Archives for July 2020

Laws Whiskey House introduces Amaro Poirier

July 30, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

At Laws it has always been whiskey above all, but that didn’t stop them from jumping at the opportunity to make a grape brandy. As a side project Laws’ Senior Distiller, Sam Poirier, used some of the brandy as a base to make an Amaro. An Amaro is perfect to sip on before or after a meal due to the infusion of herbs, roots and botanicals that aid digestion. Amaro Poirier was aged 3 years in used Laws Whiskey barrels and is on the sweeter side with subtle floral notes. It is perfect to sip on as is or combine in a cocktail! There are fewer than a barrel’s worth of Amaro Poirier available so make sure to swing by the tasting room to pick some up today! The going rate for this limited release is $25 before tax. Laws Whiskey House is open Wed-Sat from 1 PM – 7 PM. If you would like to place an order with us you can either call 720.570.1420 ext. 1. Pre-ordering before visiting the tasting room is strongly encouraged but not required.

Laws Whiskey House
1420 S Acoma St
Denver, CO 80223
Website: lawswhiskeyhouse.com
Phone: 720.570.1420

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Still Austin Whiskey Co. Launches Flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Austin, Texas – Still Austin Whiskey Co, a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, has released its first high-rye straight bourbon whiskey featuring grains that are 100% grown by Texas farmers. The bourbon is handmade from grain-to-glass at the distillery, aged for at least two years in new charred American Oak barrels,and bottled at 98.4 proof (49.2% ABV). It’s comprised of a high-quality mash bill worthy of its hometown: 70% Non-GMO white corn (the same found in Austin’s tortillas), 25% Elbon rye (which imparts a natural spice) and 5% wildfire malted barley.

“After six years of hard work and perfecting our technique, we’re ready to launch our new flagship straight bourbon whiskey,” said Chris Seals, CEO. “We started Still Austin Whiskey Co. because we saw an opportunity to create our own kind of distillery where we do everything intentionally. This bourbon is an expression of true Texas terroir, but also the distillation of all we are, and of all that has created us. We’ve managed to bottle the inclusive spirit of our home city; a complex bourbon with substance, flair, and finesse.”

According to Still Austin’s “Master Blender” Nancy Fraley, who is famous for her peerless ability to detect flavor notes, “the nose offers delightful aromas of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple, banana, papaya, mango, toasted coconut shavings, and S’mores with melted milk chocolate and caramelized marshmallow. These notes follow through to the palate, where the rye makes its appearance in the form of cinnamon toast with brown butter, and blanched almonds. The alcohol is soft and creamy like vanilla egg custard and the mouth feel is round, with long waves of tropical fruit, toffee, and rye spice on the finish.”

A Fresh New Look
The straight bourbon whiskey boasts a new custom bottle and label, which serves as the perfect complement to the art inside the bottle. For the label, Still Austin commissioned internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt to paint a series of portraits of “archetypical” Austinites. Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir. The figure on the new label dubbed “the Musician,” is the first in the series, which will grace the labels of future spirits. These are visual representations of archetypes, a way of conceiving a “new Austin mythology” by celebrating the innovative people who make the city what it is. The Musician—along with future archetypes like the Naturalist, the Writer, the Visionary, and the Artist—illustrates the fearlessness needed to become truly unique. The Musician in the painting is confident, intelligent, brave and whimsical; essentially, everything Still Austin aspires to be, and everything the distillery loves about its community. The Musician was a natural place to start since Austin is “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Good whiskey is more than just corn, rye and malted barley that’s been fermented, distilled, and aged. Like the various elements of music—chords, rhythms, harmonies—the result is greater than the sum of its parts.

Grain-to-Glass Philosophy
Still Austin is an independent craft whiskey distillery founded in 2015, focusing on a true grain-to-glass concept that produces the highest quality whiskey by perfecting every part of the process and using local resources and sustainable practices. The team is committed to carrying out each part of the process in-house. That means never sourcing whiskey from another distillery, and instead always hand-making everything from scratch, and managing everything in-house – milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling and bottling.

The distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, Master Blender Nancy Fraley and veteran Master Distiller Mike Delevante, one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America who designed the Still Austin distillery to make the highest quality of bourbon. That includes a 42-foot custom-made column, “Nancy,” (and her sister copper-pot still, “The Queen”) which give the distillers serious creative license to create unique new flavors and spirits.The team also uses Texas weather to its advantage. The region’s high heat, humidity and rapidly shifting temperatures encourage spirits to move rapidly in and out of the oak barrels and mature relatively quickly—but, if this process is left unchecked, it can also cause the bourbon to have heavy oak flavor or harsh tannic qualities. To prevent this, Still Austin uses a meticulous six-month slow water reduction technique focused on flavor and balance, which gives the alcohol a softness on the palate and brings more “mature” notes, like vanilla and caramel, to the forefront. The result is a bourbon that highlights the natural flavor of the local grain, with no faults whatsoever.

Where to Buy
Still Austin’s new straight bourbon whiskey is now available for pre-order online via the Still Austin website. Then, in August, whiskey lovers will begin to see the brand throughout Texas in 750ml bottles at liquor stores for a suggested retail price of $45.

For more information, visit stillaustin.com and follow Still Austin on Facebook at Facebook.com/StillATX.

About Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2015 by three Austin families, Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a true grain-to-glass distillery, located at 440 East St. Elmo Roadin the heart of Austin, Texas. All spirits are hand crafted using grains grown by Texas farmers. Still Austin’s collection of spirits includes Still Austin’s flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey, High-Rye Bourbon Whiskey, and Still Rye Gin. Still Austin places a high value on sustainability, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, increasing the biodiversity of the region through heritage grains, returning spent grains to local ranchers to feed their animals, and operating a distillery that is designed for energy efficiency and water conservation.

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Blue Note Bourbon Launches “Blue Note Juke Joint”

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Memphis, Tennessee – B.R. Distilling Company has released, Blue Note Juke Joint, the newest iteration under its award-winning Blue Note Bourbon product line. This new bourbon release is designed to complement the Blue Note Bourbon expressions already on the market by offering imbibers an easy drinking, everyday bourbon that is perfect for any occasion.

“With a suggested retail price of $29.99, Blue Note Juke Joint is our Blue Note Bourbon brand’s youngest and most cost-friendly expression to date,” said McCauley Williams, B.R. Distilling Company’s President & CEO. “Make no mistake about it, however, Blue Note Juke Joint is a fine bourbon that is better than any whiskey on the market within a competitive price range. We think it is pretty special and bet the customer will, too.”

Like Blue Note’s nine-year-old Premium Small Batch expression, Blue Note Juke Joint is unfiltered and bottled at 93 proof. Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a nose of sweet corn and oak with loads spice and vanilla. On the palate, there are rich flavors of caramel, allspice, vanilla, and crisp pear. This finish is a bit longer than that of the Premium Small Batch, which retails for approximately $50, but the brand’s tagline of “smoother than smooth” rings true. Blue Note Juke Joint is an easy sipping, approachable bourbon that is surprisingly complex for the price. Designed to be mixologist-friendly, this expression offers taste-seekers and cocktail enthusiasts a new way to enjoy America’s native spirit.

The spirit’s packaging is also unique and quintessentially Memphis. Metallic blue music notes accent the front label, which features a guitar-like illustration, further reinforcing the product’s connection to the Bluff City’s musical roots.

“We really wanted to highlight Memphis with the package design, and like the product, the design is meant to be fun,” said B.R. Distilling’s Marketing Director, Nora Boone. “America’s best music began right here in Memphis, and we could not think of a better way to introduce our newest bourbon to the world than to pair it with the bold personality of the Memphis Blues.”

This is the first release of Blue Note Juke Joint. Currently, it is available primarily in the Memphis metropolitan area, although a more widespread release scheduled in the coming months.

About Blue Note Bourbon
Blue Note Bourbon is artfully crafted to honor the blues music that came from the streets of Memphis. Like the blues, Blue Note Bourbon is bold, yet smooth. Blue Note Juke Joint along with Blue Note Premium Small Batch are part of B.R. Distilling Company’s bourbon portfolio. Follow us on Instagram (@BlueNoteBourbon) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/bluenotebourbon) for news and information about Blue Note Bourbon. More information can be found at bluenotebourbon.com.

About B.R. Distilling
Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company, is the oldest distillery in Memphis. Currently, B.R. Distilling Company produces two flagship brands, Blue Note Bourbon and Riverset Rye, which are distributed across nine states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, and Tennessee.

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Wild Turkey Debuts Rare Breed Rye

July 24, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

LAWRENCEBURG, Kentucky — Spirits trends come and go, but truly good whiskey will always have a place on back bars and retail shelves. Now, another great American whiskey enters the Wild Turkey® pantheon, as the legendary distillery introduces Rare Breed Rye as a permanent expression within its award-winning portfolio. This unique spirit embodies the same heritage, devotion to craft, and patience of process acknowledged and praised for its predecessors. With its barrel proof and bold taste, Rare Breed Rye beautifully rounds out Wild Turkey’s rye whisky offerings.

A blend of four-, six-, and eight-year-old non-chill filtered rye, Rare Breed Rye is barrel-proof, meaning that it’s bottled directly from the barrels—without adding a single drop of water. Enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, the flavor profile of the 112.2 proof Rare Breed Rye is nothing short of enticing: Sweet caramel apple gives way to complex layers of honey, vanilla, rye grain spice, and charred oak, followed by a smooth finish, where spices mingle with fruit and a pleasant fading warmth.

While Wild Turkey has never followed trends, demand for rye whiskey is up a significant 15 percent and growing, according to a 2019 DISCUS Economic Report. But it wasn’t always this way. As Prohibition and subsequent drinking trends caused the spirit to fall from favor, Wild Turkey was among the very few distilleries dedicated to the ongoing production of rye whiskey. That dedication can be seen today in expressions, such as Wild Turkey Rye, Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye, and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye. The culmination of several decades of Kentucky artisanship, the latest entry – Rare Breed Rye – draws on this storied past.

“At a time when rye whiskey is more widely appreciated than ever before, Wild Turkey continues our longstanding tradition of offering a wide range of rye whiskies that lend themselves to a variety of cocktails and consumption occasions” says Eddie Russell, Master Distiller. “As a rye aficionado himself, my son Bruce Russell was the catalyst for reminding me of the distillery’s relationship with rye whiskey and the value it plays within our portfolio. It’s with him and other rye fans in mind that we introduce Rare Breed Rye.”

Rare Breed Rye will be available at select retailers in the United States at a MSRP of $59.99 a bottle. For more information, please visit wildturkey.com.

About Wild Turkey
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.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY Vodka, SKYY Infusions, Grand Marnier, Campari, Aperol, Wild Turkey, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey, Russell’s Reserve, Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG Gin, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Espolón Tequila, Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Appleton Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, Coruba Rum, Ouzo 12, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Frangelico, Cynar, Averna, Braulio and Jean-Marc XO Vodka.

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Dry Fly Distilling Adds Huckleberry Lemonade to Premium Canned Cocktail Lineup

July 21, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Spokane, Washington — Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to pack your cooler with some premium, canned cocktails and Dry Fly has just the ticket! Joining Dry Fly’s already delicious lineup of Gin and Tonic, Moscow Mule and Spicy Lemonade is the highly anticipated Huckleberry Lemonade. It’s a Pacific Northwest favorite and it is coming soon to a retailer near you.

“We are excited about our new Huckleberry Lemonade,” said Head Distillery Patrick Donovan. “There has been a great response to our canned cocktails. All of us here at Dry Fly really wanted to give people a true taste of the Pacific Northwest and nothing says that better than huckleberries. We hope folks enjoy this new addition to our lineup.”

As with all the “On the Fly” canned cocktails, only the finest ingredients are used to create these portable concoctions. For the Huckleberry Lemonade wild berries were picked and sent to be processed into a syrup consisting of just huckleberries, white cane sugar and citric acid. The syrup was blended with Dry Fly house-made lemonade—containing the award-winning Dry Fly Vodka—sugar, natural flavoring and carbonation.

“On the Fly” cocktails launched last year in the Northwest and the consumer response has been very positive as distribution continues to grow. The cocktails are available in four packs and sell for approximately $12.99 each. There are plans to add new cocktails to the lineup over time and to continue to increase distribution.

Dry Fly Distilling
Founder Don Poffenroth created Dry Fly Distilling out of a passion for fly-fishing and the Pacific Northwest. They reflect the beauty of the area into spirits made from local ingredients and from sustainable farms. Because of this, Dry Fly Distilling has achieved a true farm to bottle operation. Every drop of liquor is hand-crafted and pure. This is obvious in the unique flavor, which has won awards worldwide.

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10th Street Distillery Releases Distiller’s Cut Peated Single Malt

July 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

San Jose, California — San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery announces the release of their Distiller’s Cut, an exceptional peated single malt whisky that has already distinguished itself by winning Gold at the Whiskeys of the World competition.

The first release of 1000 cases is available now throughout California at all Total Wine & More stores; The Whisky Shop in San Francisco; Ledger’s Liquor in Berkeley; Willibee’s in Petaluma; and Southgate Liquors in San Jose among others. Visit retailers’ web sites for hours and availability.

It is double distilled using all copper pot stills, and aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, just like the Distillery’s flagship peated single malt; however, the unique Distiller’s Cuts during distillation create a bolder and smokier, yet smooth single malt, designed to appeal to malt and peat lovers

This expertly crafted whisky has hints of citrus and berry with strong woody, earthy, and smoky statements.

An independent review by the Whisk(e)y Apostle says, “If you’re a whiskey geek and looking to try something unique…, I’d definitely look to try this one.”

10th Street Distillery combines old-world tradition and modern ingenuity to make super-premium small-batch whiskies at San Jose’s first craft distillery. In just two years since opening, 10th Street has earned significant industry recognition for its Peated Single Malt, including Best in Class Gold at the 2019 Whiskies of the World and Double Gold at the 2019 N.Y. World Spirits Competition. Its STR Single Malt recently won a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits competition. The award for Distiller’s Cut further establishes 10th Street’s reputation as a top-shelf American maker of exceptional single malts.

As co-founder Virag Saksena explained to the East Bay Express, custom Scottish peat and local microflora interact with water from the Sierra Nevada snowmelt and grains to create “a complex sourdough flavor” that “lends a unique Bay Area terroir.” The hot San Jose weather imparts its own unique aging properties.

DISTILLER’S CUT TASTING NOTES
Nose: Sour nose with bright citrus, vanilla, and peat; heavy mesquite smoke
Color: Golden Palate: Sweet high notes of blackberry, brown sugar, honey, and molasses; bran cereal, burning chocolate. Finish: Smooth and lingering on the sides and back of the tongue ABV: 44% MSRP: $65

About 10th Street Distillery:
San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

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Nikka Whisky Introduces Nikka Days

July 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

SAN SAN FRANCISCO – It’s time to brighten up the bar cart with a new blended whisky from the award-winning Nikka Whisky. With more than 80 years of mastery in blending, Nikka introduces NIKKA DAYS (40% ABV), a delicious whisky for everyday drinking occasions. Imported by San Francisco’s Hotaling & Co., NIKKA DAYS features bright and modern packaging to reflect the floral and smooth whisky within and will be available for purchase at select retailers for $49.99, beginning in July 2020.

Both the flavors and appearance of NIKKA DAYS were designed to highlight the bright side of whisky and whisky consumption. The blend is structured by the mellow and smooth Coffey Grain Whisky and aromatic non-peated Miyagikyo malts, along with a touch of Coffey Malt Whisky and Yoichi malts to enhance the bright sweetness and rich body. The complex and delicate blend results in an extremely silky mouthfeel, with fruity and floral flavors that rise and expand, leaving behind a delightful aftertaste.

“As the name suggests, NIKKA DAYS has been developed for whisky lovers who appreciate fine drinks on any casual day,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky international business development manager. “This elegant whisky can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a simple highball or refreshing cocktail. We hope that NIKKA DAYS will complement and elevate your day.”

“With a unique and modern design, NIKKA DAYS is an exciting addition to Hotaling & Co.’s extensive portfolio of curated whiskies and artisanal spirits,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “NIKKA DAYS comes after the release of Nikka From The Barrel, named the 2018 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, both showcasing the blender’s skills at their peak.”

Tasting Notes
(40% ABV; 750ml; $49.99 SRP)
AROMA: Fresh and fruity with white flowers, orange blossoms, pear, and citrus
FLAVOR: Light and smooth – cereals, malt, toffee, roasted nuts and vanilla
FINISH: Dry apricot, malt, vanilla, elusive peat

The Nikka range also includes Nikka From The Barrel (51.4% ABV, $65 SRP), named the 2018 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky (45% ABV, $75 SRP), the only malted barley whisky distilled in a column still, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky (45% ABV, SRP $70), an elevation of the style of whisky that is more typically used for blending and rarely bottled on its own, and Nikka Coffey Gin (47% ABV, $50 SRP) and Nikka Coffey Vodka (40% ABV, $45 SRP) which arrived stateside in 2017.

NIKKA DAYS will be distributed in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and Tennessee, expanding in 2021. For more information, visit HotalingandCo.com or email info@hotalingandco.com.

About The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.
The founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, received his training in Scotland before founding Nikka in 1934 with the establishment of the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru’s early successes prompted the development of a second distillery, Miyagikyo, in 1969, this time built on the island of Honshu in the foothills of the Miyagi prefecture, in the Northern part of Honshu.

About Hotaling & Co.
Hotaling & Co., the leading San Francisco importer & distiller, offers the finest curated portfolio of premium artisanal spirits. Hotaling & Co., originally named Anchor Distilling Company, was established in 1993 and is credited with releasing America’s first craft whiskey (Old Potrero) and American craft gin (Junípero Gin) after Prohibition. In 2010, Anchor Distilling Company was sold to a business partnership that included Tony Foglio and London’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd and began expanding to incorporate a collection of super-premium artisanal spirits imported from around the world. In 2017, Anchor Distilling became Hotaling & Co. The new name is a nod to one of Anchor Distilling’s most beloved small batch whiskies (Old Potrero Hotaling’s Whiskey) and to the San Francisco legend A.P. Hotaling, who came out West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country. Today, Hotaling & Co. celebrates exciting growth and achievements; marking its 26th year of distilling and its 10th year of commercially uniting artisan distillers from around the world and sharing their stories to discerning consumers.

Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio includes Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, No.3 Gin, HINE Cognac, Lot 40 Rye Whisky, Convite Mezcal, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Writers’ Tears Whiskey, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more. Visit HotalingandCo.com for a full list of brands.

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Buffalo Trace Six Millionth Barrel Raises Over $1 Million for Charity

July 7, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Kentucky — Buffalo Trace Distillery announced its six millionth barrel campaign has raised over $1 million for various charities, exceeding its goal of $500,000.

Last year, Buffalo Trace chose 378 non-profit organizations to receive special edition bottles from the sixth millionth barrel of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The organizations could then use the exclusive bottles to host fundraising efforts for charities.

Currently 332 of the selected non-profits have raised $1,145,162 for charities of their choosing, and the remaining 56 have rescheduled or postponed their fundraising events due to the pandemic. The amount of money raised is expected to rise as the remaining charities sell their bottles.

The fundraising effort has benefitted a number of causes such as education services, ecological foundations, leukemia and lymphoma, arts foundations, veterans, animal rights and more.

Each organization received the bottle along with a handwritten description on the glass, packaged in a hardwood showcase box that included a piece of charred oak stave from the barrel and a small brochure.

Bourbon Charity was the top fundraiser with $69,125 through their Six Millionth Barrel to Give Thanks event which was set up as an online sweepstakes with donations starting at $10.

In Ketchum, Idaho, the Wood River Community YMCA raised $39,000 toward scholarships and programs for the organization during their Y Classic event.

Buffalo Trace has offered commemorative bottles for fundraising purposes before, such as the 2011 Millennium Barrel of bourbon which raised over $150,000. In 2016, the distillery used its inaugural O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey from 1980, 1982 and 1983 where over $1 million was raised for charity.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

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Diageo Takes Stride Towards Climate Change Goal with First Carbon Neutral Distillery

July 2, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

LEBANON, Kentucky – Global beverage leader Diageo announced today that its new carbon neutral distillery, which will distill Bulleit – one of the largest in North America, and a first for Diageo. Reinforcing Diageo’s global commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and addressing climate change, the site will be powered by 100% renewable electricity, with a capacity to produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year.

The new carbon neutral distillery, which is currently under construction in Lebanon, Kentucky, reflects Diageo’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and moves the company closer to its goal of sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Employing electrode boilers, the site will utilize a mix of renewable electricity sources to power a 72,000 square-foot distillery, dry house, and warehousing facilities. As previously announced “The Diageo Lebanon Distillery” will have the capability to distill a variety of bourbon and American whiskey brands. Bulleit will be the first and lead brand produced at the new distillery – supplementing existing production at The Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. This move will further strengthen the brand’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

“As a company, we know that our long-term sustainable growth depends on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change,” said Perry Jones, President, North America Supply for Diageo. “This groundbreaking undertaking to electrify our operations and then power them with renewable electricity will result in one of the largest carbon-neutral distilleries in North America. This is a significant step to strengthen our commitment to minimizing our carbon emissions and will result in an important reduction of Diageo’s environmental impact on a global level.”

“For Bulleit, our passion for sustainability began when we built the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, where we focus on reducing carbon emissions, water conservation, and waste management during production. Then, when we opened our Visitor Experience there, we chose to implement practices like eliminating single-use plastics from our bar and sourcing locally-grown organic cocktail garnishes from our onsite garden,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP Whiskies, Diageo NA. “Our commitment to the environment evolves with the Lebanon distillery, where no fossil fuels will be consumed for the production of Bulleit. This allows us to really begin to double down on our ambition to reinvent category standards.”

To achieve a carbon neutral distillery, Diageo plans to incorporate a variety of features that will avoid annual carbon emissions by more than 117,000 metric tons. This is the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 cars off the road for an entire year.

These features include:

Electrification of operations:
Electrode boilers will enable the avoidance of direct carbon emissions that would normally be generated by the use of fossil-fuel-fired boilers. Electrode boilers also offer benefits that include reduced noise pollution and reduction of other air contaminants.
All vehicles operated onsite, including trucks and forklifts, will be electric, and charged on site by renewable energy.
100% of the steam used onsite – for the cooking, distillation and drying process – will be generated by the electrode boilers (which are powered by the renewable electricity)

Energy efficiency embedded into facility design:
Energy efficiency will be optimized in the new electric boilers
Exterior lighting will be solar powered
All onsite interior lighting will be light-emitting diode (LED)
Warehouse interior lighting will only activate during loading or unloading activities
Lowered roofs will minimize heating and cooling requirements

Sourcing renewable electricity:
Long term contracts with the local utility will allow for the purchase of zero greenhouse gas emission electricity from certified renewable sources.
Renewable electricity will be supplied by Inter-County Energy and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC).
Water savings design
Site is being designed to be industry-leading inefficiency and minimization of water usage
Zero waste to landfill
Once operational, the site is designed to minimize the use of materials and waste through reuse and recycling, and any residual waste will not be sent to landfill

“I welcome Diageo’s commitment to carbon neutrality and using renewable electric at its Bulleit distillery in Lebanon. This is a notable example of a historic Kentucky industry embracing a new future,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “To continue the commonwealth’s economic recovery, attract business investment and create jobs for Kentuckians across all counties, it’s important we and our economic development partners provide a cost-competitive energy mix. Energy diversity is something more industries are considering when they choose where to locate, and offering the right mix will help us provide a brighter future for generations to come.”

“We want to extend a warm welcome as Diageo makes this valuable investment in Lebanon-Marion County,” said Jerry Carter, President and CEO of Inter-County Energy, which will provide electric service to the Lebanon distillery. “Inter-County Energy is proud to work in partnership with Diageo and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) to understand the energy needs of this facility and to develop innovative ways to meet the sustainability goals of one of the largest renewable energy consumers in Kentucky.”

A Commitment to Sustainability
Committed to decarbonization with approved science-based targets, Diageo is part of a pioneering group of organizations that are championing a green recovery and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, through membership of the United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition and other key global advocacy organizations. Also, as mentioned above, as a signatory to RE100, Diageo aims to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In addition, Diageo has also signed onto the global Race to Zero campaign, a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company recently joined over 150 multinationals to reaffirm our commitment to Science-Based Targets and urge governments around the world to align their COVID-19 recovery efforts with the latest climate science.

Bulleit has a long-standing commitment to sustainability at their current distillery in Shelbyville, KY, which was recently honored with the title of ‘Highly Commended’ for Sustainable Distillery of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2020 Icons of Whisky American Awards. The Shelbyville site includes the first-ever industrial solar array in Shelby County and a focus on reducing their carbon footprint by sourcing local ingredients from local farmers. In addition, Bulleit implemented thoughtful practices at the Visitor Experience, such as a partnership with the non-profit Oceanic Global to ensure its tasting experience and cocktail bar aligns with The Oceanic Standard (TOS), a badge and certification for venues that have adopted sustainable operating practices and are committed to eliminating single-use plastics.

Investing in Kentucky
Bulleit continues a strong trajectory of growth, with the brand continuing to gain share, and global volume up more than six percent year over year[3]. Diageo broke ground on the $130 million distillery in July of 2019, and the site is expected to be fully operational in 2021. Once fully operational the facility will employ 30 full-time team members. Since 2014, Diageo has invested more than $500 million in Kentucky. This facility will supplement the company’s other Kentucky operations: Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, and The Bulleit Distilling Company and Visitor Experience in Shelbyville.

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 practices.

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