whiskey

Laws Whiskey House Announces Fan Favorite Honey Cask Finished Bourbon

September 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Laws Whiskey House, the award-winning whiskey distillery in Denver, unveils their newest Special Finish Series release: Honey Cask Finished Bourbon – a sweet collaboration with Bee Squared Apiaries. This whiskey is available for purchase in the Laws Whiskey House tasting room in Denver starting September 16th, and will be available in limited quantities at lawswhiskeyhouse.com and in key markets across the country starting late September for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

This creation is the result of a unique collaboration between distillers, beekeepers, and honeybees, bringing together the artistry of whiskey making with the richness of nature’s golden elixir. Laws Honey Cask Finished Bourbon takes enthusiasts on a journey that showcases the fusion of flavors derived from this collaborative process.

The journey begins with Laws Whiskey House’s Four Grain Straight Bourbon, which is crafted in small batches and aged in new charred oak barrels, developing its signature depth and complexity. After the whiskey is harvested, Bee Squared Apiaries in Berthoud, CO fills Laws barrels with their delicious honey which interacts with the remaining bourbon and char while also coating the inside of the barrel. After harvesting the honey, the honey-infused barrels return to Laws Whiskey House.

For the second round of aging, Laws Whiskey House refills these same honey-coated barrels with its Four Grain Straight Bourbon, allowing the whiskey to integrate with the essence of honey. This marriage of whiskey and honey yields a symphony of taste, with the added sweetness accentuating the notes of black tea, orange blossom, and cinnamon. Upon savoring, you’ll be greeted by a bright, floral aroma, followed by the delightful combination of sweet orange and buttered toast, all wrapped in a generous flavor of honey. This whiskey delivers a round mouthfeel and a full-bodied finish.

Al Laws, founder and president of Laws Whiskey House says, “our Honey Cask Finished Bourbon is a tasting room fan favorite. We are thrilled to finally share this creation on a larger scale with this special small batch. The collaboration between our talented distillers, Bee Squared Apiaries, and the industrious honeybees is delicious but also a testament to our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.”

This limited release consists of a marriage of four barrels. These barrels aged for 2 years 8 months in new charred oak and an average of 1 year and 6 months in used honey casks, making the total age of this release 4 years and 2 months. Only 1,080 bottles of this release were harvested at 95 proof. Join Laws Whiskey House at their tasting room on September 16 for their Honey Cask Finished Bourbon launch event. If you can’t make it to the event, find this whiskey at select retailers later in September.

About Laws Whiskey House

Established in 2011, Laws Whiskey House is a purpose-driven whiskey distillery founded on the principle that the soul of its whiskey is composed of the people who grow the grain, the people who make the spirit, and the people who drink the whiskey. Laws’ grain-forward style whiskeys are made with the highest quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. The distillery uses time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir and abundantly rich palate of flavors. With a collection of award-winning whiskey, including several Bottled in Bond expressions, Laws Whiskey House invites you to visit their tasting room in Denver’s historic Gates neighborhood and enjoy the Laws experience.

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

Glen Scotia Releases A Rare, 48 Year Old Single Malt

September 17, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

A rare, 48 Year Old single malt is hitting the market from Scotland’s Glen Scotia Distillery.

The limited-edition expression, which clocks in at 40.8% ABV and has a suggested price of £11,000, will offer its buyers a look into a past era of the historic Campbeltown distillery.

Officials at Glen Scotia explained that this whisky was drawn from their oldest reserves, and in all, the have only 250 individually-numbered bottles available worldwide.

The whisky spent 43 years in a combination of refill and first-fill bourbon barrels, then the whisky was finished in another cask, a first-fill Oloroso hogshead, for another five years. It spend an additional six months in one more cask, this a second-fill ex-Pedro Ximenez hogshead.

The whisky maker’s notes show that this rare expression features a floral and orange citrus profile.

Glen Scotia’s master blender, Michael Henry, discussed the distillery’s historical trade ties in Europe when Campbeltown was known as the “Victorian Whisky Capital of the World.” Its harbor linked it to Spain’s Sherry producing region … a source of mature casks for Glen Scotia and other vaunted whisky brands.

Henry and the Glen Scotia team poured through historical records of Campbeltown’s trade links to form a view of what fortified wines and spirits would have been obtainable over the distillery’s history.

This led to the selection of this Sherry finishing which brought out the aromas of sweet Seville orange, green herbal notes, and the spice of nutmeg and cinnamon alongside the Campbeltown briny, sea spray.

On the palate, Henry explained, is demerara sugar and treacle with hints of orange marmalade, red apple, raisin, and sultana, with a long finish of melted brown sugar enriched with stone fruit, apricot and peach.

The 48 Year Old Whisky comes in a handmade oak display case inspired by the Spanish ‘Azulejo’ tile designs found in the bodegas of Seville.

And Glen Scotia partnered with Glencairn to make a bottle that’s etched and infilled, with gold metal decoration to the body and shoulder. The presentation case comes accompanied by a plaque, with the individual bottle number, tasting notes, and story of this single malt whisky.

“The 48-Year-Old is an exceptional release with a remarkable heritage,” said Iain McAlister, master distiller and distillery manager at Glen Scotia. “It is so intriguing to me to think that different generations of distillery managers and their teams, who would have been testing their casks over time, opted to hold this particular liquid back time and time again, allowing it to continue its journey.”

“What we have inherited today is therefore a real journey through time and a celebration of Glen Scotia’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, which continues to thrive,” he added.

The 48 Year Old is available from the Glen Scotia website and at select specialist retailers in the UK, Europe, China, USA, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and South Africa markets.

For more information, check out www.glenscotia.com.

Powerscourt Distillery Releases Third Irish Whiskey In Its Estate Series

September 10, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Irish single malt maker Powerscourt Distillery has released the final expression in their Estate Series, called The Gates.

A statement from Powerscourt notes this blend is a marriage of bourbon and Amarone matured whiskeys, some of the first whiskey distilled in Wicklow in more than a hundred years.

Ireland’s Powerscourt Estate features the intricate designs of the Venetian Gates, a testament to the artisans that created them. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in the country.

And those gates were the inspiration for this final release in the series.

Previously in Powerscourt’s series, there was the Amarone finished single grain “The Mill House,” then came the “The Italian Gardens,” a World Whiskies Award winner which mirrored the craftsmanship, heritage and provenance of their unique location on the Powerscourt Estate.

The Gates features a complex flavor profile which the distiller’s notes describe as summer fruit meringue, strawberry, cherry, plum, lime, mint, apple, and cut hay. It tastes of vanilla, honey, custard drizzled over poached summer fruits with digestive biscuits, and a finish of fruit pudding giving way to soft oak spice.

John Cashman, with Powerscourt Distillery, said The Gates is a fitting finale to their Estate series.

“With the introduction of our own Powerscourt distilled single malt whiskey, we have continued our Amarone influence with a marriage of fully matured Amarone cask whiskey with ex-Bourbon matured whiskey,” he added. “Following our Fercullen Single Malt release in April, The Gates sees us continue to release The Spirit of Wicklow to the world.”

The Gates clocks in at 46% ABV, and has a suggested retail price of €75. The limited-edition bottle is available across Ireland, and from the Powerscourt Distillery and Visitor Center, as well as online.

For more information, check out www.powerscourtdistillery.com.

TX Whiskey Releases Its Sixth Experimental Batch of Bourbon

September 9, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

A straight bourbon that has been aged for two years in Cabernet barrels is the latest expression in TX Whiskey’s “Experimental Series.” This sixth “experimental” offering, was finished in Kenwood Vineyards Yoakim Cabernet Barrels, which, according to a release, boasts some distinct aromas.

This new bourbon expression is said to have hints of vanilla combined with clove to create a fruity balance of grape that carries through the palate, with a long, rich and full-bodied finish of dark fruit flavors and savory notes of spice and oak.

“This experimental release comes from wine that has been aged in French and American Oak barrels for 24 months, allowing the cabernet to remain locked in the oak and seal its terrific flavors,” says head distiller, Evan Brewer. “The barrels were filled with our TX Bourbon and moved to our ‘rickhouses’ here in Texas to pick up the decadent flavors you will find on the nose and palate.”

To commemorate this new offering, TX Whiskey is hosting a celebration at the brand’s home, located at 2601 Whiskey Ranch Road, on Saturday, September 16 with a special VIP entry starting at 12 p.m. with general admission beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to “Meet the Maker” with a special tasting and bottle signing in the Oak Room including early access to purchase the newest expression.

Besides the bourbon, attendees can also enjoy some live music, food trucks and complimentary bottle engraving (with purchase). VIP tickets are $50 and general admission tickets are $10, both including event entry and one cocktail.

Only 1100 bottles of TX Experimental Series TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Barrels will be available for purchase at Whiskey Ranch. The limited release will only be available in 375ml bottles and limited to eight bottles per customer in a 30-day period.

The TX “Experimental Series” features a line of products that include TX Experimental Rye, TX High Rye Texas Straight Bourbon, TX Blended Straight Bourbon, TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum & Cognac Barrels and, most recently, TX Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond.

For more information please visit https://www.frdistilling.com/events-new/

Woodinville Whiskey with Toasted Applewood Staves Now Available

September 9, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Photo Credit: Woodinville Bourbon Whiskey

WOODINVILLE, Wash. — Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Applewood Staves, a real craft whiskey handmade in Washington, is now available.

“Every fall, we do a Harvest Release, and back in 2017, our release was our flagship Bourbon finished with Applewood Staves. Of all our releases, this has been one of our most popular – so, this year we’re bringing it back Nationally,” says Woodinville Whiskey co-founder, Brett Carlile.

Tasting Notes: After the whiskey was fully mature, staves of toasted applewood were added. The finishing process adds depth and richness with aromas of apple and berry on the nose and palate on top of the traditional bourbon notes of rich caramel, dark chocolate and vanilla bean with a sweet lingering finish.

About Woodinville Whiskey Company

Woodinville Whiskey is a craft distillery founded by two best friends from the Woodinville area, Brett Carlile and Orlin Sorensen, under the mentorship of industry icon, the late David Pickerell. Woodinville is Washington’s largest craft distillery, handcrafting its products from 100% locally sourced grains from the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington.

They were awarded “Craft Whiskey of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute and 2020’s “Best Straight Bourbon” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The bourbon performed incredibly in Fred Minnick’s “Pappy vs. the Field” blind tasting and in 2019 he named it “Best Bourbon Outside Kentucky”. In 2021 Forbes reported Woodinville “may just be the best craft whiskey in America.” Woodinville Rye earned Double Platinum honors in the American Spirits Council of Tasters 2022 ASCOT Awards.

In 2017 Woodinville joined Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH. The state-of-the-art distillery and tasting room in Woodinville, open daily, is home to exclusive launches including an annual Harvest Release.

For more information please visit www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com

Blue Run Spirits Releases Reflection II Bourbon

September 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Georgetown, Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits unveiled Reflection II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the follow up to the highly regarded Reflection I, which received a Platinum Medal at the respected SIP Awards International Spirits Competition.

When launched in May 2022, Reflection I Bourbon quickly became a favorite in the whiskey community as one of Blue Run Spirits’ most approachable products. With Reflection II, Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon is looking to continue that tradition while emphasizing a different layer of flavor notes than its predecessor. While Reflection I focused on the darker base notes like oak and caramel, Reflection II zeroes in on the brighter middle notes, including florals and sweetness.

“The Reflection Bourbon series is an intriguing blending project because we have an established baseline of approachability that will carry through to every release, but we will explore the different layers that make whiskey such an interesting spirit,” said Gammon. “For continuity, we included some Reflection I as the base, and then started painting with an entirely different brush. Reflection II will be as familiar as it is new to anyone who enjoyed the first product.”

For Reflection II, the dominate mash bill features less rye than the original, but the proof is increased from 95 to 100. Reflection II also features older whiskey stocks than its predecessor, with Gammon seeking out barrels that clearly exhibited elevated mid-note flavors from Blue Run’s more than 5,000-barrel inventory.

Tasting Notes

A bright bouquet of warm spices and rich cocoa immediately dominates the olfactory senses and serves as a precursor to this engaging experience. The first sip reveals bountiful orange peel that harmonizes with farm fresh honey followed by fresh toasted oak and tantalizing salted caramel blondies. As the palate remains preoccupied with the mid-note flavor sensations, a complex finish is revealed led by spicy citrus oils that evolve into barrel spice and churros sprinkled with powdered sugar and a dash of cayenne.

While Reflection I was aptly named to pay respect to Blue Run’s founders reflecting on what truly mattered in life during the launch of the company in the middle of the pandemic, Reflection II is meant to encourage reflection on the vast possibilities that exist around every corner – a direct reference to when Gammon joined Blue Run as the company’s first Whiskey Director as she was also experiencing the joy and excitement of motherhood for the first time.

About Blue Run Spirits

Georgetown, Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits is an evolution of the traditional spirits company, creating award-winning bourbons and rye whiskies through time-honored traditions matched with inclusive, forward-looking vision. It all starts with the whiskey itself, carefully crafted by Blue Run Liquid Advisor and Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge and Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon. That precious liquid is then housed in striking packaging adorned with Blue Run’s signature butterfly medallion, marking the metamorphosis of a centuries-old industry as Blue Run reaches across the bar to welcome today’s younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. Blue Run Spirits was founded in 2020 and was named one of the 50 most innovative companies in America by Bloomberg. Blue Run was acquired by Coors Spirits Co., the spirits division of Molson Coors Beverage Co. (NYSE:TAP), in August 2023.

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

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Announces Two New Whiskey Releases from Blender Dixon Dedman

September 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

KENTUCKY— After two successful small batch blend releases from 2XO, renowned American Whiskey blender Dixon Dedman is excited to launch two new Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys featuring his pioneering “Two Times Oak” blending process. American Oak (SRP $49.99) is the first ongoing blend in the Oak Series, a series of everyday offerings where Dixon will match the profile of each batch for consistent taste and character. The Tribute Blend (SRP $99.99), the third small batch blend in the Icon Series, is a nod to his parents and the path they paved for him. Both blends will be available nationwide and online at ReserveBar.

American Oak is the first blend in the Oak Series, an innovative double oak technique where Dixon introduces additional charred oak to barrels with a moderate amount of rye in the mashbill. This technique allows Dixon to intensify the maturation process by creating more surface area for the liquid in the barrels to interact with the new charred oak, elevating the combination of flavors. American Oak moves from rich caramel and toffee on the front palate, to savory roasted nutty notes on the mid-palate, finishing with a lingering mild spice. American Oak can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and is perfect in classic whiskey cocktails.

“With American Oak, I am getting the opportunity to develop my first everyday expression,” says Dixon. “It will always be available and always in inventory. I am especially excited to share this 2XO liquid with bartenders and mixologists who can work American Oak into their bar programs.”

The Tribute Blend is the latest small batch release from the Icon Series, following the award-winning releases The Phoenix Blend (2023 SFWSC Double Gold, 2023 ASCOT Double Platinum) and The Innkeeper’s Blend (2023 SFWSC Gold, 2023 ASCOT Double Platinum). The Tribute Blend is made up of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys composed of two proprietary mash bills from different distilling partners – one a high rye 35% bourbon mash bill and the other a low rye 16-18% bourbon mash bill. The Tribute Blend’s mouthfeel is viscous and rich with notes of caramel, toffee, apricot, red cinnamon candy, and a peppery spice that lingers longer than expected.

“The release of The Tribute Blend is a continuation of this path we’re taking with the Icon Series, and I’ve been delighted to see so many people jump on board and follow this journey,” says Dixon. “It’s humbling, yet rewarding, to have consumers energized to seek out your next release. This one honors my parents and the support and love they’ve shown me throughout my career.”

Like all the small batch blends in the Icon Series, The Tribute Blend is a limited time release. Each small batch blend in the Icon Series bears a distinctive name and symbol inspired by aspects of Dixon’s life.

All 2XO Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys are brought to life in partnership with Prestige Beverage Group, an industry leading importer and brand innovator of award-winning wines and spirits. Together, Dixon and Prestige Beverage Group aim to offer the most unique, sought-after whiskey blends to spirits enthusiasts everywhere.

About 2XO

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was created by renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman. Dixon grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his family’s business, the famed and James Beard award winning Beaumont Inn. He was originally known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey blends, a brand he relaunched in 2014 from his great-great grandfather, C.M. Dedman, after it went dark in 1916 around the time of Prohibition.

2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to the blending process Dixon pioneered, where he re-barrels his hand-selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend. His blends have garnered awards and recognition, earning their place among the finest American whiskeys in recent memory. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Robb Report, Food and Wine, Playboy, Maxim, Garden & Gun Magazine, The Whiskey Advocate and more.

About Prestige Beverage Group

Prestige Beverage Group is a leader in the alcoholic beverage space, developing and importing a global portfolio of wine and spirit brands to provide consumers with a diverse range of innovative, quality products. Founded in 1974, Minnesota-based Prestige Beverage Group encompasses a portfolio of 70-plus brands, including Kinky Beverages, Risata Wines, Yes Way Rosé, Windsor Canadian, and LANA Tequila.

For More Information:
https://2xowhiskey.com/

New Riff Releases First Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey

September 7, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

NEWPORT, K.Y.— In line with the company’s commitment to both innovation and tradition, New Riff Distilling is releasing the first bottling of its Sour Mash Single Malt whiskey later this month. The distillery first shared the news about the Sour Mash Single Malt project in July 2023, but started distilling batches of malt whiskey back in 2014. A bold new concept in the time-honored Kentucky regimen, Sour Mash Single Malt weaves malty flavors with oaken age.

“On one hand, it is entirely different from everything else we’ve ever made,” said co-founder Jay Erisman. “But on the other, it is entirely faithful to our mission to be a ‘new riff on an old tradition,’ using the sour mash regimen to explore another classic whiskey tradition.”

The earliest distillations of the guarded internal project started in the first few months of the distillery’s existence. Over the years, they’ve explored additional mashbills and barrels, filling barrels at 110 proof and letting them age quietly in Northern Kentucky.

Anticipated to be released annually, the exact blend of New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt will change slightly from year to year. The 2023 release, comprised of five of the six recipes, consists of whiskey distilled from 2014-2016, ranging from 7 to 8 years old.

Six different mashbills have been created using a range of different malted barleys and a variety of cask types, Erisman said, which are vatted together into one harmonious expression. The mashbills include four whiskeys made with 100% barley varietals—Golden Promise, Maris Otter, Chevallier heirloom barley, and Scottish peated barley malt—as well as two beer-inspired mashbills based on classic Barleywine and Belgian Quadrupel recipes. Each offers a distinct flavor profile.

The malt whiskeys have matured in a variety of barrels, ranging from new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, red wine casks, Portuguese brandy casks, classic sherried oak casks, and more.

“American Single Malt is a growing category in the whiskey industry and pending legislation will give it a firm identity — but even within that, we believe New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt is a complex and provocative malt whiskey enterprise,” Erisman said.

Expect a “kaleidoscopic malt whiskey experience,” Erisman said. “Most of all, it is huge in body and mouthfeel due to the Kentucky regimen of sour mashing and column still distillation in a way that malt whiskeys from other regions rarely develop.”

Sour Mash Single Malt, 100% malted barley, MSRP $69.99/750mL, will be bottled at cask strength, and like all New Riff products, without chill filtration. It will be available at New Riff’s distillery gift shop in Newport, Ky., and at select retailers across New Riff’s national distribution network beginning in early October.

About New Riff

Kentucky born and urban bred, New Riff is an independently-owned distillery in Northern Kentucky — the gateway to bourbon country. In 2014, founder Ken Lewis, a visionary Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, saw a need for a new riff on an old tradition when it came to Kentucky bourbon. The Newport, Ky., distillery produces bourbon, rye and Kentucky Wild Gin. Bourbon and rye are made with traditional sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond without chill filtration. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program. New Riff sources its water from an aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep private well and providing water with four times as much dissolved minerals than found in other water supplies. New Riff believes in transparency, so all products feature an age statement and the mashbills are public. The modern venue hosts a variety of events and offers an on-site tasting and cocktail bar, The Aquifer.

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

Watershed Distillery, in Partnership with OHLQ, to Release Seven Single Barrels

September 3, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

COLUMBUS, Ohio— Watershed Distillery, in partnership with Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), has announced another Ohio bourbon treasure hunt! Together the teams at Watershed and OHLQ have handpicked seven exclusive single barrel selections just for Ohio bourbon lovers. These expressions will be available at select liquor stores throughout the state beginning August 28.

OHLQ’s single barrel program is celebrating its sixth year. Watershed became the first-ever Ohio bourbon producer chosen by OHLQ to participate in a private single barrel release back in 2021. This single barrel release marks the third year of the partnership.

Unblended with distinct flavors, these seven barrels capture the passion for redefining American whiskey and blending tradition with innovation.

Campfire Bonbon – A light and sugary delight, notes of marshmallow on the palate create an inviting sensation. Its approachable nature makes it effortlessly smooth, ensuring a pleasurable sip every time (129.5 proof).

Caramel Cream Delight – A sweet and inviting aroma, followed by notes of vanilla cream, butterscotch, caramel, a hint of brown sugar, and a satisfying punch of robust oak spice in the finish (131.1 proof).

Honeypot – Harmonious notes of honey nut cereal, banana bread, wheat, honeycomb, and a satisfying bite in this flavorful tasting experience (128.9 proof).

Malted Heaven – A single malt-like experience, with notes of craisins and tartness, complemented by a satisfying mouthfeel and a lingering, memorable finish (128.2 proof).

Plum Crazy – A rich and complex profile, reminiscent of brandy, scotch, or tawny port, with a luscious blend of plum and raisin flavors (128.2 proof).

Scrumptious Brown Sugar – A delightful aroma of candy, a consistently sweet brown sugar flavor, reminiscent of a cognac, providing a comforting and warm embrace with every sip (128.4 proof).

Stonefruit Nectar – A light, buttery nose leads to flavors of apricot and green tea, with a refreshing, creamy note and smooth finish (130.0 proof).

“As Ohio bourbon producers, it’s been incredible to see the expansion of the OHLQ private barrel pick program over the years, and we are grateful to be partnering again this year,” shares Greg Lehman, Founder of Watershed Distillery. “We have chosen seven incredible barrels from Watershed’s barrel room that have some special qualities and character that bourbon lovers will get excited about.”

Fifteen single barrels were sampled and ultimately seven were selected for a variety of unique flavor profiles. All are aged more than four years in Ohio-coopered American White Oak barrels and will retail for $59.99 per bottle (plus tax).

“OHLQ is proud to be celebrating another exciting OHLQ Exclusive release with Watershed Distillery,” said Jim Canepa, Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor. “Working with Ohio producers like Watershed Distillery allows us to bring the best single barrels we can to bourbon enthusiasts across the state.”

About Watershed Distillery

Watershed Distillery produces the number one selling Ohio-made bourbon and gin portfolios, along with an award-winning craft vodka and a variety of specialty spirits. The Watershed Distillery brand symbolizes the American dream and the grit it takes to realize it. Built in the heart of the Midwest, the brand resonates with dreamers and doers who are not afraid to forge their own paths. Watershed’s path began in 2010 with a dream to revive Ohio’s once abundant distilling traditions, and the inspiration to create spirits and experiences that bring people together. Watershed offers daily tours and is home to Watershed Kitchen + Bar—consistently named one of the top cocktail bars and restaurants in Columbus.

About Ohio Liquor

Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control and JobsOhio Beverage System (JOBS), formed to use the profits from the sale of high-proof liquor in Ohio to fund job creation and bring new capital investment to the state. The Division selects and prices products and manages the sale of liquor in Ohio. JOBS supplies the products to OHLQ stores and owns the profits from the sale of all high-proof liquor in the state. JOBS uses these profits—not taxes—to provide stable and dedicated funding for JobsOhio, a private nonprofit corporation dedicated to Ohio’s economic development. Privately owned OHLQ stores (sometimes referred to as Contract or State Liquor Agencies) contract with OHLQ to sell high-proof liquor on consignment.

For More Information:
http://watersheddistillery.com

Bruichladdich Debuts 14th Annual Release of Octomore

September 3, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

On Tuesday, Islay distillery Bruichladdich announced the 14th annual release of Octomore, its series of single malt scotch whiskies that Bruichladdich touts as “the world’s most heavily peated scotch whisky series.”

The trio of limited-edition whiskies are each aged five years.

“Everything we do at Bruichladdich Distillery is about exploring the fundamentals of whisky making – considering how and where our raw ingredient is grown, understanding the influence of terroir and experimenting with a variety of casks,” Bruichladdich Head Distiller Adam Hannett said in a news release. “These fundamentals are inherent to each Octomore series, and the latest collection is no different. Each of the 14s has its own distinct character while staying true to the Octomore DNA, and this series showcases what can be achieved when we consider every element which contributes to the depth, balance and complexity of each drop of whisky.”

In early 2024, Bruichladdich will complete the series by releasing Octomore 14.4, a distillery exclusive.

Described as the “backbone” of the series, 14.1 is malted to 128.9 ppm. Ppm stands for parts per million and is the measurement that describes the phenol content of malted barley in whisky; essentially, ppm tells you how heavily peated a whisky is.

Bottled at 59.6% ABV, Octomore 14.1 was aged in first-fill ex-American bourbon casks.

Octomore 14.1

Color: Light amber

Nose: Smoked vanilla, sweet caramel and toffee notes open on the nose, with sooty smoke balanced with delicate coconut and flaked almonds. There is an unmistakable earthy smokiness and a hint of citrus, with lemon meringue pie cutting through rich, barbeque pork.

Taste: Bright citrus, smoke and a distinct minerality come through on the palate, followed by charred oak and beach bonfire embers. Toffee and creamy vanilla are balanced with the earthy smoke, with bright notes of pear, gooseberry fool and green apple simultaneously adding brightness and depth. Roasted coffee, hints of clove and nutmeg begin to come to the fore, with a gentle hint of heather honey.

Finish: Butterscotch and vanilla are balanced with Octomore’s signature earthy peat smoke and a hint of salt spray, with burnt heather and gorse flowers settling on the finish.

Octomore 14.2

Aged in 44% second-fill Amarone casks, 40% first-fill Oloroso hogsgeads and 16% first-fill Amarone casks, Octomore 14.2 is bottled at 57.7% ABV and features the same 128.9 ppm mark as 14.1.

Color: Deep amber

Nose: Leather, prunes, red currents and malted barley come to the fore, followed by toasted oak and hints of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Waves of smoke and distinct red fruits follow, complemented with cereal notes of malt and porridge. The peat smoke is dry and brooding, with a hint of burnt heather and subtle pipe tobacco from the oak.

Taste: The influence of the European oak is unmissable, with a touch of dryness balanced with the vibrancy of wood spices, smoked oak and roasted coffee. Barbeque sweetness and a crack of black pepper is complemented with rich fruit cake and dried fruits. A drop of water opens the smoke and fruity sweetness from the wine casks, bringing a beautiful balance as notes of apple and pear grow with the dram.

Finish: Smoked malt, smouldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish, as Octomore’s signature earthy smoke lingers.

Octomore 14.3

The peatiest of the bunch, Octomore 14.3 is peated to 214.2 ppm and aged in an even proportion of first-fill bourbon casks and second-fill wine casks. Not only is this the peatiest of the 14th Octomore release, it’s also the most powerful, bottled at 61.4% ABV.

Color: Pure gold

Nose: Transporting you to the Bruichladdich Distillery courtyard, the aromas of hot, sweet mash are unmistakable on the nose. This soft, biscuity malt is followed by peat smoke and an assortment of sweet, stoned fruits, with ripe apricots, peach and honey drizzled pears. Candied lemon peels add a hint of citrus, balanced with butterscotch, honeycomb, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

Taste: Delicate oak notes immediately come through, followed by the presence of smouldering peat. Floral hints of gorse and honeysuckle rise above the malty Islay grown barley, which is rich and sweet with creamy porridge and cereal notes. The structure of the French oak together with the sweet vanilla and toffee of the American oak combine beautifully, bringing a harmonious balance to the palate.

Finish: Malted barley and earthy smoke dominate, followed by lingering notes of sweet barley sugar. Caramel and vanilla add a final touch of rounded sweetness.

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