whiskey

Woodford Reserve Unveils Highest-Proof Expression with Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4

March 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Versailles, KY (February 20, 2025) — Today, Woodford Reserve introduces the latest addition to its innovative Distillery Series: Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4. This limited-edition release marks a historic milestone as the brand’s highest-proof whiskey to date, coming in at a bold 139.4 proof.

Aged for 12 years, this expression expands on the foundation of the original Chocolate Whisper first released in 2021. The extended barrel aging has deepened the whiskey’s character, enriching it with intensified notes of dark chocolate and coffee for a robust and layered tasting experience.

“It’s been fascinating to witness the evolution of Chocolate Whisper Redux since its debut,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “The additional time in barrel has amplified its boldness while preserving that signature long finish.”

Part of the Distillery Series, Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4 reflects Woodford Reserve’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in whiskey making.

About Woodford Reserve:
Woodford Reserve is part of Brown-Forman Corporation, a company with over 150 years of experience in crafting premium spirits. Known for a portfolio that includes celebrated brands like Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, Herradura, and Glendronach, Brown-Forman operates in more than 170 countries with a global team of approximately 5,400 employees. Guided by a mission of offering “Nothing Better in the Market,” the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of spirits.

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

Echo Spirits Releases Engineer Series Blended Bourbon

March 24, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Columbus, Ohio – February 19th, 2025 – Echo Spirits, an Ohio distillery known for its founders’ drive to produce high-quality whiskeys and rums, is proud to showcase its bourbon blending skills once again via the latest release in its highly regarded Engineer Series.

Echo Spirits Engineer Series Batch 25A – Trail Mix is the evolution of a series Joe Bidinger and Nikhil Sharoff, both former engineers turned whiskey distillers, see as a bourbon blending workshop, a place to think outside the box of the regular brown spirits they produce. They take quality-sourced bourbons from other distilleries and transform them into something new and unique. Each batch is a masterpiece, with its own distinct mash bill, tasting profile, and back story.

“The Engineer Series came from our desire to innovate constantly and try to surprise people,” notes Bidinger. “While our own whiskeys age, we don’t want to blindly dump barrels together and label them our own. It’s important to us to remain transparent about where our whiskey is coming from while creating something new and unique each time.

“We try to treat individual whiskey barrels like ingredients in a dish. And we love to use different ingredients each time.”

For the Engineer Series, which debuted last year, the distillery team experiments with various combinations until they find that final sweet spot they can engineer into something special. As all this blending comes together, so does the batch’s name. For Echo Spirits, the tasting notes lead to visualizations of how a particular bottling might come to life in something they are doing, such as smoking a cigar or enjoying a nice dessert.

‍ABOUT ECHO SPIRITS

Echo Spirits is a distillery built with a purpose, a vision of two guys who didn’t quit their daydream as they looked for a new creative outlet to offset their highly analytical jobs. Located in the Grandview neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, the first drops of spirit came off the stills here in 2019, and there has been no looking back since. Known as Ohio’s rum and whiskey distillery, Echo Spirits’ success is reflected not just in its multiple award-winning offerings but also in the loyalty of its customers. A place and a mindset here lead to a commitment to quality reflected not only in the premium spirits but also in the full cocktail bar onsite showcasing their products in the way they are meant to be seen and enjoyed.

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

Bardstown Bourbon’s Distillery Reserve Brings Innovation to the Small Scale

March 18, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Bardstown, Ky. (February 25, 2025) – Bardstown Bourbon Company will again stretch the boundaries of American Whiskey innovation with its latest collection of new whiskies, Distillery Reserve. The inaugural release, Cathedral French Oak Finish marries revered tradition with experimentation and will be available beginning on February 28.

With small scale innovation and the ability to experiment freely, Distillery Reserve is the embodiment of the ethos “Never Stand Still.” Ranging from two to nine barrels, these releases bring to the public for the first time, selections from hundreds of experiments that explore flavor through wood, aging, finishing and blending techniques. Available exclusively at the distillery’s gift shops in Bardstown and Louisville, each one-time-only release offers a groundbreaking bourbon experience.

“The core of our brand has always been innovation, transparency and collaboration but these values mean little without respecting and building on the foundation of tradition,” said Dan Callaway, head of new product development for Bardstown Bourbon Co. “Distillery Reserve expresses that reverent, yet pioneering spirit, offering us a platform to showcase immense creativity and house some of the experiments tucked throughout our warehouses.”

About Bardstown Bourbon Company

Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of making great whiskey. With the most modern, technically advanced whiskey distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. combines distillation and spirited hospitality into a modern, authentic bourbon experience unlike any other on the Kentucky Bourbon TrailTM. Named 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year by IWSC and boasting the highest rated bourbon in the world, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is working to push the entire industry in a direction that is more innovative, more transparent and more collaborative. Bardstown Bourbon Co. is a top 10 distiller in the U.S.

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

B.R. Distilling Company Launches Limited Release Blue Note Special

March 18, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Memphis, TN (February 10, 2025)– Blue Note Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey portfolio which is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis, has launched its second-annual Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Crafted in Memphis, the limited-release is a blend of 10 casks from Kentucky and Tennessee – cognac, madeira, sherry, port, triple sec, madeira, apricot brandy, amontillado, vanilla cognac and vino de Naranja – ranging in age from four to 19 years with varying mashbills. The new expression was bottled at 116.3 proof (58.15% ABV), unfiltered.

In addition to last year’s Special Reserve, Blue Note has introduced several other highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, 17-year, and most recently a Honey Rye and Honey Bourbon Cask.

About B.R. Distilling Company

Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company is the oldest licensed distillery in Memphis, TN, and producer of world-famous Blue Note Bourbon. Currently, the company produces four flagship expressions, along with regular limited releases, which are distributed across 20 U.S. states

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

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Second Edition Prohibition Collection

March 16, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

FRANKFORT, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the second edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set featuring five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the Distillery while the 18th Amendment was in effect. The second release tributes the following brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, known during the Prohibition era as George T. Stagg Distillery, under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership: Mirror Brook, Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.), Anderson’s Belle, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn and Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey.

During Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 and is arguably the most contentious period in alcohol history, the United States banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol due to the ratification of the 18th Amendment. During this time, purchasing alcohol was only legal with a medical prescription, and only six distilleries were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to bottle medicinal whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery, as it’s known today, was one of these distilleries.

Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives reveal stories from over a century ago and inspired the five whiskeys crafted in this year’s Prohibition Collection, all of which are inspired by the original, colorful packaging for these historic brands.

The entire collection is housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical images of the distillery, with each of the five 375ml bottles heavily inspired by their Prohibition Era packaging and original bottle size: even the back cartons feature the cut-out for doctors to apply the prescription for medicinal whiskey, without which one could not legally purchase alcohol.

To celebrate the release of the second Prohibition Collection, Buffalo Trace has partnered with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group on a limited-edition cigar set featuring five unique blends held in 750 individually numbered boxes that mirror the whiskey collection packaging. Launching in conjunction with the whiskeys, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 cigar set will be available online at Cigora as well by special invitation from Meier and Dutch as the exclusive distributor as of January 15, 2025.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

‍Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives.

For more information please visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

Chattanooga Whiskey Releases Pre-Prohibition Style Whiskey

March 16, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Chattanooga Whiskey announced the newest release in its award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series – Batch 043: Pre-Prohibition Style.

This commemorative offering celebrates a decade of Experimentation at the company’s Experimental Distillery, which in 2015 became Chattanooga’s first legal production distillery since Prohibition. To honor this milestone, the Chattanooga Whiskey distilling team crafted an “ode” to pre-Prohibition whiskey, designed to simulate the flavors of early 20th century whiskey.

“For this Experimental Batch, our goal was to make a high malt whiskey that was evocative of a specific place and time: Chattanooga, Tennessee, pre-Prohibition,” Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller, said in a news release. “To do that, our distillers used every ingredient and process step to mimic the flavors found in old-world whiskey. Although a lot has changed in the world of farming, malting, whiskey-making, and coopering over the past 100 years, our team relished the challenge to recreate the flavors of bourbon from that era.”

Made from a high malt bourbon mash, this commemorative recipe starts with a unique harder variety of yellow corn – similar to those grown in that time period. Additionally, a blend of multiple slow toasted barleys, spelt, and rye malts were selected to showcase a wider gradient of flavors inherent to heritage malting techniques – including a heritage-style toasted barley malt and a unique acidulated rye malt.

About Chattanooga Whiskey

Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. As a result, the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery was born. The distillery now hosts over 50,000 visitors annually and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. In 2017, the Chattanooga Whiskey Riverfront Distillery opened as the production home of Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature expressions: Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, as well as their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series, Barrel Finishing Series, and Founder’s Anniversary Blend.

For more information please visit http://www.chattanoogawhiskey.com.

WhistlePig’s New Snout-to-Tail Bourbon – Aged 10 Years

March 12, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

SHOREHAM, VT — WhistlePig Whiskey, one of the nation’s leading independent craft distilleries, is expanding its bold footprint into the heart of bourbon country. Known for igniting the rye whiskey renaissance with its award-winning WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years, the Vermont-based brand is now the fastest-growing name in the super-premium bourbon category. In 2025, WhistlePig will debut its latest innovation: WhistlePig Snout-to-Tail Bourbon – Aged 10 Years, a bold and flavorful Straight Bourbon that redefines traditional aging methods.

This unique 10-year bourbon is crafted using a one-of-a-kind maturation technique. Each barrel is finished with two distinct Vermont oak barrel heads—one medium toasted at the “snout” and one smoked maple toasted at the “tail.” To fully capture the flavor from both ends, the barrels are flipped 180 degrees during aging, a first-of-its-kind “Snout-to-Tail” process that delivers big, complex character in every sip. Bottled at 88 proof—a nod to the 880-mile journey between WhistlePig’s Vermont Farm and its new Kentucky outpost—the bourbon reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

WhistlePig’s expansion into Louisville, Kentucky, will be marked by the launch of The WhistlePig PiggyBank, a dynamic new brand outpost opening in Spring 2025. With this release, WhistlePig aims to shake up the bourbon world once again—this time, from bourbon’s own backyard.

‍About WhistlePig Whiskey
WhistlePig Whiskey, the leading independent craft whiskey maker, continues to redefine American whiskey with its bold, innovative spirit. Nestled on a 500-acre in located in Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig is renowned for its award-winning rye, bourbon, and single malt whiskeys, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a rebellious approach to experimentation. From the iconic Small Batch Rye to the boundary-pushing Boss Hog series, WhistlePig’s portfolio delivers complex flavors that captivate connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. Committed to sustainability and quality, WhistlePig is not just making whiskey—it’s forging a legacy as the best whiskey on and for the planet. For more, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com.

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Penelope Bourbon expands its award-winning portfolio with Wheated

March 12, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

ST. LOUIS – Penelope Bourbon introduced a new addition to its Core Series of bourbons with Penelope Wheated Bourbon. The latest innovation expands the Penelope lineup with an approachable wheated bourbon that delivers on versatility due to its proof and price points. Penelope Wheated is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) and available nationwide in February at a suggested minimum retail price of $39.99.

As the fifth core expression in Penelope’s Core Series, Wheated Bourbon diversifies the portfolio that includes award-winning Architect, Barrel Strength, Four Grain and Toasted. Wheated complements the existing expressions with a profile that strikes the balance between robust flavor and smooth drinkability.

“Wheated bourbons are more popular than ever, and we think we hit the mark with this one, from flavor to proof to price,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “It’ll be a welcomed addition to our core line up.”

With a carefully balanced mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley, Wheated delivers a rich, sweet character with a smooth finish. The touch of rye adds just the right hint of spice, resulting in an inviting bourbon with depth and complexity. Wheated opens with aromas of light oak, sweet corn, apple and pear; and includes flavors of vanilla, honey, caramel apple and hints of orange zest. The finish features lingering brown sugar, toasted oak and a touch of cinnamon spice.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

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

Larrikin Bourbon Co. Launches Decade Rye

March 11, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Lawrenceburg, KY – Larrikin Bourbon Co. announces the release of Decade Rye Cognac Cask, a remarkable spirit born from extraordinary events and master craftsmanship. This exceptional release features 10 barrels of 10-year-old 100% Alberta rye whiskey, finished in a 105-gallon cognac cask, creating a whiskey that tells a story as rich as its flavor.

Originally destined for a Russian oligarch, these precious barrels of aged rye found themselves without a home following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rather than let this exceptional whiskey go to waste, Larrikin Bourbon Company’s Master Distiller Greg Keeley saw an opportunity and ran with it. Later, he was given a cognac cask and the rest is history.

“Sometimes the most remarkable creations arise from unexpected circumstances,” says Greg Keeley, founder and master distiller of Larrikin Bourbon Co. “When we were gifted this exceptional cognac cask, I knew immediately that our 100% rye whiskey could be transformed into something truly extraordinary. Decade Rye represents not just ten years of patience, but the ability to find opportunity in adversity- the Larrikin way.”

This limited release showcases the marriage of premium Alberta rye whiskey with the sophisticated influence of fine French cognac. The result is a uniquely complex spirit that offers classic rye spice and warmth paired with cognac-derived notes of dried fruit and oak. This whiskey has a remarkably smooth finish despite its considerable strength at 122.4 proof.

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

Copperworks Distilling Co. Announces Rare 2025 Archive Release

March 11, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Copperworks Distilling Co. has unveiled its second annual Archive Release, offering whiskey collectors a chance to acquire some of the distillery’s most limited and historically significant bottles from past years.

The collection includes Copperworks’ historic Release 001, the distillery’s very first whiskey. Crafted from pale malted barley and aged for 2 years and 6 months in charred new American oak, only four bottles of this significant whiskey remain available.

Also featured is Release 003, the first whiskey made with Copperworks’ signature Five Malt recipe, with just two bottles remaining. For collectors of award-winning spirits, Release 012 – named “2018 Best American Single Malt Whiskey” by Tastings.com with 96 points and a Platinum Medal – offers eight bottles.

The archive includes several specialty cask-finished expressions that showcase Copperworks’ experimental approach. Among them is the Black is Beautiful American Single Malt Whiskey, created in collaboration with Garden Path Fermentation to support the Black is Beautiful initiative. For each bottle sold, $40 will be donated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Credit: The Whiskey Wash Team

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