whiskey

Milestone Brands, a trailblazer in growing innovative spirits brands, proudly unveils its latest creation, the free-spirited Dirty Monkey Banana Peanut Butter Whiskey. This delicious new release is crafted with real whiskey, all-natural peanut butter and banana flavors blended to ignite your sense of adventure and have your taste buds swinging with delight. In addition to being all-natural, Dirty Monkey is allergen-free and contains absolutely no high-fructose corn syrup.

Dirty Monkey Banana Peanut Butter Whiskey is embodied by Dirty Monkey himself, a carefree and fun-loving character who’s charming, irreverent and a little mischievous. He’s the ultimate companion for a high-energy night out with friends—he never rests in the pursuit of good times! Order up a round of chilled Dirty Monkey shots for your crew and set off for a night of adventure and good ol’ monkey business. Try as a chilled shot, alongside your favorite beer, or as a deliciously fun spin on a classic whiskey cocktail.

“Dirty Monkey is all about fun—we are so excited to launch this incredibly playful brand, grounded in key insights about the flavored whiskey consumer,” said Eric Dopkins, Milestone Brands CEO and Chairman. “We can’t wait for everyone to discover the one-of-a-kind flavor and embrace the don’t-have-a-care-in-the-world attitude of Dirty Monkey!”

Flavored whiskey stands out as one of the most popular category segments in the industry, boasting an impressive 10-year volume CAGR of 23% per year (Market Watch 2023).

This growth is driven by consumers looking for new experiences and innovative flavors, particularly those that have a nostalgic appeal, which are interesting to 71% of millennial and Gen Z LDA consumers (2021 Mintel Study). These consumers also want products that are inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone in a group. Dirty Monkey perfectly embodies these trends, combining popular peanut butter and beloved banana flavors with an incredibly smooth taste, encouraging consumers to grab a round and toast their troop.

Dirty Monkey Banana Peanut Butter Whiskey is bottled at 35% ABV, in a 750ml bottle. Available now nationwide for an SRP of $25.99.

For More Information:
https://milestone-brands.com/

Hard Truth Distilling Co., an award-winning whiskey distillery located in Brown County, Indiana, announced the release of Barrel Finished Reserve, four unique pairings of Hard Truth’s finest sweet mash aged in the highest quality barrels sourced from some of the world’s most celebrated winemakers.

All four new whiskeys come under Hard Truth’s award-winning Sweet Mash Rye label and will be available in extremely limited quantities. Barrel Finished Reserve, which will be an annual offering, is mashed, distilled, aged, and bottled by the distillers at the Hard Truth distillery. Each expression is available in 750 mL bottles with a suggested retail price of $99.99.

The barrel lineup includes Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Pedro Ximénez Brandy, Sauternes and Cognac. Each barrel housed Hard Truth Sweet Rye’s mainline RW-1 mash bill of 94% rye and 6% malted barley.

According to Bryan Smith, Hard Truth Master Distiller, “Barrel finishing in the American whiskey scene has been an exciting space over the past few years.”  Smith tapped Chris Moore, Hard Truth’s barrel program manager, who has robust knowledge and experience in the world of wine and wine-based spirits, to source the highest quality finishing barrels without cost consideration.

“To stay consistent with Hard Truth’s philosophy for making the highest quality whiskey, it was critical that we use not just any barrel – but instead use barrels with the level of quality and provenance that could match and complement its specific style of sweet mash whiskey making,” said Moore.”

Moore added that once the barrels were selected, extreme care was taken to match the whiskey blend to each finishing cask. The result being four custom blends that each enhance the flavor of these finishing barrels without sacrificing the complexity and richness of Hard Truth’s sweet mash whiskey.

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Headquartered in Nashville, Indiana, Hard Truth Distilling Co. produces more than 20 premium spirits, including the critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Maple Bourbon Cream, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. is an industry leader in the production of sweet mash rye whiskeys. In addition to Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey, they recently released a new Sweet Mash Rye whiskey project in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company. The new partnership will include a four-part, limited collectors series of Hard Truth’s award-winning Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey to be released in the spring and fall. The first release called Harvest Sweet Mash Rye launched at the Hard Truth Distillery on September 9.

Hard Truth’s spirits are distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington, D.C. and The Bahamas.

For More Information:
https://hardtruthdistilling.com/

We’ve been covering recent news from Bob Dylan‘s Heaven’s Door whiskey brand recently, and there’s been a lot of it, some of it stemming Heaven’s Door opening its own distillery in Kentucky. Now there’s a new edition of the Bootleg Series, an expensive 18-year-old bourbon given an unusual secondary maturation in Spanish red vermouth casks, and the resulting whiskey is bold and assertive.

The Bootleg Series was first released in 2019 making this is the fifth installment. This whiskey series was named as a tribute to the rare and unreleased recordings that make up a portion of Dylan’s catalogue, and according to the brand the specific whiskeys, blends, and cask finishes in this series are meant to evoke that concept. Bootleg Series V was overseen by Heaven’s Door master distiller Ken Pierce and master blender Alex Moore. They selected an 18-year-old bourbon distilled in Tennessee, which is pretty old for a bourbon, and then finished it in vermouth rouge barrels. “Vermouth has long been a part of whiskey cocktail culture, and we wanted to capture that essence in this mature Bootleg Series expression,” said Moore in a statement. “We chose Spanish vermouth casks to finish the 18-year-old bourbon to provide depth of  flavor and complexity that perfectly complements the whiskey’s character.”

The whiskey, which is bottled at 114 proof, is a deep ruddy brown color. On the nose it reads like an older Dickel whiskey, full of grain, fruit, and nutty notes. The palate is immediately drying and tannic, but not in an unpleasant way. There are dollops of oak along with dried fruit, candied orange, spiced nuts, rum raisins, vanilla, and kettle corn. This is a bold and pointed bourbon that might prove to be divisive, but its unique flavor and spiciness will please whiskey fans who prefer older age statements and secondary maturations that are not subtle. And it kind of grows on you the more you sip it.

Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series V (SRP $600) comes in a ceramic bottle with Dylan’s 2019 painting “No Vacancies” on the front. The bottle, in turn, is found inside a carrying case that opens like a book to display the whiskey.

For more information please visit https://buy.heavensdoor.com/

NEW YORK — Today, BLACKENED Whiskey announces a groundbreaking collaboration with Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, founder of renowned craft whiskey distillery, Rabbit Hole, for the 2023 release of its acclaimed “Masters of Whiskey Series.” Together, BLACKENED Master Distiller & Blender, Rob Dietrich, and Zamanian have created the BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled in Tennessee & Kentucky. Finished in Calvados Casks, the blend is bottled at cask strength at a proof of 106.59, and non-chill filtered.

Debuted in 2021 with the BLACKENED x Willett Straight Rye Finished in Madeira Casks, the “Masters of Whiskey Series” is built upon the brand’s core tenant of collaboration, uniting the unparalleled expertise of two master craftsmen to reimagine craft whiskey and create new, extraordinary expressions.

For this release, esteemed whiskey visionaries, Dietrich and Zamanian, crafted the expression from a base of 13-year-old straight Tennessee bourbon whiskey featuring a mash bill of 64 percent corn, 36 percent rye, and Rabbit Hole Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky straight bourbon, made from a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 25 percent malted rye, and 5 percent malted barley. The whiskey is then finished in Calvados Casks, imparting sweeter notes as Calvados is an apple brandy. The resulting expression features notes of apple butter, rhubarb, honey-suckle, graham cracker, and macadamia nut on the nose and hints of ripe pear, cinnamon stick, smoky campfire, field clover, honey, and black walnut on the palate.

The basis of the partnership stems from both brands’ and distillers’ uncompromising passion, reputation for forging their own paths in American Whiskey, and most importantly, their ability to innovate. For its whiskeys, Rabbit Hole’s Chief Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, looks beyond traditional methods, creating one-of-a-kind mash bills using malt sourced from Europe, while BLACKENED Whiskey pushes the envelope with its Black Noise™ sonic-enhancement process.

During finishing, the whiskey is sonically-enhanced to extract more flavor from the finishing casks, using a patent-pending scientific process co-developed by the sound engineers at Meyer Sound. The process produces low hertz sound waves causing the whiskey to reverberate at a fast rate, interacting with the oak staves of the finishing barrel, measurably releasing wood compounds and flavors. Their ardor for constantly challenging traditional whiskey-making processes and treating the craft as an art form led them to the flavorful blend.

“It was great working with Kaveh, as we came in with different backgrounds and similar mindsets, with a passion to create something unusual and unique to see where we could take it,” explained Dietrich. “We were both interested in starting with the 13-year-old Tennessee bourbon whiskey, and then worked back to see what was going to pair well with that as far as mash bill and blending different whiskeys from their distillery. We were really looking for something that balanced and layered the flavor profiles together, then adding a dash of flavor through the Calvados cask finishing. I’m ecstatic at what we came up with!”

“It was so exciting to be able to work with BLACKENED Whiskey and Rob Dietrich,” said Zamanian. “It seems like it was just an organic process, more art than science when we came together. It’s always great to be able to work with whiskey makers who are doing new things, such as BLACKENED, as it helps us learn more and improve our game. And ultimately the consumers benefit from it too, because you get new expressions – something that’s genuinely different and a blend of our different approaches and voices.”

“The ‘Masters of Whiskey Series’ represents our dedication to innovation and speaks to our core principle of collaboration,” said Metallica bassist, Robert Trujillo. “Just as Metallica always tries to blaze new trails with our music and artistic style, we love that we are able to do the same with our approach to crafting exceptional whiskey.”

As a testament to the collaboration and taste, the expression was entered into the 2023 New York Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), where it was awarded a Gold Medal. Currently in its 13th year, the competition is one of the most respected judging events in the eastern USA and consists of a judging panel of the wine and spirits industry’s most trusted authorities.

ABOUT KAVEH ZAMANIAN & RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY

Rabbit Hole was born to blow the cobwebs off the American whiskey category and pierce through the conformity that had kept it stuck in the 19th century. Rabbit Hole’s Founder and Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian, left a 20+ year career as a clinical psychologist to pursue his long-standing passion for fine spirits. With a mission to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, he set course to develop one-of-a-kind expressions of American whiskey. Through its signature core offerings – Cavehill Four Grain Triple Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks, and Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon – along with its innovative Founder’s Collection series, stands as the best example of innovation and craft distillation in the country. This distinction is highlighted by its use of truly singular mash bills, signature malted grains, and custom-made, hand-selected, toasted & charred barrels. Our state-of-the art distillery is a cathedral to the art and science of whiskey making and is located in the Nulu neighborhood in heart of downtown Louisville. Designed as a true craft distillery designed to scale, it produces 27,000 barrels every year. Since opening in 2018, it has been heralded as the “Architectural Icon” of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and was recently named “World’s Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour” by the World Travel Awards. In 2022, Kaveh was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s 20th anniversary class, cementing his place among industry pioneers and visionaries.

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

BARDSTOWN, Ky.— Stoli Group is pleased to announce the release of its latest collaboration, Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition. Available across the U.S, the Maighstir Edition is the third international collaboration limited edition release from Kentucky Owl, demonstrating the brand’s imaginative take on the making of classic bourbon.

A result of the collaboration between Master Blenders John Rhea and new Kentucky Owl Master Blender Maureen Robinson, Maighstir Edition pays homage to the rich whiskey traditions of both the United States and Scotland. This release not only celebrates the artful craft of blending high-quality liquid but also the different flavors and taste profiles that each country has become famous for in the making of their whiskeys. This bourbon brings the best of Scotch whisky blending skills to Kentucky Owl’s bourbon range. “Maighstir” (pronounced may-stir) translates as ‘Master’ in Gaelic, authentically highlighting the wonderful collaboration between these two great whiskey masters.

Rhea and Robinson worked together to create the resulting Scottish inspired edition by blending 4yr old, 5yr old, 8yr old and 9yr old Kentucky Straight Bourbons, with mashbills containing corn, wheat, rye and malted barley. These specific Bourbons were carefully selected to convey a Scottish inspired Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

“Our latest limited edition release exemplifies the dedication of Kentucky Owl to offer Bourbon enthusiasts a glimpse into the world of Scotch whiskies,” said Maureen Robinson. “It has the citrus perfumed floral green notes with hints of sweetness and oak reminiscent of a lighter style Scotch but still keeping all the credentials of a bourbon.”

This collaboration also signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as Kentucky Owl recently announced that Robinson is assuming the position of Master Blender, held by Rhea over the past 2 years. “Having the opportunity to craft the Maighstir Edition alongside Maureen instills me with great confidence that Kentucky Owl is in exceptional hands, as Maureen steps into her role as Master Blender,” commented John Rhea.

This Scottish inspired bourbon whiskey emerges as the perfect undertaking to coincide with Maureen taking the helm. As one of the 60 Whisky Hall of Famers and distinguished as one of a small group of female ‘Masters of the Quaich’ worldwide, her presence further strengthens the brand’s commitment to honoring artisanship and heritage. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with John to create a liquid that is rich in the tradition of Kentucky distillation with the timeless allure of Scotland’s whisky craftsmanship,” continued Robinson.

On the nose, the blend reveals subtle notes of small grains, notably malted barley with a hint of sweet caramel. The balance of grains with the sweetness of caramel and vanilla pays homage to the art of blending exceptional bourbon, seen through the perspective of Scotland’s heritage.

On the palate, there is a warm and spicy sweetness from the rye, which is expected from a great bourbon. Then, the gentle flavors of wheat and barley come in, making the taste soothing. As it melts the liquid reveals hints of orange and grapefruit. Finished by mild flavors of caramel and vanilla.

The Maighstir Edition will be available at an MSRP of $150 (100 Proof, ABV 50%)

About Kentucky Owl

Stoli Group, a leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until the brand was revived in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received strong reviews. Other various releases for Kentucky Owl have included their international collaboration series with Takumi Edition and St. Patrick’s Edition, Confiscated, Mardi Gras XO Cask Rye Whiskey Limited Edition. The Wiseman brand includes a bourbon and rye whiskey.

About Stoli Group

Established in 2013, Stoli Group is a leader in the production, management, and distribution of a global portfolio of spirits and wines. Renowned for its flagship brand, Stoli Vodka, the company appeals to luxury on-premise global consumers. At the heart of Stoli Group’s offerings lie iconic brands including elit Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl, Villa One Tequila, Gator Bite Rum Liqueurs, Cenote Tequila, Tulchan Gin, and Se Busca Mezcal. In the wine portfolio, Stoli Group’s Tenute del Mondo division includes esteemed labels such as Archaval Ferrer (Argentina) and Arinzano (Spain), while boasting substantial shares in Supertoscan Ornellaia, Masseto, Luce, and CastelGiocondo. 2021 marked a significant milestone for Stoli Group as it became an equal shareholder in Chateau Miraval and its family of brands, including Miraval Muse, Studio, and Fleur de Miraval. Pioneering the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic space, Stoli Group invests in The Pathfinder Hemp and Root.

Spanning over 176 markets worldwide, Stoli Group collaborates with a network of 200 distributors. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company’s production facilities in Argentina, Latvia, Spain, and the United States have a rich heritage dating back to the early part of the last century.

For More Information:
https://www.kentuckyowlbourbon.com/