Archives for February 2020

PORTLAND, Oregon – Eastside Distilling‘s Azuñia tequila brand’s distillery won two significant awards. Azuñia’s Rancho Miravalle family-owned-and-operated farm and distillery located in Amatitán, Mexico, which exclusively makes and exports Azuñia’s tequila lineup, was awarded as the Organic Distillery of the year for 2019 at The New York International Spirits Competition. Also, the brand has been recognized by peers and competitors in Mexico as the National Museum of Tequila’s Distillery of the Year for 2019, awarded by the International College of Master Distillers – one of the highest honors a tequila maker can win in Mexico.

“We are proud to award the Azuñia Tequila distillery the NYISC Organic Distillery of the Year,” said Adam Levy, the founder of NYISC. “Their tequila stands out in a crowded environment within the industry and with spirits judges, and their commitment to being organic-only raises the bar for tequila consumers.”

The Organic Tequila Distillery of the Year medal, awarded by The National Museum of Tequila in Tequila, Mexico, recognizes excellence in farming and authenticity in the process. Azuñia is one of the few sustainable tequilas on the market made with USDA and Bioagricert Organic, 100% pure Weber Blue agave, and does not use a diffuser, nor add sugar, flavorings or other artificial additives during the production process.

Azuñia’s artisanal tequila-making method is unique as it uses open-air fermentation, rather than rushing the process through the usage of commercial yeasts. In all, from planting to bottling, it takes 7-10 years to create the smooth, premium, and authentic tequila, recently named “World’s Best Reposado Tequila” by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“Being an organic distillery is a way of life for us, and we know that being organic helps us assure our customers that our product is grown and harvested responsibly and all-natural,” said Salvador Rivera Cardona, Azuñia’s master distiller. “Our hand-crafted process ensures that we are making the best tequila possible, and all we export is Azuñia.

Eastside’s Azuñia Tequila is currently transitioning from an on-premise brand to a new entry into Eastside Distilling’s national off-premise distribution network. Azuñia joins Redneck Riviera Whiskey, Hue Hue Coffee Rum, and Burnside Bourbon, in the national platform with distributor partnerships with Young’s Market Company, RNDC, Breakthru Beverage and MS Walker, among others.

Wholesalers will promote and sell Azuñia Blanco, recently honored with Double Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition; Azuñia Reposado, which added to its “World’s Best” designation with Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition; Azuñia Añejo which took home the prestigious Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman’s Trophy in 2019; and Azuñia Black, 2-Year Extra Aged Private Reserve Añejo, earning 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.

About Eastside Distilling
Eastside Distilling has been producing high-quality, award-winning craft spirits in Portland, Oregon, since 2008. The company is distinguished by its highly decorated lineup of national brands that include Redneck Riviera, Burnside Bourbons, Hue-Hue Coffee Rum, and Azuñia Tequila. For more information, visit eastsidedistilling.com and follow Eastside Distilling on Twitter and Facebook.f

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Versailles, Kentucky  — Woodford Reserve is proud to release its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression — Woodford Reserve Batch Proof — bottled at 123.6 proof. This expression is part of the annual Master’s Collection series, which celebrates Master Distiller Chris Morris’ vision and Woodford Reserve’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship within the bourbon and whiskey category.

A celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary batching process – blending barrels and bottling the whiskey at its actual proof, straight from the barrel – Batch Proof is crafted using the same grain bill and process as Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Batch Proof however, takes Woodford Reserve’s trademark flavor range of sweet vanilla and toasted oak to a whole new level offering consumers the privilege of tasting Woodford Reserve in its purest form (and not the standard 90.4 for which Woodford is known).

“Most do not get to experience Woodford Reserve at such a high proof presentation, so we are excited to have the opportunity to share this special bourbon with connoisseurs,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “The intensity and depth of flavor found in Woodford Reserve Batch proof is truly remarkable.”

Tasting Notes:
Color: Rich chestnut
Aroma: Dried cranberry and raisin fruit spiced with sandalwood, clove, aged leather and a hint of spearmint. A dusting of cocoa and dark chocolate adds to its deep character
Flavor: Rich raisin and brown sugar sweetness balanced with a spicy leather character atop a rich layer of oak, almond and cedar wood notes
Finish: A long finish of raisin fruit and malty sweetness

This year’s edition of Batch Proof 123.6 follows the Spring 2019 release of the highly acclaimed Batch Proof 123.3, which was named #6 in the Top 20 Whiskies of 2019 List.

This limited-edition collection is available in select U.S. and global markets and has suggested retail price of $130 for a 750ml bottle.

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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon was named “Best Kentucky Bourbon” at the World Whiskies Awards on February 11, 2020. Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye also was awarded Category Gold for Rye 12 Years and Under.

Peerless Master Distiller Caleb Kilburn was a finalist for best distiller. Finally, Peerless was among the 12 final nominees for best distillery tour, managed by Peyton Beall. Whisky Magazine, under the same publication as American Whiskey magazine, named Kentucky Peerless “Craft Producer of the Year” for the Americas and “Global Craft Producer of the Year” in 2019.

Owner and Fourth Generation Corky Taylor responds, “We are honored to be named the 2020 Best Kentucky Bourbon by American Whiskey magazine. Considering all the great bourbons made in Kentucky, we are humbled to receive this award. This award is shared by our team and wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Peerless Master Distiller Caleb Kilburn said, “Being recognized in front of your heroes is an unbelievably humbling experience and truly a dream come true. There are so many amazing bourbons and distilleries in Kentucky, so for us to be commended among the greats is such an honor. Our team, our families and our supporters have all worked so hard to make this possible and we are blessed to have them.”

The World Whiskies Awards are industry-nominated, and according to their website, judged by a panel of “leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers and industry experts”. Find out more at kentuckypeerless.com or visit the distillery at 120 N. 10th Street in downtown Louisville. The distillery is open for tours and tastings Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

About Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
The Peerless family’s very first bourbon went into a barrel in 1889. They have since revived the craft in their own state-of-the-art distillery in the Bourbon District, where they use the finest ingredients. The Peerless family believes that patience builds character and fine Bourbon and Rye can never be rushed. All under one roof, the select Kentucky Peerless grains are milled, cooked, fermented, double-distilled and barreled as Bourbon and Rye.

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