Archives for April 2023

Booker’s Bourbon Releases First Batch Of 2023 Collection

April 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Booker’s Bourbon has released its first batch of the 2023 collection, Booker’s Batch 2023-01 “Charlie’s Batch.”

A statement from Booker’s noted that this batch is named in honor of Charlie Hutchens, the craftsman behind the signature wooden box that each Booker’s bottle comes in.

Officials from Booker’s noted that Charlie worked at the distillery when Booker Noe was master distiller and is also a long-time friend of the Noe family. During his time at the distillery, Charlie was quite the storyteller and would entertain others throughout the workday. He was detail oriented, like Booker with his whiskey.

After several years, Charlie left the business to open his own cabinet shop with his brother. Charlie handcrafted the very first Booker’s Bourbon wooden boxes in his garage and has created the boxes for the brand since.

He and his brother have expanded their business to create other wood products for different brands and projects in the Beam family, such as supplying custom furniture to the new Fred B. Noe Distillery – where Booker’s Bourbon is now distilled.

Charlie still lives near the Booker Noe Distillery and spends his free time fishing and vacationing with his family in South Carolina.

Like all batches of Booker’s Bourbon, Booker’s “Charlie’s Batch” was selected by seventh generation Master Distiller Fred Noe.

The distiller noted Booker’s “Charlie’s Batch” is a well-aged amber color and has a balanced aroma of oak, toasted nuts and vanilla notes without too much wood. It has a slightly warm taste with a pleasant finish.

Booker’s Bourbon is bottled uncut and unfiltered, and inspired by a 200-year-old family tradition. Sixth Generation Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe first created Booker’s Bourbon as a Christmas gift for close friends and family. Booker took barrels found in the center-cut of the rack house and bottled the bourbon straight-from-the-barrel.

Each batch is released in limited quantities and features a unique label and batch name that honors Booker Noe, his love of family and his spirit of experimentation.

Booker’s “Charlie’s Batch” was aged 7 years, 1 month, and 8 days and clocks in at 126.6 proof. It’s now available nationwide in limited quantities with a suggested retail price of $89.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

For more information, check out www.BookersBourbon.com.

Tattersall Distilling to release whiskey from new, perennial grain Kernza

April 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Perhaps you’ve never heard of Kernza, a perennial grain. Yet the drought-tolerant grass might just show up in your next happy hour, as Tattersall Distilling Co. releases its new Tattersall Kernza Perennial Grain Whiskey.

It is the first 100% Kernza whiskey in the country, and it is being launched with a tasting and celebration on April 29 in River Falls.

Jon Kreidler is chief officer of Tattersall Distilling Company, which he co-founded with his childhood friend Dan Oskey in Minneapolis in 2015. In 2021, they crossed over the Wisconsin border and opened a 75,000-square-foot tasting room, restaurant and event space in a former Shopko in River Falls. It is home to the largest solar array of any craft distillery in the nation, plus a first of its kind water reclamation system.

Tattersall was tapped by the Land Institute of Kansas and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green initiative to see if there was an interest in working with the perennial. Sustainability is a large part of Tattersall’s approach.

Whiskey made with Kernza is a test and an experiment for the distillery, and part of a growing goal for the perennial grain. This has been years in the making, starting with the investment in the grains and a farmer in Cambridge, Minn., who grows them for the distillery.

“Bang Brewing, a really cool brewery out of St. Paul, has featured Kernza. Dogfish Head has made beer with it, but at the time we started nobody was distilling,” said Kreidler.

While there is still a learning curve for growing and using Kernza, which is the first commercially available perennial grain, Kreidler sees it as worth the investment. Interest is growing as availability continues to move forward.

“The concept of the perennial grain itself, if you aren’t tearing up the land, you aren’t releasing a lot of carbon. If you can avoid that, it is pretty awesome,” Kreidler said. “In addition, the Kernza taproot is between 8 and 15 feet, so it is a drought-resistant grain, which is super important.”

“Kernza has only really been on the landscape in a modestly signficant way since about 2019,” said Kimbler. “That is when the first commercial acreage started to be produced.”

Kimbler added, “Perennial means that Kernza is planted once, and it grows and produces grain for four to five years without having to replant it. You don’t have to till the fields.”

On April 29 in collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR, Tattersall will launch the Kernza perennial grain whiskey and give away 1,400 trees in honor of Arbor Day.

“We’ve always been about what drives us for the future. I’ve got kids, most of the guys on the team do too. There is relation business wise, but it is the right thing to do, and what everybody should be doing. We think everybody will get there eventually,” Kreidler said.

Kernza is just the beginning for Tattersall’s search for sustainable sips. The distillery is also looking at pea protein.

For more information please visit https://www.tattersalldistilling.com/

Michter’s Announces Return of 10 Year Rye

April 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Tuesday, Kentucky whiskey brand Michter’s announced that it will release its 10-year-old straight rye whiskey for the first time since July.

“Our goal is to make the greatest American whiskey,” Master Distiller Dan McKee said in a news release. “We would love to be able to offer more of it, but we simply won’t do so until the whiskey is ready at the standard our loyal Michter’s drinkers expect. I do think that we have some good news to share in that respect, which is why I am so happy to introduce the 2023 release of Michter’s 10 Year Rye.”

Bottled at 92.8 proof, Michter’s 10 Year Rye has a suggested retail price of $200.

The return of Michter’s 10 Year Rye comes amid ongoing inventory constraints due to high demand for the popular brand’s products.

In February, Michter’s announced the return of its single-barrel 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon for the first time since 2021.

In January, the brand released its Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey for the first time since 2019.

About 10-Year Rye and Michter’s Distillery

The 10-Year Rye, 10-Year Bourbon and 20-Year Bourbon expressions reflect the
exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky’s unrivaled
climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often significantly older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in these highly limited releases.

For more information please visit https://michters.com/whiskeys/

Today’s Top Whiskey Stories

April 25, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

The Limited-Edition Celebratory Bourbon Old Forester Sells Annually(April 25) As with most Bourbons, Old Forester, the renowned Bourbon distillery, regularly releases limited edition bottles. But there’s one in particular that is extra-special to avid fans of the brand. Every year on September 2nd, Old Forester releases a limited edition birthday Bourbon in celebration of its founder, George Garvin Brown’s birthday. The tradition started back in 2002, and since then, the annual release has become a highly anticipated event in the world of Bourbon aficionados. Complete Story

Milam & Greene’s Newest Whiskey Is Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon(April 24) Milam & Greene Whiskey recently unveiled Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon, the second release in their Wildlife Collection. A statement from the distiller notes that this limited-edition series of cask-strength, single-barrel whiskeys showcases the effects of Texas Hill Country weather on aging whiskey. At the same time, the distiller noted, it honors the local Texas wildlife that thrives in Texas’ challenging environment. Complete Story

Taste Test: Bardstown Bourbon Has Made the Best Rum Cask-Finished Whiskey on the Market(April 23) It’s one thing for a distillery to finish its whiskey in a rum cask—the concept isn’t new, but when done right it can add a nice burst of tropical flavor to the palate. But it’s another thing when those casks come from one of the best rum distilleries out there, and such is the case with the new Foursquare Rum Collaborative Series from Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company. Complete Story

Bourbon charity raffles underway; Weller, Old Rip Van Winkle among prized bottles(April 14) – In Cleveland, Ohio, a Kentucky non-profit Give 270 is offering its latest series of charity whiskey raffles, which includes special weekly drawings and a new 50-4-50 Bourbon Strong raffle event. Celebrating Give 270′s seventh anniversary as a nonprofit, the Whiskey Wednesdays Birthday Bash will provide ticket buyers with five chances to win bourbon prizes weekly. Complete Story

Watershed Distillery to host first BourbonFest, debut newest bourbon(April 12) – A Columbus distillery is celebrating its bourbon with a bang this month — and they want alcohol aficionados to join them. Watershed Distillery will host its first-ever BourbonFest on April 22 as it introduces its newest spirit, Watershed Distillery Uncut Unfiltered Bourbon. With fresh food, live music, guided bourbon tours, and a lesson on Watershed’s distillation process, BourbonFest is bringing the distillery back to its bourbon-based roots. Complete Story

Top Texas Bourbons, Ryes And Malt Whiskeys Rated Again By Texas Whiskey Festival(April 12) – Coming April 22nd is the 6th annual Texas Whiskey Festival at Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, Texas. And prior to those upcoming festivities, the Texas Whiskey Festival put on a competition to find the best Texas bourbon, rye, malt, and flavored whiskeys. Complete Story

Why Is Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon So Rare?(March 28) – Tracking down a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is kind of like winning the alcohol lottery. It’s not easy to get your hands on this unique label, and if you do happen to find yourself with the opportunity to sample a dram, be prepared to pay dearly for it. Complete Story

Middle West Spirits expansion underway for state’s biggest distillery(March 27) – Middle West Spirits, the 15-year-old Columbus distillery, received state tax breaks Monday for a new facility on Alum Creek Drive that the company says will be the largest distillery in Ohio. Complete Story

Virginia Distillery Company Funding Endowment For Women In Whiskey Scholarships(March 14) – The woman-owned Virginia Distillery Company is celebrating Women’s History Month by announcing its “Angela H. Moore – Women in Distilling Scholarship.” A statement from the distiller notes that this scholarship will provide $100,000 in scholarship aid for female students at Appalachian State University entering the field of distillation and whiskey production. Complete Story

Blue Run Spirits release renderings of new high-concept $51M distillery in Kentucky(March 27) – Blue Run Spirits revealed the first look at its planned whiskey distillery and headquarters in Georgetown, Kentucky, designed by international architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group, according to Louisville Business First. The 35,000-square-foot distillery and a 20,000-square-foot rickhouse will break ground in 2023 at the Lanes Run Business Park, according to a news release. Louisville Business First previously reported the project is expected to be a nearly $51 million investment. Complete Story

Taste Test: Forget Jack Daniels. Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery Is Making Some of the Best Whiskey in the State. (February 28) Barrel finishes are all the rage in the American whiskey world, but that usually applies to bourbon and rye. Chattanooga Whiskey went a different route with its new Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Finish, giving its already interesting malt whiskey a lengthy amount of time in red wine barrels, and the results are very, very good. Complete Story

Oak House is Athens’ first legal distillery since the 1860s(February 27) While Athens is known for college football and indie music, one couple wants it also to be known for world-class spirits. Rob Woods and Supakana “Air” Nagachinta are opening the first legal distillery in Athens since the 1860s. And, their state-of-the-art distilling equipment is located on a site dating to that same era. Complete Story

Inverness’ first distillery since 1892 opens(February 27) Inverness’ first distillery in 130 years has officially opened on the city’s riverside. Uile-bheist, Gaelic for “monster”, cost £7.5m to construct and fit out. It is the first distillery to open in Inverness since 1892. Complete Story

GrandTen Distilling Introduces A California Single Malt Whiskey (February 27)Boston’s GrandTen Distilling recently announced its new line of limited-edition GrandTen Whiskey. The brand’s first American whiskey, called Chapter 1 – A Long Time Coming, is now available for purchase at their Boston location and at liquor stores throughout the state of Massachusetts. A statement from GrandTen Distilling noted that Chapter 1 – A Long Time Coming is a California single malt made using a unique blend of grains and aged in oak barrels for a smooth flavor. Complete Story

Chattanooga Whiskey named Craft Producer of the Year(February 19) At the recent 2023 Icons of Whisky Awards, Chattanooga Whiskey took home the title of Craft Producer of the Year. The awards are hosted by Whisky Magazine in conjunction with the World Whiskies Awards + recognize the people, places, and products of the whiskey industry. Complete Story

Storm King Distilling wins the ‘Best American Whiskey’ award at the prestigious event(February 18) -Storm King Distilling Company, located in Montrose, brought home the trophy for ‘Best American Whiskey.’ It was their ‘Side Gig’ whiskey expression that snagged the prize, described by Storm King as a “fun little side project.” Complete Story

The Distillery Behind Jameson Just Dropped a New Experimental Irish Whiskey—and We’re Impressed(February 17) – Method and Madness is the main brand made at the Midleton Micro-Distillery, led by distiller Katherine Condon and apprentice distiller Eva O’Doherty. The first three releases were actually all originally distilled in the main distillery, although production has now moved over to the Micro-Distillery. Complete Story

Booze alert! BH James Distillery opens in Adairville, Kentucky(February 13) – Shawn McCormick, a man of Logan County lineage, has recently opened a distillery in the old Adairville fire station. McCormick, at his bourbon and vodka distillation facility, along with his small staff, spends days making spirits named to the tune of his family’s history. Complete Story

Shortbarrel Bourbon Acquires Atlanta’s Old Fourth Distillery(February 13) – Atlanta’s Shortbarrel Bourbon recently announced the acquisition of the Old Fourth Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in Atlanta. A statement from Shortbarrel notes that in the deal, they have acquired the rights to the Old Fourth brand, existing product inventory, and a thousand barrels of aged whiskey. Complete Story

Bluegrass Distillery coming to Midway, Kentucky(February 3) – A new distillery is coming to Woodford County. State leaders were on hand to break ground on Bluegrass Distillery at Elkwood Farms in Midway, Kentucky. It is the first distillery to be located in Midway since 1959. Complete Story

6-bottle Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon collection being auctioned for NE Ohio Ronald McDonald House Charities(Febuary 2) – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio is launching its first raffle of rare Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon. The raffle for a six-bottle collection runs through Friday, March 31. Complete Story

Boondocks Just Dropped an 18-Year-Old Bourbon Collectors Will Clamor For(Febuary 1) – Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in—so goes the Mafia, and so goes the whiskey industry. At least that’s the case with ex-Woodford Reserve distiller David Scheurich, who founded Boondocks American Whiskey in 2016 after four decades in the business. Complete Story

Making memories at Buffalo Trace Distillery(February 2) -Along the banks of the Kentucky River is one of the oldest Kentucky traditions. “1786 was when the site was first created. In the early 1800s, Taylor introduced a new process for making whiskey here using column stills,” said Freddie Johnson, a tour guide and ambassador for Buffalo Trace Distillery. Complete Story

The Bottled In Bond Act Of 1897 Established Quality Bourbon In The US(February 1) -Along the banks of the Kentucky River is one of the oldest Kentucky traditions. “1786 was when the site was first created. In the early 1800s, Taylor introduced a new process for making whiskey here using column stills,” said Freddie Johnson, a tour guide and ambassador for Buffalo Trace Distillery. Complete Story

The Absolute Best Scotch Whiskies Between $40-$50 ranked UPROXX Magazine(January 17) – The beauty of Scotch whisky is that it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to enjoy. There are plenty of modestly priced (in the grand scheme of things) bottles that absolutely rock. In fact, some great Scotch whiskies are priced under $50. The best part? You can usually find these lower-cost gems on the shelf around the country without too much effort. Complete Story

‘The damage was done’: Why Bourbon Haus 1841 in Covington is permanently closed(January 16) – Bourbon Haus 1841, located at 522 Main St. in Covington, announced its closure earlier this month via Facebook. The bar was previously featured on the B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s Bourbon trail, and named one of America’s best bourbon bars by Bourbon Magazine. Complete Story

Tequila overtakes American whiskey in US(Jananuary 13) – Mexican spirit Tequila has surpassed American whiskey in value terms to become the second most valuable spirit category in the US. Furthermore, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis said Tequila was set to overtake vodka in 2023 to be the biggest category by value. Complete Story

Here’s 8 distilleries near Louisville that you may not know about(January 6) – Southern Indiana has a rising distillery culture. There are at least eight distilleries in Southern Indiana within a two-hour drive of Louisville ― and three of those are even closer to Derby City than taking a quick jaunt down to Bardstown. Complete Story

Here’s Why You Could Soon Be Drinking Whisky Made With Grains That Have Been Extinct for Hundreds of Years(January 4) – Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, are working on reviving extinct heritage barley varieties, which could be used to make whisky, BBC reported this week. Complete Story

Bulleit’s Former Whiskey Blender Goes to Dread River to Launch Her Own Bourbon(January 3) – Back in 2019, we had the chance to speak with Eboni Major, who at the time was the Whiskey Blender at Bulleit, which falls under the corporate umbrella of spirits giant Diageo. In 2020, Major left Diageo and pursued a racial discrimination lawsuit against her former company (though her attorney voluntarily dismissed that suit in July of last year, a Diageo rep tells us). Now, Major — who was the first Black blender at a major distiller, according to the New York Times – has struck out on her own, releasing her first bourbon since leaving Bulleit. Complete Story

The 2022 Best Whiskey Awards by Whiskey Raiders: Which Brands Came Out on Top This Year? (December 31) – 2022 was a fantastic year for whiskey, and we want to make sure the producers who put out delightful releases over the course of the year get their due. Thus, we’re introducing the 2022 Best Whiskey Awards by Whiskey Raiders, in which we give credit to the best brands and whiskeys of the year. Complete Story

These Women Distillers Are Rising With the American Whiskey Boom(December 29) – It’s been quite a decade for American whiskey — just ask Andrea Wilson and Nicole Austin. Ten years ago, Ms. Wilson was working for Diageo, the spirits giant, overseeing its North American distillation program. And Ms. Austin had just jumped from a consulting job in waste management to Kings County Distillery, a tiny start-up working out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Complete Story

Georgia has a distillery and it’s becoming Legendary!(December 28) – Along with their Vodka and Gin, altogether Legends Distillery has racked up 42 awards including Double Platinum’s at the 2021 & 2022 Ascot Awards with the prestige of being voted the “Best Wheated Bourbon In The Country”, Platinum Best In Class, and 2022 Consumer Choice Award at the SIP Awards and the Vodka achieving the accolade of “Vodka of the Year”, making Legends Distillery Georgia’s highest awarded spirits producer thanks to their patented “Quantum Purity” process that reduces impurities and enhances flavor for a smooth and pure finish. Complete Story

St. Cloud’s only distillery set to open in early January(December 27) – A new business set to open here in early January will pay homage to the city’s industrial east side and the region’s heritage as a liquor-making hub. Iron Street Distillery will be the city’s only distillery, surprising given the boom in the industry in the state in recent years and given the area’s history. A century ago, farmers in rural Stearns County became nationally known for making some of the highest-quality moonshine available during Prohibition. Complete Story

Round Barn Winery, Distillery, & Brewery looks to add new location(December 26) – The Round Barn Winery, Brewery, and Distillery in Niles is looking to add its next location in the city limits. Plans were disclosed tonight for a restaurant and pub that is centered around community enjoyment. Located at 501 Grant street, the Moersch Hospitality Group plans to renovate a church that dates back to the 1950’s. Complete Story

TX Whiskey Releases New Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond

April 23, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

All right whiskey fans get out your favorite rock glass set and prepare to sip TX Whiskey’s newest experimental libation, TX Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond. This new spirit is the fifth in a line of whiskeys straight out of the TX Experimental Series. Other expressions from this limited collection include TX Experimental Rye, TX High Rye Texas Straight Bourbon, TX Blended Straight Bourbon, and TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum & Cognac Barrels.

According to a release, this new rye showcases the combination of Texas grain and Texas maturation, which highlights the flavors developed over four summers at TX Whiskey’s distillery, inside of the Whiskey Ranch. The aroma of light baking spice combined with the fruity balance of banana and apple carries through the palate, with a long finish of floral, caramel, and vanilla. This 100% rye whiskey expresses unique flavors crafted with a Texan’s palette in mind.

“This experimental release utilizes Texas rye grown for us by a single farm, Sawyer Farms, distilled on our column at Whiskey Ranch within a single season,” says head distiller, Evan Brewer. “It’s aged for over four years on the second floor of our rickhouse, being subjected to the Texas heat and manic weather. This combination has created a really nice whiskey that we felt was best showcased at 100 proof, with the added distinction of being bottled in bond.”

Only 1500 375ml bottles of TX Experimental Series TX Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond will be available for purchase at Whiskey Ranch.

About TX Whiskey and Firestone and Robertson Distilling Co.

We love everything about the world of whiskey: the history, the people, the techniques, the art, the science, the equipment and the satisfaction of sharing an incredible bottle with friends. But we didn’t always know that we shared the same passion – or that we both wanted to leave the corporate world to act on the same entrepreneurial instinct.

We became friends a few years ago, because our kids were in the same playgroup, but neither one of us had any idea of the other’s distillation dreams – until we both independently made plans to visit the same craft distillery to learn more about the trade.

Troy got there first, and while chatting with the owner, discovered that “another Fort Worth guy” had scheduled a visit the following week. Imagine Troy’s surprise when he found out it was Leonard.

“I hear you want to get into the whiskey business?” Troy said when he called Leonard later.

Leonard, who’d told no one but his wife about his plans, was floored. We got together for lunch the next day and quickly discovered we had the same vision for creating truly Texas whiskeys, and the same obsession with old-fashioned craftsmanship. We both had extensive experience with startup companies, and we immediately realized that together, we had the passion and know-how to make our whiskey dreams a reality.

We set out to find a suitable building for our distillery, and finally found the perfect location – a reclaimed prohibition-era warehouse just south of downtown Fort Worth. We completely renovated the interior, using materials we found in the building. Then we added two brand new copper pot-column hybrid stills, custom built to our specifications by Vendome Copper & Brass Works, Inc., the top still manufacturer in the United States.

We think the distillery is just awesome. And we think the whiskeys we’re producing are exceptional. We’d like nothing better than to show you how we create them, and, of course, give you a sample of each delicious product. Please come visit us. That would make us (and hopefully you) very happy.

For more information visit https://www.frdistilling.com/

‘A Real Flavor Bomb’: Milam and Greene Announces 2nd Single Barrel Bourbon in Extremely Limited Wildlife Collection

April 23, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Wednesday, Milam and Greene Whiskey unveiled Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon, the second release in the brand’s Wildlife Collection, a limited-edition series of cask-strength, single-barrel whiskeys intended to show the effects of Texas weather on aging whiskey.

The Wildlife Collection pays homage to the wildlife that thrives in the hot climate of Texas. Bobcat is the second release in the series, following Scorpion, which was released in February.

Milam and Greene Wildlife Collection Bobcat Single Barrel was distilled in Tennessee from a mashbill of 80% corn, 10% rye and 10% malted barley. It was barreled on March 15, 2018, and bottled March 31, 2023, at 119.48 proof.

Bobcat Single Barrel was aged more than four years in new oak barrels with a #4 alligator char in Tennessee before spending 10.5 months at the Milam and Greene distillery in Blanco, Texas. During the time the barrel spent at Milam and Greene, Blanco saw almost two months of triple-digit temperatures, a drought and a multi-day ice storm.

Bobcat Single Barrel will be available exclusively on the Milam and Greene Whiskey website and in the distillery tasting room beginning at 3 p.m. CST on April 26. The single barrel yielded only 209 bottles, which will be available for $99.99 each. Of the 209 bottles, 168 will be available online, and the other 41 will be for sale at the distillery.

About Milam & Greene Whiskey

Milam & Greene was created by founder Marsha Milam, whiskey expert and Master Blender Heather Greene, and Kentucky veteran Master Distiller Marlene Holmes. Our charming distillery sits in the lush, Texas Hill Country where the hot summers, mild winters, and wild temperature variances add spark and personality to our spirit. To achieve excellence, we bring in grains, yeast, barrels and experience from all across America to create our award-winning whiskies. As well as multiple gold, double gold and platinum awards from credible spirits competitions and high marks from Wine Enthusiast, in 2021 Milam & Greene was awarded the “People’s Choice Award” at The Texas Whiskey Festival and “Best in Show” out of 550 entrants at The American Craft Spirits Association.

For more information please visit https://milamandgreenewhiskey.com/

Furman University Releases ‘FU All The Time’ Bourbon

April 23, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Saturday, Furman University launched a straight bourbon whiskey, named “FU All The Time.” The university debuted the whiskey at a launch party on campus for the Clearly Furman campaign. The campaign aims to raise $426 million by the university’s bicentennial in 2026.

Furman is a private university in Greenville, South Carolina.

FU All The Time Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled from a four-grain mashbill (corn, wheat and rye from Virginia, and malted barley) by Virginia-based Ironclad Distillery. Ironclad aged the bourbon for at least three years in oak barrels from South Carolina before bottling it at 100 proof.

Presumably, the school is aware its initials sound like “Eff you” and is in on the joke. The chant goes “FU one time, FU two times, FU three times, FU all the time!”

FU All The Time is available to be ordered online from the Ironclad Distillery website, priced at $83.69. It also will be sold in liquor stores and restaurants across upstate South Carolina, with statewide distribution coming soon.

About The Clearly Furman Campaign

“The launch of the Clearly Furman campaign was an exciting time, with hundreds of alumni and donors and other friends on campus,” Elizabeth Lichtenberg, senior director of brand strategy and visual communications for Furman, said in a news release. “We thought FU All the Time bourbon would be popular, and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it. It felt good to be able to offer the Furman Family something new and unique that they can enjoy and take some pride in, and give them a new way to toast and celebrate Furman. We expect this new product to be a favorite for a long time.”

About Iron Clad Distillery

In 1862, one year into the American Civil War, the first ships to be armored in iron engaged in the waters off the Port of Newport News, Virginia. A few hours later, the Navy would be changed forever.

That mighty battle inspired our name. And it’s why we stick to our guns. We make authentic bourbon. That’s it. Nothing else. It’s our Ironclad rule.

Working with some of Virginia’s best grains, our aim is to produce bourbon whiskey that is accessible in flavor and price, while being of the highest quality of production.

Located along the James River, within view of the old Battle of the Ironclads site, Ironclad operates in the prodigious S.W. Holt & Co. warehouse built in 1913.

For more information please visit https://www.ironcladdistillery.com/store/fu-all-the-time

The Latest Bourbon From Buffalo Trace Is Aged in Spanish Oak Casks

April 23, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Wednesday, Kentucky whiskey producer Buffalo Trace announced the latest release in its Old Charter Oak collection, Spanish Oak Bourbon.

The barrels the bourbon was aged in were made from oak trees harvested from northern Spain. The wood was made into staves that were seasoned outdoors before being made into barrels.

Old Charter Oak Spanish Oak was aged at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled at 92 proof, Old Charter Oak Spanish Oak will be available this spring in select U.S. markets at a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Buffalo Trace’s Old Charter Oak collection celebrates the role of oak in making whiskey by experimenting with the taste profiles different types of oak contribute. To this point, the series has only used oak from different countries. In the future, however, Buffalo Trace plans to expand the collection by using oak of various species, from different centuries and from different U.S. states.

Spanish Oak Bourbon is the fifth release in the Old Charter Oak series, following Chinkapin Oak, Mongolian Oak, French Oak and Canadian Oak.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

“A common misconception about the distilling process is that bourbon must be aged in new American Oak barrels,” Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said in a news release. “Though most bourbons mature in American White Oak barrels, federal regulations do not specify what type of oak the barrel must be, only that it must be a new, charred oak container.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we are deeply committed to honoring the traditions of our category but also embracing change and pushing the limits of innovation to see where American whiskey can go in the future. Our Old Charter Oak collection is a superb example of trying new things and offering consumers and fans more ways to enjoy our award-winning portfolio of whiskeys.”

For more information please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

Barrell Craft Spirits Unveils Private Release Rye Whiskey

April 23, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Pioneering blending house Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) has added rye whiskey to its Private Release offerings.

For this series, BCS selected rye whiskeys from Indiana and Canada and then blended them into various recipes with variations on a theme.

Beginning with 10 initial selections, each release will feature a blend of rye whiskeys designed for its specific finishing cask.

Each offering in the series is produced as a limited release, has a distinct flavor profile and contains between 150 and 180 total 750-ml. bottles, with a suggested retail price of $109.99 each.

This follows the recent release of Barrell Bourbon Batch 34, and news that the company purchased a historic rickhouse in Shively, KY.

About Barrell Craft Spirits

Joe Beatrice has built his career on new ideas. A former marketing and technology entrepreneur, Joe founded his first company, Blue Dingo Digital, in the 1990s to help companies use the Internet to establish, brand, and grow their products.

After 20 years, Joe was ready for a change. A longtime home brewer, Joe saw the true magic of spirits after a transformative experience tasting whiskey straight from the barrel for the very first time. In 2013, he launched Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, the epicenter of the American spirits industry.

Instead of building his own distillery, Joe questioned the conventional wisdom and took a different course. He sourced and blended exceptional casks from established producers, bottled whiskeys at cask strength, and sold them as transparently as possible.

That approach was unique in the United States, but not the world. Scotland’s long-established independent bottlers were a major inspiration, and Joe was captivated by their ability to elevate barrels of whisky into something greater than the sum of their parts.

Joe’s visionary instincts were spot on. Barrell Craft Spirits’ cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases quickly became an influencing force in American whiskey, picking up awards from the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions.

Joe is intimately involved with every step of the production process at Barrell Craft Spirits, using his exceptional palate alongside the BCS blending team to choose and create great spirits. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength and without chill filtration—just like that fateful barrel tasting years ago—continues to guide every product release.

For more information please visit
https://www.barrellbourbon.com/

2023 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship Medal Winners

April 17, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

2023 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championships Medal Winners
The 2023 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship proudly announces the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Cincinnati Distilling in Milford, Ohio won the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship after winning 2 gold medals, 3 Silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Their Single Barrel Straight Bourbon was a favorite among the judges. Over the past 4 years, Cincinnati has finished in the Top 3 each year. Besides the 7 medals in the whiskey competition, Cincinnati also won 2 bronze medals in the spirits competition.

Silver Fox Distillery in Arthur, Ontario repeated as the U.S. Open Spirits’ Grand National Champion by winning 5 medals in the Spirits categories consisting of 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals. Silver Fox Distillery is the only Canadian company to win the Grand National Champion’s Plaque in the 15-year history of the U.S. Open Championships.

Judging in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships is blind; the judges know only the categories and do not know what they are tasting. The first round of judging was held in Oxford, Ohio at “The Barn”, while the finals were held at Big Ditch Brewing in Buffalo, New York. The U.S. Open works with the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Ontario. The final round of judges consisted of Niagara College’s Instructors and industry experts from the surrounding area.

Here are the top 5 Whiskey and Spirits Distilleries:
Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
2. Moylans Distillery – California
3. Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – – North Carolina
5. Acre Distilling – Texas

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
2. Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
2. Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
4. Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
5. Dark Door Spirits – Florida

Straight Bourbon
Gold – Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon – Treaty Oak Distilling – Texas
Silver – Double Barrel Maple Bourbon – Taconic Distillery – New York
Bronze – Red, White & Bourbon – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

Small Batch Bourbon 1-3 Years Under 100 proof
Gold – Weldon Mills Select – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Ohio Straight Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Digg Boys Bourbon – Digg Boys Distillery – Pennsylvania

Small Batch Bourbon 1-3 Years 100 proof or over
Gold – Single Barrel Straight – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Silver – All the Malt – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Weldon Mills Reserve – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina

Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years – Under 100 proof
Gold – Moylans Sherry-Finished Bourbon – Moylans Distillery – California
Silver – Catherine Waldshmidt Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Uncle Nearest 1884 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee

Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years Over 100 proof
Gold – Uncle Nearest 1856 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Moylan’s Cask Aged Bourbon – Moylans Distillery – California
Bronze – Copper Sky Bourbon – Copper Sky Distillery – Colorado

Single Barrel Whiskey
Gold – Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey – Batch 002 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Springfield Straight Bourbon – Springfield Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Rye Whiskey – Iron Vault Distillery – Ohio

American Single Malt Whiskey
Gold – Single Malt Whiskey – Grand Traverse Distillery – Michigan
Silver – Kong – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts
Bronze – Single Malt Whiskey 4-year Reserve – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Acre Texas Single Malt Whisky – Acre Distilling – Texas

Rye Whiskey
Gold – Moylan’s Resistance Rye – Moylans Distillery – California
Silver – Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Small Batch Rye – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Noble Hound Dark Rye – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia

Blended Whiskey
Gold – Blend of Straight Whiskey – Barrel Proof – Wonderland Distilling – Michigan
Silver – Kupu Whiskey – Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
Bronze – Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee

Craft Whiskey
Gold – 100% Oats Whisky – 99 Craft Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky – Acre Distilling – Texas
Bronze – Royall Rye Whiskey – Deep Creek Distilling – Virginia

Corn Whiskey
Gold – Altschuls Corn Whiskey – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio

Canadian Whisky
Gold – Cobra Chicken Canadian Whiskey – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Spirits 101 – Single Malt Whisky – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Ontario

Whiskey finished in wine or other spirits barrels
Gold – Five Stories Rum Cask – Northern Row Distillery – Ohio
Silver – American Whisky Finished in a Port Barrel – Moylan’s Distillery – California
Bronze – Acre Single Malt Whisky Barrel 009 – Acre Distilling – Texas

Whiskey Aged in Stout/Beer Barrels
Gold – The Violet Hour – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Gold – Acre Single Malt Whiskey 111 – Acre Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Stout Cask Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Flavored Whiskey
Gold – Gold Rush – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts
Silver – Fire Brigade Cinnamon Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Weldon Orchards Peach Elderflower Whiskey – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina

Whiskey in Non-Traditional Barrel Aging
Gold – Moylan’s Cask Strength American Single Malt Whisky Finished in Orange Brandy Barrel – – Moylans Distillery – California
Gold – Peach Maple Cask Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Anything Goes
Gold – Rockfisth – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Texas Smoked – Acre Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Code Four – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Traditional Moonshine
Gold – Pritchard Corn Whiskey – Flatrock Distilling – Ohio
Gold – Sweet Shine – Uncle Dum Dum Swamp Juice – Florida
Silver – Before the Barrel White Dog – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Bronze – Skyshine – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts

Aged/Barrel Aged Moonshine
Gold – Moonshine – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Silver – American Rebel – Northern Yankee Moonshine – Ohio
Bronze – Single Barrel Moonshine – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee

Flavored Moonshine
Gold – Gooch Hooch Blueberry Moonshine – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – Cinnamon Roll – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee
Bronze – Mint Condition – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee

Gin
Gold – Harpers Siren Gin – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Gold – Silver Fox Contemporary Vodka – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Red Hare Gin – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia
Bronze – Two Minnie London Dry Gin – Acre Distilling – Texas

Gin Flavored / Infused
Gold – Freshly Folded – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Silver – Winter Solstice – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Bronze – Lavender & Juniper Gin – Collective Arts Brewing – Canada

Barrel-Aged Gin
Gold – Kupu Barrel-Aged Gin – Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
Silver – Harpers Siren Armagnac Gin – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Barrel Finished Gin – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

VODKA
Gold – Teller Genuine Vodka – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
Silver – Florida Farm Vodka – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Bronze – School Spirits Vodka – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Canada

Vodka Flavored / Infused
Gold – Old Reliable Coffee Vodka – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Silver – Black Chevron Pepper Vodka – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia
Bronze – Teller Apple Pie Vodka – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico

Rum White
Gold – Rum trial – Ola Brew Company – Hawaii
Silver – Florapina White Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Bronze – Red Hare Rum – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia

Rum Dark / Gold / Barrel-Aged Rum
Gold – Distiller’s Select Single Barrel Aged Rum – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia
Silver – FIve Stories Barrel Aged Rum – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Hell’s Half Acre Rum – Acre Distilling – Texas

Rum Spiced/Flavored
Gold – Navy One Navy Strength Spiced Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Silver – Spirits 101 Spiced Rum – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Canada
Silver – Spiced Rum – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan
Bronze – Stillwrights Spiced Rum – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Specialty Spirits(anything goes)
Gold – Florapina Pineapple Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Silver – Absinthe – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Gypsy Queen Absinthe – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Voltage Peppermint Schnapps – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Can & Bottle Cocktails
Gold – Teller Grapefruit Hibiscus Lemonade – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
Gold – Old Fashioned Cocktail – Treaty Oak Distilling – Texas
Silver – Scratch Strawberry Whiskey Smash – Springfield Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Scratch Scratch Blackberry Whiskey Sour – Springfield Distillery – Virginia

Agave and Spirits distilled with other plants in the Asparagaceae family
Gold – Rey Coyote Reposado Tequila – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Rey Coyote Blanco Tequila – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Agave Spirit – Anejo – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan