Old Forester® Debuts 1924: A 10-year-old Bourbon and a New Mash Bill

Old Forester® has unveiled its latest release in the Whiskey Row Series – 1924. This 10-year-old bourbon, with 100 proof, features a new mash bill (79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley) different from the traditional recipe. The release commemorates a significant moment in Old Forester's history during Prohibition when it obtained permits to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine. The 1924 release honors the 100th anniversary of this innovation, marking Old Forester as the only bourbon brand produced before, during, and after Prohibition. The Whiskey Row series now includes five installments, each representing a distinct moment in the brand's 153-year history. 

• 1870 Original Batch
• 1897 Bottled in Bond
• 1910 Old Fine Whisky
• 1920 Prohibition Style
• 1924 10-year-old

Old Forester 1924 offers tasting notes of dark graham cracker color, with aromas of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, and cured tobacco over rich oak and warm cinnamon hints. The flavor profile includes chocolate-covered graham cracker with cinnamon, and the finish features hints of spice and graham cracker crumbles. The bourbon is 50% ABV (100-proof) and is priced at $115, available nationwide.

For more information on Old Forester, please visit OldForester.com.

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.

 

 

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.

PRESS RELEASE: Old Forester's Next Release in the 117 Series

Old Forester's Next Release in the 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Old Forester Distilling Co. announces the release of the third installment of The 117 Series – 1910 Extra Old.

The limited-edition expression is Old Forester's standard 1910 Old Fine Whisky that has been left to age 18 months in a secondary barrel – hence the name "extra old." The result is a bourbon with intense caramel notes.

"This release in The 117 Series is a curious exploration into the intensity of the proprietary heavily charred 1910 barrel," Master Taster Jackie Zykan said. "This liquid was allowed to rest for 18 months in this secondary barrel, extracting significantly more of the heavily charred influence."

1910 is a beloved Old Forester expression that commemorates an important moment in Old Forester history.

On October 22, 1910, a fire on the bottling line halted the production of Old Forester. Mature whisky ready to be bottled was instead stored in a second barrel. What emerged was a delightful whisky, remarkable enough to become an entirely new expression – Old Fine Whisky.

The 117 Series is a limited-expression lineup that debuted in Spring 2021.

Old Forester 1910 Extra Old is bottled at 93 proof and will be available starting February 23^rd at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. and in select states for direct-to-consumer sales for $49.99 in limited quantities -- and at select Kentucky stores.  Visit OldForester.com for more information.

Notes:

Aroma: On the nose, this expression showcases notes of dark brown sugar, sugared pecan and rich chocolate.

Taste: The palate brings with it a medium-bodied expression with a depth of warmth that swiftly transitions from sweet notes of intense caramel to the spice of dried tobacco.

Finish: A balanced ending that is gently rounded out with notes of green apple and raw walnut.

About Brown-Forman:
For 151 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's & Cola, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Slane, and Fords Gin. Brown-Forman's brands are supported by over 4,800 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit https://www.brown-forman.com/.

About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester is Brown-Forman's founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, "There is nothing better in the market."

Please sip responsibly.
Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 52% Alc. by Vol., Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. ©2022 Brown-Forman. All rights reserved. Please do not share or forward this content with anyone under the legal drinking age.