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Dow Scoggins

Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces Kosher Whiskey Release

April 28, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Buffalo Trace Kosher WhiskeyFRANKFORT, KY  – Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing what it believes to be the first authentic Kosher Whiskey, under the guidance of the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc-Kosher). Buffalo Trace began working with cRc in 2010. The new whiskey is available in three styles, Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon; Kosher Wheat Recipe Bourbon; and Kosher Straight Rye Whiskey. The three Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskies will be starting shipping from Buffalo Trace after Passover ends on April 16, 2020.

Kosher law mandates that whiskey should not be owned or consumed by Jews during Passover. In 2012 the cRc oversaw the sale of new American Oak Kosher barrels in a contract of sale to a non-Jewish executive, Buffalo Trace Distillery President Mark Brown, where they were filled with whiskey and put away in specially marked “Kosher whiskey” barrels to age.

Once the whiskey reached its desired age earlier this year, the bottling lines at the Distillery were flushed completely beforehand to ensure the whiskey was not exposed to any non-Kosher spirits. This allocated whiskey will be released after Passover ends this year on April 16. Bottles will sell through wholesalers and retailers before Passover begins again in 2021.

“This is a milestone in the spirits industry to produce a truly Kosher whiskey,” said Mark Brown, owner of the Kosher barrels at Buffalo Trace. “We know Kosher products are very important to the Jewish community as well as a broader audience, we are fully committed to ensuring that the entire chain of custody remains Kosher so the purchaser has 100% confidence this is a Kosher whiskey.”

“We’re excited that our partnership which we began ten years ago has come to fruition,” stated Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, kashrus administrator Chicago Rabbinical Council, “Our members have shown great interest in the prospect of being able to enjoy a Kosher whiskey. We are very happy Buffalo Trace has taken the steps to make sure this happens.”

The new Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskey line is limited, but it will be an annual release each year after Passover. The labels depict both Buffalo Trace Distillery logo and the cRc-Kosher logo. Each expression of Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ml bottle.

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 35 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 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon, whiskey

New Holland’s RTD Rum Punch Wins Best in Class at American Distilling Institute

April 16, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

New Holland Rum Punch HOLLAND, Michigan — In 2019, New Holland Spirits made home bartending a cinch when they released their ready-to-drink Rum Punch. Fans immediately took to the delicious blend of Freshwater Rum mixed with passionfruit, orange, pineapple, and coconut flavors, and now, after taking home best in class at this year’s American Distillers Institute (ADI) awards, Rum Punch has the accolades to back the hype.

Founder and President Brett Vanderkamp expressed pride in receiving this prestigious award for New Holland Rum Punch. “Winning Best-In-Class at ADI is an incredible honor and is a testament to the hard work and talent of our distilling team,” Vanderkamp said.

The team’s hard work paid off in other categories too, with a gold medal for their Beer Barrel Bourbon, a silver for the Barrel Aged Knickerbocker Gin and a bronze for Lake Life Vodka. A bronze for their ready-to-drink Blueberry Gin Lemonade also proved that New Holland’s canned cocktail line is no fluke. For brand manager Adam Dickerson, the secrets to their success are quality and inclusivity.

“At New Holland, we do our best to make something for every person and every palate, anyway we can,” Dickerson said. “The New Holland Rum Punch has enough complex rum flavor for a rum critic to enjoy but is balanced with the fruit, making it very refreshing and approachable.”

In addition to the Rum Punch and Blueberry Gin Lemonade, the Gin Mule rounds out New Holland’s canned cocktail lineup, but as the market for these products grows, expect New Holland’s portfolio to do the same.

Next in line is Blackberry Bramble, a canned cocktail made with New Holland’s Lake Life Vodka, blackberry, and lemon fruit flavors. It arrives May 1, signaling the beginning of warmer season, and it should provide the perfect summer beverage for those who don’t want to fuss with a muddler and Boston Shaker.

“Our ready-to-drink cocktails are a fantastic way to experience our handmade spirits with the convenience of a pre-made cocktail,” Vanderkamp said.

To find cans, check your local Michigan retailer, including Meijer.

About New Holland Spirits
In early 2002, New Holland Brewing Co-Founder & President Brett VanderKamp visited the Caribbean with the intention of enjoying sun, sand, and waves. Instead, he found world-class rum, and a lifelong obsession with fine craft spirits was born. He returned to Holland, MI with a mission: to create spirits that live up to his artful way of life and to share them with the world. For more information, visit their website.

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Filed Under: rum

Rite Aid Launches Eastside Distilling’s Redneck Riviera Whiskey to 521 Locations

April 16, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Eastside Distilling Redneck Riviera WhiskeyPORTLAND, Oregon – Eastside Distilling, today announced expanded distribution for its Redneck Riviera Whiskey to 521 Rite Aid stores throughout the state of California. The initial shelf sets by Rite Aid marks a significant milestone in the development of the brand as Rite Aid becomes the first retailer in the drug store segment to begin carrying the product. The Rite Aid shelf sets are expected to be placed in the month of May for the start of the busy summer season.

“We are very excited to be able to offer the Rite Aid customers Redneck Riviera American Blended Whiskey, a small batch whiskey with vanilla honey smoothness and a subtle oak finish,” said Eastside Distilling’s President, Robert Manfredonia. “We greatly appreciate Rite Aid’s commitment to Eastside Distilling and the Redneck Riviera Whiskey brand as they become the first distribution for the brand into the drug store segment which is usually reserved for fully mature bellwether brands. At just 24 months old now, this is a huge win for the Redneck Riviera Whiskey brand and Eastside Distilling.”

Redneck Riviera Whiskey is a joint collaboration between Eastside and John Rich, the multi-platinum country-music artist and one-half of the award-winning duo Big & Rich. John Rich and Eastside have taken to heart the Folds of Honor mission and have been active advocates on behalf of the foundation, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through the sale of Redneck Riviera Whiskey. Since 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation has carried forth this singular, noble mission – to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. Their motto says it best: “Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy.” Redneck Riviera Whiskey is currently available in 48 states.

For more information on Redneck Riviera Whiskey, please visit redneckriviera.com.

About Eastside Distilling
Eastside Distilling has been producing high-quality, award-winning craft spirits in Portland, Oregon, since 2008. The Company is distinguished by its highly decorated product lineup that includes Redneck Riviera and Granny Rich Whiskey, Azuñia Tequilas, Burnside Whiskeys and Rye, Hue-Hue Coffee Rum, and Portland Potato Vodkas. All Eastside spirits are crafted from natural ingredients for quality and taste. Eastside’s Craft Canning subsidiary is one of the Northwest’s leading independent spirit bottlers and ready-to-drink canner.

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Filed Under: whiskey

Rogue Ales & Spirits Turns Distillery Into Hand Sanitizer Production Facility

April 2, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Rogue Spirits Hand SanitizerNewport, Oregon — Rogue Spirits is producing and packaging hand sanitizer at our distillery in Newport, Oregon to donate to local emergency response and public safety officials. To date, Rogue has donated its ‘Helping Hand Hand Sanitizer’ to fire departments from Newport, Toledo, Waldport, Yachats, Depoe Bay, and Lincoln City, police services, county offices, local ambulance services and Life Flight. It is critical to keep those servicing the community safe and healthy so that they can protect the rest of the country during this public health crisis.

Rogue’s ‘Helping Hand Hand Sanitizer’ is made with 80% ethanol, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide and distilled water and packaged in 375 ml, 4 oz and 16 oz bottles. The Food and Drug Administration changed their guidelines on March 18 to give distilleries permission to start making hand sanitizer for distribution as long as they were abiding by the formula outlined by the World Health Organization. This change allowed Rogue and distilleries around the country to make hand sanitizer because of the shortage.

“There’s a massive shortage of so many life-saving supplies right now and we wanted to do something to help,” adds Brian Pribyl, Head Distiller of Rogue Ales & Spirits. “As a distillery, we make alcohol every day, so a hand sanitizer was an obvious way to help. It’s been amazing to watch the entire distilling community come together during this crisis. We can’t make gowns, gloves or medical equipment but we can keep a steady supply of alcohol flowing. If we can supply a hand sanitizer to the front-line of this pandemic, even if that means one less thing they have to worry about sourcing, we’re calling that a win.”

“What’s really great about our hand sanitizer initiative is that it came about as an employee passion project and their dream became a reality thanks to a collaborative team effort,” adds Jack Waibel, Vice President of Production at Rogue Ales & Spirits. “Since day one we have been dedicated to giving back to our community and are so honored to be able to step up and help in this time of need.”

Rogue’s ‘Helping Hand Hand Sanitizer’ is currently available to first responders in Lincoln county and we are working to make it available throughout the nation to businesses and consumers to help reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Learn more at Rogue.com.

About Rogue Ales & Spirits
Rogue Ales & Spirits, the only farmer-brewer-distiller-cooper in the United States, was founded in Oregon in 1988 as one of America’s first microbreweries. Rogue has won more than 2,000 awards for taste, quality and packaging, and is available in all 50 states as well as 54 countries. Proudly rooted in Oregon soil, Rogue’s beers, spirits and sodas are made with ingredients grown on Rogue Farms in Independence, Oregon. Rogue Spirits are hand-distilled on a 550-gallon still in Newport, Oregon, aged in the thick ocean air of the Yaquina Bay and bottled by hand. Since 2008, Rogue has remained committed to sharing the terroir of Oregon hops, honey, cucumbers and pumpkins one acre at a time by growing its own.

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The 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Winners

March 31, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

San Francisco World Spirits Competition MedalsSAN FRANCISCO –  The San Francisco World Spirits Competition announces results of their 20th anniversary judging, held on March 13th through the 15th at the Hotel Nikko. The 2020 Competition was another record-breaking year that featured almost 3,000 entries from all corners of the world. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is the world’s most respected spirits competition due in large part to their esteemed judges. Each with a distinct story and trusted palate, these seasoned experts are one of the reasons an SFWSC medal indicates the highest caliber of quality.

2020 Best In Show and Best Of Class  

Best In Show Unaged White Spirit: Defiance Navy Strength Gin, Manchester, United Kingdom
Best In Show Aged White Spirit: Rhum Savanna Traditionnel Le Must, France
Best In Show Whiskey: The GlenDronach Revival 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Scotland
Best In Show Brandy: Marie Brizard Anisette, France
Best In Show Liqueur: Château de Laubade Cask Strength Vintage 2000 Armagnac Bas Armagnac, France
Best Vodka: Organika Life Vodka, Russia
Best Aquavit: New Alchemy Distilling Fylleangst Aquavit, California, USA
Best London Dry Gin: Bareksten Botanical Gin, Norway
Best Regular Gin: Never Never Distilling Co. Triple Juniper Export Strength Gin, South Australia
Best Flavored Gin: Whitley Neill Aloe & Cucumber Gin
Best Genever: Filliers Young & Pure Geneva, Belgium
Best Other White Spirit: Iichiko Wapirits Tumugi, Ōita, Japan
Best Shochu: Hombo Shuzo Akane Kaze 43 Shochu, Kagoshima
Best Baijiu: TTL Longtian Distillery Yushan Aromar Kaoliang Liquor
Best Tequila • Best Silver/Gold Tequila: El Sativo Organic, Kosher, Single Estate Reserve Blanco Tequila, Mexico
Best Reposado Tequila: Cutwater Spirits Reposado Tequila, Mexico
Best Añejo Tequila: Dano’s Dangerous Añejo Tequila, Mexico
Best Mezcal: Mezcal Carreño Ensamble 7, Oaxaca, Mexico
Best Cachaça: Leblon Cachaça, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Best Dark/Gold Rum: Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum, Jamaica
Best Extra Aged Rum: Pusser’s 15 Year Old Rum
Best Straight Bourbon: Woodinville Straight Bourbon, Washington, USA
Best Small Batch Bourbon – Up to 5 Years: Kings County Distillery Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, New York, USA
Best Bourbon • Best Small Batch Bourbon • Best Small Batch Bourbon – 6 to 10 Years: Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 10 Year Old Cask Strength, USA
Best Small Batch Bourbon – 11 Years and Older: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
Best Single Barrel Bourbon •   – Up to 10 Years: Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
Best Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon: Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series “Phifer Pavitt Reserve” Bourbon, Tennessee, USA
Best Craft Distiller Whiskey: ASW Distillery Maris Otter Single Varietal Single Malt Whiskey, Georgia, USA
Best Tennessee Whiskey: Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey, Tennessee, USA
Best Rye Whiskey: Parker’s Heritage Collection 13th Edition Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, USA
Best Canadian Whisky: Rare Perfection 15 Year Old, Canada
Best Other Single Malt Whiskey: Triple Eight Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whiskey, Maryland, USA
Best Single Grain Whiskey: Ohishi 10 Year Old Brandy Cask Matured Japanese Whisky, Kumamoto, Japan
Best Other Whiskey: Shin 10 Year Old Mizunara Oak Finished Malt Whiskey, Niigata, Japan
Best American Blended Whiskey: FEW American Whiskey, Illinois, USA
Best Flavored Whiskey: Catskill Provisions New York Honey Rye Whiskey, New York, USA
Best Blended Irish Whiskey: Hyde #6 Special Reserve Blended Irish Whiskey, Ireland
Best Irish Whiskey • Best Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Matt D’Arcy’s 17 Year Old Rum Finish Single Malt Whiskey, Ireland
Best Blended Scotch • Best Blended Scotch – Up to 15 Years: Buchanan’s DeLuxe 12 Year Old Blended Scotch, Scotland
Best Blended Scotch – No Age Statement: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal Blended Scotch, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – Up to 12 Years: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – 20 Years and Older: Aultmore 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Speyside, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement: Aberlour A’bunadh Single Malt Scotch, Highlands, Scotland
Best Independent Merchant Single Malt: Port Askaig 110 Proof Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland
Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: Compass Box Whisky The Spice Tree Scotch, Scotland
Best Pisco: Mistral Nobel Pisco, Chile
Best Cognac VSOP or Equivalent: Martell Matured in Red Barrels Cognac VSOP, Cognac, France
Best Cognac • Best Cognac Extra-Aged/Vintage: Gautier Extra Since 1755 Cognac, Cognac, France
Best French Grape Brandy: Le Furet Lysens 30 Year Old Brandy, France
Best Spanish Grape Brandy & Brandy de Jerez: Torres 20 Hors d’Age Brandy, Spain
Best Fruit Liqueur: Righteous Seven Barrel Reserve Liqueur, Missouri, USA
Best Vermouth • Best Apéritif: Foro Rosso Vermouth di Torino, Italy
Best Pre-Mixed Cocktail: The Family Jones Automatic Jones Rock & Rye, Colorado, USA
Best Cream/Dairy Liqueur: Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Canadian Cream Liqueur, Ontario, Canada

Full Results will be published at http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/results/

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Filed Under: best whiskey

Ska Street Brewstillery To Opens In Boulder

March 12, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Ska Street BrewstilleryBOULDER, Colorado — Ska Street Brewstillery will open to the public on March 16, followed by a grand opening celebration slated for April 9.

A joint project of Ska Brewing and its sister company, Palisade’s Peach Street Distillers, Ska Street Brewstillery in Boulder will include a restaurant, a 10 BBL brewing system, a 450-liter still, thirty taps for serving Ska beers, a mixology program, and all of the music-inspired silliness the has established Ska and Peach Street as iconic Colorado destinations.

The Ska Street Brewstillery menu will include vegetarian and vegan options, as well as the farm-to-table ethos championed by Peach Street and executed by recently hired Head Chef Travis Messervey. The taproom will pour all of Ska’s flagship beers — including Modus Hoperandi IPA, True Blonde Ale, Pinstripe Red, and Pink Vapor Stew— as well as experimental one-offs and other specialties brewed on-site, along with whiskey, gin, vodka, and other spirits also made at the facility.

Join Ska Street Brewstillery at 1600 38th Street in Boulder on its first day open to the public on Monday, March 16 at 11am. Business hours are 11am to 10pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday, and 10am to 9pm Sunday.

Ska Street will be open during regular business hours through the month, and will celebrate its grand opening on April 9. The brewstillery will share more information about this party soon.

ABOUT SKA BREWING
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award- winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

ABOUT PEACH STREET DISTILLERS
Peach Street Distillers was founded in 2005 in the heart of Colorado’s Fruit and Wine region, Palisade Colorado, where the high desert meets the mountains. The warm days and cool nights in Palisade make the local fruits and grains unimaginably delicious. Living the very definition of “craft” we do everything the hard way to turn these fermentable raw materials into extraordinary spirits. Because, this is what we consider fun and what makes for a mighty fine drink. Peach Street Distillers is Colorado’s oldest continuously owned and operated distillery. Visit Peach Street at www.peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.

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Eastside Distilling’s Azuñia Tequila Brand Wins Distillery of the Year Awards

February 26, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Azuñia TequilaPORTLAND, Oregon – Eastside Distilling‘s Azuñia tequila brand’s distillery won two significant awards. Azuñia’s Rancho Miravalle family-owned-and-operated farm and distillery located in Amatitán, Mexico, which exclusively makes and exports Azuñia’s tequila lineup, was awarded as the Organic Distillery of the year for 2019 at The New York International Spirits Competition. Also, the brand has been recognized by peers and competitors in Mexico as the National Museum of Tequila’s Distillery of the Year for 2019, awarded by the International College of Master Distillers – one of the highest honors a tequila maker can win in Mexico.

“We are proud to award the Azuñia Tequila distillery the NYISC Organic Distillery of the Year,” said Adam Levy, the founder of NYISC. “Their tequila stands out in a crowded environment within the industry and with spirits judges, and their commitment to being organic-only raises the bar for tequila consumers.”

The Organic Tequila Distillery of the Year medal, awarded by The National Museum of Tequila in Tequila, Mexico, recognizes excellence in farming and authenticity in the process. Azuñia is one of the few sustainable tequilas on the market made with USDA and Bioagricert Organic, 100% pure Weber Blue agave, and does not use a diffuser, nor add sugar, flavorings or other artificial additives during the production process.

Azuñia’s artisanal tequila-making method is unique as it uses open-air fermentation, rather than rushing the process through the usage of commercial yeasts. In all, from planting to bottling, it takes 7-10 years to create the smooth, premium, and authentic tequila, recently named “World’s Best Reposado Tequila” by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“Being an organic distillery is a way of life for us, and we know that being organic helps us assure our customers that our product is grown and harvested responsibly and all-natural,” said Salvador Rivera Cardona, Azuñia’s master distiller. “Our hand-crafted process ensures that we are making the best tequila possible, and all we export is Azuñia.

Eastside’s Azuñia Tequila is currently transitioning from an on-premise brand to a new entry into Eastside Distilling’s national off-premise distribution network. Azuñia joins Redneck Riviera Whiskey, Hue Hue Coffee Rum, and Burnside Bourbon, in the national platform with distributor partnerships with Young’s Market Company, RNDC, Breakthru Beverage and MS Walker, among others.

Wholesalers will promote and sell Azuñia Blanco, recently honored with Double Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition; Azuñia Reposado, which added to its “World’s Best” designation with Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition; Azuñia Añejo which took home the prestigious Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman’s Trophy in 2019; and Azuñia Black, 2-Year Extra Aged Private Reserve Añejo, earning 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.

About Eastside Distilling
Eastside Distilling has been producing high-quality, award-winning craft spirits in Portland, Oregon, since 2008. The company is distinguished by its highly decorated lineup of national brands that include Redneck Riviera, Burnside Bourbons, Hue-Hue Coffee Rum, and Azuñia Tequila. For more information, visit eastsidedistilling.com and follow Eastside Distilling on Twitter and Facebook.f

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Woodford Reserve Releases Its Master’s Collection Batch Proof Bourbon

February 18, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Woodford Reserve Batch ProofVersailles, Kentucky  — Woodford Reserve is proud to release its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression — Woodford Reserve Batch Proof — bottled at 123.6 proof. This expression is part of the annual Master’s Collection series, which celebrates Master Distiller Chris Morris’ vision and Woodford Reserve’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship within the bourbon and whiskey category.

A celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary batching process – blending barrels and bottling the whiskey at its actual proof, straight from the barrel – Batch Proof is crafted using the same grain bill and process as Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Batch Proof however, takes Woodford Reserve’s trademark flavor range of sweet vanilla and toasted oak to a whole new level offering consumers the privilege of tasting Woodford Reserve in its purest form (and not the standard 90.4 for which Woodford is known).

“Most do not get to experience Woodford Reserve at such a high proof presentation, so we are excited to have the opportunity to share this special bourbon with connoisseurs,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “The intensity and depth of flavor found in Woodford Reserve Batch proof is truly remarkable.”

Tasting Notes:
Color: Rich chestnut
Aroma: Dried cranberry and raisin fruit spiced with sandalwood, clove, aged leather and a hint of spearmint. A dusting of cocoa and dark chocolate adds to its deep character
Flavor: Rich raisin and brown sugar sweetness balanced with a spicy leather character atop a rich layer of oak, almond and cedar wood notes
Finish: A long finish of raisin fruit and malty sweetness

This year’s edition of Batch Proof 123.6 follows the Spring 2019 release of the highly acclaimed Batch Proof 123.3, which was named #6 in the Top 20 Whiskies of 2019 List.

This limited-edition collection is available in select U.S. and global markets and has suggested retail price of $130 for a 750ml bottle.

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American Whiskey Magazine Names Kentucky Peerless Small Batch Bourbon ‘Best Kentucky Bourbon’

February 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Kentucky Peerless BourbonLOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon was named “Best Kentucky Bourbon” at the World Whiskies Awards on February 11, 2020. Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye also was awarded Category Gold for Rye 12 Years and Under.

Peerless Master Distiller Caleb Kilburn was a finalist for best distiller. Finally, Peerless was among the 12 final nominees for best distillery tour, managed by Peyton Beall. Whisky Magazine, under the same publication as American Whiskey magazine, named Kentucky Peerless “Craft Producer of the Year” for the Americas and “Global Craft Producer of the Year” in 2019.

Peerless Small Batch BourbonOwner and Fourth Generation Corky Taylor responds, “We are honored to be named the 2020 Best Kentucky Bourbon by American Whiskey magazine. Considering all the great bourbons made in Kentucky, we are humbled to receive this award. This award is shared by our team and wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Peerless Master Distiller Caleb Kilburn said, “Being recognized in front of your heroes is an unbelievably humbling experience and truly a dream come true. There are so many amazing bourbons and distilleries in Kentucky, so for us to be commended among the greats is such an honor. Our team, our families and our supporters have all worked so hard to make this possible and we are blessed to have them.”

The World Whiskies Awards are industry-nominated, and according to their website, judged by a panel of “leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers and industry experts”. Find out more at kentuckypeerless.com or visit the distillery at 120 N. 10th Street in downtown Louisville. The distillery is open for tours and tastings Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

About Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
The Peerless family’s very first bourbon went into a barrel in 1889. They have since revived the craft in their own state-of-the-art distillery in the Bourbon District, where they use the finest ingredients. The Peerless family believes that patience builds character and fine Bourbon and Rye can never be rushed. All under one roof, the select Kentucky Peerless grains are milled, cooked, fermented, double-distilled and barreled as Bourbon and Rye.

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10 of the Best Bourbons for $40 and Under – 2026

January 1, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

10 of the Best Bourbons for $40 and Under - 2026

Here are 10 of the best bourbons and American whiskeys available for $40 or under (based on average U.S. retail prices as of early 2026). These selections draw from consistent expert recommendations, blind tastings, and value lists — offering excellent quality for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Prices fluctuate by region, but these reliably fall in the budget range and earn widespread praise for flavor and accessibility.

Buffalo Trace (~$25-35)
Smooth and balanced with notes of caramel, vanilla, and light fruit. This flagship from a legendary distillery offers remarkable complexity for the price — ideal for beginners or everyday sipping.

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (~$15-25)
Rich honey, vanilla, and oak from Heaven Hill — a bottled-in-bond standout that punches far above its weight. It’s sweet, smooth, and an unbeatable mixer or sipper.

Old Forester 100 Proof (~$25-35)
Caramel-forward with spice and fruit — bold yet approachable. This high-proof rye-influenced bourbon excels in cocktails or neat.

Wild Turkey 101 (~$25-35)
A classic high-rye bourbon with bold spice, vanilla, and oak. At 101 proof, it delivers big flavor without overwhelming heat — a longtime favorite for its punch and versatility.

Elijah Craig Small Batch (~$30-40)
Deep toffee, oak, and spice notes — often praised for its maturity and balance. A go-to for those seeking richer flavors on a budget.

Four Roses Small Batch (~$30-40)
Floral, fruity, and spicy from blending multiple recipes — elegant and complex. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that stands out in tastings.

Larceny Small Batch (~$25-35)
A wheated bourbon with soft vanilla, butterscotch, and bread-like sweetness — smooth and approachable, perfect for wheat bourbon fans.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select (~$35-40)
Rich with dried fruit, cocoa, and spice — well-crafted and layered. It edges the limit but delivers premium taste affordably.

Knob Creek 9 Year (~$30-40)
Full-bodied with peanut, oak, and caramel — aged longer for depth. A robust, no-nonsense sipper from Beam.

High West American Prairie Bourbon (~$30-40)
A blended bourbon with honey, caramel, and vanilla — supports prairie conservation. This non-Kentucky option adds variety and easy-drinking appeal.

These picks emphasize reliable shelf staples that consistently rank high in value assessments. Availability varies, so check local stores. Cheers!

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon, whiskey

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