bourbon

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.

About Michter’s,
Michter’s Distillery traces its storied legacy back to 1753, when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded America’s oldest whiskey distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, initially producing rye whiskey that reportedly fortified George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge. Known over the years as Shenk’s, then Bomberger’s, the brand endured Prohibition, financial challenges, and closure in 1989 before being revived in Kentucky by Joseph Magliocco in the 1990s. Today, Michter’s operates state-of-the-art facilities including the Shively Distillery for primary production and the historic Fort Nelson Distillery on Louisville’s Whiskey Row, opened in 2019, where visitors can experience its “cost be damned” commitment to crafting premium American whiskey, Kentucky straight bourbon, and rye whiskey.

Michter’s portfolio shines with small-batch and single-barrel expressions renowned for exceptional quality and extended aging, including the flagship US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon with rich caramel, vanilla, and stone fruit notes; the bold, peppery US1 Single Barrel Rye; and the unique US*1 Unblended American Whiskey matured in whiskey-soaked barrels for a mellow profile. Highly allocated limited releases like the 10-Year Bourbon and Rye, Toasted Barrel finishes, and ultra-rare 20- and 25-Year offerings appeal to collectors seeking top-rated American whiskey. With a focus on premium grains, heat-cycled warehousing, and bottling only at peak maturity, Michter’s consistently earns acclaim as one of the world’s most admired bourbon and rye whiskey producers.

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Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 – What is it?

January 20, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

Bottled in bond is a label for an American-made distilled beverage that has been aged and bottled according to a set of legal regulations contained in the United States government’s Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, as originally laid out in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. As a reaction to widespread adulteration in American whiskey, the act made the federal government the guarantor of a spirit’s authenticity, gave producers a tax incentive for participating, and helped ensure proper accounting and the eventual collection of the tax that was due. Although the regulations apply to all spirits, most bonded spirits are whiskeys in practice.

To be labeled as bottled-in-bond or bonded, the liquor must be the product of one distillation season (January–June or July–December) by one distiller at one distillery. It must have been aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof / 50% alcohol by volume. The bottled product’s label must identify the distillery where it was distilled and, if different, where it was bottled. Only spirits produced in the United States may be designated as bonded.

Some consumers consider the term to be an endorsement of quality, while many producers consider it archaic and do not use it. However, because bottled-in-bond whiskey must be the product of one distillation season, one distillery, and one distiller – whereas ordinary straight whiskey may be a product of the mingling of straight whiskeys with differing ages and producers within a single state – it may be regarded as a better indication of the distiller’s skill, making it similar in concept to a single malt whisky, small batch whiskey, or single barrel whiskey. Bonded whiskeys are also valued for their higher-than-usual alcohol content (100 proof rather than the more typical 80–90 proof), as this means the product contains a less diluted spirit, typically corresponding to more flavor.

History of the Bottled in Bond Act
The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 established a groundbreaking standard of quality and authenticity for American whiskey, particularly bourbon, during an era when consumer trust was severely undermined. Before the law’s enactment, much of the whiskey marketed as “straight” was heavily adulterated—often flavored and colored with substances like iodine, tobacco spit, prune juice, or even harmful chemicals—to imitate the appearance and taste of properly aged spirits while maximizing profits for unscrupulous rectifiers. This widespread deception created urgent demand for government-backed assurance of purity and verifiable craftsmanship.

Beyond protecting consumers, the Act cleverly intertwined with U.S. tax policy to incentivize distillers’ participation. By storing whiskey in federally supervised bonded warehouses, producers could defer excise tax payments until the spirit was ready for bottling, improving cash flow during the lengthy aging process while ensuring accurate tax collection through strict oversight. Led by influential Kentucky distiller Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.—founder of the Old Taylor bourbon brand—and supported by Treasury Secretary John G. Carlisle, a coalition of reputable distillers successfully advocated for this reform. To enforce compliance, Treasury agents maintained control over access to these secure bonded warehouses, guaranteeing that only genuine, unadulterated whiskey meeting the Act’s rigorous standards could earn the prestigious bottled-in-bond designation.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

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

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

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/

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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

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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.

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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/

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.

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