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Distillery 291 Releases Colorado Straight Whiskeys as Father’s Day Tributes

June 18, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Distillery 291 Releases Colorado Straight Whiskeys Colorado Springs, Colorado – Just in time for Father’s Day, Distillery 291 announced two new tasting room releases – 291 Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey and 291 Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Matured in deep-charred, new American white oak barrels for three years each, these limited offerings are the oldest whiskeys 291 has released to date.

“This year, these two special releases are a tribute to the two young men that do me the honor of calling me Dad,” said Michael Myers, owner and founding distiller of 291. “Our Father’s Day releases are always meaningful to us, and these straight whiskeys are a great way to commemorate the day and to acknowledge that we all get better as we get older.”

A limited tasting room release, there are 222 bottles of 291 Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey and 176 bottles of 291 Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey available. As an added gifting bonus, Distillery 291 will offer a limited amount of bottles signed by Myers in its tasting room. To reserve a bottle, customers can purchase online at distillery291.com/to-go/ and pick-up in person at 291’s tasting room (1647 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) beginning June 14, 2020.

291 Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey (Batch #1)
Loads of rich caramel and toffee up front on the nose. Leather and pipe tobacco add an earthiness, while cinnamon and clove balance it out with some spice. Hints of toasted oak and aspen round out the nose. The palate is viscous, with the clove, toffee, tobacco, and toasted oak at the forefront. There is a warming black pepper note with the return of the caramel for the long, pleasant finish. This is an assertive and spice forward rye, and yet somehow, at the same, soft and sweet rye. Made from malted rye and corn mash. 64.3% Alc/Vol – 128.6 PROOF

291 Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch #1)
The nose is full of assorted stone fruits such as apricots, nectarines, and peach cobbler, along with floral potpourri. Herbal tea, mint, and black pepper add spiciness and depth to the nose, while cedar and aspen dance around on the edges. The stone fruits are the first to greet the palate, along with the mint and herbal tea. The texture is surprisingly soft, especially given the high proof. The clove and black pepper spices quickly move in as it transitions to a lively finish with apricots, aspen, and floral notes. Made from corn, malted rye, malted barley mash. 66.9% Alc/Vol – 133.8 PROOF

About Distillery 291
Distillery 291 is a small batch whiskey distillery nestled in the stunning foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located in Colorado Springs, the distillery sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak where owner and distiller, Michael Myers, aims to replicate the taste, smell, and folklore of the Wild West. Today, Distillery 291 is distilling, from grain to barrel, to bottle, ten distinctive Colorado whiskeys. The young distillery has earned bushels of national and international awards for its spirits with the unique character and flavor of a bygone era, including the title of World’s Best Rye at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards. Distillery 291 embodies traditions of the past married with the boldness of the future: Rugged, Refined, and Rebellious. Handmade the Colorado way.  For More Information:
https://www.distillery291.com 

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George Dickel Returns To Bottled In Bond Category With New Vintage Of Their Award-Winning Whisky

June 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

George Dickel Returns To Bottled In Bond Bourbon CategoryTULLAHOMA, Tennesse –– Last year, George Dickel entered the Bottled in Bond category by launching the brand’s Fall 2005 whisky, which earned the coveted “Whisky of the Year” award from Whisky Advocate and was the top-rated American Whiskey of 2019 by Wine Enthusiast. Close to a year later, General Manager and Distiller, Nicole Austin, is continuing her pledge of transparency, authenticity, and producing a quality whisky at an approachable price by releasing a new bottling of George Dickel’s Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky.

Bold and balanced, this 11-year-old whisky was bottled in Fall 2008 and offers tantalizing notes of pecan, maple syrup and dried apple. At 100 proof (50% ABV), this release of George Dickel Bottled in Bond is best enjoyed slowly neat or on the rocks and plays well in many classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Perfect Manhattan.

“Bottled in Bond whiskies have always been one of my favorite categories because you know exactly what you’re getting when you pick up a bottle,” said Austin. “Our team continues to make great whiskey that’s reflective of the values we feel are most important, and I’m proud to share this year’s vintage of George Dickel Bottled in Bond with everyone. Like last year’s release, this bottling is a bold, complex spirit that shares the classic nutty, fruity and waxy characteristics that are expected from mature George Dickel whiskies.”

George Dickel Bottled in Bond has a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley. It is chill charcoal mellowed like the rest of the George Dickel Tennessee Whisky portfolio, which helps it get that smooth and creamy mouthfeel for which the brand is best known.

Beginning this month, the new George Dickel Bottled in Bond will be available in select markets across the nation for consumers to purchase at retail or order directly to their homes for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

As with all the whiskies in the George Dickel family, your friends at Cascade Hollow encourage you to sip this new offering the same way it’s made – slowly and responsibly.

Personal Preference Manhattan Recipe
1.5 oz George Dickel Bottled in Bond
.25 oz Sweet Vermouth
.25 oz Dry Vermouth
Dash aromatic bitters
Lemon peel garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and combine whiskey, vermouths, and bitters. Mix well then strain into cocktail glass. Add lemon peel as a garnish and serve.

About George Dickel
Since 1870, the fine folks at Cascade Hollow have honored George Dickel’s dream of crafting the smoothest Tennessee whisky around. Today, 150 years later, we’re still making award-winning whisky at our historic distillery in Tullahoma, TN. Tucked away in the Tennessee hills and surrounded by 600 protected acres of forest and crystal-fresh springs, Cascade Hollow has always been our home. Led by General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin, the team at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. continue the tradition of producing smooth sippin’ whisky through high standards of authenticity and craftsmanship. A proud member of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, we invite you to visit our home and learn more about how we make George Dickel Tennessee Whisky. For more information, go to www.GeorgeDickel.com. Your friends at Cascade Hollow remind you to always drink responsibly.

About DIAGEO
DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

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Filed Under: best whiskey, bourbon

MGP to Release Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV in September 2020

June 17, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV in September 2020LAWRENCEBURG, Indiana — MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) will debut Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV Straight Bourbon Whiskey in September 2020. Produced to commemorate Prohibition Repeal Day, Series IV is a limited annual release and reaches full distribution by Prohibition Repeal Day, December 5. In response to growing demand, Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV is planning an early fall release (timed with National Bourbon Month in September), and will roll out with a series of consumer tastings and events with special focus on the birthdate of George Remus (November 13) and Prohibition Repeal Day (December 5).

“Now in its fourth year, our Remus Repeal Reserve program has exceeded expectations and allows us to showcase the character of our extensive, aged bourbon reserves and blending expertise,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP. “Series IV delivers a bold, high-rye character and a beautifully balanced profile that reflects 12 years of age. We’re delighted to offer our next release earlier this fall to respond to consumer demand, and will also support an extensive tasting and education effort throughout our growing distribution network.”

Named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” Remus Repeal Reserve is an annual series from George Remus® Bourbon, crafted at MGP’s historic, 173-year-old distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Made in a signature high-rye style, the medley changes each year allowing the distillery team to experiment with their various mash bills and cask-aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV showcases a medley of two mash bills from 2008. It is comprised of 77% Bourbon (21% Rye) and 23% Bourbon (36% Rye). Series IV shows layers of rich caramel, candied fruit spice and toasted oak. The palate offers baking spices and oak, with a lingering finish of rye spice.

Highly anticipated, previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the Bourbon category, including a Double Gold in the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine for Remus Repeal Reserve Series III.

Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV retails for a suggested $84.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities as of September 2020. It is bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV. For more information, please contact Helen Gregory, helen@gregoryvine.com, or Amanda Davis, amanda@gregoryvine.com.

About George Remus® Bourbon
George Remus, a bourbon brand named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” is made by MGP Ingredients 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: $44.99/750-ml bottle). Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV is crafted from 2008 reserve bourbons and is available in limited quantities (SRP: $84.99/750-ml bottle). George Remus is currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and District of Columbia (DC). Connect with us: GeorgeRemus.com. 47% ALC/VOL & 50% ALC/VOL. Be Legendary. Sip Responsibly.

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 it produces premium distilled spirits and food ingredients. The company also produces premium distilled spirits in Washington, D.C., and at its historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

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National Bourbon Day – June 14th

June 15, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

National Bourbon Day - June 14thThere is something about bourbon that’s captured our global attention. In North America, sales have soared and in the U.S., where bourbon originates, one of the nation’s most popular whiskey makers reversed a decision to water down its recipe in an effort to meet worldwide demand. This country needs National Bourbon Day.

Some say the rise in bourbon sales is due to the growth of small-batch and single barrel bourbon in the 1990s, while others say it has to do with the resurgence in popularity of hard-liquor swilling characters and settings on television shows such as Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to raise a glass of the sweetened amber spirit June 14 as the world celebrates the splendor of this great whiskey on National Bourbon Day!

Legal Definition of Bourbon
Bourbon’s legal definition varies somewhat from country to country, but many trade agreements require that the name “bourbon” be reserved for products made in the United States. The U.S. regulations for labeling and advertising bourbon apply only to products made for consumption within the United States; they do not apply to distilled spirits made for export. Canadian law requires products labeled bourbon to be made in the United States and also to conform to the requirements that apply within the United States. But in countries other than the United States and Canada, products labeled bourbon may not adhere to the same standards. For example, in the European Union, products labeled as bourbon are not required to conform to all the regulations that apply within the United States, although they still must be made in the U.S.

The Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, codified under 27 CFR §5.22(b)(1)(i), states bourbon made for U.S. consumption must be:

Produced in the United States
Made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn
Aged in new, charred oak containers
Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume)
Entered into the container for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume)
Bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume)

Bourbon has no minimum specified duration for its aging period. Products aged for as little as three months are sold as bourbon. The exception is straight bourbon, which has a minimum aging requirement of two years. In addition, any bourbon aged less than four years must include an age statement on its label.
Bourbon that meets the above requirements, has been aged for a minimum of two years, and does not have added coloring, flavoring, or other spirits may be – but is not required to be – called straight bourbon.

A bourbon that is labeled as straight that has been aged under four years must be labeled with the duration of its aging.
Bourbon that has an age stated on its label must be labeled with the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle (not counting the age of any added neutral grain spirits in a bourbon that is labeled as blended, as neutral-grain spirits are not considered whiskey under the regulations and are not required to be aged at all).

Bottled-in-bond bourbon is a sub-category of straight bourbon and must be aged at least four years.

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Experimental Wheat Bourbon

April 29, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Buffalo Trace Wheat BourbonFRANKFORT, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its first experimental whiskey for 2020, a wheat recipe bourbon aged for four years, cut with water, then re-barreled and left to age for another eight years.

The barrel, filled with Buffalo Trace Wheat Bourbon recipe and entered into the barrel at 114 proof, was put away to age in one new barrel on Dec. 10, 2007. After four years of aging in Warehouse C the barrel was removed, the bourbon was cut with water to lower it down to 100 proof, and then put back into the same barrel and left to age another eight years in the same warehouse.

Although unusual to interrupt the aging process, the distilling team at Buffalo Trace is pleased with the results. “We’ve always known water was a necessary component in making whiskey,” stated Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “This experiment helped us to understand how important role water actually plays in whiskey production. The result of this experiment led us to a bourbon that is actually one of my favorite experiments.”

Wheatley describes this bourbon as having a “nose that is sweet and floral, with notes of oak, vanilla, and a bit of leather. There’s a really smooth creamy mouthfeel here. The taste is a pleasing balance of butterscotch, honey, and wood with a crisp finish.”

This is the 23rd experimental release from Buffalo Trace Distillery, having started with its first experimental release in 2006. In total, there are more than 25,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery, the largest number of experimental barrels ever held in inventory at the National Historic Landmark Distillery, and most likely the world. Each experimental barrel has unique characteristics that differentiate them in distinct ways. Some examples of experiments include unique mash bills, types of wood, and different barrel toasts. Buffalo Trace also has an experimental warehouse, Warehouse X, which is designed to explore the extent of environmental influences on the flavor profiles of whiskey.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles, and each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys retail for approximately $46.99 each and will be available in May. Experimental Collection releases are generally quite small and have limited availability.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye, and vodka on-site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine, and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces Kosher Whiskey Release

April 28, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

Buffalo Trace Kosher WhiskeyFRANKFORT, KY  – Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing what it believes to be the first authentic Kosher Whiskey, under the guidance of the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc-Kosher). Buffalo Trace began working with cRc in 2010. The new whiskey is available in three styles, Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon; Kosher Wheat Recipe Bourbon; and Kosher Straight Rye Whiskey. The three Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskies will be starting shipping from Buffalo Trace after Passover ends on April 16, 2020.

Kosher law mandates that whiskey should not be owned or consumed by Jews during Passover. In 2012 the cRc oversaw the sale of new American Oak Kosher barrels in a contract of sale to a non-Jewish executive, Buffalo Trace Distillery President Mark Brown, where they were filled with whiskey and put away in specially marked “Kosher whiskey” barrels to age.

Once the whiskey reached its desired age earlier this year, the bottling lines at the Distillery were flushed completely beforehand to ensure the whiskey was not exposed to any non-Kosher spirits. This allocated whiskey will be released after Passover ends this year on April 16. Bottles will sell through wholesalers and retailers before Passover begins again in 2021.

“This is a milestone in the spirits industry to produce a truly Kosher whiskey,” said Mark Brown, owner of the Kosher barrels at Buffalo Trace. “We know Kosher products are very important to the Jewish community as well as a broader audience, we are fully committed to ensuring that the entire chain of custody remains Kosher so the purchaser has 100% confidence this is a Kosher whiskey.”

“We’re excited that our partnership which we began ten years ago has come to fruition,” stated Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, kashrus administrator Chicago Rabbinical Council, “Our members have shown great interest in the prospect of being able to enjoy a Kosher whiskey. We are very happy Buffalo Trace has taken the steps to make sure this happens.”

The new Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskey line is limited, but it will be an annual release each year after Passover. The labels depict both Buffalo Trace Distillery logo and the cRc-Kosher logo. Each expression of Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ml bottle.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

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The 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Winners

March 31, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

San Francisco World Spirits Competition MedalsSAN FRANCISCO –  The San Francisco World Spirits Competition announces results of their 20th anniversary judging, held on March 13th through the 15th at the Hotel Nikko. The 2020 Competition was another record-breaking year that featured almost 3,000 entries from all corners of the world. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is the world’s most respected spirits competition due in large part to their esteemed judges. Each with a distinct story and trusted palate, these seasoned experts are one of the reasons an SFWSC medal indicates the highest caliber of quality.

2020 Best In Show and Best Of Class  

Best In Show Unaged White Spirit: Defiance Navy Strength Gin, Manchester, United Kingdom
Best In Show Aged White Spirit: Rhum Savanna Traditionnel Le Must, France
Best In Show Whiskey: The GlenDronach Revival 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Scotland
Best In Show Brandy: Marie Brizard Anisette, France
Best In Show Liqueur: Château de Laubade Cask Strength Vintage 2000 Armagnac Bas Armagnac, France
Best Vodka: Organika Life Vodka, Russia
Best Aquavit: New Alchemy Distilling Fylleangst Aquavit, California, USA
Best London Dry Gin: Bareksten Botanical Gin, Norway
Best Regular Gin: Never Never Distilling Co. Triple Juniper Export Strength Gin, South Australia
Best Flavored Gin: Whitley Neill Aloe & Cucumber Gin
Best Genever: Filliers Young & Pure Geneva, Belgium
Best Other White Spirit: Iichiko Wapirits Tumugi, Ōita, Japan
Best Shochu: Hombo Shuzo Akane Kaze 43 Shochu, Kagoshima
Best Baijiu: TTL Longtian Distillery Yushan Aromar Kaoliang Liquor
Best Tequila • Best Silver/Gold Tequila: El Sativo Organic, Kosher, Single Estate Reserve Blanco Tequila, Mexico
Best Reposado Tequila: Cutwater Spirits Reposado Tequila, Mexico
Best Añejo Tequila: Dano’s Dangerous Añejo Tequila, Mexico
Best Mezcal: Mezcal Carreño Ensamble 7, Oaxaca, Mexico
Best Cachaça: Leblon Cachaça, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Best Dark/Gold Rum: Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum, Jamaica
Best Extra Aged Rum: Pusser’s 15 Year Old Rum
Best Straight Bourbon: Woodinville Straight Bourbon, Washington, USA
Best Small Batch Bourbon – Up to 5 Years: Kings County Distillery Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, New York, USA
Best Bourbon • Best Small Batch Bourbon • Best Small Batch Bourbon – 6 to 10 Years: Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 10 Year Old Cask Strength, USA
Best Small Batch Bourbon – 11 Years and Older: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
Best Single Barrel Bourbon •   – Up to 10 Years: Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
Best Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon: Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series “Phifer Pavitt Reserve” Bourbon, Tennessee, USA
Best Craft Distiller Whiskey: ASW Distillery Maris Otter Single Varietal Single Malt Whiskey, Georgia, USA
Best Tennessee Whiskey: Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey, Tennessee, USA
Best Rye Whiskey: Parker’s Heritage Collection 13th Edition Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, USA
Best Canadian Whisky: Rare Perfection 15 Year Old, Canada
Best Other Single Malt Whiskey: Triple Eight Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whiskey, Maryland, USA
Best Single Grain Whiskey: Ohishi 10 Year Old Brandy Cask Matured Japanese Whisky, Kumamoto, Japan
Best Other Whiskey: Shin 10 Year Old Mizunara Oak Finished Malt Whiskey, Niigata, Japan
Best American Blended Whiskey: FEW American Whiskey, Illinois, USA
Best Flavored Whiskey: Catskill Provisions New York Honey Rye Whiskey, New York, USA
Best Blended Irish Whiskey: Hyde #6 Special Reserve Blended Irish Whiskey, Ireland
Best Irish Whiskey • Best Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Matt D’Arcy’s 17 Year Old Rum Finish Single Malt Whiskey, Ireland
Best Blended Scotch • Best Blended Scotch – Up to 15 Years: Buchanan’s DeLuxe 12 Year Old Blended Scotch, Scotland
Best Blended Scotch – No Age Statement: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal Blended Scotch, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – Up to 12 Years: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – 20 Years and Older: Aultmore 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Speyside, Scotland
Best Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement: Aberlour A’bunadh Single Malt Scotch, Highlands, Scotland
Best Independent Merchant Single Malt: Port Askaig 110 Proof Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland
Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: Compass Box Whisky The Spice Tree Scotch, Scotland
Best Pisco: Mistral Nobel Pisco, Chile
Best Cognac VSOP or Equivalent: Martell Matured in Red Barrels Cognac VSOP, Cognac, France
Best Cognac • Best Cognac Extra-Aged/Vintage: Gautier Extra Since 1755 Cognac, Cognac, France
Best French Grape Brandy: Le Furet Lysens 30 Year Old Brandy, France
Best Spanish Grape Brandy & Brandy de Jerez: Torres 20 Hors d’Age Brandy, Spain
Best Fruit Liqueur: Righteous Seven Barrel Reserve Liqueur, Missouri, USA
Best Vermouth • Best Apéritif: Foro Rosso Vermouth di Torino, Italy
Best Pre-Mixed Cocktail: The Family Jones Automatic Jones Rock & Rye, Colorado, USA
Best Cream/Dairy Liqueur: Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Canadian Cream Liqueur, Ontario, Canada

Full Results will be published at http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/results/

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10 of the Best Bourbons for $40 and Under – 2026

January 1, 2020 By Dow Scoggins

10 of the Best Bourbons for $40 and Under - 2026

Here are 10 of the best bourbons and American whiskeys available for $40 or under (based on average U.S. retail prices as of early 2026). These selections draw from consistent expert recommendations, blind tastings, and value lists — offering excellent quality for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Prices fluctuate by region, but these reliably fall in the budget range and earn widespread praise for flavor and accessibility.

Buffalo Trace (~$25-35)
Smooth and balanced with notes of caramel, vanilla, and light fruit. This flagship from a legendary distillery offers remarkable complexity for the price — ideal for beginners or everyday sipping.

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (~$15-25)
Rich honey, vanilla, and oak from Heaven Hill — a bottled-in-bond standout that punches far above its weight. It’s sweet, smooth, and an unbeatable mixer or sipper.

Old Forester 100 Proof (~$25-35)
Caramel-forward with spice and fruit — bold yet approachable. This high-proof rye-influenced bourbon excels in cocktails or neat.

Wild Turkey 101 (~$25-35)
A classic high-rye bourbon with bold spice, vanilla, and oak. At 101 proof, it delivers big flavor without overwhelming heat — a longtime favorite for its punch and versatility.

Elijah Craig Small Batch (~$30-40)
Deep toffee, oak, and spice notes — often praised for its maturity and balance. A go-to for those seeking richer flavors on a budget.

Four Roses Small Batch (~$30-40)
Floral, fruity, and spicy from blending multiple recipes — elegant and complex. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that stands out in tastings.

Larceny Small Batch (~$25-35)
A wheated bourbon with soft vanilla, butterscotch, and bread-like sweetness — smooth and approachable, perfect for wheat bourbon fans.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select (~$35-40)
Rich with dried fruit, cocoa, and spice — well-crafted and layered. It edges the limit but delivers premium taste affordably.

Knob Creek 9 Year (~$30-40)
Full-bodied with peanut, oak, and caramel — aged longer for depth. A robust, no-nonsense sipper from Beam.

High West American Prairie Bourbon (~$30-40)
A blended bourbon with honey, caramel, and vanilla — supports prairie conservation. This non-Kentucky option adds variety and easy-drinking appeal.

These picks emphasize reliable shelf staples that consistently rank high in value assessments. Availability varies, so check local stores. Cheers!

 

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Nearest Green Distillery,First-Ever Whiskey Distillery to Honor an African-American, Opens

August 30, 2019 By Dow Scoggins

Uncle Nearest Whiskey 1856

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey HistorySHELBYVILLE, Tennessee – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the super-premium whiskey from Tennessee and the fastest-growing independent American whiskey brand in U.S. history, has announced that Phase One of its highly anticipated Nearest Green Distillery will open on September 14, 2019 in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Named after the first known African-American master distiller, and the whiskey brand’s namesake, Nearest Green, the new distillery is the first in the United States to commemorate an African-American whiskey maker, exemplifying the important contributions he made to whiskey history.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey BottleTravelers visiting the Nearest Green Distillery during its Phase One opening can expect to see the first of what is to be built on the 270-acre property, with buildings and experiences continuing to open over the next few years. Once fully open with all phases built out, the Nearest Green Distillery will not only serve as a place where Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is distilled, aged and bottled, but will pay homage to Nearest and the many other innovators and innovations from Tennessee. The distillery has turned the former site of the famous Sand Creek Farms, a Tennessee Walking Horse farm and event center, into a full-blown destination for whiskey enthusiasts, Walking Horse lovers and families.

Phase One of the Nearest Green Distillery will include:

A Tennessee Walking Horse experience where visitors will not only learn the history of the Walking Horse, but where more than 50 championship walking horses, and horses they sire, will continue to reside at the property.

The Welcome House, complete with a custom-made horseshoe bar where visitors will learn about and sample Uncle Nearest’s award-winning whiskeys. It will be the only place in the world with tastings of all four expressions: Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, Uncle Nearest 1884 Premium Small Batch Whiskey, Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium Single Barrel Whiskey and Nathan Green 1870 Premium Single Barrel Whiskey, an expression previously sold only in the U.K. A second-story Awards Mezzanine was built out to showcase some of the more than 50 awards the brand has already won.

A Copper Skies Experience where guests can sit in rocking chairs under a covered patio to see the most beautiful sunset in Tennessee. Visitors can sip on Uncle Nearest cocktails from Toppy’s, a connecting bar named after the CEO’s own horse, while watching the colors of the sunset.

A Full Retail Store, where visitors can purchase custom apparel, rare bottles of Uncle Nearest, and just about anything else Uncle Nearest makes.

The Bottling House open to the public, allowing visitors to take part in labeling the whiskey sold in the retail store. All four Uncle Nearest offerings will be bottled here.

A Hard Hat Tour, offered with every premium tasting. This experience walks visitors through the spaces under construction that will open in 2020, such as the single barrel warehouse and tasting room, as well as the Heritage Hall, an impressive collection of all things invented in Tennessee such as NASCAR, miniature golf, Moon Pies and Mountain Dew, with a special focus on Tennessee Whiskey, Walking Horses and country music.

“When I went to write the invitations for the distillery opening, tears began to stream down my face,” said Fawn Weaver, co-founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest. “I’m not a person who cries often, but something about this history just chokes me up. When I wrote the opening line, ‘If Nearest Green could have owned his own distillery, would he have?’ I could only think of this incredible master distiller that likely never had the chance. And posthumously, we are working to ensure his name is cemented in the hearts and minds of people around the world for generations to come. The Nearest Green Distillery is his legacy and that of his descendants. Being able to bring that to life, quite frankly, still blows my mind.”

To build out the Nearest Green Distillery, Weaver has brought together a team of the most reputable designers and builders in the business. The overall design and visitor experience for the Nearest Green Distillery is being overseen by Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates. Peggy Noe Stevens is the first female master bourbon taster, founder of the internationally-acclaimed Bourbon Women, co-founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the woman behind some of the top distillery visitor experiences in the country. Thom Meek of GHP Environmental + Architecture and former Tennessee Walking Horse champion was brought on in 2017 to help bring this distillery vision to life and continues to serve as the architect on the project. Haynes Service Company is building out the corporate offices, Welcome House, single barrel warehouse and tasting rooms, while Lee Adcock Construction has taken lead on building the distillery, bottling house and rick houses.

Before Phase One of the Nearest Green Distillery officially opens to the public, Uncle Nearest and whiskey enthusiasts from around the country are invited for a special preview grand opening event on Thursday, September 5. To RSVP for the opening celebration, book a tasting and hard hat tour, or to learn more about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, visit www.unclenearest.com, and follow @unclenearest on Instagram and Facebook.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, produced at the expansive Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African-American master distiller who mentored a young Jack Daniel and perfected the Lincoln County Process of charcoal mellowing that defines Tennessee whiskey. Launched in 2017 by entrepreneur Fawn Weaver to celebrate Green’s overlooked legacy, the brand has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing and most awarded American whiskeys, with its 458-acre distillery—featuring tours, tastings, a working farm, and the renowned Humble Baron bar—welcoming visitors to experience this rich history firsthand.

Guided by fifth-generation descendant and multiple-time Master Blender of the Year Victoria Eady Butler, Uncle Nearest’s portfolio delivers bold, smooth Tennessee whiskeys including the flagship 1856 Premium Aged with notes of caramel and vanilla, the small-batch 1884 for refined complexity, innovative Straight Rye expressions showcasing spicy depth, and exclusive single barrel and master blend editions. These highly acclaimed spirits, crafted with premium grains and meticulous aging, offer versatility for sipping neat or mixing, making Uncle Nearest a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking authentic flavor rooted in pioneering American whiskey tradition.
Address: 3125 US-231 North Shelbyville, TN 37160
Website: www.unclenearest.com

Filed Under: best whiskey, whiskey

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