distillers

Actor Matthew Lillard Is Launching Quest’s End: Paladin

September 1, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Actor Matthew Lillard is best known for his roles in films like Scream and Scooby-Doo, but he also happens to be a fantasy-world-obsessed businessman who founded the table top gaming company Beadle & Grimm’s. And now he’s bringing that cosplay sensibility to the whiskey world with Find Familiar Spirits, a booze brand launching this fall with a series of whiskeys matched to specific fantasy characters.

Lillard had some help with this new venture—he was joined by his friend, actor and screenwriter Justin Ware, and Tim Sparapani, cofounder of breakout whiskey brand Blue Run Spirits (which was just recently acquired by Molson Coors). Kate Welch, a certified Dungeon Master and game designer on D&D 5th Edition, is helping out by writing a fantasy series that will be released in chapters along with each new whiskey expression, and D&D artist Tyler Jacobson will design the bottle labels. “I grew up a nerdy kid so I’ve always had a special appreciation for fandoms in general,” said Lillard in a statement. “They’re places where you feel like you belong, worlds that appreciate you and love you for who you are… I’ve learned that true fandom isn’t only about what you love, it’s about the community you build—and no community is more avid and devoted than the fantasy gamer.”

The first Find Familiar Spirits release is a bourbon called Quest’s End: Paladin, which will be released this October. The whiskey was sourced from Kentucky and Indiana (the latter most likely from MGP), and blended by a team led by Ale Ochoa, who formerly worked at TX Whiskey in Fort Worth. The next three releases will be called Rogue, Warlock, and Dragon, but aside from the fact that each will have a different flavor profile and represent a unique character there’s not much more information about these future expressions. However, Lillard recently told The Hollywood Reporter that Paladin has notes of vanilla and fruit on the palate, and there’s a map on the back of the bottle and hit points on the side that increase as the level of whiskey decreases. That’s some serious gamer talk.

Quest’s End: Paladin will be available to purchase starting October 6 and will ship to consumers in November. The next whiskey comes out in January, followed by the last two in quarterly releases.

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

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Releases Voyage Its Best Expression To Date

August 3, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Master’s Keep is a range of limited-release whiskeys offered each year by Wild Turkey Distilling Company, a division of Campari Group. Now in its seventh year, it was initially developed by Master Distiller Eddie Russell in 2015.

Six yearly releases have been bourbon whiskeys, while one has been a rye whiskey. There was no release in 2016. Recently, I sat down with Eddie Russell to talk about Master’s Keep Voyage, his latest release.

Master’s Keep Voyage is a 10-year-old bourbon that has been finished for approximately eight weeks in a rum cask from Appleton Estate in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, which previously held 14 YO pot still rum. Appleton, one of Jamaica’s most storied rum producers, is also owned by Campari Group. This expression was the first rum cask finish in Wild Turkey’s history.

The project was a collaboration between Russell and Dr. Joy Spence, the renowned Master Blender of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. The two producers have over 80 years of combined experience crafting fine spirits. According to Russell:

Every year, we look forward to the release of Master’s Keep as an opportunity to rethink what our bourbon can be. Creating Master’s Keep Voyage in collaboration with Dr. Joy Spence was a real privilege, and I think our shared passion for telling a story through our spirits comes through in this one-of-a-kind whiskey.

With Voyage, we set out to develop a spirit that allows the notes of the rum and bourbon to work in harmony. By aging Eddie’s hand-selected batch of 10-year-old bourbon in the finest casks we have at Appleton Estate, we were able to achieve a new level of flavor that gives whiskey and bourbon lovers a new way to enjoy their favorite drinks.

Voyage is the third Master’s Keep expression that underwent a cask finish. The other two were Master’s Keep Revival (2018), which experienced a finish in a cask that previously held 20 YO Oloroso Sherry, and Master’s Keep One (2021), which underwent a cask finish in toasted oak barrels.

The Sherry cask finish added fruitiness and sweetness and enhanced the nuttiness typical of Wild Turkey. The toasted oak barrel finish imparted a rich and smooth flavor, extenuating the vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel notes characteristic of Wild Turkey.

All six bourbon releases were based on the Wild Turkey mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley and were matured in barrels with a #4 char. The exception was Master’s Keep Cornerstone (2019), a rye whisky with a mash bill of 52% rye, 36% corn, and 12% malted rye.

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

Arran Whisky Debuts 25-year-old Arran Single Malt and only has 240 bottles will be available in the United States

July 3, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

San Francisco – Isle of Arran Distillers is excited to announce the U.S. release of the oldest expression in its core range, the Arran 25-Year-Old Single Malt. From the Isle of Arran, off the Western coast of Scotland, and produced at the Lochranza Distillery, the Arran 25-Year-Old Single Malt has been maturing in ex-Sherry and Bourbon Casks that were first laid down in 1995, the same year Arran began production. A celebration of 25 years of craftsmanship, this extremely limited core release is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to producing award-winning whisky that reflects the unique taste of Arran. With only 3,000 bottles of the Arran 25-Year-Old Single Malt available globally, of which 240 are allocated to the U.S., this exclusive offering marks a momentous milestone for the brand.

“As one of our oldest Arran Single Malts, our 25-year-old encapsulates the wonderful fresh citrus character of Arran with a layer of maturity that can only come from spending so many years in quality wood,” says Stewart Bowman, the Distillery Manager of Lochranza Distillery. “After 25 years of nurturing, the resulting whisky is rich, complex, and delicious with a depth that we are immensely proud of. It truly is the jewel in our crown and a stunning example of the Master Distiller’s craft.”

Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Arran 25-Year-Old Single malt offers a captivating and rich flavor profile, made possible by the purity of the water used, the influence of the barrels, and mastery of the distillers. Tasting notes are as follows:

Nose: Rich oak with gentle notes of nutmeg along with sweet aromas of baked ripe figs, sultanas, and black cherries

Palate: Fruit cake with toasted almonds and cinnamon. The juicy zestiness of oranges and mandarin mellows perfectly with manuka honey, muscovado sugar, baked apricots, and a fascinating white pepper note that provides even more complexity.

Finish: Creamy and spicy with dark chocolate, walnuts, and dark fruits compote

The Arran 25-Year-Old (46% ABV) retails for a suggested price of $789.99 and is now available on ReserveBar.com as well as select retailers. Arran Single Malt Whiskies are imported and distributed in the United States by Hotaling & Co of San Francisco. For more details about Arran Whisky, please visit https://www.arranwhisky.com and follow along on Instagram at @arranwhiskyofficial.

About Arran
From the isle of Arran, off the western coast of Scotland, Arran Single Malt Whiskies are an award-winning range of Single Malts. Every drop of Arran Single Malt starts its life as rainwater which pools at Loch na Davie in the beautiful hill high above the distillery. The clear water cascades down the hillside, through six unassuming waterfalls, each one purifying the water further. The purity of the water means that the distilling team can create a clean, sweet dram that is entirely natural and unadulterated. Learn more at https://www.arranwhisky.com

Buffalo Trace Releases Ultra-Rare Peated Bourbon, the Latest in Its Experimental Collection

May 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s most award-winning distillery, proudly unveils its latest innovation from the longstanding Experimental Collection: a distinctive Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with peated malt. Nearly a decade in the making, this limited-edition expression began when Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley incorporated smoked peated malt—sourced from the United Kingdom—in place of traditional barley within an otherwise classic bourbon mash bill dominated by corn and rye. Following standard distillation practices, the spirit matured in new, charred American oak barrels, resulting in a subtle yet captivating smoky profile that enhances the bourbon’s inherent sweetness and spice.

“The Experimental Collection is not about breaking the rules of bourbon,” explains Harlen Wheatley. “In fact, 95 percent of our experiments stay within the confines of traditional methods of making whiskey. We conduct this research to better understand the variables that affect our final flavor profiles.” Past releases have explored alternatives like rice or oats in the mash bill, extended charring, and infrared treatments, all aimed at deepening insight into whiskey craftsmanship. For this peated expression, the team closely monitored just six barrels aging on the lower floors of the distillery’s historic warehouses, ensuring the delicate peat influence harmonized perfectly with Buffalo Trace’s signature rye-forward character.

Available in limited 375ml bottles at 90 proof, this rare Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon offers enthusiasts a unique bridge between American bourbon tradition and subtle Scotch-inspired smokiness, with aromas of smoke and nuts giving way to flavors of light peat, brown butter, and sweet toffee. As one of the most sought-after releases in the collection, it invites connoisseurs to explore new dimensions in premium American whiskey while honoring the distillery’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, stands as America’s oldest continually operating distillery, with a legacy tracing back over 200 years along the historic paths carved by migrating buffalo. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this iconic site has persevered through floods, fires, Prohibition—when it was one of only a few permitted to produce medicinal whiskey—and countless challenges, all while perfecting the art of bourbon craftsmanship under legendary figures like Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, and Albert B. Blanton. Today, as the world’s most award-winning distillery with more than 40 distillery-of-the-year titles and over 1,000 individual accolades, Buffalo Trace continues to honor its pioneering heritage with unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.

Home to an extraordinary portfolio of premium spirits, Buffalo Trace crafts beloved expressions including the smooth, versatile flagship Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the groundbreaking single-barrel Blanton’s, the richly complex Eagle Rare, the wheated elegance of W.L. Weller, the bold E.H. Taylor Jr. collection, and the highly coveted Buffalo Trace Antique Collection featuring gems like George T. Stagg and Sazerac Rye. Visitors are welcomed for complimentary tours and tastings amidst aging warehouses filled with the alluring aroma of maturing bourbon, experiencing firsthand the timeless traditions and experimental spirit that make Buffalo Trace a cornerstone of American whiskey excellence worldwide.
Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trace Frankfort, KY 40601
Website: https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

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Buffalo Trace Releases Peated Bourbon

May 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

The new Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon is the 26th release in the brand’s Experimental Collection, created to ‘push the limits of innovation’ in American whiskey.

The ‘one-of-a-kind’ Bourbon uses smoked peated malt to add a ‘hint of smoke’ to the rye mashibill. The use of peated malt is rare in American whiskey production, the Kentucky distiller said.

The distillate was aged for nearly 10 years in new charred white oak casks before being bottled at 45% ABV.

The resulting liquid offers a ‘smoky and nutty’ aroma, with hints of leather, mahogany and cacao beans, with flavours of ‘light smoke’, brown butter, and a sweet toffee finish.

“The Experimental Collection is not about breaking the rules of Bourbon; in fact, 95% of our experiments stay within the confines of traditional methods of making whiskey,” said Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace’s master distiller.

“We conduct this research to better understand the variables that affect our final flavour profiles.

“We were eager to experiment with peat to see how the grain influenced our mashbill from a recipe perspective. We anticipated it providing the perfect hint of smoke, just enough to compliment the sweet and spicy notes from the rye, and I’m happy to report our hypothesis was correct.”

Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon is priced at US$46.99 per 375ml bottle. It is available to buy across retailers and restaurants in the US.

In December 2022, Buffalo Trace filled its eight-millionth barrel of Bourbon after its US$1.2 billion expansion.

Buffalo Trace’s WL Weller 12 Year Old secured the Taste Master accolade in last year’s American Whiskey Masters blind tasting.

In June 2022, Sazerac acquired Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, which will become the new home for its Irish whiskey brands Paddy and Michael Collins.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery History

Throughout the challenges of floods, fires, tornadoes and even Prohibition, the American family-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery has never compromised. A timeless dedication to respecting the past while fearlessly innovating for the future has served us well for more than two centuries. No matter the challenge, be it Mother Nature or man, the people of our Distillery have been part of the story that shaped America and the spirit industry as well.

For more information please visit https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/05/buffalo-trace-releases-peated-bourbon/

Tattersall Distilling to release whiskey from new, perennial grain Kernza

April 27, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Perhaps you’ve never heard of Kernza, a perennial grain. Yet the drought-tolerant grass might just show up in your next happy hour, as Tattersall Distilling Co. releases its new Tattersall Kernza Perennial Grain Whiskey.

It is the first 100% Kernza whiskey in the country, and it is being launched with a tasting and celebration on April 29 in River Falls.

Jon Kreidler is chief officer of Tattersall Distilling Company, which he co-founded with his childhood friend Dan Oskey in Minneapolis in 2015. In 2021, they crossed over the Wisconsin border and opened a 75,000-square-foot tasting room, restaurant and event space in a former Shopko in River Falls. It is home to the largest solar array of any craft distillery in the nation, plus a first of its kind water reclamation system.

Tattersall was tapped by the Land Institute of Kansas and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green initiative to see if there was an interest in working with the perennial. Sustainability is a large part of Tattersall’s approach.

Whiskey made with Kernza is a test and an experiment for the distillery, and part of a growing goal for the perennial grain. This has been years in the making, starting with the investment in the grains and a farmer in Cambridge, Minn., who grows them for the distillery.

“Bang Brewing, a really cool brewery out of St. Paul, has featured Kernza. Dogfish Head has made beer with it, but at the time we started nobody was distilling,” said Kreidler.

While there is still a learning curve for growing and using Kernza, which is the first commercially available perennial grain, Kreidler sees it as worth the investment. Interest is growing as availability continues to move forward.

“The concept of the perennial grain itself, if you aren’t tearing up the land, you aren’t releasing a lot of carbon. If you can avoid that, it is pretty awesome,” Kreidler said. “In addition, the Kernza taproot is between 8 and 15 feet, so it is a drought-resistant grain, which is super important.”

“Kernza has only really been on the landscape in a modestly signficant way since about 2019,” said Kimbler. “That is when the first commercial acreage started to be produced.”

Kimbler added, “Perennial means that Kernza is planted once, and it grows and produces grain for four to five years without having to replant it. You don’t have to till the fields.”

On April 29 in collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR, Tattersall will launch the Kernza perennial grain whiskey and give away 1,400 trees in honor of Arbor Day.

“We’ve always been about what drives us for the future. I’ve got kids, most of the guys on the team do too. There is relation business wise, but it is the right thing to do, and what everybody should be doing. We think everybody will get there eventually,” Kreidler said.

Kernza is just the beginning for Tattersall’s search for sustainable sips. The distillery is also looking at pea protein.

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

Texas Whiskey Festival – Top Texas Bourbons, Ryes And Malt Whiskeys

April 14, 2023 By Dow Scoggins

The 2023 Texas Whiskey Festival marked the 6th annual celebration of the Lone Star State’s booming craft whiskey scene, held on April 22 at the picturesque Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave near Austin. Founded in 2017 by whiskey enthusiast Jake Clements with its debut event in 2018 featuring just 11 distilleries, the festival has grown into the South’s premier showcase for Texas-made spirits, drawing over 35 distilleries and thousands of fans to sip more than 100 bourbons, ryes, single malts, and innovative finishes amid food trucks, cigar pairings, live music, and Hill Country charm.

The highlight? A blind-judged competition awarding coveted belt buckles across categories like grain-to-glass and aged-in-Texas whiskeys, with standouts including Silver Star’s Gold for their 1849 Bourbon in Grain-to-Glass Bourbon, Andalusia Whiskey Co.’s accolades in single malts, and innovative pours like Giant Texas Distillery’s sweet vermouth-finished collaborations stealing the show. Attendees voted for a People’s Choice favorite, proving once again that Texas whiskey is bold, diverse, and downright delicious—perfect for newcomers and connoisseurs raising a glass to the state’s grain-to-glass magic!

2023 Texas Whiskey Festival Results
Bourbon: Grain to Glass
Gold – Silver Star Spirits – 1849 Straight Bourbon
Silver – Balcones Distilling – Blue Corn Bourbon finished in Wine Casks
Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Harris County Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Treaty Oak Distilling – 16 Year Tennessee Whiskey
Silver – Oak & Eden – Anthro Series: Forrie J Smith
Bronze – Dime Box Distilling – Single Barrel 6yr Sixth Street Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Balcones Distilling – Texas Rye Bottled in Bond
Silver – Giant Texas Distillers – Cask Strength Rye
Bronze – Shire Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas
Gold – Blackland Distilling – Rye Whiskey
Silver – Old Humble Distilling – Double OakStraight Rye Whiskey
Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass
Gold – Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. – Single Mom Single Malt
Silver – Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Bottled in Bond Single Malt
Bronze – William Price Distilling – Single Malt Sherry Finished.

Flavored Whiskeys
Gold – Blackland Distilling – Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon
Silver – Treaty Oak Distilling – Old Fashioned Cocktail
Bronze – Silver Star Spirits – Texas Honey

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Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers Launch Ska Street Brewstillery

November 5, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

BOULDER, Colorado – The Legion of Ska continues to grow with Ska Street, Boulder’s first “brewstillery” concept. This joint venture by Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers opened in the former FATE Brewing space in spring of 2020.

Peach Street Distillers was hatched in 2005 when Ska Brewing’s two co-founders Bill Graham and Dave Thibodeau found the allure of Palisade’s locally grown fruit too much to pass by. Since Peach Street’s opening, the two companies have worked side by side— with a shared sales team, and collaborations such as Modus Whiskey, and the Boomerang Barrel Program.

Backing up even further, Ska Brewing was born on Colorado’s Front Range out of the minds of Graham and Thibodeau, with the influence of Boulder’s burgeoning beer community. This area is where they grew up and learned to homebrew, where Graham attended the University of Colorado, and where many of Ska and Peach Street’s staff got their start in the brewing industry.

After 15 years of partnerships, Ska and Peach Street will finally set up shop under the same roof in spring of 2020. “A number of serendipitous factors have come together to make Boulder the answer to what we’ve been trying to do for a decade,” says Thibodeau. “when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at this chance to call Boulder home.”

Steve Breezley, Ska’s Chief Operating Officer who formerly worked at Avery Brewing, says, “So many of us at Ska feel attached to the Boulder community— it’s active like our home in Durango, and it’s an epicenter for craft beer.”

Ska Street will integrate Ska and Peach Street’s businesses, with onsite brewing of Ska beers in a 10 barrel brewhouse and distillation of Peach Street spirits in a 450 liter still. The Brewstillery will offer 30 Ska beers on tap and a mixology program that replicates the Palisade distillery experience. Ska Street’s food menu will bring together components of each business, with music-inspired, Caribbean-influenced eats to mirror the food served at Ska’s World Headquarters in Durango, and the thoughtfully sourced farm-to-table approach that guests have come to love at Peach Street.

Ska’s experimental brewery, the Mod Project, has afforded the brewery and many of its retailers the opportunity to do some unique projects together in Durango, and at Ska Street in Boulder they plan to build upon this platform with their spirits, as well as well as their beers.

“We’re excited to get back to the Front Range, and to get more involved in Boulder,” Thibodeau says. “Beyond the new location, this is a great opportunity to pursue collaborations with accounts in the area that have been selling our beer for years.”

About Ska Brewing
In the rugged mountain town of Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing burst onto the scene in 1995 when founders Dave Thibodeau and Bill Graham channeled their passion for ska music, punk rock vibes, and homebrewing into a rebellious craft beer adventure. Starting with second-hand dairy equipment and a DIY spirit, they quickly built a cult following, pioneering canned craft beer in the early 2000s and moving to their iconic World Headquarters in 2008. Celebrating 30 years in 2025 under new local ownership that preserves its independent ethos, Ska continues to blend upbeat rhythms, comic-inspired art, and award-winning brews that keep the party—and the flavor—hopping strong.

Ska Brewing’s lineup is a high-energy jam of bold, crushable beers packed with personality. Flagship Modus Hoperandi IPA delivers a piney, citrus-hop punch that’s earned rave reviews, while the crisp Mexican Logger—a fan-favorite since 1999—offers light, refreshing vibes perfect for sunny days. Honey-kissed True Blonde Ale shines with multiple awards, including recent Good Food Awards honors, and newcomers like tangy Lime Logger with Salt and tropical Guava Stomper Juicy IPA bring fruity twists to the mix. From hazy IPAs to seasonal stouts, Ska’s canned creations are eco-friendly, adventure-ready, and always ready to ska-daddle into your cooler.
Address: 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81301
Website: www.skabrewing.com

About Peach Street Distillers
In the sun-drenched orchards of Palisade, Colorado—home to the world’s juiciest peaches—Peach Street Distillers fired up its stills in 2005, becoming one of the state’s pioneering craft distilleries and proudly unleashing the first legal Colorado bourbon since Prohibition. Founded by Rory Donovan alongside Ska Brewing’s Bill Graham and Dave Thibodeau, this grain-to-glass powerhouse sources Olathe corn and legendary local fruits to handcraft every drop onsite with mad-scientist flair and small-batch love. Celebrating a milestone 20 years in 2025 under new local ownership by Palisade natives Desa Loughman, Cody Butters Lewis, Jesse Loughman, and Michael Lewis, Peach Street pours pure high-desert magic into award-winning spirits that capture the bold, fruity soul of the Rocky Mountains.

From smooth Colorado Straight Bourbon with caramel-oak warmth to lush Peach Brandy bursting with over 20 pounds of fresh Palisade fruit per bottle, Peach Street’s lineup is a medal-hauling adventure in every sip. Crisp Pear and bright Apricot Brandies deliver elegant orchard elegance, while ultra-smooth Goat Vodka shines in cocktails or neat; juniper-kissed Jackelope Gin brings botanical bite, and herbal Amaro adds bittersweet depth. Innovators at heart, they craft unique gems like Bier Schnapps from local beers and a Colorado twist on agave spirits—all distilled with pure mountain water for flavors that are authentically wild, wonderfully crushable, and ready to elevate any toast with Palisade pride.
Address: 144 South Kluge Avenue, Palisade, CO
Website: www.peachstreetdistillers.com

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Morris’ award-winning Australian single malt whiskey makes its American debut

September 6, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

SAN FRANCISCO — As the market for imported whiskeys heats up, Australia’s Morris Whiskey, in partnership with distiller and importer Hotaling & Co., today announces its official US launch, presenting connoisseurs with a unique Whiskey style that captures the origins, climate, and terroir of Australia. Due to their distinctive flavor profiles, whiskeys produced in Australia have enjoyed significant popularity and growth in recent years. To date, Morris is the third Australian whiskey to be made available in the United States and marks its debut with the launch of two notable, award-winning whiskeys: Australian Single Malt Signature Whiskey and Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky.

Led by Head Distiller Darren Peck, who has worked under the tutelage of one of the world’s most renowned whiskey makers John McDougall (Springbank, Laphroig, Balvenie amongst others), Morris combines decades of tradition with modern techniques to craft a distinctive style of Australian singles malt whisky. Crafted in Victoria, Morris Whiskey is crafted from 100% locally sourced ingredients and aged in award-winning fortified wine casks, creating a maturity, depth and richness of flavor normally reserved for longer-aged whiskeys. With hot days and cool nights, Australia’s Mediterranean climate allows the liquid to mature faster than whiskeys matured in cooler climates, allowing richer and more robust flavors to develop in less time.

“At Morris we have created a unique style of whiskey that suits our home in Rutherglen. Crafted from Australian barley and pure, filtered water from the Snowy Mountains, Morris Whiskey not only reflects the premium fortified casks, but also its regional Victorian heritage,” said Darren Peck, Head Distiller at Morris Whisky. “The Rutherglen region has a climate with hot summer days and cool nights, which not only provides ideal conditions for the production of world-class wines, but also for the aging of exquisite whiskey in casks.”

A brilliant sipper, Australian Single Malt Signature Whiskey presents a light topaz hue and reveals aromas of orchard fruit profiles, macerated black cherry and biscuit, with notes of zesty jam, lingering cocoa and dark berries for a pleasantly rounded mouthfeel. Aged for a minimum of three years in ex-wine casks at an ABV of 44%, the signature expression delivers a rich finish that lingers on the palate.

Premium Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whiskey is designed as a whiskey best enjoyed neat. It reveals flavors of dates, figs and dark molasses with a complex blend of dried figs, sweet malt, vanilla and spices on the palate. Also made from Australian barley malt and aged for three years in American and French oak barrels at 48% ABV, the Muscat Barrel expression reveals a reddish copper tone ending with a creamy finish.

Both Australian Single Malt Signature Whiskey and Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whiskey have been certified Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards and World Whiskey Masters for the last two consecutive years, and have received Platinum and Doubles respectively at the most recent SIP Awards -Gold awards.

Production of these two whiskeys began in 2016 using the original copper still and column installed at Morris Winery in 1941 when used to make base spirits for Morris fortified wines. Maturation took place on site in the purpose built cask house using ex-wine casks handcrafted using a specific process in Morris’ private cooperage. The liquid is aged in a combination of American and French oak casks, ex-Shiraz and Cabernet red wine casks carefully selected from family-owned wineries in the Barossa and Coonawarra regions.

Founded in Rutherglen in 1859, Morris originally began as a family winery and has since grown into one of the most renowned fortified wine producers in the world. Generations of craftsmanship in blending, aging and creating world-class wines inspired Morris to introduce a line of single malt whiskeys to be launched in Australia in 2021. With over 160 years of winemaking experience, Morris combines decades of tradition, a historic copper still, and aged fortified casks with modern techniques to create a whiskey that is a true expression of time and place.

“The global popularity of Australian whiskey in recent years has provided Hotaling with an opportunity to introduce Morris Whiskey to American consumers, becoming only the third Australian whiskey to enter the U.S. market,” said Dan Leese, President and CEO of Hotaling & Co “We are delighted to add these two exceptional single malts to our whiskey portfolio, which round out our global whiskey offering.”

Hotaling & Co. Imported Morris Australian Single Malt Whiskey is available at select retailers in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Washington DC, Maryland with possible availability in Arizona, Nevada, and Missouri in the coming months. The Australian Single Malt Signature Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $59.99 for 750ml and the Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $89.99 for 750ml.

More information on both whiskeys can be found at www.morriswhisky.com.

About Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky:
Founded in 1859, Morris of Rutherglen is one of the most renowned makers of fortified spirits in the world. The craftsmanship of blending, aging and creating world-class fortified wines has been passed down through six generations of the family, putting the distillery perfectly positioned to produce exceptionally flavored Australian single malt whiskey. Located in the Rutherglen region of north east Victoria, Australia, the distillery boasts the Snowy Mountains to the east. This natural spring provides the purest water year-round, allowing the true flavors and characters of the whiskey to shine through.

The Morris Whiskey range currently consists of Australian Single Malt Signature Whiskey and Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whiskey, with future releases planned. The exceptional flavor comes from access to American and French oak wine casks, carefully selected from Casella family wineries in Australia’s Barossa and Coonawarra regions. These casks are all prepared by hand in our private cooperage using an individual shaving and toasting process for optimal maturation. Together with the local climate of hot summer days and cool nights, these conditions are perfect for single malt aging. Then the whiskey is finished

a combination of fortified Morris of Rutherglen wine casks, some containing the most highly awarded fortified wine in the world, to create the unique and distinctive flavor profile of Morris Whisky.

For more information visit: https://www.morriswhisky.com/

About Hoteling & Co.
Hotaling & Co., the premier distiller and importer in San Francisco, creates, curates and builds artisan brands of unmatched character and quality. Hotaling & Co., originally called the Anchor Distilling Company, was founded in 1993 and is credited with releasing America’s first craft whiskey (Old Potrero) and American craft gin (Junipero Gin) after Prohibition. In 2010, the Anchor Distilling Company was sold to a business partnership that included Tony Foglio and London’s oldest wine and spirits merchants, Berry Bros. & Rudd, and began expansion to incorporate a collection of premium craft spirits drawn from the were imported from all over the world. In 2017, Anchor Distilling became Hotaling & Co. The new name is a nod to one of Anchor Distilling’s most popular small-batch whiskeys (Old Potrero Hotaling’s Whiskey) and San Francisco gold rush legend AP Hotaling in the West quickly came to be one of the country’s most respected liquor retailers. Today, Hotaling & Co. is celebrating exciting growth and success; It’s the 29th year of distillation and the 12th commercial year of bringing like-minded distillers from around the world together to share the passion and raise the bar.

The Hotaling & Co. portfolio includes Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskys, Writers’ Tears Whisky, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey and more. Visit www.HotalingandCo.com for a full list of brands.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Makes Powerful INC 5000 List

August 23, 2022 By Dow Scoggins

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020, and 2021, has been ranked among the top 1,000 companies honored on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list. With the growth of more than 3,000% since its first year, and nearly 700% during the capture period of this Inc. 5000 list, Uncle Nearest joins an illustrious group of honorees like Microsoft, Facebook, Under Armour, Chobani, Patagonia, and many other behemoths who first gained national exposure on the Inc. 5000 list. Every year, Inc. releases the ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America, based on a percentage of revenue growth. Uncle Nearest is one of few spirit brands to ever be featured on the list.

In 2021, Uncle Nearest announced it had become the best-selling African American-owned and founded spirit brand in history, selling 1.5 million bottles of its sought-after super premium whiskey. The company has since gone on to sell more than three million bottles. Its whiskey portfolio, which ranges from $49.99 to $149 suggested retail price, is currently made up of its small batch whiskey, its Master Blend Edition, and its original aged whiskey offering, and is available in more than 25,000 U.S. locations.

“This year alone we are on track to sell more bottles than we did in our first three and a half years in business, and we’ve not even begun to scratch the surface,” said Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest.

“When we entered the bourbon market, we had no idea we were making history as the first and only brand to commemorate an African American, and the first major spirit company to be founded and led by a leadership team of all women,” said Fawn Weaver, Chairman, CEO, and founder of Uncle Nearest. “The question on the mind of so many in the CPG and spirits industry was, could a brand with a story broaching American topics no one had ever attempted to be embraced by consumers of every background, gender and race? That answer has become abundantly clear. The world had been waiting for Uncle Nearest for more than 160 years, they just didn’t realize it until our bottles hit shelves.”

Since its debut in 2017, the super-premium whiskey from Tennessee has swept major spirit competitions, garnering 509 awards, including 59 Best in Class, and 335 Gold, Double Gold and Platinum medals. In 2022 alone, the brand has so far won 116 medals including 12 Best in Class awards, and with an average critic score of 92 points, continues to solidify the brand’s recognition as the most-awarded American whiskey or Bourbon for the fourth year in a row.

Nearest Green Distillery welcomes thousands of guests every weekend from all over the world. Its 323-acre property in Shelbyville, Tenn. is a masterclass in storytelling and purpose-driven marketing. “Our goal is to cement the legacy of Nearest Green in the history books and in the hearts and minds of people all over. We are grateful to the Inc. 5000 for this honor that reminds us we’re on track to make him a household name,” said Victoria Eady Butler, fifth generation Nearest Green descendant and Uncle Nearest Master Blender.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The portfolio is the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 500 awards and accolades since the brand’s 2017 launch, including 335 Gold medals or higher, 59 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently sold in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. The brand has sold more than three million bottles of its super premium Tennessee Whiskey and continues on pace to break all prior records for fastest-growing American whiskey company. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.

About Nearest Green Distillery
Nearest Green Distillery is the world’s first distillery to commemorate an African American. Dubbed as “Malt Disney World,” and named by Travel + Leisure as a “true whiskey destination,” the 323-acre property has become known as a full-blown destination for whiskey lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. It is a master class in storytelling and history-making, paying tribute to the three things Tennessee is most known for: Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee Walking Horses and Tennessee Music. For more information or to book a tour, please visit unclenearest.com/distillery.