billion investment into the spirits industry, yielding 900 full-time jobs and more than 50 new-locations or expansion projects like Bluegrass Bottling.

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Launches Batch #1, Opens Tasting Room

Old Louisville Whiskey, a new line of small batch whiskeys, launched in Kentucky in early August. Founded by Amine and Beth Karaoud, the Old Louisville Whiskey Co. has its roots in the historic neighborhood as the Karaouds funded the company with the sale of their Old Louisville rental properties. The Karaouds opened a tasting room and warehouse at 4427 Poplar Level Rd. which people can visit by appointment to select single barrels from their unique whiskey collection. In addition to the tasting room, whiskey fans can buy Old Louisville Whiskey, Batch #1, on shelves throughout Kentucky.

(Image via Old Louisville Whiskey Co.)

The Old Louisville portfolio will feature a variety of mashbills, each new release patiently aged in warehouses until the Karouds deem them ready. The first batch, which will retail at $149.99, was selected for its easy drinkability and crowd-pleasing flavor. It is a straight bourbon whiskey, aged 7-10 years and bottled at barrel proof – uncut, unfiltered. Future releases will include american whiskey aged 16 years and rye, and all releases will be limited (2,000 bottles or less).

Union Horse Enters American Single Malt Whiskey Market

After working on the recipe for seven years, Lenexa-based Union Horse Distilling Co. released a new year-round offering, an American Single Malt Whiskey called Rivalist.

Although the new spirit is made entirely of malted barley, Union Horse uses three different types: odyssey, chocolate and caramel. Rivalist is single-pot distilled, then aged in a combination of 20-, 25- and 53-gallon barrels that are blended. It’s bottled at 96 proof and has a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Rivalist is gaining wide distribution throughout the Kansas City area and currently is distributed throughout Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado and Nebraska. It is scheduled to hit New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia and Tennessee later. Man… guess I’ll have to wait to try this when it is finally released here in Tennessee.

O.H. Ingram River Aged Announces Fall Road Show

Brown Water Spirits LLC, the maker of O.H. Ingram River Aged, is proud to announce that it is embarking on a fall roadshow, visiting key markets, holding public events and spreading the word about the only whiskey aged in a floating barrelhouse on the Mississippi River.

During September, the team – led by Founder Hank Ingram – will be stopping in cities throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Public events include in-store tastings, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the Whiskey Wisconsin Festival, among others. Fans are asked to stay tuned for more details as September nears.

How Antiquated Three-tiered System Complicates Things

Bryan Clary and Zack Hiller, the co-owners of William Price Distilling Company, both figured the hardest times were behind them after they weathered a pandemic era opening, but an antiquated and convoluted state system involving distilleries, distributors and stores has meant navigating forward has been anything but simple.

Four Roses Press Release Announcing New 50ml Bottles

50 ml options of award-winning Small Batch and Small Batch Select available now

Four Roses’ Small Batch Select expanding to more states

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Four Roses’ acclaimed addition to its Bourbon lineup expanding to more states

Non-chill filtered and 104 proof, Four Roses Small Batch Select to appear on more shelves this spring

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – Four Roses Distillery’s “fourth rose” will become available to more Bourbon lovers this year.

Launched last year as the award-winning distillery’s first permanent product-line extension in more than a decade, Four Roses Small Batch Select had previously been available in just five states. The non-chill filtered and 104 proof Bourbon will now expand into 13 new markets.

New markets where Small Batch Select will be available in the coming months include: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. These will join Four Roses’ home state of Kentucky, along with New York, California, Texas and Georgia where Small Batch Select is currently available.

“I look forward to sharing this unique offering with more Bourbon drinkers

across the country,” said Brent Elliott, master distiller at Four Roses. “Small

Batch Select showcases some of our Bourbon recipes and flavors that aren’t as forward facing in the rest of our lineup of Single Barrel, Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon.”

Named Master Distiller/Blender of the Year at the 2020 Icons of Whisky America award ceremony, Elliott is particularly proud of Small Batch Select, as it was the distillery’s first permanent product-line extension since 2006, and is the biggest addition to the storied history of the 132-year-old brand since he became master distiller in 2015. The noted international media outlet Whisky Advocate rated Small Batch Select No. 3 in its Top Whiskies of 2019 list, and it was the highest ranked Bourbon on the list. The Bourbon was also awarded Category Silver for Kentucky Bourbon at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

Four Roses is the only Bourbon distillery that combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to produce 10 distinct Bourbon recipes, each with its own unique characteristics. Master Distiller Elliott hand- selected and mingled six of Four Roses’ 10 Bourbon recipes, each aged a minimum of 6 years, to create Small Batch Select. It features recipes OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK and OESF.

“Small Batch Select is an extension of what we do at Four Roses, and what we do well,” Elliott said. “Balancing notes of candied fruit with warmth and spice, it’s enjoyable to both casual drinkers and Bourbon connoisseurs.”

For more information on Small Batch Select, visit fourrosesbourbon.com/bourbon/small-batch-select/.

About Four Roses Distillery

Established in 1888, Four Roses is the only Bourbon distillery that combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to distill and age 10 distinct Bourbon recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile. With distilling and warehousing operations in Lawrenceburg and Cox's Creek, Kentucky, respectively, Four Roses is dedicated to producing award-winning Bourbons with smooth and mellow tastes and finishes. Four Roses is available in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.fourrosesbourbon.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Caught on COLA - Bourbon

Hey fellow Bourbonites! I'm back again with another update of COLA approvals. So, let's get right to it and see what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks and months from the whiskey industry.

We get started with the Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2019 Release, which as you can see, they are saying is a Barrel Strength at 108 proof (54 ABV). According to the back label, "The art and craft of mingling exquisite Bourbon from multiple recipes is something unique to Four Roses, especially as witnessed in this exceptional Limited Edition Barrel Strength release. Four of our perfectly-aged, handcrafted recipes were selected by our Master Distiller, Brent Elliot, then mingled expertly to present elegant aromas of oak, honey, red raspberries and vanilla. Complementary flavors of bright sweet fruits, cinnamon, baking spices, and mellow barrel flavors lead you to a rich, soft and lasting finish." There is no mention of the four recipes used for this release but I'm sure this will eventually leak out but as of yet, there is no mention on the website of this release.

Our next release is not really a special bourbon but just the special 2019 Holiday label for Woodford Reserve. Not really much else to say about it but thought I would share it anyway. Sort of Christmas in July... er... June!

Up next we have the Jack Daniel's Legacy Edition #3, which is the latest installment of the Legacy labels. If you aren't familiar with these, Jack Daniel's has a 150 years of history of making old No.7 and we all are familiar with that iconic black label. But it wasn't always black. Along the way, there were several iterations of the label that came and went before they settled on the current label we are familiar with and the Legacy Editions honor those labels. You can still find Edition #1 on shelves and Edition #2 came out a couple of months ago but there is no information on the website yet on when this edition will be released.

Next we have Sundance Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Sundance Distilling in Grants Pass, Oregon. According to the label, this is a two year bourbon, mashed, distilled and bottled on site and aged in charred new oak barrels. It is then bottled at 96 proof (48% ABV). There is no mention of this yet on their website. Actually there is not much of anything on their website. Oh well.

Colorado's Peachtree Distillers brings us our next label with their Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This bourbon is "made from sweet Western Colorado corn, pure Rocky Mountain water and a healthy dose of old-fashioned tomfoolery." Aged for two years, this small batch bourbon (each batch yields only three barrels) is bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV). They already have it up on their website so I am guessing that it is already available.

Finally, take a look at Texas' own Bishop Straight Bourbon Whiskey which, according to the label, takes "great care to honor the great whiskey makers of the past." Apparently those whiskey makers are from Indiana as this bourbon is MGP sourced. It is aged for "a minimum of two years" and is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). There is no mention of this bourbon on the Gulf Coast Distillers website because the site is just a splash page that says coming soon.

Okay, that's it for this update. Check back with me next week and we will see what's hiding in the those warehouses for us later in the year. Until then, drink curious and drink more bourbon! Cheers!