Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Volume 02, Issue 18

In the latest BBB, the spirits industry has seen various developments recently. Old Forester announces the newest release in their 117 Series. MGP Ingredients has decided to close its distillery in Kansas due to challenges faced in its grain-neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products, to address profitability issues. Log Still Distillery is releasing the second edition of its Fifth District Series, paying homage to historic distilleries in Kentucky. Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Chris Fletcher shares insights about his job in an entertaining interview. William Rose Distillery in Indiana is featured for its award-winning spirits. Leiper's Fork Distillery plans to expand to downtown Franklin, Tennessee, with a tasting room and more. Black Button Distilling has opened a new and expanded location in New York, increasing its production capacity and creating jobs. Boundary Oak Distillery in Kentucky aims to establish a small farm winery, utilizing bourbon barrels for aging wine. Blue Note Bourbon opens a tasting room in Memphis, offering visitors a chance to explore its whiskey offerings. Green River Distilling releases its first Full Proof Single Barrel bourbon. Unbound Spirits announces upcoming releases of bourbon and whiskey blends. Lux Row Distillers introduces Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon. Company Distilling celebrates its first anniversary with events and festivities. Southern Kentucky Distillery becomes a member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, contributing to the growth of the state's bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 

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Old Forester® Unveils New 117 Series: Bottled in Bond

Old Forester® is introducing its latest release in the 117 series - Bottled in Bond. This product adheres to the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, ensuring that it is bottled from barrels filled during a single distillation season in 2014. To meet the criteria, the spirit must be aged in a U.S. bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). The Bottled in Bond expression is part of the 117 Series, a limited-expression lineup focusing on innovation and experimentation. The flavor profile includes confectionary notes of blackberries, apricot, and dates with a sweet nuttiness and whipped cream on the nose, followed by a rich medley of caramelized fruits and spearmint on the palate. The finish brings dried fruits, heavy cream, and an herbal tea note. Bottled in Bond is available at Old Forester Distilling Co. and select Kentucky stores for $59.99 in limited quantities. Old Forester is Brown-Forman's founding brand, and the company is known for its portfolio of fine-quality beverage alcohol brands.

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MGP Ingredients To Close Kansas Distillery

Spirits producer MGP Ingredients will shut down its distillery in Atchison, Kansas, USA, in January 2024 due to challenges in its grain-neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products. The decision aims to address profitability issues in its 'Distilling Solutions' sector. Nevertheless, MGP Ingredients will continue to operate and invest in its Ingredient Solutions business in Atchison, including a planned texturized protein facility. The closure comes as a result of an increased supply of grain-neutral spirits and industrial alcohol in the market, combined with rising local corn basis costs, making these product lines economically unviable for the company. MGP Ingredients completed its acquisition of Luxco for US$475 million in April 2021.

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Log Still Distillery Releases Fifth District Series II

Log Still Distillery is releasing the second edition of their limited Fifth District Series, called Fifth District Series II, as a tribute to historic distilleries in Kentucky's fifth tax district. It honors the legacy of F.M. Head Distillery, and the new release is a 50% alc/vol – 100 PROOF 8-year-old high rye bourbon finished in toasted barrels, offering a smoky character with cherry and spice notes. The bourbon will retail for $99.99 and will be available in several states from early August. The distillery is celebrating the launch with a two-day event on July 20th and 21st featuring bottle-signing sessions, tours, cocktails, live music, and premium flights of different releases. Fifth District Series II is expected to hit the shelves in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina by early August.

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What It's Like To Be A Master Distiller At Jack Daniel’s

Jack Tame, with New Zealand's Newstalk ZB, sits down with Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher to have a chat about what it’s like to have the job. There's nothing groundbreaking in the interview, but it is an entertaining listen. Especially listening to the contrast in accents between Tame's New Zealand accent and Fletcher's Tennessee accent. You can listen to the 12-minute interview HERE.

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Indiana's WISH-TV Highlights William Rose Distillery

Each Saturday, WISH-TV partners with Indiana Grown to highlight a local company, and this week, they feature William Rose Distillery in Zionsville. The distillery, owned by Ron Hopwood, has received several awards, including Spirit of the Year and 19 gold trophies, for its variety of spirits. Hopwood shares their success stories and the process of distilling bourbon during his appearance on News 8 at Daybreak, showcasing what the distillery has to offer. Visit their website and enjoy the full interview HERE to learn more!

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Leiper’s Fork Distillery To Open On Main Street In Franklin

Leiper's Fork Distillery, established in 2016 in Tennessee, is known for its authentic, handcrafted spaces and premium spirits, reviving the state's distilling heritage. Now, they plan to expand to downtown Franklin on Main Street, with a tasting room featuring a cocktail bar, gift shop, and live music, set to open around Thanksgiving 2023. Pending approvals, they aim to offer a fill-your-own-bottle experience and bottling line. For updates, visit their Facebook page or website.

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Black Button Distilling Opens New Tasting Room And Distillery In Rochester

Black Button Distilling, the first grain-to-glass craft spirits producer in Rochester, New York since prohibition, has opened a new and expanded tasting room and distillery on University Avenue. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Founder and Master Distiller Jason Barrett, with the presence of elected officials from local, state, and regional offices. The new location is quadruple the size of their previous one and is expected to increase annual spirits production from 1,000 to 4,500 barrels. The tasting room offers a cocktail bar, gift shop, and live music, and may also feature a fill-your-own-bottle experience and bottling line. The move is anticipated to create 10-20 jobs in the first year and up to 50 jobs in the future. Black Button Distilling has received numerous awards for its spirits and is known for its commitment to using local ingredients. The grand opening celebration took place on July 15th. Of course, they don't ship to Tennessee because of our archaic liquor laws so I need to take a road trip unless I can find someone for a handshake.

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Boundary Oak Distillery To Establish A Small Farm Winery.

Boundary Oak Distillery in Radcliff, Kentucky, is applying for a permit to become a small farm winery, allowing them to purchase wine to create bourbon barrel-aged wine. Master Distiller Brent Goodin plans to reuse their bourbon barrels to age the wine, seeking a third use for the barrels instead of discarding them. The popularity of wines aged in spirit barrels has been growing, and Goodin believes his craft distillery has an advantage in creating quality bourbon barrel-aged wine due to its proximity to the barrels' dumping process. He aims to enhance Boundary Oak's position on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with this unique offering, as it could become one of the first distilleries in the state to produce its own barrel-aged wine. Goodin intends to experiment with different wine products to see what resonates with customers, to make the best bourbon barrel-aged wine in the country.

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Blue Note Opens Bourbon Tasting Room In Memphis

Blue Note Bourbon has opened a new tasting room in Memphis, located at 802 Royal Avenue in the New Chicago neighborhood. The 550-square-foot space features a bar, lounge area, and shelves stocked with bourbon and Blue Note merchandise for purchase. Visitors can tour the production facility and bourbon barrel storage areas to learn more about Blue Note Bourbon. The grand opening was held on Friday, aiming to attract both locals and tourists to enjoy their whiskey offerings.

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Green River To Release First Full Proof Single Barrel

Green River Distilling Co. is releasing its first publicly available Green River Full Proof Single Barrel, Head Distiller's Pick #1, at 119 proof. The release includes a blend of spirituous vanilla and baking spices with creamy honey notes. The distillery plans to offer subsequent single barrels at various times throughout the year. Green River Distilling Co., founded in 1885 and reestablished in 2022, is located in Owensboro, Kentucky, and serves as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The tasting room's grand opening is scheduled for July 21, featuring a VIP tour with Head Distiller Aaron Harris. The distillery has a rich history and is known as "the Whiskey Without Regrets." For more information, visit GreenRiverWhiskey.com.

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Unbound Spirits Announces The Upcoming Release Of The Maelstrom - Aurora Batch #2

Unbound Spirits announces the upcoming release of The Maelstrom - Aurora Batch #2, a bourbon that has weathered the waves and extreme temperature changes of Lake Michigan. This batch offers a classic complexity with added warmth, bottled at 86.4 proof. Only those outside of Wisconsin will be able to purchase online for now, due to pending changes in state laws and distribution. Hooligan Soup Irish Whiskey is delayed by federal label approval but will soon go into production. The Maelstrom - Red Skies Batch #3 and Les Terribles are also in the works, with Les Terribles being a bourbon finished in French Cognac and Armagnac casks. The online store will go live on Saturday, July 22, and pre-orders for Les Terribles will be available in September. Customers are limited to two bottles per brand for pre-orders. Unbound Spirits aims to create whiskey blends of exceptional complexity and character.

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Lux Row Distillers Releases Lux Row Four Grain Single Barrel Bourbon

Lux Row Distillers is introducing Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon, combining a wheated bourbon and a ryed bourbon in a limited allocation of 7,500 cases. This bourbon is offered at 115 proof and incorporates four grains - corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley - resulting in a balanced and flavorful blend. The wheated mashbill contributes smoothness with caramel and citrus notes, while the ryed mashbill adds spiciness with hints of caramel and vanilla. Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon will be available at retail in August, with a suggested price of $79.99 per 750 ml bottle. The bottle design features a metal-plate Lux Row logo and collar, with barrel number and fill date information on the customized bottom label.

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Happy 1st Birthday Company Distilling

Yes, I know I’m a little early but Company Distilling is celebrating its one-year anniversary since opening two tasting rooms in Tennessee. The Townsend Distillery officially opened on July 8, 2022, in East Tennessee, while the Middle Tennessee location, a result of a merger with H Clark Distillery, re-opened in August of the same year. The anniversary celebrations include various events such as beer releases, BBQ, live music, tours, and meet and greet with Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. The distillery has become a popular community partner and destination for locals and visitors alike. The weekend celebration will take place at both locations, offering a full schedule of events for attendees to enjoy.

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Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Southern Kentucky Distillery As Newest Member

The Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) has welcomed Southern Kentucky Distillery in Cumberland County as its newest member. Founded in 2018 and opened in 2022, the distillery is known for producing brands such as Ancient Sun Vodka, Slate Fork Flavored Moonshine, Broadhead Wheated Bourbon, and Long Ridge Rye Bourbon. The distillery currently produces 25 barrels per day and plans to double its capacity to 50 barrels per day. The owners aim to open a gift shop, tasting room, and event spaces later this year. Southern Kentucky Distillery joins the KDA as a Craft level member, contributing to the growth of Kentucky's signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

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As the spirits industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics, these recent developments highlight the resilience and creativity of distilleries across the United States. While challenges may arise, distilleries like MGP Ingredients, Log Still Distillery, and many others remain dedicated to providing consumers with innovative and high-quality spirits. From new releases and expansions to celebrating milestones and joining esteemed associations, the industry is filled with a vibrant and diverse tapestry of distilleries, each contributing its unique flair to the world of spirits. As enthusiasts and connoisseurs eagerly anticipate the future releases and experiences these distilleries have to offer, it is evident that the passion for craft and tradition continues to drive the spirits industry forward, inspiring both novices and aficionados alike to raise their glasses to the artistry of distillation.

 

 

[Press Release] Lux Row Distillers Introduces Ezra Brooks 99, Rebel 100 in 1.75L Bottles

Lux Row Distillers – the Bardstown, Kentucky, home of the Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Daviess County, David Nicholson and Blood Oath bourbon brands – has added two SKUs to its repertoire of offerings at retail. Beginning in June, the distillery’s Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 brands will be available in 1.75L bottles at a minimum suggested retail price of $44.99 and $35.99, respectively.

Introduced in early 2021, Ezra Brooks 99 is a pure, oak-barrel-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevated to 99 proof. Charcoal filtered for a smooth, mellow finish, Ezra Brooks 99 features the same spicy, ryed-bourbon-mash-bill taste as the original Ezra Brooks, but with an enhanced flavor profile delivered by the higher proof. Introduced in 2019, Rebel 100 is a smooth wheated bourbon that offers the same round body and full flavor of the original Rebel Bourbon but takes it a step further by dialing up the proof to 100.

The level of sales success enjoyed by both Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 is a key factor in the decision made at Lux Row Distillers to expand these brand offerings by including both variants in 1.75L bottles.

“Since their respective launches in 2019 and 2021, Rebel 100 and Ezra Brooks 99 have been very popular with our customers,” said Eric Winter, whiskey brand manager for Lux Row Distillers. “Our decision to include both brands in 1.75L bottles is a reflection of their continued popularity, as well as our ongoing effort to give our customers what they are looking for.”

According to research provided by Mintel (source: Lightspeed/Mintel – US Dark Spirits Report, Nov. 2020), consumers are seeking spirits they consider “premium,” as defined by a combination of superior taste, heritage, price and awards won, among other factors. This research is supported by recent Nielsen market data (source: Nielsen 52 wks 9L cases, week ending 1-1-2022), which indicates consumer movement away from value brands and toward more premium offerings.

“Over the years Luxco has innovated within the whiskey category to keep up with the demands of the changing consumer by introducing more unique premium offerings,” said Luxco VP of Marketing Fletcher Buchman. “Over the past five to seven years, the demand for – and growth of – the premium and super-premium bourbon categories continue to grow, and we are prepared to grow along with it.”

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands.

For More Information:
https://luxrowdistillers.com/

 

Luxco rebrands Indiana home of its branded spirits to Ross & Squibb Distillery

PRESS RELEASE

LAWRENCEBURG, IN (Sept. 29, 2021) – Luxco will rename the 174-year-old, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distiller of its branded spirits Ross & Squibb Distillery™ as it joins the Luxco family of brands. Effective immediately, the distiller of George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey will go by its new name.

Like the brands it produces, Ross & Squibb Distillery pays tribute to Indiana’s distilling history and the pioneers who transformed Lawrenceburg, Indiana, into “Whiskey City USA” and helped make Indiana the rye capital of the world. The Ross & Squibb name is a celebration of two such stories:

“Ross” is inspired by the legacy of George Ross, who in 1847 founded the Rossville Distillery, located on what is now the Ross & Squibb Distillery campus. Considered one of Lawrenceburg’s original distilleries and one of America’s last Prohibition-era distilleries, Rossville Distillery produced some of the finest rye whiskeys in the world and was the inspiration for the Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey brand.

“Squibb” calls back to the historic Squibb Distillery, founded in 1869 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and later purchased in 1921 by George Remus, King of the Bootleggers^® and inspiration for the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey brand.

“In rebranding our Lawrenceburg distillery, we sought to celebrate Indiana’s rich and important distilling history, particularly as it involves the inspiration behind our branded spirits,” said David Bratcher, COO and president of branded spirits for MGP. “All Ross & Squibb brands find their inspiration in Indiana distilling history, so it is fitting the distillery itself now does as well.”

MGP will continue to produce bourbon, rye, whiskey, gin and grain-neutral spirits from this facility under its current name:  MGPI of Indiana, LLC, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, for its customers.

 

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; Ross & Squibb Distillery, where George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

 

World’s Best Bourbon

Everyone knows Kentucky is the bourbon capital of the world. Most people are also familiar with the bourbons and Tennessee whiskey pouring out of the Volunteer State. It also goes without saying that Midwest Grain Producers (MGP) is pumping out some top-notch whiskey and bourbons from Indiana. So on February 11th, when the World Whiskies Awards named their selection for “World’s Best Bourbon”, it of course came from… Texas. Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. I said Texas.  North Texas-based Ironroot Republic’s Harbinger Bourbon walked away with the award for “World’s Best Bourbon”.

Photo from Ironroot Republic's website

Ironroot Republic, distilled in Denton, Texas, uses select heirloom corn varieties and adapted French brandy distilling techniques. It is currently only available in select markets outside of Texas. The SRP is around $50 and after receiving this award, I’m sure it will be widely sought after. For more information on Ironroot Republic’s Harbinger Bourbon, as well as their other releases, check out their website.

Until next time,

Caught on COLA - Bourbon

It's that time again fellow bourbon lovers and we are back with another update of Caught on COLA. Normally this would have come out on Sunday but a couple of things prevented that. One, it was Father's Day and two, I've been under the weather, so I guess better late than never. Anyhow, I'm really excited about this edition so let's not waste any time and dive right into those labels and see what's cooking in those distilleries.

Anyone who is a reader of the blog knows that I have a fondness for Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey and let me tell you, I was so surprised when I came across this first label. Seems the folks at Uncle Nearest aren't happy to just settle for the 1856 and 1820 expressions. Nooooo, they've done gone out and gotten approval for Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey. Well, that didn't sound country as hell now did it? Anyway, what does that have to do with anything? Now, I really don't know a whole lot about this release other than it's bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) and that I am sure it lives up to the standards that we have come to expect from an Uncle Nearest release. But I did sort of reach out on Instagram to Uncle Nearest and Fawn Weaver seeking some kind of comment or possible insider information and Ms. Weaver was kind enough to reply, "Our tasting panel, Nearest's family, Keith and me are finalizing the first batch blend tomorrow... debuting at Tales of the Cocktail in July. Announcement coming soon!" So there you have it, if you are in New Orleans July 16th-21st, make sure you swing by and see what the 1884 expression is all about and let me know what you think. Hopefully I will be lucky enough to track down a bottle somehow and will be able to do a review on here as well. Here's hoping!

Next up is Odysea, a rather odd blend from Florida's Oceanside Distillery in Cape Canaveral. This is a 90 proof (45% ABV) blend of straight bourbon whiskies sourced from distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee. I couldn't find any information online about the company other than the business license information so there is no information about the release.

Next up is another blended bourbon. This one is from my home state of Michigan and comes from Red Cedar Spirits. Each bottle of 84 proof (42% ABV) Melting Pot Blended Bourbon Whiskey "uses a popular Red Cedar Spirits bourbon as the primary spirit along with other aged Red Cedar Spirits whiskies." According to the label, the whiskey is wheat free which is interesting since there is no mention of any wheaters on their website. I also couldn't find a mention of this release either but there is mention of their Melting Pot Whiskey.

I decided to include this next entry out of Texas out of morbid curiosity maybe. I don't know. But it sort of scares me. Not as bad as the thought of the PBR whiskey release but still... Maverick Whiskey's Alamo Whiskey makes me pause for the cause. According to the label, this whiskey is bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV) after having been aged for one day in new white oak barrels. Aged one day? According to the tasting notes on their website, Maverick claims Alamo has "a nose of light brown sugar, candied cinnamon, creamed corn, and black pepper. The palate is delightfully smooth with notes of crème brulee, corn pudding, vanilla, and spice. The finish is mellow with lingering notes of spearmint, cardamom, and allspice." All that from aging just one day? Ummm.... okay! Next!

Where there's smoke there's fire, so where there's a smoke wagon there must be fire water right? In a way, yes. Because I'm talking about Smoke Wagon Bourbon from Nevada H&C Distilling Co. This MGP-sourced bourbon is bottled at 92.5 proof (46.25% ABV) and is readily available or so it seems on their website.

Wyoming Whiskey brings us our next entry with The Stargazer. This limited edition bottling celebrates mans journey to the moon 50 years ago. This 100 proof (50% ABV) bottle will only be available at the distillery (when it's released) but as for now there is no other information on this wheater (I'm guessing it's a wheated bourbon since there others are) on their website.

Our last entry comes from Colorado's Tower 56 Distilling in the form of their Tower's 56 Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Now this 90 proof (45% ABV) bourbon may have been bottled in Greeley, Colorado but it was distilled in Statesville, North Carolina so that tells me it was probably sourced from the Southern Distilling Company (I could be wrong). Tower 56's previous bourbon release is a wheated bourbon but I am not sure of the mashbill of this straight bourbon release and there is no mention of it yet on their website.

That's all I've got for now, folks! Until the next round, cheers!

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!

Pinhook 2019 Plans - Vertical Series and Beyond

So earlier this week, after some snooping on the TTB COLA website, I found the labels for some upcoming Pinhook releases. After posting them here on my blog in my regular Caught on COLA - Bourbon feature, I decided to post them on Instagram. When I did, I gambled and asked Pinhook Bourbon Founder and Master Taster Sean Josephs if he would provide any insight into the upcoming releases. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised, no… I was shocked with the response I got. He not only responded but went into some detail. No release dates but… well read below and you will see.

The first label I posted was the Bourbon War which is this year’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. I finished my post by asking Mr. Josephs if he had any tips on a release date? This was his reply:

"This is the fall bottling of Pinhook’s first release of our Vertical Series. Age statement of 4YO (proofed to 98) and will be released for 9 years, with the age statement increasing by 1 year annually. I will proof each vintage to what I think is the ideal proof. Idea is that you can collect from age 4-12 and follow the barrels as they mature. Doing the same for rye, with the first Vertical Rye coming Spring of 2020. Cheers"

My next post was for Rye Humor and likewise, I finished the post asking Mr. Josephs if there was any info he could share. His reply was:

"I was working on this blend 2 weeks ago at Castle & Key. Our first cask strength rye release. MGP barrels that will be a little shy of 4YO. Proof won’t be known until we dump, but guessing in the 115 range. Total production for the country is 65 barrels. For whatever it’s worth, coming from my biased perspective, it is ridiculously good"

Now I am sure his perspective is biased but I am also sure that the rye is really, really, REALLY good as well. The concept of the Vertical Series has me extremely intrigued and I really hope I can get in on them. I’ll do my best to track them down and will even try to review them but coming across them is not always easy for me. Unfortunately, I am not in the circles that people like Mr. Minnick and others are where they are all but guaranteed access to some of these releases. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for them, I’m just saying that I will struggle to get the Vertical Series and bring my thoughts on it to you.

Hmmm… I have apparently gone off rambling. I’m sorry. Well, that’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed this little bit of insight into this year’s Pinhook releases. If you have any additional information or thoughts, please let me know in the comments.  And thanks again to Sean Joseph.

Caught on COLA - Bourbon

I'm back with the next edition of Caught on COLA - Bourbon where I delve into the TTB COLA registry and try to snoop out what the distilleries are cooking up and getting ready to release. So without further adieu, let's get to snooping!

Every year, Pinhook Bourbon releases a new bourbon (and rye), each connected to an active, promising young thoroughbred. This year's bourbon will be dedicated to bay colt named Bourbon War who stands 16.0 hands. The juice in the bottle is aged for four years (age stated on the bottle) and tips the scale at 116.5 proof (58.25% Alc./Vol.). 

As far as Pinhook's rye release, it seems it will be named for another bay colt named Rye Humor that stands at 16.1 hands. The rye in this release is bottled at cask strength and is also 116.5 proof (58.25% Alc./Vol.). Both the bourbon and rye releases' labels are interactive and feature augmented reality (AR) by scanning the bottle with the Pinhook AR app. Of course, there is no mention yet on a release date but make sure to grab a bottle of both releases as Pinhook, in my opinion, is damn good.

From the City of Brotherly Love comes Four Humours Bourbon Whiskey. This MGP-sourced juice is aged for four years and comes in at 90 proof (45% Alc./Vol/.). This bourbon release joins their rye in what looks like will be a decent spirit menu. They have plans for a five year bourbon, a wheated bourbon, a corn whiskey and a malted mash whiskey. You can find out more on their website.

Next we have M & O Spirits with their Black Bourbon Whiskey which they say is triple distilled and double oaked. Made from corn, rye, red wheat and malted barley, this whiskey hits the bottle at 90 proof (45% Alc./Vol/.) and is distilled, aged and bottled in Asheville, Ohio. You could check out their website for more information but unfortunately it's just a splash page.

Texas' own Rio Brazos Distillery is set to release a Single Barrel expression of their Texas bourbon. This young bourbon (aged for one year) is bottled at 100 proof (50% Alc./Vol.) and joins their lineup of Texas whiskey and corn whiskey. As of yet, there is no mention on their website but stay tuned.

Hailing from my home state of Michigan, Motor City Gas is coming out with their Belly Up Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Distilled and bottled in Royal Oak, Michigan, Belly Up tips the scales at 92 proof (46% Alc./Vol.) is "aged more than 2 years." You can subscribe to their email list for updates on their website which is another one that isn't much more than a splash page for now.

Oregon Ryegrass Spirits (aka Spiritopia) is adding to their rye whiskey and brandy portfolio by bringing us Rainbow Straight Bourbon Whiskey. According to the back label, Rainbow is made from 51% corn and 49% wheat (all from Eastern Oregon) and is bottled at 90 proof (45% Alc./Vol.). No mention on the Spiritopia website as of yet but I'll keep checking since I love wheaters.

PM Spirits looks like they are about to release another edition of their Mic Dop Straight Bourbon Whiskey. L19-01 is a MGP sourced bourbon that has been aged for four years. The mashbill consists of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% barley malt and is bottled at a 111 proof (55.5% Alc./Vol.). No mention yet on a release date and no information on their website yet about this release.

Vapor Distillery's Boulder Spirits looks like they are adding a two-year Straight Bourbon Whiskey to their lineup which already includes bourbon, single-malt whiskey, gin and vodka. This Scottish copper pot still juice is made from 51% corn, 44% malted barley and 5% rye that was aged in No. 3 char white oak barrels and was bottled at 84 proof (42% Alc./Vol.). Vapor Distillery doesn't show the release on their website so there is no information on a possible release date. Make sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest information.

Get ready for the Remus Repeal Reserve 2019 Medley from MGP's own G. Remus Distilling Co. This 100 proof (50% Alc./Vol.) release is comprised of 12% 2007 Bourbon (21% Rye), 78% 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 10% 2008 Bourbon (36% Rye). There isn't any mention on the Remus website about the Limited Edition release but it will probably come out towards the end of the year to celebrate Repeal Day (Dec. 3rd). If it is anything like first two releases, grab it if you can!

That's all I have for this week. Please make sure to check back as I do some more COLA snooping and see what we have to look forward to in our bourbon future. Until then, drink more bourbon! Cheers!

Caught on COLA - Bourbon

I'm back with the latest edition of  Caught on COLA - Bourbon and there are some interesting selections in this edition. So let's do some COLA snooping and see what is on the way.

First up is Flying Leap Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery in Arizona. This bourbon is a sweet corn mash that is distilled at the vineyard located just south of Tuscon. It is then aged for at least two years in the vineyards barrelhouse in heavily charred new American oak casks before being bottled at 80 proof (40% Alc./Vol.). A check of Flying Leap's website shows plenty of delicious looking spirits, including cask-aged brandy, Nachbrenner (a spiced brandy from cask-aged eaux-de-vie), grape distilled vodka, arancello and even grappa. But there is no mention yet of their bourbon so, as usual, I don't have a release date.

I included this next label because it is a wheat whiskey and, well, I am just a sucker for wheaters. Let me introduce you to California's own Drift Distillery's Single Barrel Wheat Whiskey. Distilled in San Clemente from Kansas wheat raised on Drift's family farm, this 102 proof (51% Alc./Vol.) whiskey is very young, being only aged for one year. Checking Drift's website, they feature gin, vodka, rum and an unaged wheat whiskey but no mention of the Single Barrel so we will just have to wait and see when it gets released.

Ft. Wayne, Indiana's own Three Rivers Distilling Co. brings us Old Fort Bourbon Whiskey. This 90 proof (45% Alc./Vol.) young bourbon (aged for 12 months according to the label) joins TRDC's wheated bourbon and rye whiskey in what is beginning to be a wide selection of spirits. Checking their website reveals no mention of the release yet so we have to wait and see again.

Next we look at Coit Spirits Indiana Straight Bourbon from Coit Spirits Distilling in California. According to the their website, this four-grain high rye bourbon is distilled in Indiana (read sourced from MGP) and then slow aged on site in California for over two years according to the label. The high rye juice is mellowed with the addition of wheat and barley to round out this "unique whiskey." The whiskey is already listed on their website so I'm guessing that it is already available but I'm not sure.

Canned cocktail producer 503 Distilling from Portland, Oregon is getting ready to offer up The Gambler 500 Whiskey, a small batch 80 proof (40% Alc./Vol.) craft whiskey that challenges you to "Buck Tradition." So far they don't seem to mention it on their website, but the folks in the Northwest need to be on the lookout for this.

Blaum Bros. of Knotter Bourbon fame are back with Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. Straight Rye Whiskey. According to the label, this is Blaum's very own juice inside and they bottled it at 100 proof (50% Alc./Vol.). No mention on their site yet and I know it's not bourbon but... it's Blaum Bros. and that's enough for me.

Boot Hill Distillery's Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Dodge City, Kansas is our next label. This bourbon is distilled on site, bottled at 100 proof (50% Alc./Vol.) and aged for three years (according to the label). There website mentions the release (sort of) and only gives a release date of Spring 2019 so it could see the light of day anytime now

Joining the likes of Old Grand-Dad and Old Overholt in the Olds Whiskeys collection, Jim Beam is set to release Dr. James Crow's Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a throwback to the original sour mash recipe from 1835 that would revolutionize an industry. The juice was aged for three years and bottled at 80 proof 100 proof (40% Alc./Vol.). There is still no release date as of yet and no mention on the website.

Our next label comes from the great state of Texas, Houston to be exact, and though it's not a bourbon, I am still partial to all things Texan. Billy Banks Single Barrel Whiskey from Billy Banks Distillers (which is actually Gulf Coast Distillers) is a very young sour mash whiskey (aged only 9 months) and is bottled at a somewhat pedestrian 80 proof (40% Alc./Vol.). There is no mention of the release on their website, matter of fact, there's no mention of anything on their website. All it says is "Coming Soon" so who knows.

Lastly, we look at two labels from Two Trees Distilling from North Carolina. First up is Owl Head High Wheat Bourbon Whiskey. Now according to the label, this is an 86 proof (43% Alc./Vol.) wheated bourbon (45% wheat) that is aged for 24 hours in oak but is also treated with Appalachia oak chips and Tennessee oak chips. Ummmm.... okay then.

Then you have Two Trees Distilling Snarly Yow High Rye Whiskey. Named for a dog-like beast that haunted the woods of West Virginia, this 90 proof (45% Alc./Vol.) high rye bourbon (21% rye) bourbon was also aged for 24 hours in oak. But in addition to the Appalachian and Tennessee oak chips, they have also added some Missouri white oak chips to the mix. Now there's no mention of a release for either one of these bourbons on Two Trees' website but they do at least show the bottle for Snarly Yow. Needless to say, I listed both of these as a curiosity and not because I am looking forward to their release.

Well, that's all the COLA snooping for this edition. I'll be back next week with more new labels but until then, drink more bourbon, drink more mead and always drink curious!