Boann Distillery wins big at World Whiskey Awards(March 29) – Boann Distillery became the first in Ireland to win the award for the world’s “best new make and young spirit” after its New Make Pot Still Spirit won big at this year’s World Whiskey Awards. Complete Story
Kentucky’s first Black-owned distillery joins Kentucky Distillers Association(March 28) – Brough Brothers are the 42nd members of the nonprofit trade group. The distillery opened in December and is located on Dixie Highway in the Park Hill neighborhood. The brothers say they chose the Park Hill location as a way to support local businesses and economic growth in the historically underserved area of west Louisville. Complete Story
Remedy Distillery in midtown Gainesville, GA is serving up bourbon and whiskey(March 25) – Remedy Distillery, which crafts bourbon and whiskey, quietly opened next door to The Inked Pig off Main Street in November 2020. Since then, Keith Speed, the distillery’s owner, said the business has connected with distributors and modified its 7,000-square-foot space, so that it’s comfortable for patrons. Complete Story
JH Bards Spirit Co. opens as Pulaski County’s first distillery(March 25) – Pulaski County, Virginia is getting its first distillery. JH Bards Spirit Co. opens this weekend. 10 News is working for you and got a look inside before the doors open to the public on Saturday. Whiskey, cocktails and a tasting room with local pride in mind are all part of Jayson Hudson and Jason Hardy’s vision. It’s been two years in the making and a New River Valley location was always part of the dream. Complete Story
Still hoppy after all these years: Wormtown’s brewmaster on 11th anniversary, brewstillery and more(March 18) – Wormtown Brewery will have completed 11 years of brewing beer in Worcester. Such anniversaries usually get mentioned as footnotes, not milestones. Wormtown has an impressive, daunting schedule for 2021, including opening a new taproom at 75 Shrewsbury St. and becoming the city’s first distillery. Complete Story
Founders & Creators: 22 Women of Whiskey(March 18) – Anyone who believes whiskey is a man’s drink probably hasn’t gotten out of the house in the last decade. In fact, women make up nearly 40% of whiskey consumers, according to a recent study by MRI-Simmons. And behind the scenes, women are taking on more leadership roles in the distillery than ever. Complete Story
TX Whiskey launches Bottled-In-Bond Texas Bourbon(March 17) – The makers of TX Blended Whiskey and TX Straight Bourbon on Tuesday, March 16 announced the launch of the first Bottled-In-Bond Texas Bourbon, a single barrel expression of TX Straight Bourbon bottled at 100 proof. Complete Story
Coming Soon: O’Shaughnessy Distillery to the Twin Cities(March 16) – Well, top o’ the morning to you. Here’s some news that’s almost as good as your first Irish coffee of the day: We are about to have a world-class whiskey distillery in our midst when O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. opens in the next few months. It’s under construction next to Surly Brewing, and across from the coming Malcolm Yards Market. Prospect Park is so hot right now. Complete Story
Ohio scores another batch of exclusive high-end bourbons to offer via lottery(March 15) – The Ohio Division of Liquor Control has gotten its hands on some rather prestigious Kentucky bourbons and will sell them via bottle lottery and will also offer a special home-grown bottling from an Ohio-based distillery. “We’re kicking off the 2021 bottle lotteries with some exciting single-barrel selections” of Blanton’s, Eagle Rare and E.H. Taylor, OHLQ officials said in a release. Complete Story
Hometown craft whiskey producer ASW Distillery opening at The Battery Atlanta on March 27(March 10) – The Battery Atlanta has partnered with the largest production distillery in Georgia to bring a third ASW Distillery to the Atlanta community. The new space, with its grand opening slated for March 27, features a tasting room, a Vendome copper pot/column hybrid still for distilling gin and vodka, a small batch bottling operation, the most extensive cocktail program of ASW Distillery’s three Atlanta locations and a large private events space in the former Häagen-Dazs location at The Battery Atlanta. Complete Story
Madison County Distillery in Cazenovia plans to offer outdoor activities(March 1) – On Monday, Feb. 22, the Town of Cazenovia Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special use permit application from Madison County Distillery to expand its operating concept to include outdoor activities. The specific requests include permission to build an in-ground fire-pit, to install a live music platform, and to construct outdoor game courts for activities like foosball, corn hole and horseshoes. Complete Story
Portland Has a New Distillery and Restaurant with the Aimsir Distilling(February 27) – Portland’s distillery scene, already a proud tradition in the city, recently got a new addition with The Aimsir Distilling Co. Sharing a building with Culmination Brewing on NE Oregon Street, Aimsir makes whiskey and gin and serves full cocktails as well as a full menu of food inspired by Irish cooking. Complete Story
Landmark status approved for new Cleveland Whiskey distillery(February 24) – It’s a revival in action. Cleveland Whiskey’s plan to turn an early 1900s fruit and auction building into their new headquarters, got some good news this week. Cleveland City Council voted to grant the building landmark status, which will assist the company in their large renovation plan. Complete Story
Scotch Whisky Exports Fell By 23% In 2020(February 24) – The Scotch Whisky Association has revealed that exports of Scotch whisky have decreased by 23% in 2020, representing a $1.5 billion drop in sales. It is the lowest the figures have been in a decade. The SWA says that the Covid-19 pandemic and punishing U.S. tariffs on single malt Scotch are largely responsible for the significant dip. Complete Story
Dewar’s Debuts A New Port Cask Finished Blended Scotch Whisky(February 23) – Dewar’s Scotch Whisky, a popular blended Scotch label owned by Bacardi, recently announced the launch of Dewar’s Portuguese Smooth — an 8-year-old Portuguese port cask finish that is said to combine the flavors of Portugal and Scotland. Complete Story
A Look Inside the World of Distilling in the Hudson Valley(February 22) – Located in the bones of a 1900s Nabisco factory, Albany Distilling doesn’t shy away from paying tribute to its predecessors. In addition to two-year-aged bourbon and rye whiskey, the deal here is unaged Quackenbush Still House Rum. Complete Story
The next great whiskey trail is not where you think it is, guess Germany(February 17) – The whole scene along this whiskey road trip is strangely familiar: historic castles and deer-filled forests, then rows of ploughed soil, golden barley fields, and the sweet scent of cereal grains. But this isn’t somewhere in Scotland. Nor is it in Ireland or the United States. This is Brandenburg, a sparsely populated region in Germany surrounding Berlin. Complete Story
Can a Fine Whiskey Age Overnight?(February 15) – Whiskey, in other words, is ready to be hacked — at least according to Stuart Aaron and Martin Janousek. Their company, Bespoken Spirits, in Menlo Park, Calif., says it can make whiskey in just a few days, using heat and pressure to force alcohol in and out of small pieces of wood that give the spirit its characteristic flavor and color. Complete Story
Ohio Bourbon Comes of Age(February 11) – Watershed Distillery has a curious history. Greg Lehman, the founder, played professional volleyball in Switzerland and followed that up with a successful career selling medications to commercial producers of pigs and hogs (seriously). When he became bored with sports and swine, he found a business partner, raised some cash, and opened Watershed in 2010. Complete Story
Rare Bourbon for the Masses: How Barrel Picks Became the Latest Craze in American Whiskey(February 11) – The continued demand for so-called “barrel picks,” where bars or retailers purchase all the bottles from a single cask and sell them as an exclusive offering, will hardly surprise those with an eye on whiskey trends. Though they’ve existed for multiple decades, only in recent years have private barrel selections crossed into the mainstream and become the most sought-after products for consumers and retailers alike. Complete Story
Travel + Leisure magazine names Green River distillery to visit(February 10) – Travel + Leisure magazine, which bills itself as “The World’s Most Influential Travel Brand,” recently listed Owensboro’s Green River Distilling Co. among “12 Kentucky Distilleries All Bourbon Lovers Should Visit.” Complete Story
MGP Announces 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program(February 9) – On the heels of their announcement of the 2021 Rossville Union Single Barrel Program, MGP, the largest distiller of rye whiskey in the U.S., has revealed that they will be offering a 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program. This follows up to a similar undertaking under this label last year. Complete Story
The Montana Distillery Moves to Stevenville(February 4) – So, The Montana Distillery packed up and moved down the Bitterroot. Someplace with less taxes, but thirsty residents. On Christmas Eve of 2020, Montana Distillery opened up in the heart of Stevensville. Located just across Main street from the popular Valley Drug. Complete Story
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2021 and Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 will be available worldwide from May 25(February 2) – Whisky lovers – especially those still searching for last year’s special releases – have a new date to look forward to: May 25. It’s the day that two new limited edition Suntory whiskies are set for worldwide release, Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2021 and Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021. Complete Story
10 Things You Should Know About Old Forester Bourbon(January 30) – When it comes to whisky, it doesn’t get more classic than Old Forester. Based in Louisville, Ky., Old Forester has been known and loved by Americans for generations, and is consistently praised by aficionados for its great-value bourbons and ryes. The veteran brand knows how to keep things fresh, however, and consistently integrates itself into celebrations both big and small. Complete Story
Widow Jane distillery is making bourbon in maple syrup barrels(January 29) – Yes, the New York City borough, which has acquired a reputation in recent years as a foodie and hipster haven, is increasingly being recognized for its spirits brands. Among them is Widow Jane, which was founded in 2012 and has surged in popularity of late, with company officials saying sales grew by 50% in the past year. Complete Story
Lee Greenwood, Soldier Valley Spirits Announce Signature Bourbon Whiskey(January 29) – Known for the patriotic anthem, “God Bless America,” Lee Greenwood recently partnered up with Soldier Valley Spirits to develop the Lee Greenwood Signature Bourbon Whiskey (45% ABV). The 90 proof, six-year-old bourbon whiskey is bottled in a canteen-shaped bottle embossed with the number “6” as a reminder of unity, especially with the veterans, nonprofit veterans’ groups and first responders Soldier Valley Spirits supports. Complete Story
Belle of Dayton Distillery Bottling Success With New Whiskey Release(January 28) – At Belle of Dayton distillery, bottler Matthew Kitze is working to build up a stock of their award-winning vodka Vodka. “We just released out Detrick Rye Whiskey with overwhelming support from the Dayton community,” said Belle of Dayton distillery co-owner Murphy LaSelle. “We were kind of astonished by how many people ended up coming out.” The new whiskey sold out in just eight hours. Complete Story
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
Milton, Delaware – One of America’s earliest craft distilleries, Dogfish Head Distilling Co. announces the coast-to-coast* launch of its scratch-made, ready-to-drink Canned Cocktails. The distillery’s lineup of Canned Cocktails includes three off-centered recipes –Blueberry Shrub Vodka Soda, Strawberry & Honeyberry Vodka Lemonade and Cherry Bergamot Whiskey Sour. Each recipe was crafted using Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s house-made spirits combined with all-natural, high-quality culinary ingredients to create a liquid masterpiece that tastes as if it was poured straight from a bartender’s shaker tin. Dogfish Head Distilling Co.’s scratch-made Canned Cocktails begin hitting shelves in 4pk/355ml slim cans this week.
LAWRENCEBURG, Indiana — MGP has launched the New Year with the release of their 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program. George Remus Single Barrel selections will be offered at cask strength in two mash bills that reflect MGP’s signature high-rye bourbon character. Participating accounts in the Single Barrel program are invited to connect virtually with the distillery team in Lawrenceburg to taste, select and order their preferred mash bills. Participating retailers can also opt to customize the label on their 2021 Single Barrel Selection to enhance the collectible aspect of this special offering. George Remus Bourbon Single Barrels are available for pre-sell until March 15.
“The Remus Family of Bourbon Whiskies exemplifies MGP’s expertise in distilling, aging and blending. Our Single Barrel program offers an exciting complement to our Bourbon portfolio and allows us to showcase our historic high-rye mash bills,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP. “We’re thrilled to expand this year’s program with a renewed commitment to support our partners with marketing support tailored to reach the most discriminating Bourbon consumers.”
SEBASTOPOL, California — The team at Northern California’s acclaimed Spirit Works Distillery is starting the year on a high note with the promotion of Krystal Goulart to the helm of its diverse distilling program and the announcement of their third national Good Food Award, this one for their latest bourbon release, a Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Even in the midst of universal challenges and pivots, 2020 was also an outstanding year for the grain-to-glass craft spirits pioneer, the pinnacle being honored as the “2020 Distillery of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute (ADI).
LOUISVILLE, 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.
PROSPECT, Kentucky – In a blind tasting, renowned whiskey critic Fred Minnick named Pappy Van Winkle 15-year-old his best American Whiskey of 2020.
ASTORIA, Oregon — Since they were established, Buoy Beer and
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.
“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.”
CHICAGO, 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.