Archives for May 2020

Launch: Glasgow 1770 Single Malt: Triple Distilled Release No.1.

May 20, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Glasgow, UK – Triple Distilled Release No.1 follows the launch of the Glasgow 1770 Peated expression in 2019, and the inaugural launch of Glasgow 1770 Original in 2018, which was an instant sell-out success.

Since then, our range has picked up an ever-growing number of international whisky awards, including Gold Medals at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition; International Spirits Challenge, and Scotch Whisky Masters.

Our eagerly anticipated release is the third and final iteration in the core range, before embarking on an exciting selection of single cask and limited edition releases that are currently in the pipeline.

Harnessing the incredibly pure water of Loch Katrine, the distillery’s natural water source, with a third distillation and maturation exclusively in virgin oak casks, the resulting spirit is a smooth single malt whisky with deep complexity, character, and warmth.

On the nose aromas of rich sweet butterscotch toffee and dark cherries leads to hints of ripe pear and baked vanilla cheesecake on the palate, followed by spicy chocolate. The finish is long and clean, with lingering notes of rich honey and vanilla.

I am truly thrilled to celebrate the launch of our first Triple Distilled whisky. It has been a project of passion for everyone at the distillery and is truly a celebration of two of the essential elements in the whiskey-making process: the water and the wood.

We’re incredibly fortunate that our natural water supply is from Loch Katrine, it gives such softness and purity to our whisky. We also have access to virgin oak casks of outstanding quality and have used these for the entire duration of this whisky’s maturation. The additional complexity and depth that this adds is exceptional and the marriage of these two elements, the water, and the wood, is really apparent in this exciting new release which we are proud to add to the Glasgow 1770 Signature Range.

It has always been our vision to create a core range of single malts that reflect differing production styles. Our vision was influenced by the original Glasgow Distillery, which was founded in 1770 and inspired the name for our range of single malts. After discovering that they produced Unpeated, Peated and Triple Distilled whisky some 150 years ago we set out to do the same for the modern whisky era.

Non-chill filtered and natural in color, Glasgow 1770 – Triple Distilled Release No.1 is a limited-edition whisky bottled at 46% ABV and is now available to purchase here for £49.

50+ Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts and History: Click Here

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Releases Limited-Edition Bottle Commemorating Servicemen And Women For Military Appreciation Month

May 18, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

NEW YORK – Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum continues its ongoing partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) with the release of a limited-edition commemorative bottle, in conjunction with their partnership and military appreciation month. To show support of the USO efforts, Sailor Jerry and Anchor Media are donating $150,000, adding to Sailor Jerry’s total contribution of $1,000,000 supporting the USO and other military organizations since 2016.

With a suggested retail value of $14.99, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum’s limited-edition bottle wrap exemplifies Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins spirit and the servicemen and women’s dedication to serving our country. The partnership is special to Sailor Jerry, as it pays homage to the brand’s namesake, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins who served in the Navy himself. Both blended and bottled in America, the limited-edition bottle is hitting the shelves before Memorial Day and will be available at national and local liquor stores across the U.S. all summer.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the USO, to serve as a Force Behind the Forces® and to show support to the troops who serve our country,” said Josh Hayes, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Senior Brand Manager. “The limited-edition bottle wrap is a bold representation of Collins’ iconic flash artwork and is a must-have collectible for any Sailor Jerry fan.”

The USO partnership reflects a special passion point for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, which was created to honor the late Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Collins was born January 14, 1911, and quickly found his aptitude for tattooing while traveling the country. After a stint in the Navy, Collins made World War II-era Honolulu his home and continued honing his skills as a tattoo artist. Sailors on shore leave in Honolulu would wait in line for hours outside Collins’ Hotel Street tattoo shop to be inked by the master himself. Collins greatly influenced the tattoo world through groundbreaking innovations.

“We are thankful to continue our partnership with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and have been excited to see the partnership grow year after year,” said Chad Hartman, USO Vice President, Development and Corporate Alliances. “The Sailor Jerry team has helped us to host great events that express our appreciation for our troops and the company also helps rally other military supporters to give thanks and give back to service members and their families.”

The connection between Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and the USO started in 2016, when Sailor Jerry partnered with Fleet Week New York, throwing a party on U.S.S. Intrepid to toast the troops. Since then, Sailor Jerry has invited celebrities such as Norman Reedus, Glen Powell, and Alabama Shakes to toast the troops at Fleet Week events in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The brand took this opportunity to raise awareness and funds for military organizations that help the servicemen and women who sacrifice their lives for our country every day. Since then, Sailor Jerry has been able to raise $1,000,000 for military organizations and will be donating the largest amount yet to the USO with $150,000 this year.

To learn more about Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum’s Fleet Week activities, visit www.sailorjerry.com.

To learn more about the USO partnership and limited-edition bottle, head to https://sailorjerry.com/en/uso/.

50+ Fun Facts and Whiskey Trivia: Click Here

10 of the Best Bourbons and American Whiskeys for $40 and Under

May 11, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

The Wine Enthusiast Magazine rounded up some of their favorite Bourbons and American whiskeys that cost less than forty dollars. From a Bourbon aged in stout barrels to an astonishingly affordable collaboration between legends of Kentucky to small craft distilleries. Here are their top 10 affordable pours.

1. Bernheim Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey; $30, 94 points
1. Hotel Tango American Straight Bourbon; $35, 94 points.
3. Benjamin Chapman 7-Year Whiskey; $39, 92 points.
3. Legent Bourbon; $40, 92 points.
3. Larceny Bourbon; $25, 92 points.
6. Bradshaw Bourbon; $40, 91 points.
6. Giant Texas Bourbon Whiskey; $22, 91 points.
8. Oppidan Small Batch 4 Grain Bourbon; $35, 89 points.
9. Penelope Bourbon; $35, 89 points.
10. Beer Barrel Bourbon; $30, 88 points
Complete Article: Click Here

50+ Fun Facts and Whiskey Trivia: Click Here

Old Overholt – The Oldest Brand of Whiskey in the United States

May 7, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

(Photo courtesy of West Overton Village and Museums)

Old Overholt, said to be America’s oldest continually maintained brand of whiskey, was founded in West Overton, Pennsylvania, in 1810. Old Overholt is a rye whiskey distilled by A. Overholt & Co., currently a subsidiary of Beam Suntory, which is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan. It is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. It is one of the most commonly available straight rye whiskies in the U.S., where it is available at most liquor stores. It is aged for three years and bottled at 80 proof. A four-year Bottled In Bond, 100 proof version was released in late 2017. Old Overholt has been called a “foundation stone of American whiskey” because of its long history.

The History of Old Overholt
Henry Oberholzer (Anglicized to “Overholt”), a German Mennonite farmer, moved to West Overton, Pennsylvania, on the banks of Jacobs Creek in Western Pennsylvania in 1800. His family came from the area of Germany which specialized in distilling “korn”, or rye whiskey, and Henry took up the tradition.

In 1810, Henry’s son Abraham Overholt (1784–1870) took over the management of the distillery and made it into a business. By the 1820s, the distillery was putting out 12 to 15 gallons of rye whiskey per day. Abraham grew the company rapidly; by 1843, Baltimore newspapers were advertising Overholt’s “Old Rye”; at that time, only the very few top distilleries were advertised by name. By 1859, Overholt incorporated his business as “A. Overholt & Co.” He operated out of a new distillery building that was six stories high, 100 feet long, and which could produce 860 gallons per day.

In 1881, Abraham’s grandson Henry Clay Frick took over the company. As one of the country’s wealthiest people, the distillery was a sentimental side-business for Frick. Frick took on Andrew Mellon and one Charles W. Mauck as partners, each owning one-third of the business.

In 1888, Mauck adopted the name “Old Overholt” as the official name of the company, adding a picture of Abraham as the logo. Around that time, the company started selling its product in bottles instead of barrels. By 1900, Old Overholt became a national brand. In the early years of the 20th Century, Old Overholt became one of the largest and most respected whiskeys in the country.

Frick died in December 1919, and left his share to Andrew Mellon. This ended family ownership in the company.

The Complete History of Old Overholt Rye Whiskey: Click Here The Rise & Fall of America’s Oldest Whiskey

50+ Fun Facts and Whiskey Trivia: Click Here

Grace O’Malley Premium Blended Irish Whiskey Launches In U.S. Market

May 7, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

New York – Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s premium whiskey and spirits brand is proud to announce the launch of their flagship whiskey, Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey into the U.S. market. Honored to be the first Irish whiskey named after a woman, Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey is dedicated to the legendary 16th Century Irish Pirate Queen. In addition to whiskey, consumers can also experience a taste of Ireland with Grace O’Malley’s handcrafted Heather Infused Irish Gin.

“We are very excited to share the story of Grace O’Malley with the U.S. market through Grace O’Malley whiskeys. Far from ordinary like the whiskey itself, Grace O’Malley was a fearless seafarer who broke with the conventions of her time,” said Stephen Cope, Founder and Managing Director of Grace O’Malley Spirits.

Boasting one of the highest malt contents in the blended whiskey category at 46%, Grace O’Malley’s whiskey excites the senses and provides a smooth complexity never before tasted. Each of Grace O’Malley’s fine spirits are distilled at The Great Northern Distillery. It is in this center of whiskey excellence that Grace O’Malley’s Master Blender, Paul Caris, together with Master Distillers of The Great Northern Distillery bring the magic to Grace O’Malley Whiskey from distilling to blending and cask management. Paul Caris, former winemaker, and Bordeaux-Native, brings an impeccable palate and years of experience to Grace O’Malley as Master Blender.

“We are honored to be working with Paul Caris and the passion, curiosity, and knowledge he brings to the Grace O’Malley premium spirits portfolio as our Master Blender,” added Cope.

This special blend combines whiskies with age statements that range from three to ten years old. Each batch of whiskey is then matured in a range of barrels, including French Oak, ex-Bourbon, and ex-Rum casks, hand-selected by Master Blender, Paul Caris. The resulting blend delivers a whiskey perfectly balanced between flavor, age character, complexity, and smoothness.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey is $36.99 and $36.99 for the Heather Infused Irish Gin. Grace O’Malley Spirits are widely distributed in Europe and currently imported in the U.S. by MHW. Grace O’Malley Whiskey is now available at leading off-premise accounts in the U.S. including Simply Wine in New York City with information available on SevenFifty. From the west coast of Ireland to rebel hearts around the world: visit http://graceomalleywhiskey.com for more information and join the conversation at @graceomalleyspirits.

About Grace O’Malley Spirits
As a fast-growing Irish spirits company, Grace O’Malley excites the senses with their premium blended whiskey, boasting one of the highest malt contents in the blended whiskey category at 46% and providing for a smooth complexity never before tasted. Each of Grace O’Malley’s fine spirits are distilled at The Great Northern Distillery. It is in this center of whiskey excellence that Grace O’Malley’s Master Blender, Paul Caris, together with Master Distillers of The Great Northern Distillery bring the magic to Grace O’Malley Whiskey from distilling to blending and cask management. In addition to whiskey, experience the taste of Ireland with Grace O’Malley’s crafted Heather Infused Irish Gin: a traditional-style gin made with modern distilling techniques to capture the native flavors of Ireland. Grace O’Malley Spirits is a collaborative venture between Co. Mayo businessman Stephen Cope, Irish marketing expert Jeff Burns, and brand building entrepreneurs, Stefan Hansen and Hendrick Melle, based in Berlin.

Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts and History: Click Here

Laws Whiskey House Releases Bottled In Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon – Six Year

May 7, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

DENVER, Colorado — Laws Whiskey House, the award-winning Denver based distillery, is proud to announce the annual release of its Bottled in Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon. Aged six years, this distinctive offering of the company’s flagship bourbon exemplifies the craftsmanship, patience, and perseverance that are the hallmarks of the Laws There Are No Shortcuts mantra. This whiskey has an SRP of $75 and is now available across Laws national distribution footprint with approximately 500 9L cases produced.

As the first Colorado distillery to produce a bonded whiskey, Laws Whiskey House continues to set the standard for Bottled-In-Bond expressions. Since that inaugural release, Laws has expanded their Bonded portfolio to six different expressions including Bourbon, Rye, Malt, Wheat, and Corn whiskies.

“Patience is an important part of all excellent whiskey,” says founder and CEO Al Laws. “Time in conjunction with the vintage nature of the Bottled in Bond act creates the basis for this special release. For Laws Whiskey House, Bottled-In-Bond expressions are ingrained in our culture. They exemplify who we are as whiskey makers.”

The Laws Bottled in Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon – Six Year is made with the same bourbon mash bill as the Laws flagship Four Grain Bourbon, with 60 percent corn, 20 percent heirloom wheat, 10 percent heirloom rye, and 10 percent heirloom malted barley. All of these grains are grown and harvested from family-owned Colorado Farms. Furthermore, the distillery’s traditional practice of open-air, on-grain fermentation captures the essence of Colorado’s terroir and produces a truly unapologetic authentic American Whiskey.

The Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 was an important turning point in the history of bourbon that set forth exacting standards that offered consumers a guarantee of transparency, process, and quality. Specifically, it stipulated that the whiskey must be the product of one distilling season, from one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. 123 years later, this designation continues to offer those same guarantees, providing consumers with the knowledge of where, how, and when Bourbon was produced and aged.

ABOUT LAWS WHISKEY HOUSE
Established in 2011, Laws Whiskey House is a purpose-driven, grain to glass whiskey distillery founded on the principle that the soul of its whiskey is comprised of the people who grow it, the people who make it, and the people who drink it. Using the traditional method of open-air, on grain fermentation, Laws’ whiskeys feature high altitude grown American mother grains and mountain spring water while aging in 53-gallon charred American oak barrels. With a collection of award-winning whiskey, including several Bottled in Bond expressions, Laws Whiskey House invites you to visit their tasting room in Denver’s historic Gates neighborhood and enjoy the Laws experience. For more information visit www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com.

For Fun Facts and Trivia about Whiskey: Click Here

Beloved Local Bourbon Brand “O.K.I.” Returns to Tri-State

May 1, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

— Two local entrepreneurs, Chad Brizendine and Jake Warm, have acquired the beloved local bourbon brand O.K.I. from New Riff Distilling. O.K.I.’s first single barrel releases are set for bottling at cask strength and release in Northern Kentucky this fall, just in time for bourbon enthusiasts’ busiest time of year.

Paying homage to O.K.I.’s roots and name [Ohio. Kentucky. Indiana], O.K.I. will maintain its sourcing strategy of 36 percent high rye bourbon from Lawrenceburg, Indiana for its launch. As part of its acquisition, O.K.I. will update its brand story and packaging, focusing more on the rich bourbon heritage of the entire region dating as far back as pre-Prohibition.

Warm’s family has been integral to local bourbon history for decades. He shared: “My great grandfather, Jake, built the iconic Seagram’s warehouse at the Lawrenceburg distillery in the 1930’s. At the time, it was the world’s largest whiskey maturing warehouse. I’m very proud that our first O.K.I. barrels will be aged in the same buildings my family built 90 years ago.”

Brizendine added, “95 percent of the world’s bourbon supply comes from the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and we’re very proud of that.* We look forward to working with distilleries across the region to source bourbon and rye for future O.K.I. releases.”

Stay up to date on all things OKI Bourbon and the Fall 2020 release on Facebook: www.facebook.com/okibourbon

About OKI Spirits LLC
Local Cincinnati-based whiskey entrepreneurs Chad Brizendine and Jake Warm are co-owners of OKI Spirits LLC. Brizendine was co-founder and Warm an early investor in George Remus Bourbon, acquired in 2016 by MGPI. OKI Spirits will operate from its Cincinnati, OH headquarters and specialize in highly curated single barrels of Bourbon and Rye whiskey.

50 fun facts about Whiskey: Click Here