U.S. Whiskey Report

Whiskey News, Whiskey Releases and New Distilleries

Archives for July 2023

Iconic Rock Band Lynyrd Skynyrd Launches Hell House Whiskey, a Tribute to Legendary Cabin

By

Lynyrd Skynyrd
 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –  As Lynyrd Skynyrd approaches the momentous 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album ‘Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd’, it’s essential to celebrate the authentic origins of the band’s music and pay tribute. Today, they proudly announce the release of their highly anticipated new American Whiskey, Hell House Whiskey, paying homage to the famous cabin where they crafted countless legendary songs. Hell House Whiskey seeks to embody the very essence of where it all began – the iconic Hell House cabin. This is where the band’s three original founding members, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Allen Collins, alongside their bandmates, dedicated themselves day and night to create the legendary music that has resonated deeply with their multi-generational fan base.

Led by current members Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to captivate audiences with electrifying performances that remind us of their timeless legacy. Reflecting on the band’s enduring popularity, Johnny Van Zant states, “It’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd and what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there, playing a great show with Skynyrd, seeing people love this music, and now being able to raise a glass of our very own Hell House Whiskey together. It’s a toast to the timeless spirit of rock and roll!”

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s remarkable catalog of over 60 albums, billions of streams, and tens of millions of records sold attests to their status as one of rock and roll’s most iconic and influential bands. Hell House Whiskey serves as a tribute to this musical journey, honoring the band’s creative spirit and the historic cabin that played a crucial role in shaping their sound. This meticulously crafted whiskey invites enthusiasts from all walks of life to savor a distinctive blend of flavors and a smooth, rich finish, reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature sound.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Lynyrd Skynyrd has partnered with Bespoken, a visionary craft whiskey maker recognized for its extraordinary achievements and a remarkable collection of over 150 medals within a mere three-year span. Powered by their cutting-edge innovation, Bespoken embarks on a daring quest, exploring an astonishing array of more than 5,000 distinct whiskey variations. Through their relentless pursuit of perfection, they have unveiled an extraordinary whiskey opus, aptly named Hell House, poised to ascend the summit of global acclaim. This is an American Whiskey that was made with the same dedicated craftsmanship and bold character that Lynyrd Skynyrd brought to rock and roll.

“We are honored to collaborate with Lynyrd Skynyrd on the creation of Hell House Whiskey,” expressed Peter Iglesias, CEO of Bespoken. “This partnership is a true fusion of legendary rock and roll and visionary whiskey craftsmanship. Hell House Whiskey captures the essence of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s indomitable spirit, and through our expertise and innovative techniques, we have crafted a whiskey that is as bold, timeless, and unforgettable as their music.”

For detail on these shows and other confirmed performances, please visit www.lynyrdskynyrd.com.

‘NORMANDIE’ BY WHISKEY DEL BAC NAMED ONE OF THE ‘BEST SPIRITS OF 2023’

By

Whiskey Del BacNormandie, an annual limited release by the local Whiskey Del Bac, has just been named one of the “12 Best New Spirits of the Year” by Robb Report.

From whiskey to rum to Cognac and gin, the new list praises tremendous new releases that have hit the market in every category. Basically, they suggest you add one of each of the mentioned bottles to your collection ASAP. For instance, Whiskey Del Bac’s Normandie is sold out locally but you can still find a bottle here and there online, such as frootbat.com.

Hopefully, you were ahead of the game and snagged a bottle early.

According to Robb Report writer Jonah Flicker, Whiskey Del Bac’s spirits are an American single malt that “continues to stand out” in the Southwest.

“As American single malt gets closer to receiving a long-overdue legal definition from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the category continues to see exciting releases,” he said. “This one, from Arizona distillery Whiskey Del Bac — whose flagship single malt, Dorado, is made with mesquite-smoked barley — leaves out the smoke and instead adds flavor via a lovely cask finish. The base spirit is a solid building block, made from 100 percent malted barley, and is aged in charred virgin-oak barrels. The whiskey is then transferred into Calvados barrels for an additional 13 months, infusing it with notes of raspberry, black pepper, fig, and chocolate-covered raisin.”

As mentioned earlier, Normandie is sold out in Whiskey Del Bac’s online store but it’s available elsewhere online and on-hand in local bars and restaurants around town.

About Whiskey Del Bac

Whiskey Del Bac has grown from two American Single Malts – Classic and Dorado – to multiple Distiller’s Cut releases, and has even launched annual limited releases like Frontera and Normandie in the Global Cask Collection in 2022. With Classic being named to the Top 100 Spirits List from Wine Enthusiast in 2021 and Whisky Advocate giving the Dorado a 90 rating in 2022, the flagship whiskeys have come a long way.The Whiskey Del Bac team has grown, with Amanda and Stephen still driving the ethos and values of the company. Elaine Paul is still out on some desert nights on the same back patio. Instead of wondering what mesquited American Single Malt would taste like — she’s enjoying it in her glass.

For more information, visit whiskeydelbac.com.

Milam & Greene’s Third Release in Highly Limited Wildlife Collection Has Plenty of ‘Bite’

By

Milam & Greene Texas distillery Milam And Greene has unveiled the latest expression in its highly limited Wildlife Collection: the Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon. This single-barrel whiskey was bottled at cask strength and is available for purchase for the price of $150 here on Wednesday.

Only 168 bottles of the new bourbon are available. The Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon clocks in at 127.64 proof, giving it plenty of “bite,” according to the brand. The spirit is distilled from a mashbill composed of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley. Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon was distilled in Tennessee.

Milam And Greene’s latest expression in the Wildlife Collection was aged for seven years, three months and 24 days. For five years and five months, the whiskey was aged in Tennessee, with an additional one year and 10 months at Milam and Greene’s distillery in Blanco, Texas. While aging in Texas, the barrel encountered extreme weather and endured two hard freezes, with almost two summers that hosted triple-digit temperatures, per Milam and Greene.

The whiskey is named after the most venomous snake in Texas, the rattlesnake. According to Milam And Greene, the most common rattlesnake is the western diamondback rattlesnake, which can grow up to four or five feet long.

The whiskey producer’s choice to name the spirit after the diamondback was partially due to the fact that rattlesnakes prefer warm weather and are active in spring and summer in Texas. Milam and Greene whiskeys fair well in warmer weather, and because the cask was released in the summer it seemed like the perfect fit.

This is the third release in the brand’s Wildlife Collection. In April, Milam and Greene launched the Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon, which clocked in at a lower 119.48 proof. Prior to that, the brand released the Scorpion in February. The purpose of the collection was to provide answers to the question: “How does weather affect aging whiskey?”

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/

Ironton Distillery Releases Limited Edition Cask Strength American Single Malt

By

Ironton DistilleryTo celebrate Ironton Distillery’s 5-year anniversary, they are doing a limited release of a Cask Strength American Single Malt Whiskey.

What’s better than whiskey on your birthday? Absolutely nothing in our professional opinion! With 5 great years down, we are releasing our first barrel of 4 year, cask strength whiskey. Cherry and toasted coconut shine bright in this boozy summer sipper, your tiki drinks just got a 120 proof upgrade! Cheers to old whiskeys, high spirits and young hearts!

Tasting Notes Nose: Cherry, Rich Chocolate, Bitter Cacao Palate: Long Tobacco, Sharp Honey, Rustic Vanilla, Toasted Coconut Finish: Strong Wood, High Body.

About Ironton Distillery

There’s an incredible spirit that runs through the state of Colorado. You’ll find it on the top of mountains, deep in river valleys, across the cities and within all of the amazing citizens who call Colorado home. We call it the spirit of adventure. It’s a spirit that not only inspires us, but fuels our passions each and every day. And if there’s one thing we’re as passionate about as Colorado adventures, it’s a fine liquor in our glass. Our award-winning and approachable premium spirits are handcrafted to be sipped and enjoyed on any adventure.

Named after a lost, but not forgotten, mining town in southern Colorado and the 19th century ‘Ironton Addition’ of Denver that would become known as RiNo Arts District today, Ironton Distillery holds true to our industrial, creative, and adventurous roots.

We’re proud to offer a place for adventure, creativity, good times, and, of course, great spirits.

For More Information:
https://www.irontondistillery.com/

Limestone Branch Releases Its 2023 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon

By

Limestone Branch DistilleryLimestone Branch Distillery recently announced this year’s release of their Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

A statement from the whiskey maker explains that this release features a blend of 7-year, 13-year and 16-year aged bourbons finished in Tokaji casks. It clocks in at 101 proof (50.5% ABV).

The whiskey will carry a suggested price of $99.99 per 750 ml bottle, and go on sale this August.

Yellowstone Bourbon master distiller, Steve Beam, hand selected the three aged bourbons, which were then blended and finished in Tokaji casks.

Tokaji is a traditional sweet wine from the Tokaji region of Hungary, and it’s made from grapes used for white wine. Tokaji wines are known for complex flavors and sweetness.

“With each year’s Yellowstone Limited Edition offering, I seek a finish that I both personally love and believe will make for a flavorful, well-balanced bourbon,” Beam said. “This year, I found the perfect finish in the Tokaji casks sourced from northern Hungary.”

The distiller noted that this whiskey features aromas of honey, green grapes and freshly baked cinnamon. On the palate, it has a dry spice, followed by caramel, dark cherry, citrus and white pepper. It finishes with notes of dry tobacco, honeysuckle and smoky oak.

Beam, a seventh-generation distiller with a history of distilling on both sides of his family (Beam and Dant), opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011. In 2015, he brought back the Yellowstone brand.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Our family was there at the start of the Kentucky bourbon business. It all began when a man named Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of corn whiskey.

Seven generations later, brothers Stephen and Paul Beam started their own chapter of the family history book as the proud Kentucky bourbon distillers behind Limestone Branch Distillery. You can taste that pride in every pour of our award-winning craft spirits.

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

Hard Truth Releases High Road Sweet Mash Rye

By

Hard Truth Distilling Company Indiana-based Hard Truth Distilling Co. announced the release of Hard Truth High Road Sweet Mash Rye – a new sweet mash rye whiskey expression developed for a wider range of rye whiskey fans to experience the flavor, nuances and subtleties of the sweet mash rye distilling process.

According to Hard Truth’s Master Distiller Bryan Smith, the overwhelmingly positive response to Hard Truth’s rapidly-growing line of sweet mash rye whiskies — in terms of sales and feedback from reviewers and consumers alike – led to the development of a sweet mash rye with a lower proof and price point that will help build the entire sweet mash category.

“Our internal evaluation panel results along with taste-testing in twenty-plus markets confirmed that this is one of the most delicious, sweet mash rye whiskies we’ve ever produced,” said Bryan Smith, Hard Truth Master Distiller. “Not coincidentally this will be our first year-round sweet mash rye whiskey with corn in the mash bill.”

Hard Truth High Road Sweet Mash Rye is bottled at 46.5 percent ABV (93 proof). It is available in 750 mL bottles with a suggested retail price of $39.99. High Road features 55 percent rye, 36 percent corn, and 9 percent malted barley.

High Road features a deep copper appearance, with an aroma of apricot jam, honey, baking spice and graham cracker. Its taste offers up rich vanilla, maple, custard, and spices that coat the tongue. Its finish is bold with a lingering caramel that fades to honey, coffee and nougat.

“We’re proud that Hard Truth is at the forefront of what we believe is a sweet mash rye revolution,” said Smith. “Sweet mashing – a process in which each batch of whiskey begins with entirely fresh ingredients – typically results in whiskeys that are softer and have a more complex palate. And even though the process is more labor intensive, meticulous and costly than sour mashing, we believe the result is a rye whiskey that is both distinctive and delicious.”

High Road was distilled with the same skill, innovation and passion of its sweet mash predecessor, Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye introduced in 2020. “Since the day we opened the doors at Hard Truth, we have been working to develop a versatile multi-occasion sweet mash rye whiskey that is perfect on its own, on the rocks or in your favorite whiskey cocktail,” said Smith. “We’re confident that High Road is that whiskey.”

High Road will be Hard Truth’s largest scale release in the 8-year history of the distillery. The production of High Road is one of numerous reasons Hard Truth recently conducted a major distillery expansion that includes the construction of its second rackhouse. Just completed Rackhouse No. 2 is twice the size of Hard Truth’s first rackhouse, tripling storage capacity from 4,000 to 12,000 barrels.

Hard Truth sweet rye whiskeys have seen their fair share of awards and praise. Hard Truth’s first batch of Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey was named in the top 50 of Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, and since then has taken home a gold medal in USA Spirits awards, double platinum medal in the Ascots and earned two 93 ratings in other tasting competitions.

Recently, Hard Truth’s Master Distiller’s Reserve Malted Rye Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey won the prestigious 2023 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits competition.

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Headquartered in Nashville, Indiana, Hard Truth Distilling Co. produces more than 20 premium spirits, including critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.

Hard Truth’s spirits are distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming with several new states coming on board in 2023.

Founded in 2015, Hard Truth Distilling Co. quickly outgrew its original production facility, and by 2017 construction had begun on its current facility, a distillery housed in a 50,000-square foot building equipped with a state-of-the-art Vendome Copper & Brass distilling system. Hard Truth’s destination campus spans 325 wooded acres in Brown County, Indiana — an artists’ colony and tourist destination with the largest state park in Indiana.

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

291 Colorado Whiskey Releases Wheated Bourbon Made for Summer

By

291 Colorado WhiskeyCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— Award-winning distillery, 291 Colorado Whiskey, is thrilled to announce the release of 291 E Colorado Whiskey Batch 12, a four-grain wheated bourbon and its first experimental wheated bourbon presented since the 2013 release of 291 Bad Guy Bourbon. E Colorado Whiskey Batch 12 is an easy drinking, toast to Summer. The “Bad Guy”, released every Fall, was 291 Founding Distiller Michael Myers’ third mash bill and has been a cult favorite of 291 Colorado Whiskey fans since 2013.

Bottled at 121.6 proof, 291 E Colorado Whiskey Batch 12 (MSRP $149.99) is a marriage of barrels from two different wheated bourbon experiments, when combined resulted in a four-grain mash bill. Head Distiller Eric Jett filled the first barrels in 2018, while the founder’s batch was distilled in 2021. Myers was made with corn, malted white wheat, and rye malt; and the other created by Jett, was made with corn, malted white wheat, and malted barley.

“With a commitment to producing exceptional handcrafted American whiskey, we are proud of the release of Batch 12 which highlights 291’s dedication to innovation and experimentation,” said Myers. “This is an approachable bourbon and is a nod to summer, with notes of cinnamon graham cracker, big league chew bubble gum, sweet tarts and hot tamales candies and toasted marshmallow.”

To date twelve batches of experimental Colorado whiskey have been released by the emerging 291 brand. Each “E” Batch is an opportunity to test new ideas and create one-of-a-kind whiskeys and each utilizes different mash bills or finishes to create exciting new profiles of 291 Colorado Whiskey. Several earlier  “E” releases have garnered significant recognition on the world stage, including 291 E Colorado Whiskey Batch 7, named 2021’s World’s Best Wheat by the World Whiskies Awards. “E” Batch 3 was the inspiration for 291’s recent All Rye 100% Rye Malt Whiskey and Batch 9 was a collaboration with Marianne Eaves for the inaugural Eave’s Blind project. Each new release showcases 291’s fearless approach to experimentation.

Recently named Breakout Distiller of the Year at the 2023 ASCOT Awards and the 291 Colorado Rye Whiskey earning “Best of Class” in the SIP Awards, 291 Colorado Whiskey has captivated whiskey enthusiasts with its distinct spirits. The award recognition has solidified the brand’s position as a trailblazer in the whiskey industry. Every whiskey made by the distillery tells a unique story, showcasing the passion and craftsmanship of the 291 team.

291 E Colorado Whiskey Batch 12 Tasting Notes:

Cinnamon graham cracker, Big League Chew bubble gum, hibiscus, sweet tarts and hot tamales candies, tangerine, toasted marshmallow

Proof: 121.6

About 291 Colorado Whiskey

291 Colorado Whiskey is a uniquely American story honoring the Western whiskey of a bygone era. 291 is the passion project of a former New York City fashion photographer and was first created in a small basement from a one-of-a-kind still, constructed from old copper photographic plates. 291 is Hardmade the Colorado Way®, grain to barrel to bottle, and the distillery’s whiskies are finished with toasted staves of Colorado aspen trees. 291 Colorado Whiskey has been earning awards and recognition since its first run off the still in 2011. 291 was awarded 2022 Icons of Whiskey American Craft Distillery of the Year, World’s Best Wheat Whiskey in 2021 and World’s Best Rye Whiskey in 2018, and our white whiskeys were awarded Best American New Make in 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 by the World Whiskies Awards.  The distillery has also earned 18 Liquid Gold designations from the Whisky Bible and similar high-altitude recognition from the IWSC, San Francisco International Spirits Competition, The American Whiskey Masters and numerous other competitions and publications.

For More Information:
https://distillery291.com/

Rye & Sons 2022 Straight Rye Whiskey Review

By

Rye & SonsIn an exciting collaboration between famed sommelier and founder of Maison Noir Wines André Hueston Mack and Pinhook Bourbon, Rye & Sons 2022 Straight Rye Whiskey was born of a creative itch brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Mack worked closely with Pinhook Master Blender Sean Josephs, a close friend for over a decade, to develop an approachable rye whiskey, the 2022 rendition being the first release in the line.

Mack made his mark in the wine world but appreciates the complexity of whiskey. His reasoning behind choosing rye as his introduction to the creation of the spirit due to its similarities to wine within the flavor profile. “I wanted to make a great rye that really over-delivers on flavor, but most importantly, I wanted to bring a personality to the category,” Mack says in a prepared statement. “Rye is about the human connection with friends, with family, with whoever you are sipping with.”

This isn’t the first time Mack has worked with Pinhook Bourbon, as a previous release of Pinhook’s Collaboration Series enjoyed great success with a straight bourbon edition. In that series, however, Mack was a guest star, whereas Rye & Sons shows him center stage in the creation and release. Pinhook Bourbon specializes in small batch blending and scrupulous barrel selection, and while the company is best known for their bourbons, the development of Rye & Sons as a brand under the Pinhook umbrella has brought a new audience, possibly encouraging wine enthusiasts who trust Mack’s discerning palate and wish to branch into the vast world of whiskey.

My own palate has greatly benefited from studying and broadening my wine knowledge, as I’ve found many similarities when practicing intentional tasting. The more one engages with spirits and wine beyond pure enjoyment, the greater the world of flavor opens to them. With this in mind, I feel like Mack was the perfect collaborator on this project, as the whiskey is completely enjoyable and wholly accessible to those drinkers who might not initially be drawn to rye.

Tasting Notes: Rye & Sons 2022 Straight Rye Whiskey

Vital Stats: 97.5 Proof (48.75% ABV). Distilled in Danville and Frankfort, Kentucky. SRP $28.99.

Appearance: Fire yellow with medium viscosity.

Nose: Much to enjoy on the nose, with strong, zesty notes of cereal, vanilla, toasted grains, and blackberry.

Palate: Light and warming, the whiskey has slight honey notes, with strong spice, fresh cut grass, dark chocolate orange, and nettle tea.

Summary

This is a rye whiskey that is priced to appeal to all and developed to impress. I don’t always expect much from whiskeys at this price point, and so I was happy to be proved wrong here. There is an obvious flavor master at the helm of this creation, and I will enjoy sharing this with friends who might not expect to enjoy rye whiskey.

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

Old Forester Continues 117 Series With Bottled In Bond Bourbon

By

Old ForesterOn Monday, Kentucky whiskey producer Old Forester announced the latest release in its 117 series: Bottled in Bond.

This isn’t the first Bottled in Bond whiskey Old Forester has released, but it is the most well-aged. While the brand isn’t labeling the bottle with an exact age statement, it has revealed that the new 117 whiskey is bottled from barrels filled during spring 2014, which gives us an idea of its age: nine years.

Like all Bottled in Bond whiskeys, this release is made at a single distillery, aged at least four years in oak barrels in a federally bonded warehouse and bottled at exactly 100 proof.

The Bottled in Bond whiskey is distilled from Old Forester’s standard bourbon mashbill: 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled in Bond will be available starting Tuesday at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. and in select states for $59.99 in limited quantities – and at select Kentucky stores.

While Old Forester doesn’t disclose how much of its 117 Series whiskeys it produces, Rift told us that the small-batch release is composed of between 20 and 30 barrels.

About the Old Forester 117 Series

The 117 series debuted in spring 2021. This is the eighth series in the line and the third since Rift joined the company in October, replacing Jackie Zykan.

Rift divides Old Forester’s whiskeys into two categories: core and craft. Consistency is the goal with the core offerings; Old Forester wants to ensure fans of its whiskey all over the world receive a reliable pour every time they purchase a bottle or order a glass at a restaurant or bar.

Old Forester’s craft whiskeys, like those in the 117 series, however, are an opportunity for the distillery to get creative and innovative. The series’ name is an ode to 117 Main Street, the address of Old Forester’s home on Whiskey Row in Louisville.

For more information please visit https://www.oldforester.com/distillery/

J. Rieger & Co. Releases 2023 Monogram Series Whiskey

By

J. Rieger & Co.J. Rieger & Co. recently launched this year’s expression of Monogram Whiskey, the seventh release in the Monogram series. This marks the first under the name “Kansas City Whiskey – Solera Reserve.”

A statement from J. Rieger noted that this Solera Reserve bottling was designed to celebrate the complex terroir of iconic Sherry casks and their effect on American whiskey.

The whiskey makers at J. Rieger noted that early on for the brand, Oloroso Sherry held an important role at the distillery.

In fact, dating back hundreds of years, Sherry was regularly added in the blend of American whiskies. J. Rieger & Co. also picked up this practice, and made Sherry a key ingredient in the blend of its flagship Kansas City Whiskey.

In 2015, J. Rieger officials touted, the distillery obtained several rare 500-liter Oloroso Sherry botas (large, old sherry casks) from Williams & Humbert Solera Especial in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. They’ve been using the solera method for an annual Monogram Whiskey release ever since.

The distiller describes the solera method as using fractional blending to age the whiskey, which is a continual process of removing a portion of the whiskey from the barrel, then topping it off with another batch, over many years.

J. Rieger recently expanded its solera to 10 casks between 50-100 years old. Straight bourbon, straight rye, and light corn whiskeys have been aging in the J. Rieger & Co. solera since as far back as 2015.

Every year, J. Rieger blends, proofs, and bottles Monogram Whiskey from a combination of these botas. This is the first year the recipe has been adjusted to a blend that qualifies as Kansas City Whiskey.

“Blending our annual Monogram Whiskey release is something I look forward to each year,” said Co-Founder Ryan Maybee. “We really ventured into uncharted territory with this project when we started it eight years ago, as there has never been an American whiskey produced this way. The evolution of this bottling over time has become one of my proudest moments in resurrecting the Rieger brand. The fact that this year, and moving forward, this will now officially be our ‘Kansas City Whiskey – Solera Reserve’ makes it that much more special.”

His distiller’s notes show the 2023 expression of Monogram Whiskey features notes of buttered popcorn, French toast, and maple syrup with aromas of woody tobacco and smoky cedar. It also has hints of black pepper, caramelized orange, and tropical fruits.

Rieger’s Monogram Whiskey clocks in at 100 proof, and is available on a limited basis in select markets, as well as at the distillery in the Electric Park District of Kansas City.

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