Archives for December 2024

Old Vatted Glenlivet 1862
The story of the oldest bottle of whiskey is a fascinating journey through history, craftsmanship, and mystery. One such remarkable bottle is the “Old Vatted Glenlivet 1862”, an exceptionally rare single malt Scotch whisky believed to date back to the mid-19th century. Here’s its story:

The Creation
In 1862, in the Scottish Highlands, the Glenlivet distillery produced a batch of whisky using traditional pot stills, copper condensers, and spring water from the Speyside region. This whisky was carefully matured in oak casks for years, absorbing the distinct flavors of its environment. The craftsmanship behind it was meticulous, as this was an era when whisky-making was more art than science.

A Journey Through Time
After maturing for an unspecified number of years, the whisky was bottled. Back then, the idea of “bottle aging” wasn’t understood, so this bottle’s journey into the 20th and 21st centuries is extraordinary. It passed through the hands of collectors, survived wars, changes in ownership, and shifts in cultural attitudes toward whisky.

Discovery and Rarity
The bottle was rediscovered in the early 20th century by a private collector who recognized its historical significance. It remained untouched, its cork sealed tightly, preserving the spirit within. This rarity became a cherished artifact, representing a time when whisky was crafted in small batches with no modern machinery.

Auction and Reverence
In 2017, the “Old Vatted Glenlivet 1862” went up for auction. Whisky connoisseurs and historians alike marveled at its survival. It fetched an incredible price, valued not just for its liquid but for its journey through history.

The Taste of History
Few will ever taste a whisky of such age and heritage, as it is considered more of a museum piece than a drinkable spirit. Those lucky enough to sample similarly aged whiskies describe them as having intense, complex flavors, with notes of leather, dried fruit, antique wood, and a faint smokiness—a reflection of the distillation methods and cask-aging practices of the era.

This story is a testament to the longevity and timeless allure of whisky, embodying the resilience of tradition and the passage of time. Each sip, if ever taken, would be a direct link to the people, culture, and craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Nikola Tesla, the eccentric genius known for his groundbreaking work in electricity and magnetism, was also known for his peculiar habits and health theories. Among these was his daily consumption of whiskey, which he believed would help him live to the age of 150. Here’s the story:

A Man of Unusual Convictions
Tesla was a man of science but also a creature of ritual. He had strong beliefs about health and longevity, often informed by his unique interpretations of scientific principles and his observations of the world. Tesla believed that whiskey, when consumed moderately, had medicinal properties that could bolster health and extend life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whiskey was often touted as a remedy for various ailments, from colds to fatigue. Tesla embraced this notion and incorporated whiskey into his daily routine, convinced that its “tonic” properties would help him achieve his goal of living to 150 years old.

The Role of Moderation
Tesla’s whiskey habit wasn’t about indulgence but discipline. He didn’t drink to excess; instead, he treated whiskey as part of a carefully managed lifestyle. Alongside this, he was known for his meticulous eating habits, avoidance of tobacco, and a commitment to regular physical exercise, particularly walking.

He once said, “Whiskey will help clear your head and stimulate your brain,” reflecting his belief that a sharp mind was key to a long and productive life.

Unexpected Challenges
Tesla’s aspirations for longevity met unexpected obstacles. In 1920, during the Prohibition era in the United States, the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol were banned. This meant Tesla could no longer legally procure whiskey for his daily ritual. While it’s unclear how he coped with this restriction, Tesla likely found the ban frustrating, given his belief in whiskey’s health benefits.

Tesla’s Later Years
Despite his health theories and whiskey habit, Tesla’s life ended at age 86 in 1943—not 150 as he had hoped. By then, he had become a recluse, living in a New York City hotel and feeding pigeons in his spare time. While he didn’t achieve his goal of extreme longevity, he left behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific achievements that continue to inspire the world.

A Legacy of Curiosity
Tesla’s belief in whiskey as a longevity elixir is a charming footnote to his life, showcasing the quirky, human side of a man often revered as a superhuman innovator. It’s a reminder that even the greatest minds can hold unconventional beliefs and that their lives are as fascinating as their inventions.

More Whiskey Triva

Southern Distilling Company, renowned for its specialized customer service and high-quality whiskey production, has become the first contract distiller to offer bulk American Single Malt Whiskey production to both new and existing clients. With nearly a decade of expertise in crafting premium single malt whiskeys, the North Carolina-based distillery is proud to support the newly established American Single Malt Whiskey category.

Situated on a sprawling 20-acre campus, Southern Distilling Company boasts a cutting-edge 36,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the demands of large-scale production. The distillery supports over 140 clients worldwide, ranging from non-producing brand owners and investors to small and large distilleries. Co-founder and COO Vienna Barger celebrated the recent TTB ruling that officially recognizes the American Single Malt Whiskey category, stating, “We are thrilled to see this landmark decision, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

The distillery is now accepting immediate orders for 2025 new fill, with sample kits available for interested partners. Southern Distilling Company’s advanced fermentation and distillation systems are optimized for large-scale single malt whiskey production, capable of producing and aging over 20,000 barrels annually. The facility’s proven performance includes successful runs with both base and character malts tailored to client specifications.

“Since founding Southern Distilling Company in 2013, we’ve strived to blend heritage with innovation,” said co-founder and CEO Pete Barger. “By welcoming more American Single Malt Whiskey clients, both domestically and internationally, we’re continuing to expand the horizons of this exciting category.”
For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com/contract-distilling/

About Southern Distilling Company
Southern Distilling Company has reignited North Carolina’s distilling tradition while embracing the innovation of America’s craft spirits industry. The 20-acre distillery campus is proudly located in Statesville, North Carolina, a city with a big role in bourbon’s history. Before Prohibition, Statesville was known as the “Liquor Capital of the World.” It is now home to a state-of-the-art 36,000 square-foot distillery where days are spent distilling the highest quality bourbons and ryes and watching over more than 65,000 barrels patiently aging in the rickhouses.

Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country’s largest privately owned distilleries since being co-founded by Pete and Vienna Barger in 2013. It offers a diverse range of standard and custom new fill whiskeys, extensive aged barrel inventory, warehouse barrel storage, private label production, and co-packing for more than 140 brands globally. Southern Distilling Company supports sustainability and regenerative agriculture processes and sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility. It also produces Southern Star bourbons and rye whiskeys—its own line of award-winning artisan spirits. The distillery, located along Interstate 77 near the I-40 interchange is open for tours, tastings, cocktails, and bottle sales. It also hosts public events and experiences throughout the year. For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com.

The Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree tradition began in 2011 at the Jack Daniel Distillery and has since expanded to multiple locations nationwide. This year, you have the chance to own a barrel from a nearby Barrel Tree. Starting December 1, barrels from each tree will be available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home program, which helps bring military members home for the holidays.

This year, you can find a Barrel Tree in Buffalo, Los Angeles, Lynchburg, Nashville, New Brunswick, New York City, San Antonio, San Francisco, DC, Tampa, and Oklahoma City.
For more information:  www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/operation-ride-home

George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon: A Historical Overview
Discover the fascinating history of George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon, a lesser-known venture that highlights the first U.S. president’s entrepreneurial legacy and his contributions to early American industry.

The Beginnings of Whiskey Production at Mount Vernon
After serving as the first president of the United States, George Washington returned to his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia in the 1790s. The plantation was a hub of diverse activities, from farming to textile production. Among these ventures, distilling whiskey emerged as a standout business.

Westland Distillery is thrilled to celebrate the official recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey.

As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery has long championed the category through its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The recognition marks a culmination of years of advocacy and effort by Westland and other distillers committed to establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.

“This recognition is a significant step forward, not just for Westland but for the entire industry,” said says Jason Moore, Westland’s managing director. “. “We’re proud to have played a role in shaping this category and are excited about the opportunities it creates for producers and whiskey enthusiasts alike.”

Westland Distillery remains at the forefront of the movement, showcasing the diverse potential of American Single Malt Whiskey through its use of locally sourced ingredients, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability. The distillery continues to craft expressions that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest, setting a benchmark for the category’s future.

With this official recognition, Westland Distillery looks forward to further elevating the profile of American Single Malt Whiskey and sharing its story with whiskey lovers around the world.

About Westland Distillery
Founded in 2010 in Seattle, WA, Westland Distillery is leading the emergence of the American Single Malt Whiskey category. Distilled, matured and bottled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, their whiskeys bring a new and distinctly American voice to the world of single malt. To learn more about Westland Distillery, visit www.westlanddistillery.com. To receive updates on Westland’s latest releases and distillery news, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westlanddistillery, or on Twitter or Instagram at @westlandwhiskey.

The angel’s share refers to the portion of whiskey (or other spirits) that evaporates from oak barrels during the aging process. As whiskey matures in casks, a small percentage of the liquid escapes through the pores of the wood into the atmosphere, typically amounting to about 2–5% of the volume per year, depending on factors like the climate and storage conditions.

This phenomenon occurs because oak barrels are slightly porous, allowing air to interact with the whiskey inside. While this interaction improves the whiskey’s flavor and character, the loss to evaporation is inevitable. The term “angel’s share” is a romantic expression coined to suggest that the lost whiskey is taken by angels, lending a poetic charm to what would otherwise be considered a financial loss.

Factors Influencing the Angel’s Share:
Climate: In warm climates, evaporation tends to be higher due to increased heat and humidity.
In cooler climates, the rate is slower, but aging takes longer.

Barrel Type: Smaller barrels have a larger surface area relative to their volume, leading to more evaporation.

Warehouse Environment: Humidity levels affect whether more alcohol or water evaporates. In dry climates, water loss predominates, increasing the whiskey’s alcohol concentration, while in humid climates, alcohol evaporates more readily.

Duration of Aging: The longer whiskey ages, the more is lost to the angel’s share, which is why older whiskeys are rarer and more expensive.
Despite the loss, the angel’s share plays a crucial role in the whiskey’s development, as it allows the spirit to “breathe,” contributing to its depth, smoothness, and complexity.

FRANKFORT, Kentucky –  Buffalo Trace Distillery has once again become a festive destination for its 26th annual Holidays at the Trace celebration, taking place throughout December. This year’s event is bigger and brighter, featuring over 20,000 additional LED lights, a towering 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with more than 400 ornaments, and over 70 unique light installations across the grounds.

New for 2024: Spirited Nights
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the brand-new Spirited Nights, a 12-night immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional drive-through light display. Guests can enjoy walk-through attractions, including a 60-foot light tunnel and themed scenes like Santa’s workshop with elves testing toys. Expanded food and drink offerings include a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Hot Chocolate Bar, complimentary bourbon tastings, a cocktail bar featuring winter classics, and extended gift shop hours for holiday shopping.

Spirited Nights runs on the second and third weekends of December, with free registration required. More details can be found at Spirited Nights.

Returning Favorites: Drive-Through Light Show
The beloved drive-through light display also returns, featuring new additions such as a 16-foot animated gingerbread man and four buffalo light sculptures. This complimentary experience is open nightly from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM through December 31.

Holiday Shopping at Buffalo Trace
Visitors can complete their holiday shopping at the Distillery’s Gift Shop, offering a range of items like barware, apparel, specialty foods, and bottles. New for 2024 are the Buffalo Trace X Bettinardi Golf Putter & Cover, a limited-edition holiday sweater, and a holiday candle in a reusable rocks glass. Purchases can also be made online at Buffalo Trace Shop.

Making Memories at Buffalo Trace
“Holidays at the Trace is such a beloved tradition,” said Tyler Adams, Buffalo Trace Distillery General Manager. “We’re thrilled to offer the community even more to see and do this year. We hope families will celebrate the season with us and create lasting memories.”

For more information on Buffalo Trace’s holiday offerings, visit Holiday at Buffalo Trace.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.