Dustin Scoggins

Bardstown Bourbon Company Unveils Distillery Reserve: Cathedral French Oak Finish

July 18, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Bardstown, Ky. – Bourbon enthusiasts, prepare for something truly extraordinary! Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the limits of American whiskey once again with the launch of its new Distillery Reserve collection – small-batch experiments that embody the brand’s “Never Stand Still” ethos.
The inaugural release, Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish, is a stunning blend of high-aged Kentucky straight bourbons (9-18 years old) finished for 14 months in barrels crafted from 300-year-old French oak sourced from the legendary Bercé Forest in France. These ancient trees were harvested specifically for the restoration of Paris’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire – infusing this whiskey with a profound story of resilience, history, and unmatched craftsmanship.

Bottled at 110.1 proof in convenient 375ml formats ($99.99), this one-time-only expression delivers rich, complex flavors of dark fruit, polished oak, baking spices, and elegant depth – perfect neat, on the rocks, or in elevated cocktails.

Why Distillery Reserve is a Game-Changer
These ultra-limited releases (just 2-9 barrels each) showcase hundreds of warehouse experiments exploring wood influences, aging techniques, finishes, and blends. Available exclusively at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s gift shops in Bardstown and Louisville, they’re must-grabs for collectors and flavor chasers seeking groundbreaking bourbon experiences.

“The core of our brand has always been innovation, transparency, and collaboration – but these mean little without respecting tradition,” said Dan Callaway, Head of New Product Development. “Distillery Reserve lets us unleash creativity while honoring the foundations of great whiskey, sharing hidden gems from our warehouses with the world.”

From the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, Bardstown Bourbon Company continues to redefine excellence – whether sipped straight or shared with friends.

About Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company, located in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country on 100 acres of active farmland, is a modern innovator pushing the boundaries of American whiskey while honoring time-honored traditions. As the first Napa Valley-style destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, it combines state-of-the-art distilling with exceptional culinary experiences, transparent production processes, and a renowned Collaborative Distilling Program that crafts custom whiskeys for leading brands worldwide. Celebrated for its award-winning expressions—including the Origin Series high-rye bourbon and innovative finishes like those in the Discovery and Distillery Reserve collections—Bardstown Bourbon Company continues to earn global acclaim as a leader in quality, creativity, and transparency in the whiskey industry.
Address: 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, KY 40004
Website: https://www.bardstownbourbon.com

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Old Forester releases newest bourbon for Whiskey Row series

July 12, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Old Forester, the iconic Kentucky bourbon brand from Brown-Forman, has brought back its acclaimed 1924 expression for a second year, delighting whiskey enthusiasts nationwide. This 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 100 proof, is the fifth release in the popular Whiskey Row Series and features a unique mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley—setting it apart from the brand’s traditional recipe. With rich tasting notes of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, warm cinnamon, and chocolate-covered graham crackers, it’s a smooth yet bold sip that highlights Old Forester’s innovative spirit.

The 1924 bourbon pays tribute to a pivotal moment during Prohibition, when over 200 Kentucky distilleries shut down, but Old Forester persisted thanks to one of just six federal permits for medicinal whiskey production. In 1924, the brand sourced barrels from closed distilleries with varying mash bills and bottled them under the Old Forester name—a creative move that’s now commemorated in this age-stated gem. “With a new mash bill and 10-year age statement, 1924 features a unique taste unlike any other Old Forester expression, but fits perfectly within our storytelling Whiskey Row series,” shared Master Taster Melissa Rift. After selling out quickly upon its 2024 debut, this re-release is now available at participating retailers for a suggested price of $119.99. Head to the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville or visit oldforester.com for more details and to explore the full Whiskey Row lineup.

More about Old Forester Bourbon
Old Forester Bourbon has a fascinating backstory that’s like a time capsule from the Wild West era of whiskey. Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, a pharmaceutical salesman in Louisville, Kentucky, it earned the title of “America’s First Bottled Bourbon.” Back then, most whiskey was sold straight from barrels at saloons, often watered down or tampered with—yikes! Brown revolutionized the game by sealing his bourbon in glass bottles for guaranteed quality and consistency, even naming it after a doctor friend (originally “Forester” with two r’s). It’s the only bourbon brand continuously produced and sold by the same family company (Brown-Forman) before, during, and after Prohibition, when it was one of the few allowed for “medicinal” purposes. Today, classics like the smooth 86 Proof and bolder 100 Proof sit alongside fun historical recreations in the Whiskey Row series, nodding to key moments like 1920’s Prohibition-style high-proof pours.

While Old Forester is proudly a Kentucky straight bourbon (made with at least 51% corn for that signature sweet, vanilla-caramel vibe), the world of American whiskey offers exciting variety to keep your taste buds adventuring. Rye whiskey flips the script with at least 51% rye grain, delivering a spicier, peppery kick perfect for bold cocktails like Manhattans—think of it as bourbon’s feisty cousin. Tennessee whiskey follows bourbon rules but adds a charcoal-filtering step for extra smoothness (Jack Daniel’s is the famous example). Then there’s wheat-heavy “wheated” bourbon for softer, bread-like sweetness, or even corn whiskey for a raw, moonshine-like edge. Whether you’re sipping Old Forester neat or mixing up something new, exploring these types is like a delicious history lesson in a glass—cheers to that!

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It’s The Summer Of Bourbon For Independent Bottler Lost Lantern

June 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Get ready for an epic bourbon road trip without leaving your couch—Lost Lantern is proving that killer American bourbon isn’t just a Kentucky thing anymore! Founded by whiskey adventurers Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, this award-winning independent bottler is spotlighting craft distilleries from coast to coast with their exciting “Summer of Bourbon” collection. All bottles are non-chill-filtered, poured at natural cask strength, and proudly name their source distilleries, letting you taste the true diversity of America’s favorite spirit.

The star of the show? Far-Flung Bourbon, a groundbreaking blend of straight bourbons from four far-out spots never mixed before: earthy Frey Ranch in Nevada’s deserts, bold Boulder Spirits high in Colorado’s mountains, spicy Watershed Distillery in Ohio’s Midwest heartland, and vibrant Still Austin Whiskey Co. down in Texas. It’s the first new multi-distillery blend in Lost Lantern’s lineup since 2020, packing big flavors from wildly different climates. Then there’s Soaring Spice, their first bourbon in the Single Distillery Series—a spicy, oak-rich marriage of barrels exclusively from Frey Ranch. Rounding it out are six standout single casks from Frey Ranch (Nevada), Boulder Spirits (Colorado), Ironroot Republic and Still Austin (Texas), Tom’s Foolery (Ohio), and even New Riff (Kentucky) for that classic touch. “The Summer of Bourbon shows that great bourbon can take many different forms,” says Ganley-Roper. “It can be made in many different ways in climates and aging conditions that are utterly different from each other, having a huge impact on flavor.” Grab these limited gems online or at select spots and discover how bourbon is booming everywhere—cheers to exploring the wild side of whiskey!

For more information, check out www.lostlanternwhiskey.com.

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Louis XIII Unveils Limited Lunar New Year Coffret

May 27, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

As the Lunar New Year approaches on January 29, 2025, marking the Year of the Snake, luxury Cognac house Louis XIII from Rémy Martin has released an exquisite limited-edition coffret that blends French craftsmanship with Chinese cultural heritage. Priced at $4,200, this ultra-premium offering is not just a bottle of one of the world’s most revered spirits—it’s a collectible work of art perfect for discerning collectors and those seeking the ultimate luxury gift.

Design and Artistry: A Collaboration Rooted in Tradition
The standout feature of this release is the coffret (luxury box), designed in collaboration with renowned Chinese papercut artist Liu Lihong, a signed artist with the Palace Museum Cultural Innovation Institute. Liu has partnered with Louis XIII since 2021, customizing designs for their Lunar New Year editions.

For 2025, the coffret showcases a golden snake motif—symbolizing prosperity, wisdom, transformation, and renewal—intertwined with blooming winter jasmine flowers, representing vitality and good fortune. The intricate papercut is executed using traditional Chinese stamping techniques, creating a striking red and gold aesthetic that evokes blessings for health, fortune, and a vigorous new spring.

Louis XIII emphasizes sustainability with this coffret, crafted from 100% cellulosic materials—lighter, recyclable, and environmentally responsible while preserving the brand’s elegant unveiling experience. The transparent elements allow the decanter’s radiant amber glow to shine through even before opening.

The Iconic Decanter and Timeless Cognac Within
Inside sits the classic Louis XIII Baccarat crystal decanter, a replica of a 16th-century flask discovered on the battlefield of Jarnac. Each hand-blown decanter features distinctive spikes, an 18-carat gold neck, and contains a blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the premier cru of Cognac. These spirits are aged up to 100 years in centuries-old Limousin oak tierçons, passed down through generations of cellar masters.

The tasting profile is legendary: an explosion of complexity with notes of dried figs, honeyed caramel, pipe tobacco, ginger, saffron, jasmine, and candied fruits, evolving into a long, spicy finish. Though Cognac (not whiskey), its depth, oak influence, and maturity appeal immensely to whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate ultra-aged spirits like rare Scotch or bourbon.

Availability and Exclusivity
This is only the second dedicated Lunar New Year coffret from Louis XIII, making it highly sought-after. Availability is limited—contact the brand directly via their concierge (conciergerie.us@louisxiii-cognac.com) or through the official Louis XIII virtual boutique and select luxury retailers. Travel retail activations in key Asian airports, including Hong Kong and Singapore, have featured live demonstrations of the stamping technique.

Why It Appeals to Spirits Collectors
At $4,200, this isn’t an everyday pour—it’s an investment in legacy. Louis XIII embodies “thinking a century ahead,” much like the patience required for the finest whiskeys. For whiskey blog readers exploring beyond brown spirits, this Cognac offers a bridge: unparalleled aging, cultural significance, and sheer opulence.
Whether displayed as a centerpiece or savored ritually (small pours in crystal glasses to let it breathe), the Louis XIII Lunar New Year Coffret captures the essence of renewal. As the Year of the Snake slithers in, raise a glass to prosperity and timeless luxury.

For more details, visit the official Louis XIII website.

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B.R. Distilling Company Launches Limited Release Blue Note Special

May 18, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Memphis, TN (February 10, 2025)– Blue Note Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey portfolio which is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis, has launched its second-annual Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Crafted in Memphis, the limited-release is a blend of 10 casks from Kentucky and Tennessee – cognac, madeira, sherry, port, triple sec, madeira, apricot brandy, amontillado, vanilla cognac and vino de Naranja – ranging in age from four to 19 years with varying mashbills. The new expression was bottled at 116.3 proof (58.15% ABV), unfiltered.

In addition to last year’s Special Reserve, Blue Note has introduced several other highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, 17-year, and most recently a Honey Rye and Honey Bourbon Cask.

About B.R. Distilling Company
Founded in 2014 in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, B.R. Distilling Company holds the city’s oldest distillery license and is renowned for its award-winning Blue Note Bourbon portfolio – a soulful tribute to the iconic Memphis blues music scene. Blending Kentucky distillation heritage with Memphis character, these premium whiskeys are aged in the humid heat along the Mississippi River, delivering bold, rich flavors of caramel, oak, vanilla, spice, and deep soul that shine neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. The lineup features flagship expressions like Juke Joint, Crossroads, Uncut the Barrel, and Straight Rye, alongside exciting limited releases such as Single Barrel selections, Special Reserve, and innovative Honey Cask finishes – perfect for bourbon lovers seeking smooth yet powerful pours with multiple Double Gold and Platinum accolades from top competitions.

Address: 110,000 sq ft production facility on Royal Avenue, just north of downtown Memphis, TN (tasting room and tours available)
Website: https://www.bluenotebourbon.com

Santa Fe Distillery Known For Mesquite Smoked Whiskey Tries Its Hand at Unsmoked Single Malt

May 15, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Santa Fe Spirits, the innovative New Mexico distillery famous for its mesquite-smoked Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey—a bold American twist on peated Scotch—is exciting whiskey lovers with the nationwide release of Colkegan Unsmoked Single Malt Whiskey. This smooth, 100% malted barley expression lets the pure grain shine without the signature smoke, aged for about four years in new American oak and ex-bourbon barrels for a creamy, approachable profile that’s perfect for both Scotch fans branching into American single malts and newcomers discovering the category.

“We love experimenting with traditional single malt while honoring its heritage,” says founder Colin Keegan. “Our mesquite-smoked Colkegan has won hearts, but this unsmoked version complements the lineup and stands strong on its own—think warm brown sugar, toasted walnuts, vanilla custard, dried fruit, and a butterscotch finish.” Now shipping direct from santafespirits.com to dozens of states, it’s a versatile sipper that’s earning rave reviews for its balanced sweetness and spice. Raise a glass to the Southwest’s grain-to-glass magic!

About Santa Fe Spirits
Nestled at 7,000 feet in the high desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santa Fe Spirits was founded in 2010 by Englishman and whiskey lover Colin Keegan, who dreamed of blending Scottish traditions with Southwest flair to create the region’s premier artisan distillery. What started as a passion for crafting unique spirits using local ingredients has grown into an award-winning operation, capturing the rugged essence of mesquite smoke, sage, and mountain air in every bottle—from grain-to-glass American single malts to innovative liqueurs.

The lineup shines with the flagship Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey, a mesquite-smoked beauty that’s a bold, barbecue-kissed alternative to peated Scotch, plus variants like unsmoked, cask strength, apple brandy-finished, and sherry cask editions. Beyond whiskey, sip on smooth Expedition Vodka, botanical Wheeler’s Gin, rich barrel-aged Apple Brandy inspired by Calvados, and fun liqueurs like Atapiño (piñon) and Slow Burn. Perfect for cocktails or neat pours, these small-batch gems are earning raves for their terroir-driven flavors—come tour the distillery and taste the Southwest spirit!

For more information please visit https://santafespirits.com/

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Copperworks Distilling Release: Rare Limited-Edition American Single Malt Whiskeys

May 11, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Seattle-based Copperworks Distilling Co. has announced its highly anticipated second annual Archive Release, giving American single malt whiskey enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to own some of the distillery’s most historic and limited bottles from previous years.

This exclusive collection features ultra-rare expressions with extremely low bottle counts, perfect for fans of award-winning American single malt whiskey.
Highlights include:

Release 001: The distillery’s very first American single malt whiskey, crafted from 100% pale malted barley and aged for 2 years and 6 months in charred new American oak barrels. Only four bottles remain available – a true piece of whiskey history.
Release 003: The inaugural whiskey using Copperworks’ signature Five Malt recipe, with just two bottles left in existence.
Release 012: An award-winning standout named “2018 Best American Single Malt Whiskey” by Tastings.com, scoring 96 points and earning a Platinum Medal. Eight bottles are available for collectors seeking top-rated spirits.

The archive also showcases Copperworks’ innovative spirit through specialty cask-finished American single malt whiskeys. A standout is the Black is Beautiful American Single Malt Whiskey, produced in collaboration with Garden Path Fermentation to support the Black is Beautiful initiative. For every bottle sold, $40 is donated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
These rare American single malt whiskeys are available exclusively through Copperworks’ online store while supplies last. Whiskey lovers searching for limited-edition single malts won’t want to miss this opportunity.

About Copperworks Distilling Co.
Copperworks Distilling Company, a pioneering craft distillery in Seattle, Washington, was founded in 2013 by experienced brewers Jason Parker and Micah Nutt. With deep roots in the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer scene, the founders aimed to explore the flavors of malted barley by distilling high-quality, hop-free craft beer washes into premium spirits. Located on the vibrant downtown waterfront, Copperworks quickly became a leader in the emerging American single malt whiskey category, earning “Distillery of the Year” in 2018 from the American Distilling Institute. Their brewer’s mindset emphasizes extended fermentation for rich, fruit-driven new-make spirit, distilled in custom Scottish copper pot stills, setting them apart in the world of American single malt whiskey.

Copperworks specializes in small-batch American single malt whiskeys made exclusively from 100% malted barley, often sourced from Washington State’s Skagit Valley and other local farms. Signature expressions include their flagship releases using a multi-malt recipe blending pale and caramelized malts for complex, malt-forward profiles with notes of honey, caramel, fruit, and oak. The distillery offers a range of aged whiskeys in charred new American oak, innovative cask finishes (like port or sherry), and limited single-cask bottlings that highlight experimentation and terroir. Award-winning and highly sought after, Copperworks American single malt whiskey appeals to enthusiasts seeking vibrant, approachable yet sophisticated drams that showcase the potential of this growing U.S. whiskey style. For more information please visit https://copperworksdistilling.com/

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Woodford Reserve Unveils Highest-Proof Expression with Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4

March 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Versailles, KY (February 20, 2025) — Today, Woodford Reserve introduces the latest addition to its innovative Distillery Series: Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4. This limited-edition release marks a historic milestone as the brand’s highest-proof whiskey to date, coming in at a bold 139.4 proof.

Aged for 12 years, this expression expands on the foundation of the original Chocolate Whisper first released in 2021. The extended barrel aging has deepened the whiskey’s character, enriching it with intensified notes of dark chocolate and coffee for a robust and layered tasting experience.

“It’s been fascinating to witness the evolution of Chocolate Whisper Redux since its debut,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “The additional time in barrel has amplified its boldness while preserving that signature long finish.”

Part of the Distillery Series, Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4 reflects Woodford Reserve’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in whiskey making.

About Woodford Reserve:
Woodford Reserve is part of Brown-Forman Corporation, a company with over 150 years of experience in crafting premium spirits. Known for a portfolio that includes celebrated brands like Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, Herradura, and Glendronach, Brown-Forman operates in more than 170 countries with a global team of approximately 5,400 employees. Guided by a mission of offering “Nothing Better in the Market,” the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of spirits.

For more information please visit https://www.woodfordreserve.com/

Milam & Greene Releases Gray Wolf Bourbon

March 24, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Milam & Greene Whiskey is unleashing Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon, a blend of two six-year-old, cask-strength collector’s edition bourbon casks. This first release in the 2025 Wildlife Collection will be available exclusively on the Milam & Greene Whiskey website and for the first time ever, available for online purchase to pick up at the distillery tasting room beginning at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Gray Wolf is the first release in the Milam & Greene 2025 Wildlife Collection, which explores how climate impacts the final flavor of aging bourbon.

“The Wildlife Collection is more than just an incredible collectors’ bourbon, it is also an opportunity for us to test how climate impacts the aging of whiskey,” Heather Greene, Milam & Greene Whiskey master blender and CEO, said in a news release. “Whiskey barrels aging in our rickhouses are open to natural airflow, letting the Texas weather make its mark on it. The Gray Wolf barrels spent roughly half their time aging in Kentucky, and the other half in Texas.

“The climatic whipsaw over the last three years in Hill Country with some of the coldest cold we’ve ever experienced, along with extreme drought and long periods of intense 100+ degree heat had a tremendous effect on the rate of maturation and the final flavors that you just won’t get in other locations.”

The first release in the 2025 Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection is named for the largest species of the wolf family, which historically hunted the lands where the distillery is now located in Blanco, Texas.

About Milam & Greene Distillery

Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Milam & Greene Distillery combines time-honored traditions with innovative techniques, producing award-winning bourbon and rye that’s available in 19 states and counting.

For more information please visit https://milamandgreenewhiskey.com/

Echo Spirits Releases Engineer Series Blended Bourbon

March 24, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Columbus, Ohio – February 19th, 2025 – Echo Spirits, an Ohio distillery known for its founders’ drive to produce high-quality whiskeys and rums, is proud to showcase its bourbon blending skills once again via the latest release in its highly regarded Engineer Series.

Echo Spirits Engineer Series Batch 25A – Trail Mix is the evolution of a series Joe Bidinger and Nikhil Sharoff, both former engineers turned whiskey distillers, see as a bourbon blending workshop, a place to think outside the box of the regular brown spirits they produce. They take quality-sourced bourbons from other distilleries and transform them into something new and unique. Each batch is a masterpiece, with its own distinct mash bill, tasting profile, and back story.

“The Engineer Series came from our desire to innovate constantly and try to surprise people,” notes Bidinger. “While our own whiskeys age, we don’t want to blindly dump barrels together and label them our own. It’s important to us to remain transparent about where our whiskey is coming from while creating something new and unique each time.

“We try to treat individual whiskey barrels like ingredients in a dish. And we love to use different ingredients each time.”

For the Engineer Series, which debuted last year, the distillery team experiments with various combinations until they find that final sweet spot they can engineer into something special. As all this blending comes together, so does the batch’s name. For Echo Spirits, the tasting notes lead to visualizations of how a particular bottling might come to life in something they are doing, such as smoking a cigar or enjoying a nice dessert.

‍ABOUT ECHO SPIRITS

Echo Spirits is a distillery built with a purpose, a vision of two guys who didn’t quit their daydream as they looked for a new creative outlet to offset their highly analytical jobs. Located in the Grandview neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, the first drops of spirit came off the stills here in 2019, and there has been no looking back since. Known as Ohio’s rum and whiskey distillery, Echo Spirits’ success is reflected not just in its multiple award-winning offerings but also in the loyalty of its customers. A place and a mindset here lead to a commitment to quality reflected not only in the premium spirits but also in the full cocktail bar onsite showcasing their products in the way they are meant to be seen and enjoyed.

For more information please visit https://echospirits.com/