Bardstown Bourbon’s Distillery Reserve Brings Innovation to the Small Scale – (March 12) – Bardstown Bourbon will again stretch the boundaries of American Whiskey innovation with its latest collection of new whiskies. Complete Story.
This Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the World Whiskies Awards – (March 11) – As with many things in life, taste in whiskey is at least a little subjective. But pit the best drams head to head, and there will invariably be some standouts. Complete Story.
Duluth Whiskey Project expands to Lincoln Park – (March 10) – The spirit manufacturer has plans for a new restaurant, cocktail lounge and distillery. Complete Story.
Office of Buffalo Trace whiskey distillery swept into Kentucky River by mudslide (March 10) – A cargo container and a makeshift office at the historic distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, slid down a cliff following heavy rain in the flood-ravaged state. Complete Story.
Irish Distillers joins Diageo in production pause (March 9) – The distillery will temporarily pause production in early April 2025 and will recommence in the summer to support the sustainable global growth of its portfolio of Irish whiskeys. Complete Story.
Diageo pauses production at Kentucky whiskey facility (March 8) – The group has decided to “temporarily pause” distilling and barrel filling until June. Complete Story.
Ranking Buffalo Trace Bourbon Brands From Worst To Best (March 3) – When we say that Buffalo Trace has been around for a very long time, that’s not an exaggeration: One of the oldest buildings on the distillery’s campus dates back to 1792. A distillery followed in 1858, and much of the groundwork was laid by men whose names are still immortalized in Buffalo Trace’s bourbons: George T. Stagg, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., Albert B. Blanton, and — in the 1940s — Elmer T. Lee. Complete Story
Green River Whiskey Resurrects Its Legacy – and a Ghostly Visitor – in First Brand Advertising Campaign in 100+ Years (February 20) – Green River Distilling Co., the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky, unveiled its first modern brand advertising campaign in over 100 years celebrating its steadfast, enduring history with a tongue-in-cheek nod to the past. Complete Story.
Buzzard’s Roost Launches New Experiences at Whiskey Row Distillery and Tasting Room in Louisville (February 19) – When Buzzard’s Roost opened in 2023, the menu of interactive sensory experiences, included “Whiskey & Chocolate: The Perfect Pairing” and “Barrel Secrets Revealed.” Complete Story.
High West Distillery’s unexpected tale of making whiskey in Utah (February 18) – Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, High West has spent nearly 20 years putting whiskey-making on the map in the Mormon state. Millie Milliken saddles up and heads to Park City to find out how. Complete Story.
Whiskey Del Bac Names Master Distiller/Blender and Director of Distillery Operations (February 17) – Tucson-based maker of distinctive mesquited American single malt whiskeys, has announced the promotion of Mark A. Vierthaler to Master Distiller & Blender and Director of Distillery Operations. Complete Story.
Boann Distillery Releases its First Pot Still Whiskeys in U.S. (February 16) – Family-owned Boann Distillery announced the release of its first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys in the U.S. The three core expressions – Marsala, Madeira, and Pedro Ximénez – will be available in select states. Complete Story.
Virginia-grown White Oak trees are under threat — and so is the world’s bourbon supply (February 11) – Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell last week introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at safeguarding America’s white oak tree population.Why it matters: The wood from white oaks, many of which are grown in Virginia, are the essential ingredient in the barrels used to age Kentucky-made bourbon. Complete Story
Midleton Distillery To Celebrate 200th Anniversary In 2025 (January 30) – Irish Distillers is planning an extensive celebration throughout 2025 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the historic Midleton Distillery. Complete Story.
Glenglassaugh Distillery Is Temporarily Closing Its Doors (January 29) – Glenglassaugh has a long history dating back to 1874, but it remains one of the lesser-known distilleries amongst scotch whisky drinkers here in America. Complete Story.
New Federal Designation Is a Big Win for Local Distillers (January 28) – Malt whiskey distillers in the state and across the country are celebrating the end of a years-long push to achieve federal recognition of a new style of whiskey: American single malt whiskey. Complete Story.
KNOB CREEK AND ELI MANNING TEAM UP TO ELEVATE BIG GAME CELEBRATIONS WITH BOLD PICKS (January 27) – As excitement builds for the 2025 Big Game, Knob Creek, an original offering of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and leading American Whiskey, is proud to partner with football legend and New Orleans native, Eli Manning, to introduce Knob Creek Bold Picks. Complete Story.
Dallas Whiskey Riot Will Return to Dallas With 200+ Whiskies (January 20) – Dallas Whiskey Riot, an annual event for whiskey lovers and the whiskey curious, is returning for its fourth year at Fair Park on March 15. Whiskey Riot is a festival tour offering more than 200 whiskey samples, various seminars and opportunities to meet other whiskey lovers, brands and distillers. Complete Story
Rod & Hammer’s California Whiskey is releasing a bourbon and having a concert to benefit wildfire relief (January 20) – Regardless of where you live, chances are you’ve seen the devastation of the recent wildfires in Southern California. Rod & Hammer’s California Whiskey recently announced two initiatives to support the wildfire relief efforts. The first initiative is called “Songs of Solace.” It will be a concert to benefit Los Angeles Wildfire Relief. Complete Story
Bourbon Vs. Tennessee Whiskey Explained: How To Tell (and Taste) The Difference (January 15) – Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are similar in many ways, yet each offers its own unique flavor profile and personality. Although they share some of the same production rules, subtle differences in ingredients and processing give each spirit its distinctive character. Complete Story
This Cheap Bourbon(Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve) Is My Favorite Whiskey to Share With Newbies and Experts Alike (January 14) – Enter Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve, a whiskey that delivers big on flavor and craftsmanship without emptying your wallet. And thanks to its unique finishing process in reposado tequila barrels, it offers a flavor profile that’s as intriguing as it is enjoyable. Complete Story
Weldon Mills Distillery Awarded North Carolina Small Business of the Year (January 12) – Weldom Mill’s first product was Soldier’s Cut, which at 82-proof had significance for Tyler because he had served in the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. A portion of profits from Soldier’s Cut goes to Gold Star Families, a program that supports families of fallen service members. Complete Story
The $60 Special Reserve Bourbon Costco Is Selling For $20 (January 9) – Bulk grocery shoppers and spirit enthusiasts alike have long championed Costco for its unexpected offerings. Now, another rare liquor has been spotted at Costco, and the price is right: W. L. Weller special reserve Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey by Buffalo Trace Distillery is selling for $20.49 per 750 ml bottle. Complete Story
Mammoth Distilling Is Turning Grains From a Shipwreck Into Whiskey (Janurary 2) – “Recovering rye from the Bentley gives us access to a variety that pre-dates seed banks and any named variety of rye in the U.S.,” Mammoth co-founder Chad Munger told Robb Report of the once-in-a-lifetime find. Complete Story
Old Forester’s Latest Limited Offering Is An Excellent 11 Year Bourbon (December 29) – Old Forester The 117 Series: Warehouse I is an 11 year old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. For starters, that’s a high age statement for the brand, just around a year younger than their highest-end Birthday Bourbon. It’s also the latest 117 Series offering to focus on a specific aging warehouse. Warehouse I is one of parent company Brown-Forman’s heat-cycled warehouses, meaning it’s heated during colder months. According to Old Forester, the barrels in this release were picked from the warehouse’s hottest floors. Complete Story
Jim Beam’s New Booker’s Bourbon Is a Tribute to a Legendary Master Distiller(December 23) – It’s not that the Kentucky bourbon industry is devoid of competition and rivalry. It’s just that the old guys that have been in the business long enough go far back and have been through so many tough times that their friendships supersede achieving brand dominance. For the most part. Case in point is the new Booker’s Bourbon, which seventh-generation Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe decided to name after another industry legend, Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell. Complete Story
The 2024 Bourbons Of The Year, According To The SF World Spirits Competition(Dec 22) – The SFWSC’s 2024 Bourbons of the Year range from expensive, expressions like Pappy Van Winkle to more economical, expressions like Henry McKenna. Regardless of the price, all ten are outstanding! Complete Story
‘Yellowstone’ actor Cole Hauser brings Lazy K Bar Whiskey to Texas(July 19)- Actor Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone, has brought his Montana brand of Lazy K Bar Whiskey to local Texas stores. It’s now available in select Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Foods, Nomad’s, and Cowboy Liquors with more retailers set to have the whiskey, according to a news release. Complete Story
American Whiskey Distillers Are Reclaiming the Bourbon-Rye Blend(July 19)- A few US makers are starting to reclaim integrity in American blends by mixing straight bourbon and straight rye—that is, spirits made from at least 51% corn and 51% rye, respectively, that have been aged at least two years in new charred barrels, absent any sort of Everclear-like filler altogether. Complete Story
Costco Is Selling This Single-Pot Irish Whiskey for Up to 90 Percent Off Retail(July 18) – Costco is selling a high-quality, single-pot Irish whiskey at up to 90 percent off retail price, according to sharp-eyed Redditors, but they say it may be getting phased out of stores. Costco has recently made headlines for its rock-bottom prices on elegant spirits, such as Balvenie scotch whiskey, Suntory Japanese whiskey, and a rare Blanton’s bourbon. Complete Story
A Rare Bottle of Jack Daniels From the 1940s Is up for Auction(July 3) – Jack Daniel’s introduced 10 and 12-year-old age-statement Tennessee whiskeys to its lineup over the past few years to great acclaim. But nearly a century ago there were some younger whiskeys available, like a six-year-old expression estimated to have been bottled in the 1940s that is up for auction (current bid is £800). Four Roses had a long period of decline during the time it was owned by Seagrams when it was exporting its bourbon to Japan and only making cheap blends for the U.S. market You can find a bottle of four-year-old blended straight whiskeys from the distillery that was produced in the ’30s or ’40s at this auction (£230) if you’re curious what that tasted like. For more information on this auction: Click Here
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 showcase 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
