Dow Scoggins

Laws Whiskey House introduces Amaro Poirier

July 30, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

At Laws it has always been whiskey above all, but that didn’t stop them from jumping at the opportunity to make a grape brandy. As a side project Laws’ Senior Distiller, Sam Poirier, used some of the brandy as a base to make an Amaro. An Amaro is perfect to sip on before or after a meal due to the infusion of herbs, roots and botanicals that aid digestion. Amaro Poirier was aged 3 years in used Laws Whiskey barrels and is on the sweeter side with subtle floral notes. It is perfect to sip on as is or combine in a cocktail! There are fewer than a barrel’s worth of Amaro Poirier available so make sure to swing by the tasting room to pick some up today! The going rate for this limited release is $25 before tax. Laws Whiskey House is open Wed-Sat from 1 PM – 7 PM. If you would like to place an order with us you can either call 720.570.1420 ext. 1. Pre-ordering before visiting the tasting room is strongly encouraged but not required.

Laws Whiskey House
1420 S Acoma St
Denver, CO 80223
Website: lawswhiskeyhouse.com
Phone: 720.570.1420

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Still Austin Whiskey Co. Launches Flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Austin, Texas – Still Austin Whiskey Co, a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, has released its first high-rye straight bourbon whiskey featuring grains that are 100% grown by Texas farmers. The bourbon is handmade from grain-to-glass at the distillery, aged for at least two years in new charred American Oak barrels,and bottled at 98.4 proof (49.2% ABV). It’s comprised of a high-quality mash bill worthy of its hometown: 70% Non-GMO white corn (the same found in Austin’s tortillas), 25% Elbon rye (which imparts a natural spice) and 5% wildfire malted barley.

“After six years of hard work and perfecting our technique, we’re ready to launch our new flagship straight bourbon whiskey,” said Chris Seals, CEO. “We started Still Austin Whiskey Co. because we saw an opportunity to create our own kind of distillery where we do everything intentionally. This bourbon is an expression of true Texas terroir, but also the distillation of all we are, and of all that has created us. We’ve managed to bottle the inclusive spirit of our home city; a complex bourbon with substance, flair, and finesse.”

According to Still Austin’s “Master Blender” Nancy Fraley, who is famous for her peerless ability to detect flavor notes, “the nose offers delightful aromas of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple, banana, papaya, mango, toasted coconut shavings, and S’mores with melted milk chocolate and caramelized marshmallow. These notes follow through to the palate, where the rye makes its appearance in the form of cinnamon toast with brown butter, and blanched almonds. The alcohol is soft and creamy like vanilla egg custard and the mouth feel is round, with long waves of tropical fruit, toffee, and rye spice on the finish.”

A Fresh New Look
The straight bourbon whiskey boasts a new custom bottle and label, which serves as the perfect complement to the art inside the bottle. For the label, Still Austin commissioned internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt to paint a series of portraits of “archetypical” Austinites. Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir. The figure on the new label dubbed “the Musician,” is the first in the series, which will grace the labels of future spirits. These are visual representations of archetypes, a way of conceiving a “new Austin mythology” by celebrating the innovative people who make the city what it is. The Musician—along with future archetypes like the Naturalist, the Writer, the Visionary, and the Artist—illustrates the fearlessness needed to become truly unique. The Musician in the painting is confident, intelligent, brave and whimsical; essentially, everything Still Austin aspires to be, and everything the distillery loves about its community. The Musician was a natural place to start since Austin is “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Good whiskey is more than just corn, rye and malted barley that’s been fermented, distilled, and aged. Like the various elements of music—chords, rhythms, harmonies—the result is greater than the sum of its parts.

Grain-to-Glass Philosophy
Still Austin is an independent craft whiskey distillery founded in 2015, focusing on a true grain-to-glass concept that produces the highest quality whiskey by perfecting every part of the process and using local resources and sustainable practices. The team is committed to carrying out each part of the process in-house. That means never sourcing whiskey from another distillery, and instead always hand-making everything from scratch, and managing everything in-house – milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling and bottling.

The distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, Master Blender Nancy Fraley and veteran Master Distiller Mike Delevante, one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America who designed the Still Austin distillery to make the highest quality of bourbon. That includes a 42-foot custom-made column, “Nancy,” (and her sister copper-pot still, “The Queen”) which give the distillers serious creative license to create unique new flavors and spirits.The team also uses Texas weather to its advantage. The region’s high heat, humidity and rapidly shifting temperatures encourage spirits to move rapidly in and out of the oak barrels and mature relatively quickly—but, if this process is left unchecked, it can also cause the bourbon to have heavy oak flavor or harsh tannic qualities. To prevent this, Still Austin uses a meticulous six-month slow water reduction technique focused on flavor and balance, which gives the alcohol a softness on the palate and brings more “mature” notes, like vanilla and caramel, to the forefront. The result is a bourbon that highlights the natural flavor of the local grain, with no faults whatsoever.

Where to Buy
Still Austin’s new straight bourbon whiskey is now available for pre-order online via the Still Austin website. Then, in August, whiskey lovers will begin to see the brand throughout Texas in 750ml bottles at liquor stores for a suggested retail price of $45.

For more information, visit stillaustin.com and follow Still Austin on Facebook at Facebook.com/StillATX.

About Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2015 by three Austin families, Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a true grain-to-glass distillery, located at 440 East St. Elmo Roadin the heart of Austin, Texas. All spirits are hand crafted using grains grown by Texas farmers. Still Austin’s collection of spirits includes Still Austin’s flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey, High-Rye Bourbon Whiskey, and Still Rye Gin. Still Austin places a high value on sustainability, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, increasing the biodiversity of the region through heritage grains, returning spent grains to local ranchers to feed their animals, and operating a distillery that is designed for energy efficiency and water conservation.

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Blue Note Bourbon Launches “Blue Note Juke Joint”

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Memphis, Tennessee – B.R. Distilling Company has released, Blue Note Juke Joint, the newest iteration under its award-winning Blue Note Bourbon product line. This new bourbon release is designed to complement the Blue Note Bourbon expressions already on the market by offering imbibers an easy drinking, everyday bourbon that is perfect for any occasion.

“With a suggested retail price of $29.99, Blue Note Juke Joint is our Blue Note Bourbon brand’s youngest and most cost-friendly expression to date,” said McCauley Williams, B.R. Distilling Company’s President & CEO. “Make no mistake about it, however, Blue Note Juke Joint is a fine bourbon that is better than any whiskey on the market within a competitive price range. We think it is pretty special and bet the customer will, too.”

Like Blue Note’s nine-year-old Premium Small Batch expression, Blue Note Juke Joint is unfiltered and bottled at 93 proof. Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a nose of sweet corn and oak with loads spice and vanilla. On the palate, there are rich flavors of caramel, allspice, vanilla, and crisp pear. This finish is a bit longer than that of the Premium Small Batch, which retails for approximately $50, but the brand’s tagline of “smoother than smooth” rings true. Blue Note Juke Joint is an easy sipping, approachable bourbon that is surprisingly complex for the price. Designed to be mixologist-friendly, this expression offers taste-seekers and cocktail enthusiasts a new way to enjoy America’s native spirit.

The spirit’s packaging is also unique and quintessentially Memphis. Metallic blue music notes accent the front label, which features a guitar-like illustration, further reinforcing the product’s connection to the Bluff City’s musical roots.

“We really wanted to highlight Memphis with the package design, and like the product, the design is meant to be fun,” said B.R. Distilling’s Marketing Director, Nora Boone. “America’s best music began right here in Memphis, and we could not think of a better way to introduce our newest bourbon to the world than to pair it with the bold personality of the Memphis Blues.”

This is the first release of Blue Note Juke Joint. Currently, it is available primarily in the Memphis metropolitan area, although a more widespread release scheduled in the coming months.

About Blue Note Bourbon
Blue Note Bourbon is artfully crafted to honor the blues music that came from the streets of Memphis. Like the blues, Blue Note Bourbon is bold, yet smooth. Blue Note Juke Joint along with Blue Note Premium Small Batch are part of B.R. Distilling Company’s bourbon portfolio. Follow us on Instagram (@BlueNoteBourbon) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/bluenotebourbon) for news and information about Blue Note Bourbon. More information can be found at bluenotebourbon.com.

About B.R. Distilling
Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company, is the oldest distillery in Memphis. Currently, B.R. Distilling Company produces two flagship brands, Blue Note Bourbon and Riverset Rye, which are distributed across nine states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, and Tennessee.

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Wild Turkey Debuts Rare Breed Rye

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

LAWRENCEBURG, Kentucky — Spirits trends come and go, but truly good whiskey will always have a place on back bars and retail shelves. Now, another great American whiskey enters the Wild Turkey® pantheon, as the legendary distillery introduces Rare Breed Rye as a permanent expression within its award-winning portfolio. This unique spirit embodies the same heritage, devotion to craft, and patience of process acknowledged and praised for its predecessors. With its barrel proof and bold taste, Rare Breed Rye beautifully rounds out Wild Turkey’s rye whisky offerings.

A blend of four-, six-, and eight-year-old non-chill filtered rye, Rare Breed Rye is barrel-proof, meaning that it’s bottled directly from the barrels—without adding a single drop of water. Enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, the flavor profile of the 112.2 proof Rare Breed Rye is nothing short of enticing: Sweet caramel apple gives way to complex layers of honey, vanilla, rye grain spice, and charred oak, followed by a smooth finish, where spices mingle with fruit and a pleasant fading warmth.

While Wild Turkey has never followed trends, demand for rye whiskey is up a significant 15 percent and growing, according to a 2019 DISCUS Economic Report. But it wasn’t always this way. As Prohibition and subsequent drinking trends caused the spirit to fall from favor, Wild Turkey was among the very few distilleries dedicated to the ongoing production of rye whiskey. That dedication can be seen today in expressions, such as Wild Turkey Rye, Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye, and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye. The culmination of several decades of Kentucky artisanship, the latest entry – Rare Breed Rye – draws on this storied past.

“At a time when rye whiskey is more widely appreciated than ever before, Wild Turkey continues our longstanding tradition of offering a wide range of rye whiskies that lend themselves to a variety of cocktails and consumption occasions” says Eddie Russell, Master Distiller. “As a rye aficionado himself, my son Bruce Russell was the catalyst for reminding me of the distillery’s relationship with rye whiskey and the value it plays within our portfolio. It’s with him and other rye fans in mind that we introduce Rare Breed Rye.”

Rare Breed Rye will be available at select retailers in the United States at a MSRP of $59.99 a bottle. For more information, please visit 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 more than 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 McCarthy 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.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY Vodka, SKYY Infusions, Grand Marnier, Campari, Aperol, Wild Turkey, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey, Russell’s Reserve, Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG Gin, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Espolón Tequila, Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Appleton Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, Coruba Rum, Ouzo 12, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Frangelico, Cynar, Averna, Braulio and Jean-Marc XO Vodka.

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Today’s Top Whiskey Stories

July 21, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

This Entrepreneur Owns Pennsylvania’s First and Only Black-Owned Distillery(July 24) – The wine and spirits industry has a longstanding problem with diversity. Many disruptors have sought to change the face of ownership from wineries to local brands. One Black male entrepreneur has succeeded in turning his vodka brand into Pennsylvania’s only Black-owned distillery, Mishka Premium Vodka. Complete Story

Drinking in Providence’s first distillery since Prohibition at Industrious Spirits Company(July 24) – Offering sustainably sourced artisan spirits from scratch seemed like a fine idea to Manya Rubinstein, Dan Neff and Doug Randall. Making their Industrious Spirits Co. the city’s first distillery to open since Prohibition would be a notable achievement, taking five years from concept to reality. Complete Story

New England Living: Creating Craft Spirits At Deacon Giles Distillery(July 21) – In a city known for its spooky history sits a modern distillery serving up some ‘wicked’ good spirits. Founded by two former colleagues from the craft brewing industry, Deacon Giles Distillery is reviving the art of distilling in a city once rich with them. Complete Story

Spirit Works Distillery Named “2020 Distillery of the Year”(July 14) – California grain-to-glass craft spirits pioneer Spirit Works Distillery has been named “2020 Distillery of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), winning its prestigious national Bubble Cap Award. Complete Story

Longhorn Alums Foley, Glass Bring Swimming Culture to Nine Banded Whiskey(July 7) – For University of Texas alumni Sean Foley, a 2003 grad who was a part of three national championship-winning teams, he’s taken his experiences with the Longhorns and parlayed that into developing a successful whiskey business in Austin, Nine Banded Whiskey. Complete Story

Notre Dame Magazine’s Whiskey Business(July 6) – When Charles Florance ’13MBA was attending Notre Dame and aiming to found his own local business, he gave some thought to Indiana’s strengths as a state. Two things came to mind: manufacturing and growing corn. Thus, The Indiana Whiskey Company was born. Complete Story

A New Program Aims to Fix American Whiskey’s Diversity Problem(July 1) – “American whiskey is unlike any other industry,” says Fawn Weaver. “If you buy Levi’s or Nike, it’s not about history, it’s about a cool product. But American whiskey, the entire business is based on heritage. You have to hook them with heritage. Complete Story

A New Bourbon Whiskey Named After a Golf Course Is One of the Best Things I Drank Last Month(June 30) – Sweetens Cove is a new spirits label and its first product is a 13-year-old bourbon blended by Marianne Eaves, a former taster at Brown-Forman (the company that owns Old Forester, Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and others). Complete Story

Coffee Inspired Whiskey Line Up Debuted By Barista Spirits(June 24) – Denver, Colorado-based Deviation Distilling has been in play only since 2019, primarily focused on its flagship series of gins. It recently drifted into whiskeys, however, launching a new line up of coffee whiskeys known as Barista Spirits. Complete Story

American whiskey distillers are down $340 million thanks to Trump’s trade wars(June 22) – US whiskey distillers have lost out on nearly $340 million in sales to the European Union over the past two years because of a tit-for-tat trade spat between Washington and Brussels. Exports to the European Union of bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and rye whiskey have declined by a third since a 25% tariff went into effect in June 2018. Complete Story

Brown-Forman Sells 3 Whiskey Brands to Sazerac(June 17) – Brown-Forman had announced that it is selling its Canadian Mist, Collingwood and Early Times whiskeys, furthering its push to concentrate just on its top brands. Privately-held Sazerac Company will be purchasing the three brands. Complete Story

Cedar Ridge Out Of Iowa Debuts A New American Single Malt(June 16) – The Cedar Ridge distillery is something of a pioneer when it comes to the American craft whiskey scene, having been established by Jeff and Laurie Quint in 2005. Located in Iowa, bourbon made from local corn has long been their signature whiskey, though they also have other offerings such as a malt whiskey and a celebrity tied expression known as Slipknot N0. 9 Iowa Whiskey. Complete Story

First distillery on Kentucky Bourbon Trail reopens to tourists with new safety measures(June 10) – BOYLE COUNTY, Kentucky — “The focus is back on getting people in here and enjoying themselves,” said tour guide Xavier Tomlin. Wilderness Trail was the first to reopen for tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but not without some safety measures. Complete Story

The Story Behind Gordon Ramsay Helping Make Whiskey With Sheep Poop For Nat Geo’s Uncharted(June 8) Gordon Ramsay’s Uncharted has returned to National Geographic for a second season. Season 2 premiere of Uncharted saw him helping to make whiskey with a very unique source of fuel: sheep poop. Complete Story

Peyton Manning, Drew Holcomb and others launch top-shelf Tennessee bourbon whiskey(June 2) – Sweetens Cove Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey is meant to be an authentic spirit that stands on its own, a “love letter” to Tennessee in a market largely dominated by Kentucky products, primary investor Mark Rivers told The Tennessean. Complete Story

Catoctin Creek’s Newest Rye Whiskey Mimics An Infinity Bottle(June 1) – The new Catoctin Creek Infinity Barrel #InThisTogether Rye Whisky, according to those behind it, is a blended expression consisting of leftover whiskies in barrel that were previously part of its barrel selection program. Complete Story

Grant View Distillery to rebrand, change name to honor Rockford’s history(May 18) – A well-known Rockford distillery will now go by a new name. The Grant View Distillery is rebranding and changing its name to Barnstormer Distillery. The name is after the 1920’s Barnstorming Pilots, and to honor Rockford’s history in aviation. Complete Story

Skunk Brothers Spirits ‘excited’ to begin welcoming tourists back(May 17) – KOIN 6 News spoke with the owner of Skunk Brothers Spirits about their plans. Co-owner Dan “Skunk” Donoho said they have been making hand sanitizer and working on their online sales while the distillery has been closed. Complete Story

New 18-Year-Old Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr. Bourbon Whiskey Costs Only $70, But For How Long?(May 7) – Paying homage to the former owner, Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr., Buffalo Trace has announced a new 18-year-old bourbon created from a marriage of three mashbills. The release will drop in June and features two rye bourbon mashbills, and one wheated bourbon mashbill. Complete Story

WhistlePig and other Distilleries Are Turning Stale Beer Into Coronavirus Whiskey(April 29) – In New England, at least, brewers now have an option, thanks to Jeff Kozak, WhistlePig’s chief executive officer. “We are tentatively calling the project the ‘Great Beer Rescue,’” Complete Story

New Riff Distilling Drops A New Smoky American Whiskey Duo(April 27) – New Riff Distilling, located in the northern part of Kentucky, likes to focus its whiskeys being made in what is described as “the traditional, time-honored sour mash Kentucky regimen, which utilizes a portion of grain ‘backset’ from a previous distillation in the mash of the new batch.” Complete Story

Slipknot’s No. 9 Iowa Whiskey Reserve was chosen as the “best celebrity-related whiskey” by Forbes Magazine(April 16) – The band’s No. 9 Iowa Whiskey Reserve was chosen as the “best celebrity-related whiskey” by Forbes, particularly noted in taster Fred Minnick’s “Best American Whiskey: A Taste Off.” If you missed your shot at grabbing a bottle in 2019, you have another chance! The liquor goes on sale for the first time this year on April 17. Complete Story

How Bob Dylan Is Rocking American Whiskey(April 9) – In 2018, American folk-rock singer and composer Bob Dylan joined the ranks of celebrity liquor brands when he launched Heaven’s Door. While hardly the first celebrity to do so, he does have the distinction of being one of only two Noble Prize winners to be personally associated with a beverage brand. Complete Story

Kentucky Bourbon Company Looking For “World’s Top Whiskey Taster”(April 9) – Calling all whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts – both fans and pros – the contest offers connoisseurs a chance to win $20,000, plus a scholarship to Moonshine University’s executive bourbon steward program, and a contract position as a distillery ambassador to some of the world’s most preeminent whiskey festivals in 2021. Complete Story

Veteran buys $20K bottle of bourbon for $40K to help the restaurant stay open(April 8) – The Perrys have a prized liquor collection that they opted to put up for sale, an effort to keep current staff employed and perhaps bring back some furloughed staff. A bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Kentucky Bourbon is the gem of the collection, aged 25 years. A post on an online site included a sizeable price tag. Complete Story

A Stay-at-Home Whiskey Project: The Infinity Bottle(April 3) – Enthusiasts around the world post their personal blends of various whiskeys to social media under the hashtag “infinitybottle.” Complete Story

Coronavirus Pandemic: Popular Bluegrass Lounge Sells Rarest Bourbon To Pay Employees(March 29) – Many Colorado companies are looking into government-issued loans to make it through the economic downturn from COVID-19, but one restaurant in Arvada is doing whatever it can to meet payroll. The Bluegrass Lounge has come up with several different ways to keep making money including unloading its prized collection of rare whiskeys. Complete Story

A twist of fate: Unexpected bourbon discovery rekindles family legacy(March 28) – The family certainly had had its share of disaster. Henry Edgar Pogue in 1876 bought the Maysville, Kentucky, distillery where he worked and re-established it as Old Pogue Distillery, only to be killed on site in 1890, when a tail on his suit coat – distillers dressed formally back then – got inextricably caught in machinery. Complete Story

The 10 Best Whiskeys for Your Bar Cart: Bourbon, Rye, Scotch and More(March 27) – At its heart, a properly stocked bar cart is an all-in-one tool for entertaining. And although our ability to collectively entertain and have people over to our homes has become much more difficult in the era of coronavirus/COVID-19, you can still get the most out of your bar cart by keeping it well stocked for when we finally reach the light at the end of this tunnel. Complete Story

San Diego distilleries are making hand sanitizer to respond to COVID-19(March 26) – Distilleries across the country are pouring out some love by making hand sanitizer in order to respond to the shortage during the coronavirus pandemic. The hand sanitizer being made at San Diego distilleries is being given to help non-profits, healthcare workers, and shoppers who can’t find it on retail shelves or online. Complete Story

Redbreast Irish Whiskey Releases Oldest Expression Yet(March 23) – Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has introduced Redbreast 27 Year Old, the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast series. Redbreast 27 Year Old includes a portion of whiskey that was matured in ruby port barrels from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Altogether this new expression joins Redbreast 12, 15, 21 Year Old and Lustau. Complete Story

Jack Rose Is Selling Off One of the World’s Largest Whiskey Collections(March 19) – Jack Rose in Adams Morgan built a reputation as destination for whiskey aficionados and rare spirits specialists, touting its massive bottle collection as one the largest in the western hemisphere. Now, with an escalating health and economic crisis, all 2,700-plus bottles are up for sale starting Friday, March 20. Complete Story

Kentucky bourbon distilleries announce no more tours as COVID-19 precaution(March 15) – Some of America’s most popular whiskeys announced on Thursday they are closing their distilleries to the public in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Brown-Forman, based in Louisville, announced it will be suspending tours at its Woodford Reserve Distillery outside Frankfort and Old Forester Distillery in downtown Louisville beginning March 15. Complete Story

Dry Fly Distilling Adds Huckleberry Lemonade to Premium Canned Cocktail Lineup

July 21, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Spokane, Washington — Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to pack your cooler with some premium, canned cocktails and Dry Fly has just the ticket! Joining Dry Fly’s already delicious lineup of Gin and Tonic, Moscow Mule and Spicy Lemonade is the highly anticipated Huckleberry Lemonade. It’s a Pacific Northwest favorite and it is coming soon to a retailer near you.

“We are excited about our new Huckleberry Lemonade,” said Head Distillery Patrick Donovan. “There has been a great response to our canned cocktails. All of us here at Dry Fly really wanted to give people a true taste of the Pacific Northwest and nothing says that better than huckleberries. We hope folks enjoy this new addition to our lineup.”

As with all the “On the Fly” canned cocktails, only the finest ingredients are used to create these portable concoctions. For the Huckleberry Lemonade wild berries were picked and sent to be processed into a syrup consisting of just huckleberries, white cane sugar and citric acid. The syrup was blended with Dry Fly house-made lemonade—containing the award-winning Dry Fly Vodka—sugar, natural flavoring and carbonation.

“On the Fly” cocktails launched last year in the Northwest and the consumer response has been very positive as distribution continues to grow. The cocktails are available in four packs and sell for approximately $12.99 each. There are plans to add new cocktails to the lineup over time and to continue to increase distribution.

Dry Fly Distilling
Founder Don Poffenroth created Dry Fly Distilling out of a passion for fly-fishing and the Pacific Northwest. They reflect the beauty of the area into spirits made from local ingredients and from sustainable farms. Because of this, Dry Fly Distilling has achieved a true farm to bottle operation. Every drop of liquor is hand-crafted and pure. This is obvious in the unique flavor, which has won awards worldwide.

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Ole Smoky Introduces Moonshine-Based Canned Cocktails

July 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Nashville, Tennessee – Old Smoky Distillery, the most visited distillery in the world and #1 moonshine brand in the U.S., is introducing its newest line of products – refreshing, delicious and convenient canned cocktails you can enjoy at home, on the beach or lake, or hanging out with friends.

The ready-to-drink cocktails are “made with a kick,” featuring Ole Smoky’s famous moonshine. Four tasty flavors Apple Pie Ginger, Blackberry Lemonade, Mountain ‘Rita, and Mountain Mule are rolling out across Tennessee at liquor stores, local marinas, and at Ole Smoky’s Nashville Distillery, 6th & Peabody at 423 6th Ave South. All flavors are packaged in 12oz cans and sold in packs of four.

“We are thrilled to release these new moonshine canned cocktails in Tennessee. As the #1 moonshine brand in the country, we continue to create high quality, great tasting, craft spirits,” said Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “Our new Ole Smoky Canned Cocktails are made with our authentic Tennessee moonshine, allowing customers to indulge in high quality cocktail experiences while enjoying the convenience of a can.”

Ole Smoky Cocktails flavors contain 9% alcohol by volume and were created based on the best-selling Ole Smoky cocktails served at Ole Smoky’s Nashville distillery, 6th & Peabody, and in bars and restaurants where Ole Smoky is served. Flavors include:

Apple Pie Ginger
Spice up your evening with a little all-American goodness. Our Apple Pie Ginger combines the taste of baked apple pie with zesty ginger and results in a spicy, fruity cocktail that’s ready to go! No mixing required.

Blackberry Lemonade
Summer may have been invented for Blackberry Lemonade cocktails, and ours is easier than ever to enjoy. Pop the top on our Blackberry Lemonade and enjoy juicy, dark berry flavors mixed with a ripe, citrus finish that has a kick.

Mountain ‘Rita
Our Mountain ‘Rita is made with authentic Tennessee moonshine. Upon first sip, you will taste the fresh, citrusy flavors mixed in with all the salty, tart magic of a great margarita. Bring on the sunset!

Mountain Mule
Nothing kicks up a cookout or day on the water like our Mountain Mule. Easy to pour, hard to put down, enjoy the freshness of citrus with a spicy kick of ginger heat. All the great taste of a mule, all in one place.

For more information, please visit olesmoky.com and follow Ole Smoky on social media @olesmoky.

About Ole Smoky® Distillery
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky’s roots can be traced to the Smoky Mountains’ earliest settlers, families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit.

Ole Smoky distilleries are the most visited in the world. In 2019 alone, more than 4.5 million people visited Ole Smoky’s four famed Tennessee distilleries: The Holler, The Barrelhouse, The Barn and 6th & Peabody in Nashville.

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10th Street Distillery Releases Distiller’s Cut Peated Single Malt

July 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

San Jose, California — San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery announces the release of their Distiller’s Cut, an exceptional peated single malt whisky that has already distinguished itself by winning Gold at the Whiskeys of the World competition.

The first release of 1000 cases is available now throughout California at all Total Wine & More stores; The Whisky Shop in San Francisco; Ledger’s Liquor in Berkeley; Willibee’s in Petaluma; and Southgate Liquors in San Jose among others. Visit retailers’ web sites for hours and availability.

It is double distilled using all copper pot stills, and aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, just like the Distillery’s flagship peated single malt; however, the unique Distiller’s Cuts during distillation create a bolder and smokier, yet smooth single malt, designed to appeal to malt and peat lovers

This expertly crafted whisky has hints of citrus and berry with strong woody, earthy, and smoky statements.

An independent review by the Whisk(e)y Apostle says, “If you’re a whiskey geek and looking to try something unique…, I’d definitely look to try this one.”

10th Street Distillery combines old-world tradition and modern ingenuity to make super-premium small-batch whiskies at San Jose’s first craft distillery. In just two years since opening, 10th Street has earned significant industry recognition for its Peated Single Malt, including Best in Class Gold at the 2019 Whiskies of the World and Double Gold at the 2019 N.Y. World Spirits Competition. Its STR Single Malt recently won a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits competition. The award for Distiller’s Cut further establishes 10th Street’s reputation as a top-shelf American maker of exceptional single malts.

As co-founder Virag Saksena explained to the East Bay Express, custom Scottish peat and local microflora interact with water from the Sierra Nevada snowmelt and grains to create “a complex sourdough flavor” that “lends a unique Bay Area terroir.” The hot San Jose weather imparts its own unique aging properties.

DISTILLER’S CUT TASTING NOTES
Nose: Sour nose with bright citrus, vanilla, and peat; heavy mesquite smoke
Color: Golden Palate: Sweet high notes of blackberry, brown sugar, honey, and molasses; bran cereal, burning chocolate. Finish: Smooth and lingering on the sides and back of the tongue ABV: 44% MSRP: $65

About 10th Street Distillery:
San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

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Nikka Whisky Introduces Nikka Days

July 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

SAN SAN FRANCISCO – It’s time to brighten up the bar cart with a new blended whisky from the award-winning Nikka Whisky. With more than 80 years of mastery in blending, Nikka introduces NIKKA DAYS (40% ABV), a delicious whisky for everyday drinking occasions. Imported by San Francisco’s Hotaling & Co., NIKKA DAYS features bright and modern packaging to reflect the floral and smooth whisky within and will be available for purchase at select retailers for $49.99, beginning in July 2020.

Both the flavors and appearance of NIKKA DAYS were designed to highlight the bright side of whisky and whisky consumption. The blend is structured by the mellow and smooth Coffey Grain Whisky and aromatic non-peated Miyagikyo malts, along with a touch of Coffey Malt Whisky and Yoichi malts to enhance the bright sweetness and rich body. The complex and delicate blend results in an extremely silky mouthfeel, with fruity and floral flavors that rise and expand, leaving behind a delightful aftertaste.

“As the name suggests, NIKKA DAYS has been developed for whisky lovers who appreciate fine drinks on any casual day,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky international business development manager. “This elegant whisky can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a simple highball or refreshing cocktail. We hope that NIKKA DAYS will complement and elevate your day.”

“With a unique and modern design, NIKKA DAYS is an exciting addition to Hotaling & Co.’s extensive portfolio of curated whiskies and artisanal spirits,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “NIKKA DAYS comes after the release of Nikka From The Barrel, named the 2018 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, both showcasing the blender’s skills at their peak.”

Tasting Notes
(40% ABV; 750ml; $49.99 SRP)
AROMA: Fresh and fruity with white flowers, orange blossoms, pear, and citrus
FLAVOR: Light and smooth – cereals, malt, toffee, roasted nuts and vanilla
FINISH: Dry apricot, malt, vanilla, elusive peat

The Nikka range also includes Nikka From The Barrel (51.4% ABV, $65 SRP), named the 2018 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky (45% ABV, $75 SRP), the only malted barley whisky distilled in a column still, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky (45% ABV, SRP $70), an elevation of the style of whisky that is more typically used for blending and rarely bottled on its own, and Nikka Coffey Gin (47% ABV, $50 SRP) and Nikka Coffey Vodka (40% ABV, $45 SRP) which arrived stateside in 2017.

NIKKA DAYS will be distributed in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and Tennessee, expanding in 2021. For more information, visit HotalingandCo.com or email info@hotalingandco.com.

About The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.
The founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, received his training in Scotland before founding Nikka in 1934 with the establishment of the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru’s early successes prompted the development of a second distillery, Miyagikyo, in 1969, this time built on the island of Honshu in the foothills of the Miyagi prefecture, in the Northern part of Honshu.

About Hotaling & Co.
Hotaling & Co., the leading San Francisco importer & distiller, offers the finest curated portfolio of premium artisanal spirits. Hotaling & Co., originally named Anchor Distilling Company, was established in 1993 and is credited with releasing America’s first craft whiskey (Old Potrero) and American craft gin (Junípero Gin) after Prohibition. In 2010, Anchor Distilling Company was sold to a business partnership that included Tony Foglio and London’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd and began expanding to incorporate a collection of super-premium artisanal spirits imported from around the world. In 2017, Anchor Distilling became Hotaling & Co. The new name is a nod to one of Anchor Distilling’s most beloved small batch whiskies (Old Potrero Hotaling’s Whiskey) and to the San Francisco legend A.P. Hotaling, who came out West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country. Today, Hotaling & Co. celebrates exciting growth and achievements; marking its 26th year of distilling and its 10th year of commercially uniting artisan distillers from around the world and sharing their stories to discerning consumers.

Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio includes Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, No.3 Gin, HINE Cognac, Lot 40 Rye Whisky, Convite Mezcal, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Writers’ Tears Whiskey, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more. Visit HotalingandCo.com for a full list of brands.

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Buffalo Trace Six Millionth Barrel Raises Over $1 Million for Charity

July 7, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Kentucky — Buffalo Trace Distillery announced its six millionth barrel campaign has raised over $1 million for various charities, exceeding its goal of $500,000.

Last year, Buffalo Trace chose 378 non-profit organizations to receive special edition bottles from the sixth millionth barrel of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The organizations could then use the exclusive bottles to host fundraising efforts for charities.

Currently 332 of the selected non-profits have raised $1,145,162 for charities of their choosing, and the remaining 56 have rescheduled or postponed their fundraising events due to the pandemic. The amount of money raised is expected to rise as the remaining charities sell their bottles.

The fundraising effort has benefitted a number of causes such as education services, ecological foundations, leukemia and lymphoma, arts foundations, veterans, animal rights and more.

Each organization received the bottle along with a handwritten description on the glass, packaged in a hardwood showcase box that included a piece of charred oak stave from the barrel and a small brochure.

Bourbon Charity was the top fundraiser with $69,125 through their Six Millionth Barrel to Give Thanks event which was set up as an online sweepstakes with donations starting at $10.

In Ketchum, Idaho, the Wood River Community YMCA raised $39,000 toward scholarships and programs for the organization during their Y Classic event.

Buffalo Trace has offered commemorative bottles for fundraising purposes before, such as the 2011 Millennium Barrel of bourbon which raised over $150,000. In 2016, the distillery used its inaugural O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey from 1980, 1982 and 1983 where over $1 million was raised for charity.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

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