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Laws Whiskey House Releases Its Oldest Centennial Straight Wheat Yet

June 18, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Denver’s Laws Whiskey House recently announced the 2023 release of its annual Bottled in Bond Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey.

A statement from the whiskey maker noted that this seven-year-old limited release will be available for tasting and for purchase in the Laws Whiskey House tasting room in Denver on June 8th, then available for purchase online and in key markets in late June. It’ll have a suggested price of $79.99.

What’s special about this wheat, the distiller noted, is that it’s also the same soft white Centennial wheat that Laws uses for its flagship Four Grain Bourbon.

This particular heirloom varietal is grown for Laws Whiskey House by the Cody Family Farm in Alamosa, Colorado.

As this whiskey qualifies as a Bottled in Bond whiskey, the spirit is made by one distillery in a single season, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), and aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.

The distiller’s notes show that this year’s expression is the oldest wheat whiskey that Laws has released to date. They filled nine barrels in July and August of 2015, and they were emptied in April of 2023. This whiskey has an average age of seven years and nine months.

In all, only 2,100 bottles of Batch 5 were made.

Last year’s release had an average age of five years and five months. The distiller noted that Batch 5’s additional two years of maturation gave a pronounced oak profile layered with the spicy, sweet bread, and citrus notes of the Centennial Wheat. The whiskey also has tastes and aromas of strawberries, orange marmalade, jasmine tea, and pink peppercorn.

“We celebrate the grain and the role our farmers play in our whiskey more than most distilleries,” said Al Laws, founder. “This is a whiskey that showcases a unique wheat grain that is grown in a unique place, the San Luis Valley of Colorado.”

He said the Cody Family grows this soft spring wheat for the whiskey brand, for the balance it offers between flavor and sweetness.

“Soft spring wheat has more starch than hard winter wheat, adding sweetness and aiding with fermentation. Like our San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey in particular, you can taste the influence of the land in this whiskey,” Laws added. “It has a minerality that comes from the soil that, combined with the whiskey’s sweet, fruity profile, makes this whiskey the perfect summer sipper.”

For more information on the Bonded Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey or to find out where to get a bottle in late June, check out www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com.

Woodford Reserve Releases New Distillery Series Wheat Whiskey Bottled In Bond

June 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

VERSAILLES, Ky. — Today, Woodford Reserve releases a new limited-edition bottle as part of its annual Distillery Series – Wheat Whiskey Bottled in Bond.

For a whiskey to be Bottled In Bond, it must meet a strict set of rules that have been in place since the late 1800’s, including that the whiskey must be produced by a single distillery in one distillation session, stored in a bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years, and bottled at 50% ABV. This new product is Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey selected from one distilling season and then aged in a bonded warehouse and bottled at 100 proof.

“One of the best parts of my job is being able to work with Chris Morris to experiment with new ways of making Woodford Reserve,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “Bottled in Bond whiskey has a long history in Kentucky and it has been exciting for Woodford Reserve to create this wheat whiskey within the Bottled in Bond requirements.”

An eclectic line of one-of-a-kind expressions, Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series pushes the creative boundaries of whiskeys to the extreme. Each selection is masterminded by McCall and Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, and is available in limited quantities with a purchase limit of two bottles per person at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and limited Kentucky retailers. There are three annual releases of the Distillery Series.

This limited-edition collection has an SRP of $59.99 for a 375ml bottle and is available in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers and at Woodford Reserve Distillery starting on June 13 at 9 a.m.

Tasting Notes

Color: Whole wheat toast

Aroma: Toasted whole wheat bread smothered in apple butter

Flavor: Delicate apple butter and dried berry compote fruitiness atop a wheat cracker

Finish: Long with dried berry fruit

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

Clyde May’s Releases a 9-Year-Old Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey

June 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

The Official State Spirit of Alabama, Clyde May’s Whiskey has announced the exclusive release of Clyde May’s 9-Year-Old Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey.

Aged a minimum of nine years in ex-bourbon barrels, this 113-proof, non-chill filtered Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey is 91% Rye, giving it a prominent backbone of spiciness with notes of oak, coffee beans, and vanilla flavors.

Additionally, this limited release applies a special wood-finishing technique, steeping a mixture of American Oak, Cherry Wood, and French Oak wood chips into the liquid for four additional months. The resulting rye has a delightful medley of flavor with distinct notes of fruit, caramel, and vanilla.

“At Conecuh Brands we love to innovate and this unique wood-finishing technique is an example of doing just that. This one-time bottling honors Clyde May’s legacy and represents the craftsmanship and excellence found in all our offerings,” says Phil West, Vice President Marketing at Conecuh Brands. “With a proprietary mash bill and unique wood-finishing technique, this rye offers rich and complex flavors that are bound to captivate even the most discerning whiskey drinker.”

This one-time bottling is now available at select retailers across the country with a suggested retail price of $64.99 for a 750ml bottle.

The story of Clyde May’s began in 1946 where Clyde’s commitment to quality cemented his reputation as one of the best moonshiner’s in the country. When it came to making a special batch, Clyde preferred to work with Rye because of the spice it imparted into the spirit. While most know Clyde as being arrested for moonshining, what many do not know is that it was the 300+ lbs of rye grain in his possession that led to his conviction.

About Clyde May’s Whiskey

Distilled since 1946 and legal since 2001, Clyde May’s brings more than 75 years of authenticity, dedication and perseverance to perfecting the craft of whiskey making. In addition to being the Official State Spirit of Alabama and now the Official Bourbon of the New York Islanders and UBS Arena, Clyde May’s is also the official Whiskey of Talladega Speedway and the PGA Tour Wyndham Championship.

About Conecuh Brands LLC

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, Conecuh Brands is a leading producer and marketer of super premium craft spirits, focused on developing high-quality brands, including Clyde May’s Whiskey, Prospero Tequila, and McConnell’s Irish Whisky. Brands created by Conecuh Brands have authentic brand stories, delivered in world-class packaging and award winning taste.

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

Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade 14 Year Old Rye Whiskey

June 5, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

It’s always nice, as a spirits writer, when you’re trying to make a point about a particular brand in the course of a review and then you end up with another sample immediately afterward that helps in illustrating what you were trying to say. Case in point: Yesterday I reviewed a single barrel expression of Blue Run’s Emerald Rye Whiskey, and was attempting to grapple with the idea of a $200 price point on a non-age-stated limited release, distilled at the still relatively youthful Castle & Key Distillery. That’s a tough ask for a spirit that we still theoretically know little about in the whiskey community, which I could see making consumers wary of dropping serious coin. But that same $200 when it’s directed at a 14-year-old bottle of rye whiskey from MGP of Indiana? You’re going to find more takers there immediately, even when we’re talking about a 90 proof rather than cask strength expression, because MGP is a significantly more known and understood commodity. That’s what Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade is banking on, and it’s not a bad bet on their part.

This is of course an entry in Diageo’s long-running Orphan Barrel series of sourced, unique, one-off bottlings. As a brand, Orphan Barrel helped to establish the modern, sky-high price points for limited edition one-offs in the American whiskey world, though whiskey geek interest in the brand has perhaps predictably leveled off in recent years thanks to an influx of competition, much of it of the cask strength variety. Still, Orphan Barrel does still put out some occasionally intriguing releases, none of them cheap, whether we’re talking about American whiskey or scotch whisky. This one? Well, Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade is the brand’s first-ever rye whiskey release, which will surely be an aspect that appeals to a certain niche.

As for what’s in this bottle, it’s “Indiana rye,” which we can assume means the classic 95/5 rye recipe from MGP of Indiana, but aged in Kentucky. It carries an advanced age statement of 14 years, and that, coupled with the fact that it wasn’t aged in Indiana, can’t help but bring to mind Dickel’s 13-year-old MGP rye release in the Cascade Moon series from a few years ago, a whiskey that I absolutely loved despite its gaudy $300 price tag. If Scarlet Shade turns out like that Cascade Moon expression, I would be very happy indeed.

In terms of historical context, though, one has to wonder if there’s a lifeline here from Scarlet Shade to the former Bulleit 12 Year Rye (also from Diageo) that was initially released in 2019. That brand was received with relatively little fanfare, and it’s sort of amazing to note now that it was retailing for only $50–what clearer indication could you want of how much pricing has changed in the last few years? With the Bulleit 12 Year having since disappeared, it’s possible that Scarlet Shade contains some of that same liquid, turned into a premiumized, slightly older bottle that now commands a $200 price point. It’s certainly possible–and very on brand for the whiskey market as it exists right now–but after tasting this one, I find myself liking Scarlet Shade significantly more than I ever enjoyed that Bulleit release. Which is fortunate, because at this price point it has to impress.

About Scarlet Shade from Orphan Barrel

Coming across a 14-year-old Rye is rare, giving our master blenders pause when presented with such a uniquely bold liquid. A born traveler, this whiskey was distilled in Indiana and then journeyed across state lines into Kentucky, aged to perfection at the infamous Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

A full-bodied aroma of sweet vanilla butter cream and lightly toasted oak is accented with banana bread and just a hint of berries. Upon taste, a collection of baking spices and rye toast complement a medley of orchard fruits, and finishes with sweet notes of orange marmalade and a light warmth which fades into lingering dark chocolate.

For more information please visit
https://www.orphanbarrel.com/our-whiskeys/scarlet-shade.html

Fireball Released Its First Barrel-Aged Whiskey

June 5, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

However you feel about Fireball, there’s no denying the popularity of the cinnamon-flavored spirit. Popular everywhere from college campuses to dive bars the checkout counter at gas stations, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has been one of the bestselling liquors in the U.S. for several years. But it’s never been one to get the respect of spirits snobs and whiskey nerds. But now, Fireball is releasing its first-ever barrel-aged whiskey called Dragon Reserve. I got my hands on a bottle ahead of the release to try it and see if the new liquid is indeed taking Fireball to another level or if it’s the same old sweet and spicy spirit, for better or worse.

Previously, Fireball was split mainly into two camps. While marketed as whiskey, both are technically liqueurs given that they contain added sugar and a lower ABV than traditional whiskey. The main product is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, which is made with actual Canadian whiskey as its spirit base, with additional flavors and sweeteners added. Then there’s the similar-looking Fireball Cinnamon, which contains no whiskey at all and contains half the alcohol of its sibling, allowing it to skirt laws in stores that aren’t allowed to sell spirits.

The new Dragon Reserve is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky that’s been aged in “dragon-charred” barrels — AKA American oak barrels that formerly contained bourbon, actual char level unknown — for “several months.” Given how cheeky Fireball is being about the details surrounding the aging of the product, it’s clear that this isn’t actually being pitched as a premium product. Further proof of that can be seen in the $19.99 SRP, along with a promotional campaign featuring comedic actor Rob Riggle as “honorary master distiller” wearing a smoking jacket and sipping Dragon Reserve from a Glencairn glass. Rather, the new beverage is an example of Fireball — which is owned by Sazerac, the same company that counts Buffalo Trace and Pappy Van Winkle as its subsidiaries — doing something a little extra for fans that are already on board with the fiery booze.

Given its low price tag and improved taste, you’d think Fireball would make Dragon Reserve a permanent addition to its lineup. Instead, the brand is only releasing 618 bottles as a promotion for Father’s Day on 6/18. The bottles will be available for pre-order in select states beginning June 16 at 11 am EST on Fireball’s website.

About Fireball Whisky

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is a mixture of Canadian whisky, cinnamon flavoring and sweeteners that is produced by the Sazerac Company. Its foundation is Canadian whisky, and the taste otherwise resembles the candy with a similar name, Ferrara Candy Company’s “Atomic Fireball” candy.

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

Hudson Whiskey Launches Bourbon That’s ‘As Bold As New York’ For 20th Anniversary

June 5, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Hudson Whiskey announced the launch of a new expression, the New York Straight Bourbon Whiskey Five Year Old, on Wednesday in a news release. The expression is the New York-based distillery’s second age-stated offering and has a mashbill of 95% corn and 5% malted barley sourced from local family farmers within the Hudson Valley.

Hudson’s New York Straight Bourbon Whiskey Five Year Old is bottled at 92 proof and set to sell for a suggested retail price of $49.99 across the U.S.

The Kosher-certified whiskey is pot-distilled and then matured in American Oak barrels for five years. The brand claims the spirit has buttery soft vanilla cornbread aromas with flavors of cashew and caramel butter.

Hudson Whiskey is based out of Tuthilltown Distillery, a 230-year-old gristmill that was the first distillery to open after Prohibition within the state of New York.

The brand’s inception came 20 years ago. It was the brainchild of Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee, who wanted to “capture the thrill that is New York” according to Hudson Whiskey’s website.

Neither had professional experience in the whiskey industry, and the distillery’s nascent years were filled with a lot of experimentation. According to Business Insider, Erenzo spent the early years selling Hudson Whiskey to liquor stores and bars from the trunk of his car.

The property has been fully owned by William Grant & Sons since 2017. William Grant & Sons hosts a portfolio that includes Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Monkey Shoulder.

Hudson offers a single-barrel program that allows customers to hand-select their own personalized casks through the distillery. The single barrels are 52-gallon casks that yield 240 bottles at 92 proof.

For more information please visit https://www.hudsonwhiskey.com/en-US/our-range/

Laws Whiskey House Releases Its 2023 San Luis Valley Rye

May 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Denver’s Laws Whiskey House recently released Batch #4 of their Bottled in Bond San Luis Valley Rye.

A statement from the distiller noted that the new expression is available for tasting and for purchase in the Laws Whiskey House tasting room in Denver, and will be available on Laws’ website and in key markets across the country starting late May for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

This latest batch is a seven-year-old whiskey, and its 24 barrels were distilled between February and April of 2016. The distiller’s notes show that some of the barrels were made from a mash bill of 95% San Luis Valley Rye and 5% two-row barley while others were made with 100% San Luis Valley Rye.

In all, 4,848 bottles were produced in this limited, seasonal release.

All of the grains in this whiskey were grown by the Cody Family Farm located near Alamosa in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The distilling team at Laws explained that at 7,500 feet of elevation, the growing conditions of this valley contribute unique flavor profiles to the Cody family’s grains, including a distinct minerality that comes from the calcium and mineral rich soil of what used to be prehistoric lake.

The distiller’s notes show that the Bottled in Bond San Luis Valley Rye offers aromas of cherry cola, honey, and black currant that lead to a palate of hazelnut mint, salted toffee, and serrano pepper. After seven years of maturation time, the whiskey also developed layered notes of leather, wood tannins, caramel, and vanilla.

To qualify as a bottled-in-bond whiskey, according to the namesake act, a whiskey 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.

Those requirements are courtesy of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, considered one of America’s first consumer protection laws.

Founder Al Laws said that “the soul of our whiskey comes from the union of the grains and the people who grow them combined with our no-shortcuts process and the people who make up Laws Whiskey House. We love this whiskey because it perfectly represents what we strive for as a distillery: terroir-led flavors, the highest standards of quality, and distinctive flavors, all made for people around the world who love and appreciate whiskey.”

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

Buffalo Trace Releases Ultra-Rare Peated Bourbon, the Latest in Its Experimental Collection

May 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s most award-winning distillery, proudly unveils its latest innovation from the longstanding Experimental Collection: a distinctive Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with peated malt. Nearly a decade in the making, this limited-edition expression began when Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley incorporated smoked peated malt—sourced from the United Kingdom—in place of traditional barley within an otherwise classic bourbon mash bill dominated by corn and rye. Following standard distillation practices, the spirit matured in new, charred American oak barrels, resulting in a subtle yet captivating smoky profile that enhances the bourbon’s inherent sweetness and spice.

“The Experimental Collection is not about breaking the rules of bourbon,” explains Harlen Wheatley. “In fact, 95 percent of our experiments stay within the confines of traditional methods of making whiskey. We conduct this research to better understand the variables that affect our final flavor profiles.” Past releases have explored alternatives like rice or oats in the mash bill, extended charring, and infrared treatments, all aimed at deepening insight into whiskey craftsmanship. For this peated expression, the team closely monitored just six barrels aging on the lower floors of the distillery’s historic warehouses, ensuring the delicate peat influence harmonized perfectly with Buffalo Trace’s signature rye-forward character.

Available in limited 375ml bottles at 90 proof, this rare Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon offers enthusiasts a unique bridge between American bourbon tradition and subtle Scotch-inspired smokiness, with aromas of smoke and nuts giving way to flavors of light peat, brown butter, and sweet toffee. As one of the most sought-after releases in the collection, it invites connoisseurs to explore new dimensions in premium American whiskey while honoring the distillery’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, stands as America’s oldest continually operating distillery, with a legacy tracing back over 200 years along the historic paths carved by migrating buffalo. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this iconic site has persevered through floods, fires, Prohibition—when it was one of only a few permitted to produce medicinal whiskey—and countless challenges, all while perfecting the art of bourbon craftsmanship under legendary figures like Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, and Albert B. Blanton. Today, as the world’s most award-winning distillery with more than 40 distillery-of-the-year titles and over 1,000 individual accolades, Buffalo Trace continues to honor its pioneering heritage with unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.

Home to an extraordinary portfolio of premium spirits, Buffalo Trace crafts beloved expressions including the smooth, versatile flagship Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the groundbreaking single-barrel Blanton’s, the richly complex Eagle Rare, the wheated elegance of W.L. Weller, the bold E.H. Taylor Jr. collection, and the highly coveted Buffalo Trace Antique Collection featuring gems like George T. Stagg and Sazerac Rye. Visitors are welcomed for complimentary tours and tastings amidst aging warehouses filled with the alluring aroma of maturing bourbon, experiencing firsthand the timeless traditions and experimental spirit that make Buffalo Trace a cornerstone of American whiskey excellence worldwide.
Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trace Frankfort, KY 40601
Website: https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

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Dr Disrespect Releases 2nd Run of Black Steel Bourbon at Lower Price, Higher Proof

May 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Tuesday, Guy Beahm, better known by his video-game-streaming moniker Dr Disrespect, launched the second batch of his whiskey brand, Black Steel Bourbon.

Black Steel Bourbon Batch 2 is available now from ReserveBar for $59.99.

The first batch of Black Steel Bourbon launched in November and sold out in minutes.

Black Steel Bourbon described its second batch of Kentucky straight bourbon as “a unique blend of the highest caliber aged barrels.” Marianne Eaves, Kentucky’s first female master distiller, stayed on board to craft batch 2 after also making the first batch.

Most of the time, whiskeys stay fairly consistent between batches. For Black Steel Bourbon, however, Dr Disrespect has switched things up quite a bit. Here’s what’s changed from batch 1 to batch 2:

The price: While Black Steel Bourbon’s first batch launched for $64.99, batch 2 has dropped by $5 and can be had for $59.99. It’s not often that a brand sells out an expression in minutes and then lowers the price for the next batch, so consumers should be happy about this unexpected change.

The proof: Black Steel Bourbon’s initial batch was bottled at 93 proof. For this new run, Dr Disrespect upped the proof all the way to 100, a change mosts whiskey fans will welcome with open arms. 100 proof, or 50% ABV, is a great proof point for a whiskey.

About Black Steel Spirits

It takes a bit of madness to push for the evolution of a category that celebrates unchanging tradition. Enter Guy Beahm, the man behind the unapologetic gaming legend Dr DisRespect. With his comptetitive streak, bourbon obsession, and implacable drive for the best and only the best, consider it his destiny to create the most delectable bourbon designed for a newer, wilder whiskey drinker. And so, Black Steel has Arrived. Traditional Kentucky craft with a refreshing take on what it means to be a Bourbon.

For more information please visit https://blacksteelspirits.com/products/black-steel-bourbon-1-0

Keanu Reeves Teams With Suntory to Release a Pair of Stellar New Single Malt Whiskies

May 26, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

The world of Japanese whisky just received a star power boost that’s cooler than any celeb-backed tequila brand. House of Suntory announced a new partnership with Keanu Reeves and directors Sofia Coppola and Roman Coppola to celebrate its 100th anniversary. And of course there’s some expensive, limited-edition whisky on the way as well—specifically, two new 18-year-old single malts from Yamazaki and Hakushu.

At a swanky event in New York City last night, the details of this new collaboration were revealed and Reeves and Sofia both made appearances. The roots of this partnership date back decades to Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation, in which Bill Murray plays an actor who travels to Japan to appear in a “Suntory Time” commercial. The new short film is called Suntory Anniversary Tribute, and is a snapshot of the history of Suntory featuring Keanu Reeves (who appeared in an ad campaign for Suntory Reserve in 1992) set to Joan Jett’s cover of “Crimson and Clover.”

And later this summer, Reeves will appear in Roman Coppola’s new docuseries, The Nature and Spirit of Japan, which will explore the connection between Japanese whisky and craftsmanship. “I’m honored to partner with Suntory Whisky again 30 years after our Suntory Reserve campaign,” said Reeves in a statement. “I’m a huge fan of Suntory Whisky, so it’s very special to collaborate in honor of this milestone anniversary. My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory Whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process in a docuseries is a thrill.”

If you thought bottles of Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 were difficult to get ahold of these days, the pair of limited-edition whiskies released to commemorate the centennial will likely even be more elusive and expensive. We got to sample them both last night, and they are pretty fantastic. The first is Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, which is matured entirely in Japanese mizunara oak. This type of wood is notoriously difficult to work with, but has been a staple of Japanese whisky maturation dating back to WWII. Mizunara oak-matured whisky is a component of many of the blends and single malts from Suntory, but it’s rare to find a whisky aged solely in it. There is rich fruit, spice, and some incense on the palate, along with some herbal notes like lavender and thyme.

The second bottle is Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, aged in a variety of casks to showcase the peated barley used in this whisky. The nose has notes of candy and a hint of smoke. On the palate, the peat increases along with notes of grape, watermelon, vanilla, and even a bit of saline. “Hakushu and Yamazaki whiskies are gifts from our past handed down by generations,” said chief blender Shinji Fukuyo in a press release. “It is fitting to release limited editions as part of this incredible milestone, as they represent our relentless pursuit of quality and symbolize our promise to carry our philosophy on for the next one hundred years and beyond.”

For more information please visit https://www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/