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After Setting Auction Record For A Barrel of Bourbon, Distiller Releases Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon

May 4, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Michter's 10 Year BourbonLOUISVILLE, Kentucky – This May, Louisville-based Michter’s Distillery will begin shipping the 2021 release of its 10 Year Bourbon. In July of 2020, a private barrel selection bottling of Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon established the record for a barrel of bourbon purchased at auction when it was sold in London for £166,000 (US$209,462). “It’s wonderful to see the growing recognition that well-made bourbon, rye, and American whiskey are having around the world,” observed Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s President.

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is 94.4 proof, and it sells for a suggested retail price of $150 in the U.S. In the words of Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee, “This release is a really full bodied, special bourbon.”

It has been stored in Michter’s heat-cycled warehouses. “When we heat cycle, it increases the interaction between the whiskey and the wood allowing us to extract more character from the barrel resulting in a truly rich and exceptional whiskey that is not overly oaked,” stated Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Michter’s makes highly acclaimed, limited production whiskeys. Michter’s is renowned for its small batch bourbon, single barrel bourbon, single barrel rye, and small batch American whiskey. In January 2021, Michter’s was named the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International in their Annual Brands Report for the third year in a row. Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter’s is farming estate grown grain on its 145-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter’s has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter’s Pennsylvania Distillery. When open, it also has educational tours with whiskey tastings as well as The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.

For more information, please visit www.michters.com

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Wyoming Whiskey and Harrison Ford Introduces New Collection Inspired by The Majesty and Beauty of America’s Great Wide-Open Spaces

April 27, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Wyoming Whiskey and Harrison Ford Introduces New Collection of Inspired WhiskiesNEW YORK — Wyoming Whiskey, a world-class American Whiskey distillery committed to the preservation of America’s wide-open spaces, today announces a new collection inspired by the beauty of our national parks. The Wide-Open Spaces Collection is an annual, small-batch production of Wyoming Whiskey that supports parks across the country in partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF).

The first in the collection–Wide Open Spaces – By Air– was inspired by the natural wonders of Wyoming and the beauty of Wyoming’s national parks. The collection includes four artfully crafted, one-of-a-kind bottles of Wyoming Whiskey as well as a new National Parks Limited Edition American Whiskey. Beginning today, the National Parks Limited Edition American Whiskey will be available for purchase at Reserve Bar, Flaviar, and select NY, GA, CO and WY retailers, for $49.99.

“For 35 years or so, I’ve been lucky enough to have a home in Wyoming. I am proud to work in conjunction with Wyoming Whiskey, my neighbors and friends, in support of the National Park Foundation,” said Harrison Ford, Creative Director for the Collection. “I’m very proud of what Wyoming Whiskey is doing with this event, as it is important to protect and restore these national treasures and keep them safe for future generations.”

To celebrate the unique and first collection, four custom bottles curated by Wyoming Whiskey and Harrison Ford will be available only through a live virtual auction on April 20 at bit.ly/WideOpenSpacesByAir. The auction will also feature several additional items to bid on from custom merchandise to vacation retreats in support and celebration of the inaugural installment of the collection. All proceeds from the live, virtual auction will benefit NPF.

“The By Air Collection is our tribute to the natural beauty of the very place that inspired our American Whiskey,” said David DeFazio, co-founder of Wyoming Whiskey. “We are truly fortunate to live among parks that are national treasures. It is only right that we pay it forward in preserving these wide-open spaces through this annual initiative that supports the National Park Foundation.”

Each bottle of the limited-edition, custom By Air series is held within a decorative wooden vessel mirroring Wyoming’s topography, hand-carved by natural materials artist Jamison Sellers. Sellers is known for his efficient use of materials and minimal environmental impact of production.

The labels on each bottle are their own work of art, each featuring aerial images captured by celebrated Wyoming photographer Tuck Fauntleroy, known for his abstract and grandiose style of landscape photography. The series of images were curated by award-winning actor and environmentalist Harrison Ford, the creative director of the series.

“Wyoming Whiskey’s support inspires people to celebrate and give back to the treasured places that give us so much,” said Stefanie Mathew, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation. “The National Park Foundation is thrilled to be the beneficiary of the virtual auction and will use these funds to preserve and protect our national parks for current and future generations.”

Celebrating four special landscapes in Wyoming, each bottle is paired with a thoughtfully chosen American Whiskey:

Barrel #5434, Inspired by Black Sand Basin: Representing both the very best of Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon caramel, orange, and vanilla aroma profile and the perfect Cask Strength barrel. Bottled at cask strength, it has smooth, sweet flavors of orange, vanilla, and caramel, while the palate exudes flavors of grilled white peaches and Chinese 5 spice powder. It is an exceptionally well-balanced, expressive, and elegant Bourbon.

Barrel #2864, Inspired by Hayden Valley: A big, bold Whiskey with strong shoulders and a surprisingly soft, pleasant finish, this American Straight Whiskey has been taken from a single cask that has rye in the mash bill, uncustomary for Wyoming Whiskey. The deep mahogany Hayden Valley features a mash bill of 48% winter rye, 40% corn, and 12% malted barley and is bottled at cask strength. It displays bold aromas of dark chocolate covered cherries, wintergreen leaves, and Devil’s food chocolate cake with coconut and walnut icing. The palate offers intense notes of Demerara sugar, Persian black tea, muddled mint leaves, and dill, with a long, semi-sweet finish.

Barrel #2760, Inspired by Grand Teton: Never released as a single barrel expression before, this Rye Bourbon helps makes up Wyoming Whiskey’s Outryder. Taken from a single cask that has a mash bill containing 68% corn, 20% winter rye, and 12% malted barley and bottled at cask strength. It expresses notes of blackberry cobbler with a cinnamon-sprinkled biscuit crust, English sticky toffee pudding, and honeyed hay. The palate finishes with baking spices and orange blossom honey. This is an exceptionally balanced whiskey with great finesse and a spectrum of flavors to suit every palate.

Barrel #5004, Inspired by Yellowstone Lake: Representing the finest of Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon spiced aroma profile, in addition to being a darker, richer expression of the rare Cask Strength release. Bottled at cask strength, it offers notes of prunes in sweet syrup, black currant, and Persian black tea. The finish is long, with hints of Medjool dates, thick molasses, and savory desert sage blossom honey. It is a complex Bourbon with a wide spectrum of sweet, savory, spicy, smoky, and nutty aromas.

To stay up to date on Wyoming Whiskey’s first-ever Wide Open Spaces Collection, visit bit.ly/WideOpenSpacesByAir and connect with @WyomingWhiskey on Instagram.

RSVP to WyomingWhiskey@HavasFormula.com for more information.

About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at www.nationalparks.org.

About Wyoming Whiskey
Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has had a simple goal: to create America’s next great American Whiskey. The company and product are a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of Wyoming Whiskey’s American Whiskey is 100% Wyoming.

About Edrington
Edrington’s vision is that we will give more by building the world’s leading portfolio of exceptional super premium spirits.

Our strategy is to intensify our focus on becoming the world’s leading super premium brand builder. The Macallan is our central focus supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing Single Malt category and Naked in the Blended Malt category.

We have strategic partnerships with Tequila Partida and Wyoming Whiskey in the dynamic Tequila and American Whiskey categories.

Our portfolio is completed with The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky and Brugal premium rum in the Dominican Republic.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,500 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over 70% employed overseas. We own our route to market in 15 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements.

Edrington Americas is headquartered in New York, NY with regional offices in Chicago, Miami and Orange County. To learn more visit https://www.edrington.com, and to find our brands visit https://www.findourspirits.com.

Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Rock Star Guitarist + Artisan Craft Distillery Create Rock the Barrel Bourbon

April 27, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Rock the Barrel BourbonFairport, New York — Legendary guitarist John Petrucci is rocking the world with his first signature bourbon, Rock the Barrel, generated from an exclusive collaboration with Iron Smoke Distillery. The craft bourbon whiskey comes in at a full 120 proof, ready to blow the mind.

“As soon as I tasted Iron Smoke’s Cask Strength, I knew I wanted to partner with this distillery,” said Petrucci, widely considered to be one of the greatest guitar players of all time. “I take a craftsmanship approach with everything I do – whether it’s my guitar playing or the people I surround myself with. I care about details and caring to the fullest is what makes something great. Iron Smoke takes the same approach and that is why we forged what we consider the perfect relationship.”

Petrucci is a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated progressive metal band, Dream Theater, and is also a bourbon whiskey aficionado. He personally drove five hours to the Finger Lakes region to taste-test Iron Smoke’s Cask Strength. John then hand-picked each of the barrels which were combined for this kick-ass bourbon blend.

“The name, Rock the Barrel, is perfect because it gives you a sense of the experience you will have when this smoky goodness slides over your taste buds,” notes Petrucci. “Being from New York myself, I love how they go to family farms to get ingredients and age their bourbon in barrels from our great state.”

Rock the Barrel bourbon joins Iron Smoke’s collection of award-winning bourbon whiskeys created by Master Distiller, Drew Westcott. In 2018, Iron Smoke was rated a 95.5 in Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible and in 2019 was listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the “10 Best Bourbons Beyond Kentucky.”

Alongside Petrucci, Iron Smoke CEO and founder, Tommy Brunett, conceptualized this special release to complement the legendary guitarist’s unique taste profile.

“We take the craft of making whiskey just as seriously as John takes appreciating a truly good bourbon. This collaboration is proof of that—120 proof!” exclaimed Brunett.

Tommy Brunett is an accomplished musician in his own right, having played guitar for Modern English in the 1980’s. He has written and produced several albums, and regularly performs with the Tommy Brunett Band when he’s not making whiskey. He feels it is destiny that brought John Petrucci and Iron Smoke together for this collaboration.

“To join an award-winning distillery with one of the world’s greatest guitarists—it’s an amazing combination. There’s nothing like the age-old combo of bourbon and rock n’ roll! They go together like Elvis on velvet and we are more excited than a pack of weasels in a hen house!” exclaimed Brunett.

Petrucci grew up on Long Island, and so connecting with a New York State farm distillery was important to him. Many ingredients are grown by farmers within a crow’s flying distance. Locals get to savor the smell of apple wood when the Iron Smoke crew uses the handmade smokin’ machine to cure the grains.

“For me, it’s all about the experience—how the bourbon is made, where it is made, what it smells like, what it tastes like, and even how you talk about it when you are enjoying the moment,” said Petrucci. “I can’t wait for the world to enjoy a Rock the Barrel bourbon moment!”

Starting on May 3, 2021, Iron Smoke’s small-batch edition of Rock the Barrel is available for online purchase at ironsmokedistillery.com. Each 750ml bottle, priced at $200, is personally autographed by John Petrucci himself, and the label features an iconic photo of Petrucci holding his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar. Customers also receive an All-Access laminate which entitles them to join a live on-line tasting event with John Petrucci and Tommy Brunett.

All purchases come with a coupon for 20% off a Rock the Barrel t-shirt emblazoned with the stylish aesthetic of the bottle’s artwork.

Rock the Barrel bourbon and t-shirts are also available for in-person purchase at Iron Smoke Distillery’s World Famous Spirit Factory, Watering Room & Side Show in Fairport, New York.

About Rock the Barrel:
Pure and unfiltered, this cask strength, 120 proof bourbon whiskey bridges strength and smoothness with a whisper of apple wood smoke sweetness. Created by Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport, New York, in partnership with John Petrucci, this is a distinctly flavorful four grain bourbon with apple wood smoked wheat. Rock the Barrel is bottled as a limited-edition, small-batch craft bourbon whiskey.

About John Petrucci:
An American guitarist, composer, and producer best known as a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated progressive metal band, Dream Theater. On April 16, 2021, John Petrucci released Liquid Tension Experiment 3 with Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy and Tony Levin. Petrucci has two solo albums, Suspended Animation (2005) and Terminal Velocity (2020). He is designated as “arguably the most versatile and proficient player in his realm” by Guitar World Magazine, and is regarded as “one of the most celebrated guitarists alive” by Premier Guitar.

About IRON SMOKE DISTILLERY:
Based in a 21,000-square foot facility in Fairport, NY, Iron Smoke Distillery produces distinct world-class bourbons and whiskeys that can be enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails. Iron Smoke is winner of the prestigious Double Gold in the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition, recipient of a 95.5 rating in the 2018 Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and is named one of the “10 Best Bourbons Outside of Kentucky” by Forbes Magazine. Their products include Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke CASKet Strength, Iron Smoke Single Barrel Special Reserve, Rattlesnake Rosie’s Apple Pie Whiskey and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey.

As a New York State small-batch farm distillery, Iron Smoke uses local ingredients from Finger Lakes family farms within a 50-mile radius. The stripped mash from production is returned to the farms to be used as feed for their livestock. Iron Smoke’s tasting room, the “Watering Room and Sideshow” features a fully licensed bar with all New York State Wines, Beers, and Spirits as well as weekly live music and world-class entertainment.

For More Information:
https://ironsmokedistillery.com/iron-smoke-rock-the-barrel/

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Whiskey Meets Tequila: Sagamore Spirit Releases Tequila Finish Rye

April 19, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Sagamore Spirit Releases Tequila Finish RyeBALTIMORE, Maryland — Struggling with that age-old question, “whiskey or tequila”? Sagamore Spirit says why not both? With the calendar counting down to Cinco de Mayo, the award-winning distiller today announced the release of its newest limited-edition rye whiskey that brings the best of both worlds: Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish.

The new offering, available nationwide, finishes Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey in Extra Añejo barrels. The result is a full-bodied yet approachable rye that telegraphs tequila in all the right ways, with hints of agave, citrus, spice, warm oak and vanilla on the nose, and even more agave, peppercorn, fig and orange to taste. Marked at a substantial 98-proof, it is a spirit meant to be sipped and savored.

“Melding a full-bodied rye whiskey with tequila may sound like a risky move, but our distilling team welcomes risks that can bring big rewards,” said Brian Treacy, Sagamore Spirit’s president. “Like Maryland-style rye, tequila has a history that’s deeply rooted in a sense of place, so to us, this union made perfect sense. The end result perfectly captures what’s special about each spirit to give fans of both spirits something unexpected, seasonal and full of flavor – just in time for warmer weather.”

Despite tequila’s more than 350-year history, Extra Añejo is a newer sub-category that requires tequila to be aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Akin to rye whiskey’s aging process, Extra Añejo tequila interacts with the barrel staves longer, resulting in some of the most complex and elegant tequilas in the world. When it came time to select barrels for Tequila Finish, Sagamore Spirit’s team of distillers sought out casks that had nurtured tequila in such a way and had aged both Añejo and Extra Añejo tequila for at least seven years.

Tequila Finish is part of the Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series, a collection of limited-edition Maryland-style rye whiskies aged in barrels that formerly aged other spirits, wines, or beers. Past releases include Manhattan Finish, Rye Ale Finish (aged in Sierra Nevada beer barrels) and Calvados Finish.

While Tequila Finish will only be available for a limited time, fans can enjoy Sagamore Spirit year-round with its Signature, Double Oak, and Cask Strength rye whiskies, the distillery’s core offerings that are leading the Maryland-style rye revival across the country.

Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish will be available nationwide beginning March in 750ml bottles at a suggested retail price of $69. To find a bottle near you visit sagamorespirit.com/find-rye.

About Sagamore Spirit
Sagamore Spirit is committed to inspiring a global passion for Maryland Rye Whiskey. Its award-winning five-acre waterfront distillery in Baltimore is reclaiming the city’s rightful place in America’s whiskey history, where storied distillers perfected rye whiskey for more than 150 years before Kentucky was founded.

Maryland Rye Whiskey was known to be full bodied yet notably more approachable than other regional rye styles, and Sagamore Spirit has picked up the torch. Its straight rye whiskies have earned more than 100 awards internationally, including “World’s Best Rye Whiskey” in 2019 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Sagamore Spirit’s distillation team blends two different rye mash bills – a high rye and a low rye – and then adds pure Maryland limestone-filtered spring water, transported 22 miles from Sagamore Farm, to craft the brand’s Signature 83-proof Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey. To learn more about Sagamore Spirit’s signature expressions, including Cask Strength and Double Oak, as well as limited-time releases, visit www.SagamoreSpirit.com.

Filed Under: best whiskey, distillers

Texas Whiskey Festival Crowns Best Texas Whiskeys

April 8, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Texas Whiskey Festival Crowns Best Texas WhiskeysAUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Whiskey Festival announces the winners of the annual competition of the best Texas Whiskeys.  Each year the Texas Whiskey Festival hosts a competition to determine who has the best Texas Bourbon, Rye, and Malt Whiskey. With a panel of judges, we conduct the competition with a method known as blind judging. The brands and specific whiskeys they are tasting are unknown to the judges. “Our panel of judges smell and taste their way through each whiskey, rating the aroma, taste complexity, and finish,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements.

Bourbon: Grain to Glass
Gold – Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Texas Straight Bourbon
Silver – Silver Star Spirits 1849 Straight Bourbon
Bronze – Balcones Distilling Texas Pot Still Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Rebecca Creek 10 year Straight Bourbon
Silver – Milam and Greene Triple Cask Straight Bourbon
Bronze – Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery Select Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Balcones Distilling Texas Rye 100
Silver – Gulf Coast Distilling Giant Rye 100
Bronze – Ranger Creek Distilling .44 Texas Rye

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Treaty Oak Distilling Schenley Reserve Rye
Silver – Yellow Rose Distilling Rye
Bronze – Oak & Eden Rye & Spire

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Ranger Creek Distilling Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt
Silver – Andalusia Whiskey Co. Stryker Smoked Single Malt
Bronze – Balcones Distilling Lineage Single Malt

Other Whiskeys: includes whiskeys aged in used barrels, blended whiskey, and light whiskey.
Gold – Austin 101 Light Whiskey (made grain to glass in Texas)
Silver – Remington Family Distillers Remington Revival
Bronze – Rebecca Creek Small Batch

“These are their winners, but remember the best whiskey is the one you like,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite distillery to decide on the people’s choice.

Thank you to the Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co for hosting us. A big thank you to our talented judges.
Marianne Eaves, KY’s First Female Master Distiller, Founder of Eaves, LLC Whisk(e)y and Spirits Consulting and Curator of Eaves Blind.
Gabrielle Pharms, Veteran journalist with bylines in/on Bourbon Plus, Whisky Advocate, Imbibe Magazine, UPROXX, and more.
Tom Koerner the former Spirit Guide and General Manager of Seven Grand Whiskey Bar and Las Perlas Mezcaleria, Current Brand Ambassador for Mezcal Unión.

About the Texas Whiskey Festival
The festival’s mission is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. We want to promote and educate whiskey lovers about the whiskeys produced in our great state. We’re doing it all while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. As an organization, we know that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys globally. The Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to showcase that. For more information, please visit https://txwhiskeyfest.com.

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MGP Launches 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program

February 11, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel ProgramLAWRENCEBURG, Indiana — MGP has launched the New Year with the release of their 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program. George Remus Single Barrel selections will be offered at cask strength in two mash bills that reflect MGP’s signature high-rye bourbon character. Participating accounts in the Single Barrel program are invited to connect virtually with the distillery team in Lawrenceburg to taste, select and order their preferred mash bills. Participating retailers can also opt to customize the label on their 2021 Single Barrel Selection to enhance the collectible aspect of this special offering. George Remus Bourbon Single Barrels are available for pre-sell until March 15.

George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel“The Remus Family of Bourbon Whiskies exemplifies MGP’s expertise in distilling, aging and blending. Our Single Barrel program offers an exciting complement to our Bourbon portfolio and allows us to showcase our historic high-rye mash bills,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP. “We’re thrilled to expand this year’s program with a renewed commitment to support our partners with marketing support tailored to reach the most discriminating Bourbon consumers.”

Bottled annually, the George Remus Single Barrel Bourbon will be shipped to each participating retailer by September 2021, to coincide with National Bourbon Month. Partners can also “Order the Barrel” to proudly display their custom-stenciled private selections.

About George Remus® Straight Bourbon Whiskey
George Remus, a bourbon brand named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” is crafted by MGP at their historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high-rye blend of Bourbon whiskies, aged over four years, with a hint of vanilla, a maple aroma, and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor (SRP: $39.99/750-ml). Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV is crafted from 2008 reserve Bourbons and is available in limited quantities (SRP: $84.99/750-ml). Connect with us: GeorgeRemus.com.

About MGP
Founded in 1941, MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science backed by a long history of experience. The company’s proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high-quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled in Washington, D.C., and distilled and matured at the company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

2021 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition Results

February 9, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

2021 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition ResultsVancouver, BC  – Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) proudly announces the results of the annual Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC). CASC is Canada’s only national spirit competition reserved exclusively for artisan distilleries.

The 2021 edition of CASC includes an expanded set of categories, reflecting the growing size and diversity of spirits produced by artisan distillers across the country. Best in Class, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals were awarded in 19 spirit categories. The competition also includes Terroir honours, recognizing distilleries whose use of local ingredients is reflected in the character of their spirits.

“This year I am pleased to see spirits from across the country represented in our Best in Class awards, with distilleries in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia all taking Best in Class prizes,” says Alex Hamer, ADC’s founder. “It’s also great to see that even in the face of considerable pandemic-related business interruptions, our distillers continue to produce high quality spirits of every kind.”

Canadian Artisan Spirit Of The Year
Each year, CASC awards the Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year medal to the overall top-scoring overall spirit out of all categories. This year we are very pleased to announce that Ampersand Distilling Company, in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island has taken top honors for its Nocino!, an Italian-style green walnut liqueur made with walnuts handpicked in the Cowichan Valley and sweetened with local honey.

Judges clearly loved this spirit, noting “pronounced aromas of walnut, and medium notes of orange peel, nutmeg, coffee, and burnt sugar … very complex and exceptionally balanced … with a deeply roasted flavor and a pleasing note of bitterness … [a] carefully crafted liqueur.”

Best In Class – Spirits
The following spirits earned the top scores in their respective categories:

Absinthe: Distillerie Fils du Roy (QC) – Courailleuse
Akvavit: Confluence Distilling (AB) – Vinland Aquavit (Best in Class, 2020)
Amaro or Vermouth: The Woods Spirit Co (BC) – Pacific North-West Amaro
Brandy or Eau de Vie: Wynndel Craft Distilleries (BC) – Apple Brandy
Flavoured or Infused Vodka: Arbutus Distillery (BC) – Espresso Vodka
Aged Gin: The Liberty Distillery (BC) – Endeavour Old Tom Gin
Classic Gin: Patent 5 Distillery (MB) – Navy Strength Gin
Contemporary Gin: (tie) Compass Distillers (NS) – Gin Royal; The Dubh Glas Distillery (BC) – Noteworthy Gin – Navy Strength
Flavoured Gin: Raging Crow Distillery (NS) – Spruce Tip Gin
Liqueur: Ampersand Distilling Company (BC) – Nocino!
Fruit Liqueur: La Vallée Bleue (QC) – Cassimix
Alternative Rum: Merridale Cidery & Distillery (BC) – Cowichan Spiced Rhumb
Traditional Rum: Last Straw Distillery (ON) – Blackstrap Rum – Double Barrelled
Classic Vodka: Bandits Distilling Inc. (SK) – Northern Lights Vodka
Contemporary Vodka: Ironworks Distillery (NS) – Ironworks Vodka
Single Grain Whisky: Shelter Point Distillery (BC) – Double Barrel Batch 5
Single Malt Whisky: Odd Society Spirits (BC) – Commodore Single Malt Whisky
Young Whisky: DEVINE Distillery (BC) – Ancient Grains (Best in Class, 2019, 2020)
White Spirit: Silver Fox Distillery (ON) – 4 Peppercorns

Best In Class – Bitters
Distillerie Fils du Roy (QC) – Fils du Roy Bitter

Medals were awarded to distillers and bitters-makers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Complete Results:
https://artisandistillers.ca/2021-results

About The Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition and Artisan Distillers Canada
Artisan Distillers Canada is a national organization focused on celebrating and highlighting artisan distilleries and spirits across Canada. The annual Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition was founded in 2017 to recognize the best of Canadian artisan distilling. Distilleries must meet our qualifications (https://artisandistillers.ca/artisan-distillery) to participate in the competition.

The first annual Artisan Distillers Canada Conference & Trade Show will be held October 19 – 20, 2021, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, distillers

Registration for the 2021 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship is now open

February 4, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Oxford, Ohio – The registration for the 2021 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship is now open. Distillers can register Whiskeys and Spirits thru June 1st. Whiskeys/Spirits will need to arrive in Oxford, Ohio between June 6th-11th. The medal winners and Grand National Champion will be announced on July 5th. The U.S. Open is open to only licensed distilleries.

The U.S. Open Whiskey Championship works with the Niagara College Teaching Distillery, and the judges are Niagara College’s Instructors and distillers from the surrounding area. This competition is blind, and the judges do not know what Whiskeys/Spirits they are tasting. The final round of judging will be held in Buffalo, New York.

Last Year, Patriarch Distillers/Soldier Valley Spirits from La Vista, Nebraska was named the U.S. Open Whiskey’s Grand National Champion after winning two gold medals and two silver medals. Their Omaha Beach Bourbon Whiskey was a favorite among the judges. While, Acre Distilling of Fort Worth, Texas was named the 2020 U.S. Open Spirits’ Grand National Champion by winning a gold medal for their Two Minnies Gin and another gold for their barrel aged vodka.

Call for Entries(First Entry is Free)
Each distillery may enter a maximum of 10 spirits. In order to help small distillers, each distillery’s first entry is free. After the first entry, other entries will be $75 per entry. To be considered one of the Top Ten Distilleries, a distillery must submit a minimum of 4 Whiskeys/Spirits. To enter, click here for registration.

Over 30 categories will be judged this year, and winners will receive a medal in the shape of a Whiskey Barrel Lid for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Plus, the Top 10 Distilleries overall will be featured in on USWhiskeyReport.com. Along with the medals awarded, the judges award a Grand National Champion based on a point system for Whiskeys/Spirits entered in the competition.

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California’s Spirit Works Distillery Moves into 2021 with New Accolades & Promotions

January 30, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Spirit Works DistillerySEBASTOPOL, California — The team at Northern California’s acclaimed Spirit Works Distillery is starting the year on a high note with the promotion of Krystal Goulart to the helm of its diverse distilling program and the announcement of their third national Good Food Award, this one for their latest bourbon release, a Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Even in the midst of universal challenges and pivots, 2020 was also an outstanding year for the grain-to-glass craft spirits pioneer, the pinnacle being honored as the “2020 Distillery of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute (ADI).

Krystal Goulart arrived at Spirit Works in 2018 to apprentice with the all-female distilling team after more than a decade of work in the wine industry. After earning a degree in Enology and Viticulture from California State University, Fresno, Krystal honed her skills abroad in Australia’s Margaret River Valley and Portugal’s Douro Valley before settling in Sonoma to work as an enologist and cellar master for such esteemed wineries as Chateau St. Jean and Cruse Wine Co. While working with wine, Krystal had observed with great interest the boom of the craft distilling industry around the U.S. and in her own Sonoma County backyard, an interest which led her to the Spirit Works team.

“We are absolutely thrilled to promote Krystal into such an integral role with our team in this new year,” said Ashby Marshall, Spirit Works proprietor and original distiller. “With a background in wine production and with several years under her belt with Spirit Works, Krystal has demonstrated the palate, demeanor, intellect, and logistical skills essential to her new role with this creative team. We are excited for everyone else to get to know her and see her stamp on our spirits moving forward.”

What Lies Ahead?

As the leading creative force behind the still, Krystal already has a number of projects underway, including an Amaro with a sloe berry twist and a new recipe for a second batch of Exploratory Gin.

“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” said Krystal. “Working alongside an innovative female-led team has been inspiring and has allowed me to refine my skills over the past three years. I look forward to maintaining our signature award-winning style, while challenging myself and my team to push our creative energies towards every aspect of the distilling process.”

Spirit Works 2021 Updates & Highlights:
DTC in CA: With California direct sales restrictions lifted for distilleries in 2020 due to COVID-19, Spirit Works can ship directly to consumers in the state though orders placed online here.
Virtual Events: Spirit Works has expanded its virtual tasting programming and will again offer tours and tastings onsite once pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Spirits Club: The Distillery’s growing Spirits Club continues to offer unique, limited edition expressions and pricing, with onsite pick up and statewide delivery.
Supporting Local & Sustainable: A grain-to-glass, sustainably-driven operation, Spirit Works has partnered with neighboring grain farmer Mai Nguyen for local ingredients.

Distribution: Spirit Works is available in CA, CO, AZ, and OR, targeting additional states for distribution ahead.
For more information about Spirit Works Distillery, its extensive portfolio, production practices and team, visit their website.

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

Brough Brothers Distillery, the First and Only African American-Owned Distillery in Kentucky Has Opened for Business

January 8, 2021 By Dow Scoggins

Brough Brothers Distillery, the First and Only African American-Owned Distillery in KentuckyLOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Brough Brothers Distillery, the first and only Black-owned distillery in the state of Kentucky, opened its doors for business earlier this month in Louisville.

The distillery was founded by Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough, three brothers born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. They wanted to produce quality bourbon whiskey in an industry that has thus far remained largely inaccessible to minority entrepreneurs. They are committed to supporting other local businesses in an effort to revitalize the West End neighborhood in which Brough Brothers is based. Their distillery will provide job opportunities and economic growth for the community of Park Hill, a historically underserved area of Louisville’s West End.

“Brough Brothers has an opportunity to not only provide employment opportunities for our local community, but also design an experience for locals and tourists in the heart of one of Kentucky’s cultural hubs,” Brough Brothers CEO Victor Yarbrough said. “At a time in history when there is much attention on Louisville, we are excited to represent positive change and hope for and on behalf of our city.”

First approved by the distillery-governing body the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in August 2018, Brough Brothers Distillery was recognized by Kentucky’s Senate as the state’s first African American-owned distillery in August 2020. Approved by the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in September, it will continue to make history as it distills and barrels its first barrel of bourbon this winter. Its bourbon shop will be open for business to bourbon enthusiasts by appointment only in spring 2021.

But customers don’t have to wait to enjoy Brough Brothers: its bourbon brand is available on store shelves now and online.

Brough Brothers Bourbon has received glowing customer reviews for being one of the smoothest bourbons on the market. With major and independent retailers selling it in Kentucky, national retailers (Kroger, Total Wine and More, Trader Joes, Walmart) and distributors (RNDC, JB, BBI, SWGS) alike have taken notice of its explosive popularity. Brough Brothers currently has major distribution partnerships in five states, including KY, FL, TN, IN, and CO. It will expand its distribution to another 20 states in early 2021.

 

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon, distillers

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