Archives for November 2019

The third single malt whisky from Rüdenau was launched at the Interwhisky in Frankfurt. With their third single malt whisky release, the St. Kilian distillery fulfills their fans’ hope for a smoky whisky: Following the unpeated editions One and Two, the St. Kilian Signature Edition Three plays the game of the peat.

It’s not an outbursting smoky experience made by 100% heavily peated malt, but St. Kilian decided to create a a composition of Scottish peated malt and unpeated German Pilsner Malt. “This mix produces a spicy, medium-strong smoke intensity of the whisky, with a phenol content of the malt of 38 ppm which still leaves air for further,” Master Distiller Mario Rudolf is quoted in a press release.

Matured in American oak only
American oak casks hosted the whisky for the St. Kilian Signature Edition Three. These were mainly (94%) 190-liter casks , which formerly contained Tennessee whiskey, and to a much smaller amount of 6% 50-liter ex-bourbon casks from Texas craft distillery Garrison Brothers of which Mario Rudolf is always very enthusiastic: “We love the barrels of the Garrison Brothers simply because they bring so much character in the spirit – especially vanilla, caramel and spicy accents.”

At the Interwhisky in Frankfurt, the St.Kilian Signature Edition Three had its premiere and is now available in stores – as long as the stock of whiskey limited to 6,300 bottles will last. It was bottled with 50% ABV, uncolored and unchill-filtered. The Three is presents stylishly in the Pot-Still-like bottle known from the One and Two, but this time the label it not held in black, but shows up in a white design.

Official tasting notes for the St. Kilian Three
Appearance: bright golden yellow Nose: Warm campfire smoke combines with ripe pear, sweet caramel cream, fine vanilla, roasted malt and a slight note of sage.

Taste: Exciting tingling with fresh citrus notes surrounded by pleasantly spicy smoke and grilled Mediterranean herbs – while minerally fresh with a hint of caramel, vanilla and oak.

Finish: Medium length with spicy-light peat smoke, licorice with a little lemon peel.

Bulleit takes its latest Frontier Works project to Dallas as the next stop on its national tour collaborating with leaders in technology, art and mixology to reimagine the bar experience with an immersive 3D printed drinks and sneaker exhibition.

Continuing its mission to collaborate with those pushing boundaries on the cultural frontier, last night Bulleit unveiled limited-edition 3D Printed Sneakers at the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience in Dallas, TX. The launch is the latest iteration of the Bulleit Frontier Works project that celebrates those who are pushing the frontier of their craft and who share the same pioneering spirit that Bulleit was founded on.

Fashion, art, mixology, technology and design converged in the space, bringing people together for an immersive and innovative 3D printed experience. With the jaw-dropping Bulleit 3D printed bar as the backdrop, the sneakers were on display for the first time for attendees to look, touch and feel. Guests also tasted some of the world’s first 3D printed cocktails, while enjoying music from DJ Blake Ward.

Bulleit created the first-of-their-kind, 3D printed limited-edition sneakers in collaboration with industrial designers and manufacturers at cutting-edge firm Tangible Creative and nationally recognized, Dallas-based artist Kyle Steed. The sneakers took more than 200 hours to develop and the sneaker design was inspired by Kyle Steed’s personal interpretation of what it means to be on the Frontier of culture, depicting a variety of human elements that come together to make-up the community that Steed reminds us is so important to give meaning to innovation.

“The sneaker and mural designs represent the community of artists, designers and leaders in tech and innovation who come together to push the boundaries of the cultural frontier,” said artist partner Steed. “When we talk about innovation, it’s just as much about human connection as it is technology. Where we are many parts ourselves as individuals, only by coming together as a community of creators and innovators can we make something bigger.”

Select pairs of the Bulleit 3D Printed Sneakers will be available to purchase for those 21 and older for a retail price of $250 USD starting October 25 at 10am ET via top online sneaker retailer Sneaker Politics.

Prior to Dallas, the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience made stops in: Oakland, CA at the city’s historic Sixteenth Street Station; Austin, TX; and, most recently, New York City during the 18th annual Tribeca Film Festival. The 3D sneaker launch event at the historic Ervay Theater in the Cedars neighborhood of Dallas-Fort Worth marked the fourth stop on a nationwide tour of the 3D Printed Frontier Experience.

“As the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience moves across the country, we are seeking new collaborators and pioneers on the frontier of 3D printing who can enhance everything around our 3D printed bar experience,” said Sophie Kelly, Sr. Vice President of Whiskey at Diageo North America. “It’s important to us to collaborate closely with people from the local communities we visit, and Kyle Steed and Tangible Creative are both pushing the boundaries of their craft in fresh and exciting ways. With the launch of our new limited-edition 3D Printed Sneakers in Dallas, together we are reimagining the bar experience in 3D – which includes where people drink, what people drink, what people are wearing, and what people are talking about.”

The Bulleit 3D printed bar was created in collaboration with architecture and design practice FAR frohn&rojas and the 3D fabrication team at Machine Histories. The 3D printed cocktails were created in partnership with robotics pioneer from Print A Drink Benjamin Greimel.

Whether creating some of the world’s first 3D printed cocktails, the world’s largest tattoo billboard or giving new life to the old craft of neon signs, all of the Bulleit Frontier Works projects highlight a diverse and wide array of interesting people who are creating previously unimaginable experiences. Bulleit invites those 21+ to join the brand on the modern cultural frontier and reminds those who do join the brand to please drink responsibly.

About Bulleit Frontier Whiskey
Bulleit is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America, founded in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, who attributes that growth to bartenders and cultural partners who’ve adopted it as their own. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy taste. Most recently, Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon won a Double Gold medal and Best Straight Bourbon at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Now ranked as one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America, Bulleit Distilling Co. calls Shelbyville, Ky. home since the 2017 opening of its state-of-the-art distillery and the much-anticipated spring 2019 opening of its high-tech and sensory-rich Visitor Experience. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the past, present and future of Bulleit when visiting this latest addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. For more information, visit?www.bulleit.com or follow @Bulleit on Instagram.

About Kyle Steed
Kyle Steed is an artist based in Dallas, Texas. His work attempts to deal with scale, both large and small, and challenges our perspective. From adorning the roofline of Downtown Dallas to his home studio in Oak Cliff, Steed is no stranger to taking on new challenges. A native of the Southeast, Kyle calls Texas his home now with his family.

About Tangible Creative
Tangible Creative is an industrial design and manufacturing company based out of Newark, New Jersey. Tangible was founded by Eugene Chang, Nevaris A.C., and Aaron Lehr who met while students at the Parsons School of Design. Tangible Creative specializes in using technology to translate ideas from intangible concepts into tangible forms.

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 practice.

LOS ANGELES – Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey have teamed up with disaster relief organization Operation BBQ Relief to give thanks to first responders nationwide as part of the Bourbon brand’s “With Thanks” annual charitable giving campaign. The program kicked off today in Los Angeles where Wild Turkey Creative Director McConaughey, Master Distiller Eddie Russell and a group of volunteers prepared and delivered turkey dinners to first responders who are critical in the rescue and relief efforts around the current wildfires in the area. The turkeys were generously donated by Butterball®, official turkey sponsor of Operation BBQ Relief.

McConaughey rallied volunteers and jumped behind the grill to help prepare 800 turkey dinners, which were then quickly delivered by the group to more than 20 firehouses of heroes who are battling the wildfires that are raging across Southern California. Volunteers not only prepared meals for first responders, but also cooked and packaged an additional 800 dinners for local homeless shelters. McConaughey took to Facebook Live to encourage folks nationwide to volunteer and donate to help support OBR’s important relief efforts throughout the year, including their current deployment to Northern California, to provide hot meals to the first responders and those affected by the wildfires.

McConaughey and the Wild Turkey team had originally planned to be in Los Angeles in conjunction with National First Responder’s Day to host an event honoring those involved in last year’s Woolsey Fires, but that changed in response to the current emergency situation.

“Teaming up with Operation BBQ Relief as part of the Wild Turkey “With Thanks” has never been more meaningful,” said Wild Turkey Creative Director Matthew McConaughey. “Little did we know when planning this annual event that California, my second home, would once again be hit with devastating fires. Being able to provide meals to the men and women who put themselves on the line is an honor for me, Jimmy and Eddie Russell. We are grateful to be here today to say thank you, shine a light on their unwavering conviction, and hopefully inspire others to get involved and help in their own communities.”

Throughout the month of November and December, Wild Turkey will support Operation BBQ Relief (OBR), a nonprofit that responds to natural disasters and other situations to help feed displaced residents and emergency personnel. Following the Los Angeles relief effort, the Wild Turkey community will work with OBR to thank first responders in Dallas (11/5), New Orleans (11/12) and Chicago (11/19) with turkey dinners. In addition, the spirits brand will make appearances at local Thanksgiving turkey trots, including the New Orleans Athletic Club’s Turkey Day Race and the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot in Austin. As a proud official sponsor of Operation Barbecue Relief, Wild Turkey will also be donating $50,000 to further the organization’s important work. Fans nationwide can donate by visiting https://operationbbqrelief.org/withthanks/.

McConaughey was also on hand last year as Wild Turkey recognized first responders from Hurricane Harvey in Houston, surprising them with a turkey dinner. In 2017, McConaughey visited Wild Turkey’s hometown of Lawrenceburg, KY, to deliver more than 4,500 turkeys to residents, including 500 turkeys to the local food bank. McConaughey personally thanked every food bank employee for their hard work and dedication.

“We are so fortunate to be working with Wild Turkey for the “With Thanks” campaign to shine a spotlight on First Responders across the country. Part of our mission throughout the year is to support these men and women as they are responding to severe situations in their communities,” says Stan Hays, CEO and Co-Founder of Operation BBQ Relief. “BBQ is comfort food and reminds people of good times. These hot meals we are preparing uplift the spirits of the first responders for their hard work each and every day.”

“Wild Turkey is founded on community – from our tight-knit group of distillery employees to the townspeople who have supported us through the years,” said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “To honor that spirit, every year we recognize people who perform extraordinary acts to support their communities – and do it with conviction. We are grateful to have our Creative Director Matthew McConaughey to help us take action and give thanks again this holiday season.”

McConaughey has been the Creative Director for Wild Turkey since 2016. The relationship began upon the actor’s inaugural visit to the iconic Kentucky distillery, where he was introduced to the Russells – the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® father and son Master Distiller team who have 101 years of Bourbon industry experience collectively. McConaughey had an immediate connection with the Russells when he discovered Wild Turkey’s devotion to distilling Bourbon the right, unapologetic way. In 2018, McConaughey unveiled his own Bourbon: Wild Turkey Longbranch®, a rare small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon refined with Texas Mesquite.

About Wild Turkey Bourbon
The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is located in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have more than 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthy took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born.

Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 “alligator” char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey.

The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Website: wildturkey.com.

About Matthew McConaughey
Texas native Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award winning actor, writer, philanthropist, husband and father of three. He’s appeared in over 40 feature films that have grossed over $1 billion dollars. In 2008, McConaughey founded the just keep livin’ Foundation, which is dedicated to transformations through programs that teach the importance of decision-making, health, education, and active living. The Just Keep Livin’ Foundation presently serves 37 schools in 11 states. In 2016, McConaughey also took on a new role: Creative Director, brand spokesman and chief storyteller for Wild Turkey. In collaboration with Master Distiller Eddie Russell, McConaughey co-created his own bourbon, Wild Turkey Longbranch. He also serves as the Minister of Culture/M.O.C for the upcoming University of Texas sports arena.

About Operation BBQ Relief
OBR was established in 2011, following a devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo. Since then, the organization has deployed to disasters including Hurricane Michael in the panhandle of Florida, Hurricane Florence Wilmington, North Carolina, and the Carr fire, all in 2018. Through deployments in 60 disaster-stricken communities and 26 different states across the country, OBR has served 3 million meals, with the help of more than 14,000 volunteers.

In 2017, president and CEO Stan Hays was recognized by CNN as one of their “CNN Heroes” for his work with OBR. In May 2019, Operation BBQ Relief was recognized as The Volunteer Organization of the Year by the Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference for their work. Operation BBQ Relief Connects, Inspires, Serves, Educates and Feeds Those In Need.

OBR depends on donations and volunteers to make a difference. Please visit Operationbbqrelief.org to learn how to help.

LYNCHBURG, Tennessee – Jack Daniel’s wants to help you count down to the holidays with its Jack Daniel’s Holiday Calendar, featuring various 50ml bottles from the Jack Daniel’s family of brands as well as additional premium items. The calendar first launched in the United Kingdom in 2018, and this year will be available in the United States, as well as the UK, Mexico, Australia, Poland, Czech Republic and France.

Featured in the calendar are four 50ml bottles each of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire. Additionally, there are two 50ml bottles each of Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select.

The calendar will also contain premium items, including four shot glasses with various logos from the Jack Daniel’s family of brands. Calendars outside the US will include an extra 50ml bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, as well as a key ring, jigger and shot glasses, each branded with the Jack Daniel Distillery logo.

“We’re excited to roll out the Jack Daniel’s Holiday Calendar into multiple markets this year, as it was a huge hit in the UK in 2018,” said Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “By expanding the market reach of the calendar this year, we are giving people around the world the opportunity to taste a different Jack Daniel’s whiskey, every drop of which comes from Lynchburg, and enjoy the premium gifts for a lifetime.”

The Jack Daniel’s Holiday Countdown Calendar is currently hitting retail shelves and is priced at $79.99.

About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, California — SLO Brewing Co. is celebrating the grand opening of Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills small-batch distillery and craft tasting room with five handcrafted spirits to compliment the latest venture’s striking Central Coast furnishings and timeless ambience.

“Over the past three years we have been experimenting with distilling small batches of rye whiskey,” said co-founder Rodney Cegelski. “Today we have a full distillery and brewery operating under one roof.”

Rod & Hammer’s first spirit, a Reserve Rye Whiskey stands as a bold testament to SLO Brew’s roots as the oldest microbrewery on the Central Coast since prohibition. Paying homage to the kinship between craft beer and brown spirits, the smooth and spicy rye whiskey is derived from in-house beer mash produced at SLO Brew Rock’s 30-barrel brewhouse.

The distillery will also feature a Straight Rye Whiskey, a classic American Straight Bourbon, an uncut Cask Bourbon, California juniper and Valencia orange Dry Gin, alongside a chill haze filtered Vodka.

Aged in 15-gallon New American oak barrels, each SLO Stills whiskey is cut with purified and desalinated Pacific Ocean water to represent the link that united founders Rodney Cegelski and Hamish Marshall. Ten years ago, the Shell Beach surfer Rod met Hammer, an Aussie jackaroo and fostered a friendship grounded in an appreciation for quality spirits and the Central Coast.

“SLO Stills was crafted to reflect our story,” said Marshall. “Now that things are up and running we want to share that personal, elevated experience with our visitors.”

Guests will have the opportunity to become founding members of The Barrel Club, receiving a personal 5-gallon oak barrel to age their own custom SLO Stills whiskey over a year’s span inside the tasting room. Club members can also enjoy early access to special releases, paired with complimentary tastings and roughly 28 (750mL) bottles of personalized bourbon.

Head distiller Paul Quinn will consult members on customizing the depth and flavor of their spirit with varying oak infusions at a range of char levels. On a quarterly basis, participants will be invited to taste their whiskey from the barrel to determine whether the spirit should be bottled or continue to age.

“We’re sharing the craft experience by walking people through the distillation process and teaching them to create a unique spirit that’s completely their own,” said Quinn.

Anchored by a copper horseshoe bar, the tasting room comes embellished with cowhide upholstered seating and leather couches for a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Wicker lanterns cast a warm glow over the whiskey lounge from an industrial ceiling, featuring functional piping that carries grain from onsite silos into the Rock’s brewery. Adjacent to the active distillery, the room displays enticing scenes of vintage surfboards, a historic direct-fired reflux still deemed Ol’ Woody, and Marshall’s enduring masterpiece, a locked antique Cary Safe.

Upcycled planks from the original Pismo Pier have been transformed into floating shelves supporting the entire range of Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills spirits. An artisanal craft cocktail menu boasts a signature Smokey Old Fashioned, Vaquero Margarita, classic Manhattan, Whiskey Mule and a decadent Whiskey Sour to pair with sweet and savory tapas. The SLO Brewing Co. lineup of Porch Pounder canned wine, Tio Rodrigo craft beer micheladas and select SLO Brew beers will also be available at the bar.

Located to the right of SLO Brew Rock’s renowned kid-friendly restaurant, Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills will be a 21+ venue, open Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. For information regarding catered events, barrel club memberships or hours of operation at 855 Aerovista Lane, visit slostills.com or call 805-543-1843.

WHO: Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills

WHAT: California craft brewery presents a small-batch distillery and tasting room.

WHERE: 855 Aerovista Ln, San Luis Obispo CA, 93401

About Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills
A California surfer and Aussie jackaroo founded SLO Stills in tribute to a lifelong friendship rooted in an appreciation for quality spirits and the Central Coast lifestyle. Each handcrafted whiskey is cut with purified Pacific Ocean water, uniting Australia and California in a bold, timeless spirit.

About SLO Brewing Company
Since 1988, SLO Brewing Co. has taken great pride in crafting elevated beers and spirits with a commitment to exceptional quality and innovation on the Central Coast of California. Joining our core lineup of SLO Brew craft beers, we welcome Tio Rodrigo authentic micheladas, Porch Pounder premium canned wine and Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills whiskey to our celebrated house of brands. Comprised of four venues, the entire SLO Brewing Co lineup of craft spirits and curated experiences are available at SLO Brew Rock, SLO Stills, SLO Brew Lofts and The Carrisa.

BOULDER, Colorado – The Legion of Ska continues to grow with Ska Street, Boulder’s first “brewstillery” concept. This joint venture by Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers is slated to open in the former FATE Brewing space in spring of 2020.

Peach Street Distillers was hatched in 2005 when Ska Brewing’s two co-founders Bill Graham and Dave Thibodeau found the allure of Palisade’s locally grown fruit too much to pass by. Since Peach Street’s opening, the two companies have worked side by side— with a shared sales team, and collaborations such as Modus Whiskey, and the Boomerang Barrel Program.

Backing up even further, Ska Brewing was born on Colorado’s Front Range out of the minds of Graham and Thibodeau, with the influence of Boulder’s burgeoning beer community. This area is where they grew up and learned to homebrew, where Graham attended the University of Colorado, and where many of Ska and Peach Street’s staff got their start in the brewing industry.

After 15 years of partnerships, Ska and Peach Street will finally set up shop under the same roof in spring of 2020. “A number of serendipitous factors have come together to make Boulder the answer to what we’ve been trying to do for a decade,” says Thibodeau. “when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at this chance to call Boulder home.”

Steve Breezley, Ska’s Chief Operating Officer who formerly worked at Avery Brewing, says, “So many of us at Ska feel attached to the Boulder community— it’s active like our home in Durango, and it’s an epicenter for craft beer.”

Ska Street will integrate Ska and Peach Street’s businesses, with onsite brewing of Ska beers in a 10 barrel brewhouse and distillation of Peach Street spirits in a 450 liter still. The Brewstillery will offer 30 Ska beers on tap and a mixology program that replicates the Palisade distillery experience. Ska Street’s food menu will bring together components of each business, with music-inspired, Caribbean-influenced eats to mirror the food served at Ska’s World Headquarters in Durango, and the thoughtfully sourced farm-to-table approach that guests have come to love at Peach Street.

Ska’s experimental brewery, the Mod Project, has afforded the brewery and many of its retailers the opportunity to do some unique projects together in Durango, and at Ska Street in Boulder they plan to build upon this platform with their spirits, as well as well as their beers.

“We’re excited to get back to the Front Range, and to get more involved in Boulder,” Thibodeau says. “Beyond the new location, this is a great opportunity to pursue collaborations with accounts in the area that have been selling our beer for years.”

About Ska Brewing
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award- winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

About Peach Street Distillers
Peach Street Distillers was founded in 2005 in the heart of Colorado’s Fruit and Wine region, Palisade Colorado, where the high desert meets the mountains. The warm days and cool nights in Palisade make the local fruits and grains unimaginably delicious. Living the very definition of “craft” we do everything the hard way to turn these fermentable raw materials into extraordinary spirits. Because, this is what we consider fun and what makes for a mighty fine drink. Peach Street Distillers is Colorado’s oldest continuously owned and operated distillery. Visit us as www.peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here