U.S. Whiskey Report

Whiskey News, Whiskey Releases and New Distilleries

Archives for August 2023

The Glenturret Releases 2023 Core Collection, Featuring First 35-Year Whisky

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The GlenturretThe Glenturret recently announced it is releasing its Core Collection for 2023, made up this year of eight signature whiskies.

A statement from the whisky maker noted that for the first time, a 35 Years Old expression will join the range, this one made from a single European oak Sherry butt chosen for its complex personality.

Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno is responsible for The Glenturret’s collection, this after his four decades in the Scotch industry led him to be inducted in the Whisky Hall of Fame last December.

For the first five whiskies in the 2023 core collection, they are the Triple Wood, the 7 Years Old Peat Smoked, 10 Years Old Peat Smoked, 12 Years Old, and 15 Years Old.

Joining the five new expressions are three highly-limited single malts, the first a 25 Years Old. It was created from six casks stowed in The Glenturret’s traditional Dunnage warehouses for a quarter of a century, including a European oak which brings fruit, aromatic spices and oak notes. Then there’s an American oak cask, which adds sweetness and vanilla with the refill casks offering touches of citrus.

The distiller noted that there will only be 210 bottles of these available worldwide.

The Glenturret 30 Years Old, which is limited to 500 bottles, comes from a European oak cask that imparts a rich fruit flavor combined with hints of brandy and ginger; a Port pipe that brings a warm ruby hue and touches of red fruits; then there’s sweeter notes of tropical fruit salad and bananas brought on by The Glenturret’s new make spirit added by two American oak hogsheads.

The final new expression in the 2023 release is the 35 Years Old, with only 185 bottles available. The liquid comes from a single European oak Sherry butt, which alongside the expected character of dried fruits, spices and oak features notes of tropical fruit and vanilla.

John Laurie, The Glenturret’s managing director, said that the passion, time and energy that has gone into each of the expressions the team’s created is something that they are quite proud of. “We release a new collection each year, trying to create something special each year, so hopefully our customers will enjoy the new 2023 Collection as much as we do.”

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

Barrell Craft Spirits Continues to ‘Push the Creative Envelope’ With 2 Whiskey Releases Including Highly Anticipated Rye

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Barrell Craft SpiritsOn Tuesday, Barrell Craft Spirits announced the launch of two new expressions: Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 and Rye Batch 004. Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 won a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Rye Batch 004 is Barrell Craft Spirits’ first rye batch since 2020. The rye batch will debut a new back label that will share the rye components in the blend.

Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 is a blend that consists of 6- and 7-year-old high-rye and high-proof bourbons. Barrell Craft Spirits said the more oak-forward expressions are mingled with 8-year-old subtler, lower-proof expressions for two months. Thirteen-year-old barrels with a more “dominant fruit” profile were layered into the final blend, which was bottled at a cask strength of 116.24 proof.

Rye Batch 004 consists of a blend of straight rye whiskeys from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Canada. The Indiana rye barrels were 10 years of age and blended with 14-year-old Canadian rye barrels, which BCS says were chosen for their herbaceous qualities. The mashbill consists of 89% rye, 7% corn and 4% malted barley. The expression was bottled at a cask strength of 115.7 proof.

“It’s incredible to think we’ve launched 35 unique bourbon batches over the past 10 years, which truly speaks to our passion for pushing the creative envelope every day,” Barrell Craft Spirits founder Joe Beatrice said in a news release. “We’re also thrilled to launch our first rye batch since 2020 which marks the debut of our new back labels that will become a staple of nearly all our future releases. As longtime champions of transparency, this further underscores our commitment to informing consumers about what’s in their glass of whiskey.”

Barrell Craft Spirits is no stranger to producing critically acclaimed expressions of rye. Its 16-Year Gray Label Seagrass received a perfect score on Whiskey Raiders

Barrell Bourbon Batch 035

Nose: Lemon curd, cherry, and banana bread intermingled with olive and thyme.

Taste: Mexican hot chocolate, cinnamon and dried chili peppers.

Finish: Lime zest and amaretto.

Barrell Rye Batch 004

Barrell Craft Spirits

Nose: Copper tones, pumpkin highlights.

Taste: Blackberry, dried apricot and concord grape.

Finish: Burnt marshmallow, rich espresso, black licorice and umami.

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

Jack Daniel’s Releases Limited Edition Añejo Tequila Barrel-Finished Tennessee Whiskey

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Jack Daniel's Distillery SeriesLynchburg, Tennessee (July 27, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Distillery Series selection #11, a Tennessee Whiskey finished in añejo tequila barrels, which marry the flavors of agave and oak. The American White Oak barrels for this experimental whiskey first aged Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, then they matured añejo tequila in Mexico before returning to Lynchburg to finish this Tennessee Whiskey.

“As one of the most complete distilleries in the world, we’re fortunate to have the ability to experiment with every part of the whiskey making process, and that’s what our Distillery Series is all about,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “This añejo tequila barrel-finished whiskey pushes the bounds on what people may expect out of a Tennessee Whiskey, yet still has the familiar characteristics that are uniquely Jack Daniel’s.”

Finishing the whiskey in añejo tequila barrels brings together flavors of agave and oak, with aromas of sweet citrus and light oak on the nose and a taste of brown sugar and dried spices. It’s crowned with notes of the matured añejo tequila with a sweet Tennessee Whiskey finish, achieved through the distinctive barrel aging process.

Selected by Whiskey Taster Danny Lamb, Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series selection #11 is bottled at 90 proof (45% abv) and is now available in 375ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $41.99 at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop at the Jack Daniel Distillery and in select stores in Tennessee.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

291 Colorado Whiskey Releases Wheated Bourbon Made for Summer

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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.

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/

Doc Swinson’s Garryana Exploratory Cask Straight Bourbon

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Doc Swinson's The company, founded in 2017, is an independent bottler and the house brand of Distillers Way LLC. As an independent bottler, they source barrels of whiskey to bottle under their own label, often blending them to create a signature style, finishing them in a wide variety of wood types, and cutting to proof, though, here, the whiskey tends to be released close to cask proof.

Doc Swinson’s calls Ferndale, WA home. This tiny town is located near Vancouver, BC about 100 miles north of Seattle along the bay. Here, a team of four runs the entire operation: Jesse Parker, the Head Spirits Master; Steve Main, the Sales Director; Chris Cearns, the Chief Financial Officer; and Keith Seidel, the Director of Operations.

Parker is young with no formal training, but he cut his teeth at a small, family-owned distillery where he began racking up primo awards for his creations. He’s gone on to win several dozen more for his blends for Doc Swinson’s, including winning best in class for finished bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

As an independent bottler, the brand sources all of their whiskies—nothing is distilled in house. The current line up all hails from Midwest Grain Products Distillery in Lawrenceburg, IN, aka MGP. Sourcing from this large distillery in Indiana can be a prickly subject for some, but the team at Doc Swinson’s makes no attempts to hide and certainly excels with their selections (see the aforementioned awards).

The lineup reminds me of some releases from Buzzard’s Roost I tasted last year, another producer that releases finished whiskies from rye-heavy MGP mash bills in a similar price range, though with a radically different char for the finishing barrels. Doc Swinson’s lineup tends not show the lushness, pillowy sweetness, and aromatic intensity I often associate with MGP bourbons. Instead they manage an unusual twist of reserved yet complex aromatics. Perhaps it’s just that salty Vancouver bay air.

This whiskey being tasted today, the Doc Swinson’s Garryana Exploratory Cask Straight Bourbon, is one of several from the “Exploratory Cask” series. The house base, a blend of two different rye-heavy bourbons distilled by MGP, was finished in 350L Garryana oak casks for two and a half months.

Garryana oak is a white oak native to the Pacific Northwest along the coastal area. Working with local wood is of growing interest in the wine trade, too, as producers explore alternative techniques and focus on sustainability by sourcing locally. It’s exciting to see its use in whiskey.

In the glass, the local oak finishing is described by the company as showcasing “the richness of the Pacific Northwest terroir offering deep, dark, and complex notes ranging from molasses, toffee, clove, BBQ plums, and a subtle wood smoke.” If you’re looking to explore some PNW terroir, Doc Swinson’s is distributed in 26 states and Canada.

About Doc Swinson’s

The Doc Swinson’s Collection began with an extremely small cache of Bourbon Barrels that were just too good to pass up. It has since grown into a unique and on occasion extremely rare, collection of American whiskies. The proof is in the palate. Each whiskey brought in is personally tasted by the four of us at Doc Swinson’s. If it’s good we will find a place for it in either the Flagship, Exploratory or Rare Release series.

When it comes to finishing techniques, we look to the old-world traditions that have stood the test of time, from Scottish whiskey blenders to the timeless sherry pyramids of the Spanish solera. However, sometimes we stumble upon a whiskey that needs no perfecting and we simply bottle at cask strength.

Whatever whiskey comes through these doors, our small group of tastemakers at Doc’s work hard to create flavor profiles that hold our expectations of great whiskey to a higher standard; and that starts by always letting the whiskey shine.

For more information please visit https://www.docswhiskey.com/about

Hood River Distillers Releases McCarthy’s 6-Year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

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Hood River DistillersHOOD RIVER, Ore.— Hood River Distillers (HRD), the largest and oldest importer, distiller, producer, bottler, and marketer of distilled spirits in the Northwest, has continued to innovate in the American Single Malt category with the limited release of McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, aged for six years in Oregon Oak casks and finished for 4 months in Oloroso Sherry Casks.

The McCarthy’s Portfolio now includes McCarthy’s 3-year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, McCarthy’s 6-year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, McCarthy’s 6-year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey finished in PX Sherry Casks and McCarthy’s 6-year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks.

Sourced from Spain, the finishing casks are shipped soon after draining to retain all the walnut and spice notes imparted by the wine. Oloroso Sherry is typically dry and produced by oxidative aging, allowing the slow development of sugar and flavors to build over time. The result is a blend inspired by the sherry and custom made for these casks.
“Oloroso has long been one of our favorite sherries, and we are very excited about this latest release as it pushes our familiar profile in a lighter and brinier direction than previous editions,” said Caitlin Bartlemay, Head Distiller. “Our newest distiller Garrett Trotter took inspiration from Oloroso Sherry’s renowned balsamic and nutty flavors and put together a blend that is a sunny and welcoming dram.  This bottle of McCarthy’s spotlights the charm of America’s first single malt in a whole new way. With less smoke, more honey, and higher acid, this will make your summer sip memorable.”

McCarthy’s 6-year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks will be available in limited quantities through retailers in Oregon, New York, Colorado, Texas, Washington state and California, as well as online.

About Hood River Distillers

Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Hood River, Ore., Hood River Distillers is the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, distiller, producer, and marketer of distilled spirits. Timberline Vodka, Forthwest Whisky, Big Gin, Batanga Tequila, Easy Rider Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Trail’s End Finished Small Batch Bourbon, DeGroff Bitter Aperitivo and New World Amaro, Clear Creek, McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt, Old Delicious, Sinfire Whisky, Lucid Absinthe Supe´rieure, ULLR Nordic Libation, Yazi Ginger Vodka, Lewis and Clark, HRD Vodka and the complete line of Monarch distilled spirits are distributed across the country.

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

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Releases Voyage Its Best Expression To Date

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Wild TurkeyMaster’s Keep is a range of limited-release whiskeys offered each year by Wild Turkey Distilling Company, a division of Campari Group. Now in its seventh year, it was initially developed by Master Distiller Eddie Russell in 2015.

Six yearly releases have been bourbon whiskeys, while one has been a rye whiskey. There was no release in 2016. Recently, I sat down with Eddie Russell to talk about Master’s Keep Voyage, his latest release.

Master’s Keep Voyage is a 10-year-old bourbon that has been finished for approximately eight weeks in a rum cask from Appleton Estate in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, which previously held 14 YO pot still rum. Appleton, one of Jamaica’s most storied rum producers, is also owned by Campari Group. This expression was the first rum cask finish in Wild Turkey’s history.

The project was a collaboration between Russell and Dr. Joy Spence, the renowned Master Blender of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. The two producers have over 80 years of combined experience crafting fine spirits. According to Russell:

Every year, we look forward to the release of Master’s Keep as an opportunity to rethink what our bourbon can be. Creating Master’s Keep Voyage in collaboration with Dr. Joy Spence was a real privilege, and I think our shared passion for telling a story through our spirits comes through in this one-of-a-kind whiskey.

With Voyage, we set out to develop a spirit that allows the notes of the rum and bourbon to work in harmony. By aging Eddie’s hand-selected batch of 10-year-old bourbon in the finest casks we have at Appleton Estate, we were able to achieve a new level of flavor that gives whiskey and bourbon lovers a new way to enjoy their favorite drinks.

Voyage is the third Master’s Keep expression that underwent a cask finish. The other two were Master’s Keep Revival (2018), which experienced a finish in a cask that previously held 20 YO Oloroso Sherry, and Master’s Keep One (2021), which underwent a cask finish in toasted oak barrels.

The Sherry cask finish added fruitiness and sweetness and enhanced the nuttiness typical of Wild Turkey. The toasted oak barrel finish imparted a rich and smooth flavor, extenuating the vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel notes characteristic of Wild Turkey.

All six bourbon releases were based on the Wild Turkey mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley and were matured in barrels with a #4 char. The exception was Master’s Keep Cornerstone (2019), a rye whisky with a mash bill of 52% rye, 36% corn, and 12% malted rye.

For more information please visit https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com/en-us/

Introducing Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition

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Hemingway Rye WhiskeyBEAVER DAM, Ky. — Hemingway Whiskey Company today announced the highly anticipated debut of its core expression, Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition. This new offering is family-made and builds upon eight generations of Kentucky whiskey heritage. In addition to Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida, Signature Edition will be available in 10 new states for the brand.

Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition represents the coming together of three families, eight generations, and one mission: to tell a new story, rich in history, via high-quality Kentucky rye whiskey. The new whiskey draws its inspiration from the legacy of the legendary American author, journalist, and storyteller, Ernest Hemingway. His family works in true collaboration with Hemingway Whiskey Company, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of the writer and helping the team uncover hidden gems to be used as inspiration for the brand.

The Groth family, including Hemingway Whiskey Company Founder and Leader Steve Groth, a whiskey pioneer and co-founder of the revered Angel’s Envy Bourbon, brought the brand to life through rich storytelling and authentic promotion. The Call family, Seventh-Generation Master Distiller Ron Call and his sons, Call Family Ambassador Clayton Call and Eighth-Generation Master Distiller Jacob Call, hand source, blend, and finish the rye whiskey, building on generations of distilling expertise and innovation. The Call Family’s whiskey roots reach back to the earliest days of Bourbon when Samuel Call distilled whiskey on his Kentucky farm in the late 1700s. This whiskey stands as a testament to their passion, tradition, and commitment to crafting high-quality spirits.

“We’ve been thrilled to see the overwhelmingly positive reception to our inaugural whiskey releases, and we couldn’t be more proud to share our Signature Edition,” said Steve Groth, Founder of Hemingway Whiskey Co. “Our families came together to create this new whiskey, filled with tradition and passion, and we can’t wait to hear what people think.”

The first batch of Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition is a blend of straight rye whiskeys – 90% 6-year-old Indiana Straight Rye and 10% 4-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, the latter crafted by Master Distiller Jacob Call. Both whiskeys undergo a special finish in Master Distiller Ron Call’s own rum-seasoned Oloroso Sherry casks, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The whiskey is a robust 102 proof and a dark amber color. Rich and full of character, this new rye whiskey has notes of dried fruits and raisins, toasted nuts, nutmeg and cocoa on the palate, and followed by a hint of citrus zest. This leads to a complex grand finale of baked fruit, a touch of baking spices, and a lingering caramel sweetness. Judges at the ASCOT Awards called Signature Edition “a lovely, lovely whiskey” and commented that it has “a beautiful balance between this warm, spicy, and orange peel flavored whiskey and the wine barrel influence.”

“Crafting a new signature whiskey is a significant endeavor for any distiller, and the entire Hemingway Whiskey team has worked hard to get it just right,” said Jacob Call, a Master Distiller of Hemingway Whiskey Co. “When tasting the new Signature Edition Rye Whiskey, you’ll get a smoothness mixed with complexity. It has the traditional rye spice notes but because it was finished in my dad’s rum-seasoned Oloroso Sherry casks, it has just the right sweetness to soften the spice. This is a whiskey we were all extremely proud to put our signatures on.”

The home for Hemingway Rye Whiskey will be the new Western Kentucky Distilling Co. in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, co-founded by Jacob Call. The distillery is proud to support the Kentucky economy by purchasing all equipment in the state and using all locally grown Kentucky corn. The distillery will be open for visitors in the future, when Hemingway Rye Whiskey fans will be able to see the passion that goes into each bottle first-hand.

About Hemingway Rye Whiskey 

Hemingway Rye Whiskey is a premium rye whiskey brand from the Hemingway Whiskey Company, a team with deep roots in Kentucky whiskey, inspired by the legacy of the legendary American author, journalist, and storyteller, Ernest Hemingway. It is led by Steve Groth, a whiskey pioneer and co-founder of the revered Angel’s Envy Bourbon brand, alongside the Call family, represented by Ron, Jacob, and Clayton, a distilling dynasty with more than 230 years of whiskey-making expertise. The Hemingway Whiskey Company, with its home at Jacob Call’s Western Kentucky Distilling Co. in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, is part of Old Man and the Sea Brands®, an innovative spirits company known for bringing high-quality spirits and captivating stories to enthusiasts. The Hemingway Whiskey Company invites all whiskey enthusiasts to join the Hemingway Social Club, a vibrant community offering exclusive access to new releases and exciting merchandise drops.

For more information please visit www.hemingwaywhiskeys.com

Wyoming Whiskey Releases Special ‘Integrity’ Bourbon Inspired By Sen. Al Simpson

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Wyoming WhiskeyFormer Wyoming U.S. Sen. Al Simpson has inspired generations of Wyomingites, met heads of state around the globe and is a Medal Freedom recipient. Now his name is on a special batch of Wyoming Whiskey bourbon called “Integrity.”

Integrity is a word frequently used to describe former U.S. senator and lifelong Wyoming resident Al Simpson. Now, the same superlative is on the label of a special batch of bourbon exclusively available in the Cowboy State.

Wyoming Whiskey, recently named one of the nation’s top 10 craft whiskey distilleries by USA Today, continues to make its mark from the small town of Kirby in Hot Springs County.

When the master distillers at Wyoming Whiskey recognize a superior batch, they set it aside for special releases and anniversaries. “Integrity” is one of those batches, released exclusively in Wyoming as a tribute to Alan Simpson, 91.

“The nature and spirit of Wyoming Whiskey is to be a true product of Wyoming,” said Alex Akselrad of Verde Brands Communications, which handles public relations for Wyoming Whiskey. “The ingredients and human resources all come from Wyoming. The product is fermented, distilled and bottled in Wyoming. (The company) is centered around doing things the right way, not the easy way.”

Ben Galagan is a Cody resident and whiskey connoisseur who has known Simpson for decades.

Galagan hasn’t had a sip of Wyoming Whiskey since trying its first batch years ago, but was already helping himself to a second glass of Integrity while describing the experience to Cowboy State Daily this week.

“Now I’m getting caramel notes on the nose,” Galagan said.

“The Integrity edition perfectly embodies what Wyoming’s way of life truly is. It is smooth to the nose and to taste, with a semi-sweet dark chocolate note to remind you of the complexity of bourbon,” he said. “There isn’t much for harshness within. It has a gentle mouth feel for a bourbon’s standard. It’s simple in flavor, easy going.

“It’s not trying too hard to be exciting, it’s content with what it is, and it shines because of that.”

Integrity will be available at the Wyoming Whiskey tasting rooms in Kirby and Jackson and at retail locations aroundthe state that already sell Wyoming Whiskey. But given that it’s a special batch, its quantity is limited.

“Once the last bottle is sold and drank, that’s it,” Akselrad said.

As someone who knows Wyoming and Senator Simpson, Galagan said he believes Wyoming Whiskey’s Integrity is a perfect tribute to both.

“Easy going, smooth, warm, simple. Much like Wyoming values, the Integrity Edition doesn’t strive to be the best. It strives to hold true to its core values and its history throughout,” he said.

Spirit Of, And For, Wyoming

While most of Wyoming Whiskey’s product is aged five years, Integrity is being bottled after aging seven years. This makes a “profound impact” on any whiskey’s flavor notes and profile, the company says.

The bourbon’s official description describes the integrity of Simpson and why he inspired the special batch.

“Parental guidance followed by the original, respected and memorable Alan K. Simpson,” it says. “Forthright and funny. Family and friendship. Defining principles that inform a disarming approach to all opportunities and challenges.

“Army Infantry, State Legislature, U.S. Senate, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and countless others (were) made better by his wit and wisdom. Cody, Wyoming, and the United States are lucky to have him. And we are proud to honor him with a bourbon of character and distinction fit for a legend.”

Akselrad said the bourbon “embodies the spirit of Wyoming and ties into the spirit with which Alan Simpson represented Wyoming for so long.”

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

Copperworks Distilling Releases American Single Malt Whiskey Single Cask No. 410

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Copperworks Distilling CompanyCopperworks Distilling recently unveiled one of its latest special releases, Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey Single Cask No. 410.

A statement from the distiller noted that Single Cask No. 410 was made from a single variety of malted barley called Fritz, developed by Washington State University.

The whiskey makers matured this American single malt in a new American oak cask for a little more than three years. It was bottled at cask strength.
The cask itself saw Char #2 on the 24-month seasoned staves from Canton Cooperage.

“Fritz is a single variety of malted barley that is grown and malted in the Skagit Valley just 70 miles north of Seattle,“ said Copperworks Vice President and Co-Owner Jeff Kanof. “This variety was originally intended for dry-land farming on the eastside of Washington. However, trials in western Washington found that Fritz grows plumper and with more flavor on this side of the state, and when making whiskey, the grain you choose matters.”

Different from other American whiskeys, American single malt is made from only one type of grain … malted barley.

“Since day one, Copperworks has sought to explore flavor possibilities by using barley grown in and around Washington to produce our American single malt whiskey,” said Copperworks President and Co-Owner Jason Parker. “Thanks to the Pacific Northwest’s varying climates and soil types, there are numerous barley varieties we can use to craft our whiskeys. We’ve partnered with local farms and malthouses to do just that.”

Their tasting notes for Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey Single Cask No. 410 show that on the nose, it has aromas of cherry cobbler, palm sugar, burnt orange oil and subtle florals. On the palate, it tastes of orange marmalade, black cherry, tart candied orange peel, and cake batter. It finishes with a malty presence, notes of dried dates, yucca, and baking and wood spices.

In all, 211 bottles were made and the single malt clocks in at 60.35% ABV, 120.7 proof. It has a suggested retail price of $89.99 and is available at Copperworks’ Seattle Distillery and Tasting Room and online at www.copperworksdistilling.com.