Archives for December 2021

Sierra Nevada Partners with St. George Spirits and to Create Ruthless Whiskey

December 19, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Chico, California – Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and St. George Spirits will be releasing a new, limited-edition malt whiskey blended with spirits distilled from grains and hops, Ruthless, on December 18th to celebrate the brands’ friendship and collaboration. In 2013, the two came together to distill one of Sierra Nevada’s most beloved beers, Ruthless Rye IPA, as an experiment. For this first release, St. George’s head distiller/blender Dave Smith has carefully chosen and blended whiskeys from seven Ruthless Rye IPA casks and married in a small portion of the first barrel of St. George Single Malt Whiskey, which was brewed by Sierra Nevada and distilled by St. George Spirits in 1997. The teams are excited to share this uniquely special spirit and history with beer and whiskey lovers alike.

Sierra Nevada and St. George have been longtime partners for more than two decades, brewing the wash for St. George’s Single Malt Whiskey programs since the late 90s. This is the first time a distilled Sierra Nevada beer has been released. It was a fully hopped and finished beer prior to distillation and was then laid down in new American oak and used French oak port casks in 2013. The marriage of a small portion of St. George Single Malt Whiskey completes this first release, showing chocolate, turmeric, pistachio, fruit punch and coconut notes on the nose. On the palate it shows marmalade, coconut, roasted pineapple, ginger, white pepper and even Tootsie Roll notes.

“I have been a fan of St. George’s products for many years and I think they’re some of the most talented and creative distillers in the world,” said Ken Grossman, Founder and Chairman of Sierra Nevada. “St. George’s friendship has been very meaningful over the years, and I am thrilled that we were able to work together to craft such a special and unique product.”

St. George’s head distiller/blender Dave Smith adds, “Ruthless honors and celebrates our friendship as well as our collaboration. This is a spirit that has been in barrel for eight years – older than many craft distilleries. Of course, our friendship dates back even further as Sierra Nevada has brewed the wash for our Single Malt Whiskey programs since 1997. At St. George we’ve always looked to propel the art of distillation in all categories and have consistently found ourselves inspired by the creativity and excellence of our friends at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Ruthless Rye IPA has long been one of our team’s favorite beers and now our collaborative efforts are finally ready to share with our incredible fans.”

Ruthless will be available for $75 per bottle starting December 18th exclusively at the St. George Spirits Distillery in Alameda, CA. A limited number of bottles will be available for sale at that time, in-person only (limit of two bottles per person). For more information and updates on Ruthless Whiskey, follow St. George Spirits’ social media @stgeorgespirits.

About Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Inspired by frequent trips to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980. Highly regarded for using only the finest quality ingredients, Sierra Nevada has set the standard for craft brewers worldwide with innovations in the brewhouse and in its sustainability efforts. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada now spans both coasts with breweries in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina. Sierra Nevada is famous for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing®, Torpedo® and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers. Learn more at www.sierranevada.com.

About St. George Spirits
St. George Spirits is a true American original, defining and propelling the art of distillation in the U.S. for the last 40 years. Today, the extensive St. George Spirits portfolio of gins, vodkas, whiskeys, liqueurs, brandies, and eaux de vie stands apart for not only its excellence in every category but also its expression of creativity and an uncompromising point of view. The exacting standards and commitment to raw, fresh ingredients established by founder Jörg Rupf in 1982 form the foundations by which the distillery still operates. Independent in spirit and in fact, St. George Spirits remains owner-operated by master distiller Lance Winters and head distiller Dave Smith. St. George Spirits is proudly located in Alameda, California.  www.stgeorgespirits.com

This Holiday Season, Cascade Moon Releases Extremely Rare 13 Year Old Rye Whisky

December 18, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

TULLAHOMA, Tennessee – With the holiday season underway, the hunt has begun for the ideal gift, especially for those hardest to buy for on the list. Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin is releasing a premium rye whisky, perfect for the whisky afficionado in your life. Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye is an extremely rare release, available in select U.S. markets starting this month.

Hand-selected by Austin, this Cascade Moon release complements the series by offering a complex and mature rye addition to the lineup. The barrels containing aging rye arrived at Cascade Hollow in 2012, where they spent nearly a decade in Cascade Hollow’s single-story rickhouses. As a result of the temperate conditions, the barrels matured gracefully, bringing the beautiful and unique notes of the whisky forward.

“The Cascade Moon series is a collection of some of our most unique and rare whiskies. Each release has its own unique story behind the innovation and mastery of its making,” said Austin. “With this release, I’m excited to offer drinkers a beautifully aged rye whisky unlike anything else we’ve released in the series.”

At 100 proof (50% ABV), this sophisticated, mature rye is best enjoyed neat and in moderation to realize the full flavor profile and taste the unique notes of the whisky. This 13 year old whisky offers sweet notes of vanilla, toffee, leather and nutmeg with a smooth, oaky finished.

The debut of Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye comes off the heels of two award-winning Cascade Moon variants released at the end of 2020 in celebration of the 150-year anniversary of George A. Dickel & Co. Cascade Moon series pays homage to the distillery’s history, while continuing to set the tone for the future of the whisky category. The Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye will start rolling out on shelves in Tennessee, Texas and California for a limited-time only at a suggested retail price of $299.

As we celebrate the holidays, your friends at Cascade Hollow encourage you to sip this new offering the same way it’s made – slowly and responsibly.

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, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

For fun facts about Whiskey, Click Here

Bourbon Community Comes Together To Benefit Western Kentucky

December 15, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Kentucky – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick have crafted an epic fundraising event to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from the tornados that ravaged Western Kentucky.

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature an online and live auction of exclusive private barrel selection experiences, rare and vintage spirits, and unique tasting and tourism offerings from Kentucky’s signature distilling industry and hospitality and charitable partners.

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in recent days,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I appreciate our signature Bourbon industry quickly stepping up to raise much-needed money for Kentucky families that have lost so much in this tragedy.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Kentuckians are hurting. They’ve lost their homes, loved ones and their livelihoods. It’s our obligation as a signature industry – and duty as fellow Kentuckians – to help each other in times of crisis.

“There is a real urgency here. These are our friends and neighbors, and they need help now.”

The online auction will begin Thursday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. EST and run until Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. A live-streamed auction will be held on Dec. 21 starting at 7 p.m. at Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville and will feature elite and immersive items from Kentucky’s legendary distillers.

Go to www.kybourbonbenefit.com to view all the auction items and bid.

All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornados and severe storms of Dec. 11. The website to learn more or make a donation is https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief.

“We’ve been the recipients of so much generous hospitality from the fine people of Kentucky,” said RJ Sargent, founder of The Bourbon Crusaders. “They’ve treated us like family. When we saw the chance to give back, our members jumped at the opportunity.”

Minnick said, “Kentucky Bourbon is a community that spans throughout the Bluegrass State and from whiskey bars in Sidney to the collectors in Manitoba. Bourbon lovers everywhere want to help rebuild Western Kentucky with our hands, hearts and wallets.

“Private collectors, Kentucky distillers, out-of-state brands and celebrities donated rare auction items that will surely break records. The Bourbon community believes in the Commonwealth’s bond of Bourbon and knows it can bring us together to rebuild.”

Offerings include more than 20 private barrel experiences, where Bourbon enthusiasts can personally taste and select their own one-of-a-kind barrel under the tutelage of the brand’s Master Distiller. Each barrel usually yields 150-200 bottles depending on age and proof.

Whiskey aficionados with the Bourbon Crusaders have raided their collections and donated dozens of limited edition and single barrel expressions of Bourbon, rye and Scotch whiskies. Distillers also have donated rare bottles that disappeared from retailer’s shelves long ago.

Minnick, a best-selling author and expert on all things Bourbon, utilized his renowned distilling and celebrity connections to reap a treasure trove of bottles, private experiences and memorabilia to fulfill any whiskey lover’s dream.

On the hospitality side, companies along the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour have donated overnight stays at charming bed and breakfast stops, transportation and tourism packages, a six-foot tall Christmas tree made out of barrel staves and much more.

In addition to the auction, there will be a dedicated “buy it now” section where people can purchase bottles and other items without breaking the bank. Due to COVID and space restrictions, the live auction is not open to the public. Items will be available for viewing online and streaming.

Organizers have been humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of distillers and partners from outside Kentucky that offered assistance and items for the auction. Kentucky distillers also are sending pallets of hand sanitizer to Western Kentucky that remain from COVID relief efforts.

“The outpouring has been enormous,” Sargent said. “We immediately began receiving texts and calls throughout Kentucky and from coast to coast from our members, friends and partners in the national Bourbon community who knew that we could help them help Kentuckians.”

Gregory said he began making calls to distillers early Saturday morning when daylight gave way to the devastation of the tornados. Not one distiller turned down his request to donate barrels or bottles to the cause.

“I really didn’t have to ask,” he said. “They knew why I was calling and they were ready to help in any way. It could have been any of their communities or families or colleagues. That’s Bourbon. That’s the Kentucky spirit shining through. We’re all about taking care of each other.

“After all, Bourbon is America’s spirit and Kentucky is its birthplace. When Kentucky hurts, we hurt, and that’s why we’re doing this. Thank you to everyone who is helping in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, and please continue praying for our beloved Commonwealth and its people.”

For fun facts about Whiskey, Click Here

2021 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship – Medal Winners and Grand National Champions

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

The 2021 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship is proud to announce the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Moylan’s Distilling in Petaluma, California was named the U.S. Open Whiskey’s Grand National Champion after winning two gold medals, a silver and two bronze medals. Their Moylan’s Cask Strength Bourbon was a favorite among the judges. While, Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was named the 2021 U.S. Open Spirits’ Grand National Champion by winning an amazing four gold medals.

Judging in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships is blind; the judges know only the categories, but they do not know what they are tasting. The judging was delayed a little due to COVID. Canadian entries were judged by distillers and instructors from Niagara College in Welland, Ontario. The American entries were judged by distillers and Whiskey and Spirits experts in Oxford, Ohio(the home of the U.S. Open) and Buffalo, New York.

Here are the Top Distilleries and the medal winners.

Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Moylan’s Distilling – California
2. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
4. Devils River Distillery – Texas
5. Hill Top Distillery – Virginia

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
2. Collective Arts – Ontario
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
4. Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
5. Dry County Brands – Georgia

Bourbon
Gold – Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey – Tennessee
Silver – Hill Top Straight Bourbon – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Town Branch Bourbon – Town Branch Distillery – Kentucky

Bourbon (1-3 years)
Gold – Weldon Mills – Soldier’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey – North Carolina
Silver – Devils River Distiller’s Select – Devils River Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Longhair Jim – Acre Distilling – Texas

Small batch Bourbon(4-11 years)
Gold – Moylan’s Cask Strength Bourbon – Moylan’s Distilling – California
Silver – Rubicon Creek – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Uncle Nearest 1884 Premium – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey – Tennessee

Single Barrel Whiskey
Gold – Blizzard Peak Single Barrel – Spirits of the Rockies – Colorado
Silver – Spirit of the Oak Shareholders Barrel Select – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Bronze – Devils River Single Barrel – Devils River Distillery – Texas

Single Malt Whiskey
Gold – Fat Pug American Malt Whiskey – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery – Illinois
Silver – Alley 6 Single Malt Whiskey – Alley 6 Craft Distillery – California
Bronze – Moylan’s American Single Malt Whisky – Moylan’s Distilling – California

Rye Whiskey
Gold – Moylan’s Resistance Rye – Moylan’s Distilling – California
Silver – Cincinnati Rye Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Spirit of Harvest – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Bronze – Miami Valley Rye – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio

Blended Whiskey
Gold – James Scott Blended Whiskey – Knox Joseph Distillery- Ohio
Silver – Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskies – Wonderland Distilling – Michigan
Bronze – Matthew McD’s Straight Whiskey – Acre Distilling – Texas

Craft Whiskey
Gold – Hill Top Whiskey – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – Moylan’s Sherry Barrel Finished Whisky – Moylan’s Distilling – California
Bronze – Moylan’s Port Barrel Finished Whisky – Moylan’s Distilling – California

International Whisk(e)y
Gold – Galloping Goose Finished in Amontillado Barrels – James Bay Distillers – Washington
Silver – Ha’Penny Irish Whiskey – Town Branch Distillery – Kentucky(Ireland)
Bronze – White Rye – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario

Beer Distilled Whiskey
Gold – Jack’s Abby Smoke & Dagger American Whiskey – Berkshire Mountain Distillers – Massachusetts
Silver – Grand Canyon Fire Line – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona
Bronze – Hop Along Cassidy – Acre Distilling – Texas

Whiskey Aged in Beer Barrels
Gold – Straight Bourbon Whiskey Deadwood Cask Finish – Lonerider Spirits – North Carolina
Silver – Stout Cask Finished Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Beer Barrel Bourbon – New Holland Brewing – Michigan

Cinnamon Whiskey
Gold – Fire Brigade Cinnamon Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Silver – Cinnamon Girl – Acre Distilling – Texas
Bronze – Cinnamon Fire Thunder Snow – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona

Flavored Whiskey
Gold – Devils River Coffee Bourbon – Devils River Distillery – Texas
Silver – Southern Roots – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – No Award

Whiskey in Non-Traditional Barrel Aging
Gold – Wheat Penny – Cleveland Whiskey – Ohio
Silver – Underground Rye Whiskey – Cleveland Whiskey – Ohio
Bronze – BARGO 459 – BarJack LLC DBA BARGO 459 – Kentucky

Whiskey Anything Goes
Gold – Three Crosses American Whiskey Barrel Proof – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia
Silver – Rockfish Whiskey – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Honey Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Traditional Moonshine
Gold – Corn – Flatrock Distilling – Ohio
Silver – Fox Shine Siesta – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Bronze – Skyshine – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts

Flavored Moonshine
Gold – Blackberry Gooch Hooch – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – 4 Peppercorn – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Bronze – Lemon Top Moonshine – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia

Gin
Gold – Gin – Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
Gold – Gin – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Silver – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan
Bronze – Small Batch Gin – Gervasi Spirits – Ohio

Gin Other(Flavor and Barrel)
Gold – Rhubarb & Hibiscus – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Silver – Wyatt Jack Glacial Gin – Knox Joseph Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Meander Wooded Gin – Acre Distilling – Texas

VODKA
Gold – Rehorst Vodka – Great Lakes Distilling – Wisconsin
Silver – House Vodka – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Vodka – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Sterling – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario

VODKA Specialty(Flavor & Barrel Aged)
Gold – Rehorst Citrus Honey Vodka – Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
Silver – WMD Cinnamon Flavored Vodka – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Orange Blossom Vodka – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona

Rum
Gold – Hell’s Half Acre Rum – Acre Distilling – Texas
Silver – Libertas Colonial Rum – Brickway Distillery – Nebraska
Bronze – Grand Canyon Rum – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona
Bronze – Five Stories Barrel Aged Rum – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio

Specialty Spirits
Gold – Weldon Orchards – Weldon Mills Distilling – North Carolina
Silver – Dracula’s Flower – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Bronze – Ambrosia – Niagara College – Ontario
Bronze – Third Stage Absinthe Verte – Third Stage Absinthe – Tennessee

Can Cocktails
Gold – Pink Gin & Soda Raspberry & Bitter Orange – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Gold – Strawberry Mango RTD Cocktail – Wild Leap Brew – Georgia
Silver – Pink Gin & Soda Rhubarb and Hibiscus – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Bronze – Dry County Strawberry Lemonade – Dry County Brands – Georgia

Liqueurs
Gold – Good Land Cranberry Liqueur – Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
Silver – Blizzard Peak Frost – Spirits of the Rockies – Colorado
Bronze – BLU – Gervasi Spirits – Ohio

Bottle Mix Drinks
Gold – Dry County Manhattan – Dry County Brands – Georgia
Silver – Espresso Martini – Boston Harbor Distillery – Massachusetts
Bronze – Dry County Old Fashioned – Dry County Brands – Georgia

Agave and Similar Spirits
Gold – Okolehao – Hawaiian Ola Brewing – Hawaii
Silver – Dos Gringos Agave Spirits – Red Horse Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – No Award

2021 Scottish Whisky Awards announces winners including Distillery of the Year

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

The winners in the national awards program for Scotch whisky have been announced following a St Andrews day dinner and celebration held in Glasgow last night.

The 3rd annual Scottish Whisky Awards revealed the winners from its comprehensive competition that included the blind tasting of 200 Scotch whiskies and the assessment of 58 distilleries and whisky producers.

The ultimate award of the night, Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year, sponsored by Bruce Stephenson Insurance Brokers, was presented to Glen Scotia Distillery in Campbeltown. Part of the Loch Lomond Group, the distillery won praise for its commitment to the community, excellent product development and high-quality standards achieved in a challenging year. They also collected a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal in two taste categories.

Over 300 people joined in the St Andrews Day dinner and celebration which paired a three course Scottish meal paired with Scotch Whisky supplied by Johnnie Walker, Glen Garioch and Glen Scotia distilleries.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor Alan Wolstenholme, commented,

“Congratulations to all the winners in this year’s Scottish Whisky Awards. We have very much enjoyed reviewing the work of the Scotch whisky industry which has shown real innovation, resilience, and dedicated support for local communities. All of the efforts in judging, tasting, researching, reading, and debating are worth it as we all work together to increase the promotion of Scotch whisky as the number one whisky of choice in the world.”

The event also presented the first ever Dr. Jim Swan Award for Services to Scotch Whisky. The award was presented to Sheila Burtles, a sensory expert who was the first ever female scientist to advise the Scotch Whisky industry on flavor. Her most famous achievement is as co-inventor of the first ever Whisky Flavor Wheel, created in 1979. Aged 92, Ms. Burtles accepted the award at a private presentation at home with her award presented by Charlie Maclean the renowned whisky expert and judge in the Scottish Whisky Awards. He commented.

“It is with the greatest possible pleasure that I have been asked to present this award. I first met Sheila in 1992 when I was invited to a course which she was giving on sensory skills and without a word of a lie this course changed my life. She really is an unsung hero of the Scotch whisky industry. She deserves immense credit for making the link between chemistry and the language we use to describe flavor and for being the first to display it in a wheel. This idea was taken up very rapidly taken up all over the world. She really is a wonderful person and deserves every recognition.”

Working with Dr. Jim Swan, Burtles created the Scotch Whisky Flavor Wheel which was quickly adopted in brewing and in the US by the wine industry. Since then, it has also been developed in many new modern versions over decades by authors, academics, and major whisky brands worldwide.

Receiving the award, Sheila Burtles said,

“This is really unbelievable. I can only thank everybody who remembers me and for this award. I was so fortunate to be able to work with Jim Swan. I was a very lucky girl in the job I did, and I met wonderful people throughout Scotland. I suppose I must admit that I was a wee bit of a pioneer in the whisky industry when I dared to turn up alone among several men. I really feel very lucky, and it has been a splendid journey.”

Among the big winners in the evening were Glenmorangie who won 2 gold award medals for Glenmorangie The Signet and The Accord, their 12 year old Single Malt. North Star Spirits were celebrated for their haul of awards as Independent Bottler of the Year and also for collecting three Gold Medals for their Spica 40 Year Old Blend, Supersonic Mach 4 Blended Malt and for their 11 year old Bunnahabhain Single Malt Single Cask bottling.

The awards were sponsored for a third year by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers. Graeme Dempster, Account Manager, commented;

“Very many congratulations to all the winners in the Scottish Whisky Awards. It has been a hugely rewarding positive experience taking part in the competition this year and we wish all the medalists and winners every success in the months and years ahead.”

The winners in full:

Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year sponsored by Bruce Stevenson
WINNER: Glen Scotia Distillery

Product Launch of the Year sponsored by Saverglass
WINNER: Ardnamurchan Distillery

Independent Bottler of the Year
WINNER: North Star Spirits

Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Rankin & Sons
WINNER: Isle of Raasay Distillery

Judges Awards of Merit
Ardnahoe Distillery for Tourism and Community Contribution
Tomatin Distillery for Community Contribution
Kingsbarns Distillery for Tourism
Glenmorangie Distillery for Sustainability

TASTE CATEGORIES

Single Malt No Age Statement sponsored by Berlin Packaging UK
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie Signet, The Glenmorangie Distillery.
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Glen Scotia Double Cask, Glen Scotia Distillery.
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Glasgow 1770 The Original, Glasgow Distillery.

Single Malt No Age Statement (Peated)
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glasgow 1770 Peated; Glasgow Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha Islay; Bunnahabhain Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: CHAOS #2; North Star Spirits

Single Malt Under 12 Year Old
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Laphroaig 10 Year Old; Laphroaig Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Deveron 10 Year Old; Macduff Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2009 Batch 4; Benromach Distillery

Single Malt 12 Year Old sponsored by Winter UK
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie The Accord 12 Year Old; The Glenmorangie Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Year Old; The Glenmorangie Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old; Bunnahabhain Distillery

Single Malt 13 – 16 Year Old sponsored by Cooper Software
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glen Scotia 15 Year Old; Glen Scotia Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 16 Year Old; Aberfeldy Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie Cognac Cask Finish 13 Year Old; The Glenmorangie Distillery

Single Malt 17 – 20 Year Old
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glen Garioch 17 Year Old The Renaissance 3rd Chapter; Glen Garioch Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Deanston 18 Year Old; Deanston Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Glen Garioch 1999 Wine Cask Matured; Glen Garioch Distillery

Single Malt Over 21 Year Old sponsored by Sanderson Weatherall
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Royal Brackla Oloroso Palo Cortado & Perdo Ximenezv 21 Year Old; Royal Brackla Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Aultmore 21 Year Old; Aultmore Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old; Bunnahabhain Distillery

Single Cask 12 Year Old and Under
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old (Series 012); North Star Spirits
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Glen Garioch Hand filled Minnesota 2012 American Trilogy First fill cask 1355; Glen Garioch Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Bruichladdich Lochindaal 10 Year Old (Series 014); North Star Spirits

Single Cask 13 Year Old and Over
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Auchentoshan Distillery Cask – 1997 Oloroso; Auchentoshan Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: The Loch Fyne Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old; The Loch Fyne
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Blair Athol 14 Year Old (Series 014); North Star Spirits

Blended Scotch Whisky
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Black Bottle; Distell International
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Black Bottle Double Cask; Distell International
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Clansman Blended Scotch; Loch Lomond Group

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Supersonic Mach 4; North Star Spirits
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Ardgowan Distillery Clydebuilt Series Shipwright; Ardgowan Distillery Company
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Supersonic Mach 2; North Star Spirits

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Aged
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Artful Dodger Whisky Collective (Burnside) 1989 30 Year Old; Artful Dodger Whisky Collective
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: The Vatting Series – 6yo Peatside (PX + Bourbon Finish); Murray McDavid
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: The Vatting Series – 11yo The Speysiders (Ximenez-Spinola PX Finish); Murray McDavid

Blended Scotch Whisky – Aged
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Spica; North Star Spirits
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Artful Dodger Whisky Collective 1978 41 Year Old; Artful Dodger Whisky Collective
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Black Bottle 10 Year Old; Distell International

Single Grain Scotch Whisky
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky; Loch Lomond Group
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Loch Lomond Single Grain; Loch Lomond Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Select Grain Series 13yo North British (Murca Tawny Port Finish); Murray McDavid

For fun facts about Whiskey, Click Here

Buffalo Trace Lights up the Holidays With Its Annual “Lighting of the Trace”

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Kentucky – It’s time to get into the holiday spirit! Buffalo Trace Distillery is ready to kick off the season with a host of holiday festivities as part of its 21st annual “Lighting of the Trace.” This fun, family event will take place the evening of Monday, Dec. 2.

This jolly evening will be complete with refreshments, carols, Christmas stories read by Santa’s elves, and of course a visit from “the jolly old man” himself. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., a special candlelight tour of the Distillery will start, featuring carolers along the tour route.

Then, at 6:30 p.m. Frankfort City Commissioner, Eric Whisman will press the “magic button” that will light up more than 145,000 lights across the Distillery, including some new light features.

Directly following the Lighting ceremony there will be pictures with Santa Claus in the Clubhouse. Cookies will also be served along with hot chocolate to keep you warm.

The Buffalo Trace Gift Shop will be open until 8 p.m. that evening for all your holiday shopping needs. Plenty of great holiday gift ideas are in stock, including holiday gift baskets, food products, specialty clothing and much more.

Beginning at 8 p.m. the Distillery’s drive-through light display will open for motorists to drive through, ending at 9:30 p.m. Please observe signs and speed limits. As in years past, volunteers will be on hand to guide motorists through the route.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace, in Frankfort, Kentucky.

There is no charge for this event or the candlelight tour and it will take place regardless of
weather conditions.

Santa will be joining the fun on our holiday lights route 12/9, 12/10, 12/11, & 12/12 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm!

Visitors are also invited to drive through the Distillery grounds nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 through Jan. 1. The Distillery will be a winter wonderland with thousands of lights and colorful displays as in years’ past. If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Hobbs at 502-696-5983 or rhobbs@buffalotrace.com.

Please note children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event. There will be no unaccompanied children permitted to enter the Buffalo Trace grounds. No pets other than service animals are allowed on the grounds.

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” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.” 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.

Heaven’s Door Spirits Announces Release of The Bootleg Series Vol III

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Nashville, Tennessee – Heaven’s Door Spirits, which boasts a growing collection of exceptional whiskeys, announced today the release of its Bootleg Series Vol III.

Named in tribute to Bob Dylan’s famed series of album collections, the highly acclaimed Bootleg Series is a portfolio of rare whiskeys and special blends released annually. The 2019 inaugural release of The Bootleg Series (Vol I), received The Chairman’s Trophy and was named to the Top 100 Spirits at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020. The second release in the series (Vol II, 2020) was awarded Finished Bourbon of the Year at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition and was a 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist, earning 94 points. Both quickly sold out upon release.

The 2021 Bootleg Series release features a cask strength 13-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, finished in Vino de Naranja Casks. Native to Southern Spain, these casks are used to age an exclusive type of white wine utilizing a fully natural process that create a unique hue of orange in the finished wine. Bottled at cask strength, Heaven’s Door secondarily aged its mature Kentucky bourbon for almost a year in Vino de Naranja Casks, imparting a subtle sweetness, rich dark amber color and a multi layered flavor profile.

The Bootleg Series Vol III is presented in a handmade ceramic bottle featuring Bob Dylan’s painting, Sunday Afternoon, which showcases radiant coloring and brush strokes to illustrate a boating scene from the shore. Each bottle is housed in an individually numbered, handmade leather journal with ornate detailing that nods to traditional Southern Spanish architecture.

“I really look forward to each year’s Bootleg release, as it’s our opportunity to introduce some of our rarest and most innovative whiskeys,” said Heaven’s Door Master Blender, Ryan Perry. “The Bootleg Series Vol III allowed us to experiment with our first ever Kentucky bourbon release, one of which was aged for 13 years before our Vino de Naranja barrel finishing – pretty amazing! We’re really pleased with the final result, I just wish we had more bottles to offer all our loyal fans.”

With only 3,949 bottles released at a suggested retail price of $545.00, The Bootleg Series Vol III will be available at ReserveBar.com and select retailers nationwide in early December.

Bootleg Vol III is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water and features the following characteristics:

Age: 13 Years
Proof: 121.2
ABV: 60.6%
Nose: Rich and approachable body with notes of grilled peach, rye, and buttered popcorn
Palate: Sweet and spicy with notes of dark honey, black pepper, cherry and toasted oak
Finish: Sugared with notes of cream soda, candied orange, chocolate and graham cracker
The Heaven’s Door portfolio of award-winning whiskeys includes Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, $49.99 SRP), Double Barrel Whiskey (100 proof, $49.99 SRP), and Straight Rye Whiskey finished in cigar barrels from Vosges, France (92 proof, $79.99 SRP). Heaven’s Door is the perfect melding of art and craft with each bottle featuring Bob Dylan’s unique ironwork sculptures.

Heaven’s Door’s portfolio of whiskeys is available nationwide and online via Reservebar.com/collections/heavens-door. For more information about the brand visit www.heavensdoor.com or engage with the brand on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

About Heaven’s Door Spirits, LLC:
Heaven’s Door Spirits is a partnership between legendary musician and visual artist Bob Dylan and Spirits Investment Partnership (“SIP”). Heaven’s Door Spirits is the perfect blend of art and craft and is Bob Dylan’s first and only consumer brand partnership in his 50 year career. Website: www.heavensdoor.com.

About Bob Dylan:
Rough And Rowdy Ways, released in June, is Bob Dylan’s first album of new songs since becoming the only songwriter to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016; an award bestowed upon him by the Swedish Academy “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” He has released seven studio albums within the past 23-years; a creative span that also included the recording of an Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning composition, “Things Have Changed,” from the film Wonder Boys, in 2001; a worldwide best-selling memoir, Chronicles Vol. 1, which spent 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List, in 2004 and was recently named the greatest rock memoir of all time by Rolling Stone. He is the recipient of the Officier de la Legion d’honneur in 2013, Sweden’s Polar Music Award in 2000, a Doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and numerous other honors.

Bob Dylan has sold more than 125 million records around the world. Rough And Rowdy Ways is the artist’s 39th studio album, and among the most popular and critically acclaimed of his career. The album debuted in the Top Ten in 13 countries, including #1 chart entries in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany and Switzerland, #2 positions in The United States, Australia and Belgium, #3 in Sweden, and #4 in France and Italy. Rough And Rowdy Ways is the artist’s 18th studio album to debut in the U.S. Top 10.

About Spirits Investment Partners:
Spirits Investment Partners (“SIP”) is a boutique spirits innovation and brand development company comprised of a team of highly seasoned professionals with expertise in new product development, branding, sales, marketing, structured finance and investing.

Jim Beam Releases Jim Beam Bourbon Cream Just In Time For The Holiday Season

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Chicago, Illinois – This holiday season, Jim Beam® is helping you ring in the festivities with its new Jim Beam® Bourbon Cream — a rich, celebratory beverage best enjoyed with those who matter most. Jim Beam Bourbon Cream, a new innovation from a storied brand, combines sweet, velvety cream liqueur with the world’s finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The result is a balance of delicious cream complemented by bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, making it the perfect drink to add holiday “spirit” to all your gatherings this season.

To celebrate the launch of its limited-edition Bourbon Cream, Jim Beam is unveiling a holiday-focused campaign titled “Get to the Good Stuff,” which inspires people to speed through the holiday formalities and spend more time just relaxing and enjoying family and loved ones. Actress and bourbon fan Emily Hampshire is partnering with Jim Beam to create social content and share how she plans to “Get to the Good Stuff” this holiday season.

Jim Beam is also creating a limited number of kits available for purchase, which feature items to help you “Get to the Good Stuff.” The kits will be available first come, first served to legal-drinking-aged consumers at JimBeam.com/GetToTheGoodStuff starting today for $19.99 and will include:

The Quickest Wrapping Paper – Skip the unnecessary unwrapping and view your gift through the see-through paper

The Shortest Holiday Story – As quick a read as they come, this story lets you spend less time reading holiday stories, and more time creating your own with friends and family this season

The Fastest Board Game – This one should only last a few minutes, instead of hours.

The Easiest, Quickest Recipes – We’re here to help you prepare your at-home signature cocktail for the night…whether you have bartending skills or not.

“Jim Beam has been bringing people together for life’s everyday moments, as well as the most meaningful ones — like family time over the holidays — for over 200 years. ‘Getting to the Good Stuff’ means more meaningful moments with family and friends, and Jim Beam Bourbon Cream is the perfect cocktail pairing to savor these moments,” said Veronique Mura, vice president of marketing for Jim Beam at Beam Suntory. “Jim Beam’s Bourbon Cream is the newest indulgent innovation that makes the perfect drink to toast to special moments with — like finally being able to savor time with family once that holiday to-do list is complete.”

Jim Beam Bourbon Cream is best enjoyed over ice or in a Jim Beam Bourbon Cream Hot Chocolate. At 15% ABV (30 proof), it has a suggested retail price of $19.99 for 750mL and is now available for a limited time only at select retailers nationwide.

For more information about Jim Beam Bourbon Cream: visit jimbeam.com.

About Jim Beam
Jim Beam, the world’s best-selling bourbon, has been bringing people together since 1795. Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That’s what years of aging in new charred oak barrels does to our Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The seven generations of master distillers have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down for more than 225 years. Today, the Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Lineage, Jim Beam Old Tub, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Orange, Jim Beam Peach, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire and Red Stag by Jim Beam among other offerings.

For fun facts about Whiskey, Click Here