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LAWRENCEBURG, Kentucky — World-renowned spirits critic and bourbon authority Fred Minnick has named Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon the Best American Whiskey of 2021. Tasting more than 700 whiskeys during the year, Minnick recently announced his Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021 and revealed the Top 10 rankings via a YouTube livestream on January 5th. Assessing each whiskey by color, nose, palate, finish, and uniqueness of a product in its category, Minnick ultimately selected the No. 1 whiskey of the year – Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon.

“During my blind tasting, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon showed power and elegance in a single glass,” said Fred Minnick, co-founder of the American Spirits Council of Tasters and world-renowned Bourbon curator, taster and Wall Street Journal-bestselling author,. “It is layered with so many flavors that I would love to sip this every day for the rest of my life. Of course, given the greatness of the Wild Turkey Distillery as of late, I am not surprised the Russell family and their team made this. It’s a once in a lifetime bourbon.”

Straight out of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is one of the boldest smoothest bourbons the iconic distillery has ever released. Honoring the family ties that bind, Eddie Russell introduced the new Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old in June 2021, releasing a 114.8-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon that exemplifies the Russell family’s mastery of bourbon-making. In the ultimate distilling challenge, Eddie aged this one-of-a-kind release for at least 13 years, maintained the barrel proof and opted not to chill filter the whiskey, creating a more robust mouthfeel and authentic bourbon experience.

“Crafting Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old turned out to be one of my most rewarding experiences as a distiller,” said Eddie Russell, who celebrated a remarkable 40 years of bourbon making at the Wild Turkey Distillery last year. “This release embodies our commitment to creating uniquely satisfying flavors, and hands down, it’s one of our most rare bourbons. I would happily join Fred in sipping from this bottle for the rest of my life as well.”

Savoring Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is an experience like no other. The barrel-proof bourbon coats the palate with sweet and warming flavors rising from the harmonious marriage of dried dark fruit and charred confectionary notes. Those sweet and woody notes give way to rich flavors of honey, chocolate and nougat throughout, followed by a strong and lasting finish. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is available in the United States for a limited time only. For more information, please visit www.russellsreserve.com.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Montelobos® Mezcal, Ancho Reyes® Chile Liqueur, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Cinzano®, Mondoro® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.

Campari America is headquartered in New York, New York. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica, Instagram: @CampariAmerica, and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Fred Minnick
World-renowned spirits critic and best-selling author Fred Minnick has been deemed a leader in the bourbon and spirits industry by The TODAY Show, Men’s Health, Forbes and many others. Minnick continuously revives the age-old traditions and cultures of bourbon and spirits through his media empire which includes the Bourbon Pursuit Podcast, DASH Radio’s “Minnick Minute” show and his Hermes Creative Awards Platinum-winning Podcast The Fred Minnick Show (PodcastOne). A Louisville, KY-based father of two, Minnick is also an avid music fan, curating his annual Bourbon and Beyond festival which has welcomed acts like Lynn Kravitz, John Mayer and Stevie Nicks to its stages. He has authored several books including Wall Street Journal best-seller Bourbon Curious.

For the full list of Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, visit fredminnick.com/2021/12/30/best-american-whiskeys-of-2021.

 

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FRANKFORT, Kentucky – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick have crafted an epic fundraising event to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from the tornados that ravaged Western Kentucky.

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature an online and live auction of exclusive private barrel selection experiences, rare and vintage spirits, and unique tasting and tourism offerings from Kentucky’s signature distilling industry and hospitality and charitable partners.

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in recent days,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I appreciate our signature Bourbon industry quickly stepping up to raise much-needed money for Kentucky families that have lost so much in this tragedy.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Kentuckians are hurting. They’ve lost their homes, loved ones and their livelihoods. It’s our obligation as a signature industry – and duty as fellow Kentuckians – to help each other in times of crisis.

“There is a real urgency here. These are our friends and neighbors, and they need help now.”

The online auction will begin Thursday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. EST and run until Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. A live-streamed auction will be held on Dec. 21 starting at 7 p.m. at Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville and will feature elite and immersive items from Kentucky’s legendary distillers.

Go to www.kybourbonbenefit.com to view all the auction items and bid.

All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornados and severe storms of Dec. 11. The website to learn more or make a donation is https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief.

“We’ve been the recipients of so much generous hospitality from the fine people of Kentucky,” said RJ Sargent, founder of The Bourbon Crusaders. “They’ve treated us like family. When we saw the chance to give back, our members jumped at the opportunity.”

Minnick said, “Kentucky Bourbon is a community that spans throughout the Bluegrass State and from whiskey bars in Sidney to the collectors in Manitoba. Bourbon lovers everywhere want to help rebuild Western Kentucky with our hands, hearts and wallets.

“Private collectors, Kentucky distillers, out-of-state brands and celebrities donated rare auction items that will surely break records. The Bourbon community believes in the Commonwealth’s bond of Bourbon and knows it can bring us together to rebuild.”

Offerings include more than 20 private barrel experiences, where Bourbon enthusiasts can personally taste and select their own one-of-a-kind barrel under the tutelage of the brand’s Master Distiller. Each barrel usually yields 150-200 bottles depending on age and proof.

Whiskey aficionados with the Bourbon Crusaders have raided their collections and donated dozens of limited edition and single barrel expressions of Bourbon, rye and Scotch whiskies. Distillers also have donated rare bottles that disappeared from retailer’s shelves long ago.

Minnick, a best-selling author and expert on all things Bourbon, utilized his renowned distilling and celebrity connections to reap a treasure trove of bottles, private experiences and memorabilia to fulfill any whiskey lover’s dream.

On the hospitality side, companies along the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour have donated overnight stays at charming bed and breakfast stops, transportation and tourism packages, a six-foot tall Christmas tree made out of barrel staves and much more.

In addition to the auction, there will be a dedicated “buy it now” section where people can purchase bottles and other items without breaking the bank. Due to COVID and space restrictions, the live auction is not open to the public. Items will be available for viewing online and streaming.

Organizers have been humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of distillers and partners from outside Kentucky that offered assistance and items for the auction. Kentucky distillers also are sending pallets of hand sanitizer to Western Kentucky that remain from COVID relief efforts.

“The outpouring has been enormous,” Sargent said. “We immediately began receiving texts and calls throughout Kentucky and from coast to coast from our members, friends and partners in the national Bourbon community who knew that we could help them help Kentuckians.”

Gregory said he began making calls to distillers early Saturday morning when daylight gave way to the devastation of the tornados. Not one distiller turned down his request to donate barrels or bottles to the cause.

“I really didn’t have to ask,” he said. “They knew why I was calling and they were ready to help in any way. It could have been any of their communities or families or colleagues. That’s Bourbon. That’s the Kentucky spirit shining through. We’re all about taking care of each other.

“After all, Bourbon is America’s spirit and Kentucky is its birthplace. When Kentucky hurts, we hurt, and that’s why we’re doing this. Thank you to everyone who is helping in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, and please continue praying for our beloved Commonwealth and its people.”

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PORTLAND, Oregon — Eastside Distilling, a consumer-focused beverage company, today announced its partnership with American Forests, the nation’s oldest conservation organization, to help protect and restore the Oregon white oak (Quercus Garryana) habitat in the Willamette Valley. Eastside and American Forests will plant 5,000 oak trees in the Willamette Valley to help protect and restore the threatened oak territory in the Pacific NW. Eastside uses barrels made from the Valley’s fallen oak trees to age its Burnside Whiskeys, imparting a profound effect on its unique flavor profile.

Oregon white oaks found in the Willamette Valley are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the United States. Today, 95% of the white oaks are gone, compared to 150 years ago, due to land conversion, changes in land management and population growth, leaving little space for oak habitats. Given that there are no regulatory policies to save Oregon oaks, a voluntary conservation initiative, called the Oak Accord, was started by private landowners who own most of the remaining oak woodlands to protect and restore Willamette Valley’s fragile oak habitat. “There is a growing movement in the northwest to protect what oak we have left, but restoring oak through planting and natural regeneration is also a key part of bringing this species back,” said Brian Kittler, Senior Director of Forest Restoration at American Forests.

“Oregon white oak trees have been an important part of the sustainability, values, and aesthetics of the state for hundreds of years and we are committed to helping Oregonians protect existing trees while growing the next generation of oaks,” said Janet Oak, Chief Brand Officer.

According to Jason Ericson, Eastside’s Head Distiller, “Oregon oak imparts a deep vanilla and clove flavor that American white oak can’t match. Quercus Garryana has high tannin levels requiring a minimum three-year seasoning period to ensure the bitter and astringent qualities of tannins don’t over-influence our whiskey. The longer the staves are seasoned, the more the tannins break down, creating a darker, sweeter and fruitier flavor than whiskey aged in American oak barrels.”

In addition to planting 5,000 Oregon white oak trees in Willamette Valley, Eastside Distilling will also run an in-store promotion where an Oregon white oak tree will be planted for every bottle of Burnside whiskey purchased.

About Eastside Distilling
Eastside Distilling, Inc. (NASDAQ: EAST) has been producing high-quality, award-winning craft spirits in Portland, Oregon since 2008. The company’s distinguished product lineup includes its newly released Eastside limited-edition spirits portfolio, Azuñia Tequilas®, Burnside Whiskeys®, Hue-Hue Coffee Rum®, and Portland Potato Vodkas®. Eastside is widely recognized for its expertise in blending, aging, and finishing distillates hand-selected from the finest spirit producers worldwide and using locally grown ingredients and pure Oregon water for superior taste and quality. For more information, visit www.eastsidedistilling.com, or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

About American Forests
American Forests is the oldest national conservation organization in the country. The organization has more than 1,000 forest restoration projects in every state in the nation, planted nearly 65 million trees, and helped expand tree canopy in dozens of major cities and urban areas. Today, American Forests continues to be a leading advocate for forest conservation in the United States, and believes trees are a solution to two major current crises: climate change and social inequity.

SHELBYVILLE, Tennessee –  Today, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history and the most-awarded Bourbon of 2019 and 2020 worldwide, announced the formation of the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund. The $50 million fund was created specifically to invest in rapidly growing, minority-founded and owned spirit brands. According to Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest founder and CEO, it’s by design that the timing of the announcement comes on the 100th anniversary of the destruction of Black Wall Street.

“On June 1, 1921, an entire community of wealthy and successful African Americans was wiped out in a matter of hours. We are talking about 35 square blocks known as Black Wall Street,” said Weaver. “As an African American, learning about that history broke my heart because we, as a people, were really onto something in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We were lifting one another up and creating wealth within our own community, and then showing others how to do it for themselves. We cannot go back and undo the past, but I do believe we have full power over our future, and that recreating a Black Wall Street of sorts within the spirits industry is a great place to start.”

The fund has already chosen its first two investments, each company to receive initial funding of $2 million, respectively – London-based Equiano, the world’s first Afro-Caribbean rum founded by Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral; and Jack From Brooklyn, Inc., the first-known Black-owned distillery in America post Prohibition, and the maker of the bartender-beloved Sorel Liqueur. Founded by Jackie Summers in 2012, Sorel had all the makings of a successful brand when it launched, and immediately gained popularity. However, Summers was not able to obtain the funding required to grow a successful spirit brand.

“Most people don’t know how expensive it is to create and grow a premium spirit brand in America,” said Summers. “I wasn’t willing to compromise on the quality and I did everything I could to raise the money to keep Sorel alive, including pitching the brand to the CEOs of some of the most well-known spirit conglomerates. Every single one turned me down. Many do not know this, but I went homeless for about 18 months as I pounded the pavement to continue growing my business. I never gave up because I knew it was special and that one day, someone would be willing to invest in it and in me. The moment the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund agreed to do so, we were ready – we’d only been waiting on capital.”

Through the investment from the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund, Sorel Liqueur will return to market this summer as an exclusive offering via ReserveBar.com and their Spirited Change Initiative.

“America consists of approximately 40 percent people of color, but they own an incredibly small percentage of spirit brands,” said Lindsay Held, CEO and co-founder of ReserveBar, the established leader in premium spirits ecommerce. “We have to work collectively to change that so that we can unlock opportunity for all. We are committed to working with every minority-owned brand in the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund.”

Following its online debut, Sorel will roll out to markets across the country this summer. The brand has already obtained national distribution through Republic National Distribution Company (RNDC), Breakthru Beverage Group, Empire Distributors and several other top distributors, and will be available in more than 40 states before the end of the year.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants, and at its 270-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., dubbed as “Malt Disney World.” For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.

About Uncle Nearest Venture Fund
Uncle Nearest Venture Fund was created to invest in minority (BIPOC and women) founded, owned and led brands with the greatest potential to grow into long-standing legacy brands. It was founded by Uncle Nearest founder and CEO Fawn Weaver, and is guided by a diverse board of directors, which includes: Keith Weaver, Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy and External Affairs for Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lee Moulton, Head of Partnerships for Google, Carolyn Feinstein, former CMO for Dropbox, Mark McCallum, former Chief Brands Officer for Brown-Forman, Kevin Asato, Portfolio Management for Republic National Distribution Company, and Minott Wessinger, founder of McKenzie River Corporation. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund website.

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Austin, Texas – Still Austin Whiskey Co., a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, launched its first limited-release Cask Strength Bourbon, in on- and off-premise establishments throughout Texas and at the Still Austin Distillery Tasting Room. Unlike the company’s Distillery Reserve Series which typically yields up to 600 total bottles and is only available at the Tasting Room, the Cask Strength Bourbon is a limited-release, meaning a larger quantity will be available in the marketplace as well. This year, the team will make 1,100 cases available now and an additional 1,100 cases available in September.

Made from 100% Texas grains, the new expression contains the same mash bill as the company’s flagship straight bourbon whiskey – 70% Non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye and 5% wildfire malted barley – but without utilizing the slow water reduction process, resulting in a higher proof. The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $65.

To create this robust bourbon, the team asked Master Blender Nancy Fraley to search through their barrels of Straight Bourbon and select the most complex and full-flavored ones—those that were begging to be blended and released at “barrel proof,” meaning the whiskey was bottled at the same proof at which it was aged. The resulting spirit is a masterpiece of complex, dark flavors with a deep spice finish.

At 118 proof (59% ABV), the new Cask Strength Bourbon is a “deeper, darker, more robust version of its beloved 98.4 proof fruit-forward sibling (aka The Musician), offering a nose of brandied cherries with fresh muddled mint, old fashioned blackberry cobbler with biscuit crust, and cinnamon toast in brown butter,” according to Fraley. “The palate offers notes of grilled peaches drizzled with balsamic vinegar, butterscotch pecan pie, and dark brown sugar, followed by warming waves of rye spice, nutmeg, and clove.”

The artwork on the label, created by internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt, is a slightly modified version of the Straight Bourbon artwork, a series which portrays “archetypical” Austinites. Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir. While the Cask Strength bottle also features The Musician, the black night sky is meant to be representative of the stronger, “darker” whiskey.

Grain-to-Glass Philosophy
Still Austin is an independent craft whiskey distillery founded in 2015, focusing on a true grain-to-glass concept that produces the highest quality whiskey by perfecting every part of the process and using local resources and sustainable practices. The team is committed to carrying out each part of the process in-house. That means never sourcing whiskey from another distillery, and instead always hand-making everything from scratch, and managing everything in-house – milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling and bottling.

The Still Austin distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, Master Blender Nancy Fraley and veteran Master Distiller Mike Delevante, one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America who designed the distillery to make the highest quality of bourbon. That includes a 42-foot custom-made column, “Nancy,” (and her sister copper-pot still, “The Queen”) which give the distillers serious creative license to create unique new flavors and spirits. The team also uses Texas weather to its advantage. The region’s high heat, humidity and rapidly shifting temperatures encourage spirits to move rapidly in and out of the oak barrels and mature relatively quickly—but, if this process is left unchecked, it can also cause the bourbon to have heavy oak flavor or harsh tannic qualities. To prevent this, Still Austin uses a meticulous slow water reduction technique focused on flavor and balance, which gives the alcohol a softness on the palate and brings more “mature” notes to the forefront.

About Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2015 by three Austin families, Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a true grain-to-glass distillery, located at 440 East St. Elmo Road in the heart of Austin, Texas. All spirits are hand crafted using grains grown by Texas farmers. Still Austin’s collection of spirits includes the flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey (aka “The Musician”) and American Gin (aka “The Naturalist”). Still Austin places a high value on sustainability, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, increasing the biodiversity of the region through heritage grains, returning spent grains to local ranchers to feed their animals, and operating a distillery that is designed for energy efficiency and water conservation.

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Waikiki Kihei, Hawaii – Following a full year of resting on new charred American oak barrels, Kupu Spirits announces the launch of its Whiskey. The product, a blend of Rye and Bourbon Whiskey, has been matured in a space provided by Haleakala Ranch in bunkers dating back to World War II. The 88 proof Whiskey is an exceptional expression of caramel and vanilla building to peppery spice notes with a hint of nuttiness.

“After closely monitoring the aging process for over 2 years, we carefully selected the barrels to pull for Batch #1. Selecting the perfect marriage of the lighter #2 charring of white American oak, along with the ideal climate conditions where the whiskey was rested, we feel this rye-heavy blend really stands-up to top whiskeys in its class. While the subtle complexities of the sweet corn and vanilla flavors are apparent, we wanted to primarily showcase that spicy, peppery kick of the rye that we all know and love,” stated Lead Distiller, Nick Reiss. “Our team at Kupu/MBC worked very hard, putting in the time and sweat to build the foundation of a program here on Maui that will continue to bring more delicious whiskey for years to come. As the Lead Distiller of Kupu Spirits, I personally hope you enjoy this whiskey as much as I do.”

The official debut of Kupu Whiskey will be on World Whiskey Day, May 15th at MBC Waikiki. CEO and Co-Founder of Maui Brewing Company/Kupu Spirits, Garrett Marrero will be on-site to promote the latest product alongside Lead Distiller, Nick Reiss, members of the MBC team, and distribution partners from Paradise Beverages.

To commemorate the occasion, all Maui Brewing Company locations will be offering a promotional cocktail, “Ko’olau Cruiser” created by MBC Waikiki’s General Manager and Head Mixologist Shawn Shelton. The cocktail is made with Kupu Spirits Whiskey, Orange Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth, and lemon juice. In addition, Executive Chef Terry Lynch has created a dessert pairing “Honey Toast with Kupu Whiskey Caramel Sauce”.

At the brewery/distillery location on Maui, the team at MBC Kihei will be promoting Kupu Whiskey with two offerings throughout the week of May 15 – May 22:

A HI Fashioned sampler, featuring four beverages on a sampler paddle including a signature White Kupu Old Fashioned, a Kupu Barrel One Old Fashioned, an Origin Kupu Old Fashioned, and a Barrel-aged Old Fashioned Barleywine.
White Kupu Sloshie Special, a classic frozen blend of Mango Iced Tea with Lemonade, Kupu White Whiskey and cane sugar.
Since its 2019 inception, Kupu Spirits has won awards for every product in its line, including Gin, White Whiskey, and ready-to-drink cocktail varietals of Whiskey Ginger, Whiskey Cola, and Gin and Tonic.

About Kupu Spirits
A brand extension of Hawaii’s largest independent craft brewery, Kupu Spirits island crafted distilled spirits and ready-to-enjoy canned cocktails debuted in 2019. In the Hawaiian language, the word “kupu” means “to sprout” or “to grow.” The name Kupu Spirits was chosen to symbolize the brand as an offshoot of Maui Brewing Company, operating with a mission aligned to the same independent values, sustainability practices, and commitment to craft as its parent brand.

 

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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – This May, Louisville-based Michter’s Distillery will begin shipping the 2021 release of its 10 Year Bourbon. In July of 2020, a private barrel selection bottling of Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon established the record for a barrel of bourbon purchased at auction when it was sold in London for £166,000 (US$209,462). “It’s wonderful to see the growing recognition that well-made bourbon, rye, and American whiskey are having around the world,” observed Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s President.

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is 94.4 proof, and it sells for a suggested retail price of $150 in the U.S. In the words of Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee, “This release is a really full bodied, special bourbon.”

It has been stored in Michter’s heat-cycled warehouses. “When we heat cycle, it increases the interaction between the whiskey and the wood allowing us to extract more character from the barrel resulting in a truly rich and exceptional whiskey that is not overly oaked,” stated Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Michter’s makes highly acclaimed, limited production whiskeys. Michter’s is renowned for its small batch bourbon, single barrel bourbon, single barrel rye, and small batch American whiskey. In January 2021, Michter’s was named the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International in their Annual Brands Report for the third year in a row. Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter’s is farming estate grown grain on its 145-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter’s has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter’s Pennsylvania Distillery. When open, it also has educational tours with whiskey tastings as well as The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.

For more information, please visit www.michters.com

 

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NEW YORK — Wyoming Whiskey, a world-class American Whiskey distillery committed to the preservation of America’s wide-open spaces, today announces a new collection inspired by the beauty of our national parks. The Wide-Open Spaces Collection is an annual, small-batch production of Wyoming Whiskey that supports parks across the country in partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF).

The first in the collection–Wide Open Spaces – By Air– was inspired by the natural wonders of Wyoming and the beauty of Wyoming’s national parks. The collection includes four artfully crafted, one-of-a-kind bottles of Wyoming Whiskey as well as a new National Parks Limited Edition American Whiskey. Beginning today, the National Parks Limited Edition American Whiskey will be available for purchase at Reserve Bar, Flaviar, and select NY, GA, CO and WY retailers, for $49.99.

“For 35 years or so, I’ve been lucky enough to have a home in Wyoming. I am proud to work in conjunction with Wyoming Whiskey, my neighbors and friends, in support of the National Park Foundation,” said Harrison Ford, Creative Director for the Collection. “I’m very proud of what Wyoming Whiskey is doing with this event, as it is important to protect and restore these national treasures and keep them safe for future generations.”

To celebrate the unique and first collection, four custom bottles curated by Wyoming Whiskey and Harrison Ford will be available only through a live virtual auction on April 20 at bit.ly/WideOpenSpacesByAir. The auction will also feature several additional items to bid on from custom merchandise to vacation retreats in support and celebration of the inaugural installment of the collection. All proceeds from the live, virtual auction will benefit NPF.

“The By Air Collection is our tribute to the natural beauty of the very place that inspired our American Whiskey,” said David DeFazio, co-founder of Wyoming Whiskey. “We are truly fortunate to live among parks that are national treasures. It is only right that we pay it forward in preserving these wide-open spaces through this annual initiative that supports the National Park Foundation.”

Each bottle of the limited-edition, custom By Air series is held within a decorative wooden vessel mirroring Wyoming’s topography, hand-carved by natural materials artist Jamison Sellers. Sellers is known for his efficient use of materials and minimal environmental impact of production.

The labels on each bottle are their own work of art, each featuring aerial images captured by celebrated Wyoming photographer Tuck Fauntleroy, known for his abstract and grandiose style of landscape photography. The series of images were curated by award-winning actor and environmentalist Harrison Ford, the creative director of the series.

“Wyoming Whiskey’s support inspires people to celebrate and give back to the treasured places that give us so much,” said Stefanie Mathew, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation. “The National Park Foundation is thrilled to be the beneficiary of the virtual auction and will use these funds to preserve and protect our national parks for current and future generations.”

Celebrating four special landscapes in Wyoming, each bottle is paired with a thoughtfully chosen American Whiskey:

Barrel #5434, Inspired by Black Sand Basin: Representing both the very best of Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon caramel, orange, and vanilla aroma profile and the perfect Cask Strength barrel. Bottled at cask strength, it has smooth, sweet flavors of orange, vanilla, and caramel, while the palate exudes flavors of grilled white peaches and Chinese 5 spice powder. It is an exceptionally well-balanced, expressive, and elegant Bourbon.

Barrel #2864, Inspired by Hayden Valley: A big, bold Whiskey with strong shoulders and a surprisingly soft, pleasant finish, this American Straight Whiskey has been taken from a single cask that has rye in the mash bill, uncustomary for Wyoming Whiskey. The deep mahogany Hayden Valley features a mash bill of 48% winter rye, 40% corn, and 12% malted barley and is bottled at cask strength. It displays bold aromas of dark chocolate covered cherries, wintergreen leaves, and Devil’s food chocolate cake with coconut and walnut icing. The palate offers intense notes of Demerara sugar, Persian black tea, muddled mint leaves, and dill, with a long, semi-sweet finish.

Barrel #2760, Inspired by Grand Teton: Never released as a single barrel expression before, this Rye Bourbon helps makes up Wyoming Whiskey’s Outryder. Taken from a single cask that has a mash bill containing 68% corn, 20% winter rye, and 12% malted barley and bottled at cask strength. It expresses notes of blackberry cobbler with a cinnamon-sprinkled biscuit crust, English sticky toffee pudding, and honeyed hay. The palate finishes with baking spices and orange blossom honey. This is an exceptionally balanced whiskey with great finesse and a spectrum of flavors to suit every palate.

Barrel #5004, Inspired by Yellowstone Lake: Representing the finest of Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon spiced aroma profile, in addition to being a darker, richer expression of the rare Cask Strength release. Bottled at cask strength, it offers notes of prunes in sweet syrup, black currant, and Persian black tea. The finish is long, with hints of Medjool dates, thick molasses, and savory desert sage blossom honey. It is a complex Bourbon with a wide spectrum of sweet, savory, spicy, smoky, and nutty aromas.

To stay up to date on Wyoming Whiskey’s first-ever Wide Open Spaces Collection, visit bit.ly/WideOpenSpacesByAir and connect with @WyomingWhiskey on Instagram.

RSVP to WyomingWhiskey@HavasFormula.com for more information.

About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at www.nationalparks.org.

About Wyoming Whiskey
Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has had a simple goal: to create America’s next great American Whiskey. The company and product are a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of Wyoming Whiskey’s American Whiskey is 100% Wyoming.

About Edrington
Edrington’s vision is that we will give more by building the world’s leading portfolio of exceptional super premium spirits.

Our strategy is to intensify our focus on becoming the world’s leading super premium brand builder. The Macallan is our central focus supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing Single Malt category and Naked in the Blended Malt category.

We have strategic partnerships with Tequila Partida and Wyoming Whiskey in the dynamic Tequila and American Whiskey categories.

Our portfolio is completed with The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky and Brugal premium rum in the Dominican Republic.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,500 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over 70% employed overseas. We own our route to market in 15 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements.

Edrington Americas is headquartered in New York, NY with regional offices in Chicago, Miami and Orange County. To learn more visit https://www.edrington.com, and to find our brands visit https://www.findourspirits.com.

Fairport, New York — Legendary guitarist John Petrucci is rocking the world with his first signature bourbon, Rock the Barrel, generated from an exclusive collaboration with Iron Smoke Distillery. The craft bourbon whiskey comes in at a full 120 proof, ready to blow the mind.

“As soon as I tasted Iron Smoke’s Cask Strength, I knew I wanted to partner with this distillery,” said Petrucci, widely considered to be one of the greatest guitar players of all time. “I take a craftsmanship approach with everything I do – whether it’s my guitar playing or the people I surround myself with. I care about details and caring to the fullest is what makes something great. Iron Smoke takes the same approach and that is why we forged what we consider the perfect relationship.”

Petrucci is a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated progressive metal band, Dream Theater, and is also a bourbon whiskey aficionado. He personally drove five hours to the Finger Lakes region to taste-test Iron Smoke’s Cask Strength. John then hand-picked each of the barrels which were combined for this kick-ass bourbon blend.

“The name, Rock the Barrel, is perfect because it gives you a sense of the experience you will have when this smoky goodness slides over your taste buds,” notes Petrucci. “Being from New York myself, I love how they go to family farms to get ingredients and age their bourbon in barrels from our great state.”

Rock the Barrel bourbon joins Iron Smoke’s collection of award-winning bourbon whiskeys created by Master Distiller, Drew Westcott. In 2018, Iron Smoke was rated a 95.5 in Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible and in 2019 was listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the “10 Best Bourbons Beyond Kentucky.”

Alongside Petrucci, Iron Smoke CEO and founder, Tommy Brunett, conceptualized this special release to complement the legendary guitarist’s unique taste profile.

“We take the craft of making whiskey just as seriously as John takes appreciating a truly good bourbon. This collaboration is proof of that—120 proof!” exclaimed Brunett.

Tommy Brunett is an accomplished musician in his own right, having played guitar for Modern English in the 1980’s. He has written and produced several albums, and regularly performs with the Tommy Brunett Band when he’s not making whiskey. He feels it is destiny that brought John Petrucci and Iron Smoke together for this collaboration.

“To join an award-winning distillery with one of the world’s greatest guitarists—it’s an amazing combination. There’s nothing like the age-old combo of bourbon and rock n’ roll! They go together like Elvis on velvet and we are more excited than a pack of weasels in a hen house!” exclaimed Brunett.

Petrucci grew up on Long Island, and so connecting with a New York State farm distillery was important to him. Many ingredients are grown by farmers within a crow’s flying distance. Locals get to savor the smell of apple wood when the Iron Smoke crew uses the handmade smokin’ machine to cure the grains.

“For me, it’s all about the experience—how the bourbon is made, where it is made, what it smells like, what it tastes like, and even how you talk about it when you are enjoying the moment,” said Petrucci. “I can’t wait for the world to enjoy a Rock the Barrel bourbon moment!”

Starting on May 3, 2021, Iron Smoke’s small-batch edition of Rock the Barrel is available for online purchase at ironsmokedistillery.com. Each 750ml bottle, priced at $200, is personally autographed by John Petrucci himself, and the label features an iconic photo of Petrucci holding his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar. Customers also receive an All-Access laminate which entitles them to join a live on-line tasting event with John Petrucci and Tommy Brunett.

All purchases come with a coupon for 20% off a Rock the Barrel t-shirt emblazoned with the stylish aesthetic of the bottle’s artwork.

Rock the Barrel bourbon and t-shirts are also available for in-person purchase at Iron Smoke Distillery’s World Famous Spirit Factory, Watering Room & Side Show in Fairport, New York.

About Rock the Barrel:
Pure and unfiltered, this cask strength, 120 proof bourbon whiskey bridges strength and smoothness with a whisper of apple wood smoke sweetness. Created by Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport, New York, in partnership with John Petrucci, this is a distinctly flavorful four grain bourbon with apple wood smoked wheat. Rock the Barrel is bottled as a limited-edition, small-batch craft bourbon whiskey.

About John Petrucci:
An American guitarist, composer, and producer best known as a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated progressive metal band, Dream Theater. On April 16, 2021, John Petrucci released Liquid Tension Experiment 3 with Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy and Tony Levin. Petrucci has two solo albums, Suspended Animation (2005) and Terminal Velocity (2020). He is designated as “arguably the most versatile and proficient player in his realm” by Guitar World Magazine, and is regarded as “one of the most celebrated guitarists alive” by Premier Guitar.

About IRON SMOKE DISTILLERY:
Based in a 21,000-square foot facility in Fairport, NY, Iron Smoke Distillery produces distinct world-class bourbons and whiskeys that can be enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails. Iron Smoke is winner of the prestigious Double Gold in the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition, recipient of a 95.5 rating in the 2018 Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and is named one of the “10 Best Bourbons Outside of Kentucky” by Forbes Magazine. Their products include Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke CASKet Strength, Iron Smoke Single Barrel Special Reserve, Rattlesnake Rosie’s Apple Pie Whiskey and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey.

As a New York State small-batch farm distillery, Iron Smoke uses local ingredients from Finger Lakes family farms within a 50-mile radius. The stripped mash from production is returned to the farms to be used as feed for their livestock. Iron Smoke’s tasting room, the “Watering Room and Sideshow” features a fully licensed bar with all New York State Wines, Beers, and Spirits as well as weekly live music and world-class entertainment.

For More Information:
https://ironsmokedistillery.com/iron-smoke-rock-the-barrel/

 

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