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Redwood Empire Whiskey Announces Second Release of Cask Strength Expressions

May 9, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

GRATON, Calif. – Redwood Empire Whiskey, a distinct California whiskey made and aged in the ancient forests of the Redwood Empire, doubles down with its second allocation of cask strength whiskey. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural release in October 2022, the brand has increased its volumes of uncut and unfiltered expressions.

These limited-edition, straight-from-the-barrel cask strength offerings have been highly praised by both the press and consumers. In just seven months, each of Redwood Empire’s cask strength whiskeys have received awards from L.A. Spirits Awards and Tag Global Spirits Awards, as well as notable ratings of at least 91 points from both Whisky Advocate and The Tasting Panel.

“Cask strength represents the best of what spirits have to offer,” says head distiller, Lauren Patz. “Buying whiskey at cask strength empowers drinkers to explore the breadth that the spirit provides.”

Redwood Empire Whiskey’s cask strength range includes three full, undiluted and unfiltered expressions of the brand’s existing offerings: Pipe Dream Bourbon, Emerald Giant Rye, and Lost Monarch, a whiskey blend of Bourbon and Rye. Each expression has its own unique tasting notes. The Cask Strength Pipe Dream Bourbon (116.8 proof) has a rich and complex flavor profile, featuring toffee, cherry, and soft leather on the nose and cherry cola, honey butterscotch and pecans on the palate. The Cask Strength Emerald Giant Rye (116.4 proof) boasts delicate herbal tea, soft cinnamon and dried orange peel on the nose, with earl grey tea, viscous dark chocolate, coffee beans and a warm spice finish on the palate. Finally, the Cask Strength Lost Monarch Whiskey Blend (117.2 proof) offers vibrant, earthy notes and mint chocolate ice cream on the nose, with warm spices, dried apricot and a white pepper finish on the palate.

“Experiencing Redwood Empire straight from the barrel is my preferred way to enjoy our whiskeys,” says master distiller, Jeff Duckhorn.

Consumers who have enjoyed Redwood Empire’s core range at 90 proof can now experience the full intensity and complexity of the whiskeys straight from the barrel. The cask strength expressions are offered annually for those who crave bold and flavorful whiskey.

About Redwood Empire Whiskey:

Redwood Empire Whiskey is a distinct California whiskey made and aged in the ancient forests of the Redwood Empire, a cool fog belt that stretches from San Francisco north along the coast to the Oregon border. Founder Derek Benham and master distiller Jeff Duckhorn recognized that the region’s temperate climate and humidity would allow for a slow, even extraction of flavor during the whiskey aging process. In 2015, they began selecting older barrels from like-minded distilleries across the nation and blending them with their own distillate in Sonoma County. Now with the largest rick house in California, Redwood Empire Whiskey reserves more of its own distillate for 100% grain-to-glass expressions and increasingly features aged whiskeys distilled onsite. The result is consistently complex, bold and balanced. Inspired by John Muir and the old growth forests he sought to protect, they partner with Trees for the Future and One Tree Planted, by planting one tree for every bottle sold – to date they’ve surpassed 1,000,000 trees planted.

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

Santa Fe Spirits Releases Colkegan Unsmoked Single Malt Whiskey Nationwide

May 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Santa Fe Spirits is releasing its Colkegan Unsmoked Single Malt Whiskey nationwide with online orders from its website. Santa Fe Spirits is well known for its Colkegan Mesquite Smoked Single Malt, and for the first time ever they have released an unsmoked Colkegan.

Like Scotch Whisky, Santa Fe Spirits’ Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey is made entirely from malted barley, carefully distilled, aged, and finished in various oak casks to enhance the complex flavors. The key difference is many Scotch whiskies are made with peat-smoked malt while Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey achieves its complex flavor profile using mesquite smoked malt. This approach has earned Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey numerous awards and a 91-point rating from Whiskey Advocate.

“We love experimenting with traditional single malt whiskey to develop new products while honoring the heritage of single malt,” says Santa Fe Spirits founder Colin Keegan. “Our mesquite-smoked Colkegan has won people’s hearts, and we wanted to release a whiskey that would complement our current line-up of American Single Malts, but also stand on its own. Four years ago we made our traditional Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey, but without smoking the malt. We tucked a few barrels of it into a back corner of the rickhouse, aged it in new American Oak, and used bourbon barrels. We’re excited to release it nationwide.”

Spurred by ever-increasing consumer interest and the efforts of the American Single Malt Commission, single malt whiskey made in the U.S. has gained considerable attention in recent years. As a founding member of the American Single Malt Commission, Santa Fe Spirits has helped champion the creation and promotion of American Single Malt Whiskey as an officially recognized category of whiskey. On July 29 the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register which will formally define American Single Malt whisky. In the coming months, the TTB is expected to release an official definition of American single malt. This is great news for the entire industry and for consumers who are eager to purchase whiskey like Colkegan Unsmoked.

About Colkegan Unsmoked

Distiller Stephen Julander created a whiskey with 100% malted barley that focuses on the flavors of the pure malt with Unsmoked Colkegan. After distillation, Unsmoked Colkegan was aged for about four years in new American Oak and used bourbon barrels. The resulting whiskey has a beautiful copper color that evokes the coming of fall in the aspens, a deep amber luster as they welcome in the cooler nights of our Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Unsmoked Colkegan has warm aromas of brown sugar, bubblegum, macadamia nuts, and cinnamon, with a palate of toasted walnuts, wafer cookies, toast, dried pit fruit, and light spice. It has a lovely finish with lasting notes of toasted oak and butterscotch pudding.

About Santa Fe Spirits

Santa Fe Spirits was founded by Colin Keegan in 2010 with the goal of becoming the Southwest’s pre-eminent artisan distillery. With products ranging from silver whisky to barrel-aged apple brandy, Santa Fe Spirits is a relatively small distillery proud to be producing exceptional spirits designed to capture and accentuate the essence of the Southwest.

For more information please visit https://santafespirits.com/spirits/buy-online.

2023 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship Medal Winners

April 17, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

2023 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championships Medal Winners
The 2023 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship proudly announces the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Cincinnati Distilling in Milford, Ohio won the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship after winning 2 gold medals, 3 Silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Their Single Barrel Straight Bourbon was a favorite among the judges. Over the past 4 years, Cincinnati has finished in the Top 3 each year. Besides the 7 medals in the whiskey competition, Cincinnati also won 2 bronze medals in the spirits competition.

Silver Fox Distillery in Arthur, Ontario repeated as the U.S. Open Spirits’ Grand National Champion by winning 5 medals in the Spirits categories consisting of 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals. Silver Fox Distillery is the only Canadian company to win the Grand National Champion’s Plaque in the 15-year history of the U.S. Open Championships.

Judging in the U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championships is blind; the judges know only the categories and do not know what they are tasting. The first round of judging was held in Oxford, Ohio at “The Barn”, while the finals were held at Big Ditch Brewing in Buffalo, New York. The U.S. Open works with the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Ontario. The final round of judges consisted of Niagara College’s Instructors and industry experts from the surrounding area.

Here are the top 5 Whiskey and Spirits Distilleries:
Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
2. Moylans Distillery – California
3. Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – – North Carolina
5. Acre Distilling – Texas

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
2. Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
2. Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
4. Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
5. Dark Door Spirits – Florida

Straight Bourbon
Gold – Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon – Treaty Oak Distilling – Texas
Silver – Double Barrel Maple Bourbon – Taconic Distillery – New York
Bronze – Red, White & Bourbon – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

Small Batch Bourbon 1-3 Years Under 100 proof
Gold – Weldon Mills Select – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Ohio Straight Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Digg Boys Bourbon – Digg Boys Distillery – Pennsylvania

Small Batch Bourbon 1-3 Years 100 proof or over
Gold – Single Barrel Straight – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Silver – All the Malt – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Weldon Mills Reserve – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina

Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years – Under 100 proof
Gold – Moylans Sherry-Finished Bourbon – Moylans Distillery – California
Silver – Catherine Waldshmidt Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Uncle Nearest 1884 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee

Small Batch Bourbon 4-10 Years Over 100 proof
Gold – Uncle Nearest 1856 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Moylan’s Cask Aged Bourbon – Moylans Distillery – California
Bronze – Copper Sky Bourbon – Copper Sky Distillery – Colorado

Single Barrel Whiskey
Gold – Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey – Batch 002 – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Springfield Straight Bourbon – Springfield Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Rye Whiskey – Iron Vault Distillery – Ohio

American Single Malt Whiskey
Gold – Single Malt Whiskey – Grand Traverse Distillery – Michigan
Silver – Kong – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts
Bronze – Single Malt Whiskey 4-year Reserve – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Acre Texas Single Malt Whisky – Acre Distilling – Texas

Rye Whiskey
Gold – Moylan’s Resistance Rye – Moylans Distillery – California
Silver – Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
Silver – Small Batch Rye – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Noble Hound Dark Rye – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia

Blended Whiskey
Gold – Blend of Straight Whiskey – Barrel Proof – Wonderland Distilling – Michigan
Silver – Kupu Whiskey – Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
Bronze – Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee

Craft Whiskey
Gold – 100% Oats Whisky – 99 Craft Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky – Acre Distilling – Texas
Bronze – Royall Rye Whiskey – Deep Creek Distilling – Virginia

Corn Whiskey
Gold – Altschuls Corn Whiskey – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio

Canadian Whisky
Gold – Cobra Chicken Canadian Whiskey – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Spirits 101 – Single Malt Whisky – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Ontario

Whiskey finished in wine or other spirits barrels
Gold – Five Stories Rum Cask – Northern Row Distillery – Ohio
Silver – American Whisky Finished in a Port Barrel – Moylan’s Distillery – California
Bronze – Acre Single Malt Whisky Barrel 009 – Acre Distilling – Texas

Whiskey Aged in Stout/Beer Barrels
Gold – The Violet Hour – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Gold – Acre Single Malt Whiskey 111 – Acre Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Stout Cask Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Flavored Whiskey
Gold – Gold Rush – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts
Silver – Fire Brigade Cinnamon Whiskey – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
Bronze – Weldon Orchards Peach Elderflower Whiskey – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina

Whiskey in Non-Traditional Barrel Aging
Gold – Moylan’s Cask Strength American Single Malt Whisky Finished in Orange Brandy Barrel – – Moylans Distillery – California
Gold – Peach Maple Cask Bourbon – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Anything Goes
Gold – Rockfisth – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Texas Smoked – Acre Distillery – Texas
Bronze – Code Four – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Traditional Moonshine
Gold – Pritchard Corn Whiskey – Flatrock Distilling – Ohio
Gold – Sweet Shine – Uncle Dum Dum Swamp Juice – Florida
Silver – Before the Barrel White Dog – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Bronze – Skyshine – Skyroc Distillery – Massachusetts

Aged/Barrel Aged Moonshine
Gold – Moonshine – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Silver – American Rebel – Northern Yankee Moonshine – Ohio
Bronze – Single Barrel Moonshine – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee

Flavored Moonshine
Gold – Gooch Hooch Blueberry Moonshine – Hill Top Distillery – Virginia
Silver – Cinnamon Roll – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee
Bronze – Mint Condition – Roaring River Distillery – Tennessee

Gin
Gold – Harpers Siren Gin – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Gold – Silver Fox Contemporary Vodka – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Red Hare Gin – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia
Bronze – Two Minnie London Dry Gin – Acre Distilling – Texas

Gin Flavored / Infused
Gold – Freshly Folded – Dark Door Spirits – Florida
Silver – Winter Solstice – Silver Fox Distillery – Canada
Bronze – Lavender & Juniper Gin – Collective Arts Brewing – Canada

Barrel-Aged Gin
Gold – Kupu Barrel-Aged Gin – Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
Silver – Harpers Siren Armagnac Gin – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Barrel Finished Gin – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

VODKA
Gold – Teller Genuine Vodka – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
Silver – Florida Farm Vodka – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Bronze – School Spirits Vodka – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Canada

Vodka Flavored / Infused
Gold – Old Reliable Coffee Vodka – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Silver – Black Chevron Pepper Vodka – Three Crosses Distilling – Virginia
Bronze – Teller Apple Pie Vodka – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico

Rum White
Gold – Rum trial – Ola Brew Company – Hawaii
Silver – Florapina White Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Bronze – Red Hare Rum – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia

Rum Dark / Gold / Barrel-Aged Rum
Gold – Distiller’s Select Single Barrel Aged Rum – Red Hare Brewing & Distilling – Georgia
Silver – FIve Stories Barrel Aged Rum – Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Hell’s Half Acre Rum – Acre Distilling – Texas

Rum Spiced/Flavored
Gold – Navy One Navy Strength Spiced Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Silver – Spirits 101 Spiced Rum – Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Canada
Silver – Spiced Rum – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan
Bronze – Stillwrights Spiced Rum – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Specialty Spirits(anything goes)
Gold – Florapina Pineapple Rum – Gamblers Bay Distillery – Florida
Silver – Absinthe – Silver Fox Distillery – Ontario
Silver – Gypsy Queen Absinthe – Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
Bronze – Voltage Peppermint Schnapps – Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio

Can & Bottle Cocktails
Gold – Teller Grapefruit Hibiscus Lemonade – Safe House Distilling Co. – New Mexico
Gold – Old Fashioned Cocktail – Treaty Oak Distilling – Texas
Silver – Scratch Strawberry Whiskey Smash – Springfield Distillery – Virginia
Bronze – Scratch Scratch Blackberry Whiskey Sour – Springfield Distillery – Virginia

Agave and Spirits distilled with other plants in the Asparagaceae family
Gold – Rey Coyote Reposado Tequila – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Silver – Rey Coyote Blanco Tequila – Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
Bronze – Agave Spirit – Anejo – Thornapple Artisan Spirits – Michigan

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

The Glen Grant Releases A Stunning New Single Malt Scotch Whisky

April 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

The Glen Grant distillery recently unveiled a stunning 21-Year-Old single malt Scotch whisky. The expression was heralded as a “new phase of innovation” by the company. Now the oldest in The Glen Grant’s Scotch whisky range, it underscores the evolution of the company’s offerings and marks a return to its storied, “Sherry-influenced” roots.

Recently, I sat down with Dennis Malcolm OBE, The Glen Grant’s Master Distiller, to talk about his latest single malt Scotch whisky and the distillery’s continued evolution.

According to Malcolm:

The creation of The Glen Grant 21-YO represents a definitive moment in the evolution of The Glen Grant and marks a new chapter in its story. Sitting at the gateway to the prestige expressions of the Glen Grant portfolio, this 21-YO joins the 10-, 12-, 15-, and 18-year-old family of single malts and sets the tone for a range of innovative new releases set to be unveiled from 2023 onwards.

DISTILLERY MANAGER / MASTER DISTILLER

Former engineer Iain McAlister has been our esteemed distillery manager for twelve years. Born and bred in Campbeltown, Iain is fiercely proud of the place, its people and its rich whisky heritage.

Iain is responsible for the smooth running of the distillery. He also keeps a close eye on the distillery’s stock, sampling different years, casks, and finishes to maintain the highest standards of quality control.

Drawing on his background as an engineer, Iain has developed and enhanced production at Glen Scotia, whilst making sure to preserve the craftsmanship and traditional skills we value. After all, it’s these that continue to influence and shape Glen Scotia’s distinctive house style.

Iain’s favorite dram is the award-winning Glen Scotia Double Cask – which he especially enjoys on a Friday night when winding down after a busy week.

For more information on Glen Scotia please visit https://www.glenscotia.com/en-us

50+ Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts, and History – CLICK HERE

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Releases The Innkeeper’s Blend

April 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

KENTUCKY— Following the successful launch of 2XO The Phoenix Blend, renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman is excited to release the second small batch blend in the brand’s Icon Series, The Innkeeper’s Blend. The Innkeeper’s Blend pays homage to the Dedman family’s century-plus history in the hospitality industry, as previous owners of the famed Beaumont Inn on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. The Innkeeper’s Blend will be available in select markets nationwide in limited quantities, and online at ReserveBar, with a suggested retail price of $100.

“The Innkeeper’s Blend allows me to pay tribute to my family’s long history in hospitality and the values instilled along the way,” says Dixon. His great-great-grandmother started the inn in 1919, and Dixon was eight years old when he first remembers “helping out” there. Dixon joined the family business after graduating college in 2003, and by 2008 he was fully running the inn. “The hospitality business taught me a lot. It trains you to deal with everything that comes your way, to adjust, and react on the fly. The Innkeeper’s Blend is a nod to that part of my life that put me on this current path.”

2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to Dixon’s unique blending process where he re-barrels some of his hand-selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels, with both #3 and #4 char levels, to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend. The Innkeeper’s Blend is made up of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys composed of two proprietary mash bills from different distilling partners – one a high rye 35% bourbon mash bill and the other a low rye 16-18% bourbon mash bill.

On the nose, The Innkeeper’s Blend gives off hints of butterscotch, red apple, cherry, cinnamon, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, there are notes of caramel, vanilla, crème brulee, plum, cherry, and light black pepper spice. The mouthfeel is viscous and rich, moving from caramel sweetness on the front, to ripe red fruit in the middle, finishing with a light, peppery spice.

Like all the small batch blends in the Icon Series, The Innkeeper’s Blend is a limited time release. Once it sells out there will never be another like it. Each small batch blend in the Icon Series bares a distinctive name and symbol inspired by Dixon’s passion to innovate, collaborate, and create high-quality liquids with unique characteristics and profiles.

The Innkeeper’s Blend will be followed by the third release in the Icon Series, The Tribute Blend. Additionally, 2XO will release the first blend in a new Oak Series, American Oak, which will be an everyday offering, and a single barrel, limited time release from the Gem of Kentucky Series.

The Innkeeper’s Blend, and all 2XO Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys, are brought to market through Prestige Beverage Group, an industry leading importer and brand innovator of award-winning wines and spirits. Together, Dixon and Prestige Beverage Group aim to offer the most unique, sought-after whiskey blends to spirits enthusiasts everywhere.

About Dixon Dedman

Dixon Dedman is a 41-year-old master blender who has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific American whiskey blenders in the industry. He grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his previously owned James Beard award winning Beaumont Inn. Dixon is best known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey blends, a brand he relaunched in 2014 from his great-great grandfather, C.M. Dedman, after it went dark in 1916 around the time of Prohibition. His blends have garnered awards and recognition, earning their place among the finest American whiskeys in recent memory. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Robb Report, Playboy, Maxim, Garden & Gun Magazine, The Whiskey Advocate and more.

About Prestige Beverage Group

Founded in 1974, Prestige Beverage Group is an industry leading importer and brand owner of award-winning wines and spirits from around the globe. Prestige’s portfolio of 70-plus brands includes Kinky Beverages, Rinna Wines, Risata Wines, Yes Way Rosé, Windsor Canadian, and INDOGGO Gin. From product conception and brand development to packaging design and engaging marketing initiatives, Prestige continues to meet consumer preferences and anticipate industry trends.

For More Information:
https://2xowhiskey.com/

50+ Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts and History – CLICK HERE

Teeling Whiskey Unveils Limited-Edition 15-Year-Old Single Grain Finished in Ex-Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Casks

April 16, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Teeling Whiskey has announced the launch of Teeling 15-Year-Old Irish Single Grain, a limited edition Irish whiskey distilled predominantly from corn.

Triple distilled from a recipe of 95% corn and 5% malted barley, Teeling 15 Year Old Irish Single Grain was initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a secondary maturation in ex-Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc White Wine casks, before being bottled at 50% ABV with no chill filtration.

Teeling 15-Year-Old Irish Single Grain is described as having aromas of “light citrus, grapefruit, delicate green apple, and honeysuckles.” The palate exhibits “fresh and zesty peppers with honeydew melon, vanilla sweetness, and hints of pear,” concluding with a “drying” finish with “lingering subtle fruit notes.”

Teeling 15-Year-Old Single Grain will initially be available in Ireland at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, The Celtic Whiskey Shop, and select Irish retailers at a recommended retail price of €110.00 for a 70 cL bottle. A rollout to international markets across Asia and Europe will follow over the next few months.

About Teeling Whiskey
Teeling Whiskey is a bold revival of Dublin’s legendary distilling heritage, founded by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling—descendants of a family crafting Irish whiskey since 1782. In 2015, they opened the Teeling Distillery in the heart of the Liberties, the city’s historic “Golden Triangle” of whiskey-making, marking the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. With a phoenix rising from a pot still as their emblem, Teeling embodies innovation while honoring tradition, bottling at a robust 46% ABV with no chill-filtration for maximum flavor, and earning over 650 international awards to become the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey brand.

The lineup dazzles with unconventional flair: the flagship Small Batch blends malt and grain finished in rum casks for sweet tropical notes; the vibrant Single Malt draws from five wine cask influences for a fruit-forward symphony; the spicy Single Pot Still revives Dublin’s classic style with virgin oak; and rarities like peated Blackpitts or ultra-aged Vintage Reserves (including multiple “World’s Best” winners) push boundaries. Perfect for neat sipping, cocktails, or tours at the buzzing distillery—Teeling is leading the Irish whiskey renaissance with character in every pour!

For more information visit: https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/us/en/

50+ Fun Whiskey Trivia, Facts, and History – CLICK HERE

Texas Whiskey Festival – Top Texas Bourbons, Ryes And Malt Whiskeys

April 14, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

The 2023 Texas Whiskey Festival marked the 6th annual celebration of the Lone Star State’s booming craft whiskey scene, held on April 22 at the picturesque Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave near Austin. Founded in 2017 by whiskey enthusiast Jake Clements with its debut event in 2018 featuring just 11 distilleries, the festival has grown into the South’s premier showcase for Texas-made spirits, drawing over 35 distilleries and thousands of fans to sip more than 100 bourbons, ryes, single malts, and innovative finishes amid food trucks, cigar pairings, live music, and Hill Country charm.

The highlight? A blind-judged competition awarding coveted belt buckles across categories like grain-to-glass and aged-in-Texas whiskeys, with standouts including Silver Star’s Gold for their 1849 Bourbon in Grain-to-Glass Bourbon, Andalusia Whiskey Co.’s accolades in single malts, and innovative pours like Giant Texas Distillery’s sweet vermouth-finished collaborations stealing the show. Attendees voted for a People’s Choice favorite, proving once again that Texas whiskey is bold, diverse, and downright delicious—perfect for newcomers and connoisseurs raising a glass to the state’s grain-to-glass magic!

2023 Texas Whiskey Festival Results
Bourbon: Grain to Glass
Gold – Silver Star Spirits – 1849 Straight Bourbon
Silver – Balcones Distilling – Blue Corn Bourbon finished in Wine Casks
Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Harris County Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Treaty Oak Distilling – 16 Year Tennessee Whiskey
Silver – Oak & Eden – Anthro Series: Forrie J Smith
Bronze – Dime Box Distilling – Single Barrel 6yr Sixth Street Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Balcones Distilling – Texas Rye Bottled in Bond
Silver – Giant Texas Distillers – Cask Strength Rye
Bronze – Shire Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Blackland Distilling – Rye Whiskey
Silver – Old Humble Distilling – Double OakStraight Rye Whiskey
Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. – Single Mom Single Malt
Silver – Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Bottled in Bond Single Malt
Bronze – William Price Distilling – Single Malt Sherry Finished.

Flavored Whiskeys
Gold – Blackland Distilling – Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon
Silver – Treaty Oak Distilling – Old Fashioned Cocktail
Bronze – Silver Star Spirits – Texas Honey

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Breckenridge Distillery Launches Limited-Edition Sexy Motor Oil Whiskey for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

BRECKENRIDGE, Colorado – Breckenridge Distillery, one of the most-awarded craft distilleries in the U.S., and a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, today announced the third edition of Sexy Motor Oil, a limited release of beer-barreled whiskey, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The 109.5 proof, limited-edition whiskey is now available for purchase at Breckenridge Distillery and the Breckenridge Distillery Tasting Room on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado.

“We’re thrilled to continue our tradition of exchanging barrels with Breckenridge Brewery to release another fabulous whiskey,” said Bryan Nolt, Founder, and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Playing with the barrels from the brewery allows us to create new flavors, particularly the sweet flavors our customers love: like fruits, chocolate, caramel, and honey.”

Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery are no strangers to barrel exchange programs. In October of last year, the two iconic Breckenridge businesses released the second Buddy Pass barrel exchange program–an Imperial Stout Cask Finished Whiskey and Whiskey-Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout Beer–that is now available nationwide. This year’s 2023 rendition of Sexy Motor Oil was aged to perfection in barrels from Breckenridge Brewery to bring unique flavors of tropical banana and apple emanating over a layer of floral dark chocolate, caramel, and honey.

To pick up a bottle of this year’s limited edition Sexy Motor Oil, visit Breckenridge Distillery locations. For more on Breckenridge’s story and the production behind the Sexy Motor Oil, visit Breckenridge’s website, www.breckenridgedisitllery.com.

About Breckenridge Distillery
The Breckenridge Distillery is based in Breckenridge, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”) (NASDAQ | TSX: TLRY), a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life. Founded in 2008, the Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery,” and is most widely known for its blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. Their Breckenridge Bourbon is one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the US.

The Breckenridge Distillery is proudly a 3x Icons of Whisky and 5x winner of Best American Blended winner at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine and a 4x winner of Colorado Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition. Most recently, their Breckenridge Gin was 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 can now blend their own whiskey as they learn the inner workings of whiskey production.

For more information about Breckenridge Distillery, visit www.breckenridgedistillery.com. Follow Breckenridge on Instagram @breckdistillery and become a fan at facebook.com/BreckDistillery.

About Tilray Brands
Tilray Brands, Inc. is a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is changing people’s lives for the better – one person at a time – by inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life by providing them with products that meet the needs of their mind, body, and soul and invoke a sense of wellbeing. Tilray’s mission is to be the trusted partner for its patients and consumers by providing them with a cultivated experience and health and well-being through high-quality, differentiated brands and innovative products. A pioneer in cannabis research, cultivation, and distribution, Tilray’s unprecedented production platform supports over 20 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and alcoholic beverages.

For more information about Tilray Brands, visit www.tilray.com

Barrell Craft Spirits Scores a Historic Rickhouse in Kentucky Whiskey Country!

January 17, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

Louisville, KY – Whiskey lovers, get excited! Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) has leveled up its game by acquiring a massive, historic rickhouse in Shively, Kentucky. This five-story, 89,000-square-foot beauty—built back in 1940 as part of the original Yellowstone Distillery campus—can hold over 17,500 barrels, giving BCS plenty of room to age its award-winning whiskeys and rums amid skyrocketing demand.
Purchased from Angel’s Envy in late 2022, this iconic warehouse has a rich history, having passed through owners like Florida Distillers and Glenmore Distilling Company post-Prohibition. Now, it’s the perfect home base for BCS to streamline operations and keep those exceptional cask-strength spirits flowing.

Why This is a Big Deal
“Working with around 65 different producers means juggling a lot of barrels and logistics,” said Founder Joe Beatrice. “This new rickhouse solves those challenges with extra storage right near our blending facility—making everything smoother and more efficient.”

Founded in 2013 in the heart of bourbon country, Barrell Craft Spirits is the go-to independent blender for bold, innovative expressions. They source top-tier barrels, experiment with unique distillation methods, creative finishes, and aging techniques—then bottle everything at full cask strength for maximum flavor. Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a killer cocktail, these small-batch and single-barrel releases never disappoint whiskey fans seeking something extraordinary.

For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit www.barrellbourbon.com.

Barrell Craft Spirits®
Based in Louisville, Kentucky—the heart of American whiskey country—Barrell Craft Spirits stands as a pioneering independent blender and bottler of unique, aged, cask-strength whiskeys and rums since 2013. Founded by Joe Beatrice, the company masterfully sources exceptional barrels from top producers, crafting innovative small-batch and single-barrel releases that highlight diverse distillation methods, creative finishes, and bold flavor profiles—perfect for savoring neat, on the rocks, or in premium cocktails. With over 150 prestigious awards, including multiple Best Bourbon titles from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and consistent top ratings from Whisky Advocate, Barrell Craft Spirits continues to delight enthusiasts and newcomers alike with limited-edition expressions that redefine American whiskey excellence.

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Breckenridge Distillery Announces Ultimate Whiskey and Beer Collaboration With Breckenridge Brewery

November 22, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

BRECKENRIDGE — Breckenridge Distillery, the ‘World’s Highest Distillery,’ and Breckenridge Brewery return this season for the second-ever Buddy Pass, a unique barrel-exchange program to create a limited-edition Imperial Stout Cask Finish Whiskey and a Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout Beer. After selling out last year’s inaugural limited release in Colorado, Buddy Pass has expanded nationwide, entering 10 new markets and will hit retailers starting Oct. 24.

Buddy Pass is a unique collaboration between two iconic Colorado brands that allows you to sip the best of barrel-aged beer and beer-aged whiskey. The collaboration begins with Breckenridge Brewery’s Imperial Oatmeal Stout beer aged in Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon barrels to imbue boozy flavors from the whiskey barrel. After the beer is sufficiently aged, the barrels are returned to Breckenridge Distillery where they are filled once again with the distillery’s award-winning whiskey and aged again for about a year.

The whiskey, Breckenridge Distillery’s Imperial Stout Cask Finish Whiskey, highlights notes from the Imperial Oatmeal Stout resulting in a 114.7 proof spirit dark and sultry with notes of cinnamon and oak and a light background of fresh orange zest and chocolate. Smooth abundant caramel and dark chocolate hit the palate first as a dry matured oak and bold cinnamon spice follow and ride out for a long dry, spicy finish. The whiskey has an ABV of 57.35% and an MSRP ranging from $49-$60, depending on the market.

The beer, Breckenridge Brewery’s barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout, is a quintessential “big beer.” With a velvety mouthfeel, this beer is meant to be sipped, not slammed. The Imperial Oatmeal Stout imparts notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, espresso, and toffee; its time in the Breckenridge Distillery’s high-rye bourbon barrels imparts hints of caramel sweetness that take it to the next level.

Buddy Pass is a bold, boozy brew that is meant to be shared. The subsequent spirits and suds are a perfect marriage between the two treasured craft brands that both beer and whiskey lovers alike will enjoy.

Buddy Pass 2022 will be available in Colorado, Chicago, Southern California, Texas (Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio), New York City, South Florida, Upstate New York, Arizona, New Jersey, Atlanta, and the greater Washington D.C./Maryland/Delaware area. When both products are purchased together in the following markets, buyers can receive a $10 rebate: Southern Florida, Southern California, Arizona, Chicago, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York.

About Breckenridge Distillery
Founded in 2008, Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery” widely known for its award-winning blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. As one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the U.S., Breckenridge Bourbon is proudly a 3x Icons of Whisky and 5x winner of Best American Blended winner at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine and a 4x winner of Colorado Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition. Most recently, Breckenridge Gin and PX Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2021, Breckenridge Gin was named the 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. 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.

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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.

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