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Grand Teton Distillery Continues Private Stock Series With Release of 7-Year-Old Single Malt

July 10, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Monday, Grand Teton Distillery announced the third release in its Private Stock collection: Private Stock American Single Malt Whiskey.

The single malt is made from 100% Idaho malted barley. After being milled, fermented and distilled in-house, it spent seven years in used bourbon barrels, making it one of the longest-aged American single malts on the market, according to Grand Teton Distillery.

“This is our distillery’s second American Single Malt, and this version truly showcases our craft,” Grand Teton Distillery head distiller John Boczar said in a news release. “We wanted to create a pure expression of a single malt and this bottle does just that. Not only has it be aged three years longer than our first ASM, it has ten percent more alcohol and has a distinctly unique finish.”

The single malt was aged in a climate that the distillery describes as having “extreme temperatures” at 6,000 feet elevation at the foothills of the Teton mountain range.

Bottled at 100 proof, Grand Teton Distillery Private Stock American Single Malt Whiskey is available for a suggested retail price of $79.95 per 750-milliliter bottle. The whiskey is sold in an embossed gift box. Twenty-two barrels worth of the single malt are available online. In the coming weeks, it will also be made available at the distillery’s tasting room and at “select retailers throughout the West.”

While American single malt is still a relatively nascent category with no legal definition, Grand Teton Distillery stuck to the requirements that have been proposed by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission.

About the Grand Teton Distillery Private Stock Series

Each release in Grand Teton’s Private Stock collection is a limited, small-batch whiskey that has been selected, proofed with mountain water and hand-bottled. The distillery has released a new Private Stock whiskey once a year since 2021.

The first Private Stock release was a straight corn whiskey aged 6.5 years — at the time the distillery’s highest age statement to date. The 2022 release upped the age ante as an 8-year-old bourbon, the longest-aged whiskey to ever come from Idaho.

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

Introducing Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon from Frey Ranch Distillery

July 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Frey Ranch Distillery today announced the release of a new permanent expression in its award-winning American Whiskey portfolio – Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon. Bottled at cask strength, the new non-chill filtered, small batch whiskey is produced using 100% of the slow-grown grains that are grown, harvested, milled, distilled on the Frey Ranch farm year-round. Proudly using the corn, wheat, barley, and rye that Co-Founder and Whiskey Farmer Colby Frey cultivates has become a hallmark of the brand – and the driving force behind Frey Ranch’s explosive growth in Nevada and California. Today, Frey Ranch is the #1 selling ultra-premium bourbon in Nevada and one of the largest whiskey producers on the West Coast.

At 124.3 proof and aged for an average of five years, Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon utilizes the same mash bill as the flagship four grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 66.6% Dent Corn, 10% Winter Wheat, 11.4% Winter Rye and 12% Two Row Barley. As a cask strength bourbon, the tasting experience differs from the flagship 90 proof experience with robust notes of caramelized, brulé, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, the whiskey opens with a mélange of flavors – from birthday cake frosting and glazed butter cake to cloves, orange creamsicle and dried stone fruit. The finish delivers a sublime yet subtle hint of smoke and black cherry.

“Every time we blend a batch of our flagship Frey Ranch Four Grain Straight Bourbon, we taste it at cask strength before we proof it down. That uncut liquid is always a big hit with our distillery team. We’re excited to now offer the Farm Strength version of the signature whiskey that put Frey Ranch on the map with our grain-forward approach. For the best tasting experience, we recommend a side-by-side comparison of our signature 90-proof against this new uncut version.”

Using his own slow-grown grains that take Northern Nevada’s climate, topography and terroir into consideration provides Colby with almost unlimited freedom to experiment with different grain varieties and blends. Valuing a common-sense approach to sustainable farming, Colby, with Master Distiller Russell Wedlake, built a distillery born from a desire to create a distinctive, long-lasting product from the quality grains the Frey family has been growing and perfecting for generations. The new Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon is another prime example of Frey Ranch’s commitment to centering its whiskey enterprise around their grains and farming background first and foremost.

Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $79.99 for a 750 ml bottle. In 2023, Frey Ranch will expand its footprint with availability in Arizona, Ohio, and Georgia.

ABOUT FREY RANCH DISTILLERY:

Frey Ranch Distillery was founded in 2006 by Colby and Ashley Frey on the Frey family’s 1,500-acre farm in Fallon, Nevada. The family has a deep history of farming in Northern Nevada that dates back over 150 years and continues today with Frey Ranch Distillery, the state’s only distillery to grow 100% of its whiskey grains on-site. Frey Ranch is a year-round working farm that also offers tours and tastings to the public every Saturday from 12-4 p.m.

To learn more, visit freyranch.com.

Bob Dylan’s New 10-Year-Old-Rye Whiskey Packs a Spicy, Assertive Punch

July 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door whiskey brand has proven to be one of the best in the crowded celebrity field, with a solid core range of rye, bourbon, and American whiskey. The latest release, part of the brand’s Decade Series, is pretty straightforward for a limited-edition bottle—a 10-year-old rye whiskey—but this is one for those who crave the assertive, spicy notes of a bigger, bolder rye.

As you can probably tell by the name, the Heaven’s Door Decade Series is meant to highlight whiskeys aged for a full 10 years. That’s relatively young for scotch, but for American whiskey 10 years is getting a little long in the tooth—Scotland’s climate is mild, while most of America sees temperature shifts swinging from hot to cold that accelerate the interaction between wood and whiskey while it ages. In this case, the whiskey was matured in Indiana and Tennessee, two states which have hot summers and cold winters. And while the specific source is undisclosed, it’s probably safe to assume it’s MGP, the spirits factory that is behind so many of your favorite whiskeys.

You may be thinking to yourself, “A sourced 10-year-old rye whiskey? Big deal, I’ve had that before.” Indeed, you have—other examples include bottles from Templeton and Bulleit (sourced from MGP), WhistlePig (Canada), and Michter’s (undisclosed source, but usually quite exceptional). So why exactly should you give this bottle a try? First and foremost, if you are a fan of assertive and spicy 95 percent rye whiskey, this is for you. According to master blender Alex Moore, Decade Series 2 is a blend of dozens of rye whiskeys that were all selected because of their particular flavor profiles. The nose leads off with notes of banana and apple candy, but things really start to pick up on the palate. There are some tannic licorice notes that lead the way on the tip of your tongue, followed by orange, honey, and molasses. Deep vanilla and caramel notes emerge as you continue to sip, but there’s not much sweetness present and a dash of bitterness that might not appeal to everyone.

Based on those tasting notes, this sounds like it could be a divisive rye whiskey. If you’re looking for an easy sipper that you don’t have to think much about, this ain’t it. But like the Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Rye reviewed here recently, this is a bottle for those who are really looking for a rye whiskey drinker’s rye whiskey. There has been a lot going on with Heaven’s Door recently, including the brand’s new distillery and redesign of the core range that we reported on recently. But the best news is that this is one celebrity-backed brand that continues to release high-quality whiskeys, likely due more to the everyday production team’s work than Dylan’s personal input. But hey, at least he’s not following the celebrity herd and chasing that tequila money.

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

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Releases A Salted Caramel Version

June 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

A new spirit is looking to make summer a bit sweeter. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream recently introduced its salted caramel version.

A statement from the spirits brand noted that this expression is made with triple-distilled Irish whiskey, cream from Irish dairy farms, and a salted caramel flavor.

It’s made by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, and the Irish cream clocks in at 34 proof (17% ABV). Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel will be available by the end of July, and has a suggested price of $14.99 per 750 ml bottle.

The tasting notes from Saint Brendan’s shows that the salted caramel Irish cream features aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee on the nose, with cream and sweet whiskey on the palate. The finish is warm and sugary, highlighting the sea salt and caramel flavor.

“The salted caramel flavor combination continues to grow in popularity with adult consumers,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Luxco’s Irish portfolio. “Adding this ultimate sweet-and-salty combination to Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream was a perfect match, resulting in a product that delivers across the taste profile.”

About Saint Brendan’s

Our name is inspired by Saint Brendan the Abbot, an ancient Irish monk, who was known for his remarkable travels and adventure. His valiant spirit guided our quest for the most authentic and indulgent Irish Cream. Our unique blend is crafted for a taste that’s elegantly smooth, gentle, and creamy. You’ll enjoy notes of vanilla, marshmallow, chocolate, and a touch of spice.

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

Berry Bros & Rudd Introduce Summer Whiskies For Sipping

June 26, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Berry Bros. & Rudd, known for their Cutty Sark whisky, recently dropped a host of 2023 summer releases featuring six single malts, a cask blended malt and a Brazilian rum.

A statement from the spirits giant noted that they are celebrating the 325th anniversary of one of Britain’s oldest spirits merchants, doing so with seasonal releases featuring liquid from across the English whisky scene.

The collection includes the English whisky Masthouse 2017, from Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent, and the whisky maker described it as one of the most fruit-forward liquids Berry Bros. & Rudd distillers have tried, despite its young age.

Jonny McMillan, reserve whisky manager at Berry Bros. & Rudd, said that in their special anniversary year, they wanted to feature some of the English distillers who are increasingly making waves in the industry.

“The second of four English whiskies to be released this year, Masthouse 2017 is a triumph representing the promise of Copper Rivet distillery and their production of one of the best distillates in the UK, perhaps the world,” he added.

Stephen Russell, founder at Copper Rivet Distillery, said that this single cask bottling series marks a coming of age for both English whisky and for Masthouse Whisky.

“Knowing the expertise, diligence and passion for quality with which Berry Bros. & Rudd selects the whisky it bottles, we are very proud to see Masthouse Single Malt Whisky in this collaborative bottling – and the cask the team has chosen is spectacular,” he said.

The remainder of the release includes the Exceptional Blended Malt 1979, which highlights Berry Bros. & Rudd’s expertise in blended whiskies, along with five single malt Scotch whiskies and a Brazilian rum.

For more information please visit www.bbrspirits.com.

Jacob’s Pardon Whiskey Releases Their 18-Year-Old Small Batch Recipe

June 26, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

A whiskey with a Prohibition-era past, Jacob’s Pardon recently launched a new expression, its Small Batch Recipe #3 that’s aged 18 years.

A statement from the brand noted it initially launched in October of 2020, with Marc D. Taub and his son Jake at the helm. They tapped F. Paul Pacult to serve as master blender, and the team has released Jacob’s Pardon Small Batch Recipe #3 nationwide with a suggested price of $195 for a 750ml bottle.

Pacult and the Taubs said they looked to create a whiskey that was completely unique within the market. That’s when the makers at Jacob’s Pardon looked toward their 18-year-old American light whiskey.

The liquid itself is produced by MGP, and Batch #3 features a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. It was barreled at proof, 71.25% ABV, then bottled from 211 uncharred new barrels. In all, it aged 18 years.

The blender’s notes show that the wood rounded off the edges, allowing the corn in the mash bill to shine through. The resulting flavor profile consists of caramel corn, black cherry, prune Danish, baking spices such as nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and vanilla bean, as well as pipe tobacco fragrance.

Pacult, who’s served as master blender since 2019, said he was intrigued by the opportunity to work on a whiskey that is as rich in flavor as it is in history.

“We took our time with Jacob’s Pardon Small Batch #3. While it is a light American whiskey, the tasting experience is anything but light,” he said. “We chose to bottle at cask strength, allowing for less human interference and a more authentic product to be best enjoyed as is.”

Representing the third and fourth generations, respectively, of their family-owned enterprise, Marc and Jake created Jacob’s Pardon as a nod to Marc’s great uncles’ tradition of whiskey production.

They explained that the family history dates back nearly a century with Jacob and Abner Taub during Prohibition. Eventually, their operation was raided, and the brothers were charged with violation of Section 99, Title 18 U.S. Codes.

Six years later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued presidential pardons to the Taub brothers, allowing them to return to their family business along with their brother Martin (Marc D. Taub’s grandfather). This set into motion the Taub family tradition that would span generations.

Today, the family continues the legacy with Jacob’s Pardon Whiskey, part of the Palm Bay International portfolio.

For more information on the new whiskey or the operations, check out www.palmbay.com/producers/jacob-s-pardon.

German Distiller Releases Single Malt Aged In Mizunara Cask

June 18, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

The German distillery St. Kilian, located in Rüdenau, Lower Frankonia, recently debuted a whisky rarity … a single malt fully matured in a single virgin Mizunara oak cask.

A statement from the German whisky maker noted that Mizunara oak is common in several regions of Japan, and is among the rarest and most expensive wood used to mature whisky.

For this particular whisky expression, the Japanese oak for this 225-liter, medium toasted, single cask is about 250 years old. It was harvested in the forests of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

The statement went on to explain that the long-time coopers of Ariake Sangyo set up the casks, and tackled the often difficult task of wrangling the Mizunara oak staves, binding them together. Even the barrel heads were made of Mizunara oak.

In all, St Kilian Distillers imported four medium toasted virgin casks directly by plane from Japan in August of 2019.

Master Blender Mario Rudolf explained further that Mizunara oak is known for its unique aromas of sandalwood, oriental spices and exotic fruits, which give the whisky distinctive characterful aromas.

“This masterpiece of whisky craftsmanship reflects the synergy of Japanese finesse with German distilling art in Scottish pot stills,” he said. “The exceptional single malt promises an incomparable taste as well as an exquisite enjoyment experience for discerning connoisseurs.”

Managing Director Philipp Trützler said that according to their research, this is the first non-Japanese single malt whisky to be matured in a single, fresh, unoccupied Mizunara oak cask.

The result of the maturation, he said, provides a taste of ripe fruit and exotic melon paired with warming oak notes, oriental spices and fragrant sandalwood aromas.

Further details on Cask No. 3886 show that the angels’ share was 4.7% of the initial content, much higher than the normal 2-3%. The age of the single malt was three years prior to the few months of finishing.

“The cask filling strength was lower than regular, at 55.2 % ABV, as we intended to generate more sweetness in the whisky,” Rudolf said. In all, 300 bottles of St Kilian’s Exceptional Mizunara were produced.

This is the first of a new St Kilian range, which will see future casks and thematic, exclusive single malts that have matured in one of the 371 different cask types in the nearby St Kilian Bunker City.

There are a few Exceptional Mizunara St Kilian bottles left at the distillery for direct sale, and they carry a price tag of €249.

To find out more or to find a bottle, check out www.stkiliandistillers.com.

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/