American Single Malt

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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Laws Whiskey House Wins World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon 2024

February 23, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

DENVER, Colorado — Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon Named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Denver-based Laws Whiskey House has achieved a major milestone in the whiskey world, with its Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon earning the prestigious title of World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. This highly respected global competition recognizes outstanding quality and innovation in whiskey production.

Why This Award Matters for Colorado Whiskey
Founder and CEO Al Laws expressed pride in the achievement: “We couldn’t be prouder. This is a win for the entire state of Colorado, thanks to our unique growing and distilling conditions that create such bold flavors. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and the innovators pushing American whiskey forward.”
Laws Whiskey House stands out in the growing Colorado whiskey scene by blending traditional techniques with local terroir. The distillery uses heirloom grains from Colorado family farms and leverages Denver’s high elevation for distinctive aging.

About Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon
This award-winning bourbon is crafted from a unique four-grain mash bill:
60% corn
20% heirloom wheat
10% heirloom rye
10% heirloom malted barley

Aged for 3+ years (up to 10 years) in new 53-gallon American oak barrels, the cask strength version is bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel proof for intense, pure flavors. It shares the same mash bill and barrel selection as the flagship Four Grain Bourbon but delivers bolder character straight from the barrel.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas: Baking spice, black tea, honeysuckle
Flavors: Orange, clove, dried fruit, with bold depth

About Laws Whiskey House
Laws Whiskey House, a premier grain-to-glass distillery in Denver, Colorado, was founded in 2011 by Al Laws, a former finance professional with a lifelong passion for whiskey. What began as a pursuit to craft terroir-driven American whiskeys has grown into one of Colorado’s most acclaimed producers, emphasizing heirloom grains sourced exclusively from two local family farms in the San Luis Valley and eastern plains. Leveraging Denver’s high-altitude climate—marked by hot days, cool nights, and thin air—Laws Whiskey House creates bold, flavorful expressions that capture the rugged essence of the Rocky Mountains while honoring traditional distilling methods.

At the heart of the portfolio is the award-winning Four Grain Bourbon, made from a unique mash bill of 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley. Aged in new 53-gallon charred American oak barrels for a minimum of three years (with some up to ten), this flagship bourbon delivers complex notes of baking spice, black tea, honeysuckle, orange, clove, and dried fruit. Variants like the Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon—named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards—and Bottled in Bond expressions highlight the distillery’s commitment to quality, with open-air fermentation and meticulous grain-forward techniques producing distinctive Colorado whiskeys that stand out in the American craft scene.
Address: 80 W Arkansas Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Website: www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com

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Berkshire Mountain Distillers Launches Craft Brewers Whiskey Project With First Release

January 29, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

SHEFFIELD, Massachusetts – In February 2021, the award-winning maker of a select line of premier craft spirits, Berkshire Mountain Distillers (BMD), will release a trio of whiskeys in partnership with three brewers in the Northeast as part of their Craft Brewers Whiskey Project (CBWP). The five-year collaboration includes the distilling of a dozen different popular beers from a limited group of the country’s top craft brewers across five states. Each addition to the American whiskey collection is the product of a single-sourced craft brew distilled into a unique Berkshire Mountain Distillers whiskey.

“We were thrilled to collaborate with all of our brewer-partners and are excited these whiskeys are finally ready to be enjoyed by beer and whiskey aficionados alike,” said Chris Weld, founder and proprietor of Berkshire Mountain Distillers. “This fun collaboration has been an exceptional project-in-the-making involving 12 brewers, 12 beers, 12 whiskeys and 80 barrels of spirits — we’re eager to release each one to the public.”

Produced by the region’s first legal distillery since prohibition, each whiskey will be blended to 86 proof using BMD’s proprietary historic spring water in Sheffield and packaged in custom bottles with brewer-designed labels.

Aged at the distillery since 2015, the whiskeys will be released in the order in which they were distilled. Being a limited collection, each whiskey will be sold in the BMD tasting room and then distributed to select stores and restaurants.

The first release will feature three whiskeys distilled from UFO White Ale from Mass. Bay Brewing Co., Spencer Brewery’s Trappist Ale and Big Elm Brewing’s 413 Farmhouse Ale located in BMD’s hometown of Sheffield.

Scheduled to be released later in 2021, whiskeys will highlight beer from Samuel Adams, Berkshire Brewing Company, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Brewery Ommegang, Captain Lawrence Brewing, Smuttynose Brewing, Long Trail Brewing Company, Two Roads Brewing and Chatham Brewing.

For a listing of release dates and events, visit craftbrewerswhiskeyproject.com and follow BMD on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The distillery, located at 356 South Main Street in Sheffield, is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to find out where products are available, visit the BMD website.

About Berkshire Mountain Distillers
Nestled in the scenic Berkshires of Sheffield, Massachusetts, Berkshire Mountain Distillers is a trailblazing craft distillery that’s been pouring pure joy since 2007—Massachusetts’ first legal one since Prohibition ended! As pioneers in the small-batch spirits scene, they craft award-winning gems like Berkshire Bourbon, a smooth sipper bursting with spicy rye, vanilla, caramel, and toasted nut vibes, alongside New England Corn Whiskey and even a smoky peated bourbon for those craving adventure. Using local grains and pure spring water, every bottle captures the rugged, fun-loving spirit of the mountains—perfect for fireside toasts or trail-end celebrations. Swing by for tours, tastings, and picnic vibes under the pavilion; it’s whiskey magic in the heart of New England. Discover more at berkshiremountaindistillers.com!

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Celebrating National American Single Malt Whiskey Day: January 19th

January 22, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

National American Single Malt Whiskey Day – January 19th
In honor of the U.S. TTB rarifying American Single Malt Whiskey as an official category of whiskey, January 19 shall officially be known as National American Single Malt Whiskey Day.

Legislation of American Single Malt Whiskey
For the first time in over 52 years, the U.S. Government is adding a new type of whiskey to its regulations: American Single Malt Whiskey. Effective January 19th, 2025, The U.S. TTB defines American Single Malt Whiskey as a new category of whiskey Standard of Identity to Part 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations. That definition stipulates that American Single Malt adhere to the following production standards:

1. Made from 100% malted barley
2. Distilled entirely at one distillery
3. Mashed, distilled and matured in the USA
4. Matured in Oak Casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 Liters
5. Distilled to no more than 160 Proof
6. Bottled at 80 proof or more

Every year on January 19th, whiskey enthusiasts across the United States raise a glass to a spirit that’s as bold and diverse as the country itself: American Single Malt Whiskey. National American Single Malt Whiskey Day, observed this year on October 25, honors the burgeoning category of whiskeys distilled from 100% malted barley at a single U.S. distillery. Unlike its Scottish counterparts, which have dominated the single malt narrative for centuries, American versions burst with experimental flair, regional ingredients, and a pioneering spirit that reflects the nation’s melting pot of cultures and landscapes.

This unofficial holiday, championed by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) since its informal inception in the mid-2010s, has gained traction amid the craft distilling boom. It’s a day to explore tasting flights, attend virtual or in-person events at distilleries, and appreciate how American distillers are carving out their own identity in the global whiskey world. But what exactly makes American Single Malt unique, and why does it deserve its own day? Let’s dive into the mash bill.

The Roots of a New Tradition

Single malt whiskey isn’t new—Scotland has been perfecting it since the 15th century, with icons like Glenfiddich and The Macallan setting the gold standard. In the U.S., however, the category emerged from the shadows of bourbon and rye only in the late 20th century. Pioneers like Westland Distillery in Seattle (founded in 2010) and Stranahan’s in Colorado (2004) challenged the dominance of corn-based bourbons by focusing exclusively on malted barley.

The ASMWC, formed in 2016 by a coalition of over 100 distilleries, pushed for official recognition from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). In 2022, their efforts paid off when the TTB proposed a formal “American Single Malt Whiskey” standard: 100% malted barley, distilled at one U.S. distillery to no more than 160 proof, aged in oak barrels of no more than 700 liters, and bottled at least at 80 proof. While final approval is still pending as of 2025, this framework has legitimized the category and fueled its growth.

National American Single Malt Whiskey Day emerged organically from this momentum. Distilleries began promoting it around 2018 as a way to educate consumers and boost sales during the fall season, aligning with harvest festivals and the lead-up to holiday gifting. Today, it’s marked by special releases, barrel tastings, and social media campaigns with hashtags like #AmericanSingleMaltDay.

What Sets American Single Malt Apart?

Forget rigid rules—American distillers thrive on freedom. While Scotch must age in used barrels and adhere to strict geographical indications, U.S. producers experiment wildly:

Regional Ingredients and Terroir: From Pacific Northwest barley smoked over local peat to Appalachian grains influenced by mountain water, each expression tells a story of place. Virginia Distillery Company’s Courage & Conviction uses Virginia-grown barley, while Texas’s Andalusia Whiskey Co. incorporates mesquite-smoked malt for a Southwestern twist.
Innovative Aging: New charred oak, wine casks, or even tequila barrels? Yes, please. Westward Whiskey in Oregon ages its single malt in lightly toasted American oak, yielding notes of tropical fruit and spice that differ from peaty Islay drams.
Diverse Flavor Profiles: Expect everything from fruity and floral (like Balcones in Texas) to robust and smoky (High West in Utah). ABVs often climb higher than Scotch counterparts, delivering bolder punches.

This versatility has attracted a new generation of drinkers. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), American single malt sales grew by 25% in 2024 alone, outpacing overall whiskey growth. It’s not just hype—blind tastings at events like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition frequently award gold medals to U.S. entries.

Iconic Expressions to Try This Year

To celebrate properly, stock up on these standout bottles:

Westland American Single Malt (Core Range) – Garryana Edition: Aged in rare Quercus garryana oak from the Pacific Northwest, it offers cocoa, campfire, and roasted nuts. Around $125.
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey – The original American single malt, with caramel, vanilla, and a Rocky Mountain minerality. A gateway pour at $60.
Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction – Bourbon cask-aged for creamy butterscotch and apple pie vibes. $75.
Lost Lantern Single Malts – A independent bottler highlighting regional gems, like their Midwest blends. Prices vary $80–$150.

For budget-conscious fans, newcomers like Tenmile Distillery in New York offer entry-level bottles under $50 with surprising complexity.

How to Celebrate National American Single Malt Whiskey Day

Host a Tasting: Gather friends for a vertical flight comparing ages or regions. Pair with dark chocolate, smoked cheeses, or barbecue.
Visit a Distillery: Many, like Westland or Balcones, host open houses with tours and exclusive pours.
Cocktails with a Twist: Shake up an American Single Malt Old Fashioned or a smoky Penicillin variant.
Support the Cause: Follow the ASMWC on social media and advocate for the TTB’s final standard.

As the sun sets on another National American Single Malt Whiskey Day, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a drink—it’s a declaration of independence in a glass. From coast to coast, distillers are proving that single malt isn’t bound by tradition; it’s redefined by innovation. So pour a dram, savor the nuance, and toast to the future of American whiskey. Sláinte—or as we’d say stateside, cheers!

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The Best American Whiskeys of 2024 by Fred Minnick

December 30, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

Fred Minnick’s 2024 Top 100 American Whiskeys – Complete Article
1: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 117.2 Proof, $250
2: Nashtucky “Nashville’s Connected Spirits Small Batch Rye,” 112.4 Proof, $69.99
3: George T. Stagg, 136.1 Proof, $149.99
4: Nashtucky “Nashville’s Connected Spirits Small Batch Bourbon,” 120.4 Proof, $69.99
5: Little Book “The Infinite” Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 119.3 Proof, $249.99
6: Weller Millennium, 99 Proof, $7,500
7: Larceny Barrel Proof C924 Wheated Bourbon, 125.1 Proof, $69.99
8: Old Line American Single Malt Double Oak Series: Sherry Cask (bottled February 2024), 100 Proof, $65
9: OH Ingram River Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2024 Flagship), 117.7 Proof, $83.99
10: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 107 Proof, $200+
11: Brothers of the Leaf Bourbon Finished in Toasted French Oak Batch 2, 116.2 Proof, $95.99
12: Pinhook Straight Bourbon Vertical Series 2024 Release (unfiltered) 9 Years Old, 114.3 Proof, $99.99
13: Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 107 Proof, $500+
14: Very Olde St. Nick “Straight Outta Bardstown” 10 Years Old Bourbon, 131.6 Proof, $200
15: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124, 119 Proof, $79.99
16: Still Austin Tanager Texas Bourbon “Cigar Blend” 5 Years Old, 98.4 Proof, $149.99
17: Rare Perfection 8 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 129 Proof, $199.99
18: Smokeye Hill Blue Corn Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon, 131.4 Proof, $62.99
19: Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2024 Release, 108.2 Proof, $220
20: Larceny Barrel Proof Wheated Bourbon A124, 124.2 Proof, $79.99
21: Starlight Bottled in Bond Indiana Straight Bourbon Batch 2, 100 Proof, $44.99
22: Middle West Straight Wheated Bourbon “Michelone Reserve” Batch 1, 122.2 Proof, $46.99
23: Remus Gatsby Reserve 15-Year-Old Straight Bourbon, 104.9 Proof, $279.99
24: J. Mattingly 6-Year Kentucky Bourbon Double Staved Batch 1, 119 Proof, $120
25: Barrell Mizunara 6 Years (blend of Straight Whiskeys) First Edition, 116.42 Proof, $96.99
26: Woodford Reserve Batch Proof, 119.5 Proof, $164.99
27: Stranahan’s 12 Year Single Malt Aged in Port Wine Casks, 94.6 Proof, $144.99
28: Nashville Barrel Company 7 Year Straight Bourbon, 115.62 Proof, $64.99
29: Booker’s Bourbon 2024-4, 125.8 Proof, $99.99
30: Knob Creek Small Batch 18 Year, 100 Proof, $159.99
31: Bluegrass Elkwood Reserve 9 Year, 120 Proof, $149.99
32: Tumblin Dice 8 Year Curated Small Batch Barrel Proof, 116.4 Proof, $80
33: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Whiskey “Bourbon Lore” Collab, 112.5 proof, $169.99
34: Sazerac Straight Rye 18 Years Old, 90 Proof, $124.97
35: Ponfeigh Westsylvania Rye, 117 Proof, $85
36: Cedar Ridge Distillery ‘The QuintEssential’ Special Release – Portside Single Malt, 92 Proof, $56.99
37: Kentucky Peerless Double Oak Batch 18, 108.7 Proof, $88.99
38: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye, 123.2 Proof, $99.99
39: 2XO The Sneakerhead Blend, 104 Proof, $99.99
40: Kentucky Peerless Rye, 107.6 Proof, $109.99
41: New Riff 8 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye, 100 Proof, $86.99
42: Willett Bourbon 8 Year Wheated Bourbon, 108 Proof, $259.99
43: Brothers Bond Bourbon Regenerative Grain, 95 Proof, $59.99
44: Milam & Greene Triple Cask A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies, 94 Proof, $54.98
45: Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Sherry Finish (dumped on 7-18-2023), 113.1 Proof, $89.99
46: Lost Lantern Far Flung Bourbon, 126.6 Proof, $100
47: Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Batch 8, 101 Proof, $119.99
48: Booker’s Bourbon 2024-3, 131 Proof, $99.99
49: Angel’s Envy Bourbon Cask Strength 2024, 124.6 Proof, $279.99
50: Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old, 91.2 Proof, $48.99
51: Wild Turkey 8 Year “Jimmy Anniversary,” 101 Proof, $45.99
52: The Magi Blended Rye, $149.99
53: K.Luke Blended Bourbon Batch 10, 120.2 Proof, $109.99
54: Jefferson’s Ocean Double Barrel Rye, 96 proof, $79
55: Brothers Bond Bourbon Cask Strength, 115.1 Proof, $75
56: Chattanooga Whiskey Founders Blend, 100 Proof, $55.99
57: Bomberger’s Bourbon 2024, 108 Proof, $134.99
58: New Riff 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 100 proof, $86.99
59: Barrell Bourbon Batch 36, 114.44 Proof, $79.99
60: Keepers Heart Irish + American Whiskey, 110 Proof, $28.99
61: Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego, Sherry and Cognac Finish, 95.8 Proof, $80
62: Epoch Reserve Maryland Straight Rye (100% rye), 100 Proof, $45.99
63: Leopold Brothers 8 Year Bourbon, 110 Proof, $64.99
64: Bardstown Bourbon Rye Amrut Finished Bourbon, 110 proof, $159.99
65: Old Stubborn Potstill Wheated Bourbon Batch 1, 123.8 Proof, $250
66: Union Horse Bourbon Kansas Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond, 100 Proof, $62
67: Makers Mark Cellar Aged, 115.7 Proof, $229.99
68: Crater Lakes Reserve Straight Oregon Rye, 96 Proof, $45
69: Bywater 4 Grain Louisiana Bourbon, 93 Proof, $48.99
70: Nashville 8-Year Straight Rye Cask Strength, 112.96, $90
71: Woodford Reserve, 90 Proof, $40
72: New Riff Winter Whiskey Bottled in Bond (Malted Oat and Chocolate Malt), 100 proof, $74.99
73: Middle West Straight Wheat Whiskey Batch 1, 125.1 Proof, $49.99
74: Lythgoe 9 Year 4 Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Founders Collection, 94 Proof, $89.99
75: Woodinville Founders Find from Bourbon Mash 12 Years, 107 Proof, $129.99
76: Cock of the Walk Proprietors Reserve Lot 3, 112.1 Proof, $150.99
77: Forbidden Bourbon Batch 3, 96 Proof, $134.99
78: Old Pepper Bottled in Bond Rye, 100 Proof, $50
79: Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye Batch No. 56, 105 Proof, $36
80: Parkers Heritage Malt Cognac Finished Whiskey 14 Years Old, 107 Proof, $170
81: Michter’s Cask Strength Rye, 110.4 Proof, $90
82: Copper Fox Pot Distilled Chestnut American Whiskey, 96 Proof, $65
83: Old Elk Wheated Bourbon 8 Years, 100 Proof, $96
84: Smoke Wagon Small Batch, 100 Proof, $40
85: Penelope Bourbon 4 Grain Blend Batch 19, 114 proof, $64.99
86: James E Pepper Straight Bourbon Decanter, 105.4 Proof, $52.99
87: Preservation Pot Distilled Wheated Bourbon (Cask Strength and Unfiltered), 100 Proof, $149.99
88: Hooten Young Rye, 93 Proof, $64.99
89: High West Bottled In Bond Rye, 100 Proof, $79.99
90: Whiskey Acres 7 Year Illinois Straight Bourbon, 107 Proof, $72.99
91: Boulder Straight Bourbon Cask Strength, 128.4 Proof, $85
92: Garrison Brothers 2024 Laguna Madre, 101 Proof, $399.99
93: Savage + Cooke American Whiskey Finished in Zinfandel Barrels, 113 Proof, $44.99
94: Lawrenceburg 10 Year Rye Whiskey Batch 1 (recently renamed distillery to Larrikin Bourbon Company), 122.3 Proof, $99.99
95: 291 Colorado Whiskey Rye Finished Aspen Wood Staves, 101.7 Proof, $75
96: Green River Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 117.3 Proof, $49.99
97: Lasso Motel Cognac Finish Bourbon, 100 Proof, $74.99
98: Kings County Bottled in Bond New York Bourbon, 100 Proof, $134.99
99: Rabbit Hole Boxergrail 8 Year Cask Strength Rye, 103.8 Proof, $300
100: Pacific Coast Spirits 6 Year California Wheated Bourbon, 114 Proof, $90
101: Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish, 91.4 Proof, $200
102: Pursuit United Double Oaked Rye, 108 proof, $69.99
103: Woodinville Bourbon 8-Year, 100 Proof, $134.99
104: Liberty Pole Peated Rye Batch 6, 111.4 Proof, $64
105: Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof 6 Year Old Bourbon, 120.1 Proof, $66.99

Laws Whiskey House Releases Three Limited-Edition Bottled in Bond Whiskies

May 27, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

DENVER, CO— Laws Whiskey House, one of Colorado’s leading distilleries, releases its 2024 Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat whiskies. This marks the first time Laws has released three bonded expressions simultaneously, allowing for a side-by-side tasting of the trio, each offering a unique character influenced by the varying grain characteristics from year to year. The 7-year expressions of Laws’ whiskey highlight delicate fruity notes and flavors, perfectly balanced with oak. With the addition of these three whiskies, Laws furthers its mission of adding to the fabric of American whiskey with a Colorado twist.

“I am very excited about the entire Laws Whiskey 2024 bottled in bond line-up.” says Al Laws, founder and president of Laws Whiskey House. “This year, we liked how the 7-year barrels tasted for the Four Grain Bourbon, as we were looking to elevate the sweet caramel notes. So, those who like a sweeter backbone to their bourbon are going to love this. Additionally, I particularly like the classic sour mash bourbon finish in the 2024 release.”

Laws’ 2024 Limited-Edition Bottled in Bond Whiskies

7-Year Bonded Bourbon: Features aromas of sweet florals, thyme, honey, and graham cracker, with rich flavors of walnut, grapefruit pith, dried stone fruit, and a lingering cedar finish. The mash bill comprises 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley. It is aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, with an alcohol by volume (alc/vol) of 50%.

7-Year Bonded Rye: Presents aromas of fresh pastry, cherry cola, and eucalyptus, along with flavors of Red Hots candy, sweet sea grass, mandarin orange tea, and a bright, effervescent tea tree finish. It is made from 100% heirloom rye and aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, with an alc/vol of 50%.

7-Year Bonded Wheat: Offers aromas of apricot and turbinado sugar, along with flavors of cola, pastry dough, and licorice followed by a clean and peppery finish. The mash bill is 100% soft white Centennial spring wheat. It is aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels.

Laws is revered for its dedication to showcasing the best of Colorado – from its heirloom grains to its mountain-fresh river water – through its robust portfolio of award-winning spirits. The grains in Laws’ whiskey are grown by the Cody Family Farm in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. At 7,500 feet of elevation, the rugged growing conditions of this valley impart unique flavor profiles to the grains including a distinct minerality that comes from the calcium- and mineral-rich soil of what used to be a prehistoric lake. This, combined with the effects of Denver’s high altitude during the aging process, results in singular and novel whiskies that reflect the state’s unique terroir.

“The San Luis Valley Rye always has the most range with true vintage year terroir stemming from the grain. This year we elevated the brightness and strived for greater balance in its traditional flavor notes,” says Al Laws. “In the Bonded Centennial Wheat, balance was also the goal, with some focus on bringing root beer and/or sarsaparilla notes forward. These, coupled with the creamsicle elements, are what I like about this excellent summer sipper over ice.”

Laws is proud to carry forward the quality standard set by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 with the addition of these three whiskies. To qualify as a Bottled in Bond whiskey, the expression must be made by one distillery in a single season, must be bottled at 100 proof (50% abv), and must be aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse. Meeting and exceeding these standards allows the distillery to fully explore the distinctive properties of a whiskey made with heirloom grains. These releases reflect Laws Whiskey House’s dedication to craftsmanship, showcasing exceptional quality and distinctive character in each bottle.

About Laws Whiskey House

Founded in 2011, Laws Whiskey House makes intentionally bold and terroir-driven whiskeys from Colorado. The distillery’s grain-forward style whiskeys are made with the highest-quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. Laws uses time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir, resulting in singular and novel whiskeys.

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

The Distillery Behind Jim Beam Is Releasing Its First American Single Malt Whiskey

May 15, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

American single malt will be a legally defined American whiskey any day now. That’s perfect timing for one of the biggest bourbon distilleries in the world, the James B. Beam Distilling Co., to release its own version into this burgeoning category called Clermont Steep.

James B. Beam Distilling Co. is, of course, the company behind Jim Beam which is one of the best-selling bourbons both here and abroad. In addition to that ubiquitous whiskey, eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe, along with his father Fred Noe and grandfather Booker Noe, have been responsible for some of the most influential American whiskeys of the past few decades. Booker was the creative force behind the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, which includes Booker’s, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, and Baker’s. Fred has been the face of the distillery and overseen operations there for many years, and is a respected and familiar face in the world of Kentucky bourbon. And now Freddie has come into his own with his Little Book series of blended whiskeys, operating the new Fred B. Noe Distillery and now introducing Clermont Steep.

At a recent tasting, Noe talked about the development of this new American single malt. Beam isn’t the first major American whiskey brand to release a single malt—Jack Daniel’s launched its own last year. But that whiskey was an entirely different animal, having spent a full two years finishing in Oloroso sherry casks. Clermont Steep does not get a secondary maturation, just a full five years in new charred American oak barrels. Noe said that the project really got underway six years ago when the first barrels were laid down for this release. Previous iterations of malt whiskey have appeared as components of Little Book Chapter Six, but those were younger whiskeys that were finished with different barrel staves.

While the pending legal definition of American single malt will likely allow it to be matured in used barrels, Noe is firmly in the camp that thinks that new charred oak barrels are the way to go. This puts American single malt more in line with bourbon, but he says that’s the point—this should be a distinctly American whiskey, as opposed to single malts from other countries that can be aged in nearly any type of barrel. The mashbill is 100 percent malted barley, and the distillery’s heirloom “jug yeast” is used for fermentation. The whiskey was distilled in a column still—”I will argue this till the day I die,” said Noe, “What goes on in a pot still can happen in column still”—and bottled at a higher 47 percent ABV.

“This American single malt whiskey is smooth, sweet, and incredibly balanced, and it deserves a spot on any whiskey lover’s bar cart, right alongside their bourbons and ryes,” said Noe in a statement. “I’m always looking toward the future of American whiskey, and the boundless runway in this category intrigued me. We don’t just want to participate in American single malt whiskey; we want to help define it for the future of the category.”

About James B. Beam Distilling
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. traces its roots to 1795, when Jacob Beam began selling his corn whiskey in Kentucky, marking the start of what would become America’s First Family of Bourbon. Over eight generations, the Beam family has steadfastly upheld a secret recipe and unwavering commitment to quality, navigating challenges like Prohibition, during which the distillery closed from 1920 to 1933. In a remarkable feat of resilience, James Beauregard “Jim” Beam—at age 70—rebuilt the distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, in just 120 days following repeal, reestablishing production and renaming the flagship bourbon in his honor. Today, led by seventh-generation Master Distiller Fred Noe and his son Freddie, the company continues this legacy at its historic Clermont home and the Booker Noe Distillery in Boston, Kentucky, crafting nearly half of the world’s bourbon with time-honored traditions.

Jim Beam’s portfolio offers a diverse range of Kentucky straight bourbons and whiskeys to suit every palate, from everyday classics to premium small-batch expressions. The iconic Jim Beam White Label, aged four years, delivers smooth notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, making it the world’s #1 bourbon and ideal for cocktails or sipping neat. Elevated offerings include Jim Beam Black with its richer, longer-aged profile; the acclaimed Small Batch Collection featuring Knob Creek’s bold 9-year bourbon, Booker’s uncut and unfiltered barrel-strength powerhouse, Baker’s smooth 7-year expression, and Basil Hayden’s high-rye subtlety; as well as innovative flavors like Jim Beam Honey, Apple, and Peach. Additional heritage brands such as Old Grand-Dad and experimental releases like Little Book round out a lineup dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring spirit of bourbon.
Address: 568 Happy Hollow Road Clermont, KY 40110
Website: https://www.beamdistilling.com/

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The Glenlivet unveils ultra-rare AI-enhanced whisky

February 16, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

If groundbreaking whisky sounds like your kind of dram, then The Glenlivet’s latest ultra-rare release ought to be on your radar.

Fusing tradition and technology, The Glenlivet: The Twelve Elements’ collection forms part of the brand’s 200th birthday celebrations.

We covered another of the brand’s limited-edition anniversary releases just the other week, with this fine bottle of 12-year-old Speyside single malt a delectable dram worth savouring.

Now, the brand’s latest tech-led release sees them venture into previously untrodden territory. More specifically, blockchain territory.

Harnessing both AI and blockchain technology, this limited-edition release sees the brand team up with The Whisky Exchange to release the AI-designed range through their all-new tech-enabled marketplace – The Whisky Exchange Cabinet.

Those who fancy gaining access ought to read on.

The first to be sold via the all-new platform, this 50-year-old, ultra-rare whisky collection melds the past with the present as far as whisky retailing is concerned.

So, how exactly does it work?

Buyers looking to purchase a bottle from the collection will be offered a digital certificate upon purchase to ensure authenticity and traceability, alongside 5cl samples of the rare cask liquid at 48, 49 and 50 years old, as well as the full bottle come release day.

The digital certificate is transferable, making resale and subsequent proof of ownership a seamless experience.

Each bottle in the collection is priced at €40,000 + VAT.

Plus, unlike most blockchain-enabled platforms, The Whisky Exchange Cabinet will also accept debit and credit cards, alongside digital currency.

It’s a range that pays homage to what the brand describes as ‘the twelve essential elements’ of The Glenlivet single malt – from the spiritual to the scientific.

Aged in two hand-selected casks, both have been undergoing maturation since 1974.

In no particular order, the releases are The Glenlivet: Air, Angel Share, Barley, Cooper, Copper, Distiller, Earth, Fire, Heritage, Time, Water and Wood.

The distinctive whisky combines caramel sweetness and honeycomb according to the whisky minds over at The Glenlivet, notes brought forth from the first-fill bourbon barrel.

The whisky then undergoes a stint in re-fill hogshead casks, which impart truly distinctive and warming toasted oak and ginger spice undertones.

Each of the 12 bottles will be exclusively available via The Whisky Exchange Cabinet, ahead of bottling in summer 2024.

Speaking of the 200th anniversary release, The Glenlivet’s cask expert, Kevin Balmforth, says: “This luxurious whisky showcases the art of balance, where nature and human elements combine to create a liquid of remarkable depth and character.

“This truly exceptional rare expression is a testament to the unique combination of the two hand-selected single malt casks, aged and crafted by a long line of makers presiding over the casks for half a century.

“As we commemorate 200 years of The Glenlivet, this ultra-rare collection represents a look to the future and offers whisky enthusiasts worldwide a foray into the evolution of luxury investments.”

Those wanting to get their paws on a bottle as part of the Twelve Elements release to celebrate the 200th anniversary can make a purchase from the The Whisky Exchange Cabinet.

Those looking to dig deep and purchase a €40,000+ bottle should contact the Whisky Exchange to secure pre-access to the site now.

The marketplace will go live to the public from 11.00am GMT on Wednesday 21st February 2024.

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

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey to Launch This Spring

February 14, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey – the newest full-time member of the Yellowstone brand family and the latest inspiration from Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam – is set to hit retail shelves in the coming months. Aged four years and bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV), Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey will be available nationwide starting in March at a suggested retail price of $54.99.

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey boasts a 100% barley malt mash bill, which yields tasting notes that are a unique departure from its sister spirit, Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Consumers of Yellowstone American Single Malt can expect a nose of cereal malt and honey, with a hint of peach blossom; a sweet, medium body with notes of honey, pear, stone fruit, and dates; and a finish that contains notes of oak, with hints of cinnamon and English Walnuts.

“I’m proud of the success Yellowstone Select Bourbon has enjoyed since 2015 when I introduced my take on my family’s historic brand,” said Beam. “And I’m proud to once again continue my family’s tradition of innovation with the launch of Yellowstone American Single Malt. This is a brand-new category of American whiskey, and our offering is sure to become a favorite among Yellowstone Bourbon fans and fans of American Single Malt Whiskeys alike.”

Packaging of Yellowstone American Single Malt includes a more design-forward label featuring the brand’s iconic Lower Falls artwork and a more prominent version of the Yellowstone brand name, as well as blue top-wrap to differentiate Yellowstone American Single Malt from other Yellowstone variants.

The Yellowstone brand continues its tradition of supporting its namesake park through an ongoing partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), an independent organization working to strengthen and protect our national parks. To date, Yellowstone has donated nearly $370,000 to the organization, and the brand is committed to continuing the partnership.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Limestone Branch Distillery, nestled in the rolling hills of Lebanon, Kentucky, was founded in 2011 by seventh-generation Beam family distillers Stephen and Paul Beam, continuing a remarkable legacy that traces back over 220 years to bourbon pioneer Jacob Beam and ancestors like Joseph Washington Dant and Minor Case Beam. Drawing on centuries of family expertise interrupted only by Prohibition, the brothers established this intimate craft distillery to honor their heritage while utilizing local limestone-filtered water and grains for authentic small-batch production. In 2015, they revived the iconic Yellowstone Bourbon brand—originally created in 1872 and named after America’s first national park—bringing it back into Beam family hands through a partnership that has since elevated its status among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Today, under Master Distiller Stephen Beam, Limestone Branch remains a beloved stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, offering hands-on experiences that celebrate tradition, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Kentucky distilling.

The portfolio at Limestone Branch Distillery showcases masterful Kentucky straight whiskeys crafted with precision and family-inspired recipes, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous palates. Flagship Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a blend of 4- and 7-year-old stocks at 93 proof, delivers rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak spice, perfect for sipping neat or in classic cocktails. The acclaimed Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in cream sherry casks, pays tribute to pre-Prohibition styles with warm rye spice balanced by dried fruit and cherry undertones. Annual Yellowstone Limited Edition releases feature innovative finishes—like brandy, cognac, or Amarone casks—in extra-aged bourbons for complex, collectible expressions, while the newer Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey introduces a 100% malted barley profile with bold, floral, and citrus-forward character at 108 proof. These whiskeys embody craftsmanship and heritage, making Limestone Branch a standout in premium American spirits.
Address: 1280 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lebanon, Kentucky 40033
Website: https://limestonebranch.com/

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

February 13, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

BRECKENRIDGE, 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.

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