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Today’s Top Whiskey Stories

January 14, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Today’s Top Whiskey Stories

Kentucky distillery keeps wild family moonshine story alive while making its own bourbon(January 14) – Outside the distillery store is this 1941 Chyrsler with a straight V-8 was the Neeley family moonshine hauler for years. It has truck springs that handled the load on rough Kentucky backroads. There’s also a few bullet holes as well. Complete Story

New whiskey alert: Ezra Brooks bourbon gets an upgrade in look, proof
(January 8) – Luxco announced on Wednesday that the St. Louis-based spirits company is releasing a higher proof version of its popular Kentucky bourbon, Ezra Brooks. Ezra Brooks 99 also is a Kentucky straight bourbon, charcoal filtered and bottled at 99 proof rather than the brand’s 80- or 90-proof versions. Complete Story  

Why Your Whiskey Belongs in A Decanter
(January 1) – Whiskey decanters have been long-rooted in the cultural lexicon as a place for booze to sit on an office bar cart or in a home study. In fact, they were originally used for the very practical purpose of transporting whiskey from the distillery to one’s home. Complete Story

Couple finds more than 66 bottles of Prohibition-era whiskey hidden in the walls of their New York home(December 27) – When a New York couple was told their over 100-year-old home was built by a notorious bootlegger, they passed it off as small town legend. But during a recent home renovation, the couple discovered something that revealed the legend could be true. Complete Story

The 35 Best Gifts for People Who Take Their Whiskey Seriously(Christmas) – Whiskey is like a religion, and the people who follow it are intense. They can wax philosophical about Scottish terroir and Kentucky’s limestone water. They have strong opinions about single malts versus blends. They own every limited release from their favorite distillery, and they wouldn’t dare settle for well whiskey drinks. Complete Story

A Christmas tree made out of whiskey bottles isn’t always a marketing campaign(December 22) – Some are wishing for a white Christmas. But others prefer it to be green. The owners of the Shamrock Jack’s Irish Pub prefer it to be green. Green as in the color of Jameson Irish whiskey bottles. Don’t believe me? If you happen to be in Irondequoit, New York (which is just outside of Rochester) any time between now and the New Year, go ahead and visit the pub. Outside you’ll see a big green Christmas tree. Complete Story

Spectacular And Affordable Bourbon Whiskeys For Christmas 2020(December 21) – There may not be a better time of year to sip on a dram of whiskey than this week. Even if you don’t have a tree in the house and aren’t mainlining eggnog, having a good bourbon on hand for a little letting loose as 2020 winds down certainly isn’t a bad thing. We could all use a drink after this (very) long year. Complete Story

Top 10 New Craft Distilleries in the United States according to USAToday(October 4) – The number of craft distilleries in the United States grew by more than 11 percent between 2018 and 2019; the country now has more than 2,000 of them. With so many distilleries opening up each year, we decided to highlight some of the best on the scene. Complete Story

The World’s Most Underrated Bourbon—According To A Whiskey Expert(September 30) – The rumors are true: bourbon keeps creeping up in cost these days. It wasn’t long ago that some of our favorite bottles collected dust on the shelf at prices south of $40. Complete Story

Another rare Buffalo Trace bourbon will be coming to U.S. shelves for the first time(September 23) – The Frankfort distillery announced last week that it will release a limited quantity of Blaton’s Straight From The Barrel in the U.S., something fans have been asking for for years. Complete Story

Bourbon Pricing Is Getting Out of Control, and Only the Consumers Can Stop It(September 2) – It’s no shock, or particularly astute observation, to note the way that American whiskey prices have climbed in the last 15 years. The brown liquor revival brought along a boom period for the industry as a whole, and many of the largest and most popular American distilleries responded to this new wave of interest by embracing an increasingly premiumized model for their whiskey lineups. Complete Story

Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick stake claim as Tennessee’s premium bourbon with Sweetens Cove(August 30) – With a limited release strategy, Sweetens Cove’s partners — including Tennessee Vols and NFL legend Peyton Manning and tennis great, Andy Roddick — hope to stake a claim as Tennessee’s signature premium bourbon, rather than a celebrity brand. Complete Story

This Entrepreneur Owns Pennsylvania’s First and Only Black-Owned Distillery(August 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(August 17) – 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 

Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Brough Brothers Distillery, the First and Only African American-Owned Distillery in Kentucky Has Opened for Business

January 8, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Brough Brothers Distillery, the First and Only African American-Owned Distillery in Kentucky Has Opened for Business

Brough Brothers Distillery, the First and Only African American-Owned Distillery in KentuckyLOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Brough Brothers Distillery, the first and only Black-owned distillery in the state of Kentucky, opened its doors for business earlier this month in Louisville.

The distillery was founded by Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough, three brothers born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. They wanted to produce quality bourbon whiskey in an industry that has thus far remained largely inaccessible to minority entrepreneurs. They are committed to supporting other local businesses in an effort to revitalize the West End neighborhood in which Brough Brothers is based. Their distillery will provide job opportunities and economic growth for the community of Park Hill, a historically underserved area of Louisville’s West End.

“Brough Brothers has an opportunity to not only provide employment opportunities for our local community, but also design an experience for locals and tourists in the heart of one of Kentucky’s cultural hubs,” Brough Brothers CEO Victor Yarbrough said. “At a time in history when there is much attention on Louisville, we are excited to represent positive change and hope for and on behalf of our city.”

First approved by the distillery-governing body the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in August 2018, Brough Brothers Distillery was recognized by Kentucky’s Senate as the state’s first African American-owned distillery in August 2020. Approved by the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in September, it will continue to make history as it distills and barrels its first barrel of bourbon this winter. Its bourbon shop will be open for business to bourbon enthusiasts by appointment only in spring 2021.

But customers don’t have to wait to enjoy Brough Brothers: its bourbon brand is available on store shelves now and online.

Brough Brothers Bourbon has received glowing customer reviews for being one of the smoothest bourbons on the market. With major and independent retailers selling it in Kentucky, national retailers (Kroger, Total Wine and More, Trader Joes, Walmart) and distributors (RNDC, JB, BBI, SWGS) alike have taken notice of its explosive popularity. Brough Brothers currently has major distribution partnerships in five states, including KY, FL, TN, IN, and CO. It will expand its distribution to another 20 states in early 2021.

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon, distillers

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Selected As Best American Whiskey

December 27, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Selected As Best American Whiskey

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year BourbonPROSPECT, Kentucky – In a blind tasting, renowned whiskey critic Fred Minnick named Pappy Van Winkle 15-year-old his best American Whiskey of 2020.

A captain on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and former lead American whiskey critic for Whisky Advocate, Minnick, a Wall Street Journal-bestselling author, tasted more than 600 whiskeys throughout the Pandemic. Throughout the year, Minnick tasted before live audiences amongst the various platforms. Minnick’s American Whiskey of the Year was taped live for YouTube and will later appear on Amazon Prime.

In a blind tasting, Minnick selected Pappy Van Winkle 15 year over categorical winners Sazerac 18-year-old rye whiskey (Best Rye), Barrell Bourbon Batch 26 (Best Blend of Straights), Journeyman’s Corsets, Buggy & Whips (Best Wheat Whiskey), Four Gate Batch 6 (Best Barrel Finish), MB Roland Corn Whiskey (Best Corn Whiskey), Slipknot’s No. 9 (Best Celebrity Whiskey), and St. George Spirits American Single Malt (Best American Single Malt).

However, Minnick notes a big winner was the sixth place finisher in the bourbon taste off: Spirits of French Lick’s Lee Sinclair Bottled in Bond.

“The truth is, 95% of the best American whiskey comes out of Kentucky and Tennessee,” Minnick says. “And if a small craft distiller in French Lick, Indiana, can out taste the likes of Knob Creek 15 year old, that shows the future of bourbon is bright.”

The winner Pappy Van Winkle 15 year certainly does not need another award, but Minnick notes it’s highly allocated for a reason. “When I tasted this blind, I was wowed,” he said. “The whiskey doesn’t lie, and that 15 year old bourbon is truly great and deserves this accolade.”

Best American Whiskey
Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old (Frankfort, Kentucky)

Bourbon Rankings
1. Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old, 2020
2. William LaRue Weller, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2020 (Frankfort, Kentucky)
3. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch, 2020 (Lawrenceburg, Kentucky)
4. Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #2 (Bardstown, Kentucky)
5. Booker’s 2020-2 (Clermont, Kentucky)
6. Spirits of French Lick Lee Sinclair (French Lick, Indiana)

Best Barrel Finish
Four Gate Batch 6

Best Blend of Straights
Barrell Bourbon Batch 26 (Louisville, Kentucky)

Best Celebrity Whiskey
Slipknot No. 9 Reserve Iowa Whiskey (Swisher, Iowa)

Best Rye Whiskey
Sazerac 18 year old, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2020 (Frankfort, Kentucky)

Best Corn Whiskey
MB Roland (Pembroke, Kentucky)

Best Wheat Whiskey
Journeyman Corsets, Whips & Whiskey, Batch 10 (Three Oaks, Michigan)

Best American Single Malt
St. George Spirits American Single Malt Lot 20 (Alameda, California)

To learn more about Fred Minnick, visit FredMinnick.com.

For fun facts about Whiskey, Click Here

Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Pilot House Distilling and Buoy Beer Company Announce Expansion Project

December 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Pilot House Distilling and Buoy Beer Company Announce Expansion Project

Pilot House Distilling Announce Expansion ProjectASTORIA, Oregon — Since they were established, Buoy Beer and Pilot House Distilling have been growing and looking to the future. Besides satiating thirsty customers, top priorities of the business have always included creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Buoy has been in a constant state of expansion and Pilot House has long awaited to increase production with top-of-the-line equipment. When the two companies joined forces in 2019, there was not only a synergy between them, but a shared vision of creating an unbeatable destination on the Riverwalk in their hometown of Astoria.

“Like everyone, 2020 has been a really hard year for us,” says Cofounder David Kroening. “We had just finished up years of work on our strategic plan and then everything got turned on its head when the pandemic started. We lost a lot of our staff during the first shutdown and had to pump the brakes hard as we dealt with the toughest months we have ever faced. After some really hard work from our entire team, we were able to make the decision that with some tweaks to our plan, focusing growth on our core areas was going to be the best path for us to make sure we’d be able to expand our team again into the future and meet the ever-growing demand for our beer and spirits.”

Currently the Pilot House Distilling facility resides in a 4,000 sq. ft. section on the backside of the Liberty Theater building with a tasting room on Duane St. Plans are to move the distillery to its permanent home on the waterfront in a former fish processing plant adjacent to Buoy Beer. The new distilling facility will include a new 5,000-liter copper pot still and column (a significant upgrade from the current 950-liter still), a new fermentation cellar with a mash mixer and a mash filter, and a 12,000 sq. ft. second floor devoted to barrel aging. Relocation and the new equipment will allow the team to ramp up production on Pacific Northwest favorites like Painted Lady Gin and Diablo Azul agave spirits, as well as expand the whisky and bourbon lines with grain-to-glass fluidity.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to expand into a state-of-the-art production facility,” says Larry Cary, Head Distiller of Pilot House Distilling. “This will give us the opportunity to compete on a national level by giving us the tools needed to increase our production capacity. We’ll have better access to the raw materials needed to further increase the quality of already award-winning products.”

Visitors to Astoria’s Riverwalk will not only have breathtaking views of the Columbia River, but also the 24′ tall copper column through full height glass walls leading people to sample the products at the new Pilot House Distilling tasting room. The tasting room will feature not only tastings and bottle sales, but also a 21-and-up bar to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and views of a working distillery in an intimate setting on the back dock over the water. The facility also has plans to set up private tours of the distillery and brewery. The tours will offer education on the processes of grain-to-glass production, equipment, and more.

On the north side of the building along the Riverwalk, the chefs from the Buoy Beer’s restaurant will start a new walk-up “take & go” food option that will continue to feature local seafood to compliment the cocktail bar. The offerings will include items like freshly shucked oysters, tacos, and specialty toasts while accommodating vegan/vegetarian options. The outdoor area will also have some Riverwalk seating with beautiful views.

Buoy Beer Company will expand their beer production into the Astor Street building that housed the Beer Hall this past summer. Construction will “pop up” the roof to accommodate the fermentation tanks while keeping the iconic wave on the front of the building intact. This additional building will house a new 50bbl 4-vessel brewhouse along with more fermentation tanks to support demand throughout the Northwest. However, beer production will not leave the old Bornstein Cannery; a pipe bridge will be installed between the Astor building and the current brewery where the lager tanks, bright tanks, kegging lines, and new higher-speed canning line will be installed. Pipe bridges will also carry wastewater from the brewery and distillery to the brewery’s own treatment facility that will process the water before it enters the city’s wastewater system.

Since opening in 2014, the brewery has increased production often but continues to encounter even higher demand from customers. For the past 6+ years, Buoy has been available mostly in Oregon and small areas of Washington, however, two months ago, Buoy Beer & Pilot House started their own distribution company to expand their presence in Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and SW Washington. This production expansion will more than double Buoy’s capacity over the next 5 years. Hopes are to satisfy the current portfolio demand of the market and expand specialty beer releases, barrel/foeder projects, and seasonal lines while continuing to make better balanced beer. The QA/QC department will grow along with the brewery to ensure the output of not only more beer, but better beer that is brewed with the ethos of Astoria.

“It’s very humbling to look back at how far we’ve come in the past 7 years,” says Kevin Shaw, Director of Brewery Operations. “I had faith in the project when I came on board in 2013 but this exceeds my wildest dreams for the company. Being able to increase production to fulfill orders while continuing our consistency and quality is really exciting plus… who doesn’t like shiny new things?”

Although 2021 will bring on a tidal wave of change, the team has already begun looking towards the implementation of a second wave of development of their Riverwalk campus. The next step for the Pilot House Distilling building includes an additional upscale seafood restaurant on the second floor northeast corner, where patrons will get a 270-degree view of the Columbia River, tongue point, and all of historic Astoria (including the column). The Buoy Beer restaurant plans to add additional space that expands the entire river view side and on the second story and in the future develop a large second story event space to host future weddings, events, and meetings (once pandemic restrictions are lifted). There are also plans in the works to continue the company’s sustainability efforts with expanded CO2 recovery, growth of its roof top solar array, electric vehicle charging stations, rooftop beehives and herb gardens and many other possibilities.

These next big steps for both brands reflect the Pacific Northwest’s love of hand-crafted, quality beers and spirits. Excitement is high within the company and the entire team is anxious to bring their customers more of the experiences they have loved over the past 6 years.

BUOY BEER COMPANY
Astoria, OR overlooks the meeting of one of the West’s most relentless rivers and the wilderness of an entire ocean – and it’s here that Buoy Beer Company brews its beer. With balance always a priority, we focus on traditional lagers and NW ales to savor after a hard day’s work and to share with friends.

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Bushmills Irish Whiskey Introduces Rare Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask

October 4, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Bushmills Irish Whiskey Introduces Rare Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask

Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac CaskBUSHMILLS, Northern Ireland – Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, proudly introduces Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask Whiskey, a rare innovation for connoisseurs across the United States. The limited-time offering and debut release in Bushmills’ new annual series, “The Rare Casks,” Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask is meticulously blended to achieve one of the most exquisite Irish single malts of all time.

As long-standing leaders in Irish whiskey, with the most awarded Irish single malt portfolio, Bushmills’ reputation for both its quality and aged stock is unparalleled. A product of over 400 years of proud whiskey-making expertise and commitment to tradition, Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask is expertly crafted by Helen Mulholland, one of the most qualified and experienced Master Blenders in history. She has kept a watchful eye over this exceptional single malt since its distillation in 1992.

Made at the Old Bushmills Distillery along the rugged County Antrim coast of Ireland, the whiskey is handcrafted with ingredients unmatched in quality and from a distinct recipe that has been passed down for centuries. Using the same foundation of all Bushmills’ award-winning single malt whiskeys – 100% unpeated malted barley and the freshest spring water from the nearby River Bush – Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask is then triple distilled in small batches in traditional copper pot stills, achieving the smoothness and richness for which Bushmills is famous.

“At Bushmills, the foundation of our whiskey is the quality of ingredients and the experience and skill we have passed down through generations. Throughout my almost 30-year career at Bushmills, I have nurtured this special whiskey from its distillate, experimenting with different taste profiles and finally resting it in some of the world’s rarest and highest quality casks,” says Helen Mulholland, Irish whiskey’s first female Master Blender.

“Maturing this precious malt in former Cognac casks has brought out unique notes and characteristics specific to Cognac, developing the whiskey into something new and distinct for Bushmills, with bold intensity and subtle sweetness. Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask is a time capsule of my career at the distillery, and one of the most complex and layered whiskeys ever released by us.”

Matured in former bourbon and Oloroso sherry barrels for 11 years, the single malt is then finished in ultra-rare Cognac casks for 17 years, each cask having been carefully sourced under the expert direction of Mulholland. On the nose, rounded sweet spicy wood aromas develop the deep dried fruit character, offering a hint of pear and almond followed by warm sweet vanilla and cinnamon undertones. The exceptionally long finish continues to develop as complex wood flavors linger on the palate.

“We are in the midst of an exciting Irish whiskey revival, where last year the category was the single fastest-growing segment overall for the U.S. spirits market,” says Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits. “The new annual series, ‘The Rare Casks,’ is a must for any collector looking to expand their whiskey repertoire, and discover the unique, smooth taste that sets Bushmills Irish Whiskey single malts apart from any Scotch single malt.”

“Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask and ‘The Rare Casks’ series is a fitting tribute to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, and we are excited to share this extremely rare piece of liquid history with whiskey fans across the United States.”

With less than 500 bottles available, Bushmills 28 Year Old Single Malt Cognac Cask will be exclusively available in the United States at retailers and online at Flaviar.com for $500.00 USD starting October 1, 2020. Whiskey lovers are also invited to join the selection process for next year’s release in “The Rare Casks” series, with a never-before-tasted single malt whiskey collection available for members on Flaviar.com.

About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey
Bushmills® Irish Whiskey is crafted with care and passion at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery. Bushmills has more than 400 years of whiskey-making heritage, which has been passed down through generations. The brand’s award-winning triple distilled single malt whiskeys are renowned for their signature smooth taste and famous house style: Bushmills® Original, Bushmills® Red Bush™, Bushmills® Black Bush, Bushmills® 10 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills® 16 Year Old Single Malt, and Bushmills® 21 Year Old Single Malt.  Learn more at www.bushmills.com.

About Proximo Spirits
Proximo Spirits is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, the most awarded tequila in the world, 1800® Tequila, Mexico’s number one selling premium tequila, Gran Centenario® Tequila, Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, Stranahan’s® Rocky Mountain Single Malt Whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey and Boodles® British Gin. Learn more at www.proximospirits.com.

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Old Forester Celebrates the Release of Their Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon

October 4, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Old Forester Celebrates the Release of Their Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – In 1870, George Garvin Brown changed the spirits industry forever when he sealed and sold his whisky – Old Forester – exclusively in a glass bottle. Each bottle was adorned with his signature, a personal guarantee of the brand’s quality and consistency. Today, 150 years later, Old Forester announces the upcoming release of Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon to commemorate his act of ingenuity, honor his legacy and celebrate the history of the First Bottled Bourbon.

Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon references George’s original process, composed of three batches, unfiltered* and each presented at individual batch strength. The limited release is presented in an amber glass bottle, reminiscent of the hand-blown glass of George’s day, and will come in a commemorative canister. It’s planned for release in October 2020.

Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon“This special bourbon has been in the works for some time now, and while it is exciting for our family and colleagues, I hope the larger Old Forester family – the bourbon lovers and fans – will appreciate it just as much,” said Campbell Brown, Old Forester President and Fifth-Generation Brown Family Member. “My great-great grandfather had quite the vision for his whisky. He was bringing something to the market that had previously not existed and today, we instill his legacy of ingenuity in everything we do – especially in the halls at Old Forester Distilling Co., in the same building George ran the business in the early days of the company.”

In the 150 years since George’s started the company, the brand has endured 13 years of Prohibition, World Wars, changing consumer palates and industry consolidations. Today, Old Forester remains the only brand with an uninterrupted 150-year history, sold by the same family company before, during and after Prohibition.

George’s act of selling whisky exclusively in a sealed bottle was innovative at a time when most whisky was sold by the barrel and subject to adulteration prior to reaching the consumer. Predating any modern food safety acts, he helped lead an industry on the path to rigorous self-regulation that is still upheld today. In addition to being the first to exclusively sell whisky in sealed glass bottles, George was the first to commercially batch whisky to ensure a consistent flavor profile. At the time, he batched from three distilleries – Mellwood, Mattingly and Atherton – before eventually acquiring the Mattingly Distillery and distilling his own whisky.

For the Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon, 150 barrels were chosen by Master Distiller Chris Morris and set aside for this limited-release product. At maturity, several barrels lost their full contents to the Angel’s Share. The resulting aged liquid was personally and individually tasted by Master Taster Jackie Zykan and separated by-hand into three distinct batches, differing in proof and flavor profile.

“We designed the expression to share our unique story,” said Jackie Zykan, Old Forester Master Taster. “George Garvin Brown was an entrepreneur and an innovator. I have composed three unique blends to honor his process of batching from the three original distilleries. Each captures a distinct facet of the beloved Old Forester flavor profile, each upholding his highest standards of quality.”

Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon Batch Details and Notes from the Master Taster:

  • Batch 01/03 – 125.6 proof/62.8% ABV, comprised of 46 barrels; fruit bomb
  • Nose: maple syrup and perfectly ripe orchard fruits, apricot and plum
  • Mid: açaí and black current
  • Finish: graham cracker, subtle peppermint, long well-rounded spice, moderately dry
  • Batch 02/03 – 126.4 proof/63.2% ABV, comprised of 48 barrels; sweet and spry
  • Nose: cherry cordial and raspberry preserves
  • Mid: French toast and chocolate malt
  • Finish: brilliant and perky spice at the front of the palate, touch of cedar, mildly dry
  • Batch 03/03 – 126.8 proof/63.4% ABV, comprised of 53 barrels; green and spice
  • Nose: dill and bright orange peel, hint of light brown sugar
  • Mid: sweetens in the middle to melon and pine
  • Finish: medium dry, tingling green peppercorns, rosemary, grapefruit peel, and lingering anise

A limited number of cases will be available nationally in October 2020 for a suggested retail price of $150. To learn where you can purchase Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon, check out OldForester.com for a retailer near you.

About Brown-Forman:
For 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach and Slane. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by over 4,800 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit brown-forman.com.

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

Please sip responsibly.
Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon, 62.8%, 63.2% and 63.4% Alc. by Vol., Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. ©2020 Brown-Forman. All rights reserved. Please do not share or forward this content with anyone under the legal drinking age.

*All natural barrel char sediment has been removed via dump room screening. In extremes of temperature this bourbon may naturally haze or cloud. This is normal for an unfiltered bourbon whisky.

 

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Results Breaking for BTI’s 2020 Whiskey Awards

September 3, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Results Breaking for BTI’s 2020 Whiskey Awards

Whiskey AwardsCHICAGO, Sept. 3, 2020 — Beverage Testing Institute, conductors of the oft-imitated first international spirits competition in the United States, has completed its evaluation of 2020’s Best Whiskey Awards. Twenty-one all-trade blind tasting panels assessed the spirited contenders for quality in the BTI Lab using its proprietary methodology and custom software.

From small US artisans, to Canadian distilleries, to Kentucky powerhouses, here are some of the best whiskey of category winners:

Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery came out with gloves on. The 15-year Old Elk Straight Rye and Old Elk Straight Wheat dressed to impress winning Gold and leading their categories. The secret to Old Elk’s success? We think it’s likely the combo of the lifetime experience of Master Distiller Greg Metze (38 years at Seagram’s Distillery) and the exceptional palate of Head Distiller Kate Douglas.

Also, from the “The Centennial State”, the Boulder Bottled-In-Bond American Single Malt from Vapor Distillery set the bar for what ASMW can produce with its 95-point, Gold Medal winning, liquid treasure. Nods to The QuintEssential ASMW from Iowa’s Cedar Ridge Distillery for a great showing as well at 93 points.

For the Blended Rye Whiskey category, Utah’s High West Double Rye! received a golden accolade solidifying its place as a bar and consumer top-performer.

Rye Whiskey craft dominators Old Potrero from California and Evanston Illinois’ FEW Rye Whiskey excelled at 94 and 92 points, respectively. And Kentucky stalwart, Wild Turkey Rye 101 shined as an expert expression of the Rye persuasion.

There’s no denying that there’s something about that Kentucky limestone-filtered, “branch” water… The big winner was Kentucky scion Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which grabbed the only BTI Platinum Medal—the beverage world’s ultimate honor for a spirits brand.

Heavy-medal-laden Kentucky distillery, Sazerac belted out some big Bourbon anthems. Their Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Weller Full Proof and Stagg Jr. all hit 95-point high notes.

The Knob Creek 12-Year-Old 100 Proof Bourbon from Clermont Kentucky’s legendary Jim Beam Distillery not only proved that it provides great bang for the buck, but with an sensational 95-point score, will make your taste buds sing.

Flavored Whiskey nods go to the Michigan craftsmen at Journeyman Distillery for their 92-point Field Rye Fig Flavored Whiskey and the from-left-field, only-in-America Skrewball Peanut Butter Flavored Whisky, which are both delicious and far more than just guilty pleasures.

For the full list of BTI’s 2020 North American Whiskey Results visit their free consumer buying guide Tastings.com: http://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-09-01-North-American-Whiskey.aspx

Across the pond in the World Whiskey Review a record 7 Platinum BTI Medals were awarded to Midleton, Redbreast, Jameson and Kavalan this year. Kavalan from Taiwan shows off its whisky finishing and how their liquid gold and barrels benefit from the region’s warmer temperatures.

Do you know about Jameson’s Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask? It made our judges’ knees buckle as they fell in love with it. At 96 points, gifting this beaut will ensure that your in-laws write you into their will.

Midleton’s Dair Ghaelackh Knockrath may be difficult for Americans to pronounce but even harder to put down. Savory, warming and a spiritual experience. Consistently golden Aberlour grabs 5 gold medals.

On our radar, newcomer Archie Rose from Australia will be a collector’s dream whiskey as we suspect the brand grow and get better and better and better. Slightly peated Irish Blended Whiskey The Legendary Silkie is highly recommended.

For a full list of BTI’s 2020 World Whiskey Review along with detailed tasting notes and cocktail recommendations visit our consumer-facing site. http://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-08-01-Scotch-Irish-and-World-Whiskey.aspx

About BTI:
Beverage Testing Institute was founded in 1981 with the mission of making the beverage industry better, one brand at a time. Creators of the first international spirits competition in the U.S. they have a rotating monthly category call for their unbiased, professional published reviews. For more information about BTI’s reviews, competitions and other services visit: www.bevtest.com.

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Wonderland Distilling First Spirit Release Is Distilled for the Adventurous Michigander

August 15, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Wonderland Distilling First Spirit Release Is Distilled for the Adventurous Michigander

Wonderland Distilling First Spirit Release Is Distilled for the Adventurous MichiganderMUSKEGON, Michigan – Muskegon-based craft distillery Wonderland Distilling is launching its very first product, a Blend of Straight Whiskeys, for retail sale this month. Created from individually- aged rye, corn and wheat whiskeys, the blend is expertly crafted by the Wonderland team for a truly unique, Michigan-inspired profile and taste.

Wonderland’s Blend of Straight Whiskeys is blended using the traditional Canadian method, with each grain—corn, wheat and rye—distilled on its own. By distilling, barreling and aging them separately, then blending them after maturation, Wonderland whiskey is blended with purpose to create a consistent flavor profile with every bottle. Every sip of Wonderland whiskey begins with a sweet nose of dark caramel, brown sugar, brioche and raisins, this blend has a long, caramel finish with a hint of fresh mint.

“Michiganders know what they’re going to get when they wake up every morning – a beautiful place to live, surrounded by the greatness of our lakes, the specter of our seasons and an adventure so close they can taste it,” said Mark Gongalski, CEO of Wonderland Distilling Company. “Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys is distilled for the adventurous soul, an ode to this place that formed us. We crafted our whiskey as a reflection of our connection to Michigan’s great outdoors.”

Designed to celebrate Michigan’s abundant natural wonders, the bottles feature a picturesque woodland scene, while the neutral color palette invokes hues found in nature and brings to mind an outdoor lifestyle aesthetic. Displayed prominently on the bottle is Wonderland’s product commitment:

Wonderland was born in Michigan. Made from the desire for adventure, appreciative of all the splendid lands and waters surrounding, it embodies the passion to live a life untethered. We set out to create the best lifestyle spirits brand, one distilled for the adventurous soul.

“Wonderland consumers deserve the very best our state has to offer, which is why we have been intentional with every aspect of our whiskey. From sourcing local ingredients as much as possible and developing local partnerships, to our Michigan-made distilling equipment, every bottle is crafted to be authentically Michigan,” added Gongalski.

Wonderland’s first Blend of Straight Whiskeys was created primarily from individually aged, Michigan-distilled rye and wheat whiskeys from partnering distilleries across the state, hand-blended with purpose to create a specific taste profile. Wonderland also began distilling its own whiskey in early 2020.

The distillery’s tasting room, located at 1989 Lakeshore Drive in Muskegon’s Lakeside neighborhood, is currently under construction. When it opens in late summer, it will offer spirits, cocktails, a bar, patio and a private room for events. Wonderland is currently handcrafting additional spirits, including vodka, gin and rum, which will be available in the tasting room and on retail shelves later this year.

ABOUT WONDERLAND DISTILLING
Wonderland Distilling creates handcrafted spirits from Michigan ingredients – grains, fruits, botanicals and wood, combined with fresh Lake Michigan water and distilled through stainless stills with care and attention to detail. Wonderland was born in Michigan, made from the desire for adventure to embody the passion to live a life untethered. Wonderland is creating the best spirits, distilled for the adventurous soul – an ode to the woods, water, fields & manufacturing history that makes Michigan great. More information at wonderlanddistilling.com.

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Tennessee Distillers Guild Elects New President & Board of Directors

August 15, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Tennessee Distillers Guild Elects New President & Board of Directors

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The Tennessee Distillers Guild elected Alex Castle, master distiller and senior vice president at Old Dominick Distillery, as its new president. In her role, Castle will lead the charge in continuing to move the Guild and its initiatives forward.

“Alex and Old Dominick Distillery epitomize the Tennessee distilling industry, representing a heritage brand that has been revived for today,” said Tennessee Distillers Guild executive director, Sara Beth Urban. “Alex’s energy and leadership will be a great asset for our Guild, and I’m excited to work with her to increase interest in Tennessee spirits.”

Castle and Old Dominick Distillery joined the Guild in late 2015 and have since been an integral part of its success and evolution.

“Watching this group grow and evolve has been unbelievable,” said Castle. “My predecessor, Kris Tatum, did a phenomenal job leading the Guild and fighting to improve our industry in Tennessee. I’m excited for this opportunity and hope during my time as President, I can help maintain the momentum and continue to grow the Guild and the Trail, both in numbers and awareness.”

Castle has already made her mark for women in the Tennessee whiskey industry as the state’s first female head distiller in 2015. Now, she is making history again as the first female president to lead the Tennessee Distillers Guild since its founding in 2014.

“I can’t imagine being in any other industry,” she said. “I hope that my roles within Old Dominick and the Guild can serve as inspiration to other women. Just because an industry was male-dominated for years doesn’t mean it can’t be welcoming to women, and even promote those women to leadership roles.”

Castle is a Burlington, Kentucky native with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. She resides in Memphis with her husband and their dog, Whiskey.

Other Tennessee Distillers Guild board appointments include Rod Benkovich of George Dickel Distillery as vice president; Tyler Crowell of Corsair Distillery as secretary; and Kent Merritt of Old Tennessee Distilling Co. as treasurer. Other board members include Heath Clark of H. Clark Distillery, Matt Cunningham of Old Glory Distilling Co., Bruce Boeko of Nashville Craft Distillery, Jeff Arnett of Jack Daniel Distillery, and Greg Eidam of Sugarlands Distilling Co.

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Still Austin Whiskey Co. Launches Flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Launches Flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Launches Flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey  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.”

 Still Austin Bourbon WhiskeyA 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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