Welcome to this edition of the Bourbon & Mead Digest, your go-to source for all things bourbon and mead! Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just starting your journey into these delightful beverages, we’ve got you covered with the latest news, trends, and tips. From the latest bourbon releases to mead-making techniques and everything in between, our goal is to keep you informed and entertained. Grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of bourbon and mead!
Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye Wins Top Honors at 2024 International Whisky Competition
Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye recently secured the 1st place title in the American Rye Bottled-In-Bond Whiskey category at the 2024 International Whisky Competition. This prestigious award highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication behind every bottle. What sets this whiskey apart is its unique grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, which creates a robust and distinct flavor profile. The charcoal mellowing process and the "Bottled in Bond" designation—ensuring it’s aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof—further guarantee a smooth, rich taste that honors the legacy of Jack Daniel's commitment to quality.
Daggers Meadery Showcases at Westfield Farmers Market
Tammy and Austin Cressotti of Daggers Meadery brought a taste of their handcrafted mead to the Westfield Farmers Market on July 25. The Granville-based meadery, known for producing mead from their own bee hives, has been crafting honey wine for six years and has a longer history with honey and skincare products. Visitors can enjoy mead tastings at their location on North Lane in Granville, with hours extending from Thursday to Sunday. No reservations are needed. Daggers Meadery also offers live music, featuring acts like PB & Co. and Acoustic Bandwidth on August 10 and 11, respectively. The Cressottis embraced a Viking theme, paying homage to the historical connection with mead-making. This was their debut at the Westfield Farmers Market, which they found to be a great opportunity to introduce their local meadery to new customers.
NEW RELEASE: Four Roses 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon Debuts Soon
As National Bourbon Heritage Month approaches, Four Roses is set to release its 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon on September 14th. This year's blend features four carefully selected batches aged between 12 to 20 years, with a mix of Four Roses' unique bourbon recipes—OBSV, OESK, OESF, and another OBSV. Bottled at 108.2 proof and non-chill filtered, the bourbon promises vibrant, bright flavors with a delicate spice finish. With only 16,680 bottles available nationwide, the release will be priced at $220 each. Mark your calendars!
Mead Institute Announces 2024 US Open
The Mead Institute's US Open Competition is set for October 2, 2024, and promises to be a landmark event for the mead community. This competition brings together mead producers from across the country, offering them a chance to receive high-quality, professional feedback from credentialed sommeliers and cicerones. It's an opportunity to showcase the best in mead, learn from expert critiques, and elevate the craft to new heights. For more information, visit the Mead Institute website.
Orpheus MeadFest 2024 Results: Commercial and Homebrew Divisions
The 2024 Orpheus MeadFest showcased 223 entries across both Commercial and Homebrew divisions.
Commercial Division Highlights:
Traditional Mead - Dry: Legends A Meadery triumphed with "Spear of Lugh" taking Gold.
Traditional Mead - Semi-Sweet: Local TN meadery, The Skeptic Meadery, won Gold with "Standard."
Best of Show: Honey Lane Winery's "Black Raspberry Mead" was honored.
Heavy Medal Brewer was awarded to AntelopeRidgeMead, who earned 12 points across 7 medals.
Homebrew Division Highlights:
Traditional Mead - Dry: Donald Schneider won 1st with "Is This A Winner, Or Is It Just Mead-iocre" from Weizguys Homebrew Club.
Traditional Mead - Semi-Sweet: Jake Tweedy and co-brewers took 1st place with "Crispy Hydromel."
Best of Show: Aaron Oliver’s "Berry Barrel Blitz" in the Experimental Mead category.
Heavy Medal Brewer went to Aaron Oliver with 11 points from 4 medals. Pittsburgh Mead Makers And Homebrewers and three other clubs tied for the Heavy Medal Club award, each scoring 8 points.
For more details, visit the Orpheus Meadfest website.
Thief Steals April Fools' Liquor from Colorado Distillery
Ballmer Peak Distillery in Lakewood, Colorado, experienced an unusual break-in when a thief smashed a window with a golf club and stole two bottles of malört, a bitter spirit, as well as some ice. The stolen bottles, named Bäsk Nömört, were created as an April Fools' joke and retail for around $30 each. The thief seemed to mistakenly believe the product was valuable. Despite the minimal financial loss, co-owner Austin Adamson described the incident as stressful and emphasized the importance of respecting small businesses. The distillery continues operations and plans to open a new location. The Lakewood police are investigating the incident.
Jackson Purchase Distillery Celebrates Expansion and Growth
Jackson Purchase Distillery in Hickman, Kentucky, marked a milestone with the ribbon-cutting of a new rickhouse that will store 25,000 barrels of whiskey. Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman attended the event, highlighting the $40 million investment in the Fulton County area, with an additional $10 million expected by the end of 2024. Under the leadership of Master Distiller Craig Beam, the distillery has ramped up production from 25 barrels a day to 200. Currently, their bourbon is distributed to investors and other companies rather than sold directly to consumers. In a completely selfish aside, if any of the investors would care to share a dram, I’m always willing to imbibe. For purely scientific purposes of course.
Prohibition Family Recipe Revived at Rapid City Distillery
Contraband Distillery in Rapid City, South Dakota, is keeping the spirit of the Prohibition era alive with a seven-generation family recipe. Founded by Jerry Sailer, who turned his family's bootlegging legacy into a legitimate business, Contraband offers a range of spirits made from traditional recipes. The distillery, operating for nearly a decade, features a diverse lineup of products including bourbon, rye, liqueurs, gin, and vodka, all crafted in-house. Sailer’s unique approach ensures that every drink is made from its spirits, providing a personalized and high-quality experience for patrons.
Southern Star Named Official Bourbon of Wyndham Championship
Southern Star Bourbon is now the official bourbon of the Wyndham Championship, which will take place from August 7-11, 2024, at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. Southern Distilling Company, based in Statesville, N.C., will highlight its bourbons and rye whiskeys at the new Southern Star Tasting Room located near the ninth green. Fans can enjoy specialty cocktails and sample the distillery’s core products, including a special Wyndham Championship Single Barrel, which features a high-proof, cask-strength bourbon aged nearly six years. This partnership showcases North Carolina’s burgeoning bourbon scene and aims to attract both golf and bourbon enthusiasts.
Zymarium Meadery to Celebrate 1st Anniversary with "First Bee-Day" Bash
Zymarium Meadery in Orlando is throwing a special “First Bee-Day” party on August 17 to mark its first anniversary and National Honey Bee Day. Founded by Joe and Ginger Leigh, the meadery has become known for its diverse mead offerings and welcoming atmosphere. The celebration starts at 1 p.m., with a VIP event starting at noon for early access to special meads and vintage bottles. The event will feature local vendors, food trucks, and bee-themed activities, though those under 21 must leave by 6 p.m. To purchase a VIP ticket click here.
Montpelier Collective Introduces JMU-Themed Bourbon to Support Athletes
The Montpelier Collective, a NIL group supporting James Madison University (JMU) athletes, announced the release of "Champions Drive Tailgate Bourbon," a new bourbon line with proceeds benefiting the collective. Partnering with West Virginia's Swilled Dog distillery, the bourbon is aged five years and bottled at 107 proof. This marks the first in a series of JMU-themed bourbons aimed at bolstering the collective's funds. Although the percentage of sales contributing to the collective wasn’t disclosed, the initiative is part of the collective's broader strategy to enhance marketing and athlete engagement. The bourbon will be available to the public starting August 19.
Denver Broncos Kick Off Season with New Bourbon Blend
The Denver Broncos are adding a spirited touch to their 2024-25 season with the release of Broncos Bourbon Blends, a new line of commemorative bourbons crafted in partnership with Breckenridge Distillery. This year’s blends, crafted with the help of former players Ed McCaffery and Randy Gradishar, honor the team's new uniforms, which will debut in the first preseason game. McCaffery's "Broncos Blue" offers notes of caramel, oak, orange zest, and vanilla, while Gradishar's "Broncos Orange" features toasted almond, biscotti, and creamy oak flavors. Fans can purchase these special bottles, vote on their favorite blend, and even win tickets to a December home game.
A Taste of Michigan: Wonderland Distilling Unveils 100% Sweet Corn Bourbon
Wonderland Distilling Company in Muskegon, Michigan, has introduced its first-ever Straight Bourbon made entirely from Michigan sweet corn, sourced from Traverse City. Aged for two years in new American Oak barrels and bottled at 86 proof, this limited-edition bourbon offers a unique local flavor. Available exclusively at their Muskegon tasting room, the bourbon reflects the distillery's commitment to showcasing Michigan's agricultural bounty. This unique release is a must-try for bourbon enthusiasts visiting the lakeshore. Another release from my home state that I want to try. I may need to get my relatives to start grabbing these.
Three Chord Bourbon Unveils 2024 Backstage Series with The Allman Brothers Band
Three Chord Bourbon has announced its 2024 entry in the Backstage Series, a collaboration with the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Inspired by the band's classic album Eat a Peach, the bourbon features a toasted peach wood finish, offering aromas of spice and vanilla with caramel sweetness on the palate. Whiskey maker Ari Sussman emphasized the unique choice of peach wood, which adds a subtle sweetness, structure, and hint of smoke to the blend. Available for pre-order at $50 per 750ml bottle, this special edition celebrates the band's legacy and embodies the art of whiskey blending and finishing.
RD1 Spirits Names Dr. Jarrad Gollihue as R&D Master Distiller
RD1 Spirits, a Lexington-based bourbon brand with a decorated portfolio, has introduced Dr. Jarrad Gollihue as their new Research and Development Master Distiller. Dr. Gollihue, a former University of Kentucky researcher, will lead RD1’s wood-finishing projects, exploring the effects of different wood species on bourbon flavor. Set to open in January 2025, RD1’s new distillery at The Commons will serve as a hub for these experiments. The facility will feature interactive bourbon experiences, paying homage to Lexington's rich bourbon history while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Goodwood Brewing & Spirits Open New Location in O'Fallon, Missouri
Goodwood Brewing & Spirits, known for its barrel-aged beers, is opening a new taproom and restaurant in O'Fallon, Missouri, on August 12. Housed in the historic building that once held McGurk's Public House, this new location offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. The brewery's offerings include their signature Kentucky bourbon barrel-aged beers, such as a bourbon barrel stout and a walnut brown ale, alongside Kentucky-based whiskeys aged in used beer barrels. The chef-driven menu has a Southern theme, featuring items like beer pretzels, buffalo cauliflower, and New York strip steak. The restored space includes two indoor bars, a spacious patio, and even an Airbnb above the brewery.
Apis Mead & Winery Celebrates a Decade of Success Despite Setbacks
In 2014, Dave Cerminara founded Apis Mead & Winery in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, where he has been producing unique meads from fermented honey. Despite facing major challenges, including a devastating fire in 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Cerminara has persevered. Apis recently celebrated its 10th anniversary on National Mead Day, drawing hundreds to its taproom. Known for creative meads like Green Apple, Mango Habanero, and Bourbon Barrel Pumpkin Spice, Apis has become a top meadery in the U.S., shipping to 41 states. The cozy taproom, which emphasizes a laid-back atmosphere, offers not just mead but also small bites and a sense of community.
A Conversation With Five Springs’ Lisa Sawyer Derman [Fred Minnick]
The Best New Whiskeys to Drink This August [Inside Hook]
How Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery Crafts Outstanding Whiskeys [Forbes]
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Wins Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2024 [Big News Network]
Central PA Distillery Gains Success with New Delicious Canned Cocktails [PR.com]
Eric LeGrand Bourbon Works To Remove Stigma In Spinal Cord Injuries [Forbes]
Swede Hill Distillery Blends The Experiences Of Generations Of Early Immigrants [Yakima Herald]
This Stellar Texas Whiskey Distillery Just Dropped One of Its Oldest Bourbons [Robb Report]
Touring Whiskey Row In Louisville? Here Are 7 Downtown Restaurants To Try [Courier Journal]
KDA Inducted into Geneva-based World Spirits Alliance [Fred Minnick]
Castle & Key to Collab with GiantMouse Knives on New Releases [Fred Minnick]
REMINDER: This is for information purposes only and all labels are publicly available on the TTB website.
That wraps up this edition of the Bourbon & Mead Digest! We hope you enjoyed the latest updates and insights into the fascinating world of bourbon and mead. Remember, whether you’re exploring a new bourbon label or experimenting with a mead recipe, there’s always something new to discover. Until next time, keep your glass filled and your curiosity brewing. Cheers to more great sips and stories!
