best whiskey

Rolling Fork Releases New Small Batch 10 Year Old Barbados Rum

June 24, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

Louisville, KY–June 25, 2024 – Rolling Fork, the Indiana-based producer of award-winning rums, is releasing a new small-batch rum distilled in Barbados titled, “The Wheated Cask Wonder.” The name refers to the more than two years that the rum was aged in rare, 10-year-old wheated bourbon casks sourced from Frankfort, Kentucky.

“We’ve been excited about this one for a while now,” says Rolling Fork Co-Founder Turner Wathen. “The combination of 8-year-old100% molasses rum distilled in Barbados and the rich flavor and soft texture that a wheated bourbon cask brings to the party makes this one of our most exciting releases.”

Rolling Fork sourced an8-year-old rum distilled in Barbados by Foursquare Distillery and then transferred it to bourbon casks that had held wheated bourbon for 10 years from one of Kentucky’s most iconic whiskey brands.

“We love the flavor profiles that developed in this rum after it aged in the 10-year-old wheated bourbon casks,” says Rolling Fork Co-founder Jordan Morris. “There’s a complex mix of orange peel, dark fruit and buttery pastry layered over some great caramel notes. At cask strength-114.9 proof–it’s a great rum experience.”

With four casks produced, only 900 bottles of The Wheated Cask Wonder are up for grabs. It has an SRP of $99 and is available online and in select markets.

About Rolling Fork:

Rolling Fork Spirits was founded by Turner Wathen and Jordan Morris in 2017 as independent blenders and bottlers of rum. Rolling Fork Spirits offers unique expressions of rums without additives. Located at Starlight Distillery in Borden, Indiana, Rolling Fork uses hand-selected casks (bourbon, rye, port, cognac and more) and rick house aging to develop unique flavor profiles in rums in the region synonymous with American whiskey.

Rolling Fork has been recognized by the most prestigious spirits competitions, including: Double Platinum for Lost Cask 15 YO Jamaica Rum, Platinum for Heart of Gold Rum and 9 YO Barbados Rum, and Gold for 12 YO Brazil rum in the 2024 Ascot Awards; Gold at 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Heart of Gold Rum; Double Gold for 9 YO Barbados and Lost Cask 15 YO Jamaica rums and Gold for Heart of Gold Rum and 12 YO Brazil Rum in the 2024 Barleycorn Awards. Last year, Rolling Fork won Best Rum at the 2023 New Orleans Spirits Competition and was named Independent Bottler of the Year in the 2023 ASCOT Awards (where they also took Best Rum for 9 YO Barbados Rum).Rolling Fork’s Lost Cask 15 YO Jamaica was just named Best Rum in the 2024 Barleycorn Awards.

For more information please visit https://www.rollingforkrum.com

Laws Whiskey House Releases Three Limited-Edition Bottled in Bond Whiskies

May 27, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

DENVER, CO— Laws Whiskey House, one of Colorado’s leading distilleries, releases its 2024 Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat whiskies. This marks the first time Laws has released three bonded expressions simultaneously, allowing for a side-by-side tasting of the trio, each offering a unique character influenced by the varying grain characteristics from year to year. The 7-year expressions of Laws’ whiskey highlight delicate fruity notes and flavors, perfectly balanced with oak. With the addition of these three whiskies, Laws furthers its mission of adding to the fabric of American whiskey with a Colorado twist.

“I am very excited about the entire Laws Whiskey 2024 bottled in bond line-up.” says Al Laws, founder and president of Laws Whiskey House. “This year, we liked how the 7-year barrels tasted for the Four Grain Bourbon, as we were looking to elevate the sweet caramel notes. So, those who like a sweeter backbone to their bourbon are going to love this. Additionally, I particularly like the classic sour mash bourbon finish in the 2024 release.”

Laws’ 2024 Limited-Edition Bottled in Bond Whiskies

7-Year Bonded Bourbon: Features aromas of sweet florals, thyme, honey, and graham cracker, with rich flavors of walnut, grapefruit pith, dried stone fruit, and a lingering cedar finish. The mash bill comprises 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley. It is aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, with an alcohol by volume (alc/vol) of 50%.

7-Year Bonded Rye: Presents aromas of fresh pastry, cherry cola, and eucalyptus, along with flavors of Red Hots candy, sweet sea grass, mandarin orange tea, and a bright, effervescent tea tree finish. It is made from 100% heirloom rye and aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, with an alc/vol of 50%.

7-Year Bonded Wheat: Offers aromas of apricot and turbinado sugar, along with flavors of cola, pastry dough, and licorice followed by a clean and peppery finish. The mash bill is 100% soft white Centennial spring wheat. It is aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels.

Laws is revered for its dedication to showcasing the best of Colorado – from its heirloom grains to its mountain-fresh river water – through its robust portfolio of award-winning spirits. The grains in Laws’ whiskey are grown by the Cody Family Farm in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. At 7,500 feet of elevation, the rugged growing conditions of this valley impart unique flavor profiles to the grains including a distinct minerality that comes from the calcium- and mineral-rich soil of what used to be a prehistoric lake. This, combined with the effects of Denver’s high altitude during the aging process, results in singular and novel whiskies that reflect the state’s unique terroir.

“The San Luis Valley Rye always has the most range with true vintage year terroir stemming from the grain. This year we elevated the brightness and strived for greater balance in its traditional flavor notes,” says Al Laws. “In the Bonded Centennial Wheat, balance was also the goal, with some focus on bringing root beer and/or sarsaparilla notes forward. These, coupled with the creamsicle elements, are what I like about this excellent summer sipper over ice.”

Laws is proud to carry forward the quality standard set by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 with the addition of these three whiskies. To qualify as a Bottled in Bond whiskey, the expression must be made by one distillery in a single season, must be bottled at 100 proof (50% abv), and must be aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse. Meeting and exceeding these standards allows the distillery to fully explore the distinctive properties of a whiskey made with heirloom grains. These releases reflect Laws Whiskey House’s dedication to craftsmanship, showcasing exceptional quality and distinctive character in each bottle.

About Laws Whiskey House

Founded in 2011, Laws Whiskey House makes intentionally bold and terroir-driven whiskeys from Colorado. The distillery’s grain-forward style whiskeys are made with the highest-quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. Laws uses time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir, resulting in singular and novel whiskeys.

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

Redbreast’s Tasty New Irish Whiskey Will Even Make Bourbon Lovers Smile

May 27, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

Irish whiskey was once the most popular category in America, until Prohibition came along and completely disrupted the whiskey industry on both sides of the Atlantic. In recent years, predictions have been made that Irish whiskey could dominate the domestic market once again—that has not exactly happened, but brands like Jameson and Tullmore DEW continue to be bestsellers, and the number of distilleries in Ireland has grown from four to 40 since 2010. One of the stalwarts of Irish whiskey is Redbreast, a single pot still brand made at the same distillery where Jameson is produced, and the latest release is a tribute to the shared history between America and Ireland.

Single pot still is a distinctly Irish category that has a few rules: The whiskey must be made from a mashbill of malted and unmalted barley (up to 5 percent of other grains are allowed), and distilled in pot stills at one distillery. In this case, the distillery is Midleton just outside of Cork, where Jameson, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, and Green Spot (and the other Spots) are also made. In my opinion, and I’m certainly not alone in this, Redbreast is the best whiskey made at this massive distillery. The whiskey is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks and released with 12, 15, 21, and 27-year age statements (the latter includes whiskey aged in port pipes).

Then there are special releases, like the American Oak Series which launched in 2022 with Kentucky Oak Edition. Missouri Oak is the new entry in that series, a single pot still whiskey initially aged in bourbon and sherry barrels like the rest of the range, and then finished for 12 months in virgin charred Missouri oak barrels, made from trees growing in the Ozark Forest, and assembled by Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky. As you likely know, virgin charred oak barrels are used to mature bourbon, and are then sent to countries like Ireland to be used several times over again to age their whiskey. Virgin oak has a much more powerful influence on whiskey than used oak, for obvious reasons—new oak is going to add a lot more flavor to a spirit than a barrel that has matured whiskey for years or decades before.

That is the case here, although clearly master blender Dave McCabe paid careful attention during the maturation period to make sure the whiskey did not go overboard. This is a big, bold beast of a Redbreast whiskey, with the core identity remaining intact but augmented by a range of different flavors. There is a bit of dusty apple and leather on the nose, with almost a cider-like quality to it. The vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar notes from the bourbon barrels and dried fruit and spice notes from the sherry casks are all there on the palate. But there’s an intensity of flavor wrapped around that, with notes of smoky oak, a touch of tannic bitterness, roasted espresso bean, and some black pepper. This is a really interesting and tasty version of Redbreast that stands out from the rest, and almost reminds me of double-barreled American whiskeys from brands like Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Peerless, or Noble Oak.

For more information please visit https://www.redbreastwhiskey.com/en-us/

The Distillery Behind Jim Beam Is Releasing Its First American Single Malt Whiskey

May 15, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

American single malt will be a legally defined American whiskey any day now. That’s perfect timing for one of the biggest bourbon distilleries in the world, the James B. Beam Distilling Co., to release its own version into this burgeoning category called Clermont Steep.

James B. Beam Distilling Co. is, of course, the company behind Jim Beam which is one of the best-selling bourbons both here and abroad. In addition to that ubiquitous whiskey, eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe, along with his father Fred Noe and grandfather Booker Noe, have been responsible for some of the most influential American whiskeys of the past few decades. Booker was the creative force behind the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, which includes Booker’s, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, and Baker’s. Fred has been the face of the distillery and overseen operations there for many years, and is a respected and familiar face in the world of Kentucky bourbon. And now Freddie has come into his own with his Little Book series of blended whiskeys, operating the new Fred B. Noe Distillery and now introducing Clermont Steep.

At a recent tasting, Noe talked about the development of this new American single malt. Beam isn’t the first major American whiskey brand to release a single malt—Jack Daniel’s launched its own last year. But that whiskey was an entirely different animal, having spent a full two years finishing in Oloroso sherry casks. Clermont Steep does not get a secondary maturation, just a full five years in new charred American oak barrels. Noe said that the project really got underway six years ago when the first barrels were laid down for this release. Previous iterations of malt whiskey have appeared as components of Little Book Chapter Six, but those were younger whiskeys that were finished with different barrel staves.

While the pending legal definition of American single malt will likely allow it to be matured in used barrels, Noe is firmly in the camp that thinks that new charred oak barrels are the way to go. This puts American single malt more in line with bourbon, but he says that’s the point—this should be a distinctly American whiskey, as opposed to single malts from other countries that can be aged in nearly any type of barrel. The mashbill is 100 percent malted barley, and the distillery’s heirloom “jug yeast” is used for fermentation. The whiskey was distilled in a column still—”I will argue this till the day I die,” said Noe, “What goes on in a pot still can happen in column still”—and bottled at a higher 47 percent ABV.

“This American single malt whiskey is smooth, sweet, and incredibly balanced, and it deserves a spot on any whiskey lover’s bar cart, right alongside their bourbons and ryes,” said Noe in a statement. “I’m always looking toward the future of American whiskey, and the boundless runway in this category intrigued me. We don’t just want to participate in American single malt whiskey; we want to help define it for the future of the category.”

About James B. Beam Distilling
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. traces its roots to 1795, when Jacob Beam began selling his corn whiskey in Kentucky, marking the start of what would become America’s First Family of Bourbon. Over eight generations, the Beam family has steadfastly upheld a secret recipe and unwavering commitment to quality, navigating challenges like Prohibition, during which the distillery closed from 1920 to 1933. In a remarkable feat of resilience, James Beauregard “Jim” Beam—at age 70—rebuilt the distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, in just 120 days following repeal, reestablishing production and renaming the flagship bourbon in his honor. Today, led by seventh-generation Master Distiller Fred Noe and his son Freddie, the company continues this legacy at its historic Clermont home and the Booker Noe Distillery in Boston, Kentucky, crafting nearly half of the world’s bourbon with time-honored traditions.

Jim Beam’s portfolio offers a diverse range of Kentucky straight bourbons and whiskeys to suit every palate, from everyday classics to premium small-batch expressions. The iconic Jim Beam White Label, aged four years, delivers smooth notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, making it the world’s #1 bourbon and ideal for cocktails or sipping neat. Elevated offerings include Jim Beam Black with its richer, longer-aged profile; the acclaimed Small Batch Collection featuring Knob Creek’s bold 9-year bourbon, Booker’s uncut and unfiltered barrel-strength powerhouse, Baker’s smooth 7-year expression, and Basil Hayden’s high-rye subtlety; as well as innovative flavors like Jim Beam Honey, Apple, and Peach. Additional heritage brands such as Old Grand-Dad and experimental releases like Little Book round out a lineup dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring spirit of bourbon.
Address: 568 Happy Hollow Road Clermont, KY 40110
Website: https://www.beamdistilling.com/

Top 25 Best Whiskey Bars and Saloons in the USA – 2026

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 Launches: 11-Year Cask-Strength Bourbon with Earthy Chocolate Notes

May 9, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Heaven Hill Distillery has released Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523, the second installment in the 2023 lineup of its award-winning cask-strength bourbon series. Bottled at 11 years and 5 months, this May 2023 batch delivers bold earthiness, dark chocolate, and rich oak in a non-chill-filtered, uncut expression.

What Does “B523” Mean?
Every Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release follows a clear naming convention:

B = Second batch of the year (following A, B, C sequence)
5 = Month of release (May)
23 = Year (2023)

This batch, B523, is aged 11 years and 5 months — reflecting the youngest barrel in the blend — and is bottled straight from the barrel without chill filtration or added water.

Flavor Profile: Earthy, Chocolatey, and Full-Bodied
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is known for two flavor extremes:

“Candy bombs” — sweet, confectionary-driven (e.g., A122)
Earthy & chocolate-forward — robust and oaky (e.g., C922)

B523 falls firmly in the latter camp, offering:
Deep dark chocolate and earthiness
A backbone of generous heat and rich oak
Thick, coating texture on the palate
A long finish with char, cocoa, and lingering warmth

New Labeling & Aging Transparency
Starting with B523, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof now features:
Monthly age statements (e.g., 11 years, 5 months) prominently on the front label
Small-batch blending with unique age, proof, and flavor profiles per release

All other hallmarks remain unchanged: uncut, non-chill-filtered, and bottled at barrel proof.
Expert-Led Batch Selection

Each release is crafted by Heaven Hill’s tasting panel, including:
Connor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller
Tawnie Gootee, Master Taster
Chris Briney, VP of New Product Development and Quality Assurance

Price & Availability
Suggested Retail Price: $69.99 (750ml)
Available nationwide in limited quantities

11th Year of the Series
B523 follows Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 (January 2023), marking the continued evolution of one of bourbon’s most celebrated cask-strength programs.

For more information, visit elijahcraig.com or follow @ElijahCraig on social media.

In the series, this follows Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123, which marked the beginning of the eleventh year of this popular cask-strength line.

For more information please visit https://elijahcraig.com/barrel-proof

Michter’s To Release Its 10 Year Bourbon

April 29, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – The 2020 release of Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon will go on sale in May. It is 94.4 proof and it sells for a suggested retail price of $130 in the U.S.

Michter’s has a long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020 Edition named Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon “Best Bourbon, 16 to 20 Years.” In January 2020, Michter’s was named the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International in their Annual Brands Report for the second year in a row.

In addition to Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, the company has Michter’s Shively Distillery in Louisville as well as its 145-acre farm and operations in Springfield, Kentucky. For more information, please visit www.michters.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

More about Michter’s
Michter’s American Whiskey, with roots tracing back to America’s first whiskey distillery founded in Pennsylvania in 1753, is now crafted in Louisville, Kentucky, where the brand produces some of the finest small-batch bourbons, ryes, and innovative expressions like Toasted Barrel finishes – all with a “cost be damned” commitment to quality. From the acclaimed US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye to ultra-limited 10-Year and Celebration releases, Michter’s whiskeys deliver rich caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak notes that shine neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails. Visit the stunning Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery on historic Whiskey Row for immersive tours, tastings, and cocktails at the world-class Bar at Fort Nelson, or explore the main production at Shively for a true taste of premium American whiskey heritage.
Address: Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery: 801 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202 (visitor experiences); Shively Production Facility: 2351 New Millennium Drive, Louisville, KY 40216
Website: https://michters.com

For Fun Facts about Whiskey: Click Here

2019 Texas Whiskey Festival Medal Winners

April 28, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

The mission of the Texas Whiskey Festival is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. Along with promotion, we want to educate whiskey lovers about the many top-of-the-line whiskeys being produced in our great state. And we’re doing it all while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable. The folks at the Texas Whiskey Festival would like to thank all the participating distilleries and congratulate all the winners.

Bourbon Distilled Grain to Glass in Texas
1. Ironroot Republic Harbinger
2. Garrison Brothers Balmorhea
3. Ranger Creek .36 Bourbon

Bourbon Bottled in Texas
1. Oak and Eden Bourbon & Spire
2. Ben Milam Single Barrel Bourbon
3. Treaty Oak Red Handed Bourbon

Rye Whiskey
1. Balcones Texas Rye 100 (Grain to Glass)
2. Ben Milam Rye Whiskey (Bottled in Texas)
3. Yellow Rose Distilling Rye Whiskey (Bottled in Texas)

Malt Whiskey
1. Spirit of Texas Pfluger Single Malt
2. Balcones Texas ‘1’ Single Malt
3. Real Spirits Distilling Signature Whiskey

Whiskey Distilled Grain to Glass in Texas
1. Balcones True Blue 100
2. Andalusia Whiskey Co. Stryker
3. Real Spirits Distilling Double Barrel Whiskey

Whiskey Bottled in Texas
1. Oak and Eden Cabernet Steeped
2. Dripping Springs Distilling Republic Whiskey
3. Austonian Spirits Austonian Whiskey

Peoples Choice Award
1. Garrison Brothers Distillery
2. Ironroot Republic Distilling
3. Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery

About the Texas Whiskey Festival
The acclaimed Texas Whiskey Festival, the premier event dedicated exclusively to Texas-crafted spirits, invites whiskey lovers to its 8th annual celebration on April 12, 2025, at the historic Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, just outside Austin. Featuring over 30 Texas distilleries showcasing more than 100 bold bourbons, ryes, single malts, and innovative expressions, this rain-or-shine gathering offers enthusiasts the chance to meet master distillers and blenders firsthand while enjoying food truck fare, barrel-aged cigar pairings, live music, and an electrifying evening concert under glowing festoon lights in the heart of Hill Country. Perfect for newcomers and seasoned sippers alike, the Texas Whiskey Festival highlights the Lone Star State’s rising stars in American whiskey craftsmanship. Tickets and details available at txwhiskeyfest.com.

101 Whiskey Quotes to Sooth the Soul and Maybe Get a Few Laughs – Click Here

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Releases The Kiawah Blend

April 23, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

KENTUCKY— Renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman is excited to launch The Kiawah Blend, a limited-time small batch blend and the fourth release in 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s Icon Series. The Kiawah Blend (SRP $99.99) is a nod to Dixon’s happy place, Kiawah Island, a barrier island on the Atlantic coast located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. It’s where Dixon goes with his family and friends to relax, unwind, and recharge. The Kiawah Blend will be available nationwide and online at ReserveBar.

“Kiawah Island is a special place for me,” says Dixon. “It’s where my family has been vacationing since I was a kid, where my wife and I have been taking our children. It’s my happy place – where I can get away with family and friends and step off the grid.”

2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to Dixon’s pioneering blending process where every 2XO expression has additional oak exposure. The Kiawah Blend is comprised of two proprietary mash bills, a high rye 35% bourbon mash bill and a moderate rye 18% bourbon mash bill. Dixon double barrels the high rye 35% bourbon mash bill into new charred oak barrels, both #3 and #4 char levels, for 9 months to a year. The double-barreled high rye mash bill makes up 60% of The Kiawah Blend, and that additional oak interaction builds the sweetness to balance out the spice from the rye in the mash bills. The Kiawah Blend’s mouthfeel is viscous and rich with notes of vanilla, oak, clove, lemon, and a light peppery spice.

The Kiawah Blend follows previous award winning 2XO releases, including limited-time blends from the Icon Series (The Phoenix Blend, The Innkeeper’s Blend, and The Tribute Blend), American Oak, the first in the Oak Series, an everyday offering perfect for classic whiskey cocktails, and Gem of Kentucky, a double-barreled, single barrel limited-time annual release. The Kiawah Blend should be sipped neat or on the rocks in your happy place, and as with all 2XO Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys, enjoyed responsibly.

All 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys are brought to life in partnership with Prestige Beverage Group, an industry leading importer and brand innovator of award-winning wines and spirits. Together, Dixon and Prestige Beverage Group aim to offer the most unique, sought-after whiskey blends to spirits enthusiasts everywhere.

About 2XO

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was created by renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman. Dixon grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his family’s business, the famed and James Beard award-winning Beaumont Inn. He was originally known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey blends, a brand he relaunched in 2014 from his great-great grandfather, C.M. Dedman, after it went dark in 1916 around the time of Prohibition.

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

New Riff Celebrates Earth Day With Park Dedication

April 22, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

A Newport distillery is giving back to the community and celebrating Earth Day with the dedication of a new park and the release of some new spirits.

On Monday, New Riff Distilling joined the Silver Grove Community Foundation to dedicate the new park at Green Valley Pond in Silver Grove. The distillery says funds raised through sales of its Silver Grove commemorative edition whiskey were donated to the foundation to help establish the park.

“When we built our new barrel warehouse in Silver Grove in 2022, we knew we wanted to support that community through our philanthropic efforts like we do Newport,” New Riff president Mollie Lewis said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to see people loved the 2023 Silver Grove release so much that we’re able to donate $16,830 to the foundation — and we are excited to see what more we can accomplish together with our 2024 releases.”

With the money, Silver Grove Community Foundation was able to complete the initial phase of improvements around Green Valley Pond, including installing benches made from recycled plastic, trash bins and a message board. Future project phases include creating a recreational trail around the pond that will also connect to the current sidewalks.

New Riff says its Silver Grove whiskey is a nod to a past whiskey released under the Silver Grove name in the ‘30s. The original Silver Grove was a 1933 bottling distilled in 1917 at the Edward Brinkmann Distillery in Cincinnati’s Carthage neighborhood, says New Riff co-founder Jay Erisman. New Riff’s first barrel-proof blend, the Silver Grove releases are a “nod to both the area’s distilling past and to New Riff’s future,” he added.

A 2024 bottling of the Silver Grove Bourbon will be available in New Riff’s gift shop beginning Tuesday, April 23. New Riff’s assistant head distiller, Bryon Martin, describes the bourbon as “having notes of dark red fruits and rye spices on the nose and a deep, full mouthfeel that flows briefly into dark brown sugars then wood spices and tannins,” with a 65% corn, 30% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill bottled at 116.2 proof.

In addition to a 2024 bottling of Silver Grove Bourbon, New Riff also announced the debut of its Silver Grove Rye. Martin says it has “huge mint, black pepper and hints of citrus, caraway and oak on the nose,” along with an upfront cinnamon spiciness; hints of vanilla and singed toffee; and a bold, rye-spice finish with a minerality and eucalyptus notes. It has a 95% rye and 5% malted rye mashbill bottled at 116.4 proof.

Both the 2024 Silver Grove Bourbon and Silver Grove Rye will be available in New Riff’s gift shop for $55.99 beginning April 23. A portion of the proceeds from each will continue to benefit the Silver Grove Community Foundation.

For more information please visit https://www.newriffdistilling.com/

Master Blenders Emma Walker and Eboni Major Celebrated In New Craftswomen Program

February 26, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

NEW YORK – Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, is proud to support its Craftswomen program, celebrating the talented, bold and pioneering women who make some of the world’s most beloved spirits. From Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker to Bulleit Blender Eboni Major, Crown Royal Master Whisky Blender Joanna Scandella and Ron Zacapa Master Blender Lorena Vasquez, as well as Buchanan’s Master Blender Maureen Robinson, Cascade Hollow General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin, and many others, these skilled Craftswomen are creating spirits enjoyed around the world and are among the diverse blenders leading the industry.

Coinciding with the launch of Craftswomen, Diageo will introduce two new limited-edition whisky innovations from Johnnie Walker and Bulleit that will hit shelves this Spring. Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker, a new blend from Master Blender Emma Walker and Bulleit Bourbon Blenders’ Select No. 001 from Blender Eboni Major highlight the skill and creativity of the fierce female blenders behind the brands and the range of flavor discovery to be had in Scotch whisky and bourbon. Each Craftswoman’s unique story will be featured a retail, on brand social channels and at key industry events across the country.

“We could not be prouder to debut this fantastic line up of limited-edition whiskies that will introduce more people to the incredibly skilled women behind these iconic brands. This is yet another step in our ongoing commitment to becoming an industry leader in equality and inclusivity through impact driving programming and product innovation,” shared Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Whiskies, Diageo North America.

The new Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker limited edition blend follows the 2018 release of the Jane Walker Edition of our award winning Black Label. The new blend heroes whisky from Cardhu – a nearly 200-year-old distillery in the heart of Speyside that flourished under the leadership of Elizabeth Cumming. This pioneering woman ultimately sold Cardhu to the Walker family in 1893, but played a significant role in the brand’s history. Now, with access to more than ten million casks of maturing whisky from distilleries across Scotland, Emma Walker carries forward this tradition. Combining her extensive scientific research and spirits industry background with a precise palette and understanding of flavor, she brings to life a well-rounded and smooth whisky in Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker, featuring notes of ripe orchard fruit and white peaches, which develop into hints of baked apple and sweet cream, with a lingering dark chocolate finish.

“Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker is a celebration of the pioneering women who stretched boundaries throughout the history of Johnnie Walker, and the whisky is an excellent example of the depth of flavor and innovative blends we can create from our incredible reserves,” said Master Blender Emma Walker.

Created by Bulleit Blender Eboni Major, Bulleit Bourbon Blenders’ Select No. 001 is the latest innovation out of Bulleit Distilling Co. and features the thoughtful mingling of three out of the 10 whiskey types used to make the original Bulleit Bourbon. The exceptional blend includes distinct notes of vanilla bean, honey, dried fruit and toasted oak, as well as a smooth finish with a lingering of sweet cream and fruit wine decadence. This limited-edition offering showcases Eboni’s rich understanding of how the progression of aromas and balance of complimentary flavors elevate the sensory experience, as well as her commitment to innovation and expanding the Bulleit portfolio. Bulleit Bourbon Blenders’ Select No. 001 is the first offering in the new limited-edition Blenders’ Select series, which offers the blending team an opportunity to experiment and flex their creativity in the lab at Bulleit Distilling Co.

“Bulleit is a frontier whiskey, meaning we are always looking for new ways to challenge convention. Being given the creative freedom to take the traditionally higher rye experience that Bulleit is synonymous with and craft something brand new is an incredible honor and is also what makes my job so fun! Fruit-forward, rich and delightfully complex, Bulleit Bourbon Blenders’ Select No. 001 is a true expression of who I am as a blender. I am thrilled to be taking risks and pushing boundaries at Bulleit and in the world of whiskey alongside other women who are also making waves in the industry,” said Bulleit Blender Eboni Major.

To further champion and inspire pioneering women in the food and beverage industries, Johnnie Walker and Bulleit will also kick off a robust Craftswomen partnership with Cherry Bombe this spring. Through the biannual magazine’s Radio Cherry Bombe Podcast tour, and Jubilee conference, Johnnie Walker and Bulleit will connect with the platform’s community of trailblazing women making waves in the food and drink world to reinforce inclusivity, whisky education and responsible drinking.

For more information, please visit JohnnieWalker.com and Bulleit.com.

For Johnnie Walker, Hunter PR
whisky@hunterpr.com

For Bulleit, Taylor PR
bulleit@taylorstrategy.com

About Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker, the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky brand owned by Diageo, traces its origins to 1820 when founder John Walker opened a grocery store in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and began blending whiskies for consistent quality and flavor. His son Alexander expanded the business globally, introducing the iconic square bottle in 1860 and slanted label for better visibility, while grandson Alexander II and George launched the Striding Man logo in 1908 and officially named the range Johnnie Walker in 1909, with Red Label and Black Label leading the way. By 1920, the brand reached 120 countries, cementing its status through innovative marketing and masterful blending from Scotland’s finest malts and grains.

Today, Johnnie Walker’s award-winning portfolio spans vibrant expressions for every occasion, from the bold and spicy Johnnie Walker Red Label—perfect for mixing in cocktails—to the rich, smoky depth of Black Label and Double Black, the balanced vatted malt Green Label aged 15 years, the smooth Gold Label Reserve, the elegant Aged 18 Years, and the pinnacle Blue Label, crafted from rare casks for velvety honey, fruit, and spice notes. With ongoing innovations like limited-edition releases and a commitment to sustainability, Johnnie Walker continues to inspire progress and celebration in over 180 countries worldwide.

About Bulleit
Bulleit Distilling Co., located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, embodies a pioneering spirit rooted in American whiskey heritage. Revived in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, who drew inspiration from his great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit’s high-rye recipe from the 1830s, the brand has grown into one of the fastest-expanding whiskeys in the world under Diageo. The state-of-the-art distillery, opened in 2017 with a focus on sustainability—including water conservation, natural habitat protection, and local sourcing—produces bold, spicy expressions that honor frontier traditions while embracing modern innovation, welcoming visitors to experience the craftsmanship firsthand since 2019.

Renowned for its distinctive high-rye mash bills, Bulleit offers an award-winning portfolio featuring Bulleit Bourbon with its signature spicy yet smooth profile from 28% rye, the 95% rye Bulleit Rye for unparalleled complexity, aged staples like Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year-Old and Bulleit Rye 10-Year-Old, and innovative releases such as Barrel Strength and the 2025 Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. These whiskeys, distilled and aged with precision in charred American oak, deliver rich flavors of vanilla, oak, and spice, making Bulleit a favorite among bartenders and enthusiasts for sipping neat or crafting timeless cocktails.
Bulleit’s Visitor Center: 3464 Benson Pike Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
Website: www.bulleit.com.

In 2019, a Visitor’s Centre at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville opened to share our modern, technological and sustainable approach to making great whiskey.
For more information, visit www.bulleit.com.

About Diageo
Diageo plc, a global leader in premium alcoholic beverages headquartered in London, stands at the forefront of the whisky industry with an unparalleled portfolio of iconic Scotch whisky brands. From the world’s best-selling Scotch, Johnnie Walker, to renowned single malts such as Lagavulin, Talisker, Cardhu, and The Singleton, Diageo operates over 30 distilleries across Scotland, producing nearly one-third of the nation’s malt whisky capacity. This rich heritage, combined with masterful blending and innovative maturation techniques, ensures that Diageo’s whiskies deliver exceptional quality and diversity, appealing to connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike in nearly 180 countries worldwide.

Committed to craftsmanship and sustainability, Diageo continues to pioneer in the whisky category through limited-edition releases like the annual Special Releases collection, showcasing rare and experimental expressions that push the boundaries of flavor. With a focus on responsible enjoyment and grain-to-glass excellence, Diageo not only preserves centuries-old traditions but also invests in the future of whisky, making it the trusted choice for celebrating life’s moments with timeless sophistication.

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 practice.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here