Friday, May 26, 2023

A Personal Apology and Insight into My Absence

Dear Readers,

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility that I write this blog post today. I want to offer my sincerest apologies for my unexplained sporadic absences. As some of you may know, I have been battling several significant health challenges that have impacted my ability to continue posting regularly. Today, I wish to shed light on the reasons behind my absence and share my journey with you.

C-PTSD: A Silent Struggle:
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is an often-misunderstood condition that affects countless individuals worldwide. It stems from long-term exposure to traumatic events and is characterized by a complex array of symptoms, including severe anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation. For me, C-PTSD has been an ongoing battle, one that has impacted my daily life and my ability to engage in activities I once enjoyed.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): An Invisible Challenge:
In addition to C-PTSD, I have also been grappling with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). FND is a condition where the nervous system malfunctions, resulting in a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms. These symptoms can be unpredictable and debilitating, affecting mobility, coordination, and cognition. Over time, FND has significantly impacted my energy levels, making it difficult to focus, create, and maintain consistent productivity.

Early Onset Dementia: The Unwelcome Intrusion:
As if C-PTSD and FND weren't challenging enough, I have also been diagnosed with early onset dementia. This diagnosis came as a shock, as I am still relatively young. Early onset dementia is a condition in which cognitive decline occurs earlier than typically expected. It has made it increasingly difficult for me to recall information, formulate thoughts, and communicate effectively. Each passing day brings a new hurdle to overcome, and unfortunately, it has hindered my ability to provide regular content for this blog.

The Impact on My Writing:
I want to assure you that sharing my experiences and insights through writing has always been a passion of mine. It has brought me immense joy and allowed me to connect with a supportive community of readers. However, as my health challenges intensified, my ability to focus, articulate my thoughts, and maintain a consistent schedule became increasingly strained. It became clear that I needed to prioritize my well-being and seek the necessary medical support to navigate these complex conditions.

A Renewed Commitment and Moving Forward:
Through therapy, medical interventions, and the support of loved ones, I am gradually finding ways to manage my health challenges and regain control over my life. While the road to recovery is long and uncertain, I remain determined to continue writing and sharing my journey with you. However, I must also be realistic and acknowledge that there may be periods when my posts are less frequent or more sporadic due to the unpredictable nature of my conditions.

Conclusion:
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your understanding and continued support. Your kind messages and unwavering encouragement have been a source of strength during this trying time. I hope that by sharing my personal struggles with C-PTSD, FND, and early onset dementia, I can raise awareness and foster empathy for those facing similar challenges.

I humbly ask for your patience as I navigate this tumultuous journey, and I promise to do my best to provide valuable content whenever possible. Together, let us embrace compassion and understanding, recognizing that our struggles do not define us but rather shape us into resilient individuals.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,
Walker

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Marianne Eaves Debuts Forbidden & James B. Beam Distilling Co. Introduces An American Single Malt Whiskey

Forbidden Bourbon by Master Distiller Marianne Eaves

Marianne Eaves, Kentucky's first female Master Distiller, has introduced Forbidden, the spirits industry's first white corn and white winter wheat expression of Kentucky bourbon. The bourbon is the result of nearly a decade of work by Eaves, who aimed to capture the essence of an elegant mature bourbon through nontraditional low-temperature fermentation. Forbidden Bourbon breaks new ground by using unconventional ingredients and techniques. The initial release is a small batch of 5-year-old bourbon with a sweet and smooth profile, featuring flavors of vanilla, caramel, citrus, and oak spice. It will be available in select states and online at a SRP of $129. The first release will include a highly allocated number of hand-blended bottles along with three single barrel cask strength expressions. Learn more at DrinkForbidden.com.

Clermont Steep™ American Single Malt Whiskey. Photo credit: Beam Suntory

In another development, James B. Beam Distilling Co. has entered the American Single Malt Whiskey category with the launch of Clermont SteepTM. Developed by Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Master Distiller, Clermont SteepTM is a five-year-old American Single Malt Whiskey distilled and aged in Clermont, Kentucky. Noe defined the guidelines for this emerging category, emphasizing the unique flavor of American malted barley. The whiskey showcases warm toffee sweetness and a bready taste. Clermont SteepTM marks a significant step for James B. Beam Distilling Co. as it explores this growing segment. The whiskey will be available in select states starting June 2023. Learn more HERE.

Monday, May 1, 2023

Latest Buzz in the World of Mead, Volume 02, Issue 05

This edition of Latest Buzz In The World Of Mead includes various events, releases, and announcements. Zen Meadery in Ohio is offering an "Alcoholchemy" event where guests can learn about the science behind mead-making, while the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library partnered with Tamarack Jack’s Honey and Meadery for an Earth Day event focused on beekeeping. The Cavern City Renaissance Festival in New Mexico will feature three meaderies, and The Brimming Horn Meadery in Delaware has reintroduced their popular mead called Hekate. Orpheus MeadFest 2023 is a unique event showcasing Colorado's finest meaderies, while Two Warriors Meadery in Louisiana announced the return of "Bobby's Bochet." Blisspoint Meadery in New England was selected to participate in the Sam Adams Brewing The American Dream Bootcamp, while Superstition Meadery in Arizona has announced new releases of their Super Station cider and Vanilla Blueberry Hex mead.


Mead, Trendy Again, Can Help Save Honey Bees

Mead, a honey-based alcoholic drink, is gaining in popularity among young consumers looking for low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options. Its production requires about three pounds of honey per gallon, making it labor-intensive, but it also supports the cultivation and preservation of endangered honey bee colonies. Independent beekeepers and private companies are crucial in defending honey bees from threats such as climate change and pesticides, and ordinary people can get involved by supporting local beekeepers or meaderies. The expected growth in the global mead market is over 18% in the next five years. For the full article, click HERE.


Alcoholchemy: Exploring The Science Of Mead

Zen Meadery in Worthington, Ohio is offering an "Alcoholchemy" event where guests can learn about the science behind the brewing process of mead, take a tour of the meadery, and taste their finest meads. The event costs $20 for preregistration, and each guest will receive a special gift. The event is suitable for both mead enthusiasts and those interested in the science of alcohol. The venue has a free parking lot with plenty of spaces. Registration can be found HERE.


Sylvan Lake’s Library Was Buzzing With Information For Earth Day

It's great to hear that the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library had a successful beekeeping session in partnership with Tamarack Jack’s Honey and Meadery for Earth Day. The event provided an opportunity for the library to connect with the community and educate them on the hard work bees do to gather pollen and create honey. The event was attended by 40 people, including kids who loved sampling the honey from Tamarack Jack’s and learning about bee-themed crafts and coloring pages. Participants also got to learn many facts about bees, including how they "winter" in beehives and how to protect and bolster the bee population. It's encouraging to hear that the event has inspired some participants to start their own beehives in the future. Click HERE for the complete article.


Cavern City Renaissance Festival Announces Three Meaderies At The Festival

Photo: Dark Stranger Meadery
The Cavern City Renaissance Festival in Carlsbad, New Mexico will have three meaderies serving a range of meads made from honey and infused with unique flavors. The meaderies include Dark Stranger Meadery, Pixie Mead, and Mystic Ambrosia Mead. Mead is considered the oldest alcoholic beverage dating back to 7000 BC and is the only alcohol that benefits the ecosystem it was harvested from through honey bees pollination and fertilization of flowers. The festival encourages visitors to celebrate history and try mead from these three meaderies at the Cavern City Renaissance Festival on Friday September 29th & Saturday September 30th!


The Brimming Horn Meadery Brings Back A Popular Fav

Milton, Delaware’s The Brimming Horn Meadery has reintroduced their popular mead called Hekate, which is a blend of honey, orange, rose petals, ginger, and black tea. It is described as delicately balanced and perfect for the spring season. The mead is available for purchase online or in-house. For more information, click HERE.


Orpheus MeadFest 2023

Photo: Orpheus MeadFest Facebook
The 2023 Orpheus MeadFest is a unique event that showcases Colorado's finest meaderies and their award-winning meads. Participants can taste a wide variety of mead, purchase their favorite ones directly from the meaderies, and enjoy appetizers to cleanse their palate between tastings. The event also includes a performance by the Orpheus PCC and a private club area for members of the Orpheus Homebrew Club to sample the home-brew entries from the Orpheus MeadFest Competition. The event takes place on July 22 from 4-7 PM at the spacious grounds of Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, CO. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two and can be purchased online. The event is 21+ only.


“Bobby’s Bochet” Returning?

Photo: Two Warriors Meadery
West Monroe, Louisiana’s Two Warriors Meadery posted on their social media that they bottled their first batch of "Bobby's Bochet" seven years ago. They are happy to announce that Bobby's will be back in production soon for fall. For more information, click HERE.


Blisspoint Meadery Chosen To Participate In Sam Adams BTAD Bootcamp

Photo: Blisspoint Meadery Facebook
Blisspoint Meadery has been selected to participate in the Sam Adams Brewing The American Dream (BTAD) Bootcamp, along with 23 other small businesses in New England. The program offers expert advice, networking opportunities, and business capital to help small businesses take their operations to the next level. Sam Adams has a history of philanthropic endeavors, including donating and lending millions of dollars to support craft food and beverage businesses and providing business coaching to small businesses. Blisspoint Meadery aims to use this opportunity to make more mead, bring it to more places, and help more people discover their Beverage Blisspoint with mead.


Superstition Meadery Announce New Releases

Photo: Superstition Meadery
Superstition Meadery, an Arizona craft meadery, have announced the availability of their Super Station cider in 12oz cans, which is a tart cherry-ginger-lime cider with 5.5% ABV. The cider is sold in a four-pack for $14. Additionally, they are releasing a new variant of their Blueberry Hex mead called Vanilla Blueberry Hex. This mead has a 14% ABV and is aged in bourbon barrels with added vanilla for a smooth finish. The mead is available in a 375ml bottle for $36. Both the Super Station cans and Vanilla Blueberry Hex are available in Superstition Mead's Prescott Tasting Room and Downtown Phoenix restaurant now, and on their WebStore on May 2nd.


There you have it, some exciting updates and events in the world of mead! From exploring the science of mead to beekeeping sessions, mead festivals, and new releases, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mead enthusiasts and those new to the world of mead can explore the various meaderies and events to expand their knowledge and palate. It's great to see the growth of mead and the efforts to educate and promote sustainable practices such as supporting bee populations. Cheers to the world of mead!



Saturday, April 29, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 12

The latest edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs (BBB) features news and updates in the bourbon industry, including reviews of Grand Teton Distillery's 8-year-old bourbon and New Liberty Distillery's Bloody Butcher bourbon. Other highlights include award-winning whiskies from Burton James Whiskey and Bardstown Bourbon Company, Sugarlands Distilling Company's Roaming Man Edition XV whiskey now available for purchase, Rock Town Distillery's new product line, an article about Twisted Path Distillery, and Two Souls Spirits announcing their ultra-rare spring release. Additionally, BBB takes a closer look at Copper Fox Distillery's expansion plans, Broad Branch Distillery's double gold medal win, and Fawn Weaver's mission to thank military members. The edition also features reviews of Chattanooga Whiskey's limited edition Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Finished Malt Whiskey and Still Austin Whiskey Co.'s double gold medal win at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and highlights Jack Daniel's limited-edition Tennessee Whiskey bottle, created in partnership with McLaren Racing.


Drinkhacker’s Review Of Grand Teton Private Stock Bourbon 8 Years Old

This is Drinkhacker’s Christopher Null’s review of Grand Teton Distillery's 8-year-old bourbon, aged at an elevation of 6000 feet in Idaho. The bourbon is made from a mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley and only 16 barrels were produced. The review describes the nose as woody and woodsy with moderate notes of mint, cloves, and pepper. On the palate, the bourbon is described as having a nutty element and a slick baking spice quality with notes of gunpowder and gingerbread. The finish is said to offer a pungent, lingering heat, evoking mint as it fades out. The reviewer concludes that it is a solid bourbon that is heavy on the nuts but complicated with plenty more to chew on. It is priced at $80 and is given an A- rating. For the full article, click HERE.


Drinkhacker’s Review Of New Liberty Bloody Butcher Bourbon 12 Months Old

The New Liberty Distillery's Bloody Butcher bourbon is made from a corn-heavy mash of the eponymously named corn variety grown in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, along with malted rye and malted barley. This expression is aged for just 12 months in new oak barrels. The whiskey has an aggressively oaky nose with a dark caramel sweetness that emerges with time. The palate is dominated by well-charred oak, with flavors of toasted popcorn and bitter, tannic cloves. The whiskey eventually reveals some charm with notes of caramel, chocolate, and butterscotch. The finish is sweet, with sawdust and some brutish qualities. The Bloody Butcher feels young and rough around the edges, but the potential for the older expressions is there. The whiskey is 95 proof and earns a grade of B-. The price is not available. For the full article, click HERE.


Burton James Whiskey Win Both A Gold And Silver Medal

Congratulations to Burton James Whiskey on its recent success at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition! Winning both a gold and silver medal is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality of their products. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most respected and competitive spirits competitions in the world, so this is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of. Well done! For more information, click https://www.burtonjameswhiskey.com/.


Roaming Man Edition XV Out Now

Sugarlands Distilling Company’s Roaming Man Edition XV whiskey is now available for purchase and tasting at the downtown Gatlinburg distillery, starting from Friday, April 28th, 2023, while supplies last. Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey is a cask strength whiskey distilled by Sugarlands Distilling Company. For more information, click HERE.


Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Award-Winning Whiskies And Summer Patio Series

Bardstown Bourbon Company won several awards at the SF World Spirits Competition for their Origin Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Origin Series Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and Collaborative Series Château de Laubade II. They also announced the launch of their Summer Patio Series with a limited release collaboration with Scout & Scholar brewery, featuring a 12-year Kentucky bourbon finished in barrels that previously held Master Distiller Steve Nally's 50th Anniversary Blend and his imperial wheat beer. The product will be available exclusively at the distillery starting May 12th.


Rock Town Distillery Bottles New Product Line

Rock Town Distillery, based in Arkansas, has collaborated with Bardstown Bourbon Company's Collaborative Distilling Program to produce a new bourbon line, The Column Still Collection. The line features a toasted French oak barrel finished straight bourbon whiskey, a small batch straight bourbon whiskey, and a single barrel cask strength straight bourbon whiskey. The use of Bardstown's column stills allowed for a significant production run, more than Rock Town could make in years on its own. The barrels, made in Arkansas and Kentucky, were aged at Rock Town's warehouse in Little Rock. The new bourbons can be found in liquor stores throughout Arkansas, as well as in several other states. The Collaborative Distilling Program is part of Bardstown Bourbon's core philosophy of collaboration and transparency, and it allows smaller distillers to increase their volume and produce their own custom bourbon without investing in extensive infrastructure or high labor costs. For more information, click HERE.


Twisted Path “Made From Scratch In Milwaukee”

Nice article from Shepherd Express about Twisted Path Distillery, a small-batch craft distiller located in Bay View, Milwaukee. The founder and distiller, Brian Sammons, uses only the finest organic ingredients to create unique and constantly evolving recipes for their rum, vodka, gin, and whiskey. Sammons explains how his products are gluten-free and that he uses different yeasts for each product. Twisted Path Distillery offers tours and is certified organic by the USDA. For the full article, click HERE.


Two Souls Spirits Announce Ultra-Rare Spring Release

Two Souls Spirits, an independent bottler of American craft spirits, has announced its 2023 Spring Collection. The collection includes two limited-release single-barrel whiskeys from Watershed Distillery and Sutherland Distilling, which will be exclusively available for online purchase on their website. The 6-year 100% corn bourbon from Sutherland Distilling, the first release in their new 'Ghost Barrel' series, represents the last remaining whiskey from the distillery, which closed in February. The American Single Malt from Watershed is a one-off, never-before-released whiskey, with an apple brandy barrel finish that adds a complex fruitiness. Two Souls Spirits follows the Scottish model of independent bottling, offering 100% transparency from start to finish. For more information, click HERE.


Copper Fox Distillery Has Big Plans For The Future

Copper Fox Distillery, which produces Copper Fox Original American Single Malt, a whiskey that takes four years to age, is struggling to keep up with demand. The distillery, which opened in 2015, sources its grain locally and malted and kilned on-site using wood from fruit trees such as apple, peach, and cherry. Copper Fox's success is attributed to its steady growth in the niche craft beverage industry, which has resulted in the distillery hosting regular special events, including a whiskey tasting at the Tartan Day celebration. Copper Fox employs 14 people locally and is focused on expanding its engagement with the community. The distillery is actively pursuing new partnerships and opportunities. Copper Fox will continue to expand its products, marketing, and product development. More information can be found HERE.


Broad Branch Distillery Earns Double Gold Medal

Congratulations to Broad Branch on their recent achievements at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition! It's impressive to hear that both of their submissions, the Wood Exploration Series Barrel 21 and Rye Fidelity 6-year Bottled in Bond, were recognized with medals. The team at Broad Branch has put a great deal of care and passion into their craft, with a focus on aging spirits on their timeline. It's exciting to see such dedication to quality and innovation being recognized on a global scale. For those interested in trying these award-winning whiskies, they can be found in North Carolina ABC stores or at the Broad Branch tasting room in downtown Winston-Salem. For more information, click HERE.


This Whiskey CEO’s Mission To Thank Military Members

Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, is touring the US to personally thank her military customers. The company, which was launched in 2017 to honor Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African American master distiller, has won several industry awards and was one of the country’s top five fastest-growing whiskeys by volume growth in 2018-19, according to IWSR. Weaver's tour will visit more than 35 military installations and includes hosting Happy Hours at 1856 hours toasting the armed forces. For the full article, click HERE.


Drinkhacker’s David Tao Reviews Chattanooga Whiskey Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Finished Malt Whiskey

Chattanooga Whiskey has released a limited edition of their Finishing Series, a blend of malt mashbills finished in Silver Oak Cabernet casks. This expression features five single malt mashbills, aged over four years, including an 18+ month finish in the Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon casks. On the nose, there are notes of malt, dark fruit, toasted nuts, and vanilla extract. The palate is caramelized and toasted with hints of blackberry, toasted pecans, vanilla, and honey leading to caramelized banana. The finish has a smokiness and spice with a lingering coffee note. The wine influence is subtle, and the whiskey is not overpowered. The Finishing Series is available at the distillery and in broad distribution at 95 proof. This is a fun and layered blend of single malt mashbills with a touch of bitterness on the finish. The full article can be found on Drinkhacker.


Still Austin Whiskey Co. Wins Double Gold Medals At The 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Still Austin Whiskey Co. has announced that its Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey have won Double Gold medals at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, adding to the Double Gold already won by its Straight Bourbon. This means that all three of Still Austin’s flagship whiskeys have now been awarded Double Gold medals. The company makes its whiskey in-house using Texas-grown grains and distills it in Austin. The team carefully tests barrels and selects the most complex and primed ones to be bottled. Still Austin spirits are available for purchase online and at select retail stores in Texas. For the full article, click HERE.


Jack Daniel’s Releases McLaren Racing Limited-Edition Tennessee Whiskey Bottle

It's worth noting that the limited-edition Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey featuring the custom label and packaging honoring the partnership with McLaren Racing is set to drop in May. While the label and box are new, the whiskey inside is the same Old No. 7, which is charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey made with a mashbill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley and bottled at 80 proof. The limited-edition bottle is meant to celebrate the shared spirit of independence, authenticity, and boldness between the two brands, as well as honor the founders of both companies, Jack Daniel and Bruce McLaren. The bottle will be available in select Formula 1 markets across the globe. For more information, click HERE.


That's all for this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs. We hope you enjoyed the exciting news and updates in the world of whiskey. Remember to drink responsibly, and stay tuned for the next edition of BBB. Cheers!

Thursday, April 27, 2023

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Bourbon Barrel Blurbs Volume 02, Issue 10

In this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, we highlight a new collaborative series from Bardstown Bourbon Company featuring Foursquare Rum barrels, Breckenridge Distillery's World's Best Blended award, Tattersall Distilling Co.'s new Kernza grain whiskey, Silverback Distillery's sweep at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, O.H. Ingram's whiskey brand expansion, Paste's review of Booker's Bourbon "Charlie's Batch," and Cook's Mill Bourbon's historic connections. Finally, Michter's is expanding its capacity to meet high demand and is releasing its 10 Year Rye and Milam & Greene Whiskey has released Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon, the second release in its Wildlife Collection. So grab a glass and settle in for some exciting whiskey news.


Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Newest Collaboration To Feature Foursquare Rum

Bardstown Bourbon Company will release a new collaborative series of blended Straight Rye and Bourbon, finished in Foursquare Barbados Rum barrels, starting from April 21, 2023. The custom blend of 7-year-old rye and 17-year-old bourbon, aged for 23 months in Foursquare Rum barrels, yields a concentrated expression that bursts with Barbados flavor. The series will be available in 26 states and online, with an SRP of $159.99. More information can be found HERE.


Breckenridge Distillery Won Big At World Whiskies Awards

Breckenridge Distillery's Breckenridge 105 High Proof has won the World's Best Blended award at the World Whiskies Awards in London. The 105 proof whiskey is blended and has notes of rich, dark caramel, toasted almonds, burnt chocolate, dried orange peel, vanilla, and spice. The award is one of many for the mountain distillery, which was founded in 2008 and has also won the World's Best Compound Gin award in 2021 and Colorado Distillery of the Year four times. More information can be found HERE.


Tattersall Distilling Co. Releases Its New Tattersall Kernza Perennial Grain Whiskey

Tattersall Distilling Co. has released the first 100% Kernza whiskey in the United States. The whiskey is made using the Kernza grain, which is billed as being better for the environment because it is a perennial crop that requires less tilling. Tattersall was tapped by the Land Institute of Kansas and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green initiative to see if there was an interest in working with the crop. For more information, click HERE.


Mother Daughter Duo Sweeps The 2023 New Orleans Bourbon

Silverback Distillery had a very successful showing at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, winning a total of six awards including the prestigious Best in Fest award. This independent craft distillery is owned by Christine "Hooch Mama" Riggleman and her daughter, Lauren "Baby Hooch" Riggleman, who is the youngest distiller in the United States. Their award-winning spirits include the Alpha Series Bourbon, Blackback Honey Rye Whiskey, and Strange Monkey Gin, among others. With over 20 international awards under their belt, Silverback Distillery is known for producing distinct, flavorful spirits using local grains, mountain water, and American craft(woman)ship. They have production facilities and tasting rooms in both Pennsylvania and Virginia, and are launching distribution in Kentucky this spring. For the full article, click HERE.


The O.H. Ingram Whiskey Brand Is In Expansion Mode.

It seems like O.H. Ingram is expanding its whiskey brand due to increased demand. The company has moved its floating barrel warehouses to a new facility in Columbus, Kentucky, which can accommodate up to 15 floating warehouses. With the two floating warehouses currently located in Columbus, O.H. Ingram will be able to mature up to 6,000 barrels of its River Aged whiskey on the Mississippi River. The brand is currently available in several U.S. states, including Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, and plans to expand further as supply allows.


Paste Reviews Booker’s Bourbon “Charlie’s Batch” (2023-01)

It sounds like Charlie's Batch, the latest release from Jim Beam's Booker's Bourbon brand, is an impressive whiskey with a rich, complex flavor profile. This batch is named after Charlie Hutchens, a former Jim Beam employee who designed and crafted the first wooden box for a bottle of Booker's for former Master Distiller Booker Noe. Hutchens has since continued to craft the boxes for all the years of Booker's that followed.

Charlie's Batch is presented at cask strength, with an ABV of about 63.3%. On the nose, it has notes of deeply caramelized sugars, charred oak, roasted nuts, brown sugar, almond extract, and herbal rye. The wood profile has a slightly funky, older oak aspect, while the ethanol is gentle and muted.

On the palate, Charlie's Batch has a deep, dark caramel flavor, with notes of vanilla and chocolate, savory herbal notes of rye, tobacco, and leather, and some black cherry and jammy fruitiness. The whiskey has a cinnamon brown sugar explosion, supported by modest oak tannin. Despite its high proof point, the ethanol is mild and disappears into the flavor profile, making the whiskey surprisingly drinkable. For the full article, click HERE.


Cook’s Mill Bourbon Has Strong Connections To A Storied Past

Cook’s Mill, located in Alamance County, North Carolina, was a gathering spot during the 1760s Regulator Movement, which some historians consider a catalyst for the American Revolution. Husband-and-wife team, Marc and Wendy Queen, purchased the mill with plans to restore it as a weekend getaway for themselves. However, they were struck by the mill's historic significance and decided to restore it as a working mill. While cleaning the mill, they discovered sacks of corn that had likely been stored there over fifty years ago, sparking the idea of distilling bourbon from locally produced heirloom corn. Through the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, five North Carolina farmers were enlisted to grow rare, heirloom corn varieties: Southern Beauty, Jimmy Red, Jackie Freeman, Levi Mallard, and Leco Milling. The Queens' partner, beverage industry veteran Morgan Chapman, helped develop the business side of things, and the first Cook’s Mill bourbon expression, introduced in October 2022, is distilled from North Carolina–grown corn. A portion of the proceeds from sales will go towards the ongoing restoration of the mill. More information can be found HERE.


Michter's Addresses Shortages, Announces New Release Of 10 Year Rye

Michter's is expanding its capacity to meet high demand for its whiskey by adding new fermenters, transitioning to a 24/7 operation, and investing in bottling equipment. Despite continuing to allocate all of its whiskeys, Michter's is releasing its 10 Year Rye, which has not been available since July 2022, and has a suggested retail price of $200 per 750ml bottle. More information can be found HERE.


Milam & Greene Whiskey Releases Bobcat Bourbon

Milam & Greene Whiskey has released Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon as the second release in its Wildlife Collection, which showcases the impact of Texas Hill Country weather on aging whiskey. Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon is named after the solitary, rarely seen bobcat and has been aged for over four years in new American oak barrels in Tennessee, followed by 10.5 months in Texas. It is a cask-strength, single-barrel bourbon with a mash bill of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. The release is limited to just 209 bottles, available for $99.99 exclusively on the Milam & Greene website and in the distillery tasting room. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle will benefit Texas Parks & Wildlife. For more information, click HERE.


That concludes this edition of Bourbon Barrel Blurbs. We hope you enjoyed reading about the latest releases. Keep an eye out for more updates and news in the world of bourbon and whiskey. As always, please drink responsibly.