bourbon

Woodford Reserve Unveils Highest-Proof Expression with Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4

March 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Versailles, KY (February 20, 2025) — Today, Woodford Reserve introduces the latest addition to its innovative Distillery Series: Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4. This limited-edition release marks a historic milestone as the brand’s highest-proof whiskey to date, coming in at a bold 139.4 proof.

Aged for 12 years, this expression expands on the foundation of the original Chocolate Whisper first released in 2021. The extended barrel aging has deepened the whiskey’s character, enriching it with intensified notes of dark chocolate and coffee for a robust and layered tasting experience.

“It’s been fascinating to witness the evolution of Chocolate Whisper Redux since its debut,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “The additional time in barrel has amplified its boldness while preserving that signature long finish.”

Part of the Distillery Series, Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4 reflects Woodford Reserve’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in whiskey making.

About Woodford Reserve:
Woodford Reserve is part of Brown-Forman Corporation, a company with over 150 years of experience in crafting premium spirits. Known for a portfolio that includes celebrated brands like Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, Herradura, and Glendronach, Brown-Forman operates in more than 170 countries with a global team of approximately 5,400 employees. Guided by a mission of offering “Nothing Better in the Market,” the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of spirits.

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

Milam & Greene Releases Gray Wolf Bourbon

March 24, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Milam & Greene Whiskey is unleashing Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon, a blend of two six-year-old, cask-strength collector’s edition bourbon casks. This first release in the 2025 Wildlife Collection will be available exclusively on the Milam & Greene Whiskey website and for the first time ever, available for online purchase to pick up at the distillery tasting room beginning at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Gray Wolf is the first release in the Milam & Greene 2025 Wildlife Collection, which explores how climate impacts the final flavor of aging bourbon.

“The Wildlife Collection is more than just an incredible collectors’ bourbon, it is also an opportunity for us to test how climate impacts the aging of whiskey,” Heather Greene, Milam & Greene Whiskey master blender and CEO, said in a news release. “Whiskey barrels aging in our rickhouses are open to natural airflow, letting the Texas weather make its mark on it. The Gray Wolf barrels spent roughly half their time aging in Kentucky, and the other half in Texas.

“The climatic whipsaw over the last three years in Hill Country with some of the coldest cold we’ve ever experienced, along with extreme drought and long periods of intense 100+ degree heat had a tremendous effect on the rate of maturation and the final flavors that you just won’t get in other locations.”

The first release in the 2025 Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection is named for the largest species of the wolf family, which historically hunted the lands where the distillery is now located in Blanco, Texas.

About Milam & Greene Distillery

Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Milam & Greene Distillery combines time-honored traditions with innovative techniques, producing award-winning bourbon and rye that’s available in 19 states and counting.

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

Echo Spirits Releases Engineer Series Blended Bourbon

March 24, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Columbus, Ohio – February 19th, 2025 – Echo Spirits, an Ohio distillery known for its founders’ drive to produce high-quality whiskeys and rums, is proud to showcase its bourbon blending skills once again via the latest release in its highly regarded Engineer Series.

Echo Spirits Engineer Series Batch 25A – Trail Mix is the evolution of a series Joe Bidinger and Nikhil Sharoff, both former engineers turned whiskey distillers, see as a bourbon blending workshop, a place to think outside the box of the regular brown spirits they produce. They take quality-sourced bourbons from other distilleries and transform them into something new and unique. Each batch is a masterpiece, with its own distinct mash bill, tasting profile, and back story.

“The Engineer Series came from our desire to innovate constantly and try to surprise people,” notes Bidinger. “While our own whiskeys age, we don’t want to blindly dump barrels together and label them our own. It’s important to us to remain transparent about where our whiskey is coming from while creating something new and unique each time.

“We try to treat individual whiskey barrels like ingredients in a dish. And we love to use different ingredients each time.”

For the Engineer Series, which debuted last year, the distillery team experiments with various combinations until they find that final sweet spot they can engineer into something special. As all this blending comes together, so does the batch’s name. For Echo Spirits, the tasting notes lead to visualizations of how a particular bottling might come to life in something they are doing, such as smoking a cigar or enjoying a nice dessert.

‍ABOUT ECHO SPIRITS

Echo Spirits is a distillery built with a purpose, a vision of two guys who didn’t quit their daydream as they looked for a new creative outlet to offset their highly analytical jobs. Located in the Grandview neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, the first drops of spirit came off the stills here in 2019, and there has been no looking back since. Known as Ohio’s rum and whiskey distillery, Echo Spirits’ success is reflected not just in its multiple award-winning offerings but also in the loyalty of its customers. A place and a mindset here lead to a commitment to quality reflected not only in the premium spirits but also in the full cocktail bar onsite showcasing their products in the way they are meant to be seen and enjoyed.

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

WhistlePig’s New Snout-to-Tail Bourbon – Aged 10 Years

March 12, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

SHOREHAM, VT — WhistlePig Whiskey, one of the nation’s leading independent craft distilleries, is expanding its bold footprint into the heart of bourbon country. Known for igniting the rye whiskey renaissance with its award-winning WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years, the Vermont-based brand is now the fastest-growing name in the super-premium bourbon category. In 2025, WhistlePig will debut its latest innovation: WhistlePig Snout-to-Tail Bourbon – Aged 10 Years, a bold and flavorful Straight Bourbon that redefines traditional aging methods.

This unique 10-year bourbon is crafted using a one-of-a-kind maturation technique. Each barrel is finished with two distinct Vermont oak barrel heads—one medium toasted at the “snout” and one smoked maple toasted at the “tail.” To fully capture the flavor from both ends, the barrels are flipped 180 degrees during aging, a first-of-its-kind “Snout-to-Tail” process that delivers big, complex character in every sip. Bottled at 88 proof—a nod to the 880-mile journey between WhistlePig’s Vermont Farm and its new Kentucky outpost—the bourbon reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

WhistlePig’s expansion into Louisville, Kentucky, will be marked by the launch of The WhistlePig PiggyBank, a dynamic new brand outpost opening in Spring 2025. With this release, WhistlePig aims to shake up the bourbon world once again—this time, from bourbon’s own backyard.

‍About WhistlePig Whiskey
WhistlePig Whiskey, the leading independent craft whiskey maker, continues to redefine American whiskey with its bold, innovative spirit. Nestled on a 500-acre in located in Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig is renowned for its award-winning rye, bourbon, and single malt whiskeys, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a rebellious approach to experimentation. From the iconic Small Batch Rye to the boundary-pushing Boss Hog series, WhistlePig’s portfolio delivers complex flavors that captivate connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. Committed to sustainability and quality, WhistlePig is not just making whiskey—it’s forging a legacy as the best whiskey on and for the planet. For more, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com.

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Penelope Bourbon expands its award-winning portfolio with Wheated

March 12, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

ST. LOUIS – Penelope Bourbon introduced a new addition to its Core Series of bourbons with Penelope Wheated Bourbon. The latest innovation expands the Penelope lineup with an approachable wheated bourbon that delivers on versatility due to its proof and price points. Penelope Wheated is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) and available nationwide in February at a suggested minimum retail price of $39.99.

As the fifth core expression in Penelope’s Core Series, Wheated Bourbon diversifies the portfolio that includes award-winning Architect, Barrel Strength, Four Grain and Toasted. Wheated complements the existing expressions with a profile that strikes the balance between robust flavor and smooth drinkability.

“Wheated bourbons are more popular than ever, and we think we hit the mark with this one, from flavor to proof to price,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “It’ll be a welcomed addition to our core line up.”

With a carefully balanced mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley, Wheated delivers a rich, sweet character with a smooth finish. The touch of rye adds just the right hint of spice, resulting in an inviting bourbon with depth and complexity. Wheated opens with aromas of light oak, sweet corn, apple and pear; and includes flavors of vanilla, honey, caramel apple and hints of orange zest. The finish features lingering brown sugar, toasted oak and a touch of cinnamon spice.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON
Penelope Bourbon, founded in 2018 by Michael Paladini and his childhood friend Danny Polise, began as a heartfelt celebration of Paladini’s daughter Penelope. What started as a family-inspired passion project quickly grew into an award-winning brand, known for its remarkably smooth and versatile straight bourbon whiskeys blended from three distinct mash bills incorporating four grains: corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. Sourced primarily from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and now part of the MGP/Luxco family since 2023, Penelope emphasizes precision blending and innovative finishes, earning over 40 industry accolades—including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Blender of the Year honors.

The core lineup features crowd-pleasers like the flagship Four Grain (balanced and approachable for sipping or cocktails), uncut Barrel Strength for bold intensity, Architect with French oak stave influences, Toasted Series for rich charred notes, and the newer Wheated expression for creamy softness. Limited releases, such as the Cooper Series wine cask finishes (like Rosé or Rio) and the premium Estate Collection, showcase creativity with global inspirations and rare aged stocks, making Penelope a favorite for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts seeking flavorful, easy-drinking American bourbon.

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

Larrikin Bourbon Co. Launches Decade Rye

March 11, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Lawrenceburg, KY – Larrikin Bourbon Co. announces the release of Decade Rye Cognac Cask, a remarkable spirit born from extraordinary events and master craftsmanship. This exceptional release features 10 barrels of 10-year-old 100% Alberta rye whiskey, finished in a 105-gallon cognac cask, creating a whiskey that tells a story as rich as its flavor.

Originally destined for a Russian oligarch, these precious barrels of aged rye found themselves without a home following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rather than let this exceptional whiskey go to waste, Larrikin Bourbon Company’s Master Distiller Greg Keeley saw an opportunity and ran with it. Later, he was given a cognac cask and the rest is history.

“Sometimes the most remarkable creations arise from unexpected circumstances,” says Greg Keeley, founder and master distiller of Larrikin Bourbon Co. “When we were gifted this exceptional cognac cask, I knew immediately that our 100% rye whiskey could be transformed into something truly extraordinary. Decade Rye represents not just ten years of patience, but the ability to find opportunity in adversity- the Larrikin way.”

This limited release showcases the marriage of premium Alberta rye whiskey with the sophisticated influence of fine French cognac. The result is a uniquely complex spirit that offers classic rye spice and warmth paired with cognac-derived notes of dried fruit and oak. This whiskey has a remarkably smooth finish despite its considerable strength at 122.4 proof.

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

Celebrate National Bottled in Bond Day – March 3rd

March 1, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

Celebrate National Bottled in Bond Day
March 3rd marks National Bottled in Bond Day, a tribute to a landmark moment in American whiskey history. It was on March 3, 1897 that the Bottled in Bond Act was signed into law, ensuring the quality and authenticity of American spirits. Before its passage, whiskey was often adulterated with harmful additives like iodine, tobacco, and even kerosene. The act established strict regulations, requiring that any whiskey labeled “Bottled-in-Bond” be aged for at least four years, produced in a single distillery, and bottled at 100 proof under government supervision.

For whiskey lovers, this designation remains a mark of quality and trust. On this, distilleries and aficionados celebrate by showcasing classic bonded spirits and sharing the rich history of this law. Bars and tasting rooms offer special flights of bonded whiskey, allowing patrons to taste the craftsmanship that has endured for over a century.

One such distillery, Harrison & Sons, carries on tradition with a limited release every year on March 3rd. The master distiller, Amelia Harrison, recounts her great-grandfather’s role in advocating for the law. “He was a barrel inspector back in the early 1900s. He always said that Bottled in Bond wasn’t just about whiskey—it was about protecting people. It was about trust.”

At this year’s celebration in Kentucky, whiskey enthusiasts gather at historic distilleries, where experts lead discussions on the impact of the act. Some distilleries open their bonded warehouses to the public, giving visitors a rare glimpse of aging barrels stamped with the telltale Bottled in Bond seal.

Whether enjoyed neat, in an Old Fashioned, or as part of a tasting flight, Bottled-in-Bond whiskey continues to symbolize integrity in American spirits. So, on March 3rd, raise a glass to the legacy of quality, tradition, and the enduring standards that make American whiskey truly great.

The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897
Created in 1897, this act was a significant piece of legislation in American whiskey history, designed to ensure the quality and authenticity of distilled spirits.

Why Was It Needed?
Before the Act, whiskey was often tampered with, diluted, or mixed with harmful substances like iodine, tobacco, and even kerosene. Many distillers and rectifiers (who blended spirits) would sell whiskey that was unsafe or falsely advertised. Consumers had no way of knowing if they were buying pure whiskey or a dangerous concoction.

What Did the Act Do?
This act created strict regulations for whiskey to be labeled “Bottled-in-Bond,” including:

Single Distillery: The whiskey must be produced at one distillery during one distillation season (January–June or July–December).
Minimum Aging: It must be aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.
100 Proof Standard: It must be bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume) to maintain purity and consistency.
Government Supervision: It must be stored and bottled under U.S. government supervision, ensuring that it is not tampered with.

Laws Whiskey House Wins World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon 2024

February 23, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

DENVER, Colorado — Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon Named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Denver-based Laws Whiskey House has achieved a major milestone in the whiskey world, with its Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon earning the prestigious title of World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. This highly respected global competition recognizes outstanding quality and innovation in whiskey production.

Why This Award Matters for Colorado Whiskey
Founder and CEO Al Laws expressed pride in the achievement: “We couldn’t be prouder. This is a win for the entire state of Colorado, thanks to our unique growing and distilling conditions that create such bold flavors. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and the innovators pushing American whiskey forward.”
Laws Whiskey House stands out in the growing Colorado whiskey scene by blending traditional techniques with local terroir. The distillery uses heirloom grains from Colorado family farms and leverages Denver’s high elevation for distinctive aging.

About Laws Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon
This award-winning bourbon is crafted from a unique four-grain mash bill:
60% corn
20% heirloom wheat
10% heirloom rye
10% heirloom malted barley

Aged for 3+ years (up to 10 years) in new 53-gallon American oak barrels, the cask strength version is bottled uncut and unfiltered at barrel proof for intense, pure flavors. It shares the same mash bill and barrel selection as the flagship Four Grain Bourbon but delivers bolder character straight from the barrel.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas: Baking spice, black tea, honeysuckle
Flavors: Orange, clove, dried fruit, with bold depth

About Laws Whiskey House
Laws Whiskey House, a premier grain-to-glass distillery in Denver, Colorado, was founded in 2011 by Al Laws, a former finance professional with a lifelong passion for whiskey. What began as a pursuit to craft terroir-driven American whiskeys has grown into one of Colorado’s most acclaimed producers, emphasizing heirloom grains sourced exclusively from two local family farms in the San Luis Valley and eastern plains. Leveraging Denver’s high-altitude climate—marked by hot days, cool nights, and thin air—Laws Whiskey House creates bold, flavorful expressions that capture the rugged essence of the Rocky Mountains while honoring traditional distilling methods.

At the heart of the portfolio is the award-winning Four Grain Bourbon, made from a unique mash bill of 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley. Aged in new 53-gallon charred American oak barrels for a minimum of three years (with some up to ten), this flagship bourbon delivers complex notes of baking spice, black tea, honeysuckle, orange, clove, and dried fruit. Variants like the Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon—named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards—and Bottled in Bond expressions highlight the distillery’s commitment to quality, with open-air fermentation and meticulous grain-forward techniques producing distinctive Colorado whiskeys that stand out in the American craft scene.
Address: 80 W Arkansas Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Website: www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com

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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: New Orleans’ Premium Botanical-Infused American Whiskey

February 11, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans-based Big Easy Spirits Company is redefining the flavored whiskey category with its flagship Big Easy Whiskey, a premium 5-year-old straight whiskey that puts authentic whiskey flavor front and center. Launched in early 2025 in its hometown of New Orleans, this innovative infused American whiskey starts with 100% straight whiskey distilled in Kentucky and Indiana from a traditional bourbon mash bill (81% corn, 15% rye, 4% malted barley). Aged for five years in used bourbon barrels for a smooth, rounded profile, it’s then expertly infused with over two dozen natural herbs, spices, botanicals, and fruits by Master Blender Kieran Walsh. The result is a bold yet approachable botanical-infused whiskey that enhances the spirit’s rich character without overpowering it – perfect for enthusiasts searching for high-quality flavored whiskey options.

This whiskey (86 proof, 43% ABV, $34.99 SRP for 750mL) shines as an everyday sipper, especially over ice where flavors evolve with each melt. Tasting notes feature toasty American whiskey aromas transitioning to warm baking spices like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, with complex Amaro-like herbal layers of cedar and lemon balm on the palate. Versatile for cocktails honoring New Orleans’ legendary mixology, it adds depth to simple serves like “Easy Over Ice” or creative ones like “Easy Like Sunday Morning.” Founded by industry veterans and New Orleans natives, crafted this spirit to be neither pretentious nor gimmicky – bold and boozy, bitter and sweet, embodying the Big Easy’s laid-back soul. Now available online with shipping to 46 states and in select retailers, this New Orleans whiskey is ideal for holiday entertaining or casual sipping. Bourbon Outfitter

About Big Easy Spirits Company
Big Easy Whiskey was launched in New Orleans in early 2025, captures the vibrant, laid-back essence of the Crescent City in every bottle. Founded by distilled spirits industry veterans and New Orleans natives, the brand aims to deliver a premium, approachable infused whiskey that’s neither pretentious nor gimmicky. Bold and boozy yet bitter and sweet, this whiskey embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and rich cocktail heritage of New Orleans, offering an everyday sipper that’s perfect for casual moments or sophisticated gatherings. Now available across 46 states, this innovative American whiskey redefines the flavored category with authentic quality and local inspiration.

How did New Orleans get the name, The Big Easy?
The nickname “The Big Easy” for New Orleans reflects the city’s renowned laid-back, easygoing lifestyle, vibrant jazz culture, and relaxed pace compared to faster-paced places like New York City (known as “The Big Apple”). While the exact origin is debated with several theories, the most widely accepted account traces its popularization to the 1970s.

New Orleans gossip columnist Betty Guillaud (sometimes spelled Guillot or similar) used the phrase in her newspaper columns to highlight the city’s carefree atmosphere in contrast to New York’s hustle. This usage caught on, especially after author James Conaway titled his 1970 crime novel The Big Easy (inspired by his time as a police reporter in the city, where he overheard the phrase), and the 1987 film adaptation starring Dennis Quaid further cemented it in popular culture.

Earlier theories include references to a early 20th-century dance hall called “The Big Easy Hall” in Gretna (across the river from New Orleans), where jazz pioneer Buddy Bolden performed, or slang among musicians describing how it was relatively “easy” to find gigs and make a living in the city’s thriving jazz scene compared to elsewhere. Other suggestions point to the city’s lenient attitude toward alcohol during Prohibition or its overall low-key vibe. Though locals rarely use “The Big Easy” themselves (preferring “New Orleans” or “NOLA”), the nickname endures as a celebration of the city’s unique charm.

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