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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/

Filibuster Distillery in redemptive spirits for new whiskey release

May 26, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

SHENANDOAH COUNTY, Va. – Filibuster Distillery’s new bourbon whiskey has the spirit of the purity law. The success and growth comes with a smooth give-and-take in the process.

“We are distributing in 18 states and two international markets, so it just brings up a lot of responsibility now,” Filibuster Distillery Chief Executive Officer Sid Dilawri said.

This business that’s barreled with integrity has made changes since being charged $700,000 by Shenandoah County for dumping water in a stream a few years ago.

“Filibuster Distillery wants to be better and stronger with every new drink release. They invested in a chiller after the 2021 settlement so that the entire distilling process is done the right way.

Filibuster Distillery’s team feels like a community hub with the ingredients to make drinks all purchased from farmers in the area. Dilawri says investing in the chiller makes the business 100 percent self-sustainable.

“All the grains we get goes to the farmer and all the water while we use is a hundred gallons of glycol which we used in the system and it’s a closed loop system —nothing goes out, nothing goes in everything we just chill our mesh,” Dilawri said.

“This is the country for dreams you can you can dream it and you can build it and you can make it happen. There are going to be obstacles. There are going to be people who I will take you down, but be strong because the majority of the people are good people here,” Dilawri said.

He describes the new bourbon whiskey as an exclusive medal of success.

“There are only 16 barrels we did for it, and this also celebrates the journey and dream of coming to America,” Dilawri said.

Anyone wanting a taste of his spirit is encouraged to be there for release day on June 4.

About Filibuster Distillery

Filibuster Distillery was born in the heart of Washington D.C. and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, making it a true product of the Washington, DC area. Founded at a liquor store just steps away from Capitol Hill, the Filibuster brand quickly transformed from a 1st generation immigrant family’s passion project into an incredible American dream.

Filibuster Distillery prides itself on creating an experience that is far from ordinary. Their approach to spirits is unconventional, utilizing innovative production methods and artisanal standards of distillation to create extra layers of complexity within each spirit.

for more information please visit https://filibusterbourbon.com/

FUJI Whisky Releases New Japanese Whisky in the U.S.

May 16, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

NEW YORK, N.Y.— The award-winning Japanese whisky brand, FUJI Whisky, announces the release of its FUJI Japanese Whisky, a single site blended, 100% Japanese whisky inspired by the terroir of the Mt. Fuji area. This unique expression, aged for an average of eight years in 100% American White Oak, is the embodiment of what sets Mt. Fuji Distillery apart, as the world’s only distillery to craft, nurture, age, and bottle three styles of grain whiskies – heavy American Bourbon style, medium Canadian style, light Scottish style, and malt whisky under one roof – a single estate approach.

In 1973, Mt. Fuji Distillery began combining Japanese craftsmanship with the distillation technology for American, Canadian, and Scotch whisky production, making it one of the only distilleries capable of producing both malt and grain whiskies on a single site, just 7.5 miles from the peak of Mt. Fuji. The only whisky in Japan to use the mountain’s snowmelt in its production, that 50-year journey from Mt. Fuji’s peak to the depths of the aquifer 330-feet underneath the distillery is the foundation for FUJI’s distinctive whisky expressions. These innovations and new category breakthroughs led FUJI Whisky and Master Blender, Jota Tanaka to seek out category recognition from the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (“JSLMA”) for creating a new type of whisky that is crafted from start to finish on one site and celebrates its terroir: FUJI Japanese Whisky.

“This unique expression marks a special moment for FUJI Whisky and our Mt. Fuji Distillery as its release signifies FUJI as the pioneer of single blended Japanese whiskies,” said Jota Tanaka, Master Blender. “To be recognized by the JSLMA is an honor and I am excited to continue to grow the line of FUJI expressions on a global scale. Our FUJI Japanese Whisky is truly an exceptional gift; one which reflects the impact of, and patient ageing in the beautiful environment that surrounds Mt. Fuji, highlighting the control we can have over each element of production, embracing the distillation techniques that set us apart and make us truly one of kind.”

The FUJI Japanese Whisky Tasting Notes from Master Blender Jota Tanaka are as follows:

Aroma: Peach, apricot, orange liqueur, delicately fruity with a hint of honey and oatmeal cookies

Flavors: Delicate yet vivid fruits, Williams pear, apricot, and white table grapes

Finish: A delicately sweet, fruity, and rich aftertaste is interwoven with a pleasantly long, silky finish

A leader in grain whiskey innovation, FUJI Whisky made its U.S. debut in 2021 with the release of FUJI Single Grain Japanese Whiskey in partnership with Distinguished Vineyards. The FUJI Single Grain Japanese Whiskey is a blend of three different grain whiskies, each distilled in three different methods, each possessing its own unique flavor profile, resulting in a delicately fruity whiskey that is both mellow and multi-layered in profile. Last year, FUJI released the FUJI 30-Year-Old Single Grain Whiskey in the U.S., a blend of multiple maturates of Canadian style grain whiskies aged more than 30 years. Each barrel was meticulously hand selected by Master Blender, Jota Tanaka, to create a rich, luscious, and beautifully balanced style whiskey with complexity.

The FUJI Japanese Whisky is bottled at 86 proof and is available in markets including California, Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida at an SRP of $70 / 700ml bottle.

About FUJI Whisky

FUJI Whisky is named after the most iconic landmark in Japan, Mt. Fuji, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, cultural inspiration, and the location of Mt. Fuji Distillery just 7.5 miles from the mountain’s peak, surrounded by lush forest. Established in 1973 to bring the best of Japanese craftsmanship with Scottish, American, and Canadian technology under one roof, it is the closest distillery to Mt. Fuji in all of Japan. Named after one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Mt. Fuji Distillery is situated just miles from the peak of Mt. Fuji and is one of the only whiskies in the world to use the mountain’s snowmelt water in its production. The snowmelt’s 50-year journey from Mt. Fuji’s peak to the depths of an underground aquifer to the distillery results in a uniquely clear, pristine, and soft water that is the foundation for FUJI’s distinctive whisky expressions.

Mt. Fuji Distillery has a long history of awards and accolades and is considered the leader in Japanese Grain Whiskey. 2020 awards on the new FUJI brand include Trophy at the International Spirits Challenge, Worlds Best Grain & Gold at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards. This adds richly to the brand’s pedigree that includes winning the World Whiskies Awards “World Best Grain” four times in five years.

About Distinguished Vineyards

Formed in 2008, Distinguished Vineyards is a dynamic mid-size wine and spirits company that includes a collection of iconic, premium brands from around the world. Recognized as benchmarks from their regions, the portfolio includes the highly acclaimed Argyle Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, MacRostie Winery in Sonoma County, Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley, Wither Hills from Marlborough, New Zealand, and FUJI Whisky from Japan. Dedicated to excellence, social equity and sustainability, Distinguished Vineyards includes more than 1,000 acres of sustainably certified estate vineyards and has achieved local certification for sustainable practices at each of its wineries.

For More Information:
https://fujiwhisky.com

BHAKTA Spirits Releases New, Deeply-Aged Armagnac Expression

May 15, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

POULTNEY, Vt.— BHAKTA Spirits, the world’s preeminent House of Vintages, announced the limited release of its next BHAKTA 50 (1868–1970), Barrel 24: “Gandhi”. This novel new expression of the oldest spirits on Earth will be distributed nationally and available at local merchants and retailers. Only 100 bottles of the total productino will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis through the brand’s e-commerce partner.

Each barrel of BHAKTA 50 is named for an iconic historical character whose deeds echo through time. This 24th barrel honors Mahatma Gandhi, whom we remember for his intelligence, commitment to nonviolence, and unique ability to inspire a largely fragmented country.

This uncompromising and collector-worthy barrel contains a blend of eight exquisite Armagnac vintages — 1868, 1888, 1924, 1931, 1960, 1963, 1967, 1970 — which correspond to the life story and achievements of one of India’s, and the world’s, most beloved visionaries. Of particular note in this blend is the extremely scarce 1931 Armagnac vintage, which marked the signing of The Gandhi-Irwin Pact that began negotiations with Britain to ensure India’s independence.

“BHAKTA 50 Barrel 24: ‘Gandhi’ highlights the heroism of icon Mahatma Gandhi through its blend of astoundingly old Armagnac vintages,” said Co-Founder Leo Gibson. “The 1868 vintage found in each bottle was harvested just one year before Gandhi was born. An Indian innovator of Gujarati descent — just like our Founder, Raj Peter Bhakta — Gandhi was studying law in London when the 1888 vintage was harvested; the 1924 vintage saw him released from prison in India for his so-called ‘political crimes,’ and then promptly elected the 43rd President of the Indian National Congress. With this bottle, we toast the trailblazers who defy injustice, show a better path forward for humanity, and stand up for the fundamental rights of their people.”

Fifty years at its youngest — and more than one hundred fifty at its oldest — BHAKTA 50 carries a jaw-dropping age statement nearly unimaginable in a market which considers a whiskey “old and rare” at the adolescent age of twelve or thirteen. Only 38 barrels of BHAKTA 50 will ever be produced.

About BHAKTA Spirits

BHAKTA Spirits is the world’s preeminent House of Vintages. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Raj Peter Bhakta — also the founder of WhistlePig Whiskey — BHAKTA offers a luxury craft spirits portfolio of limited release Single Vintage whiskeys, brandies, rums, and more, anchored by its ancient and awe-inspiring Armagnac holdings dating back to 1868. An innovator in the experiential hospitality space with a mission to help guests “Find Their Spirit,” BHAKTA’s unique destinations include historic properties in France, Vermont, and Florida. BHAKTA Spirits is headquartered on its BHAKTA-Griswold Campus in Poultney, VT, the former site of Green Mountain College.

About OVERTON & ASSOCIATES

OVERTON & ASSOCIATES is a strategic communications and myth building agency with offices in Manhattan and Chicago. Representing a range of clients across wine, spirits, publishing, and politics — and animated by a mission to “Move the Window” of perception in an increasingly surreal media landscape — OVERTON champions concepts whose time has come.

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