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Dow Scoggins

Laws Whiskey House Wins “World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon” at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards

February 23, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

Laws Whiskey House Wins "World's Best Small Batch Bourbon" DENVER, Colorado — Laws Whiskey House celebrates its coveted win at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, the most respected whiskey competition in the world. Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon earns recognition as the “World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon” for its exceptional quality and superior flavor that sets the standard of excellence.

“We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement. We consider this a win for the entire state of Colorado because our unique growing and distilling conditions create the bold flavor,” says founder and CEO Al Laws. “This award is a testament to the hard work and talent of our team, and we’re proud to be among all the winners who are pushing the boundaries in American Whiskey.”

Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon is the pinnacle of the brand’s distilling expertise. Laws Whiskey House crafts its flagship Four Grain Bourbon and Cask Strength Bourbon from whiskey aged for a minimum of three and up to ten years in new, 53-gallon oak barrels. While both the flagship Four Grain Bourbon and Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon are created from the same mashbill and marriage of barrels, the Cask Strength is bottled at a higher proof to highlight the whiskey’s unadulterated characteristics coming straight from the barrel. The finished product offers aromas of baking spice, black tea, and honeysuckle, with bold flavors of orange, clove, and dried fruit.

This achievement further establishes Laws as a leader in the booming Colorado whiskey scene. Laws’ bold, flavorful whiskeys capture the adventurous spirit of Colorado by adding its unique twist to the time-tested traditions of Kentucky, harnessing the power of Denver’s high elevation to age whiskey, and embracing Colorado’s bounty of ancient grain varieties. At Laws, everything is done with care to maximize the flavor of each grain, regardless of the time-intensive methods required.

For more information about Laws and to purchase Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon nationwide, visit www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com. Follow Laws on Instagram @lawswhiskey and on Facebook facebook.com/lawswhiskey.

Filed Under: American Single Malt, bourbon

Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery Announce Fourth Edition of Sexy Motor Oil Whiskey

February 13, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

Sexy Motor Oil WhiskeyBRECKENRIDGE, Colorado— Breckenridge Distillery, one of the most-awarded craft distilleries in the U.S., and Breckenridge Brewery, two subsidiaries of Tilray Brands, announced the fourth edition of Sexy Motor Oil, a limited-release collaboration barrel-aged whiskey alongside a new collaboration, a whiskey-barrel aged beer, of the same name. The two iconic Colorado brands have come together to bring the two new releases of Sexy Motor Oil to lovers of both whiskey and beer this Valentine’s Day.

The ongoing Sexy Motor Oil collaboration between Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery, which are located three miles from one another, involves aging the brewery’s Imperial Oatmeal Stout in the distillery’s bourbon whiskey barrels. After the beer has been emptied from the barrels, the distillery fills the barrels with Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey where it ages for more than a year to become Sexy Motor Oil whiskey.

This year’s Sexy Motor Oil whiskey is 107 proof, with delicious cherry and caramel cream notes, perfectly balanced with a cinnamon and oak backdrop; dry cacao envelopes the tongue after every sip. The Sexy Motor Oil beer plays up big warming notes of rich chocolate and robust coffee flavors.

The barrel-aged beer is an imperial oatmeal stout aged over six months in a Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Barrel with a 13.1% abv. With a velvety mouthfeel, this enticing beer is a great cold-weather sipper. The Imperial Oatmeal Stout imparts notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, espresso, and toffee; and its time in the Breckenridge Distillery’s high-rye bourbon barrels imparts hints of caramel sweetness layered with notes of vanilla. While the bourbon barrels impart bourbon characteristics, it’s the time in the barrel that makes a smooth, complex, and sexy beer.

Starting Valentine’s Day on Feb.14, 2024, the limited-edition Sexy Motor Oil whiskey will be available for purchase at Breckenridge Distillery and the Breckenridge Distillery Tasting Room on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado, and will retail for $200. The limited-edition Sexy Motor Oil beer will be available in Crowlers and single-serve 16 oz cans at the Breckenridge Brewery Brewpub for $9 and offer 10oz pours in-house for $8.

“Our collaboration with Breckenridge Brewery has deepened over the years, rooted in a mutual commitment to craftsmanship and innovation,” said Bryan Nolt, founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Sexy Motor Oil represents the harmonious blend of our expertise and the embodiment of our shared values. We invite connoisseurs to savor a fusion of distinct flavors, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for creating exceptional libations.”

“Having both Breck Distillery and the Breck Brew Pub in the same town since the beginning has created a natural hometown partnership–allowing us the ability to talk shop over lunch and come up with creative collaborations like Sexy Motor Oil,” said Jimmy Walker, Head Brewer for Breckenridge Brewery. “Moreover, having them down the street allows us to exchange the freshest barrels possible which maximize the flavor impact on the barrel-aged beer, and the beer barrel-aged whiskey creating something extraordinary.”

Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery are no strangers to barrel aged collaboration projects. In previous years, the two iconic Breckenridge businesses have released Buddy Pass a similar collaborative concept featuring an Imperial Stout Cask Finished Whiskey and Whiskey-Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout Beer–that is available in select states.

Visit Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery locations to pick up bottles of this year’s limited edition Sexy Motor Oil whiskey and beer to gift on Valentine’s Day.

About Breckenridge Distillery
Founded in Colorado in 2008, Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery,” and is best known for its award-winning blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey.

One of the most highly awarded distilleries in the U.S., the Breckenridge Distillery is proudly a 3x Icons of Whisky and 9x winner of Best American Blended winner at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 3x in 2023) and a 4x winner of Colorado Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition. Most recently, their Breckenridge High Proof won World’s Best Blended Whiskey at the World Whiskies Awards joining Breckenridge Gin named 2021 World’s Best Compound Gin at the World Gin Awards by Gin Magazine.

The Breckenridge Distillery is more than award-winning spirits, offering an immersive guest experience. Named as one of the country’s Top Visitor Attractions by Whisky Magazine, guests can dine at their award-winning restaurant, enjoy show-stopping cocktails, learn about their highly awarded spirits with an in-depth tasting, and get an inside look at their active production facility. New to the distillery, guests have the opportunity to blend their own whiskey as they learn the inner workings of whiskey production.

About Breckenridge Brewery
Breckenridge Brewery opened its doors in 1990 in the ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado. What started as a small brewpub has grown into one of the largest breweries in the U.S. The original brewery still serves its craft beer and delicious pub fare at a high altitude. The production brewery outside of Denver sends beer to 49 states and offers tours, dining, and a welcoming Colorado beer garden experience. With a focus on balanced, approachable, and interesting beer, the brewery’s portfolio contains classics like Vanilla Porter, Avalanche Amber Ale, Agave Wheat, Strawberry Sky, and Hop Peak IPA, along with a variety of specialty beers that include seasonals, barrel-aged beers, the Brewery Lane Series, and a nitrogen-charged canned series. Visit www.breckbrew.com for more information.

Both Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery are subsidiaries of Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY), a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life.

50+ Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts and History

Filed Under: American Single Malt, best whiskey

New Riff Distilling Names First Master Distiller, Brian Sprance

February 2, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

Newport, Kentucky — New Riff Distilling announced head distiller Brian Sprance has been named master distiller, the first designation in the distillery’s history. Sprance has been with the company since its inception in 2014.

Ahead of the distillery’s founding in 2014, Sprance was recruited as head distiller by New Riff founder, co-owner and chief executive officer Ken Lewis, who, rather than hiring a distiller, understood that fermentation is where a spirit’s flavors are created; distillation only concentrates them. To Lewis, Sprance’s extensive expertise in fermentation as a former brewer for the Boston Beer Company in Cincinnati spoke for itself.

“When I founded New Riff in 2014, my goal was, and still is, for our Northern Kentucky distillery to become one of the great small distilleries of the world,” Lewis said. “The person at New Riff leading that charge to make world-class whiskey to share with the world is our head distiller Brian Sprance. So it’s fitting as we approach our tenth anniversary, that we recognize Brian for his leadership role in moving us forward toward that aspirational goal and for sharing with us all such outstanding whiskey by conferring on him the well earned title of master distiller.”

Upon joining New Riff, Sprance was mentored by consulting master distiller and “godfather of rye whiskey” Larry Ebersold, an unrivaled authority in the world of distillation and American whiskey. Together with New Riff co-founder Jay Erisman, they launched the distillery and laid the foundation for the flavor profiles of its spirits and aging regimen.

“Larry Ebersold was instrumental in my training as a distiller and I consider myself extremely lucky to count him as a mentor,” Sprancesaid. “Larry was an excellent teacher who rarely gave the answer, but instead, motivated me to reach a full understanding of each situation that presented itself in the whiskey making process. While I consider Larry one of my biggest influences in whiskey today, I’m even luckier to consider him a trusted and valued friend.”

While this transition serves as a unanimous nod to his exceptional contribution to the company’s quest to become one of the greatest small distilleries in the world and a testament to a decade’s worth of profound work mastering his craft, Brian’s primary focus as master distiller will remain in making world-class whiskey.

The master distiller announcement kicks off an eventful year for New Riff that will include expansion into new states, tenth anniversary celebrations and the release of older whiskey.

“2024 will be a transformational year for New Riff,” Lewis said. “The team has put in a lot of work behind the scenes and I’m excited to share those efforts with our customers.”

New Riff (Newport, KY)
New Riff is an independently-owned distillery in Northern Kentucky — the gateway to bourbon country. In 2014, founder Ken Lewis, a visionary Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, saw a need for a new riff on an old tradition when it came to Kentucky bourbon. The Newport, Ky., distillery produces bourbon, rye and Kentucky Wild Gin. Bourbon and rye are made with traditional sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond without chill filtration. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program. New Riff sources its water from an aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep private well and providing water with four times as much dissolved minerals than found in other water supplies. New Riff believes in transparency, so all products feature an age statement and the mashbills are public. The modern venue hosts a variety of events and offers an on-site bar, The Aquifer.

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

50+ Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts and History – Click Here

Filed Under: American Single Malt, best whiskey, distillers

Arran Whisky Debuts 25-year-old Arran Single Malt and only has 240 bottles will be available in the United States

July 3, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

San Francisco – Isle of Arran Distillers is excited to announce the U.S. release of the oldest expression in its core range, the Arran 25-Year-Old Single Malt. From the Isle of Arran, off the Western coast of Scotland, and produced at the Lochranza Distillery, the Arran 25-Year-Old Single Malt has been maturing in ex-Sherry and Bourbon Casks that were first laid down in 1995, the same year Arran began production. A celebration of 25 years of craftsmanship, this extremely limited core release is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to producing award-winning whisky that reflects the unique taste of Arran. With only 3,000 bottles of the Arran 25-Year-Old Single Malt available globally, of which 240 are allocated to the U.S., this exclusive offering marks a momentous milestone for the brand.

Arran Single Malt Scotch“As one of our oldest Arran Single Malts, our 25-year-old encapsulates the wonderful fresh citrus character of Arran with a layer of maturity that can only come from spending so many years in quality wood,” says Stewart Bowman, the Distillery Manager of Lochranza Distillery. “After 25 years of nurturing, the resulting whisky is rich, complex, and delicious with a depth that we are immensely proud of. It truly is the jewel in our crown and a stunning example of the Master Distiller’s craft.”

Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Arran 25-Year-Old Single malt offers a captivating and rich flavor profile, made possible by the purity of the water used, the influence of the barrels, and mastery of the distillers. Tasting notes are as follows:

Nose: Rich oak with gentle notes of nutmeg along with sweet aromas of baked ripe figs, sultanas, and black cherries

Palate: Fruit cake with toasted almonds and cinnamon. The juicy zestiness of oranges and mandarin mellows perfectly with manuka honey, muscovado sugar, baked apricots, and a fascinating white pepper note that provides even more complexity.

Finish: Creamy and spicy with dark chocolate, walnuts, and dark fruits compote

The Arran 25-Year-Old (46% ABV) retails for a suggested price of $789.99 and is now available on ReserveBar.com as well as select retailers. Arran Single Malt Whiskies are imported and distributed in the United States by Hotaling & Co of San Francisco. For more details about Arran Whisky, please visit https://www.arranwhisky.com and follow along on Instagram at @arranwhiskyofficial.

About Arran
From the isle of Arran, off the western coast of Scotland, Arran Single Malt Whiskies are an award-winning range of Single Malts. Every drop of Arran Single Malt starts its life as rainwater which pools at Loch na Davie in the beautiful hill high above the distillery. The clear water cascades down the hillside, through six unassuming waterfalls, each one purifying the water further. The purity of the water means that the distilling team can create a clean, sweet dram that is entirely natural and unadulterated. Learn more at https://www.arranwhisky.com

Filed Under: American Single Malt, distillers, scotch, scotch whisky

2023 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship Medal Winners

April 17, 2023 By Dow Scoggins


2023 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championships Medal Winners 
The 2023 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship proudly announces the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Cincinnati Distilling in Milford, Ohio won the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship after winning 2 gold medals, 3 Silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Their Single Barrel Straight Bourbon was a favorite among the judges. Over the past 4 years, Cincinnati has finished in the Top 3 each year. Besides the 7 medals in the whiskey competition, Cincinnati also won 2 bronze medals in the spirits competition.

Silver Fox Distillery in Arthur, Ontario repeated as the  U.S. Open Spirits’ Grand National Champion by winning 5 medals in the Spirits categories consisting of 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals. Silver Fox Distillery is the only Canadian company to win the Grand National Champion’s Plaque in the 15-year history of the U.S. Open Championships.

Judging in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships is blind; the judges know only the categories and do not know what they are tasting. The first round of judging was held in Oxford, Ohio at “The Barn”, while the finals were held at Big Ditch Brewing in Buffalo, New York. The U.S. Open works with the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Ontario. The final round of judges consisted of Niagara College’s Instructors and industry experts from the surrounding area.

Here are the top 5 Whiskey and Spirits Distilleries:
Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
2. Moylans Distillery – California
3. Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – – North Carolina
5. Acre Distilling  – Texas

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
2. Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
2. Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
4.  Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
5. Dark Door Spirits – Florida

Straight Bourbon
Gold – Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon – Treaty Oak Distilling – Texas
Silver – Double Barrel Maple Bourbon – Taconic Distillery – New York
Bronze – Red, White & Bourbon – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

Small Batch Bourbon 1-3 Years Under 100 proof
Gold – Weldon Mills Select – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Ohio Straight Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Digg Boys Bourbon – Digg Boys Distillery – Pennsylvania

Small Batch Bourbon 1-3 Years 100 proof or over
Gold – Single Barrel Straight – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Silver – All the Malt – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Weldon Mills Reserve – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina

Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years – Under 100 proof
Gold – Moylans Sherry-Finished Bourbon – Moylans Distillery – California
Silver – Catherine Waldshmidt Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Uncle Nearest 1884 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee

Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years Over 100 proof
Gold – Uncle Nearest 1856 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Moylan’s Cask Aged Bourbon – Moylans Distillery – California
Bronze – Copper Sky Bourbon – Copper Sky Distillery – Colorado

Single Barrel Whiskey
Gold – Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey – Batch 002 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Springfield Straight Bourbon – Springfield Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Rye Whiskey – Iron Vault Distillery – Ohio

American Single Malt Whiskey
Gold – Single Malt Whiskey – Grand Traverse Distillery – Michigan
Silver – Kong – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts
Bronze – Single Malt Whiskey 4-year Reserve – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Acre Texas Single Malt Whisky – Acre Distilling – Texas

Rye Whiskey
Gold – Moylan’s Resistance Rye – Moylans Distillery – California
Silver – Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Small Batch Rye – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Noble Hound Dark Rye – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia

Blended Whiskey
Gold – Blend of Straight Whiskey – Barrel Proof – Wonderland Distilling – Michigan
Silver – Kupu Whiskey – Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
Bronze – Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee

Craft Whiskey
Gold – 100% Oats Whisky – 99 Craft Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky – Acre Distilling – Texas
Bronze – Royall Rye Whiskey – Deep Creek Distilling – Virginia

Corn Whiskey
Gold – Altschuls Corn Whiskey – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio

Canadian Whisky
Gold – Cobra Chicken Canadian Whiskey – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Spirits 101 – Single Malt Whisky – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Ontario

Whiskey finished in wine or other spirits barrels
Gold – Five Stories Rum Cask – Northern Row Distillery – Ohio
Silver – American Whisky Finished in a Port Barrel – Moylan’s Distillery – California
Bronze – Acre Single Malt Whisky Barrel 009 – Acre Distilling – Texas

Whiskey Aged in Stout/Beer Barrels
Gold – The Violet Hour – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Gold – Acre Single Malt Whiskey 111 – Acre Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Stout Cask Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Flavored Whiskey
Gold – Gold Rush – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts
Silver – Fire Brigade Cinnamon Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Weldon Orchards Peach Elderflower Whiskey – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina

Whiskey in Non-Traditional Barrel Aging
Gold – Moylan’s Cask Strength American Single Malt Whisky Finished in Orange Brandy Barrel – – Moylans Distillery – California
Gold – Peach Maple Cask Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Anything Goes
Gold – Rockfisth – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Texas Smoked – Acre Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Code Four – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Traditional Moonshine
Gold – Pritchard Corn Whiskey – Flatrock Distilling – Ohio
Gold – Sweet Shine – Uncle Dum Dum Swamp Juice – Florida
Silver – Before the Barrel White Dog – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Bronze – Skyshine – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts

Aged/Barrel Aged Moonshine
Gold – Moonshine – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Silver – American Rebel – Northern Yankee Moonshine – Ohio
Bronze – Single Barrel Moonshine – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee

Flavored Moonshine
Gold – Gooch Hooch Blueberry Moonshine – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – Cinnamon Roll – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee
Bronze – Mint Condition – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee

Gin
Gold – Harpers Siren Gin – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Gold – Silver Fox Contemporary Vodka – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Red Hare Gin – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia
Bronze – Two Minnie London Dry Gin – Acre Distilling – Texas

Gin Flavored / Infused
Gold – Freshly Folded – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Silver – Winter Solstice – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Bronze – Lavender & Juniper Gin – Collective Arts Brewing – Canada

Barrel-Aged Gin
Gold – Kupu Barrel-Aged Gin – Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
Silver – Harpers Siren Armagnac Gin – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Barrel Finished Gin – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

VODKA
Gold – Teller Genuine Vodka – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
Silver – Florida Farm Vodka – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Bronze – School Spirits Vodka – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Canada

Vodka Flavored / Infused
Gold – Old Reliable Coffee Vodka – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Silver – Black Chevron Pepper Vodka – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia
Bronze – Teller Apple Pie Vodka – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico

Rum White
Gold – Rum trial – Ola Brew Company – Hawaii
Silver – Florapina White Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Bronze – Red Hare Rum – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia

Rum Dark / Gold / Barrel-Aged Rum
Gold – Distiller’s Select Single Barrel Aged Rum – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia
Silver – FIve Stories Barrel Aged Rum – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Hell’s Half Acre Rum – Acre Distilling – Texas

Rum Spiced/Flavored
Gold – Navy One Navy Strength Spiced Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Silver – Spirits 101 Spiced Rum – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Canada
Silver – Spiced Rum – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan
Bronze – Stillwrights Spiced Rum – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Specialty Spirits(anything goes)
Gold – Florapina Pineapple Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Silver – Absinthe – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Gypsy Queen Absinthe – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Voltage Peppermint Schnapps – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Can & Bottle Cocktails
Gold – Teller Grapefruit Hibiscus Lemonade – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
Gold – Old Fashioned Cocktail – Treaty Oak Distilling – Texas
Silver – Scratch Strawberry Whiskey Smash – Springfield Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Scratch Scratch Blackberry Whiskey Sour – Springfield Distillery – Virginia

Agave and Spirits distilled with other plants in the Asparagaceae family
Gold – Rey Coyote Reposado Tequila – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Rey Coyote Blanco Tequila – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Agave Spirit – Anejo – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Texas Whiskey Festival – Top Texas Bourbons, Ryes And Malt Whiskeys

April 14, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

Texas Whiskey Festival - Top Texas Bourbons, Ryes And Malt Whiskeys Each year the Texas Whiskey Festival hosts a competition to determine who has the best Texas Bourbon, Rye, Malt Whiskey and the newly added Flavored Whiskeys. The categories are also broken out between grain to glass and aged & bottled in Texas products. Both are spectacular, but different so we want to highlight that. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges in a blind tasting.

We view the contest and awards as a guide for people to discover new whiskeys. Everything entered in the contest is available for purchase by the bottle or glass with some being in distribution and others being distillery-only releases.

These are the winners chosen by the judges, so we let Festival attendees have the opportunity to vote on their favorite distillery to decide the people’s choice award. Remember the best whiskey is the one you like.

Bourbon: Grain to Glass
Gold – Silver Star Spirits – 1849 Straight Bourbon
Silver – Balcones Distilling – Blue Corn Bourbon finished in Wine Casks
Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Harris County Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Treaty Oak Distilling – 16 Year Tennessee Whiskey
Silver – Oak & Eden – Anthro Series: Forrie J Smith
Bronze – Dime Box Distilling – Single Barrel 6yr Sixth Street Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Balcones Distilling – Texas Rye Bottled in Bond
Silver – Giant Texas Distillers – Cask Strength Rye
Bronze – Shire Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Blackland Distilling – Rye Whiskey
Silver – Old Humble Distilling – Double OakStraight Rye Whiskey
Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. – Single Mom Single Malt
Silver – Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Bottled in Bond Single Malt
Bronze – William Price Distilling – Single Malt Sherry Finished.

Flavored Whiskeys
Gold – Blackland Distilling – Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon
Silver – Treaty Oak Distilling – Old Fashioned Cocktail
Bronze – Silver Star Spirits – Texas Honey

You can taste the best Texas whiskeys and many more. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid whiskey drinker or think you might like whiskey this is an opportunity for you to try new whiskeys and meet the people that make them. You will get to choose from 70+ whiskeys made by the 35 distilleries participating.

It is a night of sampling new whiskey, meeting friends, enjoying food, cigars, and music. Get your tickets HERE!

Thank you to the Wizard Academy for hosting us. A big thank you to our talented judges

Mark Shilling is the CEO at SUSTO Mezcal and Partner at Big Thirst. Former president of the American Craft Spirits Association and long time advocate for the spirits industry instrumental in key legislative efforts.

Big Thirst represents some Texas brands, but Mark does not work on production of any brands in the whiskey category.

Samantha Fletcher has 20+ years in the beverage and hospitality industry, mainly focused around education and business development. A champion of the craft, Samantha continues to advocate and spread the knowledge of the bold and unique world that is Texas Whiskey.

Matt Zitrick has enjoyed whiskey since birth, but really got into it when he turned 5 making cocktails with his grandfather. He is a level 3 Whiskey Sommelier, has run the Whiskey Crusaders YouTube Channel/Events since 2019, and has one the largest collections of Whiskey in America at over 3,000 bottles from around the globe. A supporter of all things Texas, and the best whiskey is the one you are enjoying right now.

Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon, distillers

Killowen Distillery New Release – Bonded International Series Belgrove Rye – Rum & Raisin Finish

April 14, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

Killowen Distillery New Release - Bonded International Series Belgrove Rye - Rum & Raisin FinishContinuing on with our rye craze and after the most successful launch of our penultimate Belgrove Oat Rum & Raisin last year, we have finally arrived at the final release of the Bonded International Series.

As mentioned before Killowen’s inception had two overlapping influences, the ethos, and history exposed by Fionnán O’Connor, the other was a visit to the phenomenal Belgrove Distillery in Tasmania and meeting with its distiller/farmer/scientist and sculptor, Peter Bignell.
Belgrove’s unorthodox methods and willingness to experiment have resulted in a most unique spirit. We have released both Oat & Ryes from this wonderful distillery before, and now both of them have experienced the finish of PX Sherry Casks and our own Dark Rum Cask.

This Irish/Tasmanian connection did not start with Brendan visiting Belgrove or Peter visiting Killowen but with Peter’s knowledge of traditional Irish whiskey methods that were not properly celebrated a decade ago. These methods encompassed the broader use of Oats and Rye but even more significantly the use of malted and unmalted grains, green malt (undried malt for those of us who don’t devour whiskey books), and amazingly up to 80% unmalted grain, relying on massive starch conversion in the mash ton. If you want to hear more about other methods such as forcing green malt through an old meat mincer, smoking malt in a disused industrial tumble dryer, chip pan oil-fired flame-fed stills, or even for those extra special whiskeys smoked with dried sheep shit from the distillery sheep fed by spent grain in Peter’s own circular ecosystem, then I’ll invite you to do your own extra reading, the rest of this piece is about Killowen’s release.

The release on Thursday 2nd February (4:40 pm GMT) is Belgrove Rye finished with our Signature Rum & Raisin Finish, released in the true Killowen fashion: cask strength, no added color, integrity bottling, with full label transparency.

The reason for celebrating another micro distillery’s spirit is because we love it. It has connections with Irish whiskey’s rich past and with its contemporary future. Most whiskeys need to be old – very, very few don’t, however, just like Killowen, Belgrove put the effort in at the spirit production stage instead of relying on prolonged casking, the sacrifice is quantity but who needs quantity when our game plan, above all else, is quality.

NOSE: Initially noses are like a big ‘Sherry Bomb’ but then towards the end, the sweet mintiness of the rye comes to the fore

PALATE: It’s Belgrove Rye all day, no cask can mask it, but instead only compete, or in this case complement it. The Rum & PX cask work perfectly with the warmness of the rye spice adding to a thick and chewy treat where dark chocolate shines through. Again the Milliard reaction smokiness here is massively welcome.

FINISH: Sweet, drying, long, and lovingly warm. The dryness comes across like a creamy pint of stout while the sweetness plays around like mint choc chip ice cream, in the end, the pint of stout just about wins over.

Filed Under: best whiskey

Nomad Outland Whisky Releases Reserve 10 Years

April 5, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

González Byass USA has released Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve 10 Years, an ultra-premium whisky that is born in Scotland from a blend created by Master Blender Richard Paterson and aged in Spain under the watchful eyes of and Master Distiller Rocio Trillo.

Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve 10Together, they created a triple cask whisky that rivals the best; the Nomad Reserve spends its first six years in Scotland, resting in American oak barrels infused with Sherry before traveling to Jerez where it is aged for two years in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and then two more years in Oloroso Sherry casks, creating a whisky with a dark, amber color and flavor unlike any other.

“We are thrilled to have Nomad be part of the ultra-premium whisky category,” says Nicolás Bertino, CEO and Country Manager of González Byass USA. “We have had a wonderful partnership with Richard Paterson and it only made sense for us to take Nomad Outland Whisky a step further with our Sherry heritage and create the Nomad Outland Reserve 10 Years so we could share this delicious whisky with a new category of consumers.”

The Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve 10 Years has exceptional aromas of malt and Sherry and on the nose and provides notes of wood, honey, toasted nuts, coffee and vanilla. Smooth on the palate, the whisky displays a variety of flavors, including oak, raisins and Sherry, while the finish is long and elegant.

Retailing for $79.99, Nomad Outland Whisky Reserve will have limited distribution in the U.S. in Spring 2023 and is sold in a gift box in a 700ml bottle. Nomad Outland Whisky is currently in the market nationally and retails for $49.99.

For More Information:
http://www.gonzalezbyassusa.com/brand/nomad-outland-whisky/

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Keeper’s Heart Becomes Official Whiskey Partner Of The Minnesota Twins

April 5, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

Keeper’s Heart Becomes Official Whiskey Partner Of The Minnesota TwinsMINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. is proud to launch a multiyear partnership with the hometown baseball team to make Keeper’s Heart, the most awarded new whiskey of 2022, the official whiskey of the Minnesota Twins. Combining the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions, Keeper’s Heart is led by industry legend, Master Distiller Brian Nation, previously of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton.

Starting with the Twins’ 2023 Home Opener on April 6, Keeper’s Heart will activate branded promotions at Target Field across scoreboard features, signage, suites, and more. While fans 21-and-over can enjoy Keeper’s Heart at every Target Field home game, Twins season ticket holders will receive special offers at the O’Shaughnessy Distillery, as well as special promotions at participating accounts across Minnesota, whenever a Twins player hits a double during a regular season home game, or the Twins turn a double play at Target Field.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Minnesota Twins, who share our passion and commitment to our local community, inclusion, collaboration, and innovation,” said O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. Co-Founder Patrick O’Shaughnessy. “Our Keeper’s Heart whiskey, which combines the rich heritage of Ireland’s whiskey-making with the bold character of American whiskey, is the perfect companion for America’s favorite pastime. We look forward to sharing a sip of our whiskey with Twins fans and welcome all to our distillery as we cheer on our favorite local team and celebrate the best of two great cities.”

“A day or evening at Target Field is all about coming together with friends and family to eat, drink and revel in the shared joy of Minnesota Twins baseball,” said Sean Moore, the club’s vice president, brand partnerships. “A huge part of this experience is our community-oriented, Twin Cities-based food and beverage partners. We are proud to team up with O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and excited to introduce Twins fans to the award-winning taste of Keeper’s Heart whiskey.”

Keeper’s Heart launched in 2021 with their inaugural whiskey, Keeper’s Heart Irish + American. Following the success of Keeper’s Heart Irish + American, Keeper’s Heart quickly expanded its portfolio with Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon. With its innovative whiskeys and expert craftsmanship, Keeper’s Heart Irish + American whiskey became the most awarded new whiskey brand in 2022, winning 36 awards including earning an International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 96, Critics Challenge International Platinum, and Pr%f Award Double Gold honors.

About Keeper’s Heart
Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together.

Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions.

Based in Minneapolis, Keeper’s Heart is created at The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, a state-of-the-art facility that they’re delighted to share with the public. Keeper’s Heart offers distillery tours and events, as well as a world-class bar and restaurant. They also offer a Cask Society program that gives members access to one-of-a-kind releases and special offers.

For More Information:
https://keepersheartwhiskey.com/

Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

The 11 best rye whiskeys by Insider.com

March 14, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

 best rye whiskeys
Photo by James Brains/Insider

To find the best rye whiskeys, I tried more than 75 ryes, talked to countless experts, and toured several distilleries. While our picks are based on expert recommendations and several blind tastings, keep in mind that preferences are personal and subjective. We curated our list based on rye whiskeys that will appeal to most drinkers.  For the complete article: Click Here

Here are the best rye whiskeys in 2023: 

Best overall: 291 Colorado Whiskey Small Batch Rye Whiskey

Best under $30: Wild Turkey 101 Rye Whiskey

Best under $50: High West Double Rye Whiskey

Best top shelf: WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye Whiskey

Best for cocktails: Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Best Canadian: Lot 40 Canadian Rye Whisky

Best Kentucky: Sazerac Rye Whiskey

Best high-proof: Traverse City Whiskey Co. Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

Best for drinking neat: Hotel Tango Straight Rye Whiskey

Best for beginners: Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey

Best bottled-in-bond: FEW Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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