distillers

VERSAILLES, Ky. – Following the recent release of the acclaimed Double Double Oaked Bourbon, Woodford Reserve introduces its annual limited-edition Batch Proof—the 2024 expression bottled at a robust 121.2 proof (compared to the flagship’s 90.4 proof). This barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon celebrates the brand’s proprietary process, blending over 100 barrels from varying production dates, warehouse locations, and floor levels to capture the whiskey exactly as it emerges from the barrel. “Barrels from the upper floors of our heat-cycled warehouses often yield higher proofs, as seen in this batch,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “Batch Proof invites enthusiasts to experience Woodford Reserve in its purest, uncut form.”

Presenting a deep burnt umber hue, the 2024 bourbon offers an inviting nose of vanilla bean, brown sugar pecans, citrus fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. On the palate, expect rich toasted oak, cocoa, pineapple, strawberry, and spiced berries, leading to a lingering finish of strawberry, toasted oak, and raw honey. Available in limited quantities at select U.S. and global markets, and at the distillery.

About Woodford Reserve Distillery
Woodford Reserve, a super-premium Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from Brown-Forman, is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery—a National Historic Landmark in Versailles, Kentucky, with roots dating back to 1812. Under Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, the brand exemplifies triple distillation and a unique blend of pot and column still spirits, delivering unparalleled complexity with over 200 detectable flavor notes in its flagship Distiller’s Select (90.4 proof). The acclaimed portfolio includes the richly caramel-forward Double Oaked, spicy Rye Whiskey, nutty Malt Whiskey, and fruit-forward Wheat Whiskey, alongside innovative releases like the 2025 Master’s Collection Sweet Oak Bourbon—aged in rare Chinkapin oak for bold sweetness—and limited Distillery Series expressions such as the high-proof Chocolate Whisper Redux. As the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve continues to redefine American whiskey excellence.  For media inquiries, please visit brown-forman.com.
Address: 7785 McCracken Pike Versailles, KY 40383
Website: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ 

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California is famous for its wine, but there are far fewer craft whiskey distilleries making fantastic spirits there as well. One of the best is Redwood Empire, a Northern California distillery that just announced the launch of three new whiskeys as part of its Small Lot Series.

Redwood Empire is known for sourcing and blending whiskey from other distilleries as well as producing its own distillate in-house. There have been a few batches of the latter that have caught our attention, specifically a pair of bottled-in-bond (at least four years old, exactly 100 proof) bourbon and rye expressions. The term “small lot” used for these new whiskeys is a bit ambiguous, but it’s essentially similar to “small batch” meaning a smaller amount of whiskey was produced than usual. “Each whiskey in this series is a result of meticulous attention to detail, from grain selection and distillation to barrel aging and blending,” said master distiller Jeff Duckhorn in a statement. “We are excited to see how whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers alike react to these exceptional spirits.”

The first whiskey in the Small Lot Series, Foggy Burl Single Malt Whiskey, was named after a really tall tree in Redwood National Park (you’ll notice a theme here). It’s made from a mashbill of 100 percent malted barley composed of seven different types of malt. According to the distillery, the team has been laying down one barrel of single malt per quarter over the last seven years, and this release is a blend of 27 of those casks. It’s bottled at 94 proof, and has notes of dark chocolate and caramel. The second whiskey is called Devil’s Tower High Rye Bourbon (also named after a massive tree), made from a mashbill of 51 percent corn, 45 percent rye, 2 percent wheat, and 2 percent malted barley. It’s a blend of 25 barrels, bottled at 99 proof, and has sweet and spicy notes on the palate. The third whiskey in the trio is called Screaming Titan Wheated Bourbon (yep, another tree), but this one won’t arrive until March. The mashbill is at least 30 percent wheat, and this is the only one that has sourced whiskey in the blend.

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

TROY, OHIO, UNITED STATES — Hayner Distilling, located in Troy, Ohio, has released Path of Totality Bourbon Whiskey. This limited statewide release celebrates the April 8th solar eclipse with Ohio’s first ever illuminated bourbon label.

Path of Totality Bourbon reflects Hayner’s commitment to offer premium whiskeys while also elevating the whiskey experience. Path is a 10-year-old Kentucky bourbon bottled at 100 proof. The bottle premiers Ohio’s first illuminated bourbon label. The label resembles the totality phase of the solar eclipse and the “sun” can be turned on and off with a click of a button.

“We began the design of the illuminated label over a year ago. By the end of 2023 we discovered an incredible rare bourbon that is perfect for this once in a lifetime event. This is a 10-year-old bourbon sourced from Kentucky with a unique 78% corn, 13% rye and 9 % malted barley mash bill,” states Greg Taylor from Hayner Distilling.

Hayner Distilling and its hometown of Troy, Ohio are inside the path of totality during the April 8th eclipse. The city of Troy is celebrating the eclipse with a 3-day festival called Eclipse on the Square. “If you’re seeking a location to view the eclipse, Troy should be on your short list. We have numerous events and bands playing in historic downtown all weekend. We are only a few blocks from downtown and of course encourage everyone to visit Hayner Distilling to pick up a bottle of Path,” stated Greg Taylor.

In addition to being the first ever illuminated bourbon label, the back label has a QR code that offers an augmented reality experience, also a first for a bourbon in the State of Ohio. After scanning the QR code or clicking the link on their website, a bottle virtually appears in your environment. This allows you to view and interact with the bottle before your purchase.

Path of Totality Bourbon goes on sale Saturday, February 3 at Hayner Distilling located at 619 Lincoln Avenue in Troy, Ohio. The bourbon will be available at 29 state liquor stores across Ohio. The 29 stores were intentionally selected as they all lie within the path of totality. The location of each store can be found by searching for Path of Totality at OHLQ.com. The bourbon retails for $89.95.

Hayner Distilling was founded in 1866 in Troy, Ohio along the banks of the Miami River. Hayner quickly grew into one of the largest distilleries in Ohio and became the largest mail order whiskey business in the United States. The distillery closed with prohibition in 1920 and was relaunched in 2021 by Greg Taylor and Andrew Wannemacher.

For more information, please visit https://www.hayner.com.

Four Gate Whiskey Company (Louisville, KY) is releasing their first whiskey of 2024, “Triple Oak”, a Kentucky Straight Whiskey finished in two different barrels from Kelvin Cooperage.

The underlying seven-year-old Kentucky Straight Whiskey was distilled with a mash bill of 80% corn, 11% rye, and 9% malted barley.  It was initially aged 7 years in used barrels.  Four Gate Whiskey re-barreled the whiskey into new charred barrels from Kelvin Cooperage and then again into new toasted casks, also from Kelvin, resulting in a whiskey that has been aged in three different barrels and aged a total of seven years, nine months.

The idea for a triple oaked whiskey was first proposed a several years ago by the late Kevin McLaughlin of Kelvin Cooperage.  Four Gate Chief Barrel Officer, Bob D’Antoni, kept the idea in the back of his mind until the right whiskey came along to make McLaughlin’s idea reality.  To honor the genesis of the Triple Oak idea, Four Gate has displayed the Kelvin Cooperage Logo on the sub label for the batch. It is the first straight whiskey Four Gate has bottled that doesn’t qualify as a bourbon or rye due to the initial again in previously used cooperage.

“This whiskey really turned out nicely.  It’s a different flavor profile than a lot of our previous offerings,” said Chief Blending Officer Bill Straub.  “There is a distinct semi-sweet pie crust note throughout with green orchard fruits and strong baking spice. I love the unique flavor of this.  Our fans are really going to enjoy it.”

“We are just really thrilled to bring Kevin’s idea to life,” Said D’Antoni, “He was such a great friend to me and to our company and we are confident this whiskey is really worthy of his memory.”

The whiskey was bottled at 53.8% alcohol, or 107.6 proof.  3,798 bottles were produced at a SRP of $199.

PROOF: 107.6 proof (53.8% abv)

AGE: 7 years base

FINISH: 9 months total. 1st in charred oak then in toasted oak

MASHBILL: 80% corn, 11% rye, 9% malted barley

SRP: $199

For more information please visit www.thebourbonreview.com

BARDSTOWN, Ky.— Chicken Cock Whiskey has unveiled an exclusive Single Barrel Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey in partnership with Garden & Gun. Inspired by the South and its time-honored traditions, Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Garden & Gun’s Single Barrel Double Oak is imbued with history and is now available on Chicken Cock’s website and will be available soon in retail stores for $149.99.

Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Master Distiller Gregg Snyder is an avid hunter when he’s not hand selecting white oak for aging spirits, or sampling batches to find the perfect blend of flavors. Snyder describes Garden & Gun’s Single Barrel Double Oak Whiskey as “just phenomenal… full-flavored, full-bodied and smooth,” with a fragrance of caramel coffee and a crème brûlée finish – an ideal bottle to open after an adventurous day of hunting.

“It has the mash bill recipe for bourbon,” explains Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Brand Ambassador Will Woodington. However, due to the American white oak barrel shortage in 2014, the spirit was aged in bourbon barrels for seven years. “Then we finished it in new American white oak barrels to elevate the whiskey to our standards.” For this reason, the spirit cannot be qualified as a bourbon, but rather a Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey, though all other aspects of it align with those of a classic bourbon. Only 12 barrels of this exclusive spirit will be bottled and available for purchase.

“Garden & Gun is thrilled to partner with Chicken Cock Whiskey to present this limited-edition Double Oak single barrel collaboration,” shares Christian Bryant, vice president and publisher of Garden & Gun. “We know our readers will relish the warm and inviting hints of vanilla, steeped berries, and cinnamon. This bottle will add character to any home bar.”

About Chicken Cock Whiskey

Established in 1856, Chicken Cock Whiskey started in the heart of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and in a few short decades became a nationally distributed brand. Chicken Cock hit peak prestige when it was served as the house whiskey at the Cotton Club in Harlem, one of Prohibition’s most legendary speakeasies. The brand managed to survive Prohibition by swiftly moving production around and smuggling bottles into the United States in tin cans. After Prohibition, Chicken Cock enjoyed a resurgence before a distillery fire just after World War II put it out of business. In 2012, Matti Anttila, Grain & Barrel Spirits CEO, rediscovered the brand and set out to resurrect it to its Prohibition-era glory. Since then, the team has introduced a flagship KY Straight Bourbon and KY Straight Rye Whiskey, made in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company as part of its collaborative distilling program, along with several other highly sought after limited-releases.

About Grain & Barrel Spirits

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits is an innovative-driven global spirits portfolio that develops and scales authentic brands – connecting the best artisans with markets and consumers around the world. The company’s core brands include: Chicken Cock Whiskey, a historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls; Dixie Spirits, which boasts a roster of five premium vodkas, including its signature award-winning Southern Vodka, alongside its first-ever whiskey, Dixie Delight; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskey, Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys; and Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey. Grain & Barrel Spirits has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America three years in a row.

About Garden & Gun

Garden & Gun is a multiplatform media company that celebrates stories of the American Souththrough powerful journalism, bold photography, exquisite design, and finely curated retail andexperiential journeys. The brand is anchored by its award-winning national magazine launchedin 2007, Garden & Gun, which reports on the South’s sporting culture, food, music, art, literature, and its people and their ideas. The coveted audience of 1.6 million is further engaged through numerous New York Times best-selling books, Fieldshop by Garden & Gun retail experience, the Garden & Gun Club restaurants, and 75+ events each year.

For More Information:
https://shopchickencockwhiskey.com/products/garden-gun-barrel-pick