Dustin Scoggins

Northside Distilling Co. celebrates second release of bourbon for the visually impaired

September 26, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Photo Credit: Northside Distilling Company

CINCINNATI — Northside Distilling Co. is teaming up with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) for the second year to release a bourbon for the visually impaired.

The CABVI and Northside Distilling are releasing “Braille Bourbon” Wednesday night.

The limited-edition bourbon is packaged in hand-numbered bottles that have braille on the labels. The bourbon itself is a 108-proof single-barrel bourbon aged for 6 and 1/2 years.

This is Volume Two of the bourbon, and last year, it sold out within a few weeks of its September 2022 release.

The bourbon aims to raise awareness as well as inclusivity for those who are blind and visually impaired in the community. The bourbon release also highlights the various services CABVI offers for those who are adapting to vision loss.

Following Wednesday night’s release, Braille Boubon Whiskey, which costs $74.99 per bottle, will be available beginning Sept. 21 for purchase both online and in-store at Northside Distilling Co. A portion of each sale will go toward CABVI, as well.

About Northside Distilling

Northside Distilling began as a basement hobby—two friends with a still, exploring their passion for authentic, high-quality craft spirits. Before long, word spread and a weekend pastime became a bona fide business.

To meet growing demand, operations were moved out of the basement to the family barn located in Cincinnati’s historic Northside neighborhood, where the brand was officially born and began expanding a line of spirits known for its local flair.

Northside continues to grow, and with another move—this time to Cincinnati’s vibrant downtown scene—Northside Distilling has further broadened its offerings of award-winning, authentic spirits with deep yet smooth taste profiles. With each sip, savor the flavor that is unique to the Northside.

Northside Distilling is Cincinnati’s 1st Downtown distillery since Prohibition. We currently produce bourbon, gin, vodka, American agave and seasonal rum as well as limited-edition specialty releases and private label spirits.

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

Garrison Brothers Just Dropped a New Ultra-Strong Cowboy Bourbon

September 26, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Garrison Brothers Bourbon — Photo Credit: Garrison Brothers

The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas, but surely that’s hyperbole (after all, Willie Nelson is only 5’6″). Still, this new bourbon from Garrison Brothers is extremely big, at least in terms of proof, giving at least some credence to that cliche from this distillery known for making whiskey with seriously bold flavor.

The new 2023 Cowboy Bourbon clocks in at exactly 140.9 proof, or just over 70 percent ABV. That qualifies as hazmat whiskey, because at more than 140 proof you aren’t allowed to bring this bottle on an airplane due to its volatility. You might not be able to fly with this whiskey, but you can put it into your mouth and drink it, which might strike some as a bit paradoxical. Garrison Brothers, located about an hour outside of Austin, is proudly unveiling this uncut and unfiltered new release at the distillery in September, after which it will become available nationwide (albeit in limited numbers).

The 2023 release of Cowboy Bourbon is made up of casks aged for a minimum of six years that were selected by master distiller Donnis Todd from what he refers to as his “piggy bank”—barrels that are allowed to continue to age instead of going into the flagship Small Batch bourbon. The reason why they tend to be so high proof has to do with the high-heat, low-humidity climate that they mature in, resulting in an angel’s share with more water evaporating than alcohol. “It holds true even at 140.9, I truly believe the flavor overpowers the proof,” said Todd in a statement. The official tasting notes describe a nose with aromas of fresh lumber and honey wheat bread, followed by a palate full of flavors like plum, rhubarb, cocoa powder, cherry, roasted pecans, white chocolate, and clove honey.

This award-winning bourbon will first become available at the distillery on September 23 in a run of just 1,000 bottles. These tend to sell out, but if you’re in the area you may be able to get your hands on one. If not, the remaining 8,600 bottles of Cowboy Bourbon will go on sale starting October 1 with an SRP of $250. And if you’re looking for previous releases to compare the 2023 expression to, websites like ReserveBar still have bottles from previous years available to purchase.

About Garrison Brothers

As the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas and the first outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey, Garrison Brothers Distillery has been a trailblazer since 2006. Our founder, Dan Garrison, is devoted to crafting the world’s finest bourbon at our Texas Hill Country ranch. Each expression of Garrison Brothers Bourbon features a sweet mash bill, aged in the intense Texas climate, and proofed to perfection with pure Hill Country rainwater. Our bourbon’s unmatched quality is a testament to the passionate individuals behind it—from the Master Distiller to the production team, and the 17,000 volunteers who hand-dip each bottle. Garrison Brothers is as authentic as the people who make it.

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

Jack Daniel’s releases rare new single malt.

September 25, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

After making whiskey for more than 150 years, Jack Daniel’s has distilled something new: an American single malt whiskey.

When a spirits lover hears the phrase “single malt,” they may think of single malt Scotch whiskys — often known for their grassy flavor because the malted barley may be dried with smoke from local peat moss. There are few American single malts currently being made but those that are mostly come from craft distillers.

The new Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Whiskey ($99.99, 90 proof, available in select-duty free retail locations worldwide) is different from its Scottish relatives — there’s no peat involved. It’s made with the same yeast used in its Tennessee whiskey and rye whiskey. But, unlike whiskey, which is made with corn and rye, as well as malted barley, the only grain to be used in the single malt is malted barley.

For the single malt, Jack Daniel’s used a different kind of barley than used in its other whiskeys — but it’s still ground, fermented and distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee — and the grain results in a nuttier or biscuit-like flavor, said its master distiller Chris Fletcher.

After aging in new, charred American oak barrels for about five years and finished in Oloroso Sherry casks, the whiskey has aromas of honey, malted chocolate and dark fruits. Flavors exuded include bread and dry cherry and “an interesting texture and viscosity that you get from the barley,” he said during an online tasting of the new whiskey this week.

“When we began experimenting with a 100% malt grain bill back in 2012, we knew it would be critical to put our own stamp on timeless Single Malt traditions and craft something that was uniquely Jack Daniel’s,” Fletcher said in a press release. “There was a lot of excitement surrounding our limited edition American Single Malt Special Release last year, and we are thrilled to now offer Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt to our friends around the world.”

For more information please visit https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us

Buffalo Trace releases limited-edition Prohibition-era whiskey collection

September 25, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Whiskey drinkers who wonder what it was like to sneak a drink during the age of Prohibition can get a taste of the experience thanks to Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Buffalo Trace has released a limited-edition collection to honor whiskeys that were legally sold at its distillery, then known as the George T. Stagg Distillery, during Prohibition. The Prohibition collection pays homage to five brands that were popular at the time but have since disappeared.

There were six total distilleries that were legally allowed to produce alcohol for medicinal purposes from 1920 to 1933. One was George T. Stagg, now Buffalo Trace. The other five no longer exist — Old Stagg, Golden Wedding, Three Feathers, Walnut Hill, and George T. Stagg Spiritus Frumenti. Today, Buffalo Trace as a brand releases popular whiskeys like Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, W.L. Weller, and Sazerac Rye.

Buffalo Trace’s Prohibition Collection features five bottles, one for each historic brand, and many of them are bottled at a higher-than-average proof. The Old Stagg bottle is barrel-proof, containing about 66.2% ABV, and totally unfiltered. It has noticeable notes of oak, vanilla, and leather while maintaining plenty of character from its time spent in the barrel.

Golden Wedding is a 107-proof rye whiskey, which contains 53.5% ABV, with classic notes of pepper and herbs. It was originally distilled in Pennsylvania before moving to Canada and becoming a Canadian whiskey in the 1940s.

Three Feathers is bottled-in-bond and clocks in at 100 proof, for 50% ABV, that was originally marketed as a top-shelf rye in the early 1800s. The recreation honors its transformation into a bonded and blended whiskey with a complex flavor balance of smokey oak and sweet fruit.

Walnut Hill was originally bottled at the Geroge T. Stagg Distillery, and its recreation pays homage to its history. The 90-proof, or 45% ABV, bottle has a high rye content, making it slightly spicy and earthy.

The final bottle is the George T. Stagg Distillery Spiritus Frumenti, a 110-proof, or 55% ABV, wheated bourbon. The bottle is a callback to the distillery’s medicinal offerings during prohibition. Despite being originally marketed as medicine, the flavor notes are strong with caramel, vanilla, oak, and fruit notes for a well-rounded bottle.

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

Blade And Bow Re-Releases 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

September 24, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Blade and Bow, a Diageo bourbon label, has re-released its ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery and Garden & Gun Club in Louisville, KY. The extra old American bourbon is aged and bottled at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, where it became available this month alongside 15 markets while supplies last.

“Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an homage to the American bourbon industry,” said Douglas Kragel, Master Educator for Blade and Bow, in a prepared statement. “Rarely do such complex and delicate whiskies make it to this age in the state of Kentucky, but when they do they can be magical.

“This Bourbon has layered flavors reminiscent of a freshly baked apple pie, with undertones of fresh dough and apple, layered with caramelized sugar and honeyed spices bringing everything together in an Americana flavor profile.”

Each September, in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month, Blade and Bow’s 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is released for what’s described as “a month-long celebration that pays homage to the craftsmanship, history, and tradition of Stitzel-Weller Distillery.”

Due to the finite amount of liquid available, it was noted by the brand, there is no guaranteed timeframe for how long this “in-demand bourbon” will be accessible.

Official tasting information makse mention that “the fragrant aroma of the 22-Year-Old layered with oak, caramel, and fresh stone fruit bring this highly acclaimed bourbon a sweet and smoky flavor, accented with well-balanced tasting notes.”

Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available in California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, South Carolina, Illinois, Washington DC, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan

As a side note, consumers can experience the 22-Year-Old year-round at The Garden & Gun Club at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. The 22-Year-Old Tasting Experience includes one ounce of Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old in a handcrafted Terrane glass, alongside a signature wool tartan bag, Blade and Bow enamel pin and tasting notes guide.

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

Grandpa’s Spirit Distillery First Release: 80-Proof Corn White Whiskey

September 24, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

SEATTLE, Wash.— Grandpa’s Spirit Distillery (GSD) announced the release of the first of five planned spirits, its premium corn white whiskey, bottled at 80-proof (40% alc./vol.). This release pays tribute to the founder’s East European family history of distilling various spirits. In this instance, “grandpa” was a seasoned seaman who sailed on research and commercial vessels for decades. His recipes were passed down to his grandson, founder Ivan Tcygir. Corn whiskey was chosen for this release due to its status as a most traditional American ingredient for liquor production.

This release represents more than just crafting a fine sippable beverage; it preserves a family legacy and pays homage to the USA. GSD selected James Bay Distillers for this release because of the uniqueness of James Bay Distillers approach: all spirits must be tasty and sippable. The spirit conforms to production methods of the founder’s family with some adaptation for modern equipment. Tcygir stated, “We are proud of this white whiskey which opens with a sweet approachable nose, impressions of sweet caramel, the freshness of a newly opened bottle of bourbon and finishes with caramelized pecans and a lingering floral note. Tcygir recommends pairing this with pulled pork, roast chicken or beef and potatoes. Serving over ice with a dash of fresh lime juice and zest makes a good match also.

Grandpa’s Spirit Corn White Whiskey will be available for sale at James Bay Distillers in late September.

About Grandpa’s Spirit Distillery

GSD is a team of like-minded individuals driven by the idea of creating quality craft alcoholic beverages and founded in Washington State in 2022. Their distilling approach and formula is based on the recipes of one of a founder’s paternal grandfather, an avid hunter and fisherman who passed away in 2017. Corn white whiskey is the first product they introduce to the market. Other planned releases under the Grandpa’s Spirit brand include wheat, rye, barley and buckwheat. GSD may be contacted by email and through their website.

About James Bay Distillers

James Bay Distillers distills and bottles super premium whiskies, gins and vodka. Formed in 2014, they now make 11 spirits, nine of which are rated 90+ points in national and international competitions. Their goal is to make every spirit a “sipping spirit”, exceptional right from the bottle. They prefer local and organic ingredients, and strive to create spirits which are the best in their category. James Bay Distillers is located at Paine Field in Everett, WA.

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

Redbreast Irish Whiskey Unveils Newest Release, Redbreast Tawny Port Edition

September 19, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers at the world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland, officially introduced Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition, a limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey finished in tawny port casks from Portugal’s breath-taking Douro Valley.

Expertly created by esteemed Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. To add a new dimension to the flavor profile, a portion of these maturing whiskeys were recasked into tawny port casks for a number of years. All of the whiskeys were then skilfully blended and completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14-25 months.

The inspiration for Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition started 12 years ago, when Leighton took a trip to the Douro Valley in Portugal to visit some of Midleton Distillery’s partner cooperages and winemakers.

“We were enjoying lunch with the late renowned winemaker Joaquim Anacleto and Gesprove Winemaker José Pinheiro overlooking the valley, discussing the various wines and spirits that had influenced our whiskeys,” says Leighton. “And, being in the valley, we began to imagine how Tawny Port’s intricate flavor profile could affect our whiskies. Curiosity took hold, and we decided to make this daydream a reality – and we are quite pleased with the impeccable result.”

The result Leighton mentions is a rich, well-balanced whiskey with notes of praline, buttery baked goods, and dried cherries from the earlier tawny port influence, followed by a warming sweetness of toasted caramel and vanilla carried through from the bourbon and an added depth of dried fruits from the sherry. The final maturation period in newly procured tawny port casks elevates the nutty character further and provides a sweet finish for a rich, full-bodied whiskey.

“Redbreast Tawny Port Edition’s flavor profile is well within our flock’s DNA, yet it provides an exciting twist from another part of the Iberian Peninsula,” McCabe adds. “Each subsequent expression in the series will represent a new discovery from this rich region which to date has greatly influenced the Redbreast style over the course of its history.”

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition marks the third release of the brand’s acclaimed Iberian Series. The series is inspired by Redbreast’s long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated cooperages and winemakers, and combines the rich heritage and craft of the region with the excellence of Midleton Distillery’s single pot still whiskeys, to create expressions that are truly extraordinary. Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the second limited edition to join the series, following the 2021 release Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition, and permanent expression and series anchor Redbreast Lustau Edition.

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available in the USA for an SRP of $99.99 Links to purchase.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelized almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry. Scented floral honey with whisperings of a delicate herbal character lingers in the background while the seasoned oak and pot still spices accentuate the sweet and full-bodied nature of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.

Taste: Rich and nutty at first with notes of chocolate-coated hazelnut and salted caramel, quickly followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins’ soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak.

Finish: Lingering finish which sees the pot still spices and fruits slowly fading, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, achieving +10% net sales growth globally in FY23. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.

In 2022, we announced a multi-million euro investment in a carbon neutral roadmap for Midleton Distillery in addition to our plans to invest in a new distillery on a site adjacent to our existing operations in Midleton.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard USA?is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris,?France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Co´digo 1530, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

For More Information:
https://www.redbreastwhiskey.com/en/

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Releases 1983 Port Ellen 40 Year Single Malt

September 19, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whiskey — Photo Credit: Duncan Taylor

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky recently released a malt from its ‘Rarest Collection’ – a Port Ellen 40-year-old single malt whisky from March 16, 1983. Available globally, this limited release of 209 bottles comes from cask number 667, one of the last batches of Port Ellen production – mere weeks before the distillery closed its doors for the last time in May of the same year.

At 104.8 proof the liquid was matured in a European Oak ex-sherry butt, with the cask initially stored on Islay, until it was laid down to finish maturing in the vaults at Duncan Taylor’s HQ in Aberdeenshire in 2010. Each hand-finished decanter is sequentially numbered with a signed certificate of authenticity. The Scottish firm last released a Port Ellen back in 2013.

“When I bought the company from Abe Rosenberg’s family back in 2001, the inventory was incredible with some amazing rare and old whiskies.” said Chairman Euan Shand in a prepared statement. “The casks of Port Ellen were ones that really stood out for me as something special and we’ve patiently waited for them to mature, bringing that rich, dark colour to the liquid. The cask created an evocative whisky that embraces the peat from the kilns and the brine of the sea, alongside a succulent rich fruity base. It’s one of the finest whiskies we’ve launched this year.”

With a price point of $7,300 the Port Ellen 40-year-old is available for purchase in the US. More details about it may be found at the Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky website. You’ll find official tasting notes below.

Nose: A classic sherried Islay. Full of treacle toffee and leather mixed with bright fruity notes of blackberries and strawberries drenched in cream. A touch of zesty citrus offsets the fruity sweetness, and some dark, waxy comb honey adds depth. Some intense maritime notes of sea spray combined with kombu kelp. Mineral touches of seashore pebbles emerge with time from underneath the sherried fruits.

Palate: Very true to the nose. Dark treacle toffee and more fruits, this time more cooked than fresh. Thick and chewy texture with roasted pecan nuts to the fore. The leathery, maritime notes persist with some warming spices of cloves and caraway. The peat comes over as a distant driftwood bonfire on a salt drenched seashore. A dark, smoky, and fruity chutney balanced by a refreshing hint of spearmint. Wonderful balance with all elements in good equilibrium.

Finish: Long and seemingly everlasting. The dark bitter chocolate notes from the sherry cask persist to the last, along with some spicy toasted oak. The chewy toffee fruits continue, but now are slightly drier than on the palate. The driftwood bonfire of the peat is now reduced to some smouldering embers. Again, the balance is perfect with all elements singing in harmony.

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

Blackened Whiskey Partners with Kaveh Zamanian for “Masters of Whiskey Series”

September 18, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

NEW YORK — Today, BLACKENED Whiskey announces a groundbreaking collaboration with Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, founder of renowned craft whiskey distillery, Rabbit Hole, for the 2023 release of its acclaimed “Masters of Whiskey Series.” Together, BLACKENED Master Distiller & Blender, Rob Dietrich, and Zamanian have created the BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled in Tennessee & Kentucky. Finished in Calvados Casks, the blend is bottled at cask strength at a proof of 106.59, and non-chill filtered.

Debuted in 2021 with the BLACKENED x Willett Straight Rye Finished in Madeira Casks, the “Masters of Whiskey Series” is built upon the brand’s core tenant of collaboration, uniting the unparalleled expertise of two master craftsmen to reimagine craft whiskey and create new, extraordinary expressions.

For this release, esteemed whiskey visionaries, Dietrich and Zamanian, crafted the expression from a base of 13-year-old straight Tennessee bourbon whiskey featuring a mash bill of 64 percent corn, 36 percent rye, and Rabbit Hole Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky straight bourbon, made from a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 25 percent malted rye, and 5 percent malted barley. The whiskey is then finished in Calvados Casks, imparting sweeter notes as Calvados is an apple brandy. The resulting expression features notes of apple butter, rhubarb, honey-suckle, graham cracker, and macadamia nut on the nose and hints of ripe pear, cinnamon stick, smoky campfire, field clover, honey, and black walnut on the palate.

The basis of the partnership stems from both brands’ and distillers’ uncompromising passion, reputation for forging their own paths in American Whiskey, and most importantly, their ability to innovate. For its whiskeys, Rabbit Hole’s Chief Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, looks beyond traditional methods, creating one-of-a-kind mash bills using malt sourced from Europe, while BLACKENED Whiskey pushes the envelope with its Black Noise™ sonic-enhancement process.

During finishing, the whiskey is sonically-enhanced to extract more flavor from the finishing casks, using a patent-pending scientific process co-developed by the sound engineers at Meyer Sound. The process produces low hertz sound waves causing the whiskey to reverberate at a fast rate, interacting with the oak staves of the finishing barrel, measurably releasing wood compounds and flavors. Their ardor for constantly challenging traditional whiskey-making processes and treating the craft as an art form led them to the flavorful blend.

“It was great working with Kaveh, as we came in with different backgrounds and similar mindsets, with a passion to create something unusual and unique to see where we could take it,” explained Dietrich. “We were both interested in starting with the 13-year-old Tennessee bourbon whiskey, and then worked back to see what was going to pair well with that as far as mash bill and blending different whiskeys from their distillery. We were really looking for something that balanced and layered the flavor profiles together, then adding a dash of flavor through the Calvados cask finishing. I’m ecstatic at what we came up with!”

“It was so exciting to be able to work with BLACKENED Whiskey and Rob Dietrich,” said Zamanian. “It seems like it was just an organic process, more art than science when we came together. It’s always great to be able to work with whiskey makers who are doing new things, such as BLACKENED, as it helps us learn more and improve our game. And ultimately the consumers benefit from it too, because you get new expressions – something that’s genuinely different and a blend of our different approaches and voices.”

“The ‘Masters of Whiskey Series’ represents our dedication to innovation and speaks to our core principle of collaboration,” said Metallica bassist, Robert Trujillo. “Just as Metallica always tries to blaze new trails with our music and artistic style, we love that we are able to do the same with our approach to crafting exceptional whiskey.”

As a testament to the collaboration and taste, the expression was entered into the 2023 New York Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), where it was awarded a Gold Medal. Currently in its 13th year, the competition is one of the most respected judging events in the eastern USA and consists of a judging panel of the wine and spirits industry’s most trusted authorities.

ABOUT KAVEH ZAMANIAN & RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY

Rabbit Hole was born to blow the cobwebs off the American whiskey category and pierce through the conformity that had kept it stuck in the 19th century. Rabbit Hole’s Founder and Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, left a 20+ year career as a clinical psychologist to pursue his long-standing passion for fine spirits. With a mission to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, he set course to develop one-of-a-kind expressions of American whiskey. Through its signature core offerings – Cavehill Four Grain Triple Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks, and Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon – along with its innovative Founder’s Collection series, stands as the best example of innovation and craft distillation in the country. This distinction is highlighted by its use of truly singular mash bills, signature malted grains, and custom-made, hand-selected, toasted & charred barrels. Our state-of-the art distillery is a cathedral to the art and science of whiskey making and is located in the Nulu neighborhood in heart of downtown Louisville. Designed as a true craft distillery designed to scale, it produces 27,000 barrels every year. Since opening in 2018, it has been heralded as the “Architectural Icon” of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and was recently named “World’s Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour” by the World Travel Awards. In 2022, Kaveh was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s 20th anniversary class, cementing his place among industry pioneers and visionaries.

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

Kentucky Owl Releases Maighstir Edition

September 18, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

BARDSTOWN, Ky.— Stoli Group is pleased to announce the release of its latest collaboration, Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition. Available across the U.S, the Maighstir Edition is the third international collaboration limited edition release from Kentucky Owl, demonstrating the brand’s imaginative take on the making of classic bourbon.

A result of the collaboration between Master Blenders John Rhea and new Kentucky Owl Master Blender Maureen Robinson, Maighstir Edition pays homage to the rich whiskey traditions of both the United States and Scotland. This release not only celebrates the artful craft of blending high-quality liquid but also the different flavors and taste profiles that each country has become famous for in the making of their whiskeys. This bourbon brings the best of Scotch whisky blending skills to Kentucky Owl’s bourbon range. “Maighstir” (pronounced may-stir) translates as ‘Master’ in Gaelic, authentically highlighting the wonderful collaboration between these two great whiskey masters.

Rhea and Robinson worked together to create the resulting Scottish inspired edition by blending 4yr old, 5yr old, 8yr old and 9yr old Kentucky Straight Bourbons, with mashbills containing corn, wheat, rye and malted barley. These specific Bourbons were carefully selected to convey a Scottish inspired Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

“Our latest limited edition release exemplifies the dedication of Kentucky Owl to offer Bourbon enthusiasts a glimpse into the world of Scotch whiskies,” said Maureen Robinson. “It has the citrus perfumed floral green notes with hints of sweetness and oak reminiscent of a lighter style Scotch but still keeping all the credentials of a bourbon.”

This collaboration also signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as Kentucky Owl recently announced that Robinson is assuming the position of Master Blender, held by Rhea over the past 2 years. “Having the opportunity to craft the Maighstir Edition alongside Maureen instills me with great confidence that Kentucky Owl is in exceptional hands, as Maureen steps into her role as Master Blender,” commented John Rhea.

This Scottish inspired bourbon whiskey emerges as the perfect undertaking to coincide with Maureen taking the helm. As one of the 60 Whisky Hall of Famers and distinguished as one of a small group of female ‘Masters of the Quaich’ worldwide, her presence further strengthens the brand’s commitment to honoring artisanship and heritage. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with John to create a liquid that is rich in the tradition of Kentucky distillation with the timeless allure of Scotland’s whisky craftsmanship,” continued Robinson.

On the nose, the blend reveals subtle notes of small grains, notably malted barley with a hint of sweet caramel. The balance of grains with the sweetness of caramel and vanilla pays homage to the art of blending exceptional bourbon, seen through the perspective of Scotland’s heritage.

On the palate, there is a warm and spicy sweetness from the rye, which is expected from a great bourbon. Then, the gentle flavors of wheat and barley come in, making the taste soothing. As it melts the liquid reveals hints of orange and grapefruit. Finished by mild flavors of caramel and vanilla.

The Maighstir Edition will be available at an MSRP of $150 (100 Proof, ABV 50%)

About Kentucky Owl

Stoli Group, a leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until the brand was revived in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received strong reviews. Other various releases for Kentucky Owl have included their international collaboration series with Takumi Edition and St. Patrick’s Edition, Confiscated, Mardi Gras XO Cask Rye Whiskey Limited Edition. The Wiseman brand includes a bourbon and rye whiskey.

About Stoli Group

Established in 2013, Stoli Group is a leader in the production, management, and distribution of a global portfolio of spirits and wines. Renowned for its flagship brand, Stoli Vodka, the company appeals to luxury on-premise global consumers. At the heart of Stoli Group’s offerings lie iconic brands including elit Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl, Villa One Tequila, Gator Bite Rum Liqueurs, Cenote Tequila, Tulchan Gin, and Se Busca Mezcal. In the wine portfolio, Stoli Group’s Tenute del Mondo division includes esteemed labels such as Archaval Ferrer (Argentina) and Arinzano (Spain), while boasting substantial shares in Supertoscan Ornellaia, Masseto, Luce, and CastelGiocondo. 2021 marked a significant milestone for Stoli Group as it became an equal shareholder in Chateau Miraval and its family of brands, including Miraval Muse, Studio, and Fleur de Miraval. Pioneering the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic space, Stoli Group invests in The Pathfinder Hemp and Root.

Spanning over 176 markets worldwide, Stoli Group collaborates with a network of 200 distributors. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company’s production facilities in Argentina, Latvia, Spain, and the United States have a rich heritage dating back to the early part of the last century.

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https://www.kentuckyowlbourbon.com/