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Juneau, Alaska(February 8) – It’s whiskey release day! Online sales for Flagship Batch 6 will begin tonight at 7pm on our website. Some notes: this is like…ummmm. Banana fosters with chocolate chips. Took the banana fosters part from Jon, but – he wasn’t wrong. Thx, Jon. It is sweet, but never cloying. Just pleasantly so. Like, a nice pour to have with some ice cream. Or, use it to make banana fosters…now there’s a thought. It is a dessert whiskey. A nice evening pour. A treat on a Friday night. Or – if you are a degenerate who sometimes has an irish coffee going out to play in the snow (there is snow somewhere still, right!?), this would work well for that. It also still makes a great highball, giving nice subtle cola flavors. While I have yet to try it, I do believe that with a couple of nice cocktail cherries it could be more of a cherry cola vibe. Like – a high ball (whiskey, soda water, squeeze of a bit of lemon) but with some syrupy dark cocktail cherries. Yes. Please. Also – as per usual – this whiskey is particularly comfortable in Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. It just has more body and presence than your typical single malt, so it can hold up well in cocktails that typically utilize bourbon or rye.

What Amaga Distiller has to day about Flagship Single Malt Whiskey:
I feel like we have been pretty good about letting everyone know that the intent of the flagship releases was to have a whiskey that was consistent and on theme in our “house style”, but that they would not be identical. Well. This release will be an outlier, but also an incredible example of what Amalga Distillery is as a small whiskey producer. We get to be a bit creative and nimble, and for Batch 6 we took advantage of that.

If you have read our past tasting notes, you know that we have a thing for Cognac casks for finishing our whiskies. By finishing, we mean that we age the whiskey first on new American oak, and then transfer it to Cognac casks to age for just a little bit to mingle the whiskey and impart some of the Cognac characteristics. So. For Batch 6, we tried something a bit different and finished whiskey (that had previously aged for two or two and a half years) in a rum cask. And, well. It came out awesome. Like – really really really happy with it.

Some thoughts/notes. This is like…ummmm. Banana fosters with chocolate chips. Took the banana fosters part from Jon, but – he wasn’t wrong. Thx, Jon. It is sweet, but never cloying. Just pleasantly so. Like, a nice pour to have with some ice cream. Or, use it to make banana fosters…now there’s a thought. It is a dessert whiskey. A nice evening pour. A treat on a Friday night. Or – if you are a degenerate who sometimes has an irish coffee going out to play in the snow (there is snow somewhere still, right!?), this would work well for that. It also still makes a great highball, giving nice subtle cola flavors. While I have yet to try it, I do believe that with a couple of nice cocktail cherries (which we do currently have in stock…) it could be more of a cherry cola vibe. Like – a high ball (whiskey, soda water, squeeze of a bit of lemon) but with some syrupy dark cocktail cherries. Yes. Please. Also – as per usual – this whiskey is particularly comfortable in Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. It just has more body and presence than your typical single malt, so it can hold up well in cocktails that typically utilize bourbon or rye.

On a side note, we recently tried a single malt whiskey from a large Scottish producer that was made specifically for making cocktails. And, it kinda tastes like…well. A lower proof version of our whiskey. But – cool to see that our vision for single malt wasn’t all that wonky…or something along those lines.

A few closing thoughts. This particular whiskey just works well for the winter, and so it will probably go into the rotation as a regular winter release. Not as anything special; it is just the flagship. But, it is flagship release that is a little warmer and fitting for the season. Bottled again at 50% ABV, but not seeming 50% ABV. Sip it neat, add a bit of water, pour it over ice, use it in a cocktail. Do whatever you’d like with it. We made it to be versatile, so enjoy whatever way suits you.

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SHELBYVILLE, Tennessee— Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019 and 2020, confirmed today it has solidified this honor for the third year in a row, raking in a record 198 awards in 2021. Since its debut in 2017, the super-premium whiskey from Tennessee has topped every major spirit competition, garnering 380 total awards, including 46 Best in Class, and 213 Gold, Double Gold and Platinum medals. Last year alone, the brand won 21 Best in Class awards from the industry’s most respected judges, including at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, John Barleycorn Awards, Ascot Awards, Bartender Spirits Awards, and The Spirits Business Luxury Masters.

The distillery is continuing this momentum as it also announces today the release of its long-awaited new packaging containing whiskey 100-percent distilled, aged and bottled by Uncle Nearest, as well as unveils its 2022 slate of whiskeys which uses four different recipes. In addition to its current portfolio of core and distillery exclusive whiskeys, this year Nearest Green Distillery will release Uncle Nearest Rye, Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye, and a new more widely available Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey.

“Since the inception of our brand, everything in our bottles was blended to perfection by our master blender, Victoria Eady Butler, but the whiskey was sourced. Our own whiskey began fully maturing last year, and what we have in our bottles now is what we believe is the best whiskey we’ve ever released,” said Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO. “Some call Uncle Nearest a straight bourbon whiskey, some call us straight Tennessee Whiskey. We don’t care, as our whiskey meets the legal requirement of both distinctions. What we do care is that you call us super-premium whiskey as that is what our namesake made, and it is what our team and partners have been working nonstop to make each and every day.”

Among the greatest change to the new packaging is the replacement of the sketch of the property where Nearest originally distilled by the insignia of Nearest Green Distillery, which boasts a dram of whiskey encased by a horseshoe, signifying its iron Tennessee roots. Victoria Eady Butler, fifth-generation Nearest Green descendant, who has been named Master Blender of the Year by Whisky Magazine, VinePair, and The Spirits Business, has also added a note and her signature to the front of every newly released bottle.

“Our first-generation Uncle Nearest bottles shared the history of my great-great-grandfather and his significance to the Tennessee Whiskey coming out of the hills and hollows around Lynchburg,” said Eady Butler. “Our new generation of bottles reflect the future of our brand and our Shelbyville distillery being what cements his legacy for my family and every future generation of whiskey lovers. This is 160 years in the making and damn it if we didn’t figure out how to perfect it! Nearest has always deserved this.”

Last week, the company revealed via social media their plans to turn all their original bottles into collector’s items, encouraging buyers to “clear the shelves” of the “prelude” Uncle Nearest bottles and make way for the new editions.

“The packaging we used since our inception is no more as of 2022,” said Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer. “If you walk into any retail store from coast to coast, you will notice something familiar – empty Uncle Nearest shelves. We waited for our Whiskey Family to completely sell us out, and now we are restocking with the bottles that will permanently cement the legacy of Nearest Green, the world’s first known African American master distiller.”

The seven bottles in their 2022 whiskey slate will first be released at the 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, with 1884 Small Batch Whiskey debuting last weekend and cases beginning to ship into markets across the country today. In December 2021, the company released the first new bottles of its Master Blend Edition whiskey exclusively at the distillery, which has already been met with rave reviews from both critics and consumers.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The portfolio is the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 380 awards and accolades since the brands 2017 launch, including 46 Best in Class honors. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.

About Nearest Green Distillery
Nearest Green Distillery is the world’s first distillery to commemorate an African American. Dubbed as “Malt Disney World,” and recognized by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, ESSENCE, Lonely Planet, and more as a must-visit distillery, the 323-acre property has become known as a full-blown destination for whiskey lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. Every bit of the $50 million build-out is a master class in storytelling and history-making, paying tribute to the three things Tennessee is most known for: Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee walking horses and Tennessee music. For more information or to book a tour, please visit unclenearest.com/distillery, and follow on Instagram @unclenearest.

LAWRENCEBURG, Kentucky — World-renowned spirits critic and bourbon authority Fred Minnick has named Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon the Best American Whiskey of 2021. Tasting more than 700 whiskeys during the year, Minnick recently announced his Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021 and revealed the Top 10 rankings via a YouTube livestream on January 5th. Assessing each whiskey by color, nose, palate, finish, and uniqueness of a product in its category, Minnick ultimately selected the No. 1 whiskey of the year – Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon.

“During my blind tasting, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon showed power and elegance in a single glass,” said Fred Minnick, co-founder of the American Spirits Council of Tasters and world-renowned Bourbon curator, taster and Wall Street Journal-bestselling author,. “It is layered with so many flavors that I would love to sip this every day for the rest of my life. Of course, given the greatness of the Wild Turkey Distillery as of late, I am not surprised the Russell family and their team made this. It’s a once in a lifetime bourbon.”

Straight out of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is one of the boldest smoothest bourbons the iconic distillery has ever released. Honoring the family ties that bind, Eddie Russell introduced the new Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old in June 2021, releasing a 114.8-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon that exemplifies the Russell family’s mastery of bourbon-making. In the ultimate distilling challenge, Eddie aged this one-of-a-kind release for at least 13 years, maintained the barrel proof and opted not to chill filter the whiskey, creating a more robust mouthfeel and authentic bourbon experience.

“Crafting Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old turned out to be one of my most rewarding experiences as a distiller,” said Eddie Russell, who celebrated a remarkable 40 years of bourbon making at the Wild Turkey Distillery last year. “This release embodies our commitment to creating uniquely satisfying flavors, and hands down, it’s one of our most rare bourbons. I would happily join Fred in sipping from this bottle for the rest of my life as well.”

Savoring Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is an experience like no other. The barrel-proof bourbon coats the palate with sweet and warming flavors rising from the harmonious marriage of dried dark fruit and charred confectionary notes. Those sweet and woody notes give way to rich flavors of honey, chocolate and nougat throughout, followed by a strong and lasting finish. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is available in the United States for a limited time only. For more information, please visit www.russellsreserve.com.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Montelobos® Mezcal, Ancho Reyes® Chile Liqueur, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Cinzano®, Mondoro® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.

Campari America is headquartered in New York, New York. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica, Instagram: @CampariAmerica, and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Fred Minnick
World-renowned spirits critic and best-selling author Fred Minnick has been deemed a leader in the bourbon and spirits industry by The TODAY Show, Men’s Health, Forbes and many others. Minnick continuously revives the age-old traditions and cultures of bourbon and spirits through his media empire which includes the Bourbon Pursuit Podcast, DASH Radio’s “Minnick Minute” show and his Hermes Creative Awards Platinum-winning Podcast The Fred Minnick Show (PodcastOne). A Louisville, KY-based father of two, Minnick is also an avid music fan, curating his annual Bourbon and Beyond festival which has welcomed acts like Lynn Kravitz, John Mayer and Stevie Nicks to its stages. He has authored several books including Wall Street Journal best-seller Bourbon Curious.

For the full list of Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, visit fredminnick.com/2021/12/30/best-american-whiskeys-of-2021.

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FRANKFORT, Kentucky – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick have crafted an epic fundraising event to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from the tornados that ravaged Western Kentucky.

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature an online and live auction of exclusive private barrel selection experiences, rare and vintage spirits, and unique tasting and tourism offerings from Kentucky’s signature distilling industry and hospitality and charitable partners.

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in recent days,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I appreciate our signature Bourbon industry quickly stepping up to raise much-needed money for Kentucky families that have lost so much in this tragedy.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Kentuckians are hurting. They’ve lost their homes, loved ones and their livelihoods. It’s our obligation as a signature industry – and duty as fellow Kentuckians – to help each other in times of crisis.

“There is a real urgency here. These are our friends and neighbors, and they need help now.”

The online auction will begin Thursday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. EST and run until Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. A live-streamed auction will be held on Dec. 21 starting at 7 p.m. at Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville and will feature elite and immersive items from Kentucky’s legendary distillers.

Go to www.kybourbonbenefit.com to view all the auction items and bid.

All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornados and severe storms of Dec. 11. The website to learn more or make a donation is https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief.

“We’ve been the recipients of so much generous hospitality from the fine people of Kentucky,” said RJ Sargent, founder of The Bourbon Crusaders. “They’ve treated us like family. When we saw the chance to give back, our members jumped at the opportunity.”

Minnick said, “Kentucky Bourbon is a community that spans throughout the Bluegrass State and from whiskey bars in Sidney to the collectors in Manitoba. Bourbon lovers everywhere want to help rebuild Western Kentucky with our hands, hearts and wallets.

“Private collectors, Kentucky distillers, out-of-state brands and celebrities donated rare auction items that will surely break records. The Bourbon community believes in the Commonwealth’s bond of Bourbon and knows it can bring us together to rebuild.”

Offerings include more than 20 private barrel experiences, where Bourbon enthusiasts can personally taste and select their own one-of-a-kind barrel under the tutelage of the brand’s Master Distiller. Each barrel usually yields 150-200 bottles depending on age and proof.

Whiskey aficionados with the Bourbon Crusaders have raided their collections and donated dozens of limited edition and single barrel expressions of Bourbon, rye and Scotch whiskies. Distillers also have donated rare bottles that disappeared from retailer’s shelves long ago.

Minnick, a best-selling author and expert on all things Bourbon, utilized his renowned distilling and celebrity connections to reap a treasure trove of bottles, private experiences and memorabilia to fulfill any whiskey lover’s dream.

On the hospitality side, companies along the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour have donated overnight stays at charming bed and breakfast stops, transportation and tourism packages, a six-foot tall Christmas tree made out of barrel staves and much more.

In addition to the auction, there will be a dedicated “buy it now” section where people can purchase bottles and other items without breaking the bank. Due to COVID and space restrictions, the live auction is not open to the public. Items will be available for viewing online and streaming.

Organizers have been humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of distillers and partners from outside Kentucky that offered assistance and items for the auction. Kentucky distillers also are sending pallets of hand sanitizer to Western Kentucky that remain from COVID relief efforts.

“The outpouring has been enormous,” Sargent said. “We immediately began receiving texts and calls throughout Kentucky and from coast to coast from our members, friends and partners in the national Bourbon community who knew that we could help them help Kentuckians.”

Gregory said he began making calls to distillers early Saturday morning when daylight gave way to the devastation of the tornados. Not one distiller turned down his request to donate barrels or bottles to the cause.

“I really didn’t have to ask,” he said. “They knew why I was calling and they were ready to help in any way. It could have been any of their communities or families or colleagues. That’s Bourbon. That’s the Kentucky spirit shining through. We’re all about taking care of each other.

“After all, Bourbon is America’s spirit and Kentucky is its birthplace. When Kentucky hurts, we hurt, and that’s why we’re doing this. Thank you to everyone who is helping in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, and please continue praying for our beloved Commonwealth and its people.”

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