bourbon

B.R. Distilling Company is releasing Blue Note Special Reserve Bourbon

February 19, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Blue Note Bourbon is an award-winning whiskey portfolio crafted to pay tribute to Memphis’s musical history. It’s distilled in partnership with the famed Bardstown Bourbon Company and matured just north of Memphis.

It’s known for its flagship Blue Bourbon, Juke Joint, Crossroads, Uncut, and Straight Whiskey. Recently, the brand announced it would be releasing yet another whiskey: Blue Note Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The second edition of this annual release is a blend of bourbon matured in ten casks from Kentucky and Tennessee. They are cognac, madeira, sherry, port, triple sec, madeira, apricot brandy, amontillado, vanilla cognac and vino de Naranja. The included whiskeys range in age from four to nineteen years old and have differing mash bills. This unfiltered bourbon was bottled at a barrel strength of 116.3-proof.

According to Blue Note, the result is memorable whiskey that begins with a nose of fruit, cherry, peach, leather, oak, and vanilla. Sipping it reveals a cream and light mouthfeel featuring flavors like oak, vanilla, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and citrus. The finish is warming, dry, and lingering.

“Having launched several wildly successful limited releases in recent years, whiskey enthusiasts have come to expect these types of unique offerings from Blue Note,” Chris Crosbie, Vice President, Sales, B.R. Distilling Company said in a press release.

“This year’s Special Reserve is both exceptional and uncommon, having been crafted from 10 unique types of casks.”

Article Credit: Christopher Osburn

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

Big Easy Whiskey Launches in New Orleans in time for The Big Game

February 11, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

NEW ORLEANS – Big Easy Spirits Company is bringing whiskey back to flavored whiskey. Now available in New Orleans, Big Easy Whiskey is a premium, 100% straight whiskey aged for five years. Crafted from a bourbon mash and infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals and fruit, it enhances the whiskey’s naturally smooth, rich character.

Easy Drinking
Big Easy Whiskey is a ready-to-drink everyday whiskey for sipping straight over ice or bringing depth and complexity to cocktail recipes, whether that’s the elegant Easy Over Ice or the coffee-centric Easy Like Sunday Morning.

Easy Raison d’ Etre
BESCO is a New Orleans-based spirits supplier founded by distilled spirits industry veterans and New Orleans natives. Their idea: Bring a high-end spirit to the New Orleans market that’s neither kitschy nor pretentious. Bold and boozy, bitter and sweet, Big Easy Whiskey embodies the soul of New Orleans with old-fashioned flavor and modern Big Easy style.

(86 proof | 43%ABV | $34.99 750 mL) Big Easy Whiskey starts with 100 percent American whiskey distilled in Kentucky and Indiana. Its traditional bourbon mash bill is 81 percent corn, 15 percent rye and 4 percent barley. BESCO ages the whiskey for five years in used bourbon barrels for a softer taste. Big Easy Whiskey emerges as a rich, round, American whiskey that is infused with two dozen herbs, spices, and fruit chosen by Master Blender Kieran Walsh to accentuate the whiskey’s flavor.

Tasting Notes:
On the nose, the toasty flavor of American whiskey gives way to baking spices with elements of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Complex Amaro-like herbal notes of cedar and lemon balm linger on the palate.

HOW TO BUY:
Distributed in Louisiana by Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and available online at Big Easy Whiskey – Bourbon Outfitter

About Big Easy Spirits Company
Big Easy Spirits Co, a portfolio of New Orleans-based inventive American spirits, was founded by distilled spirits industry leaders inspired by their native New Orleans. BESCO captures the essence of New Orleans with bold, complex spirits that are old fashioned, easygoing, and unpretentious. Visit www.bigeasywhiskey.com to learn more.

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Rabbit Hole Distillery Teams Up With Jay Ellis To Host Creative Spirit Challenge For Aspiring Filmmakers

February 11, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Rabbit Hole Distillery has partnered with acclaimed actor and producer Jay Ellis, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Insecure. This collaboration marks a key moment in the brand’s commitment to innovation and creativity in both whiskey and film. As part of the partnership, Rabbit Hole will launch an exclusive contest for aspiring filmmakers alongside a limited-edition distillery series whiskey release.

As the Official Bourbon of the Sundance Film Festival, Rabbit Hole Distillery proudly champions bold, independent voices, celebrating creativity and storytelling from every walk of life. To bring this mission to life, Rabbit Hole has partnered with Ellis to launch The Creative Spirit Challenge. Aspiring filmmakers are invited to submit a short video sharing their story, bold ideas and dreams of becoming a filmmaker. The grand prize winner will receive a Canon EOS R5 C camera and a one-on-one mentoring session with Ellis. Additionally, three runners-up will receive Canon cameras to fuel their creative journey.

“Something very important to me, and the reason I launched my production company Black Bar Mitzvah, is to help aspiring filmmakers and creatives tell their stories. Partnering with Rabbit Hole and The Creative Spirit Challenge is an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers to chase their dreams and elevate their craft. I can’t wait to see the incredible talent and stories that will emerge from this initiative.”

In addition to the contest, Rabbit Hole Distillery and Ellis are also collaborating on a limited-edition whiskey release, slated for this spring. The release will embody the shared values of artistry and craftsmanship that form the foundation of Rabbit Hole’s whiskey-making process and Ellis’ approach to his films and TV shows. Available exclusively at Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, each bottle in this special limited series will honor the creative spirit that defines both industries.

“At Rabbit Hole, innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything we do,” said Kaveh Zamanian, Rabbit Hole Founder and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker. “Jay Ellis embodies the bold vision and artistry we admire in film, just as we strive to craft each bottle with unparalleled originality and excellence. Together, this partnership will inspire creativity, nurture emerging talent, and push the boundaries of artistry in both whiskey and film.”

To enter the Creative Spirit Challenge, and for full contest rules, visit www.RabbitHoleDistillery.com/creativespiritchallenge.

No purchase necessary. Must be a legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21+. Registration ends 3/31/2025. See official rules at www.RabbitHoleDistillery.com/creativespiritchallenge. Odds of winning based upon number of eligible entries received and decisions of judges. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited. Sponsor: Pernod Ricard, 250 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10177.

To keep up with Jay Ellis, follow him on Instagram @jayrellis.

For more information about Rabbit Hole Distillery, visit www.RabbitHoleDistillery.com and follow along on social media @rabbithole.

ABOUT RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY
Rabbit Hole was born to blow the cobwebs off the American whiskey category and pierce through the conformity that had kept it stuck in the 19th century. Rabbit Hole’s Founder and Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, left a 20+ year career as a clinical psychologist to pursue his long-standing passion for fine spirits. With a mission to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, he set course to develop one-of-a-kind expressions of American whiskey. Through its signature core offerings – Cavehill Four Grain Triple Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks, and Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon – along with its innovative Founder’s Collection series, stands as the best example of innovation and craft distillation in the country. This distinction is highlighted by its use of truly singular mash bills, signature malted grains, and custom-made, hand-selected, toasted & charred barrels. The state-of-the art distillery is a cathedral to the art and science of whiskey making and is located in the Nulu neighborhood in the heart of downtown Louisville. Designed as a true craft distillery designed to scale, it produces 27,000 barrels every year. Since opening in 2018, it has been heralded as the “Architectural Icon” of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and was recently named “World’s Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour” by the World Travel Awards. In 2022, Kaveh was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s 20th anniversary class, cementing his place among industry pioneers and visionaries. For more information, visit www.RabbitHoleDistillery.com.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As “creators of conviviality,” we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

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Introducing Bomberger’s PFG™ Kentucky Straight Bourbon – A New Frontier in Whiskey Innovation

January 29, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

The year 2025 marks the debut of Bomberger’s PFG™ (Precision Fine Grain) Kentucky Straight Bourbon. For years, Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon has been celebrated for its rich, bold character. Now, with Bomberger’s PFG™, Michter’s continues its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of American whiskey.

“This new release is a remarkable expression with incredible texture and a full spectrum of rich flavors. It reflects our team’s meticulous exploration of wood science under carefully controlled conditions,” says Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee.

A Unique Double-Barrel Aging Process
Bomberger’s PFG™ begins its journey aging in a toasted and charred American oak barrel. After full maturation, it is transferred to a custom French fine grain oak barrel, crafted with precision from staves that undergo a rigorous 40-month natural air-drying process in France. The second barrel—a proprietary blend of wood sourced from legendary forests such as Tronçais, Allier, Nevers, and Vosges—is toasted at a meticulously controlled temperature before receiving a select charring.

The whiskey then undergoes further maturation in these finishing barrels, enhancing its depth and complexity. Once matured, it is batched in small quantities, filtered through Michter’s signature process, and bottled at 100.2 proof (50.1% ABV).

A Luxurious Tasting Experience
Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson describes the final result:
“Bomberger’s PFG™ delivers an enticing medley of aromas, from confectionary sweetness to delicate floral notes. The palate unfolds beautifully with integrated fruit and herbaceous layers, culminating in a full-bodied, creamy texture. The finish lingers with soft spice and hints of chocolate, making for an unforgettable whiskey experience.”

Availability & Pricing
Bomberger’s PFG™ is available in 750ml bottles with a suggested U.S. retail price of $140.

Honoring a Rich Heritage
With its Shenk’s and Bomberger’s Legacy releases, Michter’s pays tribute to the historic Pennsylvania distillery founded as Shenk’s in 1753, later renamed Bomberger’s in the 1800s, before eventually becoming known as Michter’s in the 20th century.

Bomberger’s PFG™ continues this tradition of excellence—where heritage meets innovation in every sip.

For more information about Michter’s, please visit michters.com.

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Whisky Galore! – Best Movie about Whiskey

January 2, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

Whisky Galore! is a 1949 British comedy film from Ealing Studios, featuring Basil Radford, Bruce Seton, Joan Greenwood, and Gordon Jackson. Directed by Alexander Mackendrick in his debut, the film is based on Compton Mackenzie’s 1947 novel of the same name, with a screenplay by Mackenzie and Angus MacPhail. Inspired by the true story of the SS Politician, the plot unfolds on a fictional Scottish island during wartime rationing, where the whisky supply has run dry. When a cargo ship runs aground carrying 50,000 cases of whisky, the resourceful islanders attempt to salvage the precious cargo, despite determined efforts by the local Customs and Excise officials to thwart them.

Whiskey Galore’s Plot
In 1943, life on the secluded Scottish island of Todday in the Outer Hebrides takes a bleak turn when the islanders’ cherished supply of whisky is depleted due to wartime rationing. The loss casts a shadow over the community, known for their love of the “water of life.” Amid this crisis, Sergeant Odd returns home on leave from the army, hoping to win the affection of Peggy, the daughter of the local shopkeeper, Joseph Macroon. Odd’s previous efforts in setting up the island’s Home Guard make him a familiar figure, though Peggy’s father subtly tests his intentions. Meanwhile, Macroon’s other daughter, Catriona, is engaged to George Campbell, a timid schoolteacher who struggles under the thumb of his overbearing mother, who disapproves of the match.

Fortune smiles on the islanders when the freighter SS Cabinet Minister runs aground in a thick fog near Todday. Discovering that the ship’s cargo includes 50,000 cases of whisky, two locals, the Biffer and Sammy MacCodrun, spread the joyous news. However, Captain Waggett, the pompous English commander of the island’s Home Guard, orders the cargo to be protected, assigning Sergeant Odd to guard it. Joseph Macroon, ever resourceful, reminds Odd of a local custom requiring whisky for a proper Scottish betrothal ceremony, or rèiteach. Odd, swayed by the community’s plight and his own romantic ambitions, turns a blind eye, allowing the islanders to salvage the whisky before the ship sinks.

Among the salvagers is Campbell, who escapes his mother’s control through his bedroom window to join the rescue effort. In doing so, he not only aids the mission but saves the Biffer, who becomes trapped in the freighter. Campbell’s newfound courage, bolstered by the whisky, empowers him to stand up to his domineering mother and declare his intention to marry Catriona, cementing his place among the community.

What follows is a spirited battle of wits between Waggett, determined to confiscate the hidden whisky, and the crafty islanders, who ingeniously conceal their stash in places even the sharpest customs officer would overlook. Waggett enlists the help of Mr. Farquharson from Customs and Excise, but their search efforts are foiled time and again by the clever locals. In a final twist, whisky hidden in ammunition crates is unwittingly shipped off the island under Waggett’s orders. When this blunder comes to light, Waggett is summoned back to the mainland in disgrace, leaving the islanders to celebrate their triumph and enjoy their hard-won whisky in peace.

Available on:
Amazon Prime Video

2016 Version
Apple TV

The Whiskey House in San Diego has over 4,000 Whiskeys – World Record

December 27, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

The Whiskey House in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter is a must-visit destination for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts. Home to the largest selection of whiskeys in the world(Guinness World Record) —with over 4,000 bottles from around the globe—this award-winning bar offers a truly unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, a rotating selection of international draft beers, and a gourmet food menu featuring house-made sausages, artisan charcuterie, and signature burgers. The warm, rustic ambiance—complete with exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and leather seating—makes it the perfect spot for date nights, celebrations, or casual drinks with friends. It’s more than just a bar—it’s a destination.

Whether you’re craving a smooth bourbon, a rare Scotch, or a bold Japanese single malt, you’ll find the perfect pour in this iconic San Diego whiskey bar. The Whiskey House also features more than 20 international draft beers, a curated wine list, and a mouthwatering food menu filled with house-made sausages, handcrafted burgers, and artisan charcuterie boards.

The Legend of Table 17: A Story of Serendipity at The Whiskey House
The Whiskey House isn’t just known for its record-breaking whiskey collection—it’s also known for its stories.

Tucked into a quiet corner of the bar is the now-famous Table 17, a table whispered about by locals and staff alike. According to legend, guests seated at Table 17 often experience unexpected moments of connection, opportunity, and even a little magic.

One such evening, a struggling writer named Jules wandered into The Whiskey House, drawn by the comforting glow and promise of a good pour. Seated unknowingly at Table 17, Jules ordered a rare Japanese single malt and struck up a conversation with a neighboring guest—an editor visiting from out of town.

That spontaneous meeting led to a publishing deal that changed Jules’ life.

Stories like these are part of what makes The Whiskey House so much more than a whiskey bar. It’s a place where great drinks, good food, and chance encounters come together in the most unforgettable ways.

Visit The Whiskey House Today
Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or simply looking for a unique night out in San Diego, The Whiskey House offers an experience unlike any other. Explore a collection of rare spirits, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and see for yourself why this Gaslamp gem continues to capture hearts—and headlines—around the world.

The Whiskey House – Where every bottle has a story, and every visit could start one of your own.

The Whiskey House
420 Third Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 546-6289
Website: thewhiskeyhousesd.com

Whiskey Trivia – Click Here bars in San Diego and a top nightlife destination in Southern California.

Bernriach Distillery Releases Premium Aged Whisky

June 30, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

The whisky industry continues its deluge of premium, limited edition releases with a 1966 cask offering from Speyside-based distillery Benriach. It will set the collector back a neat £25,000 ($31,000) and represents, as you might expect, a serious milestone for a distillery consolidating a long history.

The 50 year old statement is an important symbol for Benriach, which under its current owners, has now accumulated almost a decade’s worth of positive momentum. Known for rich, multi-layered Speyside whiskies, this is their oldest and most exclusive expression to date, and with just 37 bottles on the market, this is likely to excite collectors world wide.

Dr Rachel Barrie, who has held the position of master blender since 2017, notes that, “I am proud to present the Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years as our ultimate treasure. Here we have fifty years of opulent refinement, with notes of sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices, all in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear and traces of grapefruit.”

The release is in part a response to the growing interest in small batch, special edition whiskies, but also a celebration of the company’s heritage. Founded in 1898, but closed two years later due the Patterson crash, it didn’t produce whisky again until 1965. Throughout that period however the floor maltings remained in constant production. The first single malt was released in 1994. In 2016 the distillery became part of the Brown Forman portfolio.

In an increasingly crowded landscape, with startup brands increasingly prevalent though, the ability to showcase something with this level of provenance sends a strong commercial message. Barrie says, “I don’t think I’ve tasted a whisky that had such beauty. The perfect whisky has to have character, balance, complexity. When I dipped my nose in this particular cask I was really surprised. It was such a wonderful expression, undoubtedly the fruit laden signature of Speyside. Just from experience, I decided not to leave it. I didn’t want to risk losing it.”

The whisky has spent its whole life in warehouse 13, surrounded by different cask types that over the years have come and gone. It was discovered in the heart of the distillery, close to the mashing area and the stills. First filled with unpeated Benriach spirit on the September 21, 1966, Bourbon cask 2383 has spent decades slowly maturing and has now become what Barrie describes as “our art—a testament to the expertise in, and commitment to, extraordinary cask maturation at Benriach Distillery.” Barrie goes on to describe the contents as “a fountain of fruit, but honeyed and rich.”

Needless to say, the liquid is packaged appropriately. The whisky is held within a bespoke crystal decanter, made in Scotland by Glasstorm. Each decanter is displayed in a presentation box made by master craftsman John Galvin, its design inspired by the colorful array of eclectic casks which fill Benriach’s warehouses.

Joe Wilson of Whisky Auctioneer, a global broker of rare and collectable whiskies in Perth, says, “The ability to leverage yourself into the luxury category is attractive for any distillery and there is something about that number 50. It has a psychological impact.” Wilson believes that the arms race in the luxury whisky space is a new element to the market—one we are seeing in Scotland, Ireland and America—but feels the market is growing as new collectors engage with the subject.

“My educated guess is that it should sell out fairly quickly. That low bottle count will be a pull for collectors, in addition to the age statement.” Wilson feels that the Whisky Auctioneer is likely to see these come through the business at some point in the future, but appreciates the scarcity of it. “I’m always surprised at how many bottles can come out of these old whiskies. There’s a forward planning strategy involved where the casks have been managed accordingly to retain as much as possible.” With something like this though, he agrees there wouldn’t have been a plan to retain casks for that long. “They didn’t get a single malt blend until the 90s. The fact they’ve found a 50 year old means they’ve stumbled across this and decided it is good enough to represent the distillery at this level.”

Under the ownership of Brown Forman there is now a steady hand. Without knee jerk reactions, a portfolio of old whiskies can be put away for the next generation. Barrie notes that her first job at the distillery was to sort through the inventory. “I decided to dive into old and rare stock, to work out what we’ve got lying around. After all, we are custodians of the whisky. Like anyone making a work of art, I want to release it at its optimum, for it to be the most beautiful expression of what could be created.”

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

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

2024 U.S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship’s Medal Winners

April 30, 2024 By Dow Scoggins

Complete Listing of Medal Winners: CLICK HERE

Oxford, Ohio – The 2024 U. S. Open Whiskey & Spirits Championship proudly announces the medal winners and Grand National Champions.

Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee won the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship’s Grand National Champion’s Trophy. Nearest Green took home 4 gold medals in the most competitive whiskey categories in the competition. Their Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey was a favorite among the judges. In the past 2 years, Nearest Green has finished in the Top 5 at the U.S. Open. Today, Nearest Green Distillery is the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world and now has a U.S. Open title. Two-time Grand National Champion, Moylan’s Distillery in Petaluma, California finished a close second after winning 2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.

In the U.S. Open Spirits Championship, the U.S. Open had a first, a tie for the Grand National Champion’s Trophy. Oxford Oaks Distillery in Oxford, North Carolina, and Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery in Dayton, Ohio, each won 3 gold medals. The North Carolina distiller won gold medals in the Vodka, Flavored Vodka, and Rum categories, while the Ohio distiller took home golds in the Gin, Barrel Aged Gin, and Specialty Spirits categories. 2024 is the first year that the U.S. Open awarded a Grand National Champion Trophy for best can and bottle cocktails. This year’s Grand National Champion is Safe House Distilling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They took home 2 golds and a bronze medal for their can cocktails.

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

Here are the top 5 Whiskey and Spirits Distilleries:

Top 5 Whiskey Distilleries
1. Nearest Green Distillery – Tennessee
2. Moylan’s Distilling – California
3. Weldon Mills Distillery – North Carolina
4. Cincinnati Distilling – Ohio
5. Knox Joseph Distillery – Ohio
5. Safe House Distilling – New Mexico

Top 5 Spirits Distilleries
1. Oxford Oaks Distillery – North Carolina
1. Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery – Ohio
3. Niagara College Teaching Distillery – Ontario
4. Kupu Spirits – Hawaii
4. Red Horse Distillery – Florida
4. New Realm Distilling – Virginia

Complete Listing of Medal Winners: 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/