bourbon

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.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

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 

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.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

The mission of the Texas Whiskey Festival is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. Along with promotion, we want to educate whiskey lovers about the many top-of-the-line whiskeys being produced in our great state. And we’re doing it all while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. As an organization, we know that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys in the world. The Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to showcase that.

Here are the winners of the 2020 Texas Whiskey Awards held at the Texas Whiskey Festival:

Grain to Glass Bourbon
1. Garrison Brothers 2020 Small Batch Bourbon
2. Ironroot Republic Harbinger
3. Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Bourbon

Bottled in Texas Bourbon
1. Kooper Family Whiskey Sweetheart of the Rodeo
2. Milam & Greene Triple Cask Bourbon
3. Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery Select Bourbon

Grain to Glass Rye
1. Tahwahkaro Malted Rye
2. Balcones Texas Rye 100
3. Ranger Creek .44 Rye

Bottled in Texas Rye
1. Kooper Family Whiskey Rye
2. Treaty Oak Red Handed Rye
3. Milam & Greened Rye Finished in Port Casks

Grain to Glass Single Malt
1. Spirit of Texas Pfluger Single Malt
2. Andalusia Whiskey Co. Stryker
3. Balcones Texas ‘1’ Single Malt

Bottled in Texas Other
1. Austonian Whiskey
2. Texas Ranger
3. Rebecca Creek Whiskey

Peoples Choice Award
1. Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery
2. Austin Craft Spirits (Austin 101)
3. Lone Elm

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

LEBANON, Kentucky – Global beverage leader Diageo announced today that its new carbon neutral distillery, which will distill Bulleit  – one of the largest in North America, and a first for Diageo. Reinforcing Diageo’s global commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and addressing climate change, the site will be powered by 100% renewable electricity, with a capacity to produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year.

The new carbon neutral distillery, which is currently under construction in Lebanon, Kentucky, reflects Diageo’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and moves the company closer to its goal of sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Employing electrode boilers, the site will utilize a mix of renewable electricity sources to power a 72,000 square-foot distillery, dry house, and warehousing facilities. As previously announced “The Diageo Lebanon Distillery” will have the capability to distill a variety of bourbon and American whiskey brands. Bulleit will be the first and lead brand produced at the new distillery – supplementing existing production at The Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. This move will further strengthen the brand’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

“As a company, we know that our long-term sustainable growth depends on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change,” said Perry Jones, President, North America Supply for Diageo. “This groundbreaking undertaking to electrify our operations and then power them with renewable electricity will result in one of the largest carbon-neutral distilleries in North America. This is a significant step to strengthen our commitment to minimizing our carbon emissions and will result in an important reduction of Diageo’s environmental impact on a global level.”

“For Bulleit, our passion for sustainability began when we built the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, where we focus on reducing carbon emissions, water conservation, and waste management during production. Then, when we opened our Visitor Experience there, we chose to implement practices like eliminating single-use plastics from our bar and sourcing locally-grown organic cocktail garnishes from our onsite garden,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP Whiskies, Diageo NA. “Our commitment to the environment evolves with the Lebanon distillery, where no fossil fuels will be consumed for the production of Bulleit. This allows us to really begin to double down on our ambition to reinvent category standards.”

To achieve a carbon neutral distillery, Diageo plans to incorporate a variety of features that will avoid annual carbon emissions by more than 117,000 metric tons. This is the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 cars off the road for an entire year.

These features include:

Electrification of operations:
Electrode boilers will enable the avoidance of direct carbon emissions that would normally be generated by the use of fossil-fuel-fired boilers. Electrode boilers also offer benefits that include reduced noise pollution and reduction of other air contaminants.
All vehicles operated onsite, including trucks and forklifts, will be electric, and charged on site by renewable energy.
100% of the steam used onsite – for the cooking, distillation and drying process – will be generated by the electrode boilers (which are powered by the renewable electricity)

Energy efficiency embedded into facility design:
Energy efficiency will be optimized in the new electric boilers
Exterior lighting will be solar powered
All onsite interior lighting will be light-emitting diode (LED)
Warehouse interior lighting will only activate during loading or unloading activities
Lowered roofs will minimize heating and cooling requirements

Sourcing renewable electricity:
Long term contracts with the local utility will allow for the purchase of zero greenhouse gas emission electricity from certified renewable sources.
Renewable electricity will be supplied by Inter-County Energy and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC).
Water savings design
Site is being designed to be industry-leading inefficiency and minimization of water usage
Zero waste to landfill
Once operational, the site is designed to minimize the use of materials and waste through reuse and recycling, and any residual waste will not be sent to landfill

“I welcome Diageo’s commitment to carbon neutrality and using renewable electric at its Bulleit distillery in Lebanon. This is a notable example of a historic Kentucky industry embracing a new future,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “To continue the commonwealth’s economic recovery, attract business investment and create jobs for Kentuckians across all counties, it’s important we and our economic development partners provide a cost-competitive energy mix. Energy diversity is something more industries are considering when they choose where to locate, and offering the right mix will help us provide a brighter future for generations to come.”

“We want to extend a warm welcome as Diageo makes this valuable investment in Lebanon-Marion County,” said Jerry Carter, President and CEO of Inter-County Energy, which will provide electric service to the Lebanon distillery. “Inter-County Energy is proud to work in partnership with Diageo and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) to understand the energy needs of this facility and to develop innovative ways to meet the sustainability goals of one of the largest renewable energy consumers in Kentucky.”

A Commitment to Sustainability
Committed to decarbonization with approved science-based targets, Diageo is part of a pioneering group of organizations that are championing a green recovery and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, through membership of the United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition and other key global advocacy organizations. Also, as mentioned above, as a signatory to RE100, Diageo aims to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In addition, Diageo has also signed onto the global Race to Zero campaign, a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company recently joined over 150 multinationals to reaffirm our commitment to Science-Based Targets and urge governments around the world to align their COVID-19 recovery efforts with the latest climate science.

Bulleit has a long-standing commitment to sustainability at their current distillery in Shelbyville, KY, which was recently honored with the title of ‘Highly Commended’ for Sustainable Distillery of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2020 Icons of Whisky American Awards. The Shelbyville site includes the first-ever industrial solar array in Shelby County and a focus on reducing their carbon footprint by sourcing local ingredients from local farmers. In addition, Bulleit implemented thoughtful practices at the Visitor Experience, such as a partnership with the non-profit Oceanic Global to ensure its tasting experience and cocktail bar aligns with The Oceanic Standard (TOS), a badge and certification for venues that have adopted sustainable operating practices and are committed to eliminating single-use plastics.

Investing in Kentucky
Bulleit continues a strong trajectory of growth, with the brand continuing to gain share, and global volume up more than six percent year over year[3]. Diageo broke ground on the $130 million distillery in July of 2019, and the site is expected to be fully operational in 2021. Once fully operational the facility will employ 30 full-time team members. Since 2014, Diageo has invested more than $500 million in Kentucky. This facility will supplement the company’s other Kentucky operations: Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, and The Bulleit Distilling Company and Visitor Experience in Shelbyville.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One Vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

Follow us on social media for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA on Twitter and Instagram. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

CHICAGO  — Today, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. announced the re-release of Old Tub®, an unfiltered, 100-proof bonded bourbon inspired by the oldest brand from the Beam family. This limited-edition throwback offering celebrates bourbon’s true, rustic character, will be widely available in late June.

Old Tub Bourbon is distilled without chill filtration to showcase its unique qualities reminiscent of the world’s oldest bourbons. Just like the original Old Tub recipe, the liquid skips the chill filtration process, which forces the liquid through a dense filter to remove fatty acids during distillation, resulting in a bonded bourbon with a full-bodied authentic flavor.

The limited-edition offering is a nostalgic nod to where it all began for the Beam family over 140 years ago in Bardstown, KY, which is otherwise known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. This unique bourbon has tasting notes that include oak, complemented along with grain and warm caramel. It has a lingering color of golden citrine gemstone with shades of honey and an aroma that carries initial waves of oak followed by vanilla and grain.

“We’re taking bourbon lovers back in time and making a delicious bourbon true to the way my ancestors intended over 140 years ago when Old Tub was first crafted,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation master distiller. “I’m excited to share this one-of-a-kind liquid with our fans and provide a bit of authenticity and nostalgia as we head towards another 225 years in the bourbon industry.”

Old Tub Bourbon is best enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Brown Derby, which includes bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. It will be available for a limited time at select retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $22.99 for 750mL.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world-renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whiskey; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit, and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Just in time for Father’s Day, Distillery 291 announced two new tasting room releases – 291 Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey and 291 Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Matured in deep-charred, new American white oak barrels for three years each, these limited offerings are the oldest whiskeys 291 has released to date.

“This year, these two special releases are a tribute to the two young men that do me the honor of calling me Dad,” said Michael Myers, owner and founding distiller of 291. “Our Father’s Day releases are always meaningful to us, and these straight whiskeys are a great way to commemorate the day and to acknowledge that we all get better as we get older.”

A limited tasting room release, there are 222 bottles of 291 Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey and 176 bottles of 291 Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey available. As an added gifting bonus, Distillery 291 will offer a limited amount of bottles signed by Myers in its tasting room. To reserve a bottle, customers can purchase online at distillery291.com/to-go/ and pick-up in person at 291’s tasting room (1647 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) beginning June 14, 2020.

291 Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey (Batch #1)
Loads of rich caramel and toffee up front on the nose. Leather and pipe tobacco add an earthiness, while cinnamon and clove balance it out with some spice. Hints of toasted oak and aspen round out the nose. The palate is viscous, with the clove, toffee, tobacco, and toasted oak at the forefront. There is a warming black pepper note with the return of the caramel for the long, pleasant finish. This is an assertive and spice forward rye, and yet somehow, at the same, soft and sweet rye. Made from malted rye and corn mash. 64.3% Alc/Vol – 128.6 PROOF

291 Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch #1)
The nose is full of assorted stone fruits such as apricots, nectarines, and peach cobbler, along with floral potpourri. Herbal tea, mint, and black pepper add spiciness and depth to the nose, while cedar and aspen dance around on the edges. The stone fruits are the first to greet the palate, along with the mint and herbal tea. The texture is surprisingly soft, especially given the high proof. The clove and black pepper spices quickly move in as it transitions to a lively finish with apricots, aspen, and floral notes. Made from corn, malted rye, malted barley mash. 66.9% Alc/Vol – 133.8 PROOF

About Distillery 291
Distillery 291 is a small batch whiskey distillery nestled in the stunning foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located in Colorado Springs, the distillery sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak where owner and distiller, Michael Myers, aims to replicate the taste, smell, and folklore of the Wild West. Today, Distillery 291 is distilling, from grain to barrel, to bottle, ten distinctive Colorado whiskeys. The young distillery has earned bushels of national and international awards for its spirits with the unique character and flavor of a bygone era, including the title of World’s Best Rye at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards. Distillery 291 embodies traditions of the past married with the boldness of the future: Rugged, Refined, and Rebellious. Handmade the Colorado way.  For More Information:
https://www.distillery291.com 

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

TULLAHOMA, Tennesse –– Last year, George Dickel entered the Bottled in Bond category by launching the brand’s Fall 2005 whisky, which earned the coveted “Whisky of the Year” award from Whisky Advocate and was the top-rated American Whiskey of 2019 by Wine Enthusiast. Close to a year later, General Manager and Distiller, Nicole Austin, is continuing her pledge of transparency, authenticity, and producing a quality whisky at an approachable price by releasing a new bottling of George Dickel’s Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky.

Bold and balanced, this 11-year-old whisky was bottled in Fall 2008 and offers tantalizing notes of pecan, maple syrup and dried apple. At 100 proof (50% ABV), this release of George Dickel Bottled in Bond is best enjoyed slowly neat or on the rocks and plays well in many classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Perfect Manhattan.

“Bottled in Bond whiskies have always been one of my favorite categories because you know exactly what you’re getting when you pick up a bottle,” said Austin. “Our team continues to make great whiskey that’s reflective of the values we feel are most important, and I’m proud to share this year’s vintage of George Dickel Bottled in Bond with everyone. Like last year’s release, this bottling is a bold, complex spirit that shares the classic nutty, fruity and waxy characteristics that are expected from mature George Dickel whiskies.”

George Dickel Bottled in Bond has a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley. It is chill charcoal mellowed like the rest of the George Dickel Tennessee Whisky portfolio, which helps it get that smooth and creamy mouthfeel for which the brand is best known.

Beginning this month, the new George Dickel Bottled in Bond will be available in select markets across the nation for consumers to purchase at retail or order directly to their homes for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

As with all the whiskies in the George Dickel family, your friends at Cascade Hollow encourage you to sip this new offering the same way it’s made – slowly and responsibly.

Personal Preference Manhattan Recipe
1.5 oz George Dickel Bottled in Bond
.25 oz Sweet Vermouth
.25 oz Dry Vermouth
Dash aromatic bitters
Lemon peel garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and combine whiskey, vermouths, and bitters. Mix well then strain into cocktail glass. Add lemon peel as a garnish and serve.

About George Dickel
Since 1870, the fine folks at Cascade Hollow have honored George Dickel’s dream of crafting the smoothest Tennessee whisky around. Today, 150 years later, we’re still making award-winning whisky at our historic distillery in Tullahoma, TN. Tucked away in the Tennessee hills and surrounded by 600 protected acres of forest and crystal-fresh springs, Cascade Hollow has always been our home. Led by General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin, the team at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. continue the tradition of producing smooth sippin’ whisky through high standards of authenticity and craftsmanship. A proud member of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, we invite you to visit our home and learn more about how we make George Dickel Tennessee Whisky. For more information, go to www.GeorgeDickel.com. Your friends at Cascade Hollow remind you to always drink responsibly.

About DIAGEO
DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

LAWRENCEBURG, Indiana — MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) will debut Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV Straight Bourbon Whiskey in September 2020. Produced to commemorate Prohibition Repeal Day, Series IV is a limited annual release and reaches full distribution by Prohibition Repeal Day, December 5. In response to growing demand, Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV is planning an early fall release (timed with National Bourbon Month in September), and will roll out with a series of consumer tastings and events with special focus on the birthdate of George Remus (November 13) and Prohibition Repeal Day (December 5).

“Now in its fourth year, our Remus Repeal Reserve program has exceeded expectations and allows us to showcase the character of our extensive, aged bourbon reserves and blending expertise,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP. “Series IV delivers a bold, high-rye character and a beautifully balanced profile that reflects 12 years of age. We’re delighted to offer our next release earlier this fall to respond to consumer demand, and will also support an extensive tasting and education effort throughout our growing distribution network.”

Named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” Remus Repeal Reserve is an annual series from George Remus® Bourbon, crafted at MGP’s historic, 173-year-old distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Made in a signature high-rye style, the medley changes each year allowing the distillery team to experiment with their various mash bills and cask-aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV showcases a medley of two mash bills from 2008. It is comprised of 77% Bourbon (21% Rye) and 23% Bourbon (36% Rye). Series IV shows layers of rich caramel, candied fruit spice and toasted oak. The palate offers baking spices and oak, with a lingering finish of rye spice.

Highly anticipated, previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the Bourbon category, including a Double Gold in the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine for Remus Repeal Reserve Series III.

Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV retails for a suggested $84.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities as of September 2020. It is bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV. For more information, please contact Helen Gregory, helen@gregoryvine.com, or Amanda Davis, amanda@gregoryvine.com.

About George Remus® Bourbon
George Remus, a bourbon brand named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” is made by MGP Ingredients at their historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high-rye blend of bourbon whiskies, aged over four years, with a hint of vanilla, a maple aroma, and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor (SRP: $44.99/750-ml bottle). Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV is crafted from 2008 reserve bourbons and is available in limited quantities (SRP: $84.99/750-ml bottle). George Remus is currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and District of Columbia (DC). Connect with us: GeorgeRemus.com. 47% ALC/VOL & 50% ALC/VOL. Be Legendary. Sip Responsibly.

About MGP
Founded in 1941, MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science-backed by a long history of experience. The company’s proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high-quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where it produces premium distilled spirits and food ingredients. The company also produces premium distilled spirits in Washington, D.C., and at its historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here