Dow Scoggins

This Holiday Season, Cascade Moon Releases Extremely Rare 13 Year Old Rye Whisky

December 18, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

TULLAHOMA, Tennessee – With the holiday season underway, the hunt has begun for the ideal gift, especially for those hardest to buy for on the list. Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin is releasing a premium rye whisky, perfect for the whisky afficionado in your life. Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye is an extremely rare release, available in select U.S. markets starting this month.

Hand-selected by Austin, this Cascade Moon release complements the series by offering a complex and mature rye addition to the lineup. The barrels containing aging rye arrived at Cascade Hollow in 2012, where they spent nearly a decade in Cascade Hollow’s single-story rickhouses. As a result of the temperate conditions, the barrels matured gracefully, bringing the beautiful and unique notes of the whisky forward.

“The Cascade Moon series is a collection of some of our most unique and rare whiskies. Each release has its own unique story behind the innovation and mastery of its making,” said Austin. “With this release, I’m excited to offer drinkers a beautifully aged rye whisky unlike anything else we’ve released in the series.”

At 100 proof (50% ABV), this sophisticated, mature rye is best enjoyed neat and in moderation to realize the full flavor profile and taste the unique notes of the whisky. This 13 year old whisky offers sweet notes of vanilla, toffee, leather and nutmeg with a smooth, oaky finished.

The debut of Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye comes off the heels of two award-winning Cascade Moon variants released at the end of 2020 in celebration of the 150-year anniversary of George A. Dickel & Co. Cascade Moon series pays homage to the distillery’s history, while continuing to set the tone for the future of the whisky category. The Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye will start rolling out on shelves in Tennessee, Texas and California for a limited-time only at a suggested retail price of $299.

As we celebrate the holidays, your friends at Cascade Hollow encourage you to sip this new offering the same way it’s made – slowly and responsibly.

About DIAGEO
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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Bourbon Community Comes Together To Benefit Western Kentucky

December 15, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Kentucky – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick have crafted an epic fundraising event to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from the tornados that ravaged Western Kentucky.

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature an online and live auction of exclusive private barrel selection experiences, rare and vintage spirits, and unique tasting and tourism offerings from Kentucky’s signature distilling industry and hospitality and charitable partners.

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in recent days,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I appreciate our signature Bourbon industry quickly stepping up to raise much-needed money for Kentucky families that have lost so much in this tragedy.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Kentuckians are hurting. They’ve lost their homes, loved ones and their livelihoods. It’s our obligation as a signature industry – and duty as fellow Kentuckians – to help each other in times of crisis.

“There is a real urgency here. These are our friends and neighbors, and they need help now.”

The online auction will begin Thursday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. EST and run until Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. A live-streamed auction will be held on Dec. 21 starting at 7 p.m. at Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville and will feature elite and immersive items from Kentucky’s legendary distillers.

Go to www.kybourbonbenefit.com to view all the auction items and bid.

All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornados and severe storms of Dec. 11. The website to learn more or make a donation is https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief.

“We’ve been the recipients of so much generous hospitality from the fine people of Kentucky,” said RJ Sargent, founder of The Bourbon Crusaders. “They’ve treated us like family. When we saw the chance to give back, our members jumped at the opportunity.”

Minnick said, “Kentucky Bourbon is a community that spans throughout the Bluegrass State and from whiskey bars in Sidney to the collectors in Manitoba. Bourbon lovers everywhere want to help rebuild Western Kentucky with our hands, hearts and wallets.

“Private collectors, Kentucky distillers, out-of-state brands and celebrities donated rare auction items that will surely break records. The Bourbon community believes in the Commonwealth’s bond of Bourbon and knows it can bring us together to rebuild.”

Offerings include more than 20 private barrel experiences, where Bourbon enthusiasts can personally taste and select their own one-of-a-kind barrel under the tutelage of the brand’s Master Distiller. Each barrel usually yields 150-200 bottles depending on age and proof.

Whiskey aficionados with the Bourbon Crusaders have raided their collections and donated dozens of limited edition and single barrel expressions of Bourbon, rye and Scotch whiskies. Distillers also have donated rare bottles that disappeared from retailer’s shelves long ago.

Minnick, a best-selling author and expert on all things Bourbon, utilized his renowned distilling and celebrity connections to reap a treasure trove of bottles, private experiences and memorabilia to fulfill any whiskey lover’s dream.

On the hospitality side, companies along the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour have donated overnight stays at charming bed and breakfast stops, transportation and tourism packages, a six-foot tall Christmas tree made out of barrel staves and much more.

In addition to the auction, there will be a dedicated “buy it now” section where people can purchase bottles and other items without breaking the bank. Due to COVID and space restrictions, the live auction is not open to the public. Items will be available for viewing online and streaming.

Organizers have been humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of distillers and partners from outside Kentucky that offered assistance and items for the auction. Kentucky distillers also are sending pallets of hand sanitizer to Western Kentucky that remain from COVID relief efforts.

“The outpouring has been enormous,” Sargent said. “We immediately began receiving texts and calls throughout Kentucky and from coast to coast from our members, friends and partners in the national Bourbon community who knew that we could help them help Kentuckians.”

Gregory said he began making calls to distillers early Saturday morning when daylight gave way to the devastation of the tornados. Not one distiller turned down his request to donate barrels or bottles to the cause.

“I really didn’t have to ask,” he said. “They knew why I was calling and they were ready to help in any way. It could have been any of their communities or families or colleagues. That’s Bourbon. That’s the Kentucky spirit shining through. We’re all about taking care of each other.

“After all, Bourbon is America’s spirit and Kentucky is its birthplace. When Kentucky hurts, we hurt, and that’s why we’re doing this. Thank you to everyone who is helping in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, and please continue praying for our beloved Commonwealth and its people.”

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2021 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship – Medal Winners and Grand National Champions

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

The 2021 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship is proud to announce the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Moylan’s Distilling in Petaluma, California was named the U.S. Open Whiskey’s Grand National Champion after winning two gold medals, a silver and two bronze medals. Their Moylan’s Cask Strength Bourbon was a favorite among the judges. While, Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was named the 2021 U.S. Open Spirits’ Grand National Champion by winning an amazing four gold medals.

Judging in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships is blind; the judges know only the categories, but they do not know what they are tasting. The judging was delayed a little due to COVID. Canadian entries were judged by distillers and instructors from Niagara College in Welland, Ontario. The American entries were judged by distillers and Whiskey and Spirits experts in Oxford, Ohio(the home of the U.S. Open) and Buffalo, New York.

Here are the Top Distilleries and the medal winners.

Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Moylan’s Distilling – California
2. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
4. Devils River Distillery – Texas
5. Hill Top Distillery – Virginia

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
2. Collective Arts – Ontario
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
4. Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
5. Dry County Brands – Georgia

Bourbon
Gold – Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey – Tennessee
Silver – Hill Top Straight Bourbon – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Town Branch Bourbon – Town Branch Distillery – Kentucky

Bourbon (1-3 years)
Gold – Weldon Mills – Soldier’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey – North Carolina
Silver – Devils River Distiller’s Select – Devils River Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Longhair Jim – Acre Distilling – Texas

Small batch Bourbon(4-11 years)
Gold – Moylan’s Cask Strength Bourbon – Moylan’s Distilling – California
Silver – Rubicon Creek – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Uncle Nearest 1884 Premium – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey – Tennessee

Single Barrel Whiskey
Gold – Blizzard Peak Single Barrel – Spirits of the Rockies – Colorado
Silver – Spirit of the Oak Shareholders Barrel Select – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Bronze – Devils River Single Barrel – Devils River Distillery – Texas

Single Malt Whiskey
Gold – Fat Pug American Malt Whiskey – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery – Illinois
Silver – Alley 6 Single Malt Whiskey – Alley 6 Craft Distillery – California
Bronze – Moylan’s American Single Malt Whisky – Moylan’s Distilling – California

Rye Whiskey
Gold – Moylan’s Resistance Rye – Moylan’s Distilling – California
Silver – Cincinnati Rye Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Spirit of Harvest – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Bronze – Miami Valley Rye – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio

Blended Whiskey
Gold – James Scott Blended Whiskey – Knox Joseph Distillery- Ohio
Silver – Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskies – Wonderland Distilling – Michigan
Bronze – Matthew McD’s Straight Whiskey – Acre Distilling – Texas

Craft Whiskey
Gold – Hill Top Whiskey – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – Moylan’s Sherry Barrel Finished Whisky – Moylan’s Distilling – California
Bronze – Moylan’s Port Barrel Finished Whisky – Moylan’s Distilling – California

International Whisk(e)y
Gold – Galloping Goose Finished in Amontillado Barrels – James Bay Distillers – Washington
Silver – Ha’Penny Irish Whiskey – Town Branch Distillery – Kentucky(Ireland)
Bronze – White Rye – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario

Beer Distilled Whiskey
Gold – Jack’s Abby Smoke & Dagger American Whiskey – Berkshire Mountain Distillers – Massachusetts
Silver – Grand Canyon Fire Line – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona
Bronze – Hop Along Cassidy – Acre Distilling – Texas

Whiskey Aged in Beer Barrels
Gold – Straight Bourbon Whiskey Deadwood Cask Finish – Lonerider Spirits – North Carolina
Silver – Stout Cask Finished Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Beer Barrel Bourbon – New Holland Brewing – Michigan

Cinnamon Whiskey
Gold – Fire Brigade Cinnamon Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Silver – Cinnamon Girl – Acre Distilling – Texas
Bronze – Cinnamon Fire Thunder Snow – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona

Flavored Whiskey
Gold – Devils River Coffee Bourbon – Devils River Distillery – Texas
Silver – Southern Roots – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – No Award

Whiskey in Non-Traditional Barrel Aging
Gold – Wheat Penny – Cleveland Whiskey – Ohio
Silver – Underground Rye Whiskey – Cleveland Whiskey – Ohio
Bronze – BARGO 459 – BarJack LLC DBA BARGO 459 – Kentucky

Whiskey Anything Goes
Gold – Three Crosses American Whiskey Barrel Proof – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia
Silver – Rockfish Whiskey – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Honey Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Traditional Moonshine
Gold – Corn – Flatrock Distilling – Ohio
Silver – Fox Shine Siesta – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Bronze – Skyshine – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts

Flavored Moonshine
Gold – Blackberry Gooch Hooch – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – 4 Peppercorn – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Bronze – Lemon Top Moonshine – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia

Gin
Gold – Gin – Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
Gold – Gin – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Silver – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan
Bronze – Small Batch Gin – Gervasi Spirits – Ohio

Gin Other(Flavor and Barrel)
Gold – Rhubarb & Hibiscus – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Silver – Wyatt Jack Glacial Gin – Knox Joseph Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Meander Wooded Gin – Acre Distilling – Texas

VODKA
Gold – Rehorst Vodka – Great Lakes Distilling – Wisconsin
Silver – House Vodka – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Vodka – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Sterling – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario

VODKA Specialty(Flavor & Barrel Aged)
Gold – Rehorst Citrus Honey Vodka – Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
Silver – WMD Cinnamon Flavored Vodka – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Orange Blossom Vodka – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona

Rum
Gold – Hell’s Half Acre Rum – Acre Distilling – Texas
Silver – Libertas Colonial Rum – Brickway Distillery – Nebraska
Bronze – Grand Canyon Rum – Grand Canyon Distillery – Arizona
Bronze – Five Stories Barrel Aged Rum – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio

Specialty Spirits
Gold – Weldon Orchards – Weldon Mills Distilling – North Carolina
Silver – Dracula’s Flower – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Bronze – Ambrosia – Niagara College – Ontario
Bronze – Third Stage Absinthe Verte – Third Stage Absinthe – Tennessee

Can Cocktails
Gold – Pink Gin & Soda Raspberry & Bitter Orange – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Gold – Strawberry Mango RTD Cocktail – Wild Leap Brew – Georgia
Silver – Pink Gin & Soda Rhubarb and Hibiscus – Collective Arts Distilling – Ontario
Bronze – Dry County Strawberry Lemonade – Dry County Brands – Georgia

Liqueurs
Gold – Good Land Cranberry Liqueur – Great Lakes Distillery – Wisconsin
Silver – Blizzard Peak Frost – Spirits of the Rockies – Colorado
Bronze – BLU – Gervasi Spirits – Ohio

Bottle Mix Drinks
Gold – Dry County Manhattan – Dry County Brands – Georgia
Silver – Espresso Martini – Boston Harbor Distillery – Massachusetts
Bronze – Dry County Old Fashioned – Dry County Brands – Georgia

Agave and Similar Spirits
Gold – Okolehao – Hawaiian Ola Brewing – Hawaii
Silver – Dos Gringos Agave Spirits – Red Horse Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – No Award

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

2021 Scottish Whisky Awards announces winners including Distillery of the Year

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

The winners in the national awards program for Scotch whisky have been announced following a St Andrews day dinner and celebration held in Glasgow last night.

The 3rd annual Scottish Whisky Awards revealed the winners from its comprehensive competition that included the blind tasting of 200 Scotch whiskies and the assessment of 58 distilleries and whisky producers.

The ultimate award of the night, Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year, sponsored by Bruce Stephenson Insurance Brokers, was presented to Glen Scotia Distillery in Campbeltown. Part of the Loch Lomond Group, the distillery won praise for its commitment to the community, excellent product development and high-quality standards achieved in a challenging year. They also collected a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal in two taste categories.

Over 300 people joined in the St Andrews Day dinner and celebration which paired a three course Scottish meal paired with Scotch Whisky supplied by Johnnie Walker, Glen Garioch and Glen Scotia distilleries.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor Alan Wolstenholme, commented,

“Congratulations to all the winners in this year’s Scottish Whisky Awards. We have very much enjoyed reviewing the work of the Scotch whisky industry which has shown real innovation, resilience, and dedicated support for local communities. All of the efforts in judging, tasting, researching, reading, and debating are worth it as we all work together to increase the promotion of Scotch whisky as the number one whisky of choice in the world.”

The event also presented the first ever Dr. Jim Swan Award for Services to Scotch Whisky. The award was presented to Sheila Burtles, a sensory expert who was the first ever female scientist to advise the Scotch Whisky industry on flavor. Her most famous achievement is as co-inventor of the first ever Whisky Flavor Wheel, created in 1979. Aged 92, Ms. Burtles accepted the award at a private presentation at home with her award presented by Charlie Maclean the renowned whisky expert and judge in the Scottish Whisky Awards. He commented.

“It is with the greatest possible pleasure that I have been asked to present this award. I first met Sheila in 1992 when I was invited to a course which she was giving on sensory skills and without a word of a lie this course changed my life. She really is an unsung hero of the Scotch whisky industry. She deserves immense credit for making the link between chemistry and the language we use to describe flavor and for being the first to display it in a wheel. This idea was taken up very rapidly taken up all over the world. She really is a wonderful person and deserves every recognition.”

Working with Dr. Jim Swan, Burtles created the Scotch Whisky Flavor Wheel which was quickly adopted in brewing and in the US by the wine industry. Since then, it has also been developed in many new modern versions over decades by authors, academics, and major whisky brands worldwide.

Receiving the award, Sheila Burtles said,

“This is really unbelievable. I can only thank everybody who remembers me and for this award. I was so fortunate to be able to work with Jim Swan. I was a very lucky girl in the job I did, and I met wonderful people throughout Scotland. I suppose I must admit that I was a wee bit of a pioneer in the whisky industry when I dared to turn up alone among several men. I really feel very lucky, and it has been a splendid journey.”

Among the big winners in the evening were Glenmorangie who won 2 gold award medals for Glenmorangie The Signet and The Accord, their 12 year old Single Malt. North Star Spirits were celebrated for their haul of awards as Independent Bottler of the Year and also for collecting three Gold Medals for their Spica 40 Year Old Blend, Supersonic Mach 4 Blended Malt and for their 11 year old Bunnahabhain Single Malt Single Cask bottling.

The awards were sponsored for a third year by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers. Graeme Dempster, Account Manager, commented;

“Very many congratulations to all the winners in the Scottish Whisky Awards. It has been a hugely rewarding positive experience taking part in the competition this year and we wish all the medalists and winners every success in the months and years ahead.”

The winners in full:

Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year sponsored by Bruce Stevenson
WINNER: Glen Scotia Distillery

Product Launch of the Year sponsored by Saverglass
WINNER: Ardnamurchan Distillery

Independent Bottler of the Year
WINNER: North Star Spirits

Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Rankin & Sons
WINNER: Isle of Raasay Distillery

Judges Awards of Merit
Ardnahoe Distillery for Tourism and Community Contribution
Tomatin Distillery for Community Contribution
Kingsbarns Distillery for Tourism
Glenmorangie Distillery for Sustainability

TASTE CATEGORIES

Single Malt No Age Statement sponsored by Berlin Packaging UK
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie Signet, The Glenmorangie Distillery.
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Glen Scotia Double Cask, Glen Scotia Distillery.
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Glasgow 1770 The Original, Glasgow Distillery.

Single Malt No Age Statement (Peated)
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glasgow 1770 Peated; Glasgow Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha Islay; Bunnahabhain Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: CHAOS #2; North Star Spirits

Single Malt Under 12 Year Old
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Laphroaig 10 Year Old; Laphroaig Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Deveron 10 Year Old; Macduff Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Benromach Cask Strength Vintage 2009 Batch 4; Benromach Distillery

Single Malt 12 Year Old sponsored by Winter UK
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie The Accord 12 Year Old; The Glenmorangie Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Year Old; The Glenmorangie Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old; Bunnahabhain Distillery

Single Malt 13 – 16 Year Old sponsored by Cooper Software
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glen Scotia 15 Year Old; Glen Scotia Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 16 Year Old; Aberfeldy Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Glenmorangie Cognac Cask Finish 13 Year Old; The Glenmorangie Distillery

Single Malt 17 – 20 Year Old
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Glen Garioch 17 Year Old The Renaissance 3rd Chapter; Glen Garioch Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Deanston 18 Year Old; Deanston Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Glen Garioch 1999 Wine Cask Matured; Glen Garioch Distillery

Single Malt Over 21 Year Old sponsored by Sanderson Weatherall
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Royal Brackla Oloroso Palo Cortado & Perdo Ximenezv 21 Year Old; Royal Brackla Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Aultmore 21 Year Old; Aultmore Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old; Bunnahabhain Distillery

Single Cask 12 Year Old and Under
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old (Series 012); North Star Spirits
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Glen Garioch Hand filled Minnesota 2012 American Trilogy First fill cask 1355; Glen Garioch Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Bruichladdich Lochindaal 10 Year Old (Series 014); North Star Spirits

Single Cask 13 Year Old and Over
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Auchentoshan Distillery Cask – 1997 Oloroso; Auchentoshan Distillery
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: The Loch Fyne Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old; The Loch Fyne
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Blair Athol 14 Year Old (Series 014); North Star Spirits

Blended Scotch Whisky
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Black Bottle; Distell International
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Black Bottle Double Cask; Distell International
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Clansman Blended Scotch; Loch Lomond Group

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Supersonic Mach 4; North Star Spirits
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Ardgowan Distillery Clydebuilt Series Shipwright; Ardgowan Distillery Company
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Supersonic Mach 2; North Star Spirits

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Aged
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Artful Dodger Whisky Collective (Burnside) 1989 30 Year Old; Artful Dodger Whisky Collective
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: The Vatting Series – 6yo Peatside (PX + Bourbon Finish); Murray McDavid
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: The Vatting Series – 11yo The Speysiders (Ximenez-Spinola PX Finish); Murray McDavid

Blended Scotch Whisky – Aged
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Spica; North Star Spirits
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Artful Dodger Whisky Collective 1978 41 Year Old; Artful Dodger Whisky Collective
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Black Bottle 10 Year Old; Distell International

Single Grain Scotch Whisky
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky; Loch Lomond Group
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Loch Lomond Single Grain; Loch Lomond Distillery
BRONZE MEDAL AWARD: Select Grain Series 13yo North British (Murca Tawny Port Finish); Murray McDavid

For fun facts about Whiskey, Click Here

Jim Beam Releases Jim Beam Bourbon Cream Just In Time For The Holiday Season

December 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Chicago, Illinois – This holiday season, Jim Beam® is helping you ring in the festivities with its new Jim Beam® Bourbon Cream — a rich, celebratory beverage best enjoyed with those who matter most. Jim Beam Bourbon Cream, a new innovation from a storied brand, combines sweet, velvety cream liqueur with the world’s finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The result is a balance of delicious cream complemented by bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, making it the perfect drink to add holiday “spirit” to all your gatherings this season.

To celebrate the launch of its limited-edition Bourbon Cream, Jim Beam is unveiling a holiday-focused campaign titled “Get to the Good Stuff,” which inspires people to speed through the holiday formalities and spend more time just relaxing and enjoying family and loved ones. Actress and bourbon fan Emily Hampshire is partnering with Jim Beam to create social content and share how she plans to “Get to the Good Stuff” this holiday season.

Jim Beam is also creating a limited number of kits available for purchase, which feature items to help you “Get to the Good Stuff.” The kits will be available first come, first served to legal-drinking-aged consumers at JimBeam.com/GetToTheGoodStuff starting today for $19.99 and will include:

The Quickest Wrapping Paper – Skip the unnecessary unwrapping and view your gift through the see-through paper

The Shortest Holiday Story – As quick a read as they come, this story lets you spend less time reading holiday stories, and more time creating your own with friends and family this season

The Fastest Board Game – This one should only last a few minutes, instead of hours.

The Easiest, Quickest Recipes – We’re here to help you prepare your at-home signature cocktail for the night…whether you have bartending skills or not.

“Jim Beam has been bringing people together for life’s everyday moments, as well as the most meaningful ones — like family time over the holidays — for over 200 years. ‘Getting to the Good Stuff’ means more meaningful moments with family and friends, and Jim Beam Bourbon Cream is the perfect cocktail pairing to savor these moments,” said Veronique Mura, vice president of marketing for Jim Beam at Beam Suntory. “Jim Beam’s Bourbon Cream is the newest indulgent innovation that makes the perfect drink to toast to special moments with — like finally being able to savor time with family once that holiday to-do list is complete.”

Jim Beam Bourbon Cream is best enjoyed over ice or in a Jim Beam Bourbon Cream Hot Chocolate. At 15% ABV (30 proof), it has a suggested retail price of $19.99 for 750mL and is now available for a limited time only at select retailers nationwide.

For more information about Jim Beam Bourbon Cream: visit jimbeam.com.

About Jim Beam
Jim Beam, the world’s best-selling bourbon, has been bringing people together since 1795. Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That’s what years of aging in new charred oak barrels does to our Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The seven generations of master distillers have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down for more than 225 years. Today, the Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Lineage, Jim Beam Old Tub, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Orange, Jim Beam Peach, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire and Red Stag by Jim Beam among other offerings.

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Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon Release Arrives in November

November 23, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Shortly after being named “Most Admired American Whiskey” by UK-based Drinks International, Michter’s will start shipping 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon to its distributor and importer network this November.

“I really enjoy this release because the barrels that our Master Distiller Dan McKee and our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson selected for it are so layered and rich,” stated Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. This 2021 edition will mark the first release of Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon since 2019. Wilson commented, “This whiskey really showcases how thoughtful care and attention throughout the aging life can lead to an absolutely beautiful expression. Sipping it mirrors the experience of savoring a fine, decadent dessert.” “We pay extra special attention to our barrels once they reach 15 years because we want the barrels we offer to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and oak-driven complexity,” said Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee.

On October 21st, 2021, Drinks International published its inaugural list of The World’s Most Admired Whiskies. In describing the Academy of voters assembled to rank the whiskies, Drinks International stated, “Our Academy consists of buyers, bar owners, writers, educators, and other specialists who carry no affiliation with any brand to ensure that the results burden no bias and retain integrity across the board.” Michter’s was voted the number one most admired American Whiskey and the number four most admired whiskey on the entire list.

Michter’s has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, and American whiskey. Currently the Louisville based distiller is allocating each and every one of its whiskey offerings as demand has been exceeding supply.

The proof of this 2021 release is 114.2 (57.1% ABV), and the suggested U.S. retail price for a 750ml bottle is $750. For more information, please visit www.michters.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Sagamore Spirit Releases 4-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey, Made Entirely in Maryland

November 23, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

BALTIMORE, Maryland — Sagamore Spirit released its first-ever Bottled in Bond rye whiskey at 50% ABV (100-proof) made entirely at its Baltimore distillery and barrel-aged for four years at its nearby rickhouse. It marks a milestone for the brand, established nearly a decade ago with a mission to revive Maryland’s centuries-old reputation for rye whiskey distilling.

Sagamore Spirit Bottled in Bond blends two straight rye whiskies, one with a high-rye mash bill, the other low-rye, adhering to the same proprietary recipe that has defined all of Sagamore Spirit’s award-winning releases since 2016. The result is true to Maryland’s style of rye, first enjoyed in colonial times: approachable, versatile, and notably complex. The final profile showcases flavors of rye spice, toasty caramel, and fruit and floral notes.

“Today marks an important moment for Sagamore Spirit, with proof of our original concept fully realized and now here for the tasting,” said Brian Treacy, Sagamore Spirit’s co-founder and president of distillery operations. “Bottled in Bond is a testament to our entire team’s hard work, incredible talent and perseverance, a tribute to Maryland’s legendary distillers, and one heck of an amazing rye whiskey.”

A limited quantity of Sagamore Spirit Bottled in Bond is available across the country for an approximate retail price of $59.99, and at the brand’s Baltimore waterfront distillery while bottles last.

Fans enjoyed an early taste of Sagamore Spirit Maryland Rye, with 4.5-year-old Penny’s Proof

On November 13th, visitors to the distillery lined up for hours to purchase a three-pack of Penny’s Proof: Sagamore Spirit’s signature 83-proof rye whiskey, distilled and aged for 4.5 years in Maryland. It marked the brand’s third annual, limited edition Penny’s Proof release. Each has given fans, known as Whiskey Thieves, early tastes of Sagamore Spirit’s now fully mature Maryland rye, first at 2.5 years of age (2019), and then 3.5 years (2020). Each three-pack of 200ml bottles has been available at the price of one penny, paying tribute to the distillery’s gleaming copper still: one to sip, another to share, the third to savour.

Sagamore Spirit’s Maryland-style rye was originally distilled by MGP, then expertly blended by Sagamore Spirit distillers to make the brand’s proprietary, award-winning high rye-low rye mash bill. Over the next few years, as more Maryland-distilled rye fully matures, it will comprise a higher share of whiskey within Sagamore Spirit releases, before reaching 100% by 2025. Within another few years, Sagamore Spirit’s rye whiskies will be almost entirely made with Maryland-grown grains. The brand is partnering with local farmers and growing its own rye and corn at Sagamore Farm.

To find a coveted bottle of Sagamore Spirit Bottled in Bond, and learn more about the brand’s grain-to-glass initiative, visit www.SagamoreSpirit.com to sign up to be a Whiskey Thief.

About Sagamore Spirit
Inspired by the legacy of Maryland Rye and today’s spirit consumer, Sagamore Spirit is driven to craft the world’s best Rye Whiskey while strengthening our collective communities. Its award-winning five-acre waterfront distillery in Baltimore is reclaiming the city’s rightful place in America’s whiskey history, where storied distillers perfected rye whiskey for more than 150 years before Kentucky was founded.

Maryland Rye Whiskey was known to be full bodied yet notably more balanced than other regional rye styles, and Sagamore Spirit has picked up the torch. Its American Rye Whiskies have earned more than 100 awards internationally, including “World’s Best Rye Whiskey” in 2019 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Sagamore Spirit’s distillation team blends two different rye mash bills – a high rye and a low rye – and then adds pure Maryland limestone-filtered spring water, transported 22 miles from Sagamore Farm, to craft the brand’s Signature 83-proof Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey. To learn more about Sagamore Spirit’s core expressions, including Cask Strength Rye Whiskey and Double Oak Rye Whiskey, as well as limited-time Reserve Series releases, visit www.SagamoreSpirit.com.

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Maplewood Brewery & Distillery Launches Canned Cocktail Series

September 16, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

CHICAGO, Illinois – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is excited to announce the launch of their first canned cocktails, set to release the week of July 26. Primarily known for its beer, Maplewood’s distillery has been producing award winning craft spirits using a 250L Kothe Still since 2014. The ready to drink cocktails will join Maplewood’s Spruce Gin on retail shelves throughout Illinois, with further market distribution in the near future.

The initial lineup will consist of three sparkling offerings that each showcase the unique notes brought out by Maplewood’s spirits present in the cocktails:

Palmer Square: Maplewood’s Spruce Gin in a time-honored combination of Iced Tea and Lemonade.

“We developed our Spruce Gin after experimenting with spruce and rooibos tea infused cocktails and the gin quickly became a house favorite,” says Ari Megalis, Maplewood’s Head Distiller and Co-Founder. “The flavors of our Spruce Gin naturally compliment tea and citrus so well, that we knew an ‘Arnold Palmer’ inspired cocktail would be the best way to showcase its American contemporary style.”

Whiskey Sour: wheated whiskey masterfully blended with ginger, lemon, grapefruit, and locally produced orange bitters. Whiskey Sour finishes with vivid tart citrus that dances off the notes of fruit and barrel brought out by the whiskey.

Rum Punch: a unique reimagination of the classic. Orange and pineapple accompany an infusion of hibiscus and hint of cinnamon that make this a quaffable, fruity delight.

“Our spirit program has always been small, but we’ve been eager to share our products with our customers. We’re excited for the opportunity to combine our production team’s knowledge of blending flavors to expand our spirits presence in the market, while continuing to grow our award winning spirits program,” says Patrick Terwedo, Maplewood’s Distiller. “We want to gin up some excitement because we have a lot of fun things on the way!” All three canned cocktails will be available in 4-packs of 12oz cans, varying between 10-15% ABV depending on the variety. Among the first locations to offer these is Maplewood’s own Lounge, located in Logan Square at the brewery & distillery. Market distribution begins the week of July 26th with a suggested retail price of $16.99 per 12oz 4-pack.

About Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
The first of its kind in Illinois to establish brewing and distilling roots under a single roof, Maplewood has been producing finely crafted beer and spirits since 2014. Three years after moving into the production facility, Maplewood opened their Lounge, a neighborhood staple doubling as a taproom and cocktail bar. Beginning commercial distribution throughout Illinois shortly after settling into Logan Square, Maplewood has since expanded their distribution footprint into Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kansas. Maplewood’s fans have come to expect expertly crafted beer and spirits in a wide range of styles.

For More Information:
https://maplewoodbrew.com/spirits/canned-cocktails

Jack Daniel’s releases Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey

September 7, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

LYNCHBURG, Tennessee — The Jack Daniel Distillery announces the release of Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey, the brand’s first 10-year aged-stated whiskey in more than 100 years. The limited-availability product, which will become an annual release, celebrates the modern whiskey-making expertise of the Jack Daniel Distillery while paying tribute to the brand’s past.

“Over the last decade, we’ve been experimenting to craft a product that would properly honor the whiskey Jack Daniel was bottling at the end of the 1800’s,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “All of us at the Jack Daniel Distillery are thrilled to release an age-stated whiskey for the first time in over 100 years to be enjoyed by all.

This product has been hand-crafted by our distillery team in Lynchburg over the last 10 summers all while keeping up with the growing demand for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey around the world. This 10-year-old whiskey celebrates our modern-day whiskey making, while also paying tribute to our founder and history. It is a special time for us all.”

Fletcher evolved the distillery’s previous aged methods by maturing Jack Daniel’s iconic Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey in oak barrels that were relocated throughout the barrelhouse to extend the aging process over the past ten years. The result is a more complex, hand-crafted whiskey with a rare flavor profile. Bottled at 97 proof—a first for the Jack Daniel Distillery—Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey features notes of dry fig and raisin laced with oak on the nose, warm butterscotch alongside soft fruit and smoke on the palate, and an incredibly long finish with sweet tobacco and spice.

The 10-Year-Old bottle design is also inspired by the brand’s history, featuring a hand-drawn iteration of the original cartouche that appeared on Jack Daniel’s aged-stated bottles a century ago.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey 10-Year-Old retails for $70 in a 750mL size with the first batch hitting shelves in limited quantities in early September across the United States. Visit www.jackdaniels.com for more information.

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New Spirits Brand, Bahnbrëcker, Helmed By Texas Musician Randy Rogers, Launches World’s First Hefeweizen-Style Whiskey

September 7, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Country star Randy Rogers and co-founders Eric Chase, Cary Schindler, Ash Wineinger, Michael Devers along with spirits-industry veteran Steve Luttmann, are excited to announce the launch of their new spirits brand, Bahnbrëcker, based in New Braunfels, TX. Bahnbrëcker will enter the marketplace with Slow River Blend, the first-ever Hefeweizen-style whiskey. Slow River Blend will be available in bars, restaurants and liquor stores throughout Texas and for nationwide shipping starting September 15, 2021. For more information visit Bahnbrecker.com.

Bahnbrëcker, derived from ‘trailblazer’ in German, is a nod to the company’s hometown of New Braunfels, TX, and to the spirit of ingenuity found in the early pioneers of Texas. Slow River Blend is handcrafted from Texas and Midwestern wheat macerated with lemon peel and clove. The notes of lemon, clove, caramel and vanilla are reminiscent of a Hefeweizen-style beer. This is an unpretentious, easy drinking whiskey with a smooth finish. Bahnbrëcker is a truly craft spirit made with only real ingredients and is completely “WONF-free” (i.e. no “With Other Natural Flavors”).

“We wanted to create something that the people who came before us in this great community of New Braunfels would be proud of,” said Co-Founder Randy Rogers. “I think you’re going to find that this craft whiskey distinguishes itself from others. Slow River Blend gives you this aroma, it gives you this flavor of the lemon and the clove blended with your whiskey that creates this Hefeweizen taste, this Hefeweizen spirit that is the spirit of New Braunfels.”

Bahnbrëcker Slow River Blend will be available throughout Texas at all Total Wine & Spirits and Skip’s locations, and other locations starting September 15, 2021 for a suggested retail price starting at $37.99 per bottle. It will also be available for nationwide shipping starting September 15, 2021. While this marks the first Bahnbrëcker product to date, the company has plans to expand with additional spirits offerings in the future.

For more information on Slow River Blend and to stay up-to-date with Bahnbrëcker, visit www.bahnbrecker.com.

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