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Southern Distilling Company, renowned for its specialized customer service and high-quality whiskey production, has become the first contract distiller to offer bulk American Single Malt Whiskey production to both new and existing clients. With nearly a decade of expertise in crafting premium single malt whiskeys, the North Carolina-based distillery is proud to support the newly established American Single Malt Whiskey category.

Situated on a sprawling 20-acre campus, Southern Distilling Company boasts a cutting-edge 36,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the demands of large-scale production. The distillery supports over 140 clients worldwide, ranging from non-producing brand owners and investors to small and large distilleries. Co-founder and COO Vienna Barger celebrated the recent TTB ruling that officially recognizes the American Single Malt Whiskey category, stating, “We are thrilled to see this landmark decision, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

The distillery is now accepting immediate orders for 2025 new fill, with sample kits available for interested partners. Southern Distilling Company’s advanced fermentation and distillation systems are optimized for large-scale single malt whiskey production, capable of producing and aging over 20,000 barrels annually. The facility’s proven performance includes successful runs with both base and character malts tailored to client specifications.

“Since founding Southern Distilling Company in 2013, we’ve strived to blend heritage with innovation,” said co-founder and CEO Pete Barger. “By welcoming more American Single Malt Whiskey clients, both domestically and internationally, we’re continuing to expand the horizons of this exciting category.”
For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com/contract-distilling/

About Southern Distilling Company
Southern Distilling Company has reignited North Carolina’s distilling tradition while embracing the innovation of America’s craft spirits industry. The 20-acre distillery campus is proudly located in Statesville, North Carolina, a city with a big role in bourbon’s history. Before Prohibition, Statesville was known as the “Liquor Capital of the World.” It is now home to a state-of-the-art 36,000 square-foot distillery where days are spent distilling the highest quality bourbons and ryes and watching over more than 65,000 barrels patiently aging in the rickhouses.

Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country’s largest privately owned distilleries since being co-founded by Pete and Vienna Barger in 2013. It offers a diverse range of standard and custom new fill whiskeys, extensive aged barrel inventory, warehouse barrel storage, private label production, and co-packing for more than 140 brands globally. Southern Distilling Company supports sustainability and regenerative agriculture processes and sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility. It also produces Southern Star bourbons and rye whiskeys—its own line of award-winning artisan spirits. The distillery, located along Interstate 77 near the I-40 interchange is open for tours, tastings, cocktails, and bottle sales. It also hosts public events and experiences throughout the year. For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com.

The Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree tradition began in 2011 at the Jack Daniel Distillery and has since expanded to multiple locations nationwide. This year, you have the chance to own a barrel from a nearby Barrel Tree. Starting December 1, barrels from each tree will be available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home program, which helps bring military members home for the holidays.

This year, you can find a Barrel Tree in Buffalo, Los Angeles, Lynchburg, Nashville, New Brunswick, New York City, San Antonio, San Francisco, DC, Tampa, and Oklahoma City.
For more information:  www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/operation-ride-home

George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon: A Historical Overview
Discover the fascinating history of George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon, a lesser-known venture that highlights the first U.S. president’s entrepreneurial legacy and his contributions to early American industry.

The Beginnings of Whiskey Production at Mount Vernon
After serving as the first president of the United States, George Washington returned to his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia in the 1790s. The plantation was a hub of diverse activities, from farming to textile production. Among these ventures, distilling whiskey emerged as a standout business.

Westland Distillery is thrilled to celebrate the official recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey.

As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery has long championed the category through its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The recognition marks a culmination of years of advocacy and effort by Westland and other distillers committed to establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.

“This recognition is a significant step forward, not just for Westland but for the entire industry,” said says Jason Moore, Westland’s managing director. “. “We’re proud to have played a role in shaping this category and are excited about the opportunities it creates for producers and whiskey enthusiasts alike.”

Westland Distillery remains at the forefront of the movement, showcasing the diverse potential of American Single Malt Whiskey through its use of locally sourced ingredients, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability. The distillery continues to craft expressions that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest, setting a benchmark for the category’s future.

With this official recognition, Westland Distillery looks forward to further elevating the profile of American Single Malt Whiskey and sharing its story with whiskey lovers around the world.

About Westland Distillery
Founded in 2010 in Seattle, WA, Westland Distillery is leading the emergence of the American Single Malt Whiskey category. Distilled, matured and bottled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, their whiskeys bring a new and distinctly American voice to the world of single malt. To learn more about Westland Distillery, visit www.westlanddistillery.com. To receive updates on Westland’s latest releases and distillery news, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westlanddistillery, or on Twitter or Instagram at @westlandwhiskey.

The angel’s share refers to the portion of whiskey (or other spirits) that evaporates from oak barrels during the aging process. As whiskey matures in casks, a small percentage of the liquid escapes through the pores of the wood into the atmosphere, typically amounting to about 2–5% of the volume per year, depending on factors like the climate and storage conditions.

This phenomenon occurs because oak barrels are slightly porous, allowing air to interact with the whiskey inside. While this interaction improves the whiskey’s flavor and character, the loss to evaporation is inevitable. The term “angel’s share” is a romantic expression coined to suggest that the lost whiskey is taken by angels, lending a poetic charm to what would otherwise be considered a financial loss.

Factors Influencing the Angel’s Share:
Climate: In warm climates, evaporation tends to be higher due to increased heat and humidity.
In cooler climates, the rate is slower, but aging takes longer.

Barrel Type: Smaller barrels have a larger surface area relative to their volume, leading to more evaporation.

Warehouse Environment: Humidity levels affect whether more alcohol or water evaporates. In dry climates, water loss predominates, increasing the whiskey’s alcohol concentration, while in humid climates, alcohol evaporates more readily.

Duration of Aging: The longer whiskey ages, the more is lost to the angel’s share, which is why older whiskeys are rarer and more expensive.
Despite the loss, the angel’s share plays a crucial role in the whiskey’s development, as it allows the spirit to “breathe,” contributing to its depth, smoothness, and complexity.

FRANKFORT, Kentucky –  Buffalo Trace Distillery has once again become a festive destination for its 26th annual Holidays at the Trace celebration, taking place throughout December. This year’s event is bigger and brighter, featuring over 20,000 additional LED lights, a towering 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with more than 400 ornaments, and over 70 unique light installations across the grounds.

New for 2024: Spirited Nights
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the brand-new Spirited Nights, a 12-night immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional drive-through light display. Guests can enjoy walk-through attractions, including a 60-foot light tunnel and themed scenes like Santa’s workshop with elves testing toys. Expanded food and drink offerings include a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Hot Chocolate Bar, complimentary bourbon tastings, a cocktail bar featuring winter classics, and extended gift shop hours for holiday shopping.

Spirited Nights runs on the second and third weekends of December, with free registration required. More details can be found at Spirited Nights.

Returning Favorites: Drive-Through Light Show
The beloved drive-through light display also returns, featuring new additions such as a 16-foot animated gingerbread man and four buffalo light sculptures. This complimentary experience is open nightly from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM through December 31.

Holiday Shopping at Buffalo Trace
Visitors can complete their holiday shopping at the Distillery’s Gift Shop, offering a range of items like barware, apparel, specialty foods, and bottles. New for 2024 are the Buffalo Trace X Bettinardi Golf Putter & Cover, a limited-edition holiday sweater, and a holiday candle in a reusable rocks glass. Purchases can also be made online at Buffalo Trace Shop.

Making Memories at Buffalo Trace
“Holidays at the Trace is such a beloved tradition,” said Tyler Adams, Buffalo Trace Distillery General Manager. “We’re thrilled to offer the community even more to see and do this year. We hope families will celebrate the season with us and create lasting memories.”

For more information on Buffalo Trace’s holiday offerings, visit Holiday at Buffalo Trace.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

SHELBYVILLE, Tennessee – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey brand for five years running, is set to launch its ‘Lost Chapter’ series. The collection of limited edition whiskeys will give fans access to unreleased chapters of Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver’s acclaimed book, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest. Debuting just a month ago on June 18, Love & Whiskey has dominated the New York Times best-sellers list, in addition to being named on USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly best-seller lists and securing the number one selling book spot at Hudson Booksellers in airports across the country.

The first bottle in the series, ‘Lost Chapter 1 – 777’ (SRP: $139), will be released on Friday, July 19. A 7-year-old barrel-strength whiskey between 110-120 proof, the bottle celebrates the seventh anniversary of Uncle Nearest’s launch, with only 7,000 bottles available. Those who purchase ‘Lost Chapter 1 – 777’ – which will be available at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN, in select markets throughout the U.S., and online via Reservebar.com – will have access to a copy of Love & Whiskey and an exclusive link to download the first lost chapter.

“I’ve been absolutely floored by the reception of Love & Whiskey – grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it,” says Fawn Weaver. “We’ve sold out tour stops across the country, and bookstores can’t seem to keep it stocked as the book continues to fly off the shelves. So, I’m thrilled to be sharing another piece of the Uncle Nearest story as we celebrate seven years.”

Those who aren’t able to get their hands on one of the first limited edition bottles will still get the chance to unlock the first lost chapter of Love & Whiskey when they purchase a bottle of Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey. New bottles of Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey will begin rolling out this summer featuring a new neck tag with a code that leads to the exclusive download link for the chapter, further enriching the experience for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Available in markets across the country and online, this everyday single barrel is bottled at barrel strength – never watered down – with varying proof, and is available at an accessible price point of $89.99. The whiskey was the most awarded single barrel bourbon of 2023 and has earned rave reviews and accolades, including receiving a gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a platinum medal and being named Best Bourbon at the 2024 LA Spirits Awards, receiving a platinum medal and winning Best in Show Tennessee Whiskey at the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards, and more.

“This new release is a testament to our commitment to excellence, as we waited seven years to bottle this whiskey at the perfect time,” said Victoria Eady Butler, fifth-generation Nearest Green descendant and four-time Master Blender of the Year recipient. “I hope y’all will enjoy this special barrel strength blend while reading the rich story of our brand and the profound history of my great-great-grandfather. I just know he’d love this one.”

For more information about Love & Whiskey, visit www.loveandwhiskeybook.com and for more information on Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, please visit www.unclenearest.com or follow on Instagram @unclenearest.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand’s portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, amassing over 1,200 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 710 Gold medals or higher, which includes 125 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 90.5. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website, and follow on Instagram @unclenearest.

Independent bottler Two Souls Spirits recently announced their 2023 Spring Whiskey Collection.

A statement from the whiskey bottler noted that this collection of single-barrel whiskeys features two limited-releases from two award-winning craft distilleries … Watershed Distillery and Sutherland Distilling.

“Our spring 2023 release is all about rarity and the story that each barrel has to tell. The first release in our new Ghost Barrel Series, the 6-year 100% corn bourbon from Sutherland Distilling is bourbon on steroids. It’s brash, sweet, and packs a serious punch … there’s no doubt you’re drinking a barrel proof whiskey.”

He noted that with Sutherland Distilling closing its doors permanently in February, this barrel represents the last remaining whiskey from that distillery.

And the American single malt from Watershed is a complete one-off as well, Estrada said, as they’ve never before released a single malt whiskey. “We were super lucky to get this barrel and be able to release it at cask strength. Also, the apple brandy barrel finish that we did adds a complex fruitiness that will remind people of a Sherry-cask Scotch. There’s just nothing else like it on the market.”

Two Souls Spirits follows the Scottish model of independent bottling by focusing on spirits from craft distilleries.

“We are committed to true collaboration and sharing our partner’s stories and products with a national audience,” said Co-Founder Chad Civetti. “Watershed is one of the most respected craft distilleries in the U.S., we couldn’t be happier to collaborate with them for this one-of-a-kind release.”

“And while we were hoping to continue our partnership with Sutherland, we’re excited to offer our customers the last remaining stocks of their finest bourbon,” he added. “Both of these distilleries are great examples of why we started Two Souls Spirits in the first place, to spread the word and make accessible the exceptional whiskies that American craft distilleries are producing.”

Two Souls Co-Founder James Estrada explained that both these whiskeys come 100% uncut and unfiltered, and are available exclusively for online purchase at www.twosoulsspirits.com.

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

On Saturday, Furman University launched a straight bourbon whiskey, named “FU All The Time.” The university debuted the whiskey at a launch party on campus for the Clearly Furman campaign. The campaign aims to raise $426 million by the university’s bicentennial in 2026.

Furman is a private university in Greenville, South Carolina.

FU All The Time Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled from a four-grain mashbill (corn, wheat and rye from Virginia, and malted barley) by Virginia-based Ironclad Distillery. Ironclad aged the bourbon for at least three years in oak barrels from South Carolina before bottling it at 100 proof.

Presumably, the school is aware its initials sound like “Eff you” and is in on the joke. The chant goes “FU one time, FU two times, FU three times, FU all the time!”

FU All The Time is available to be ordered online from the Ironclad Distillery website, priced at $83.69. It also will be sold in liquor stores and restaurants across upstate South Carolina, with statewide distribution coming soon.

About The Clearly Furman Campaign

“The launch of the Clearly Furman campaign was an exciting time, with hundreds of alumni and donors and other friends on campus,” Elizabeth Lichtenberg, senior director of brand strategy and visual communications for Furman, said in a news release. “We thought FU All the Time bourbon would be popular, and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it. It felt good to be able to offer the Furman Family something new and unique that they can enjoy and take some pride in, and give them a new way to toast and celebrate Furman. We expect this new product to be a favorite for a long time.”

About Iron Clad Distillery

In 1862, one year into the American Civil War, the first ships to be armored in iron engaged in the waters off the Port of Newport News, Virginia. A few hours later, the Navy would be changed forever.

That mighty battle inspired our name. And it’s why we stick to our guns. We make authentic bourbon. That’s it. Nothing else. It’s our Ironclad rule.

Working with some of Virginia’s best grains, our aim is to produce bourbon whiskey that is accessible in flavor and price, while being of the highest quality of production.

Located along the James River, within view of the old Battle of the Ironclads site, Ironclad operates in the prodigious S.W. Holt & Co. warehouse built in 1913.

For more information please visit https://www.ironcladdistillery.com/store/fu-all-the-time