bourbon

Iron Smoke Distilling releases Purple Heart Bourbon for Veterans Day

November 10, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

FAIRPORT — A collaboration between Iron Smoke Distillery and professional football players Rocky Bleier and his cousin Bob Bleir celebrates valor and sacrifice with a four-grain bourbon, Purple Heart Bourbon Whiskey.

The 90-proof special blend is named in honor of the Bleier family. Rocky Bleier was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained while serving in Vietnam in 1969.

“Connecting with the Bleier boys and their mission to support our nation’s brave Purple Heart recipients was an incredible honor and there was not one bit of hesitation in partnering up,” said Tommy Brunett, ISD co-founder. “We share the same deep-seated commitment to our veterans and honoring the sacrifice of our servicemen and women, allowing every sip to carry the spirit of gratitude and utmost respect.”

A majority of the profits for the sale of the bourbon will go to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization which promotes patriotism and provides services to veterans and their families. The Bleiers support MOPH because it is dedicated to veterans who have been awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded or killed in action.

“After I left the NFL, I devoted my time to honoring the bravery and resilience of my fellow Purple Heart brothers,” Rocky Bleier said in a news release. “I want to make sure their legacy is forever etched in the heart of our nation. So, with this bourbon, I raise my glass to their selfless service.”

Rocky Bleier suffered bullet wounds to his left leg and severe damage to his right foot from a grenade explosion. He overcame his disabilities and returned to play football with the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping his team win four NFL championships in the 1970s.

Bob Bleier was a quarterback who played for the New England Patriots during the late 1980s. He now has a wealth management firm in Pittsford.

“I have always been a big fan of Iron Smoke bourbon and its support of local charities,” said Bob Bleier. “In fact, I was picking up a barrel Tommy had donated to a fundraiser for Camp Good Days and Special Times when we started talking about creating a bourbon to support Purple Heart soldiers. Rocky drove up from Pittsburgh. Tommy took us through several tastings and everything seemed to just organically come together.”

The Bleiers tasted samples from seven barrels and picked their four favorites for this 45% ACL/VOL blend. The label created for the Purple Heart Bourbon bottle depicts the family’s crest replete with two hungry wolves and a horn of plenty. The words, “Prayer-Work-Thought-Decisions” decorate the banner above the Bleier family name and the autographs of both Rocky and Bob flank the crest. Each man personally signed every one of the 700 bottles produced.

“It’s all about relationships and doing the right thing. We appreciate the distinct steps Iron Smoke takes to craft top-notch whiskeys,” said Rocky Bleier. “What impressed me is that the Bleier Bourbon is not an off the shelf product. No mass production. It’s a unique spirit that honors our family and supports our brave soldiers.”

“Rocky and I are certified bourbon stewards. We both cherish the bourbon making process and being able to sip spirits with family and friends,” added Bob Bleier.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart provides advocacy for veterans, runs youth programs, and offers courses on Americanism.

Purple Heart Bourbon Whiskey is available only online.

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

The Tale of Two Maples From Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

November 5, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Photo Credit: Lexington Brewery & Distilling Co.

LEXINGTON, Kentucky— Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announces a second-time limited release Bourbon expression in conjunction with a third-time limited release Kentucky Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beer just in time for the holidays. Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon (SRP $69.99 / 750ml) and Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout (SRP $19.99 / 4pk Cans) are now available nationwide in limited quantities.

In late 2021, Lexington made its first release of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout after 18-months of aging in barrels that had previously held Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then maple syrup as a second fill. This first release of the award-winning beer inspired a multi-year commission of several releases to come between beer and spirits in pursuance of the Life of the Barrel.

After decanting the inaugural batch of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels, they were quickly allocated to the distillery production team and re-filled with Town Branch Bourbon to let those barrels finish, achieving flavors of the beer alongside traditional flavors of bourbon. The blending team at Town Branch Distillery acknowledges that “Not all ex-beer barrels work for finishing bourbon, but something like a big 12% abv Imperial Maple Stout was too good to pass up the opportunity to try, especially from our own brewing team.”

Over a year later in September 2022, the first release of Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon saw about half the barrels blended and released in tandem with the second release of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month. The result, a distinctly finished Bourbon where flavors of beer-meets-bourbon collide, all the while building upon the DNA of all the products to rest within the Life of the Barrel. The remaining bourbon barrels not emptied would continue their finishing journey for an extended period.

Skip forward to 2023 – after the Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout took home a Gold Medal “Style Winner” for Worlds Best Flavoured Stout in the 2022 World Beer Awards, the dynamic duo again would be commissioned for release. Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon will release this year, older, wiser and this time around with double the finishing time as was the previous release.

What’s next? – with a handful of bourbon barrels still resting in the projects original ex- Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels and scheduled to be released in 2024 with over 3-years finishing time, the brewery has also already laid down another brew to align for release.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon (SRP $69.99/750ml)

A unique expression of Town Branch Bourbon finished in freshly decanted Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels to add flavors of the beer alongside traditional flavors of bourbon.

2022 Release – 1-year finishing time in barrel

2023 Release – 2-years finishing time in barrel

Mash Bill: Town Branch Bourbon, finished (72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley)

ABV: 47% / 94 Proof

Estimated Availability: 2022 = 1,100 cases / 2023 = 750 cases

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark hue from double finishing

Aroma: Hints of roasted malt, cocoa, oak, and maple syrup

Palate: Roasted malt, cocoa, brown sugar, cherry, and vanilla

Finish: Oak, caramel, and rich maple syrup

Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout (SRP $19.99 / 4pk Cans)

A bold imperial stout brewed with brown sugar, evoking flavors of roasted malt and cocoa. This brew was aged for 18-months in freshly decanted maple syrup bourbon barrels.

Malt Types: Carapils, Chocolate, Crystal 80 and 2-Row Pale Ale

ABV: 12% / 24 Proof

Estimated Availability: November YR1 = 2,200 cs / YR2 = 2,300 cs / YR3 (current release) = 1,950 cs

Cellar Regiment:

Temperature Cellared: 42-degrees Fahrenheit

Barrel Type: Freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark and toffee

Aroma:Caramel and sweet roasty notes

Palate: Rich and full

Finish: Sweet molasses and full

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Located in Lexington, Ky., Lexington Brewing Co. began in 1890 and was revitalized in 1999 by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons and his son Dr. Mark Lyons as Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Dr. Pearse Lyons was a visionary Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. Lyons also founded Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company. Today, both businesses are led by his son, Dr. Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family to be in the brewing, distilling and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is home to the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch Distillery, a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Every emptied barrel is sustainably upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to produce world-class beer and spirits.

About Town Branch Distillery

Located in Lexington, Ky., Town Branch Distillery is the first new distillery to open in Lexington, Ky. since Prohibition and part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It crafts the award-winning Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch Bourbon plays an integral role in production, where the used barrels are upcycled to craft a range of whiskey and barrel-aged beers internally over the lifetime of each barrel, including the flagship brew, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

About Kentucky Barrel-Aged Beers

The Kentucky range of beers by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail focuses on the art of barrel-aging beer as one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands in the world. With its easy access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels and its inclusion as 1 of 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distilleries (Town Branch Distillery), Lexington capitalizes on the freshness of the barrel to create a style of barrel-aged beer unlike any other brewery in America. It crafts the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale and an assortment of Kentucky Barrel-Aged Seasonal/Specialty releases.

About Alltech

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plent. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 120 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.

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

Barrell Craft Spirits debuts first 100-proof bourbon

November 4, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Barrell Craft Spirits may have only opened its doors in 2013, but it’s already one of the most popular whiskey producers in the country. Located in Louisville, in the heart of bourbon country, the brand is well-known for its innovative blending techniques, hand-selected barrels, and unique finishing processes.

When it comes to spirits specifically, it’s known for its myriad numbered batches of bourbon, American whiskey, rye, and rum, as well as ongoing releases like Dovetail, Armida, Seagrass, and others. But where it shines is with its cask strength bourbon releases.

For those unaware, cask strength means that after the maturation process, the distillers didn’t add any water to proof the whiskey down. Instead of 80 or even 90-proof, the whiskeys will be more like 110-120-proof.

While the terms “sourcing” and “blending” seem like naughty words to some whiskey drinkers, they don’t bother the folks at Barrell Craft Spirits. Unlike some whiskey producers, Barrell Craft makes its name with blends. The Barrell bourbon brand is highly regarded for its blending prowess, melding sourced whiskeys from various distillery partners throughout the U.S. (and the world in some cases). That’s why it’s so exciting when the brand announces a new expression. Especially one that takes it a little off course: Its first non-cask strength bourbon. One created to be enjoyed on “all occasions.”

Its newest expression is called Barrel Foundation Bourbon, and its whiskeys come from all over the country. But this whiskey is more than a unique and interesting name. It’s a blend of eight-year-old Kentucky bourbon, five, six, and nine-year-old Indiana bourbons, eight-year-old Tennessee bourbon, as well as five and six-year-old Maryland bourbons. It carries a mash bill of 73% corn, 23% rye, and only 4% malted barley, making it a high-rye spicier bourbon yet remaining at a low ABV (as compared to its other offerings).

“Barrell Foundation is a delicious and easy-drinking bourbon whiskey with all the flavor of a cask strength bourbon whiskey at 100-proof,” Barrell Craft Spirits founder Joe Beatrice said in a press release. “We believe that a true art form in bourbon-making is the ability to produce bourbon whiskey that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we welcomed the challenge to show that we can produce great bourbon whiskey at a more approachable strength and price for all occasions.”

He added, “For 10 years, we’ve led the blending movement in the U.S. and now welcome this exciting opportunity to be a trailblazer of an entirely different style of bourbon whiskey.”

If you want to get your hands on a bottle of this mellow, easy-drinking bourbon, you can purchase one online on the Barrel Craft Spirits website or at select retailers in Arizona, California, DC, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington State. It was released in October for a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750ml bottle. If you don’t live in one of those states, it will roll out nationally in January of 2024.

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

Laws Whiskey House Announces Third Release of Laws Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey

October 24, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Laws Whiskey House, the award-winning distillery in Denver, today announces the third annual release of their Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Cognac Foeder. First introduced in 2017 as a pioneering addition to their Special Finish Series, this year’s offering represents a captivating blend of whiskeys aged between four and eight years, nurtured in an array of distinct wooden casks. This limited release is set to hit select markets nationwide beginning in October 2023, with a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Laws Whiskey House’s new Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Cognac Foeder marks the third annual release of a dynamic and evolving blend. After years of meticulous experimentation and refinement, Laws developed an innovative solera process where only a portion of their specially finished bourbon is harvested at a time, allowing the remainder to harmonize with future blends of this exceptional whiskey.

Founder of Laws Whiskey House, Al Laws, emphasizes their central philosophy, stating, “One of our core principles is continual improvement. This whiskey exemplifies that philosophy, as with this release, we’re pushing ourselves and our whiskeys to new heights. It’s a truly unique release, and we’re excited to invite you on this journey to savor how this whiskey evolves over time, not only in the glass but from year to year with each release as well.”

This whiskey’s journey commences with Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon, matured for a minimum of two years in freshly charred American oak barrels. Select barrels then undergo a secondary aging process in French oak casks that previously held Cognac. These distinct spirits are harmonized in a 50-year-old French oak blending vat, known as a foeder. Each year’s release includes whiskey from prior vintages, ensuring a consistent style. Following each annual harvest, the foeder is replenished with Four Grain Bourbon finished in Cognac casks, perpetuating the cycle.

Laws’ distinctive process was developed in collaboration with sixth-generation Cognac producer Alain Royer, who provided invaluable technical expertise in cask finishing and blending. Additionally, Royer assisted the Laws team in sourcing the foeder from its original home in France

The foeder is a critical component of this finishing process, facilitating not only the solera blending process but also the gradual integration of flavor from the spirit these casks once held. The French oak foeder staves add an elegant finish to this whiskey, with this year’s batch displaying a more pronounced French oak influence than the previous year. This balance enhances the solera process by accentuating herbaceous pepper and spice, leafy tobacco, and an overall toasted oak character.

For this third release, 400 gallons of finished spirit were harvested from the French oak foeder, yielding only 2,418 750ml bottles. This year’s release captures the essence of previous batches while introducing fresh nuances. Aromas of toasted oak, dry leaves, wet leather, fennel fronds, caraway seed, and dark fruits greet the senses. The spirit delivers flavors of cinnamon raisin toast, salted Marcona almonds, fig jam, and sweet, nutty malt, culminating in a dry finish accentuated by the influence of French oak. It lingers on the palate, offering complexity and depth.

About Laws Whiskey House

Grown, distilled, aged and bottled in Colorado.

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

For More Information:
https://lawswhiskeyhouse.com/crafted-in-colorado-with-french-influence-laws-four-grain-bourbon-whiskey-finished-in-a-cognac-foeder/

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Features the Oldest Eagle Rare Bourbon Yet

October 24, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Buffalo Trace Distillery` — Photo Credit: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Every year, Buffalo Trace’s highly anticipated Antique Collection, nicknamed the BTAC, gathers significant attention in the bourbon world. For each annual unveiling, the Kentucky-based distillery debuts four to five rare bottlings, showcasing the finest whiskeys from their brands. This year, enthusiasts, collectors, and fanatics look forward to new editions of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey, William Larue Weller Bourbon, and Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, and the return of the George T. Stagg Bourbon after it was omitted in 2021 for not meeting taste standards.

The 2023 BTAC collection features an especially thrilling bottling—the oldest-ever stock of Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon. You might wonder, doesn’t its name imply that all Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old bottles are 17 years old? A fair question, but it turns out that 17 refers to the minimum age to bottle the barrels. The whiskey’s actual barrel age varies each year to achieve the ideal flavor profile—and this year’s edition is the oldest yet.

Over the next couple of weeks, the bottles will roll out to a variety of retailers, where they’re priced around $125. After that, they’ll make their way on to the secondary market where it could cost around five to 20 times as much to get a bottle. So if you’re looking to pick one up for the right price, you’d better hurry to your local liquor store—it might already be too late.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

Buffalo Trace aged the 2023 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon for 19 years and three months, making this year’s bottling the longest-aged since its introduction in 2000. In tribute to the original Eagle Rare that launched in 1975, Buffalo Trace bottled the 2023 edition at 101 proof. The nose offers dark chocolate and cherry pie notes, which complement the well-balanced caramel-drizzled chocolate spongecake flavor. Then, the bourbon finishes with the dry, spicy notes of an earthy cigar box. The Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old was distilled in the spring of 2004, and its barrels were aged in Warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q.

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

Knob Creek’s Oldest Bourbon Is Back

October 21, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Knob Creek released its oldest expression to date last year, an 18-year-old bourbon that delighted fans of older age statement American whiskey. That limited release has returned for 2023, and for the launch the brand collaborated with Smithey Ironware on a cast iron skillet that was seasoned—you guessed it—a total of 18 times.

The core Knob Creek bourbon carries a nine-year-old age statement, a marker it regained in 2020 after a four-year absence that rankled some whiskey drinkers’ nerves. But that wasn’t the only news from the brand, part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection (along with Booker’s, Baker’s, and Basil Hayden). 12, 15, and 18-year-old expressions were added to the lineup over the past few years, the first as a permanent addition and the others in more limited numbers. Knob Creek 18 is bottled at the same 100 proof as the other expressions, and while for some the 15-year-old might hit that sweet spot of the older bourbon flavor profile, if you like something a bit oakier the 18 is a good whiskey to try. Look for notes of brown sugar, leather, caramel, and maple on the palate, with a healthy dose of tannins.

As mentioned earlier, this release comes along with a partner collaboration with cookware brand Smithey Ironware in the form of a cast iron skillet seasoned 18 times instead of the usual three. “The partnership between Knob Creek and Smithey Ironware came from the passion that both brands have for the details, whether it’s with cooking or in a fine glass of bourbon,” said seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe in a statement. “With this special 18x seasoned cast iron skillet, we were able to come together and create a product that celebrates those fine details, alongside the re-release of Knob Creek’s oldest release to date.”

You can find the Knob Creek & Smithey 18X Seasoned Skillet Set (SRP $300) for sale at the brand’s website along with some whiskey-themed recipes—but no bourbon is included with your purchase. To get a bottle of the new re-rerelease of Knob Creek 18, check out online retailers like ReserveBar.

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

Wild Turkey Unveils Generations, A Historic Release Honoring Bourbon Mastery

October 21, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. – Wild Turkey Distilling Company is proud to unveil Wild Turkey Generations, a first-ever collaboration from three generations of the iconic Russell family of whiskey makers. This ultra-premium and highly limited release from the storied Wild Turkey distillery reflects more than a century of bourbon-making prowess; it is an expert blend of four hand-selected whiskies that showcase the varied palates, personal preferences and exacting expertise of Jimmy, Eddie and Bruce Russell. Generations represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a whiskey created by the legendary grandfather, father and son trio, and this historic and extremely rare release is the first to feature the signatures of all three Russells on the custom-etched bottle, including that of newly appointed Associate Blender, Bruce Russell.

Commemorating the Russell family’s immeasurable impact on the art of bourbon making, Generations is made of four bourbons that were chosen by Jimmy, Eddie and Bruce for their unique characteristics, then masterfully blended in varying increments for a harmonious flavor profile. The result is a richly layered and complex whiskey, bottled at barrel proof and non-chill filtered to deliver the utmost character in each sip.

“With Generations, we set out to make a whiskey that was truly a celebration of family and bold spirit,” said Wild Turkey Associate Blender Bruce Russell. “My dad always says we are more than the name on the bottle – and this was my first opportunity to bring my own point of view while also applying everything I’ve learned from him and my granddad. We love this whiskey and are so proud of the story it tells.”

Bruce, like his grandfather Jimmy, prefers bold bourbon flavors, which come through in the 12-year bourbon he selected for the blend. Eddie has a penchant for a softer honeyed, vanilla-laden flavor that typically comes from older bourbons, such as his 15-year-old selection and the 14-year-old whiskey he and Bruce picked together. Jimmy stayed true to his palate, as he has for decades, by selecting a nine-year-old bourbon consistent with the classic Wild Turkey profile. While each of the Russells have slightly different tastes and preferences, they share the highest standards of quality for workmanship. The meticulously blended final bourbon seamlessly merges whiskies from the distillery’s finest barrels, capturing the heart and spirit of the Russell family.

“I’ve made some great whiskies throughout my career, and Generations is going in my hall of fame,” said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. “The experience of working with my son and grandson to create a blend that celebrates our family and tradition has been a highlight of my career.”

Generations is a tribute to one of the most iconic families in bourbon-making. Jimmy Russell, the longest-tenured, active Master Distiller in the global spirits industry and an instrumental figure in shaping Kentucky bourbon as it exists today, started the family tradition when he began working at Wild Turkey distillery in 1954. He soon began to teach his son Eddie, then a union worker, the craft. Eddie was a quick study who rose through the ranks and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2010, joining his father who earned the prestigious recognition in 2001. Before long, Eddie’s son, Bruce, became involved with the business, first as an ambassador and recently as a blender. As Associate Blender, Bruce spends his days tending to bourbons and ryes from the fabled Wild Turkey rickhouses, then blending to achieve new flavor profiles, bringing his own approach to the teachings and techniques passed down through the family.

“From the moment Jimmy, Bruce and I started talking about Generations, I knew we had something incredibly special on our hands,” said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “Not only am I proud of the rich, intricate whiskey that we created, but I’m honored to have worked alongside my son for his first release as Associate Blender. Seeing his name etched into the bottle next to ours will forever bring me back to the memories we shared when creating this rare release.”

Generations is a 120.8-proof blend that showcases sweet notes of vanilla, caramel and dark cherry that give way to warm notes of pepper and aged oak. An aroma of oak and vanilla is followed by floral and spice notes with hints of baked apple, toffee and cloves. The unique combination of aromas and flavors caps off with a finish of dark fruit and baking spice with lingering notes of sweet toffee and oak.

With a suggested retail price of $450, Wild Turkey Generations will be available in limited quantities; approximately 5,000 bottles will be available at select retailers nationwide. Wild Turkey fans in the United States will also have exclusive access to a limited online pre-sale in the coming days; by signing up for the Wild Turkey community newsletter here, fans can explore the story behind this special release and ensure that they are the first to learn more about pre-sale availability.

This historic whiskey embodies three generations of bourbon making mastery, and Wild Turkey encourages fans to savor it and to drink in moderation.

ABOUT WILD TURKEY

The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born.

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

Laws Whiskey House Announces Fan Favorite Honey Cask Finished Bourbon

September 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Laws Whiskey House, the award-winning whiskey distillery in Denver, unveils their newest Special Finish Series release: Honey Cask Finished Bourbon – a sweet collaboration with Bee Squared Apiaries. This whiskey is available for purchase in the Laws Whiskey House tasting room in Denver starting September 16th, and will be available in limited quantities at lawswhiskeyhouse.com and in key markets across the country starting late September for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

This creation is the result of a unique collaboration between distillers, beekeepers, and honeybees, bringing together the artistry of whiskey making with the richness of nature’s golden elixir. Laws Honey Cask Finished Bourbon takes enthusiasts on a journey that showcases the fusion of flavors derived from this collaborative process.

The journey begins with Laws Whiskey House’s Four Grain Straight Bourbon, which is crafted in small batches and aged in new charred oak barrels, developing its signature depth and complexity. After the whiskey is harvested, Bee Squared Apiaries in Berthoud, CO fills Laws barrels with their delicious honey which interacts with the remaining bourbon and char while also coating the inside of the barrel. After harvesting the honey, the honey-infused barrels return to Laws Whiskey House.

For the second round of aging, Laws Whiskey House refills these same honey-coated barrels with its Four Grain Straight Bourbon, allowing the whiskey to integrate with the essence of honey. This marriage of whiskey and honey yields a symphony of taste, with the added sweetness accentuating the notes of black tea, orange blossom, and cinnamon. Upon savoring, you’ll be greeted by a bright, floral aroma, followed by the delightful combination of sweet orange and buttered toast, all wrapped in a generous flavor of honey. This whiskey delivers a round mouthfeel and a full-bodied finish.

Al Laws, founder and president of Laws Whiskey House says, “our Honey Cask Finished Bourbon is a tasting room fan favorite. We are thrilled to finally share this creation on a larger scale with this special small batch. The collaboration between our talented distillers, Bee Squared Apiaries, and the industrious honeybees is delicious but also a testament to our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.”

This limited release consists of a marriage of four barrels. These barrels aged for 2 years 8 months in new charred oak and an average of 1 year and 6 months in used honey casks, making the total age of this release 4 years and 2 months. Only 1,080 bottles of this release were harvested at 95 proof. Join Laws Whiskey House at their tasting room on September 16 for their Honey Cask Finished Bourbon launch event. If you can’t make it to the event, find this whiskey at select retailers later in September.

About Laws Whiskey House

Established in 2011, Laws Whiskey House is a purpose-driven whiskey distillery founded on the principle that the soul of its whiskey is composed of the people who grow the grain, the people who make the spirit, and the people who drink the whiskey. Laws’ grain-forward style whiskeys are made with the highest quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. The distillery uses time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir and abundantly rich palate of flavors. With a collection of award-winning whiskey, including several Bottled in Bond expressions, Laws Whiskey House invites you to visit their tasting room in Denver’s historic Gates neighborhood and enjoy the Laws experience.

For More Information:
https://lawswhiskeyhouse.com/

TX Whiskey Releases Its Sixth Experimental Batch of Bourbon

September 9, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

A straight bourbon that has been aged for two years in Cabernet barrels is the latest expression in TX Whiskey’s “Experimental Series.” This sixth “experimental” offering, was finished in Kenwood Vineyards Yoakim Cabernet Barrels, which, according to a release, boasts some distinct aromas.

This new bourbon expression is said to have hints of vanilla combined with clove to create a fruity balance of grape that carries through the palate, with a long, rich and full-bodied finish of dark fruit flavors and savory notes of spice and oak.

“This experimental release comes from wine that has been aged in French and American Oak barrels for 24 months, allowing the cabernet to remain locked in the oak and seal its terrific flavors,” says head distiller, Evan Brewer. “The barrels were filled with our TX Bourbon and moved to our ‘rickhouses’ here in Texas to pick up the decadent flavors you will find on the nose and palate.”

To commemorate this new offering, TX Whiskey is hosting a celebration at the brand’s home, located at 2601 Whiskey Ranch Road, on Saturday, September 16 with a special VIP entry starting at 12 p.m. with general admission beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to “Meet the Maker” with a special tasting and bottle signing in the Oak Room including early access to purchase the newest expression.

Besides the bourbon, attendees can also enjoy some live music, food trucks and complimentary bottle engraving (with purchase). VIP tickets are $50 and general admission tickets are $10, both including event entry and one cocktail.

Only 1100 bottles of TX Experimental Series TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Barrels will be available for purchase at Whiskey Ranch. The limited release will only be available in 375ml bottles and limited to eight bottles per customer in a 30-day period.

The TX “Experimental Series” features a line of products that include TX Experimental Rye, TX High Rye Texas Straight Bourbon, TX Blended Straight Bourbon, TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum & Cognac Barrels and, most recently, TX Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond.

For more information please visit https://www.frdistilling.com/events-new/

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Announces Two New Whiskey Releases from Blender Dixon Dedman

September 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

KENTUCKY— After two successful small batch blend releases from 2XO, renowned American Whiskey blender Dixon Dedman is excited to launch two new Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys featuring his pioneering “Two Times Oak” blending process. American Oak (SRP $49.99) is the first ongoing blend in the Oak Series, a series of everyday offerings where Dixon will match the profile of each batch for consistent taste and character. The Tribute Blend (SRP $99.99), the third small batch blend in the Icon Series, is a nod to his parents and the path they paved for him. Both blends will be available nationwide and online at ReserveBar.

American Oak is the first blend in the Oak Series, an innovative double oak technique where Dixon introduces additional charred oak to barrels with a moderate amount of rye in the mashbill. This technique allows Dixon to intensify the maturation process by creating more surface area for the liquid in the barrels to interact with the new charred oak, elevating the combination of flavors. American Oak moves from rich caramel and toffee on the front palate, to savory roasted nutty notes on the mid-palate, finishing with a lingering mild spice. American Oak can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and is perfect in classic whiskey cocktails.

“With American Oak, I am getting the opportunity to develop my first everyday expression,” says Dixon. “It will always be available and always in inventory. I am especially excited to share this 2XO liquid with bartenders and mixologists who can work American Oak into their bar programs.”

The Tribute Blend is the latest small batch release from the Icon Series, following the award-winning releases The Phoenix Blend (2023 SFWSC Double Gold, 2023 ASCOT Double Platinum) and The Innkeeper’s Blend (2023 SFWSC Gold, 2023 ASCOT Double Platinum). The Tribute Blend is made up of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys composed of two proprietary mash bills from different distilling partners – one a high rye 35% bourbon mash bill and the other a low rye 16-18% bourbon mash bill. The Tribute Blend’s mouthfeel is viscous and rich with notes of caramel, toffee, apricot, red cinnamon candy, and a peppery spice that lingers longer than expected.

“The release of The Tribute Blend is a continuation of this path we’re taking with the Icon Series, and I’ve been delighted to see so many people jump on board and follow this journey,” says Dixon. “It’s humbling, yet rewarding, to have consumers energized to seek out your next release. This one honors my parents and the support and love they’ve shown me throughout my career.”

Like all the small batch blends in the Icon Series, The Tribute Blend is a limited time release. Each small batch blend in the Icon Series bears a distinctive name and symbol inspired by aspects of Dixon’s life.

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.

2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to the blending process Dixon pioneered, where he re-barrels his hand-selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend. His blends have garnered awards and recognition, earning their place among the finest American whiskeys in recent memory. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Robb Report, Food and Wine, Playboy, Maxim, Garden & Gun Magazine, The Whiskey Advocate and more.

About Prestige Beverage Group

Prestige Beverage Group is a leader in the alcoholic beverage space, developing and importing a global portfolio of wine and spirit brands to provide consumers with a diverse range of innovative, quality products. Founded in 1974, Minnesota-based Prestige Beverage Group encompasses a portfolio of 70-plus brands, including Kinky Beverages, Risata Wines, Yes Way Rosé, Windsor Canadian, and LANA Tequila.

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