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George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon: A Historical Overview
Discover the fascinating history of George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon, a lesser-known venture that highlights the first U.S. president’s entrepreneurial legacy and his contributions to early American industry.

The Beginnings of Whiskey Production at Mount Vernon
After serving as the first president of the United States, George Washington returned to his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia in the 1790s. The plantation was a hub of diverse activities, from farming to textile production. Among these ventures, distilling whiskey emerged as a standout business.

Westland Distillery is thrilled to celebrate the official recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey.

As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery has long championed the category through its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The recognition marks a culmination of years of advocacy and effort by Westland and other distillers committed to establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.

“This recognition is a significant step forward, not just for Westland but for the entire industry,” said says Jason Moore, Westland’s managing director. “. “We’re proud to have played a role in shaping this category and are excited about the opportunities it creates for producers and whiskey enthusiasts alike.”

This distillery remains at the forefront of the movement, showcasing the diverse potential of American Single Malt Whiskey through its use of locally sourced ingredients, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability. The distillery continues to craft expressions that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest, setting a benchmark for the category’s future.

With this official recognition, the distillery looks forward to further elevating the profile of American Single Malt Whiskey and sharing its story with whiskey lovers around the world.

About Westland Distillery
Founded in 2004 in Portland, Oregon, by former brewer and winemaker Christian Krogstad, Westward Whiskey (originally under House Spirits Distillery) emerged as a pioneer in the American single malt category during a time when craft distilleries were rare in the U.S. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s rich brewing culture, innovative spirit, and abundant local ingredients, Westward has grown into a leading voice for elevated American whiskey. The distillery’s grain-to-glass approach emphasizes quality Pacific Northwest two-row barley, slow fermentation with craft ale yeast, double pot distillation, and maturation in new, heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels, resulting in bold, robust flavors that celebrate the region’s climate and craftsmanship.

The distillery[s core lineup showcases its commitment to peak flavor and innovation, starting with the flagship Westward Original American Single Malt—a balanced expression with notes of bright fruit, warm spice, and rich toasted oak. Higher-proof enthusiasts enjoy the Cask Strength variant, delivering intense baked fruit and spice straight from the barrel, while limited releases like the Stout Cask Finish (aged in ex-stout barrels from local brewers) add layers of chocolate, coffee, and dark malt. Special editions, including Pinot Noir cask finishes and the ambitious Milestone solera-aged series, further highlight their boundary-pushing style, earning acclaim in international competitions and positioning it as the pinnacle of American single malt whiskey.
Address: 65 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://westwardwhiskey.com

The legal definition of American Single Malt Whiskey
The legal definition of American Single Malt Whiskey (or Whisky) is established by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) through a final rule effective January 19, 2025. It recognizes “American single malt whisky” as a distinct type of whisky under the standards of identity in 27 CFR Part 5.
To qualify, the whiskey must meet the following criteria:

Made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley.
Mashed, distilled at or below 160° proof, and aged entirely in the United States.
Distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery.
Stored in oak barrels (charred new, uncharred new, or used) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters.
Bottled at not less than 80° proof.
No addition of neutral spirits, flavorings, or blending materials (though caramel coloring is permitted if disclosed on the label).

Additionally, the term “Straight American Single Malt Whisky” may be used if the whiskey has been aged for at least two years. This definition provides official recognition and protection for the category, distinguishing it from other whiskies like bourbon or rye, while allowing flexibility in barrel types compared to Scotch single malt requirements.

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Loretto, Kentucky’s iconic Maker’s Mark distillery has unveiled its groundbreaking first-ever nationally distributed limited-edition bourbon: the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release Stave Profile RC6. This cask-strength wheated bourbon, bottled around 108-110 proof, takes fully matured Maker’s Mark and finishes it with 10 proprietary “RC6” wood staves—crafted from virgin American oak seasoned outdoors for 18 months and convection-toasted—for an amplified burst of ripe fruit notes balanced with classic baking spices, vanilla, and caramel sweetness. Drawing inspiration from the distillery’s signature yeast strain, this innovative stave-finishing technique (pioneered since Maker’s Mark 46 in 2010) extracts bold, natural flavors without overpowering the smooth, approachable profile whiskey lovers adore.

Kicking off the annual Wood Finishing Series—which builds on favorites like Maker’s Mark 46 and Private Select—this small-batch gem from just 255 barrels developed over two years in collaboration with Independent Stave Company. “It’s amazing how much flavor ten staves can unlock,” says Jane Bowie, Maker’s Mark Director of Private Select. “We’re thrilled to share this fruity, spicy twist on our classic wheated bourbon with fans nationwide.” Available starting late September 2019 at select retailers with a suggested price of $59.99 per 750mL bottle (while supplies last), this collectible release spotlights Maker’s Mark’s playful innovation in wood finishing. Dive deeper into the red-wax magic at makersmark.com.

About Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Nestled in the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky, on the picturesque Star Hill Farm, Maker’s Mark stands out as one of the most iconic wheated bourbons in the world—with its signature hand-dipped red wax seal that’s as fun to crack open as it is to sip! Founded in 1953 by T. William “Bill” Samuels Sr., a sixth-generation distiller tired of the harsh, rye-heavy family recipe, Bill famously burned the old 170-year-old formula (oops, along with some curtains) and started fresh. He swapped rye for soft red winter wheat, creating a smoother, sweeter bourbon that’s never bitter or sharp—perfect for easy drinking neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Fun fact: Bill tested mash bills by baking bread loaves with different grains, picking the wheated one as the tastiest!

Bill’s wife, Marjorie “Margie” Samuels, was the creative genius behind the brand’s legendary look—she named it “Maker’s Mark” after her love of English pewter hallmarks, designed the squarish bottle and label, and invented the messy-but-magical red wax dip that makes every bottle unique. Together, they turned a shuttered old distillery into a National Historic Landmark and kickstarted bourbon tourism, proving premium wheated bourbon could be a game-changer. Today, Maker’s Mark is still handcrafted the same way—rotated barrels, aged to taste, and bottled at 90 proof—for those vanilla, caramel, and fruity notes whiskey lovers crave. Grab a bottle and toast to the Samuels family’s rebellious spirit; visit makersmark.com for tours and more!

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Independent bottler Two Souls Spirits recently announced their 2023 Spring Whiskey Collection.

A statement from the whiskey bottler noted that this collection of single-barrel whiskeys features two limited-releases from two award-winning craft distilleries … Watershed Distillery and Sutherland Distilling.

“Our spring 2023 release is all about rarity and the story that each barrel has to tell. The first release in our new Ghost Barrel Series, the 6-year 100% corn bourbon from Sutherland Distilling is bourbon on steroids. It’s brash, sweet, and packs a serious punch … there’s no doubt you’re drinking a barrel proof whiskey.”

He noted that with Sutherland Distilling closing its doors permanently in February, this barrel represents the last remaining whiskey from that distillery.

And the American single malt from Watershed is a complete one-off as well, Estrada said, as they’ve never before released a single malt whiskey. “We were super lucky to get this barrel and be able to release it at cask strength. Also, the apple brandy barrel finish that we did adds a complex fruitiness that will remind people of a Sherry-cask Scotch. There’s just nothing else like it on the market.”

Two Souls Spirits follows the Scottish model of independent bottling by focusing on spirits from craft distilleries.

“We are committed to true collaboration and sharing our partner’s stories and products with a national audience,” said Co-Founder Chad Civetti. “Watershed is one of the most respected craft distilleries in the U.S., we couldn’t be happier to collaborate with them for this one-of-a-kind release.”

“And while we were hoping to continue our partnership with Sutherland, we’re excited to offer our customers the last remaining stocks of their finest bourbon,” he added. “Both of these distilleries are great examples of why we started Two Souls Spirits in the first place, to spread the word and make accessible the exceptional whiskies that American craft distilleries are producing.”

Two Souls Co-Founder James Estrada explained that both these whiskeys come 100% uncut and unfiltered, and are available exclusively for online purchase at www.twosoulsspirits.com.

For more information please visit https://www.twosoulsspirits.com

On Saturday, Furman University launched a straight bourbon whiskey, named “FU All The Time.” The university debuted the whiskey at a launch party on campus for the Clearly Furman campaign. The campaign aims to raise $426 million by the university’s bicentennial in 2026.

Furman is a private university in Greenville, South Carolina.

FU All The Time Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled from a four-grain mashbill (corn, wheat and rye from Virginia, and malted barley) by Virginia-based Ironclad Distillery. Ironclad aged the bourbon for at least three years in oak barrels from South Carolina before bottling it at 100 proof.

Presumably, the school is aware its initials sound like “Eff you” and is in on the joke. The chant goes “FU one time, FU two times, FU three times, FU all the time!”

FU All The Time is available to be ordered online from the Ironclad Distillery website, priced at $83.69. It also will be sold in liquor stores and restaurants across upstate South Carolina, with statewide distribution coming soon.

About The Clearly Furman Campaign

“The launch of the Clearly Furman campaign was an exciting time, with hundreds of alumni and donors and other friends on campus,” Elizabeth Lichtenberg, senior director of brand strategy and visual communications for Furman, said in a news release. “We thought FU All the Time bourbon would be popular, and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it. It felt good to be able to offer the Furman Family something new and unique that they can enjoy and take some pride in, and give them a new way to toast and celebrate Furman. We expect this new product to be a favorite for a long time.”

About Iron Clad Distillery

In 1862, one year into the American Civil War, the first ships to be armored in iron engaged in the waters off the Port of Newport News, Virginia. A few hours later, the Navy would be changed forever.

That mighty battle inspired our name. And it’s why we stick to our guns. We make authentic bourbon. That’s it. Nothing else. It’s our Ironclad rule.

Working with some of Virginia’s best grains, our aim is to produce bourbon whiskey that is accessible in flavor and price, while being of the highest quality of production.

Located along the James River, within view of the old Battle of the Ironclads site, Ironclad operates in the prodigious S.W. Holt & Co. warehouse built in 1913.

For more information please visit https://www.ironcladdistillery.com/store/fu-all-the-time

On Wednesday, Kentucky whiskey producer Buffalo Trace announced the latest release in its Old Charter Oak collection, Spanish Oak Bourbon.

The barrels the bourbon was aged in were made from oak trees harvested from northern Spain. The wood was made into staves that were seasoned outdoors before being made into barrels.

Old Charter Oak Spanish Oak was aged at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled at 92 proof, Old Charter Oak Spanish Oak will be available this spring in select U.S. markets at a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Buffalo Trace’s Old Charter Oak collection celebrates the role of oak in making whiskey by experimenting with the taste profiles different types of oak contribute. To this point, the series has only used oak from different countries. In the future, however, Buffalo Trace plans to expand the collection by using oak of various species, from different centuries and from different U.S. states.

Spanish Oak Bourbon is the fifth release in the Old Charter Oak series, following Chinkapin Oak, Mongolian Oak, French Oak and Canadian Oak.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

“A common misconception about the distilling process is that bourbon must be aged in new American Oak barrels,” Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said in a news release. “Though most bourbons mature in American White Oak barrels, federal regulations do not specify what type of oak the barrel must be, only that it must be a new, charred oak container.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we are deeply committed to honoring the traditions of our category but also embracing change and pushing the limits of innovation to see where American whiskey can go in the future. Our Old Charter Oak collection is a superb example of trying new things and offering consumers and fans more ways to enjoy our award-winning portfolio of whiskeys.”

For more information please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Hemingway Whiskey Company today announced expanded availability for Hemingway Rye Whiskey First Edition, after the inaugural batch of First Edition Collector’s Packaging sold out in less than one week in late-2022. The new rye whiskey was crafted by a team with deep experience in Kentucky whiskey. The Calls, a family with Bardstown roots and more than 230 years of distilling experience, distilled the whiskey in collaboration with the Hemingway and Groth families. It is now on shelves in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida, and available online in most states.

Hemingway Rye Whiskey is crafted by a team with deep experience in Kentucky whiskey.

Hemingway Whiskey Company today announced expanded availability for Hemingway Rye Whiskey First Edition, after the inaugural batch of First Edition Collector’s Packaging sold out in less than one week in late-2022.

Hemingway Rye Whiskey First Edition has already received numerous accolades including being ranked in the “Top 5 Rye Whiskeys” of the year by acclaimed spirits columnist and critic, Fred Minnick in his annual top 100 ranking. Now with this latest First Edition release, even more rye whiskey lovers will have the opportunity to get their hands on a bottle.

The whiskey will come in a custom bottle adorned with a typewriter key design alongside Hemingway’s famed signature printed on the bottle. The Call Family’s signatures are also printed on the label. Each First Edition bottle also features a unique, removable card on the back, inspired by old-fashioned library book cards, inviting imbibers to pour their own stories and log who they share their rye with.This new whiskey is a great addition to any home collection or bar.

About Hemingway Rye Whiskey

Hemingway Rye Whiskey is a new premium rye whiskey brand, from the new Hemingway Whiskey Company, and is inspired by American Author, Journalist and Storyteller Ernest Hemingway. It was founded by a team with deep roots in Kentucky whiskey, led by Steve Groth, whiskey pioneer and co-founder of the revered Angel’s Envy Bourbon brand and the Calls, Ron, Jacob and Clayton, a distilling family with more than 230 years of whiskey making experience. The Hemingway Whiskey Company is part of Old Man and the Sea Brands, an innovative spirits company that owns Hemingway Rum Company, makers of Papa’s Pilar Rum. They are known for bringing high quality spirits and incredible stories to drinkers around the country.

For more information, visit www.hemingwaywhiskeys.com

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González Byass USA has released Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve 10 Years, an ultra-premium whisky that is born in Scotland from a blend created by Master Blender Richard Paterson and aged in Spain under the watchful eyes of and Master Distiller Rocio Trillo.

Together, they created a triple cask whisky that rivals the best; the Nomad Reserve spends its first six years in Scotland, resting in American oak barrels infused with Sherry before traveling to Jerez where it is aged for two years in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and then two more years in Oloroso Sherry casks, creating a whisky with a dark, amber color and flavor unlike any other.

“We are thrilled to have Nomad be part of the ultra-premium whisky category,” says Nicolás Bertino, CEO and Country Manager of González Byass USA. “We have had a wonderful partnership with Richard Paterson and it only made sense for us to take Nomad Outland Whisky a step further with our Sherry heritage and create the Nomad Outland Reserve 10 Years so we could share this delicious whisky with a new category of consumers.”

The Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve 10 Years has exceptional aromas of malt and Sherry and on the nose and provides notes of wood, honey, toasted nuts, coffee and vanilla. Smooth on the palate, the whisky displays a variety of flavors, including oak, raisins and Sherry, while the finish is long and elegant.

Retailing for $79.99, Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve will have limited distribution in the U.S. in Spring 2023 and is sold in a gift box in a 700ml bottle. Nomad Outland Whisky is currently in the market nationally and retails for $49.99.

For More Information:
http://www.gonzalezbyassusa.com/brand/nomad-outland-whisky/

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – This March, Louisville-based Michter’s Distillery will begin releasing its 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. No Michter’s 10-Year Bourbon was shipped by the company in 2022, so this will mark the first release of this single-barrel whiskey since 2021.

“I thought that the 10 Year Bourbon we are now releasing was drinking beautifully last year, but our Master Distiller Dan McKee and our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson told me that with one more year of maturation, it would be extraordinary,” stated Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. “At Michter’s the goal we strive for is to produce the greatest American whiskey. We’re grateful for all the understanding and patience that our loyal Michter’s fans have shown in waiting an additional year for the release of our 10 Year Bourbon.”

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Wilson brings tremendous experience to her role of overseeing the maturation of all Michter’s barrels. She observed, “There are many characteristics we are evaluating when considering barrels for this release including complexity, body, and depth. These are the aspects of a whiskey that make it memorable, and we feel the additional time has complemented this release creating an experience that builds to the finish.”

“One of the most important things I learned from our late Master Distiller Willie ‘Dr. No’ Pratt was patient. He would not release a product unless he felt it was at its peak maturation,” commented McKee. “Last year, Andrea and I tasted the then already well over 10-year-old bourbon and spoke about it. We both felt that it would be exceptional with one more year in the barrel. I’m so excited about how it turned out.”

Michter’s 10-Year Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $185 per 750ml bottle in the United States.

Michter’s has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. Currently, all types of Michter’s are being allocated because demand exceeds supply. In October 2022, Michter’s was named the Most Admired American Whiskey in a global survey. In January 2023, Michter’s was named the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International in their Annual Brands Report.

For more information, please visit www.michters.com.