whisky

Peg Leg Porker Spirits Partners with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for Nationwide Expansion

April 29, 2026 By Dow Scoggins

Nashville, TN (April 2026) – Peg Leg Porker Spirits has signed a major distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, naming the industry leader as its broker of record across all 18 U.S. control states. This partnership will significantly expand the availability of the award-winning, family-owned bourbon brand throughout the country.

Southern Glazer’s will represent Peg Leg Porker’s full portfolio, using its extensive network, market expertise, and established relationships to secure new listings, boost visibility, and deliver strong in-market programming. The agreement represents a major growth milestone for the independently owned spirits company.

A Perfect Partnership Between Two Authentic American Brands

“We couldn’t think of a better partner to help us tell our story and bring our bourbon to more people across the country,” said Carey Bringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker Spirits. “We’re a family-owned business built on hard work, authenticity and craftsmanship — values we share with Southern Glazer’s. This partnership just makes sense.”

Bringle is the only award-winning pitmaster in the spirits industry with his own prize-winning bourbon brand. Peg Leg Porker Bourbon earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in its debut year and has since collected numerous Platinum, Double Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. It was also named “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2023 Tasting Alliance Competition.

Unique Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Process

What makes Peg Leg Porker Spirits truly distinctive is its innovative production method. Bringle filters the bourbon through hickory charcoal made from the same wood used in the barbecue pits at his renowned Nashville restaurant, Peg Leg Porker. This culinary technique creates a smooth, refined smokiness that adds depth and complexity without overpowering the whiskey.

Spirit of America – America 250 Limited Edition Launch

The partnership launch begins with the brand’s latest release: the Spirit of America Limited Edition Summer Series – America 250 Bourbon. This commemorative Bottled-in-Bond bourbon celebrates American resilience, craftsmanship, and community. It honors Bringle’s own inspiring journey — overcoming the loss of his leg to cancer and building a national barbecue empire alongside a standout bourbon brand.
As a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, Spirit of America meets the strictest U.S. standards: produced in a single distillation season at one distillery, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.

Initial distribution efforts will focus on the Spirit of America release, with plans to quickly expand availability of the entire Peg Leg Porker Spirits portfolio across the control markets.

About Peg Leg Porker Spirits

Peg Leg Porker Spirits was founded in 2015 by Nashville pitmaster and entrepreneur Carey Bringle. Just two years after opening his acclaimed Peg Leg Porker BBQ restaurant in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood in 2013, Bringle became the first pitmaster in the world to launch his own spirits brand. Drawing on his deep family roots in West Tennessee barbecue and decades of competition experience, he sourced bourbon and developed a unique filtration process using hickory charcoal made from the same wood burned in his restaurant’s barbecue pits. This signature technique infuses the whiskey with a refined, smoky character that sets it apart in the industry. The flagship 8-Year-Old Tennessee Straight Bourbon quickly earned critical acclaim, winning a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in its debut year.

Today, Peg Leg Porker Spirits stands out as the world’s only bourbon brand owned by an award-winning pitmaster. Bringle’s inspiring personal story — overcoming osteogenic sarcoma at age 17 and the loss of his right leg — fuels the brand’s themes of resilience, authenticity, and American craftsmanship. The portfolio has grown to include multiple expressions such as higher-aged bourbons, rye whiskey, and limited editions like the recent Spirit of America – America 250 Bottled-in-Bond release. With numerous accolades, including “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2023 Tasting Alliance Competition, the brand continues to expand nationally while staying true to its barbecue heritage and independent, family-owned roots.

Products

Peg Leg Porker Spirits offers a distinctive portfolio of Tennessee Straight Bourbons and whiskeys known for their signature hickory charcoal filtration process, which imparts a refined, smoky character inspired by founder Carey Bringle’s award-winning barbecue expertise. The core lineup includes the Grey Label 8-Year, Black Label 12-Year, White Label (4-6 Years), Full Proof (4-6 Years, ~120 proof), Single Barrel, and The Scarlet Pig. Higher-end expressions feature the Pitmaster Reserve II (15-Year Double Oaked Rye) and limited releases like the Spirit of America – America 250 Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (100 proof), a commemorative 2026 edition celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The brand also produces Peg Nog (a seasonal creme liqueur) and an 8-Year Rye Whiskey.
These products emphasize quality, authenticity, and innovation, consistently earning major awards including multiple medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “World’s Best Bourbon” honors. The range appeals to both everyday enthusiasts and collectors seeking bold, barbecue-infused whiskey experiences.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Bottle Nexus Powers E-Commerce Launch of Three Hearts Rum

April 29, 2026 By Dow Scoggins

San Diego, CA (April 2026) – Bottle Nexus has been selected as the official e-commerce partner for Three Hearts Rum, the new premium Caribbean rum brand co-founded by actor Johnny Depp and longtime friend Bobby DeLeon. The partnership powers the brand’s complete direct-to-consumer strategy, from presale through its official nationwide U.S. launch.

Bottle Nexus supported Three Hearts Rum’s presale phase by managing compliant transactions, age verification, secure checkout, and fulfillment to meet early consumer demand. With the rum now officially available at ThreeHearts.com, Bottle Nexus continues to provide the full technology and operational infrastructure for seamless online purchasing across the United States.

Meeting the Challenges of Premium Spirits E-Commerce
As more premium spirits brands launch using digital-first and limited-release models, navigating complex alcohol regulations while converting fan interest into sales has become essential. Bottle Nexus solves this by offering an end-to-end e-commerce platform built specifically for the beverage alcohol industry, enabling brands to scale efficiently with full compliance.

“E-commerce is increasingly central to how spirits brands launch and grow, especially when there’s strong demand ahead of the release,” said Jeen Filz, COO at Bottle Nexus. “From presale through ongoing sales, we handle the full transaction flow — compliant checkout, age verification, and fulfillment — so brands like Three Hearts can focus on building cultural relevance and consumer connection.”

Strong Early Momentum for Three Hearts Rum

Three Hearts Rum has entered the market as a luxury, Caribbean-inspired spirit rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and friendship. The brand has generated significant early traction during its presale period. Through its partnership with Bottle Nexus, it is well-positioned to fulfill national demand with a smooth, fully compliant buying experience.

“From day one, we’ve been intentional about every detail — from the liquid to the bottle. Bottle Nexus helped us bring that vision to life at scale, allowing us to connect directly with consumers from presale through launch,” said Robert DeLeon, Co-Founder & CEO of Three Hearts Rum.

This collaboration highlights a growing trend in the spirits industry, where robust direct-to-consumer e-commerce solutions are becoming critical for premium and celebrity-backed brands to successfully launch, scale, and engage with modern consumers.

About Bottle Nexus

Bottle Nexus was founded in 2022 in Santee, California, as a specialized technology platform designed to solve the complex challenges of direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales in the United States. Recognizing the growing need for compliant e-commerce solutions in a heavily regulated industry, the company built an end-to-end platform that handles everything from age verification and state-by-state compliance to secure checkout, tax remittance, and fulfillment through a network of licensed retailers. Built by a team of industry experts, technologists, and entrepreneurs with deep roots in spirits and hospitality, Bottle Nexus emerged at a time when premium and emerging spirits brands were seeking better ways to connect directly with consumers while navigating fragmented alcohol laws.

Since its launch, Bottle Nexus has experienced rapid growth, now powering e-commerce for over 500 alcohol brands, influencers, and retail partners across 48 states. The platform has become a key enabler for high-profile launches, including celebrity-backed ventures like Three Hearts Rum (co-founded by Johnny Depp), as well as established names such as Bardstown Bourbon Company and Au Vodka. With a focus on seamless integration (including Shopify and headless commerce), real-time inventory syncing, and frictionless customer experiences, Bottle Nexus has positioned itself as a leader in alcohol e-commerce technology. Under leaders like COO Jeen Filz, the company continues to expand its infrastructure, helping brands scale DTC sales efficiently while remaining fully compliant.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Yellowstone Bourbon Surpasses $1 Million in Donations to National Parks Conservation Association

April 29, 2026 By Dow Scoggins

Lawrenceburg, KY (April 2026) – Yellowstone Bourbon has renewed its partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) with a $25,000 donation, pushing its total contributions to over $1 million since the partnership began in 2018.
For nearly a decade, Yellowstone Bourbon has been a dedicated supporter of America’s national parks. The latest gift reinforces the brand’s long-standing commitment to protecting and preserving these treasured public lands.

A Natural Partnership Rooted in American Heritage

The collaboration fits perfectly with Yellowstone Bourbon’s rich history. As the nation’s second-longest-running bourbon brand, it was named after Yellowstone National Park and is produced by Limestone Branch Distillery under seventh-generation master distiller Stephen Beam of the legendary Beam and Dant families.

“No other spirits brand has shown this level of commitment to America’s national parks,” said a company spokesperson. The partnership represents the perfect blend of respect for history and a passion for outdoor adventure.

Supporting “United by Parks” in America’s 250th Anniversary Year

In 2026, as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Yellowstone Bourbon will join NPCA’s year-long United by Parks campaign. The initiative encourages Americans to:

Celebrate the country through the lens of its national parks
Reflect on what these places mean to us
Take action to protect them for future generations

Together, NPCA and Yellowstone Bourbon are calling on the public to renew America’s commitment to preserving its “best idea” — the national park system.

Strong Endorsement from NPCA Leadership
“NPCA is so proud to continue our important partnership with Yellowstone Bourbon, who has been an incredible ally in our work to protect our national parks, including their unparalleled beauty and rich history,” said Tiernan Sittenfeld, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, we’re all in to defend and commemorate America’s best idea… And we know Yellowstone Bourbon is too.”

Creative Collaboration and On-the-Ground Impact

Over the years, Yellowstone Bourbon and NPCA have worked together on creative projects including:

Videos and music highlighting park preservation efforts
Social media campaigns to inspire action, Special-edition commemorative bourbons
Outdoor adventures in Yellowstone National Park with Stephen Beam

Stephen Beam, an avid adventurer and frequent national park visitor, has been instrumental in driving the brand’s conservation efforts.
“I grew up visiting national parks and the excitement of exploration and being surrounded by nature has been with me ever since,” Beam said. “Having the opportunity to give back and see the impact we’re making is a dream come true. I hope people will be inspired to get out and enjoy the parks and do what they can to keep them preserved for generations to come.”

In 2023, NPCA honored Yellowstone Bourbon with its National Park Defender Award for its exceptional dedication to park protection and customer education.

About Yellowstone Bourbon

Yellowstone Bourbon traces its roots to 1872, the same year President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone National Park as America’s first national park. The brand was created by J.B. Dant at his Cold Springs Distillery in Gethsemane, Kentucky, in partnership with the Louisville wholesaler Taylor & Williams. A salesman for the company, inspired by the excitement surrounding the new park while traveling out West, suggested naming a bourbon after it. The idea resonated, and Yellowstone quickly became a flagship brand known for its quality Kentucky straight bourbon. It thrived through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, survived Prohibition by selling medicinal whiskey, and remained popular for decades, even becoming one of Kentucky’s top-selling bourbons in the 1960s.

Today’s Yellowstone Bourbon represents a modern revival of this historic brand. In 2010, seventh-generation distiller Stephen Beam (of both the Beam and Dant families) and his brother Paul founded Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. They partnered with Luxco (now part of MGP Ingredients) in 2015 to bring Yellowstone back to life with the launch of Yellowstone Select, using family recipes, heritage yeast strains, and traditional methods. The brand continues to honor its deep American heritage while producing award-winning bourbons at the family distillery, maintaining a strong connection to national parks and outdoor adventure.

Products

Yellowstone Bourbon offers a diverse and award-winning lineup of Kentucky straight bourbons that blend heritage recipes with modern innovation. The flagship Yellowstone Select (93 proof) is a smooth, versatile Kentucky Straight Bourbon made from a hand-selected blend of 4- and 7-year-old high-rye bourbons, delivering notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and gentle spice. The portfolio has expanded to include the bold Small Batch 107 (a permanent 6-year-old expression at 107 proof), the Special Finishes Collection featuring Toasted Oak and Rum Cask finishes, annual Limited Editions (often 10+ years old and higher proof), Hand Picked Single Barrels, the Recollection Series (an 8-year, 110 proof release), and even an American Single Malt Whiskey. Many expressions are bottled-in-bond or limited releases, emphasizing quality, unique aging, and the brand’s deep connection to American history and adventure.

These products cater to both everyday sippers and collectors, consistently earning top awards for their balance, complexity, and craftsmanship.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Sazerac Announces Strategic Partnership and Investment in 818 Tequila

April 28, 2026 By Dow Scoggins

Sazerac Company, one of the world’s fastest-growing spirits giants, has announced a major strategic partnership and financial investment in 818 Tequila, the award-winning tequila brand founded by Kendall Jenner. The deal includes an exclusive U.S. sales and distribution agreement, positioning 818 Tequila for accelerated growth within the booming tequila category.

This partnership comes as Sazerac is actively expanding its portfolio, including a reported $15 billion bid to acquire Brown-Forman Corporation, the Louisville-based maker of Jack Daniel’s. By teaming up with 818 Tequila, Sazerac combines the brand’s strong cultural relevance, Gen Z appeal, and five years of impressive momentum with its own deep industry expertise in brand building, sales, and distribution.

“Tequila continues to be a bright spot in spirits, driven by strong consumer interest across a growing range of occasions and price points. 818 Tequila stands apart due to its cultural relevance and commercial momentum,” said Sara Saunders, CMO of Sazerac. “We’re energized and looking forward to partnering with 818 Tequila to reach even more consumers.”

Kendall Jenner, founder of 818 Tequila, shared: “I’m so excited for this next era of 818 Tequila. We’ve built something I’m incredibly proud of, and partnering with Sazerac feels like the perfect next step as we continue to accelerate. They have an amazing track record of helping develop brands.”

Lanay Jacobs, President of 818 Tequila, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Sazerac because they bring the scale, capabilities, and reach to help accelerate our next phase of growth, while believing strongly in the future of the brand.”

818 Tequila joins Sazerac’s extensive global portfolio, which includes Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, SVEDKA Vodka, Wheatley Vodka, Myers’s Rum, and many other leading spirits.

This collaboration is expected to significantly expand 818 Tequila’s availability and visibility across the U.S. market while preserving the brand’s modern, social-first identity and commitment to premium, smooth tequila made from 100% Blue Weber agave.

About Sazerac Company

Sazerac Company traces its origins to the vibrant drinking culture of 19th-century New Orleans. The story begins in 1838, when Creole apothecary Antoine Amédée Peychaud created the Sazerac cocktail in his French Quarter pharmacy using his signature bitters and imported Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils cognac from France. In 1850, Sewell Taylor opened the Sazerac Coffee House (a common euphemism for bars at the time), which popularized the drink. Thomas H. Handy acquired the establishment in 1869, formally launching the company that would become Sazerac. Handy expanded into importing and marketing liquors, acquired Peychaud’s Bitters in 1873, and helped shift the cocktail’s base from cognac to American rye whiskey after the phylloxera epidemic devastated French vineyards.

The company was officially rechartered as the Sazerac Company around the turn of the 20th century and survived Prohibition by operating as a grocery wholesaler. It resumed spirits production after repeal in 1933. In 1948, the Goldring family (through Magnolia Liquor Company) acquired Sazerac, transforming it into a major player. Under their leadership and later generations, the privately held, family-owned company has grown dramatically through strategic acquisitions, including Buffalo Trace Distillery. Today, Sazerac is one of the largest U.S.-based spirits producers, with a vast portfolio including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller, Fireball, Southern Comfort, and many others, operating distilleries across the U.S. and internationally while remaining rooted in its New Orleans heritage.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Starlight Distillery Releases Dana Huber’s Personal Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

April 28, 2026 By Dow Scoggins

Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon – Limited Small Batch Available Summer 2026

Starlight Distillery is proud to announce the launch of its newest Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, a limited-edition small batch personally curated by Dana Huber. This release marks a significant milestone for the Indiana distillery, representing seven years of family dedication, hands-on learning, and careful barrel selection.

Working alongside her husband and sons, Dana has played a key role in the growth of Starlight Distillery. This special Bottled-in-Bond bourbon is the first to carry her personal signature, reflecting both the family’s shared tradition and her individual vision for exceptional craft whiskey.

“I wanted to be certain that when my name was placed on this bottle, it stood for something meaningful—something I believe in completely,” said Dana Huber. “It’s built on years of working together—understanding our mash bills, studying different barrel types and cooperages, and following the distillate through our stills.”

Farm-to-Glass Indiana Bourbon

True to Starlight Distillery’s farm-to-glass philosophy, more than 85% of the grains used in this bourbon are grown directly on the family’s estate in Southern Indiana. This strong connection to the land highlights the distillery’s commitment to sustainability and quality from field to bottle.

Hand-Selected Barrels & Tasting Notes

Dana Huber personally evaluated and hand-selected just ten barrels during an intensive six-month tasting process. The result is a refined, small-batch Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon that showcases balance and depth.
Tasting Notes:

Nose: Balanced and fruit-forward
Palate: Integrated tannins with expressive character

“This is a very small release, but it carries a great deal of meaning,” Huber added. “It represents years of patience, dedication, and love for what we do. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created.”

Availability

The Dana Huber Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon from Starlight Distillery will be available in limited quantities starting Summer 2026.

Online at the Starlight Distillery website
At the distillery tasting room: 19816 Huber Road, Borden, IN
At select retailers nationwide

For bourbon enthusiasts seeking a premium, family-crafted Indiana Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with a personal story, this limited release from Starlight Distillery offers a rare opportunity to experience Dana Huber’s vision firsthand.

About Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery is a family-owned, farm-to-bottle operation rooted in Southern Indiana’s rich agricultural heritage. The story begins in 1843, when German immigrant Simon Huber emigrated from Baden-Baden, Germany, and settled in the small community of Starlight, Indiana—then known as a hub for wine and brandy production. Simon, an experienced fruit grower and winemaker, established what would become the state’s largest fruit farm. The Huber family continued farming the land across generations, producing exceptional agricultural products and maintaining a deep connection to distillation traditions brought from Europe.

In 2001, Greg and Ted Huber officially founded Starlight Distillery on the family’s estate (now part of Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards) to revive their ancestors’ craft. They began with fruit brandies made from estate-grown apples and berries, releasing their first commercial brandy in 2004. The family played a key role in lobbying to change Indiana law in 2013, allowing craft distilleries to produce grain-based spirits. This opened the door for award-winning bourbons, ryes, and other whiskeys made primarily from grains grown on their own farm. Today, under the leadership of seventh-generation family members including master distiller Ted Huber and his sons, Starlight Distillery remains committed to sustainability, terroir-driven spirits, and hands-on craftsmanship from field to bottle.

Located at 19816 Huber Road, Borden, IN, Starlight continues to honor its 180+ year legacy while producing some of Indiana’s most acclaimed spirits.

Products

Starlight Distillery produces a diverse portfolio of premium, farm-to-bottle spirits that highlight their estate-grown grains and fruits. Their flagship offerings include award-winning bourbons such as the Carl T. Bourbon Whiskey, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbons, 10 Year Reserve, and innovative finished expressions like the Mizunara Reserve. They also craft exceptional ryes under the Old Rickhouse label, including Single Barrel Rye, as well as flavored whiskeys like Peach and Blackberry Whiskey made with fresh farm fruit.

True to their roots as a fruit distillery, Starlight offers a range of traditional brandies distilled from estate-grown apples, berries, and other fruits on their historic German-style pot stills. The lineup is rounded out with small-batch gin, vodka, liqueurs, and limited-release finishing cask series that showcase creative barrel aging and blending techniques. Known for high scores and multiple “Best of Class” honors, Starlight’s spirits emphasize quality, terroir, and craftsmanship in every bottle.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

Louis XIII Unveils Limited Lunar New Year Coffret

May 27, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

As the Lunar New Year approaches on January 29, 2025, marking the Year of the Snake, luxury Cognac house Louis XIII from Rémy Martin has released an exquisite limited-edition coffret that blends French craftsmanship with Chinese cultural heritage. Priced at $4,200, this ultra-premium offering is not just a bottle of one of the world’s most revered spirits—it’s a collectible work of art perfect for discerning collectors and those seeking the ultimate luxury gift.

Design and Artistry: A Collaboration Rooted in Tradition
The standout feature of this release is the coffret (luxury box), designed in collaboration with renowned Chinese papercut artist Liu Lihong, a signed artist with the Palace Museum Cultural Innovation Institute. Liu has partnered with Louis XIII since 2021, customizing designs for their Lunar New Year editions.

For 2025, the coffret showcases a golden snake motif—symbolizing prosperity, wisdom, transformation, and renewal—intertwined with blooming winter jasmine flowers, representing vitality and good fortune. The intricate papercut is executed using traditional Chinese stamping techniques, creating a striking red and gold aesthetic that evokes blessings for health, fortune, and a vigorous new spring.

Louis XIII emphasizes sustainability with this coffret, crafted from 100% cellulosic materials—lighter, recyclable, and environmentally responsible while preserving the brand’s elegant unveiling experience. The transparent elements allow the decanter’s radiant amber glow to shine through even before opening.

The Iconic Decanter and Timeless Cognac Within
Inside sits the classic Louis XIII Baccarat crystal decanter, a replica of a 16th-century flask discovered on the battlefield of Jarnac. Each hand-blown decanter features distinctive spikes, an 18-carat gold neck, and contains a blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the premier cru of Cognac. These spirits are aged up to 100 years in centuries-old Limousin oak tierçons, passed down through generations of cellar masters.

The tasting profile is legendary: an explosion of complexity with notes of dried figs, honeyed caramel, pipe tobacco, ginger, saffron, jasmine, and candied fruits, evolving into a long, spicy finish. Though Cognac (not whiskey), its depth, oak influence, and maturity appeal immensely to whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate ultra-aged spirits like rare Scotch or bourbon.

Availability and Exclusivity
This is only the second dedicated Lunar New Year coffret from Louis XIII, making it highly sought-after. Availability is limited—contact the brand directly via their concierge (conciergerie.us@louisxiii-cognac.com) or through the official Louis XIII virtual boutique and select luxury retailers. Travel retail activations in key Asian airports, including Hong Kong and Singapore, have featured live demonstrations of the stamping technique.

Why It Appeals to Spirits Collectors
At $4,200, this isn’t an everyday pour—it’s an investment in legacy. Louis XIII embodies “thinking a century ahead,” much like the patience required for the finest whiskeys. For whiskey blog readers exploring beyond brown spirits, this Cognac offers a bridge: unparalleled aging, cultural significance, and sheer opulence.
Whether displayed as a centerpiece or savored ritually (small pours in crystal glasses to let it breathe), the Louis XIII Lunar New Year Coffret captures the essence of renewal. As the Year of the Snake slithers in, raise a glass to prosperity and timeless luxury.

For more details, visit the official Louis XIII website.

For Whiskey Fun Facts, Trivia and More, Click Here

The Family Jones releases Inauguration Day Rye Whiskey

January 27, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

It does not matter if you are celebrating or commiserating this Inauguration Day, one thing the entire country can agree on is good whiskey. Thankfully, Colorado’s own The Family Jones is here with a new limited Bottled-in-Bond whiskey aptly named Inauguration Rye Whiskey.

Timed with the Inauguration, this new whiskey was barreled on Jan. 20, 2021, the inauguration date of President Joe Biden, the 46th president. Now, a full four years later, the barrel will be dumped and bottled on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, the inauguration day of President Donald Trump.

Inauguration Rye Whiskey adheres to the strict Bottled-in-Bond designation, which means it is exactly 100 proof, made by one distillery in one season, and aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.

Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys are known to be reliable with a deeper flavor profile. They are usually smooth and quite drinkable due to the mandatory aging process. The Family Jones describes the Inauguration Rye Whiskey as having a toasted oak and toffee nose with dark cherry on the palate and warming spices on the finish. The Family Jones notes that the double distillation process creates a spirit with a well-balanced rich texture that lingers.

Friday, distiller Bryan Johnson pulled some of the new Bottled-in-Bond whiskey out of a 53-gallon barrel at The Family Jones distillery in Loveland using a cask thief. There are two of the Bottled-in-Bond barrels, which will make around 210 bottles of the new Inauguration Rye.

This is actually the second Inauguration Rye Release for The Family Jones following its debut after the 2020 presidential election. Like our nation, the Bottled-in-Bond designation is steeped in history. It was enacted in 1897 as the Bottled-in-Bond Act by the U.S. government in order to protect consumers from bad whiskeys on the market at the time.

The act was the first consumer protection law in U.S. history and mandated that the distiller follow the three requirements under the Bottled-in-Bond designation.

Rye is also a staple for American bourbon as it has been used in making whiskey dating back to the 1700s, when President George Washington ran a rye distillery in Mount Vernon after leaving office in 1797. It proved to be quite profitable at the time, producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey.

Credit for the article: David Young

For more information please visit https://www.thirstcolorado.com/source/2025/1/20/inauguration-day-rye

Old Forester Announces Return of 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old

January 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Louisville, KY, Jan. 22, 2025 – Today, Old Forester announces the return of 1910 Extra Old, a limited-edition whisky derived from an extra-long double-barreling process. This liquid was first released in February 2022 as the third installment of the brand’s acclaimed and limited-expression lineup, the 117 Series.

To create this unique expression, Old Forester aged its 1910 whisky in a secondary barrel for an additional 18 months, resulting in a rich flavor profile with pronounced caramel notes.

“Our 117 Series is focused on innovation and gives us a chance to blend our longstanding values with a contemporary vision. This expression showcases the exceptional quality that can come from this experimentation,” Master Taster Melissa Rift said. “Whisky lovers will be able to taste the history captured in this bottle.”

Old Forester 1910 is a coveted expression commemorating the October 22, 1910 distillery fire at 117 Main Street. A batch of mature whisky, ready to be bottled, was then re-barreled in new barrels so it could be removed due to the fire damage. What emerged from the re-barreling was a full-bodied whisky, remarkable enough to become an entirely new expression – Old Fine Whisky. For Extra Old, the brand left the 1910 whiskey aging in a secondary barrel and extracted a more heavily charred influence.

About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon™, proudly traces its roots to 1870 when pharmaceutical salesman George Garvin Brown founded the brand in Louisville, Kentucky, revolutionizing the industry by selling bourbon exclusively in sealed glass bottles to guarantee unmatched quality and consistency. As the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the same family company—Brown-Forman—before, during, and after Prohibition, Old Forester earned a rare medicinal license that kept production alive through challenging times. Today, crafted with a signature mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley at the historic Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row, it remains a benchmark for authentic Kentucky straight bourbon heritage.

The acclaimed Old Forester portfolio offers versatile expressions for every palate, from the smooth and approachable 86 Proof and robust 100 Proof signature bourbons—perfect for classic cocktails—to the evocative Whiskey Row Series, including 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond, 1910 Old Fine Whisky, 1920 Prohibition Style, and innovative releases like the annual Birthday Bourbon and limited 117 Series. With rich notes of caramel, spice, oak, and vanilla, Old Forester invites enthusiasts to savor timeless craftsmanship, whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in an iconic Old Fashioned, embodying over 150 years of unwavering dedication to bourbon excellence.
Address: 119 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202
Website: https://www.oldforester.com/

Bernriach Distillery Releases Premium Aged Whisky

June 30, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

The whisky industry continues its deluge of premium, limited edition releases with a 1966 cask offering from Speyside-based distillery Benriach. It will set the collector back a neat £25,000 ($31,000) and represents, as you might expect, a serious milestone for a distillery consolidating a long history.

The 50 year old statement is an important symbol for Benriach, which under its current owners, has now accumulated almost a decade’s worth of positive momentum. Known for rich, multi-layered Speyside whiskies, this is their oldest and most exclusive expression to date, and with just 37 bottles on the market, this is likely to excite collectors world wide.

Dr Rachel Barrie, who has held the position of master blender since 2017, notes that, “I am proud to present the Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years as our ultimate treasure. Here we have fifty years of opulent refinement, with notes of sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices, all in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear and traces of grapefruit.”

The release is in part a response to the growing interest in small batch, special edition whiskies, but also a celebration of the company’s heritage. Founded in 1898, but closed two years later due the Patterson crash, it didn’t produce whisky again until 1965. Throughout that period however the floor maltings remained in constant production. The first single malt was released in 1994. In 2016 the distillery became part of the Brown Forman portfolio.

In an increasingly crowded landscape, with startup brands increasingly prevalent though, the ability to showcase something with this level of provenance sends a strong commercial message. Barrie says, “I don’t think I’ve tasted a whisky that had such beauty. The perfect whisky has to have character, balance, complexity. When I dipped my nose in this particular cask I was really surprised. It was such a wonderful expression, undoubtedly the fruit laden signature of Speyside. Just from experience, I decided not to leave it. I didn’t want to risk losing it.”

The whisky has spent its whole life in warehouse 13, surrounded by different cask types that over the years have come and gone. It was discovered in the heart of the distillery, close to the mashing area and the stills. First filled with unpeated Benriach spirit on the September 21, 1966, Bourbon cask 2383 has spent decades slowly maturing and has now become what Barrie describes as “our art—a testament to the expertise in, and commitment to, extraordinary cask maturation at Benriach Distillery.” Barrie goes on to describe the contents as “a fountain of fruit, but honeyed and rich.”

Needless to say, the liquid is packaged appropriately. The whisky is held within a bespoke crystal decanter, made in Scotland by Glasstorm. Each decanter is displayed in a presentation box made by master craftsman John Galvin, its design inspired by the colorful array of eclectic casks which fill Benriach’s warehouses.

Joe Wilson of Whisky Auctioneer, a global broker of rare and collectable whiskies in Perth, says, “The ability to leverage yourself into the luxury category is attractive for any distillery and there is something about that number 50. It has a psychological impact.” Wilson believes that the arms race in the luxury whisky space is a new element to the market—one we are seeing in Scotland, Ireland and America—but feels the market is growing as new collectors engage with the subject.

“My educated guess is that it should sell out fairly quickly. That low bottle count will be a pull for collectors, in addition to the age statement.” Wilson feels that the Whisky Auctioneer is likely to see these come through the business at some point in the future, but appreciates the scarcity of it. “I’m always surprised at how many bottles can come out of these old whiskies. There’s a forward planning strategy involved where the casks have been managed accordingly to retain as much as possible.” With something like this though, he agrees there wouldn’t have been a plan to retain casks for that long. “They didn’t get a single malt blend until the 90s. The fact they’ve found a 50 year old means they’ve stumbled across this and decided it is good enough to represent the distillery at this level.”

Under the ownership of Brown Forman there is now a steady hand. Without knee jerk reactions, a portfolio of old whiskies can be put away for the next generation. Barrie notes that her first job at the distillery was to sort through the inventory. “I decided to dive into old and rare stock, to work out what we’ve got lying around. After all, we are custodians of the whisky. Like anyone making a work of art, I want to release it at its optimum, for it to be the most beautiful expression of what could be created.”

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

Laws Whiskey House Releases Three Limited-Edition Bottled in Bond Whiskies

May 27, 2024 By Dustin Scoggins

DENVER, CO— Laws Whiskey House, one of Colorado’s leading distilleries, releases its 2024 Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat whiskies. This marks the first time Laws has released three bonded expressions simultaneously, allowing for a side-by-side tasting of the trio, each offering a unique character influenced by the varying grain characteristics from year to year. The 7-year expressions of Laws’ whiskey highlight delicate fruity notes and flavors, perfectly balanced with oak. With the addition of these three whiskies, Laws furthers its mission of adding to the fabric of American whiskey with a Colorado twist.

“I am very excited about the entire Laws Whiskey 2024 bottled in bond line-up.” says Al Laws, founder and president of Laws Whiskey House. “This year, we liked how the 7-year barrels tasted for the Four Grain Bourbon, as we were looking to elevate the sweet caramel notes. So, those who like a sweeter backbone to their bourbon are going to love this. Additionally, I particularly like the classic sour mash bourbon finish in the 2024 release.”

Laws’ 2024 Limited-Edition Bottled in Bond Whiskies

7-Year Bonded Bourbon: Features aromas of sweet florals, thyme, honey, and graham cracker, with rich flavors of walnut, grapefruit pith, dried stone fruit, and a lingering cedar finish. The mash bill comprises 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley. It is aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, with an alcohol by volume (alc/vol) of 50%.

7-Year Bonded Rye: Presents aromas of fresh pastry, cherry cola, and eucalyptus, along with flavors of Red Hots candy, sweet sea grass, mandarin orange tea, and a bright, effervescent tea tree finish. It is made from 100% heirloom rye and aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, with an alc/vol of 50%.

7-Year Bonded Wheat: Offers aromas of apricot and turbinado sugar, along with flavors of cola, pastry dough, and licorice followed by a clean and peppery finish. The mash bill is 100% soft white Centennial spring wheat. It is aged in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels.

Laws is revered for its dedication to showcasing the best of Colorado – from its heirloom grains to its mountain-fresh river water – through its robust portfolio of award-winning spirits. The grains in Laws’ whiskey are grown by the Cody Family Farm in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. At 7,500 feet of elevation, the rugged growing conditions of this valley impart unique flavor profiles to the grains including a distinct minerality that comes from the calcium- and mineral-rich soil of what used to be a prehistoric lake. This, combined with the effects of Denver’s high altitude during the aging process, results in singular and novel whiskies that reflect the state’s unique terroir.

“The San Luis Valley Rye always has the most range with true vintage year terroir stemming from the grain. This year we elevated the brightness and strived for greater balance in its traditional flavor notes,” says Al Laws. “In the Bonded Centennial Wheat, balance was also the goal, with some focus on bringing root beer and/or sarsaparilla notes forward. These, coupled with the creamsicle elements, are what I like about this excellent summer sipper over ice.”

Laws is proud to carry forward the quality standard set by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 with the addition of these three whiskies. To qualify as a Bottled in Bond whiskey, the expression must be made by one distillery in a single season, must be bottled at 100 proof (50% abv), and must be aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse. Meeting and exceeding these standards allows the distillery to fully explore the distinctive properties of a whiskey made with heirloom grains. These releases reflect Laws Whiskey House’s dedication to craftsmanship, showcasing exceptional quality and distinctive character in each bottle.

About Laws Whiskey House

Founded in 2011, Laws Whiskey House makes intentionally bold and terroir-driven whiskeys from Colorado. The distillery’s grain-forward style whiskeys are made with the highest-quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. Laws uses time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir, resulting in singular and novel whiskeys.

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