Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Volume 02, Issue 22

Welcome to Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, your ultimate source for all things whiskey! Whether you're a seasoned whiskey aficionado or just beginning your journey into the world of bourbon, this blog is here to satiate your thirst for knowledge and updates in the whiskey industry. We'll be serving up a tantalizing blend of news, reviews, and stories from the finest distilleries worldwide, keeping you informed on the latest releases, collaborations, and celebrations in the whiskey realm. So, grab your favorite tumbler, pour yourself a dram, and join us as we delve into the captivating world of bourbon. Cheers!

 

Barrels & Billets Joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) has welcomed Barrels & Billets in Jefferson County as its 54th distilling member. The distillery, owned by Hillerich & Bradsby Co., offers a hands-on, interactive Bourbon experience to the public. Visitors can create their own custom Bourbon blend using six different wood-finished Bourbons. The distillery is part of the H&B campus in downtown Louisville, along with the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and The Skybox event space.

Barrels & Billets specializes in wood finishing techniques for its Bourbons, including Lucky Lumber Easy Drinking Bourbon, Lead Off Rich & Complex Bourbon, Smokin’ Fastball Smoked Bourbon, and the luxury brand J. Frederick Three Wood Bourbon, which pays homage to the company's history of selling barrels for aging Bourbon. Learn more at https://barrelsandbillets.com/.

Joining as a "Craft" level member, aging between 0 and 10,000 barrels per year, Barrels & Billets is excited to contribute to the thriving Kentucky Bourbon industry. The KDA President, Eric Gregory, praised the addition of Barrels & Billets to downtown Louisville's Museum Row district and expressed excitement about continuing to strengthen Kentucky's position as the home of Bourbon.

Honoring a Hero with "Devil Dog" Bourbon

The limited edition bourbon "Devil Dog" has been introduced to honor Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, who died during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The bourbon, produced by Art of the Spirits distillery, features a label with Lance Cpl. Schmitz's image is sold exclusively at the Beer Sauce shop in St. Peters. All proceeds from the sales will support The Freedom 13 charity, founded by Jared's father, Mark Schmitz, with the mission to build retreat villages for veterans in each state. The first village is planned for Missouri. The bourbon is priced at $199 per bottle, and only 282 bottles were produced, with each bottle numbered. The money raised will help support veterans and their families, providing them with recreational activities free of charge. As of Tuesday night, fewer than 250 bottles of the bourbon were still available for purchase.

East Meets West: Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend

Photo: Beam Suntory

Beam Suntory, the owner of James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Kentucky and Japan's House of Suntory, has collaborated to create a unique whiskey called Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend. This bourbon is distilled in Kentucky and then shipped to Japan, where it is finished and blended by fifth-generation chief blender for Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo. The process involves aging the bourbon in French oak wine casks, Spanish oak sherry barrels, and sherry casks previously used for aging Yamazaki single malt. The result is a first-of-its-kind whiskey with rounded and complex flavors. The release coincides with Suntory's 100th-anniversary celebration. Bottled at 57% ABV, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is available for a limited time in the U.S. with a suggested retail price of $200.

Barrell Craft Spirits: A Symphony of Whiskey Blending

Photo: Barrell Craft Spirits

Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) has introduced two new whiskeys: Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 and Rye Batch 004. The bourbon is a blend of six- and seven-year-old high-rye, high-proof barrels, combined with eight-year-old softer barrels, and further enhanced with 13-year-old barrels with dominant fruit flavors. The resulting blend is bottled at cask strength (116.24 proof). The rye is a blend of straight rye whiskeys from different locations, aged between 5 to 14 years, with a mash bill of rye, corn, and malted barley. This blend offers a fruit-forward profile and is also bottled at cask strength (115.7 proof). Both whiskeys are available for purchase online and in select retailers at a suggested retail price of $89.99 per 750-ml bottle. BCS, known for its unique blending techniques, aims to maintain transparency and inform consumers about its products through new back labels. These releases follow BCS's previous launches of Barrell Bourbon Batch 34 and Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Rye Whiskey.

2nd Annual Bourbon & Blues Festival Set For August 19

Photo: Linn County Blues Society

Cedar Ridge and the Linn County Blues Society are organizing the second annual Bourbon and Blues Festival, set to take place on August 19, 2023, at the McGrath Amphitheatre. The festival celebrates the blues in the area and raises funds for various beneficiaries, including the HD Youth Center, KCCK and Blues in the Schools, Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, and the Community Health Free Clinic.

The festival lineup includes three award-winning blues artists: Shemekia Copeland, Sugaray Rayford, and Mr. Sipp. Tickets are available for purchase at $35 in advance and $40 at the gate on the day of the show. Children under 12 can attend for free with a paid adult ticket.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. The organizers hope to grow the festival into a multi-day event attracting blues enthusiasts from across the Midwest.

Rescue Ranch Hosting Boots, Buckles & Bourbon

Photo: Rescue Ranch website

Rescue Ranch is hosting the Boots, Buckles & Bourbon dinner presented by Outback Steakhouse on August 26 from 7-10 p.m. at The Preserve at Southern Distilling Company in Statesville. Tickets are priced at $150 and include dinner, drinks, live music, a silent auction, raffles, animal meet and greets, and more. The event's proceeds will support Rescue Ranch's mission, which focuses on promoting animal respect through education, conservation efforts, and responsible pet ownership. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the rescueranch.com website or check their social media pages.

Stem Ciders Adds to Bourbon Series

Photo: Stem Ciders' website

Stem Ciders is known for its experimental and innovative flavors, and its latest addition to the Bourbon Series is the Manhattan cider. A precise representation of the classic cocktail, this cider is aged for 10 months in various bourbon barrels and infused with vermouth-like herbs, luxardo cherries, and vanilla essence. The result is a cider that perfectly captures the essence of the Manhattan cocktail, with notes of vermouth, cherry preserves, and toasted oak.

The Bourbon Series also includes the Banjo cider, the base of the range, which is aged in bourbon barrels and offers a dry profile with toffee and caramel flavors. Lastly, there's a cider inspired by the Old Fashioned, aged in bourbon barrels and blended with orange zest, luxardo cherries, and bitters-inspired spices, creating a cider with complex flavors of orange marmalade, baking spices, and vanilla caramels.

Stem Ciders' Bourbon Series is available at Stem Ciders RiNo, Ghost Box Pizza, and Acreage.

 

Innovative Spirits: Highline Spirits

Photo: Highline Spirits' website

Highline Spirits is a new spirits brand founded by Christi Lower, a former pediatric surgery PA, mother of four, and whiskey enthusiast. The company aims to challenge traditional norms in the spirits industry and create unique small-batch spirits with diverse representations. Highline Spirits has four flagship products, including Bourbon Whiskey, Triple Rye Whiskey, Straight Kentucky Whiskey, and American Whiskey. The brand is currently available in Michigan and online. Highline Spirits plans to open tasting rooms in Michigan and has a significant stock of aged barrels for future production.

Templeton Distillery Introduces a New Tequila Cask Finish

Photo: TTB website

Templeton Distillery has introduced a new limited-release Tequila Cask Finish as part of their cask finish series. The whiskey is initially matured in new American oak barrels for at least 6 years and then finished in Tequila Corralejo 99,000 horas Extra Anejo barrels for 3-6 months. The Tequila Cask Finish is release No. 5 in the series and is highly anticipated by industry professionals. Only 4,200 cases will be produced globally, making it a sought-after and limited edition. The collaboration between Templeton Distillery and Tequila Corralejo was inspired by their shared traditions and community values. The resulting whiskey is 92 proof (46% ABV) and promises a unique flavor profile that balances Rye spice with Agave sweetness.

Heaven Hill Distillery Fills Its 10 Millionth Barrel

Photo: Heaven Hill Distillery website

Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky celebrates a significant achievement by filling its 10 millionth barrel of whiskey. The distillery, known for brands like Elijah Craig Bourbon and Evan Williams Bourbon, has over 2 million barrels aging in rickhouses across Nelson and Jefferson counties. The celebration comes after breaking ground on the $135 million Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, their return to Bardstown after a devastating fire in 1996. This milestone showcases Heaven Hill's enduring strength and legacy as the only family-owned and led spirits company to achieve this feat.

High West Invites You to Gather Around the Campfire

Photo: High West Distillery

High West Distillery is bringing back High West Campfire, a unique whiskey blend featuring scotch, bourbon, and rye aged for 4-8 years, bottled at 46% ABV. This year's batch includes 100% High West own-make rye whiskey. The whiskey offers aromas of grilled nectarine, smoked butterscotch, and chocolate-covered peanuts, with flavors of raspberry compote, hickory-smoked apple fritters, and salted caramels, and a finish resembling smoldering coals and brine. High West will donate $50,000 to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation as part of their "Protect the West" initiative. The limited expression is available for purchase with a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750ml bottle.

Thank you for joining us on this spirited journey through the world of bourbon with Bourbon Barrel Blurbs. Our passion for this age-old craft drives us to continue sharing the latest updates and trends in the whiskey industry with you. Until our next barrel-blazing adventure, may your glass be filled with the finest spirits, and may your palate be ever eager to explore the next pour. Keep sipping and enjoying the wonderful world of bourbon. Until next time, may your spirits be high and your whiskey be top-shelf. Sláinte!

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 11

The latest Bourbon Barrel Blurbs highlight several exciting developments in the world of bourbon. First, 1845 Distilling Co. won Double Gold, Gold, and Silver medals for their Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Whiskey Acres earned a double gold medal for their bottled in bond bourbon, made from heirloom corn. In addition, Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits earned impressive awards at the same competition while Elijah Craig has been named the Official Bourbon of the Ryder Cup. Tamworth Distilling has released The Old Man of the Mountain Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is hosting a Grand Tasting event from May 15-21. Buffalo Trace is releasing an experimental peated bourbon as part of its Experimental Collection, while Furman University has launched its own private-label straight bourbon whiskey called FU All the Time made in partnership with Ironclad Distillery. Finally, Blackland Distillery is launching its flagship Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Chattanooga Whiskey has released their Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend.

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1845 Distilling Co. Wins At The San Francisco World Spirits Competition

1845 Distilling Co has been awarded Double Gold, Gold, and Silver medals for their Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon in various categories at the San Francisco Competition, which had over 5,000 entries this year. They have also been named one of the three finalists for the Best of Class award, which will be announced in June in Las Vegas. To celebrate their achievements, they will release a limited supply of Preemption Texas Straight Bourbon earlier than anticipated and invite visitors to their distillery to taste and purchase their award-winning products. For more information, click HERE.

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Illinois Estate Distillery Makes Heirloom Corn Bourbons

Whiskey Acres is a craft distillery in Illinois that produces bourbon using a "seed to spirit" approach, where they grow all the corn, wheat, rye, and barley used in their spirits. They selected three specific varieties of yellow dent corn for their bottled in bond bourbon, which won double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. Whiskey Acres is unique in that they distill single, heirloom grain spirits and use a proprietary blend of corn to showcase the high-quality grains they grow. This sets them apart from other bourbon producers who typically use commodity corn and cannot track the identity of the genetics of the corn used. The full article can be found on Forbes.

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Elijah Craig And The Ryder Cup

Elijah Craig has been named the "Official Bourbon" and a Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup in a multi-year partnership between Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America. The partnership will be showcased at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome and the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York. For the full article, click HERE.

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Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits Wins Big At San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Congratulations to Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits on their impressive awards at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition! It's an honor to receive four Double Gold Medals and seven Gold Medals from such a prestigious competition.

Barrell Craft Spirits earned Double Gold Medals for Barrell Dovetail and Barrell Seagrass, and Gold Medals for Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, Barrell Bourbon Batch 035, Barrell Bourbon Private Release Bourbon GXA1, Barrell Private Release Whiskey QJC1 Finished in a Cognac Park XO Cask, and Barrell Private Release Whiskey DJA2 Finished in a St. Agrestis Brooklyn Amaro Cask. Each of these spirits has unique and interesting flavor profiles, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of Barrell Craft Spirits.

Stellum Spirits also received Double Gold Medals for Stellum Rye and Stellum Fibonacci Rye, and Gold Medals for Stellum Bourbon and Stellum Lone Cypress Rye. Their use of different mash bills and blending techniques has resulted in a range of complex and flavorful spirits that clearly impressed the judges.

Overall, these awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teams at Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits in producing exceptional spirits.

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The Old Man Of The Mountain Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

Tamworth Distilling’s The Old Man of the Mountain Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon is made from 82.4% organic yellow corn, 11% organic rye, and 6.6% malted barley. It was aged for four years at 100 proof in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and uses traditional sour mash press for fermentation. The bourbon is distilled using old-world double pot methods and aged in Kentucky-made 53-gallon barrels with #3 char. It exhibits notes of vanilla, caramel, fruitcake, black pepper, and cherry with a medium finish. Visit OldManoftheMountainBourbon.com for more information.

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Tennessee Whiskey Trail Experience Grand Tasting Event

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Half Full Productions are hosting the 2nd Annual Tennessee Whiskey Trail Experience from May 15-21. The event will feature several whiskey-related events, including a Blend Your Own Bottle, a tour and BBQ at Jack Daniel’s, a Women in Whiskey Brunch, and a Grand Tasting. Participating distilleries include Old Dominick Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Company, and Jack Daniel’s Distillery. More information and tickets are available now at www.TnWhiskeyTrailExperience.com.

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Blackland Distillery’s Long-Awaited Flagship Bourbon Finally Arrives In Fort Worth

Blackland Distillery is launching its flagship Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey on May 4. The bourbon has been aged for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels and is made using 100 percent Texas grains sourced from Texas farmers. The recipe is a blend of 80 percent yellow corn and 20 percent triticale. More information can be found HERE.

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Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend Release Now Available

Chattanooga Whiskey is a distillery located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that produces a variety of whiskeys using traditional and innovative methods. Their Solera Room is home to three unique charred oak barrels that hold whiskeys from the past, present, and future, which are blended each year by Founder Tim Piersant to create a solera-style expression.

The Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend is a combination of whiskeys from Chattanooga, TN, and Lawrenceburg, IN, aged for over two years in 53-gallon, toasted and charred oak barrels. The blend includes 25% 1816RES, 50% SB091, and 25% INFINITY mash bills and has a proof of 100 (50% Alc/Vol).

The tasting notes for the Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend include berry cobbler, rhubarb, tobacco, vanilla bean, and bergamot orange. The batch size for this blend is 9-11 barrels, and it will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery today before being released to select states and Seelbachs.com.

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Buffalo Trace Releasing An Experimental Peated Bourbon

Buffalo Trace is releasing a peated bourbon as part of its Experimental Collection. The new Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon is the 26th installment in the collection, which started in 2006. While the collection is called "experimental," the distilling team combines traditional production processes with innovative ingredients, mash bills, and barrel treatment to produce a unique expression. This expression's star is peat, which the team experimented with to see how it would affect the mash bill. The result is a smoked peated malt with a slightly smoky characteristic. The new expression will be available in May 2023 in limited quantities of 375-milliliter bottles at select retailers and restaurants, with a suggested retail price of $46.99. For the full article, click HERE.

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Furman Launches FU All The Time Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Furman University has launched its own private-label straight bourbon whiskey called FU All the Time. The bourbon debuted at the launch party for the Clearly Furman campaign on April 15 and is made in partnership with Ironclad Distillery. It is made with four grains, corn, wheat and rye from Virginia, and malted barley, and aged in South Carolina oak barrels for at least three years. FU All the Time is smooth and fruity on the front end, with a biscuit flavor on the back of the tongue, and a rye bite that mellows out the 100 proof. It is currently available online and in liquor stores and restaurants across the Upstate, with statewide distribution coming soon. For more information, click HERE.

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These latest Blurbs showcase the ongoing creativity and ingenuity of the bourbon industry, with distilleries constantly pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence. From the use of heirloom corn to the launch of new flagship bourbons, there is always something exciting happening in the world of bourbon. Whether you're a longtime bourbon aficionado or just discovering this rich and complex spirit, these latest developments are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

[Press Release] Wild Turkey® Launches Master's Keep Unforgotten

Master's Keep Unforgotten - Inspired by a Decade-old Mistake

Master's Keep Unforgotten is a high proof, extra-aged variation of Wild Turkey Forgiven, a limited-edition whiskey blend originally released in 2010

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., Sept. 28, 2022 /CNW/ -- Wild Turkey Master's Keep Unforgotten, the newest release in the annual limited-edition series, was inspired by a fortuitous and unexpected co-mingling of young rye and mature bourbon released more than a decade ago. Master Distiller Eddie Russell has resurrected the memory of that release, Wild Turkey Forgiven, with the release of Master's Keep Unforgotten, a high proof, extra-aged variation of the harmonious blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskies. The unconventional and complex liquid serves as a testimony to Eddie's experience and the legacy of Wild Turkey as one of the few Kentucky distilleries that have remained dedicated to the art of making rye whiskey, alongside its renowned bourbons.

The idea to marry straight bourbon and rye whiskies of Wild Turkey Distilling Co. was born in 2010 when a crew member accidentally mixed a batch of young rye with a barrel of mature bourbon. Upon tasting the co-mingled whiskeys, Master Distiller Eddie Russell realized he had something very special on his hands. Rather than discard the serendipitous mistake, the Distillery celebrated it, bottling the whiskey for a limited time, and fittingly naming it Forgiven. 

The award-winning Master's Keep series was first launched in 2015 with Master's Keep 17 Year and was inspired by Eddie Russell's desire to push the boundaries of traditional Wild Turkey bourbon making, by experimenting with aging techniques and finishes.  At 105 proof, Master's Keep Unforgotten is made from some of the oldest rye ever released by Wild Turkey and is characterized by unmistakable notes of fresh fruit – flavors rarely exhibited in such mature liquid. The extra aging time in rye casks honors the storied history of American rye production, while offering a distinct experience that is sure to surprise and delight.

"Twelve years ago, I tasted the result of the distillery mishap that would become Wild Turkey Forgiven and was amazed. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew we had stumbled upon something special," says Wild Turkey's Master Distiller Eddie Russell. "Master's Keep Unforgotten pays homage to this happy accident, perfected with a secondary rye barrel aging in our pre-prohibition Rickhouse B – the favorite of my father, Master Distiller Jimmy Russell."

Staying true to the spirit and distilling traditions that have defined Wild Turkey for the last 80 years, Unforgotten honors the storied history of American rye production through a bourbon lens. On the nose, the magnificent marriage of 13-year-old bourbon and 8- & 9-year-old rye is fruit-forward with notes of caramel and oak. On the palate, the flavor profile consists of a swirl of caramel, dried fruit, and sweet oak - complemented by notes of dried fruit, honey, black pepper, and baking spice from the 8- and 9-year-old ryes on the finish. 

With a suggested retail price of $200, Master's Keep Unforgotten will be available for a limited time at select retailers. For more information, please visit www.wildturkey.com.

About Wild Turkey

The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is located in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for "some of that Wild Turkey whiskey" and the brand was born.

Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 "alligator" char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Website: wildturkey.com.

About Campari Group

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities.

Global Priorities, the Group's key focus, include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier.

The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas.

The Group's growth strategy aims to combine organic growth through strong brand building and external growth via selective acquisitions of brands and businesses.

Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari Group owns 22 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 23 countries. The Group employs approximately 4,000 people.

The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001.

SOURCE: Wild Turkey

CONTACT: Maddie Bell, Allison+Partners, WildTurkey@allisonpr.com, 503-290-7317

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.

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, Vol. 1, Issue 08

Time for another Bourbon Barrel Blurbs (BBB) where we link you to bourbon articles around the country. In this issue, we're looking at what are the best whiskey glasses, The American Whiskey Collective, Bardstown Bourbon Company's acquisition of Green River Spirits Company, talking sourcing with Cat’s Eye Distillery co-owner Gene Nassif, Brad Paisley's American Highway Reserve Bourbon, and more.

                                                                                                                                          

The Best Whiskey Glasses for Sipping Your Favorite Bourbon, Scotch and Rye

Will Price, writing for The Robb Report, tries to get the bottom of an age old discussion; what is the best whiskey glass for sipping your favorite libation. Read the article here and let me know what you think the best glass is in the comments.

                                                                                                                                          

PERNOD RICARD DOUBLES DOWN ON AMERICAN WHISKEY

"American Whiskey Collective" Created to Drive Growth for Jefferson's, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler and TX Whiskeys

Capitalizing on the strong growth – and growth potential -- of its American whiskey portfolio, Pernod Ricard is creating a dedicated business unit – The American Whiskey Collective -- to manage marketing and production of its premium, challenger American whiskey brands.

For the full press release, click here.

                                                                                                                                          

Bardstown Bourbon Company to acquire Green River Distilling

Bardstown Bourbon Company, an innovative distiller, producer and bottler of premium Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Green River Spirits Company. The acquisition is scheduled to close in July, subject to customary closing approvals and conditions. The transaction will bring together two leading Kentucky bourbon producers into a strong, independent spirits company with a commitment to Kentucky whiskey.

Distilling more than seven million proof gallons annually, Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the top 10 distilled spirits producers in the country. As a complement to its innovative contract distilling capabilities, Bardstown Bourbon Company has steadily built its own brand through its award-winning Discovery, Fusion and Collaborative Series. Green River Spirits Company will add the Green River brand as well as two production sites, positioning the combined business for continued growth in both Kentucky whiskey and custom distillation. Bringing together the historic legacy of Green River and the modern bourbon experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company provides an enticing and distinguished selection of Kentucky whiskey for bourbon drinkers and visitors.

“We’re excited to forge this new partnership, which brings together two world-class teams and expands the breadth of our portfolio and the number of customers served,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company. “Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded to honor the traditions and history of Kentucky bourbon while taking a wholly modern approach. The addition of one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky allows us to offer a comprehensive assortment that showcases the state’s flagship industry.”

The acquisition includes the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, which is the 10th oldest distillery in the state, and a state-of-the-art spirits production facility in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to its flagship Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Green River Spirits Company has a vibrant contract distillation business producing whiskey, rye, vodka, rum, gin, and flavored whiskey.

Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded by Peter Loftin in 2014 to offer custom distilling solutions to brands seeking scale or customization in the American whiskey market. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s branded whiskies are now available in 20 markets nationwide.

Bardstown Bourbon Company is a member of Pritzker Private Capital, which partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products and services sectors. The firm’s differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com.

                                                                                                                                         

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