Archives for November 2022

Breckenridge Distillery Announces Ultimate Whiskey and Beer Collaboration With Breckenridge Brewery

November 22, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

BRECKENRIDGE — Breckenridge Distillery, the ‘World’s Highest Distillery,’ and Breckenridge Brewery return this season for the second-ever Buddy Pass, a unique barrel-exchange program to create a limited-edition Imperial Stout Cask Finish Whiskey and a Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout Beer. After selling out last year’s inaugural limited release in Colorado, Buddy Pass has expanded nationwide, entering 10 new markets and will hit retailers starting Oct. 24.

Buddy Pass is a unique collaboration between two iconic Colorado brands that allows you to sip the best of barrel-aged beer and beer-aged whiskey. The collaboration begins with Breckenridge Brewery’s Imperial Oatmeal Stout beer aged in Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon barrels to imbue boozy flavors from the whiskey barrel. After the beer is sufficiently aged, the barrels are returned to Breckenridge Distillery where they are filled once again with the distillery’s award-winning whiskey and aged again for about a year.

The whiskey, Breckenridge Distillery’s Imperial Stout Cask Finish Whiskey, highlights notes from the Imperial Oatmeal Stout resulting in a 114.7 proof spirit dark and sultry with notes of cinnamon and oak and a light background of fresh orange zest and chocolate. Smooth abundant caramel and dark chocolate hit the palate first as a dry matured oak and bold cinnamon spice follow and ride out for a long dry, spicy finish. The whiskey has an ABV of 57.35% and an MSRP ranging from $49-$60, depending on the market.

The beer, Breckenridge Brewery’s barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout, is a quintessential “big beer.” With a velvety mouthfeel, this beer is meant to be sipped, not slammed. The Imperial Oatmeal Stout imparts notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, espresso, and toffee; its time in the Breckenridge Distillery’s high-rye bourbon barrels imparts hints of caramel sweetness that take it to the next level.

Buddy Pass is a bold, boozy brew that is meant to be shared. The subsequent spirits and suds are a perfect marriage between the two treasured craft brands that both beer and whiskey lovers alike will enjoy.

Buddy Pass 2022 will be available in Colorado, Chicago, Southern California, Texas (Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio), New York City, South Florida, Upstate New York, Arizona, New Jersey, Atlanta, and the greater Washington D.C./Maryland/Delaware area. When both products are purchased together in the following markets, buyers can receive a $10 rebate: Southern Florida, Southern California, Arizona, Chicago, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York.

About Breckenridge Distillery
Founded in 2008, Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery” widely known for its award-winning blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. As one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the U.S., Breckenridge Bourbon is proudly a 3x Icons of Whisky and 5x winner of Best American Blended winner at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine and a 4x winner of Colorado Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition. Most recently, Breckenridge Gin and PX Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2021, Breckenridge Gin was named the World’s Best Compound Gin at the World Gin Awards by Gin Magazine.

The Breckenridge Distillery is more than award-winning spirits, offering an immersive guest experience. Dine at their award-winning restaurant, enjoy show-stopping cocktails, learn about their highly awarded spirits with an in-depth tasting, and get an inside look at their active production facility. New to the distillery, guests have the opportunity to blend their own whiskey as they learn the inner workings of whiskey production.

For Distilling fun facts, trivia, movies, and more Click Here.

About Breckenridge Brewery
Breckenridge Brewery opened its doors in 1990 in the ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado. What started as a small brewpub has grown into one of the largest breweries in the U.S. The original brewery still serves its craft beer and delicious pub fare at a high altitude. The production brewery outside of Denver sends beer to 49 states and offers tours, dining, and a welcoming Colorado beer garden experience. With a focus on balanced, approachable, and interesting beer, the brewery’s portfolio contains classics like Vanilla Porter, Avalanche Amber Ale, Agave Wheat, Strawberry Sky, and Hop Peak IPA, along with a variety of specialty beers that include seasonals, barrel-aged beers, the Brewery Lane Series, and a nitrogen-charged canned series.

Visit www.breckbrew.com for more information.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

J.T. Meleck Releases First Full Batch of Rice Whiskey In Time for 2022 Holiday Season

November 22, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

Branch, Louisiana – Mike Frugé and his family of fifth-generation rice farmers have released a full batch of their new J.T. Meleck Rice Whiskey in time for the holiday season. The whiskey will now be available year-round at select retailers throughout Louisiana and Arkansas. The Founder’s Small Batch Edition of the whiskey, harvested, distilled, and bottled in Louisiana from 100 percent rice, sold out last year.

J.T. Meleck Rice Whiskey is the second rice-based spirit for J.T. Meleck, which began distilling rice vodka in 2018. J.T. Meleck Rice Vodka earned a Double Gold Medal, Best of Category, and Best in Class from the American Distillery Institute in 2020.

Whiskeys are commonly made from grains like barley, corn, rye and wheat. Few distillers use rice as part of their mash bill in the U.S., and no American brand has ever crafted a whiskey made 100% from rice, at a commercial level. J.T. Meleck Distillers is the first to craft and market a whiskey made 100% from their rice on a large scale. Every step of the process takes place in Louisiana, from farm to glass.

Whiskey reviewer Fred Minnick, Ascot Awards Founder, and Chief Taster, said of J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey, “This is one of the more fascinating new whiskies I have tasted, not just all year but in my career…if you are a whiskey lover, this is a bottle that you want to hunt. If you are a bourbon lover. I think there are enough sweet notes in here…I think that you would love it.”

Like other American whiskeys, J.T. Meleck whiskey is aged for nearly 5 years in American oak, 53-gallon barrels. The spirit appears in an intense amber color. Its aroma characteristics include vanilla crème cake and white chocolate pudding. Its taste and texture is smooth, with hints of butterscotch, silky caramel, crème brulee, and dark chocolate with a bit of spice. It can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a classic cocktail.

“With our new American Rice Whiskey, we are offering our best, ready for you to share with family and friends this holiday season,” explains Mike Frugé, founder and owner of Frugé Spirits. “We were patient in our process to release a rice whiskey that was the best it could be, authentic to our Louisiana brand and true to our family’s story. We’re giving what we have directly to you; we hope you enjoy it.”

‍ABOUT J.T. MELECK AMERICAN RICE WHISKEY
SUB-BRAND/TIER: Louisiana American Rice Whiskey
VARIETAL: American Rice Whiskey
AGED: 4 years
ABV: 96 proof
ALC/VOL: 48%
SIZE: 750 ml
PRICE: SRP $47

Product Description:
Appearance: Amber in color and deep in intensity.
Nose: Aroma characteristics include vanilla crème cake and white chocolate pudding.
Tastings note: On the palate is a smooth texture with hints of butterscotch, silky caramel, crème brulee, and dark chocolate with a pit of spice. An excellent spirit meant to be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a classic cocktail.

Availability: https://www.jtmeleck.net/locate

‍About J.T. Meleck Distillers
One family. One farm. One great idea. It began in 1896 when John T. Meleck had the crazy idea to grow rice on 20 acres of marshland in South Louisiana. Against the odds, the name Meleck became synonymous with Louisiana rice, but to us, he is great, great Uncle John. Five generations later we still grow rice, and now crawfish, on the same 20 acres as our Uncle John. We’ve grown since then, but we are still as connected to the dirt as John was. Years ago, Mike Frugé began thinking: What if we could make a great spirit from our rice? The result is something truly special, born right here on our farm, just off Highway 35 in Branch, Louisiana. We work the dirt and grow the seed, just like Uncle John did. That’s why we’ve named it J.T. Meleck Distillers. We´re proud to take our rice from grain to glass, from our farm to your front porch.

Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to Share Series Two

November 22, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

Louisville, Kentucky – Following the success of their initial launch, the team behind Hidden Barn returns for round two with Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series Two, available this December. Series Two is composed of 10 barrels expertly blended by Master Blender Jackie Zykan.

Hidden Barn Series Two brings together pot still production and generously high rye mashbill, resulting in a flavorful and complex spirit. Barrels were distilled at M.B. Roland. The mash is fermented for three-four days using Christian County, Kentucky water and industry-standard yeast. It is then double pot distilled and collected at 110 proof. The undiluted distillate is then matured in wood-fired Kelvin Cooperage American White Oak barrels. Barrels rest on the property, and once matured, are filtered only for sediment before bottling. Located in Pembroke, Kentucky, M.B. Roland was the founding distillery of the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail.

“As with all Hidden Barn releases, we are looking to showcase the nuance and depth of flavor found only in small batches which allows each barrel to really shine,” said Zykan. “With Series Two, we opted for a high rye mashbill to showcase the multifaceted contribution this flavorful grain brings to a bourbon recipe.”

Hidden Barn Series Two showcases a high rye mash bill and its versatility outside of just spice. Batch #001 presents as a viscous mouthfeel with juicy, overripe blackberry and a hint of sweet Concord grape. The palate brings in smoky undertones, milk chocolate, and roasted nutty notes. The finish is clean on the front of the palate with fresh mint shining through. Series Two Batch #001 is presented at an undiluted batch proof of 112 proof/56% ABV.

In addition to the launch of the second series, Hidden Barn Series One, Batch #005 is currently available, along with a limited edition release finished in Madeira Casks.

Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was founded in the spirit of community and fellowship by a team of four friends and founders: Master Blender Jackie Zykan; Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery; and Nate Winegar and Matt Dankner of Colorado’s 5280 Whiskey Society.

Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series Two will be available beginning December 1 and is offered at a suggested retail price of $74.99. Hidden Barn products are currently distributed in Kentucky and Colorado and available online in Florida, and California along with 20 additional states and the District of Columbia. Also in December, distribution will begin in Missouri, Zykan’s native state.

Product: Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Series Two #001
Number of barrels: 10
Producer: MB Roland Distillery (D.S.P. 15010), Pembroke, Kentucky
Mash: 60 percent Corn (Christian County Grain), 35 percent Rye (Walnut Grove Farms), and 5 percent Malted Barley (Southfork Malt House)
Fermentation: 3-4 using Christian County, Ky. water
Distillation: Double pot distilled, collected at 110 proof
Maturation: Between 5-6 years
Barrel: wood-fired Kelvin Cooperage American White Oak
Fill: 110 proof (undiluted)
Filtration: Sediment filter only

What’s inside (in order of prominence): juicy, overripe blackberry, sweet Concord grape, smoky undertones, milk chocolate, roasted nuts, fresh mint

Distributed by:
Colorado:
LibDib: Colorado Front Range (Off-Premise Only)
Classic Beverage Company: (On-Premise) / Colorado Mountains (On and Off Premise)

Kentucky:
River City Distributing, Inc.
Missouri (starting in December):
Lohr Distributing Company

‍About Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kentuckians have been known to stand united. The sense of community that was so crucial to the production of bootleg whiskey in those hidden barns of Kentucky is the same spirit that inspires the Hidden Barn brand today. Local gatherings to unwind, trade stories, and share a good pour of whiskey are where the founders of Hidden Barn found their fellowship. The shared desire to build connection and fellowship drove them to become business partners. Founded in 2022 by Master Distiller Royce Neeley, Master Blender Jackie Zykan, 5820 Whiskey Society’s Nate Winegar and Matt Dankner, Hidden Barn honors the tradition of whiskey made the hard way in a celebration of community, shared passion, and alchemy to create whiskey worth sharing. More information is available at HiddenBarnWhiskey.com.

FUJI Whisky Debuts 30-Year-Old Single Grain Whiskey in the U.S.

November 9, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

NEW YORK, N.Y.— The award-winning Japanese whisky brand, FUJI Whisky, announces the U.S. release of its 30-Year-Old Single Grain Whiskey. A rare and precious whiskey, this 30-Year-Old release represents the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship from the Mt. Fuji Distillery, located just 7.5 miles off the base the most iconic landmark in Japan, for which it is named: Mt. Fuji. Only 100 bottles of this elegant whiskey will be available in the U.S in 2022.

A blend of multiple maturates of Canadian style grain whiskies, the FUJI 30-Year-Old Single Grain Whiskey includes distillates aged more than 30 years, including some aged up to 40 years. Distilled by the batch distillation method “kettle & column” and then rested in used American White Oak Barrels, each barrel was meticulously hand selected by Master Blender, Jota Tanaka, to create a rich, luscious, and beautifully balanced style whiskey with complexity. Recently, Tanaka was inducted into the World Whisky Awards Hall of Fame and is only the second Master Blender in Mt. Fuji Distillery’s 48-year history, a testament to the passion, expertise, and craftsmanship that went into this 30-Year-Old Release.

“As Master Blender, it was an incredible privilege to see this expression awarded the honor of being named ‘World’s Best Grain Whiskey’ in its initial year of release in 2020 at the World Whiskies Awards, and trophy at the International Spirits Challenge,” said Jota Tanaka. “I am excited to finally share this rare gem with the U.S. and for a new audience to experience this exceptional whiskey.”

The FUJI 30-Year-Old Single Grain Whiskey Tasting Notes from Master Blender Jota Tanaka are as follows:

Nose: Sweet and fragrant aromas of nutty brown sugar are concentrated, with ripe fresh and dried fruit.
The Palate: The flavors are opulent and concentrated with a seductive honeyed sweetness and bitter chocolate notes.
Finish: A gently woody aftertaste lingers that supports the layered, complex flavors.
A leader in grain whisky innovation, FUJI Whisky made its U.S. debut last year with the release of FUJI Single Grain Whiskey(SRP $94.99), in partnership with Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners. The FUJI Single Grain Whiskey is a blend of three different grain whiskeys, each distilled in three different methods, each possessing its own unique flavor profile, resulting in a delicately fruity whiskey that is both mellow and multi-layered in profile.

Mt. Fuji Distillery was established in 1973 to bring the best of Japanese craftsmanship to life while employing Scottish, American, and Canadian whisk(e)y making methods under a single roof, an amalgamation that celebrates whisky’s worldwide heritage. Situated just 7.5 miles from the peak of Mt. Fuji, FUJI Whisky is the only whisky in Japan to use the mountain’s snowmelt in its production. The snowmelt’s 50-year journey from Mt. Fuji’s peak to the depths of an underground aquifer to the distillery results in a uniquely clear, pristine, and soft water that is the foundation for FUJI’s distinctive whisky expressions.

The FUJI 30-Year-Old Whiskey is bottled at 92 proof and is available in available in California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida at an SRP of $2999.99/700ml bottle.

About Fuji Whiskey
FUJI Whisky is named after the most iconic landmark in Japan, Mt. Fuji, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, cultural inspiration, and the location of Mt. Fuji Distillery just 7.5 miles from the mountain’s peak, surrounded by pure forest. Established in 1973 to bring the best of Japanese craftsmanship with Scottish, American and Canadian technology under one roof, it is the closest distillery to Mt. Fuji in all of Japan. Named after one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Mt. Fuji Distillery is situated just miles from the peak of Mt. Fuji and is one of the only whiskies in the world to use the mountain’s snowmelt in its production. The snowmelt’s 50-year journey from Mt. Fuji’s peak to the depths of an underground aquifer to the distillery results in a uniquely clear, pristine, and soft water that is the foundation for FUJI’s distinctive whisky expressions.

Mt. Fuji Distillery has a long history of awards and accolades and is considered the leader in Japanese Grain Whisky. 2020 awards on the new FUJI brand include Trophy at the International Spirits Challenge, Worlds Best Grain & Gold at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards. This adds richly to the brand’s pedigree that includes winning the World Whiskies Awards “World Best Grain” four times in five years.

About Distinguished Vineyards
Formed in 2008, Distinguished Vineyards is a dynamic mid-size wine and spirits company that includes a collection of iconic , premium brands from around the world. Recognized as benchmarks from their regions, the portfolio includes the highly acclaimed Argyle Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, MacRostie Winery in Sonoma County, Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley, Wither Hills from Marlborough, New Zealand and FUJI Whisky from Japan. Dedicated to excellence, social equity and sustainability, Distinguished Vineyards includes more than 1,000 acres of sustainably certified estate vineyards and has achieved local certification for sustainable practices at each of its wineries.

For More Information: https://fujiwhisky.com/