• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

U.S. Whiskey Report

Whiskey News, Whiskey Releases and New Distilleries

  • Home
  • U.S. Open Whiskey
  • Whiskey Terms
  • U.S. Open Beer
    • 2018 U.S. Open Beer
    • 2017 U.S. Open Beer
  • U.S. Open Cider
    • 2018 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2017 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2016 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2015 U.S. Open Cider
  • Fun Facts

Archives for March 2020

The 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Winners

March 31, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

The 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Winners

San Francisco World Spirits Competition MedalsSAN FRANCISCO –  The San Francisco World Spirits Competition announces results of their 20th anniversary judging, held on March 13th through the 15th at the Hotel Nikko. The 2020 Competition was another record-breaking year that featured almost 3,000 entries from all corners of the world. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is the world’s most respected spirits competition due in large part to their esteemed judges. Each with a distinct story and trusted palate, these seasoned experts are one of the reasons an SFWSC medal indicates the highest caliber of quality.

2020 Best In Show and Best Of Class  

Best In Show Unaged White Spirit: Defiance Navy Strength Gin, Manchester, United Kingdom
Best In Show Aged White Spirit: Rhum Savanna Traditionnel Le Must, France
Best In Show Whiskey: The GlenDronach Revival 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Scotland
Best In Show Brandy: Marie Brizard Anisette, France
Best In Show Liqueur: Château de Laubade Cask Strength Vintage 2000 Armagnac Bas Armagnac, France
Best Vodka: Organika Life Vodka, Russia
Best Aquavit: New Alchemy Distilling Fylleangst Aquavit, California, USA
Best London Dry Gin: Bareksten Botanical Gin, Norway
Best Regular Gin: Never Never Distilling Co. Triple Juniper Export Strength Gin, South Australia
Best Flavored Gin: Whitley Neill Aloe & Cucumber Gin
Best Genever: Filliers Young & Pure Geneva, Belgium
Best Other White Spirit: Iichiko Wapirits Tumugi, Ōita, Japan
Best Shochu: Hombo Shuzo Akane Kaze 43 Shochu, Kagoshima
Best Baijiu: TTL Longtian Distillery Yushan Aromar Kaoliang Liquor
Best Tequila • Best Silver/Gold Tequila: El Sativo Organic, Kosher, Single Estate Reserve Blanco Tequila, Mexico
Best Reposado Tequila: Cutwater Spirits Reposado Tequila, Mexico
Best Añejo Tequila: Dano’s Dangerous Añejo Tequila, Mexico
Best Mezcal: Mezcal Carreño Ensamble 7, Oaxaca, Mexico
Best Cachaça: Leblon Cachaça, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Best Dark/Gold Rum: Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum, Jamaica
Best Extra Aged Rum: Pusser’s 15 Year Old Rum
Best Straight Bourbon: Woodinville Straight Bourbon, Washington, USA
Best Small Batch Bourbon – Up to 5 Years: Kings County Distillery Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, New York, USA
Best Bourbon • Best Small Batch Bourbon • Best Small Batch Bourbon – 6 to 10 Years: Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 10 Year Old Cask Strength, USA
Best Small Batch Bourbon – 11 Years and Older: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
Best Single Barrel Bourbon •   – Up to 10 Years: Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
Best Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon: Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series “Phifer Pavitt Reserve” Bourbon, Tennessee, USA
Best Craft Distiller Whiskey: ASW Distillery Maris Otter Single Varietal Single Malt Whiskey, Georgia, USA
Best Tennessee Whiskey: Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey, Tennessee, USA
Best Rye Whiskey: Parker’s Heritage Collection 13th Edition Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, USA
Best Canadian Whisky: Rare Perfection 15 Year Old, Canada
Best Other Single Malt Whiskey: Triple Eight Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whiskey, Maryland, USA
Best Single Grain Whiskey: Ohishi 10 Year Old Brandy Cask Matured Japanese Whisky, Kumamoto, Japan
Best Other Whiskey: Shin 10 Year Old Mizunara Oak Finished Malt Whiskey, Niigata, Japan
Best American Blended Whiskey: FEW American Whiskey, Illinois, USA
Best Flavored Whiskey: Catskill Provisions New York Honey Rye Whiskey, New York, USA
Best Blended Irish Whiskey: Hyde #6 Special Reserve Blended Irish Whiskey, Ireland
Best Irish Whiskey • Best Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Matt D’Arcy’s 17 Year Old Rum Finish Single Malt Whiskey, Ireland
Best Blended Scotch • Best Blended Scotch – Up to 15 Years: Buchanan’s DeLuxe 12 Year Old Blended Scotch, Scotland
Best Blended Scotch – No Age Statement: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal Blended Scotch, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – Up to 12 Years: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – 20 Years and Older: Aultmore 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Speyside, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement: Aberlour A’bunadh Single Malt Scotch, Highlands, Scotland
Best Independent Merchant Single Malt: Port Askaig 110 Proof Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland
Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: Compass Box Whisky The Spice Tree Scotch, Scotland
Best Pisco: Mistral Nobel Pisco, Chile
Best Cognac VSOP or Equivalent: Martell Matured in Red Barrels Cognac VSOP, Cognac, France
Best Cognac • Best Cognac Extra-Aged/Vintage: Gautier Extra Since 1755 Cognac, Cognac, France
Best French Grape Brandy: Le Furet Lysens 30 Year Old Brandy, France
Best Spanish Grape Brandy & Brandy de Jerez: Torres 20 Hors d’Age Brandy, Spain
Best Fruit Liqueur: Righteous Seven Barrel Reserve Liqueur, Missouri, USA
Best Vermouth • Best Apéritif: Foro Rosso Vermouth di Torino, Italy
Best Pre-Mixed Cocktail: The Family Jones Automatic Jones Rock & Rye, Colorado, USA
Best Cream/Dairy Liqueur: Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Canadian Cream Liqueur, Ontario, Canada

Full Results will be published at http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/results/

For today’s whiskey and spirit news: Click Here

Filed Under: best whiskey

Bardstown Bourbon Company and Moonshine University search for ‘World’s Top Whiskey Taster’

March 28, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Bardstown Bourbon Company and Moonshine University search for ‘World’s Top Whiskey Taster’

The Bardstown Bourbon Company, 1500 Parkway Drive, is excited to launch an online search for the “World’s Top Whiskey Taster,” presented by Moonshine University. The contest calls on whiskey lovers, enthusiasts, fans and connoisseurs to compete for a grand prize of $20,000, a scholarship to Moonshine University‘s Executive Bourbon Steward program, and the opportunity to represent Bardstown Bourbon Company as a Distillery Ambassador at some of the world’s most preeminent whiskey festivals in 2021.

The competition consists of three phases, starting with an invitation to submit an audition video showcasing the contestants’ passion for all things bourbon:

PHASE 1 – Video Submissions: Submit a 1-minute video to YouTube, Instagram or Facebook and be sure to tag #WorldsTopWhiskeyTaster. Share your submission URL and contact information to BardstownBourbon.com/WTWT. Videos should showcase your passion for bourbon, interest in an ambassadorship and palate prowess. Online video submissions are now being accepted and will be open through June 15, 2020.

PHASE 2 – Regional Qualifiers: Bardstown Bourbon Company and Moonshine University will select up to 10 submissions per market to compete in live sensory challenges at some of the nation’s most prominent bourbon bars. Regional qualifiers will be held in Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; Washington, D.C.; and Dallas, Texas. A complete list of these events will be announced at a future date.

PHASE 3 – National Finals: One winner from each qualifier will be invited to compete for the top prize and title of “World’s Top Whiskey Taster.” The final event will take place this fall at Bardstown Bourbon Company in the Bourbon Capital of the world.

“Entrants are encouraged to be creative and have fun,” said Bardstown Bourbon Company Vice President of Sales & Marketing Herb Heneman. “Tell us what makes your palate as good as it is. Show us things like your favorite bourbon cocktail, your most impressive or underrated pairing, or pick the most amazing bottle in your stash and geek out on it. But most of all, tell us what representing Bardstown Bourbon Company as a Distillery Ambassador would mean to you.”
World's Best Whiskey Taster
Phase 2 contestants will be selected in June and invited to compete in regional competitions featuring bourbon sensory and tasting challenges, such as identifying a bourbon’s producer, age, mash-bill and proof, among others. Each contest will be hosted by prominent distillers, journalists and experts from Moonshine University, the creators and curators of the Stave & Thief Society’s Executive Bourbon Steward training program in Louisville, Kentucky.

“The challenges contestants will face at these live events will truly put their sensory expertise to the test,” said Moonshine University’s Director of Spirits Education Colin Blake. “Where many other competitions have showcased mixology skills, this contest is — to my knowledge — the first to put contestants’ palates to work. The ‘World’s Top Whiskey Taster’ challenge will ask bourbon lovers to apply much of what we teach in our Executive Bourbon Steward training to practice.”

The winner from each regional event will then travel to Bardstown Bourbon Company during Bourbon Heritage month in September to compete for the national title.

By the end of the competition, one champion will be crowned and awarded a cash prize of $20,000 with a contract to represent Bardstown Bourbon Company as a Distillery Ambassador at some of the country’s top whiskey festivals in 2021, including WhiskyFest and Whiskies of the World. The winner will also receive a scholarship to Moonshine University’s Executive Bourbon Steward certification program, and a trip to Bardstown, Kentucky, where they’ll blend a custom product with Bourbon Hall of Famer and Bardstown Bourbon Company Master Distiller Steve Nally.

“We’re looking for people who are all about exploring and sharing their bourbon experience,” said Bardstown Bourbon Company National Brand Ambassador Sam Montgomery. “We invite social media bourbon evangelists who are actively snapping and sharing photos of pours and pairings, as well as travelers and bourbon explorers who love to share their tales.”

Candidates must be at least 21 years old to enter. The winner will be considered an independent contractor of Bardstown Bourbon Company. This prize does not constitute an offer for employment.

For full contest rules, terms and conditions, please visit:
BardstownBourbon.com/WTWT/RULES

To upload an audition video or for more information, please visit:
BardstownBourbon.com/WTWT

About Bardstown Bourbon Company:
Located in the heart of Bourbon Country on 100 acres of active farmland, Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the country’s most modern and technically advanced whiskey distilleries. Celebrating the art of making high-quality and authentic whiskey, the innovative distillery produces custom rye, whiskey, and bourbon for prominent brands including Jefferson’s, High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch, and many others through its one-of-a-kind Collaborative Distilling Program. Bardstown Bourbon Company honors tradition and drives innovation with its exceptional destination experience for visitors, offering the only full-service restaurant located within a distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, The Kitchen and Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company. The company was founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin. For more information, please visit bardstownbourbon.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About Moonshine University:
Founded by David Dafoe in 2012, Moonshine University is the nation’s premier educational distillery and the exclusive educational member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Located in the heart of bourbon country, Moonshine University offers comprehensive, hands-on spirits education courses and services to entrepreneurs and professionals from around the world. As of 2019, graduates of this course have gone on to successfully launch 165 distilleries worldwide and counting. Moonshine University also houses the Stave & Thief Society, a comprehensive, hands-on bourbon certification program established to promote Kentucky’s distinguished bourbon culture. For more information, please visit moonshineuniversity.com and staveandthief.com.

For Today’s Whiskey and Spirits News: Click Here

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tennessee Distillers Rally: Many Ceasing Production of Spirits and Pivoting to Hand Sanitizer and Surface Cleaner

March 22, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Tennessee Distillers Rally: Many Ceasing Production of Spirits and Pivoting to Hand Sanitizer and Surface Cleaner

Tennessee Distillers GuildNASHVILLE – Tennessee distilleries announced today that they are banding together to pivot operations from whiskey-making and repurposing the alcohol for hand sanitizer and surface cleaner production in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Distillers are working rapidly to obtain ingredients necessary to produce sanitizing products in bulk due to supply shortages resulting from the pandemic.

“We saw a need in our communities, and we are on a mission to make a difference,” said Kris Tatum, president of Tennessee Distillers Guild. “It’s a great feeling when competitors collectively decide to put profits aside and jointly decide to support the communities which have made us successful in the first place.”

Sanitizing products will be delivered to large transportation companies, municipalities and health care businesses across the state.

“We’re trying to help government entities including fire departments, police stations, physician offices and other businesses that are the heartbeat of our state and still on the front lines serving the public and keeping the economy going,” said Greg Eidam, head distiller at Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Tennessee distilleries have taken a hard hit as a result of the sudden coronavirus-induced downturn. Distilleries have suspended tours, cancelled large events, and ceased production in order to minimize the risk to employees and guests and further spread of the virus throughout the state.

“The irony here is that during Prohibition, many distilleries became medical dispensaries in times of sickness,” noted Keener Stanton, head distiller at Old Forge Distilling Company in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. “I think we’re heeding the call of our ancestors and doing what those who came before us would’ve been proud to see us do.”

About the Tennessee Distillers Guild:
The Tennessee Distillers Guild is a membership organization that consists of 32 Tennessee distilleries and associate members. The mission of the Tennessee Distillers Guild is to responsibly promote and advocate for the distilling industry in Tennessee through the collective voice of its members. In June 2017, the Tennessee Distillers Guild launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a 26-stop tour of Tennessee distilleries across the state. For more information about the Tennessee Distillers Guild, visit www.tndistillersguild.org.

For Today’s Whiskey and Spirits News: Click Here

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Eastside Distilling Expands its Premium Product Line with Azuñia Tequila, Burnside Bourbon and Hue-Hue Coffee Rum

March 22, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Eastside Distilling Expands its Premium Product Line with Azuñia Tequila, Burnside Bourbon and Hue-Hue Coffee Rum

Burnside BourbonPORTLAND, Oregon – Eastside Distilling announced expanded distribution in Florida and California for the Company’s Azuñia Tequila, Burnside Bourbon and Hue-Hue Coffee Rum brands. The expansion of these brands leverages the Company’s distribution capabilities in each market, which are led by Eastside’s Redneck Riviera Whiskey and Granny Rich RSV.

In Florida, Republic National Distributing Company, in addition to Redneck Riviera Whiskey and Granny Rich RSV, will begin distributing Eastside’s award-winning Azuñia Tequila, Burnside Whiskey and Hue-Hue Coffee Rum products in the fast-growing tequila, bourbon and cordial categories.

In California, where the RNDC/Young’s Market partnership distributes Redneck Riviera Whiskey and Azuñia Tequila in the market, consumers will now be introduced to both the Burnside Bourbon portfolio and Hue-Hue Coffee Rum.

“This expands our suite of products in two of our largest markets,” said Eastside President Robert Manfredonia. “These award-winning brands are all fantastic. I’m sure they will resonate well with the customer bases in Florida and California.”

Hue-Hue Coffee Rum is an exciting new cordial made with cold-brew fair-trade, single-origin Arabica coffee beans grown at the Finca El Paternal Estate in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and proudly sourced & lightly roasted through Portland Roasting Company. The concentrated brew is then blended with premium silver rum and a trace amount of Demerara sugar in a memorable marriage of flavors, giving Hue-Hue a natural, deep, smooth richness.

Burnside Whiskey is a collection of four expressions meticulously blended straight bourbons and whiskeys ranging in ages and mash-bills all kissed by glorious Oregon White Oak, aka Quercus garryanna.

Azuñia Tequila is a timeless expression of the heritage and traditional processes of our family farm in the heart of Mexico. Rancho Miravalle, our agave farm and tequila distillery, located in the heart of the Tequila Valley, produces our organic, premium, and award-winning 100 percent Weber Blue Agave tequilas through sustainable farming practices and with no additives, nothing artificial, no sugar, and no GMOs. The result is smooth, authentic Azuñia tequila.

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 product lineup that includes Redneck Riviera and companion brand Granny Rich Whiskey, newly acquired Azuñia Tequilas, Burnside Bourbons and Rye, Hue-Hue Coffee Rum, and Portland Potato Vodkas. All Eastside spirits are crafted from natural ingredients for quality and taste. Eastside’s Craft Bottling + Canning subsidiary is one of the Northwest’s leading independent spirit bottlers and ready-to-drink canners. For more information, visit eastsidedistilling.com.

For Today’s Whiskey and Spirits New – Click Here

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mount Gay Unveils A New Chapter For The Brand In 2020

March 13, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Mount Gay Unveils A New Chapter For The Brand In 2020

Mount Gay RumST. LUCY, Barbados(March 2020) –  Mount Gay, the world’s oldest running rum distillery established in 1703, unveils a new chapter for the brand in 2020. Harnessing over 300 years of experience, Mount Gay will reset the brand to pay homage to its rich heritage of passing down craft and expertise in Barbados, the birthplace of rum. In doing so, Mount Gay will embrace more transparency, providing an in-depth look into the brand and its rum, and will look to the future ensuring continued innovation and growth honoring the genuine rum tradition of Barbados.

With the introduction of Master Blender Trudiann Branker in April 2019, the distillery’s and Barbados’ first female master blender, Mount Gay began a new chapter for the distillery’s rich history. In her new role, Branker revisited Mount Gay’s core blends whilst simultaneously considering the discerning palate of the high-end brown spirit enthusiasts and appreciating Mount Gay’s steadfast brand loyalty. As a result, Branker has created a new blend for Mount Gay Black Barrel and an enhanced blend for Mount Gay XO, both of which she is thrilled to debut to global markets this year.

Mount Gay Black Barrel benefits from an older selection of rums being used for the blend, moving to a blend of three to seven-year-old rums as opposed to the previous two to seven years, with a higher content of double distilled pot still rums. The finishing period, still taking place in deeply charred Bourbon casks, will be extended to six months, greatly lengthened from the previous four week finishing period. These changes better reflect Black Barrel’s bold and robust flavor.

In addition to the work that she has done on Black Barrel, Branker revisited Mount Gay XO where she enriched the blend. From April 2020, XO benefits from a broader palette of rums selected for the blend, individually aged in three different casks – American Whiskey, Bourbon and Cognac – for five to 17 years, rather than the previous eight to 15 years. Overall, her adjustments to the blend aim to enhance the liquid’s ultimate complexity.

Throughout the core range, each expression will be placed into new bottles with updated labels intentionally designed to give ultimate transparency to the rum inside showcasing further detail on casks used, style and tasting notes. Each change has been a conscious decision to appreciate the true value of Mount Gay and honor its significance on the spectrum of high-end rum.

Underpinning the packaging and liquid changes is a refreshed creative platform that promises to honor the genuine rum tradition and focus on what makes Mount Gay More than a rum through education, exploration and discovery. Each touch point of the platform pays homage to Mount Gay’s Barbadian heritage, the people who craft the rum and its unrivalled terroir carefully harnessed since 1703.

“It is an honor to be at the forefront of the exciting changes that Mount Gay will see in 2020, and I’m proud not only to be the first female master blender in Barbados but to be part of the team that will take Mount Gay from strength to strength,” said Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay Master Blender. “I am wholeheartedly committed to embracing the expertise that we have inherited for over 300 years and am passionate about looking ahead as we combine both science and craft to explore what makes Mount Gay more than a rum.”

“This is an important step change for Mount Gay, one that will see us explore and showcase our roots whilst embracing what is truly important to us – our people, our land and our heritage,” said Raphaël Grisoni, Mount Gay Managing Director.

“We are confident that the changes we make now will cement Mount Gay’s position as a leading high-end rum brand for many years to come. It is with great honor that I have worked alongside Trudiann and the entire team at the distillery to consider each change that we have made along the way is the right one.”

From April 2020, Mount Gay’s new Black Barrel blend and its enriched XO blend will be on shelf throughout all markets and global travel retail. Suggested retail pricing across the core range will be updated across all markets as: 1703 Master Select ($199.99), XO ($64.99), Black Barrel ($44.99), and Eclipse ($21.99).

Trudiann Branker will continue to develop limited editions with a new release of 1703 Master Select and a new Master Blender collection due out before the end of 2020.

For more information, visit www.mountgayrum.com.

About Mount Gay:
A legal deed dated from February 20, 1703 confirms the existence of a “pot still house” on Mount Gay’s sugar cane Estate in Barbados, establishing Mount Gay as the world’s oldest rum producer. Our distillery name honors the pioneering Sir John Gay who perfected the distinctive Mount Gay style. Still today, only the finest sugar cane molasses and pure water filtered through the coral heart of the island are selected to create Mount Gay rums. Perpetuating a long-standing Barbadian tradition for more than 315 years, Mount Gay rums are handcrafted from a blend of single column and double copper pot distillates and matured in toasted oak barrels, delivering aromatic, flavorful taste, body and refined character.

The Mount Gay portfolio includes 1703 Master Select, XO, Black Barrel, and Eclipse. Mount Gay is owned by Rémy Cointreau SA.

For Today’s Whiskey and Spirits News – Click Here

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ska Street Brewstillery To Opens In Boulder

March 12, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Ska Street Brewstillery To Opens In Boulder

Ska Street BrewstilleryBOULDER, Colorado — Ska Street Brewstillery will open to the public on March 16, followed by a grand opening celebration slated for April 9.

A joint project of Ska Brewing and its sister company, Palisade’s Peach Street Distillers, Ska Street Brewstillery in Boulder will include a restaurant, a 10 BBL brewing system, a 450-liter still, thirty taps for serving Ska beers, a mixology program, and all of the music-inspired silliness the has established Ska and Peach Street as iconic Colorado destinations.

The Ska Street Brewstillery menu will include vegetarian and vegan options, as well as the farm-to-table ethos championed by Peach Street and executed by recently hired Head Chef Travis Messervey. The taproom will pour all of Ska’s flagship beers — including Modus Hoperandi IPA, True Blonde Ale, Pinstripe Red, and Pink Vapor Stew— as well as experimental one-offs and other specialties brewed on-site, along with whiskey, gin, vodka, and other spirits also made at the facility.

Join Ska Street Brewstillery at 1600 38th Street in Boulder on its first day open to the public on Monday, March 16 at 11am. Business hours are 11am to 10pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday, and 10am to 9pm Sunday.

Ska Street will be open during regular business hours through the month, and will celebrate its grand opening on April 9. The brewstillery will share more information about this party soon.

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 Peach Street at www.peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.

For Today’s Whiskey and Spirits News – Click Here

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon

March 10, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon

George Washington's DistilleryDistilleries were very common in early America. In the 1810 census, there were more than 3600 distilleries operating in the state of Virginia alone. At its time, George Washington’s distillery was one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the country. It measured 75 x 30 feet while the average distillery was about 20 x 40 feet.

George Washington’s Distillery operated five copper pot stills for 12 months a year. The average distillery used one or two stills and distilled for one month. In 1799, Washington’s Distillery produced almost 11,000 gallons of whiskey, valued at $7,500 (approximately $120,000 today). The average Virginia distillery produced about 650 gallons of whiskey per year which were valued at about $460.

The Distillery had five copper pot stills that held a total capacity of 616 gallons. We know that the three stills made by George McMunn, an Alexandria coppersmith, were 120, 116, and 110 gallons. We do not know how the remaining 270 gallons were divided between the final two stills. Fifty mash tubs were located at Washington’s Distillery in 1799. We think only about half were used at a time to mash or cook the grain. These tubs were large 120-gallon barrels made of oak. In Washington’s day, cooking the grain and fermenting the mash all happened in the same container. The boiler, where the hot water would have come from, held 210 gallons. (from mountvernon.org)

Whiskey – America’s Beverage
The most common beverage produced at Washington’s distillery was a whiskey made from 60% rye, 35% corn and 5% malted barley. This rye was distilled twice and sold as common whiskey. Smaller amounts were distilled up to four times, making them more expensive. Some whiskey was rectified (filtered to remove impurities) or flavored with cinnamon or persimmons. Wheat was also distilled when rye was scarce. Apple, peach and persimmon brandies were produced and also vinegar.

Prior to the American Revolution, rum was the distilled beverage of choice. But after the war, whiskey quickly grew to displace rum as America’s favorite distilled beverage. Rum, which required molasses from the British West Indies, was more expensive and less easily acquired than locally grown wheat, rye, and corn. Whiskey was also easier to produce than rum, requiring relatively simple processes and equipment.

For Today’s Whiskey and Spirits News – Click Here

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Four Roses’ acclaimed addition to its Bourbon lineup expanding to more states

March 9, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Four Roses’ acclaimed addition to its Bourbon lineup expanding to more states

Four Roses BourbonLAWRENCEBURG, Kentucky – Four Roses Distillery’s “fourth rose” will become available to more Bourbon lovers this year.

Launched last year as the award-winning distillery’s first permanent product-line extension in more than a decade, Four Roses Small Batch Select had previously been available in just five states. The non-chill filtered and 104 proof Bourbon will now expand into 13 new markets.

New markets where Small Batch Select will be available in the coming months include: Colorado, Florida,Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee,Washington and Wisconsin. These will join Four Roses’ home state of Kentucky, along with New York,California, Texas and Georgia where Small Batch Select is currently available.

“I look forward to sharing this unique offering with more Bourbon drinkers across the country,” said Brent Elliott,master distiller at Four Roses. “Small Batch Select showcases some of our Bourbon recipes and flavors that aren’t as forward facing in the rest of our lineup of Single Barrel, Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon.”

Named Master Distiller/Blender of the Year at the 2020 Icons of Whisky America award ceremony, Elliott is particularly proud of Small Batch Select, as it was the distillery’s first permanent product-line extension since 2006, and is the biggest addition to the storied history of the 132-year-old brand since he became master distiller in 2015. The noted international media outlet Whisky Advocate rated Small Batch Select No. 3 in its Top Whiskies of 2019 list, and it was the highest ranked Bourbon on the list. The Bourbon was also awarded Category Silver for Kentucky Bourbon at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

Four Roses is the only Bourbon distillery that combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to produce 10 distinct Bourbon recipes, each with its own unique characteristics. Master Distiller Elliott hand selected and mingled six of Four Roses’ 10 Bourbon recipes, each aged a minimum of 6 years, to create SmallBatch Select. It features recipes OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK and OESF.

“Small Batch Select is an extension of what we do at Four Roses, and what we do well,” Elliott said. “Balancing notes of candied fruit with warmth and spice, it’s enjoyable to both casual drinkers and Bourbon connoisseurs.

”For more information on Small Batch Select, visit fourrosesbourbon.com/bourbon/small-batch-select/.

About Four Roses Distillery
Established in 1888, Four Roses is the only Bourbon distillery that combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to distill and age 10 distinct Bourbon recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile. With distilling and warehousing operations in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek, Kentucky, respectively, Four Roses is dedicated to producing award-winning Bourbons with smooth and mellow tastes and finishes. Four Roses is available in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.fourrosesbourbon.com or find us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

MGP Acquisition New Columbia Distillers

March 9, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

MGP Acquisition New Columbia Distillers

MGP IngredientsATCHISON, Kansas – MGP Ingredients, a leading U.S. supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, today announced the acquisition of New Columbia Distillers LLC, based in Washington, D.C. New Columbia Distillers produces and markets Green Hat Gin and operates a distillery with retail tasting room, bar and gin garden in Northeast Washington, D.C. The distillery and its retail operations will continue to operate with the current management team, and its popular range of Green Hat Gin styles will be phased into expanded distribution as a new addition to MGP’s portfolio of award-winning brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to add New Columbia Distillers and Green Hat Gin to the MGP Brands portfolio,” said MGP president and CEO Gus Griffin. “As the largest producer of distilled gin in the U.S., we have a depth of expertise and commitment to the category that makes this a very exciting complement to our vodka, bourbon and rye whiskey range. We look forward to growing our brand strategy with gin, while also developing a direct-to-consumer experience in the vibrant Washington metropolitan market.”

Michael Lowe, co-founder of New Columbia Distillers, stated, “We are honored to be a part of the MGP team and help them realize the full potential of Green Hat Gin. MGP shares our vision to celebrate authentic, quality-made spirits with the resources to support our existing customers while also expanding our reach to new markets. We look forward to working with them to ensure the success of this next chapter of our brand story.” As part of the team integration, John Uselton, co-founder of New Columbia Distillers with Lowe, will join MGP Brands as a regional sales director, supporting the continued success of Green Hat Gin in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. markets. He will also focus on the continued growth of the MGP Brands portfolio in the region. The distillery and retail operations will remain in place, and Michael Lowe will serve in an advisory capacity.

New Columbia Distillers LLC was founded in 2011 in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Housed in an historic warehouse, New Columbia Distillers was the first distillery licensed in D.C. after Prohibition, and offers on-site production as well as a tasting room, bar and gin garden. Green Hat Gin is named for local bootlegger, George Cassiday, who was known for his signature green fedora. During Prohibition, Cassiday operated an illicit distribution center out of the House and Senate Office Buildings, where he supplied bootleg spirits to senators, congressmen and their staffs. He became an outspoken critic of Prohibition until its repeal.

MGP’s proprietary portfolio of brands includes TILL American Wheat Vodka, George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Remus Repeal Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey and Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey. Products are available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and District of Columbia (DC).

About MGP Ingredients
Founded in 1941, MGP 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 decades 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 distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar


 
Top 10 Whiskey Blogs

 







Follow us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • September 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019

Copyright © 2023 US Whiskey Report. All Rights Reserved.