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This innovative Bourbon whiskey famous for being the first in modern day to actually be aged on the ocean quickly became one of our favorite Bourbons. We recently included Voyage 8 on our Why Whisk(e)y educational tour.
The world release of Jefferson's Ocean Voyage 9 will be celebrated at an exclusive dinner in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday, January 10 at Varanese Restaurant. Both Executive Chef/Owner John Varanese and Trey Zoeller, Owner, Jefferson's Bourbon will be speaking at the dinner and celebrating with guests.
Whether you are in Louisville and hope to attend or you are reading this story from across the ocean, you will delight in the menu below which also features favorites from the core Jefferson's portfolio including Jefferson's Small Batch and Jefferson's Reserve alongside seasonal, bourbon-based cocktails.
The cost of this dinner will be $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity, book your seat here.
As each voyage reflects a new journey in flavor reflective of the journey of the Bourbon itself, we will bring you our tasting notes and the live report both here and live on social media via our Twitter @BourbonBlog Instagram @ArriveDrinkEat and Facebook.
Reception Cocktail: "Dark Cherry Mule"
Jefferson's Small Batch / Jefferson's Reserve / World Release of Ocean's Voyage 9
First Course
Soft Shell Crab Slider on a King Hawaiian Roll with Bib Lettuce, Tomato & Garlic Remoulade, served with Pomme Frites
Second Course
Clam & Roasted Corn Chowder with Crispy Shrimp Toast
Third Course
Entrée Cocktail: "Bourbon Cynar"
Butter-Poached Black Cod served with Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Rapini, finished with a Crawfish Beurre Blanc
Fourth Course
Dessert Cocktail: "Toasted Marshmallow Cocktail"
Bourbon Cake with Banana and Vanilla Custard topped with Toasted Marshmallow served with Salted Pretzel Ice Cream & White Chocolate Ganache
To honor Parker, we're including video interviews and memories with Parker below produced by BourbonBlog.com. The video segments celebrated moments ranging from his 50th Anniversary Party at Heaven Hill to Kentucky Bourbon Festival events. One video dates back nearly 10 years.
As you watch, we invite you to share your own memory with Parker or personal tribute as a fan of his Bourbon legacy below under comments (on this link).
We are saddened by Parker's death as he was one of the finest gentlemen we ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with in the world of whiskey.
An official statement from Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira on Parker Beam's passing follows the videos at the bottom of this story.
On behalf of all of us at BourbonBlog.com, our prayers and thoughts go out to Parker's family and all those touched by his life. – Tom Fischer.
All of us within the company, and the general public, watched with awe and admiration as Parker and Linda waged a much publicized war against this terrible disease, using their courage, his standing as one of the industry's great Master Distillers and his wide sphere of influence to generate international awareness, and millions of dollars, for ALS research and treatment.
Starting in 1960 when he joined his father Earl here, and continuing through his appointment as Master Distiller in 1975, succeeding his father, Parker's leadership established the foundation for our company and our Bourbon heritage. It was Parker who saw us through Bourbon's first golden age in the 1960's, its subsequent decline in the 1970's and who led us to today's new Golden Age, helping pioneer our first premium small batch and single barrel Bourbons, and paving the way for Heaven Hill to be the category leader we are today.
There are no awards Parker has not won—charter member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Whiskey Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, they go on and on—but what we will remember most about Parker was the leadership, the can-do attitude, and the kind and selfless mentoring he did to his son Craig and a whole new generation of Bourbon distillers.
At this time, however, our thoughts and prayers first go out to his family.
We will share more on Parker Beam's immense legacy in a follow-up release tomorrow morning, Tuesday, January 10.]]>
It would be difficult to find the whiskeys listed below in Kentucky. But London? England?
BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer returns to the JW Steakhouse Bourbon Bar in London's Grosvenor House Hotel for a unique American Bourbon Dinners for a four night series. Rare Bourbons and American whiskeys will be complemented by an authentic JW Steakhouse American menu.
Each night will deliver a new experience as showcased below.
"JW Steakhouse in Mayfair has long been one of my favorite spots for Bourbon. For locals and those international friends visiting London, Bourbon enthusiasts worldwide are lucky to have JW Steakhouse Beverage Manager Karina Elias as one of the most focused on finding rare American whiskeys and Bourbons to share with guests year-round."
For reservations call: 020 7399 8460 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com and specific which night(s) you wish you to attend all listed below.
– Smoked Makers 46 Old Fashioned
– Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish
– Woodford /Collection Sonoma-Cutrer
– Willet XCF / Exploratory Cask Finish
– Buffalo Trace / Infrared Edition
– Jefferson's Wood Experiment
– Whistle Pig 10 Years Old Fashioned
– Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2015
– 1792 Sweet Wheat
– Westland American Single Malt Peated
– Yippee Ki-Yay Rye, High West
– Hudson Maple Cask Rye
– Pikesville Rye Manhattan
– Four Roses 125th Anniversary
– Whistle Pig 12 Years Madeira Finish
– Hudson Maple Cask Rye
– Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Sazerac 2013
– E.H. Taylor Tornado Edition
-Vintage Sazerac Cocktail
– Old Grand-Dad 1960's
– Overholt 1960's
– Pre-Prohibition Old Forester 1916
– Pre-Prohibition Kentucky Dew 1910
U.S citizens traveling internationally will now be able to bring home an unlimited amount of Cuban rum and cigars for personal consumption. However, importing Cuban rum and cigars for commercial purposes remains illegal.
Today, the Obama administration announces it will change limits on the importation of Cuban alcohol and tobacco products for personal use in the baggage of returning U.S. residents. Until now, the total limit has been $400, which included a combined $100 of alcohol and tobacco products. U.S. travelers will now be allowed to return to the U.S. with as many cigars and bottles of rum as they like for personal use. Of course, travelers will be required to pay duties and taxes that would normally apply.
This new rule will be effective on Monday October 17, 2016. The new rules won't apply to companies selling Cuban alcohol and tobacco products online.
Cuban alcohol and tobacco products will now face the same restrictions as products of other countries for personal use, with a limit of 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol eligible for import duty free.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection: While federal regulations do not specify a limit on the amount of alcohol you may bring back beyond the personal exemption amount, unusual quantities may raise suspicions that you are importing the alcohol for other purposes, such as for resale.
Is this is a sign toward a day when Cuban cigars and rum will be commercially available on U.S. liquor store shelves? We may be getting closer to it as BourbonBlog.com had been hearing whispers of the loosening restrictions on Cuban alcohol and tobacco prior to today's announcement.
There have been a series of steps taken in the last 18 months since President Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro announced on Dec. 17, 2014, that the Cold War foes would aim to normalize relations after more than a half century.
Today's package of small-scale regulations aim to to boost trade and investment, expand scientific collaboration and allow greater humanitarian support for Cuba, the US government says today.
This includes a lift on limits on cargo ship travel between the U.S. and Cuba and easing U.S. and Cuban researchers' ability to conduct joint medical research.
Earlier this year, the United States and Cuba formally signed an agreement today that would clear the way for the first commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years.
This was followed by JetBlue and American Airlines scheduling the first route of commercials flights between U.S. and Cuba in over 50 years.
This past week, Southwest Airlines reported they would begin scheduling flights to Cuba on Nov. 13, 2016.
For more updates like this, subscribe to BourbonBlog.com's newsletter on this link.
Photo credits: Visit Cuba, AP, CubanCigarCollectors.com, and Daniel Krieger]]>
Master Distiller Chris Morris began with fully mature Woodford Reserve bourbon which was then finished in American brandy casks for nearly two years.
Upon completion of the maturation period, the finished casks were batched together to create this one-of-a-kind whiskey with crisp caramel and dried fruit notes. Finishing fully mature Woodford Reserve in these brandy casks accentuated Woodford Reserve's rich dried fruit and nut characteristics developed from the grain recipe and fermentation process.
"As with every Master's Collection release, this expression highlights Woodford Reserve's creativity and dedication to innovation. I'm extremely proud to say we've yet again done something very special," Master Distiller Chris Morris tells BourbonBlog.com.
"Among Woodford Reserve's many flavors include fruit and spice notes which the brandy casks emphasize. Both products showcase rich, intense vanilla notes from their barrel maturation making the combination of the two a true success."
Originally introduced in 2006, the Master's Collection has become an acclaimed addition to the Woodford Reserve portfolio.Though individually unique, each Master's Collection release encompasses the distillery's one-of-a-kind production capabilities, combined with Woodford Reserve's focus on contemporary style and straightforward presentation.
(The Korbel Winery in Guerneville, California shown above)
Jefferson's Bourbon tells BourbonBlog.com their newest expression is Jefferson's Reserve Old Rum Cask Finish. Available in mid-October for a retail price of $79.99, it will be a Jefferson's Reserve bourbon that was aged and fully matured in Kentucky finished in used Gosling's Family Reserve Old Rum barrels.
Founder of Jefferson's Bourbon, Trey Zoeller, tells us he started the aging process by procuring Kentucky straight bourbon that was originally aged for eight years in Kentucky.
In December 2014, this bourbon went into old Gosling's Rum barrels, which previously housed the Family Reserve Old Rum, named the Rum of The Year by The Caribbean Journal in 2012. The barrels themselves have a compelling history — they held bourbon for four years, then held Gosling's for 16 years, then were sent back to Trey for this experiment, in which he dumped the eight-year old, straight Kentucky whiskey.
The bourbon finished for 15 additional months in these barrels before bottling.
"A couple of years ago, I was with Malcolm Gosling and tried his Old Gosling's Family Reserve and thought it was fantastic," says Zoeller. "Not being a rum drinker, I poured a little Jefferson's Reserve and topped it off with the Gosling's Old Rum and loved it. I immediately asked Malcolm if I could get a hold of his Old Family Reserve Rum cask."
This is not the brand's first collaborative project. Zoeller has worked with nationally-renowned Chef Edward Lee of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, KY to create a special Chef's Collaboration bourbon meant to pair especially well with Lee's spicy Korean food.
"Sometimes you act on a hunch and it turns out as you expected it to," adds Zoeller.
Trey barrel-aged a Manhattan and sold the finished experiment as a premium bottled cocktail nationwide in collaboration with Esquire magazine, and, most recently, he's collaborated with James Beard Award-winning Chef John Besh in an experiment to float barrels of bourbon along the waterways from Louisville to New York City to determine the difference in maturation and taste from shipping methods of the past and today.
Zoeller put the brand on the map by daring to go where most other producers would not. He has sent bourbon barrels on global ship voyages – in the Jefferson's Ocean which we were the first report on BourbonBlog.com – crossing several continents and climate zones in the process – and he has aged bourbon in wine barrels to see how it would affect its finish.
To be first to learn more Bourbon updates like this, subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter on this link.]]>
Diageo tells BourbonBlog.com their ninth release for the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company collection will be Whoop & Holler 28-Year-Old American Whisky.
Whoop & Holler is oldest aged whiskey of the collection yet released. It is a style of Tennessee whisky first chilled and then charcoal mellowed with Tennessee sugar maple charcoal that is burned on-site. It will be a single year release, distilled and- bottled at George Dickel Distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
The retail price will be $175 and bottled at 84 proof 42 ABV). The mash bill is 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8 malted barley .
Diageo says name comes from an enthusiastic howl inTennessee. This is embodied by the bottle illustrations showing two whooping cranes whose calls can cary several miles.
In 2013, BourbonBlog.com was first to break the story on the Orphan Barrel collection.
Notes on Whoop & Holler according to Diageo: Beginning with a nose hinting at corn kernel, tobacco, citrus peel and slight honey, Whoop & Holler has unique notes of an aggressive woody oak forward.
Tasting notes are described as spicy peppercorn, clove, and a whisper of dark chocolate and peanut shell tones, leading to a long and dry finish.
We'll bring you our full review on BourbonBlog.com.]]>
After the success of last year's Jefferson's Reserve Groth Cask Finish Bourbon, Jefferson's Bourbon gives BourbonBlog.com the exclusive first peak at their new release of Jefferson's Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet Cask Finished Bourbon. Jefferson's Reserve Pritchard Hill Cask Finished will be released during the fall of 2016.
Trey Zoeller tells us he is a huge fan of the Upper Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Pritchard Hill area. Trey worked with with Cyril Chappellet of the Chappellet Estate Winery – known for establishing this area of Napa Valley – using their wine casks to age this bourbon.
The method used here was a twin wood aging process.
This was a blend of three complex, elegant and sophisticated bourbons having aged in new American Oak barrels were finished in French Oak casks that once held Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon wine from the high elevation, rocky slopes of the Chappellet vineyard in St. Helena, Napa Valley.
Jefferson's Bourbon says the result is aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice, dark chocolate and a lush sweetness the bourbon.
Subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter to be first to know about new Bourbon releases like this one.]]>
Culinary pairings, interactive art experiences and music are just the start, ticket are available for $100 per person on this link. We are giving away some tickets this week via Twitter @BourbonBlog. To enter click this link and tweet it just like it is as this link will automatically share it with friends.
Bourbon Bash is Louisville's original bourbon-themed event, now celebrating 35 years of art and bourbon at Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.
Guests can expect tastings featuring more than 12 of Kentucky's finest bourbons, specialty cocktails from Coopers' Craft and Michter's and unique culinary pairings by Bobby Benjamin of Butchertown Grocery.
For the first time ever, guests can participate in a very special Bourbon University tasting experience led by Tom Fischer, top Bourbon expert and the founder of
Guests will be able to sign up for this unique tasting experience at the door. Featured brands include: Old Forrester, Woodford Reserve, Coopers' Craft, New Riff O.K.I and Bourbon Barrel Kentucky Wild Gin, Jefferson's Reserve, Jefferson's Very Small Batch, Jefferson's Manhattan, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Four Roses Yellow Label, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel, and more!
Throughout the evening, Bourbon Bash guests will interact with notable guest artists and one-time art installations by local artists Lori Larusso and Matthew and Mitchell Bradley, plus music from DJ Yared Sound.
There will also be a "Moving Portrait" photo booth by In the Shade Media, and a Derby City Flip Book station with printing on the
There will be five raffle prizes available at the Bash, with $50 tickets available online beforehand and during the event. Prizes include a trip to Mexico, weekend in
Lexington and Nashville, dinner for 8 at Kevin Grangier's home, and a wine tasting for 20 at Total Wine and More.
All proceeds from the event support museum exhibition and outreach. Special thanks to generous sponsors including: Stites & Harbison, Kentucky Select, Genscape, Coopers' Craft, Sterling Thompson, Michter's, Morgan Stanley: The Mitchell-Schenkenfelder Group.
Valet available, Kentucky smart attire.
More details on the event and limited tickets are available for $100 per person here.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Old Forester Signature 100 proof
Old Forester 1870
Old Forester 1897
Old Forester 1920
Woodford Reserve Disitllers Select 750ml
Woodford Reserve Distillers Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Distillers Rye Coopers Craft
New Riff O.K.I Bourbon
Bourbon Barrell Kentucky Wild Gin
Jefferson's Reserve
Jefferson's Reserve
Jefferson's Very Small Batch
Jefferson's Manhattan
Heaven Hill
Elijah Craig
Four Roses Yellow Label
Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Single Barrel
Willet Pot Still Reserve
Willet Family Estate Bottled Rye
Old Bardstown 100
Michter's Kentucky Straight Bourbon
We love celebrating whiskey on Twitter via @BourbonBlog and tweeting with enthusiasts. Tomorrow we invite you to a Bourbon Month Twitter Party: Wednesday Sept. 21 at 3 – 4 pm EST with @BourbonBlog , @ManTripping and @CiigarSpiritsMag.
We'll all talk and tweet about all things Bourbon and American whiskey to celebrate September as Bourbon Month under the hashtag #MenWhoBlog.
Why attend? Discover new Bourbons, whiskey products probably meet a new friend to have a Bourbon with. Maybe you'll find a date who will buy you a whiskey while you're at it (if you need one – one meaning a date, we already know you need the drink).
Have friends who love Bourbon? Help us share a virtual pour with htem by clicking this link to easily share the invite via Click to Tweet.
Use Tweet Deck so you won't miss a taste of the action. It easy way to keep track of all that it happening from specific Twitter accounts and hashtags.
Old Forester tells BourbonBlog.com that they will will introduce their 15th Anniversary release of Birthday Bourbon in September when it will hit shelves with a suggested retail price of $79.99. 2,400 (six bottle) cases will be available for purchase nationwide. This is a largest quantity of Birthday Bourbon ever bottled.
The 2016 Birthday Bourbon expression is offered at 97 Proof, jointly determined by Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris and Old Forester Master Bourbon Specialist Jackie Zykan. This year is Zykan's first involvement with the Birthday Bourbon release since joining the brand in 2015.
"In 2002, when we first introduced Birthday Bourbon, the market for premium Bourbons was almost nonexistent; Birthday Bourbon represented a 'first' in this category. But 15 years later, global interest for premium Bourbons and well-crafted whiskeys is at a record high," Master Distiller Chris Morris tells us.
"We're proud to have been a part of this story – not just over the last 15 years, but since George Garvin Brown founded America's First Bottled Bourbon in 1870."
Each barrel in the Birthday Bourbon selections annually are drawn from the same day of production, this year's on June 4, 2004, leading to the 'vintage-dated' reference. The 2016 release of 93 barrels uniquely matured together on the 5th floor of Warehouse K at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, KY.
The lot was positioned near a window facing west allowing them to be sun kissed, yielding a deeper oak mouthfeel. This warm location provides this year's release with a deep, rich, oak forward personality.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is bottled in a unique decanter style glass as tribute to the late 1800's when Old Forester was first produced.]]>
The first-ever crowdsourced campaign for a racehorse is in its homestretch. Today, June 24 marks the last day you can own part of a racehorse and back the True Stables: Home of the People's Horse campaign.
For Bourbon fans, that means when you invest any amount $5+ for the True Stables: Home of the People's Horse, you'll be entered to win a bottle of 15-year-old Pappy Van Winkle.
Listen to the podcast above as BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer speaks with Geoffrey Gray, founder True Stables and True.Ink about this project he started. They've raised over $40,900 and have more than 360 founding members, which makes them the largest racing club in America.
Gray explains that a dream like having a racehorse horse usually takes more than just being "rich".
"To get in the game you have be extremely rich," says Gray. Gray and his team have visited Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont this year with a life-size horse statue that fans have autographed with suggested names for the horse.
A $5 investment in this campaign allows you to become a "Founding Stablemate" and gives you the the opportunity not only help name the horse, but also potentially win the bottle Pappy 15. Other investments listed on the range from $45 for a polo shirt, $500 for riding boots up to thousands of dollars which have perks including experiences from Saratoga to the Kentucky Derby.
Watch the video at the bottom of this story for more details and keep reading…
Historically, other racehorse investments programs have consisted of "buy ins" of $15,000 increments. However, Gray says they wanted to make the opportunity to become a "Founding Member" affordable for the minimum investment of $100. This perk includes voting rights on stable matters, intimate barn visits, reports on The People's Horse, and invites to race day parties and special events. The Club will be responsible for selecting trainer, breeder and actual horse once things begin.
The great equality of "The People's Horse" is that a larger investment won't yield more "dividends" on winnings, but instead will yield more perks and access. The problem that Gray saw with similar horse investments was the paperwork and other regulation challenges with paying out dividends if the horse were to be profitable. Gray says it might cost hundreds of dollars plus a lot of time to certify each investor just for the sake of sending a $5 check.
Thus, Gray says backers should not seen this as an investment vehicle, but instead a way to be part of a new lifestyle which will have many fun perks.
Gray openly admits that this is a "high risk investment" and won't bring instant gratification.
He says that the horse ends up winning "crazy money," the money will return to the club and all members will have a chance to vote on what happens next"
"If we decide want to buy our own Bourbon distillery, we can do that."
If you'd like to learn more, visit True Stables: Home of the People's Horse.
We'll bring you more updates on BourbonBlog.com.
True.Ink is a new magazine with the goal of putting you in the story, rather than just telling you the story.
For full and open disclosure, BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer invested in this campaign. He loves the idea of True Stables, agrees it is both high risk and fun, and is sharing this story purely as editorial piece.
Trey Zoeller, Founder and Owner of Jefferson's Bourbon, tells BourbonBlog.com that he is setting sail on a new experiment in the world of Bourbon aging on the water. Listen to the podcast above as we are the first media outlet to share the story.
This Tuesday June 7th, a boat carrying two barrels of Jefferson's Bourbon new fill distilled at the new Kentucky Artisan Distillery will travel down the river to its first stop in New Orleans.
After New Orleans, the barrels will be placed on an old rum runner boat to Key West. From Key West, the barrels will travel up the Atlantic to their final destination in New York.
Zoeller says he has been dreaming about this for a long time and wanted to replicate this unique aging process similar to what it was like 150 years ago when Bourbon traveled from Kentucky.
Once he received permission from the TTB, Coast Guard and the insurance, he took action on this innovative experiment. According to Zoeller, the journey may take 4 to 6 months in total.
You are invited to Bon Voyage Party on Tuesday, details below. Visit BourbonBlog.com for updates during the Jefferson's Reserve Float Trip. Subscribe to our newsletter on this link for updates.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 7, 2016 – 1 pm party, Launch 2 pm
WHERE: Marine Sales, 2929 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40206
The two barrels are named "I'm on a Boat" and "Fantastic Voyage" – pictured below.
Listen to the podcast above as WhistlePig Master Distiller and Consultant, Dave Pickerell, tells BourbonBlog.com 's Tom Fischer that two minority shareholders are attempting to take control of WhistlePig Distillery by erroneously discrediting WhistlePig Founder Raj Bhakta.
Pickerell says he believes it is all in an effort to steal the control of the small distillery to sell to a major spirits company.
The two minority shareholders are Christopher Evison and Wilco Faessen.
In this interview, Pickerell describes why he believes the allegations are false and do not rise to a level to remove Bhakta from his farm and his company.
"They're trying to not just steal his company; they're trying to steal his farm", Pickerell explains.
The two billionaire shareholders, according to Pickerell, are "trying to find a way to blow Raj Bhakta out of control and take a family owned, farm business out of his hands so that they can sell it and take profits at a faster rate than they would have already gotten it."
Does Pickerell think Raj is capable of running the company?
"All you have to do is look at the success of the company". Pickerell points to the creation of an iconic brand that has been responsible for the growth of the whole rye category. In addition to winning several awards, The WhistlePig 10 Year Old became the highest rated rye whiskey ever from Wine Enthusiast. Additionally, the Boss Hog and Old Word Series have both received Double Golds at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
After working with and consulting well over 100 distilleries, Pickerell says that Bhakta comes closest to comparing with the entrepreneurial genius of Bill Samuels, Jr. of Maker's Mark of almost anyone he has seen in the spirits business. (Left to Right: Pickerell and Bhakta pictured below.)
The WhistlePig 15 Year Old Vermont Estate Oak Rye was released earlier this year with a glimpse of the grain to glass (a.k.a. "farm to bottle") vision that the distillery and farm have always intended.
Pickerell says he and Raj have always had the vision of being "triple terroir." That would mean that their whiskey would be 100% produced from their grain, water and barrels made from oak trees grown on the WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont.
Pickerell tells us they may have a Boss Hog release later this year and possibly a release made from a marriage of whiskey made from their grain married with the Canadian source they use.
It all started when minority share board members Wilco Faessen and Christopher Evison called a meeting at the Park Avenue boardroom of Quadrant Capital Advisors. Bhakta tells Burlington Free Press:
(Bhakta) said he thought the meeting was going to be friendly. He was wrong.
"They marched in six people," Bhakta said. "They said, 'Listen, you have two options: You resign, and we put the company on the block and sell it. You walk away with a lot of money. The second option is we file this complaint … and we'll bankrupt you in court and destroy your reputation.'"
Bhakta claims he could walk away with as much as $50 million if he took option A. But he took option B, he says, because he won't be bullied.
Bhakta filed a complaint which can be viewed on this link courtesy of WhiskyCast.
"I wish they would be happy with the contracts and agreements they've got and allow us to do our thing."
The official company statement from Todd Bellucci, Sales & Marketing Chief for WhistlePig:
"Challenging moments define us all. We are in one now. It is how we respond to these that reveals our true character. Whiskey is all about character. At WhistlePig, we began with a clear vision to make the finest whiskey in the world, farm-to-bottle, on our independent 1300 acre farm. We remain dedicated to that task. All in. Full stop."
BourbonBlog.com has reached out to Christopher Evison and Wilco Faessen for comment. We've had no response yet.
We will stay with this story. Subscribe to our newsletter on this link for more updates on this and other whiskey news.
Brown-Forman Corporation tells BourbonBlog.com that they have reached definitive agreement to purchase The BenRiach Distillery Company Limited for approximately £285 million.
When completed, the purchase will bring three outstanding Single Malt Scotch Whisky brands into Brown-Forman's growing whiskey portfolio: The GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh.
The purchase will include brand trademarks, three malt distilleries, a bottling plant, and the company's headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland. The BenRiach Distillery Company, which has a workforce of 165 employees including 55 seasonal and casual workers, will operate as a subsidiary of Brown-Forman.
"The acquisition of these super premium brands will allow Brown-Forman to re-enter one of our industry's most exciting and consistent growth segments, Single Malt Scotch Whisky," Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga says. "The GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh single malt brands are rich in history and we believe they will continue to prosper and grow in our hands."
Brown-Forman previously was a minority shareholder of Glenmorangie plc and marketed the Glenmorangie Single Malt Whisky brand in the U.S. and Canada from 1992 to 2005 and in Continental Europe and certain Asian markets from 2000 to 2005. Brown-Forman sold its interest as part of Glenmorangie plc's sale to Moet Hennessy in 2005.
"We feel immensely privileged to have been custodians of this business for the last 12 years, and to be associated with these wonderful brands and great distilleries," Billy Walker, managing director of The BenRiach Distillery Company Limited says.
"Our team have energized these distilleries and engaged creatively and successfully with the premium end of the market. We are very confident that Brown-Forman will take The GlenDronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh brands to the next level and fulfill their full potential, and prove to be worthy custodians of these historic distilleries."
The GlenDronach Distillery, located in the hills of the Scottish Highlands, was founded in 1826. GlenDronach produces a range of ultra-premium single malt whiskies and is most noted for its richly sherried whiskies. Located in the heart of Speyside, The BenRiach Distillery began making malt whisky in 1898 and is known for experimenting with wood finishes producing whisky from both non-peated and peated malted barley.
The Glenglassaugh Distillery, founded in 1875, is located on the coast in the northern Scottish Highlands overlooking the North Sea producing a coastal Highland malt.
The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close on or about June 1, 2016.
Brown-Forman Corporation's current brands include Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's & Cola, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, and Chambord.
Brown-Forman's brands are supported by nearly 4,400 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide.]]>
As we mourn the passing of Prince, BourbonBlog.com features a toast to Prince's life with the new cocktail "Raspberry Beret" – created by mixologist Anthony Caporale.
Anthony Caporale is the author and star of the hit Off-Broadway musical comedy, The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking. Please celebrate responsibly.
-In a mixing tin half-filled with ice, add:
1 oz. Chambord
1 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1 oz. Stoli Vanil Vodka
-Shake it till the tin is frosted, add:
1 oz. Half-and-Half
-Swirl to chill and incorporate.
-Drizzle raspberry syrup on the inside of a martini glass.
-Strain drink into martini glass.
-Garnish with three fresh raspberries floated on top.
Prince Rogers Nelson (6/7 /1958 – 4 21/2016))]]>
"An exciting new pecan pie theme," as Woodford Reserve Mater Distiller described the new Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep for Kentucky Derby 142 today in a press conference at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The sales benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund for the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
After Morris demonstrated how to make the cocktail, BourbonBlog.com and several journalists tasted it. All shared positive reviews of this elegantly Southern twist on the classic.
Now in its 11th year, the 2016 cocktail gives an elevated Derby experience curated by Master Distiller Chris Morris, in partnership with acclaimed menswear designer Hamilton Shirts and New York mixologist Julie Renne Williams. "This partnership marks a true trifecta of craftsmanship and artistry," Morris explained.
Reserve yours by visiting WoodfordrReserveMintJulep.com.
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon
.75 Toasted Pecan Orgeat Syrup*
Fresh Mint
Caramelized Pecan Crumbles for Garnish
Edible Copper Flakes
Slap the mint. Rub fresh mint around the julep cup. Combine ingredients with crushed ice and swizzle in the glass. Add more crushed ice, garnish with mint bunch, pecan and edible copper flakes.
*To make toasted pecan orgeat, toast pecans, mix or muddle into small pieces and simmer on low heat to create a nut milk. Fine strain or use a nut milk bag to remove nut pieces, and add equal parts sugar to liquid.
The signature $1,000 Mint Julep Cups were designed by Houston-based men's shirt designer Hamilton Shirts and handcrafted at Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault.
"The $1,000 Mint Julep Cup is representative of our approach to design, with an engraved classic plaid graphic and stitch beading," David Hamilton, a fourth-generation co-owner of Hamilton Shirts tells BourbonBlog.com.
"As a family-owned company rooted in heritage and tradition, we're honored to be a part of an event as iconic as the Kentucky Derby, and thrilled to work alongside Woodford Reserve."
In addition to the cups themselves, Hamilton also developed an exclusive, limited edition fabric that will accompany each cup in its box's lining.
"Partnering with two talented artists represents our commitment to create an unparalleled experience for Kentucky Derby fans," said Morris. "Woodford Reserve has donated more than $425,000 to equine and humanitarian-related causes through this program, and we are proud to continue to positively impact these communities through this year's $1,000 Mint Julep Cup."
Each year, Woodford Reserve selects a charitable organization to receive the net proceeds from the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales. This year's receiving charity is the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which works to provide financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.
Beginning April 26, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. E.T., consumers ages 21 years and older can log on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the Crafter's Cups or Master's Cups. Each cup is presented in an oak box designed by Nashville woodworker Christian Fecht, and lined with a custom silk fabric designed by the Houston-based menswear brand Hamilton Shirts. Online sale closes on May 6, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. E.T.
Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day. Purchase of cup does not include admission to Churchill Downs.
Purchased cups must be claimed by buyer or his or her proxy at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. For complete terms and conditions, please visit WoodfordReserveMintJulep.com.
90 Crafter's Cups are available for purchase online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis from April 26-May 6. These individually numbered cups feature Hamilton's classic plaid pattern, along with the 2016 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo, and is accompanied by a gold-plated sipping straw.
In addition to the 90 $1,000 Crafter's Cups, there are 15 gold-plated Master's Cups available for purchase online for $2,500 on a first come, first buy basis.
These individually numbered cups feature Hamilton's classic plaid pattern accented with diamonds, along with the 2016 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo and is accompanied by a silver sipping straw.
Chicago native Pauly is a world-renowned equine painter and is the Official Artist of American Pharoah – Triple Crown Winner. His painting "Barreling Down" is featured on the front of the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 142 bottle.
The image on the bottle features an impressionistic look into the big race as two thoroughbreds and jockeys are neck and neck. The bright blue sky of a spring day in Kentucky shines through in the background as the horses race towards the finish line.
The neck band features crisp black and Woodford Reserve's signature copper color with the Kentucky Derby 142 date and Thomas Allen Pauly's signature sealing the top of the bottle. A neck tag provides details about the product and the artist.
"Woodford Reserve is honored to collaborate with an artist of such high caliber for this year's commemorative Derby bottle," Jason Kempf, Woodford Reserve brand director tells BourbonBlog.com. "His years of experience, esteemed skillset in painting and passion for the equine industry correlate perfectly with the Kentucky Derby."
For more updates on Kentucky Derby 142 and new Bourbon releases, subscribe to our newsletter.]]>
Coopers' Craft Bourbon will be Brown-Forman's first new Bourbon brand since the launch of Woodford Reserve in 1996. Brown Forman tells BourbonBlog.com that Coopers' Craft Bourbon will be available in select markets this summer at 82.2 proof a suggested retail price of $28.99 for at a 750ml bottle. Coopers' Craft is a blend of 4 to 6-year-old Bourbons.
The select U.S. markets initially will be Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.
In recent years, there has been some debate as to whether major distilleries should use the word "craft." With no clear definition of craft spirits or distilling, we certainly understand the concerns and reasons for these questions.
In the case of Brown-Forman, for more than 70 years they have been making barrels and perfecting their expertise in wood as the only major distiller that owns its own new barrel cooperage.
Brown-Forman's Cooperage is indeed the craft that makes the barrels which age Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Early Times, Canadian Mist, El Jimador and Herradura. To this day, Brown-Forman is the only major distiller to raise its own new barrels.
Coopers' Craft Bourbon honors this cooperage and the men and women who have been working in it since 1945.
Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown began bottling bourbon nearly 150 years ago and recognized the important role of the barrel and the impact wood has on bourbon.
Coopers' Craft is a celebration of barrel-making and a recognition of the importance of wood when it comes to crafting bourbon.
In addition to being matured in barrels raised by master coopers at the Brown-Forman Cooperage, Brown-Forman says Coopers' Craft is crafted using a special beech and birch charcoal filter finishing process, creating a smooth and flavorful bourbon.
For more updates on Coopers' Craft and other new Bourbon releases, subscribe to our Bourbon Newsletter on this link.
This is what you'll see at Craft Beverage Expo because it is the first event of its kind with the main goal to help artisan wine, craft beer, cider, mead and craft spirits producers navigate the "Business of Craft Beverage."
The 3rd Annual Craft Beverage Expo will be May 18-20 in Oakland, California.
When you register for the Craft Beverage Expo on this link use the promotional code "Bourbon" to save $25 off the full conference registration or the full conference and In-Planning workshop package.
This leading trade exposition was founded in 2014 because of Executive Director Kellie Shevlin saw that the industry needed one event that brings the entire craft beverage community together to listen and learn from each other.
BourbonBlog.com attended and covered the 2015 Craft Beverage Expo. Watch our video coverage below as we interview Kellie Shevlin, Ralph Erenzo, Founder of Tuthilltown Spirits and Hudson Bourbon & Dan Rowell, CEO of Vermont Hard Cider Company.
WHEN: Wed May 18 – Friday May 20, 2016. Conference kicks off on Wednesday, 10 am with 2 days following of session panels, roundtable discussions,
networking events and an expo floor awaiting up to 150 exhibiting companies catering to the needs of craft beverage producers.
WHERE: Oakland Convention Center, Oakland , CA Headquartered Hotel: Oakland Marriott City Center.
ATTEND: Register on this link, again we invite you to use "Bourbon" Promo Code to save $25, and learn more on CraftBeverageExpo.com.
The Cornerstone of Craft: The panel will include an all-star lineup of industry aficionados including Josh Jensen, Proprietor / Winemaker at Calera Wine Company; Vinnie Cilurzo, Owner / Brewer at Russian River Brewing Company; Matthew Hofmann, Co-Founder / Master Distiller at Westland Distillery, Bruce Nissen, Co-Founder of Crispin Cider Company and Jester & Judge; and moderated by Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Chair of Wine Business Education at Sonoma State University.
Marketing guru, Larry Vincent, Founder and Chief Branding Officer at United Talent Agency Brand Studio will lead the general session titled, Chasing the Unicorn: Brand Loyalty.
Relationships—The Core Element of Craft, is moderated by Alan Kropf, Director of Education at Anchor Distilling Co and featuring Dave Engbers, Co-Founder / Vice President of Founders Brewing Company; Rhonda Kallman, Founder and CEO of Boston Harbor Distillery; Ken Schramm, Owner of Schramm's Mead; and Randall Grahm, Founder of Boony Doon Vineyward as panelists.
Diageo confirms to BourbonBlog.com that Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength Whiskey is being released in April 2016 at $49.99 a bottle. However, Kentucky may be the only market you'll ever see it for sale.
"At this time we do not have plans to distribute outside of Kentucky. We are not sure yet whether it will be a permanent line extension. At this point it is a limited time offering," a spokesperson for Diageo tells us.
Only around 3,000 cases will be released in Kentucky according to Diageo. The majority of them will be 750 ml bottles, there will be a 375ml bottle version, priced at $29.99, available only in the Stitzel-Weller Distillery gift shop. Diageo is not yet saying if more cases will be released.
Like the original Bulleit Bourbon at 90 proof, this expression is a blend of barrels which are 5 to 8 years old. As it is being bottled straight from the barrel – uncut and unfiltered – the ABV will vary by batch. The proof will generally range from 118-125 (59 to 62.5 ABV).
During Bourbon Classic 2016, BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer tasted a version of barrel strength with fellow journalists at Stitzel-Weller Distillery. The cask strength whiskey seemed to impress nearly everyone with an expected larger and deeper flavor.
We'll soon bring you our official review of Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength.
Representatives Diageo and Bulleit have claimed this project to be one that was only being considered for release. While it has been whispered about for a number of years that Barrel Strength could see the light of day, we are pleased to confirm and share with you some of the first details on this release.
We invite you to subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter to be the first to learn about rare releases.
Other whiskeys released under the Bulleit brand name include Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye, and Bulleit 10 year old.
Luxco tells BourbonBlog.com that they are releasing Blood Oath Pact No. 2 – the second expression in the limited release series. Only 22,500 bottles at 98.6 proof available in the United States in 750ml bottles, with a suggested price of $99.99.
This union of 7 to 11 year old Bourbon lended and bottled by hand for a distinctively exclusive and unimagined Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
The first, a 7-year high-rye bourbon finished in port barrels, is joined by an 11 year wheated bourbon and an 11 year high-rye bourbon.
"Pact No. 2 is a rich marriage of three carefully selected bourbons, hand blended and bottled for a unique combination and exceptional taste," John Rempe, creator of Blood Oath and Director of Corporate Research and Development at Luxco tells us.
"The rye mash bill of the 11 year offers an oaky and spicy flavor, which is smoothed out by the extra-aged wheated bourbon – while the port-barrel finished rye brings it all together with a velvety sweet finish."
Blood Oath Pact No. 2 is topped with a custom, eco-friendly natural cork, sealed and labeled with certificate-style paper stock signed by John Rempe. New for this release, each bottle of Blood Oath Pact No. 2 will be sold in a commemorative fire-branded wooden box.
The Blood Oath series launched in 2015 with Pact No. 1, and will highlight a different variant, or "Pact," each year.
Luxco says Pact. No. 2 has a slightly fuller mouthfeel than Pact No. 1 with an oaky, caramel and cocoa aroma and a smooth flavor.
We'll bring you our review soon on BourbonBlog.com.
The United States of America is the land of opportunity. Sometimes that means the opportunity to have a drink after a stressful day at the office. Today, we travel back in time to discover drinks served in the oval office.
Because the tone in the primaries for the 2016 presidential election has become full of controversy and intense emotion, we are taking the edge off by giving you a patriotic list of favorite brews from all the former U.S. Presidents below.
As you might imagine, many reached for a whiskey. In Martin Will-Weber's recent book "Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt: The Complete History of Presidential Drinking" he tells the history of presidency through booze. This complete list by Will-Weber captures a taste of history on each President relating to their taste in booze (or lack thereof).
George Washington
Washington was a salesman of Whiskey that was made near Mount Vernon with 60% rye, 3% corn and various amounts of malted barley.
For his favorite drink, it was a Dark Porter with molasses that came from Philadelphia
If he were alive today, he would be sipping on Angry Orchard or Woodchuck. Hard cider was how he started every morning. After breakfast he would drink porter beer, rum and Madeira
He must of been exhausted after writing the Declaration of Independence that he spent all of his money on wine. Can you blame him?
He was a modest man who enjoyed Champagne, but in moderation. Madison did not enjoy the headaches if he drank too much.
Monroe was involved in a scandal when 1,200 bottles of Burgundy and Champagne from France were charged to an account that Congress spent for furniture. Looks like the party continued, but nobody could sit down anywhere
There are some claims that JQA once conducted a blind taste test of 14 different kinds of Madeira and correctly identified 11 of them.
Andrew Jackson was a salesman of Whiskey and enjoyed it as well. He used it as a social drink for his guests in the White House
Buren, in his presidency, drank so much whiskey that he got the nickname of Blue Whiskey Van. Along with whiskey he enjoyed a drink that originated from the Dutch culture. It was like a gin.
The first Pre-gamer in history that has been recorded, arrived to the White House with the stench of Long Cabin and Hard Cider on his breath.
Drank Champagne, and was very fond of it.
It was Champagne, Wine, and Brandy for Mr. Polk.
"During the Mexican War, a political aide reportedly visited to inform Taylor that the Whig party wished to nominate him for President. Taylor replied, "Stop your nonsense and drink your whiskey."
Rarely drank, was a lightweight and sampled Madeira.
The drunkest president we have ever had. He drank everything and died of cirrhosis of the liver at age 65. The democrats did not support him for a second term. "What can an ex-president of the United States do except get drunk?"
Great sense of humor.
A friend of his once wrote: "The Madeira and sherry that he has consumed would fill more than one old cellar."
Never drank really. Maybe occasionally or not at all. At least he is honest.
Lincoln and other political big shots were appalled when Johnson showed up loaded (and slurring his words) for his vice presidential inauguration in 1865; he had tried to treat a cold with whiskey.
Low tolerance. When he entertained guest at the white house the bill was $1,800 for Champagne alone.
His wife, "Lemonade Lucy," pushed for a no-booze White House. Staffers sympathetic to visitors that might want some alcohol tried to infuse some oranges in the punch with rum — but Hayes claims to have discovered the ploy and substituted rum flavoring for the real stuff!
He just stuck to his beer.
When a representative of the Temperance movement tried to pressure Arthur into a no-liquor policy in the White House, he thundered: "Madam, I may be the president of the United States, but what I do with my private life is my own damned business!"
Grover mostly drank beer, and lots of it. He and a fellow politician once took a vow to hold themselves to four beers a day. When they found this too arduous a task, they simply switched to larger beer steins.
"Alcohol is the Devil."
A drink popular during his election campaign was called McKinley's Delight:
3 oz. rye whiskey (shoot for at least 100 proof)
1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes of cherry brandy
1 dash absinthe
Teddy liked Mint Juleps and used them to entice his cabinet to come play tennis with him at the White House. He used fresh mint from the White House garden:
10 to 12 fresh mint leaves "muddled" with a splash of water and a sugar cube
2 or 3 oz. of rye whiskey
¼ oz. of brandy
Sprig or two of fresh mint as a garnish
He was a big guy, but he did not drink that often. He was trying to lose weight, but he did have a glass of Champagne every once in awhile.
His slogan came from a popular Whiskey Brand Wilson loved Scotch. His campaign song — "Wilson! That's All!" — actually came from a brand of whiskey that was popular early in the 20th century.
This was during Prohibition, it was unlawful to transport liquor, but when he golfed, he stored whiskey in his golf bag and drank before he teed off.
"Silent Cal" drank very little, but he was very fond of Tokay wine. The Coolidge Cooler was concocted by Vermont Spirits on Cal's birthday:
1.5 oz. of Vermont White vodka
½ oz. of American whiskey
2 oz. of orange juice
Club soda
Hoover supposedly had a fantastic wine collection, but his wife allegedly dumped it down the drain when Prohibition hit. While suffering from pneumonia at the age of 80, he did have one request — a good, dry martini.
FDR is most associated with cocktails. He enjoyed mixing gin-based martinis (and occasionally whiskey-based Manhattans). His favorite thing to sip while sailing was the Bermuda Rum Swizzle:
2 oz. dark rum
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. orange juice
1 generous dash of Falernum (a sweet syrup)
Truman loved bourbon and quite often knocked down a shot of it in the morning; part of his routine that also involved a brisk walk and a rubdown. He also liked a very strong Old Fashioned and would complain if his staff made it too weak.
Because of several heart attacks (probably due to his habitual chain-smoking), Ike was limited to just a few drinks by his doc. He typically chose Scotch, and sometimes would overrule his doctor and have a second one
JFK drank lots of different stuff, so it's hard to pick a favorite.
Some were trendy drinks of the rich — daiquiris, Bloody Marys, and (considered at the time a big deal because it was imported) Heineken beer.
LBJ loved Scotch whiskey and enjoyed driving (at high speeds) around his Texas ranch while drinking it out of a plastic cup.
Nixon would drink expensive bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild (costing hundreds of dollars); at the same time, he instructed his staff to serve mediocre red wine to his guests — with towels wrapped around the bottle's label so they did not know what they were getting. Tricky Dick indeed!
Ford grew accustomed to a few martinis, sometimes even at lunch, when he was in the House of Representatives. When he became president in the aftermath of Watergate, Ford's staff had to suggest he cut back.
Carter drank very sparingly. When he had an arms summit with Soviet leaders, Carter arranged to get a very small glass of white wine for the obligatory toasts — so he could avoid downing powerful Russian vodka.
Reagan liked California wines and an occasional Orange Blossom Special made with vodka:
1 oz. (or slightly less in Reagan's case) vodka.
1 oz. of either grenadine or sweet vermouth
2 oz. fresh orange juice
All brought together in a barroom glass filled with ice.
Drank everything, including beer and vodka martinis
As a scholar at Oxford, Clinton reportedly indulged in the Snakebite:
8 oz. hard cider
8 oz. lager beer
(Add ¼ oz. black currant liqueur for a Snakebite variation the Brits
call Diesel.)
Retired from drinking a long time ago
The current president likes beer. The Executive Mansion also features White House Honey Ale (with honey from the White House hives) for special guests.
Portions of this list originally appeared in this New York Times story in 2014 in an article by Martin Will-Weber.
Memes for this article specially created by Tim Schaefer.]]>
A few days ago, Drake's Instagram showcased what he called a "first look" in the photo above. The bottle reads "Virginia Black American Whiskey" at 40 % ABV / 80 proof.
This mysterious announcement comes complete with a simple website (www.virginiablackwhiskey.com) with no details except the logo and email address as shown below.
BourbonBlog.com has reached out to to Drake's Whiskey team for comment and more details.
We've also been asking some of our whiskey distillery contacts in Virginia who claim they don't think the whiskey itself is being made in Virginia. However, these unnamed distillers may not know about such a secretive project.
For the latest updates on this whiskey release and other whiskey news, subscribe to our whiskey newsletter.
With remains of the craft KelSo beer still trapped in the barrel, it imparted its flavor on the whiskey during the aging. Thus, Jameson tell us it only made sense to make this one a Caskmates limited edition release.
The Jameson Caskmates KelSo Pale Ale Edition will be available for purchase only in New York for a limited time at the suggested retail price of $29.99 / 750 ml bottle. Available nationally, the last release of Jameson Caskmates was partnership with Cork Ireland's Franciscan Well Brewery for the Caskmates Stout Edition.
"Back in 2014, Brooklyn micro brewer KelSo Beer Co. borrowed six of our Jameson barrels to age their India Pale Ale," Patrick Caulfield, Senior Brand Manager, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Pernod Ricard USA tells BourbonBlog.com.
"We thought it only right that we return the flavor and mature a special edition Jameson in the pale ale seasoned casks returned to us from the brewer. The result is a unique Neighborhood Edition Jameson Caskmates whiskey with the fresh IPA characteristics of zesty citrus, soft vanilla, hints of hops, pot still spices and sherry – a truly original finish."
"The Caskmates concept, first imagined in a conversation in a neighborhood pub, is a product of shared passion for craft, quality and collaboration," added Caulfield.
"We're very excited to unveil our newest collaboration, Jameson Caskmates KelSo Pale Ale in the neighborhood of our partner KelSo. This is the smallest release that Jameson has ever done in the U.S. Looking forward, we will continue to build such relationships with craft brewers throughout neighborhoods in both Ireland and the U.S."
Watch the video below which showcases the original collaboration in 2014 between KelSo and Jameson.
Jim Beam confirms BourbonBlog.com that they plan to release a limited edition Booker's Rye Whiskey later in 2016. While the label submitted for approval currently states an ABV of 63.55% (127.1 proof) and an age of 7 years and 3 months, a representative has confirmed that the actual age will be closer to 13-years-old.
This Booker's Rye Whiskey was distilled and put in barrel by the late Booker Noe.
In 2014, Booker's 25th Anniversary 10 Year Old Bourbon was a similar offering as a 10-year-old limited edition which Booker Noe had distilled and barreled.
Watch a 1993 interview with Booker Noe below.
The label on the new rye reads…
Dad always liked the challenge of rye grains. He created a rye whiskey and laid these barrels down in this favorite rackhouse. The first-ever Booker's Whiskey was born. This is Big Time all the way and remains robust and uncut, just how my Dad liked it.
Fred Noe
For more new updates on this release as they are available, subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter.
Filmed and created by Steve Weiss]]>
Buffalo Trace Distillery tells BourbonBlog.com they will release a bourbon whiskey aged in seasoned wood oak barrels in late March 2016 as one-time-only release. The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Seasoned Wood Bourbon Whiskey retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.
This 100 proof, Bottled-In-Bond, small batch wheat recipe bourbon was aged well over a 10 years. The barrels in this release underwent a variety of special seasoning processes, including barrels made from staves that were immersed in an enzyme rich bath with water heated to 100 degrees.
After spending time in this proprietary solution, these staves were then placed into kilns and dried until they reached an ideal humidity level for crafting into barrels.
Other staves were seasoned outdoors for six months, and still others were left outdoors for a full 12 months before being made into barrels and sent to Buffalo Trace Distillery to be filled and aged.
All barrel staves were seasoned, dried, and crafted at Independent Stave Company, who consulted on this project with the premiere expert on oak maturation, Dr. James Swan.
Buffalo Trace describes the result of aging in these distinct barrels has delivered a wheat bourbon that is quite different from the other wheated bourbons they make:
"a delicate aroma of caramel and dried fruit, followed by a bright and pleasant first sip. Oak tannins are balanced by a touch of butterscotch, almond, citrus notes, and hint of spicy clove. The body is soft and balanced with an aftertaste that lingers perfectly."
This Seasoned Wood Bourbon is the eighth and latest release in the collection of E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, rounding out the collection of Old Fashioned Sour Mash Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, Small Batch Bourbon and Cured Oak Bourbon. The Sour Mash, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon and Cured Oak were one time only releases and are no longer available.
The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.
Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the distillery that is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
For more updates on new bourbon releases, subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter.]]>
Watch above as Whisk(e)y Marketing School Co-Founder Daniel Whittington shows us how he drinks whisk(e)y. Grab a pour – or several – and join him.
More classes at Whisk(e)y Marketing School coming April 6 – 7, 2016, register here.
Lagavulin 16yr
Teeling Single Grain
Laird of Fintry Single Malt
Angel's Envy Port Cask Bourbon
Jura Brooklyn
Bruichladdich Islay Barley Single Malt
all in a Glencairn glass!
Daniel thanks Nick Offerman for his brilliance.
And at BourbonBlog.com, we thank Daniel for the inspiration.]]>
WhistlePig tells BourbonBlog.com that they plan for at May 2016 release of their oldest whiskey to date as the WhistlePig 15-year-old Vermont Estate Oak Rye. At 92 proof, this highly matured rye whiskey has been finished in custom charred barrels made from Vermont White Oak trees logged on The WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont.
Due to harsh winters and a shorter growing season, these trees possess a denser wood grain, imparting a nuanced and distinct flavor into the rye.
WhistlePig says that the Vermont Oak Rye is the next step in WhistlePig's mission to become fully farm-to-bottle, with the barrels coming from wood grown on the farm.
As will keep you updated on this forthcoming release, subscribe to our newsletter to be first hear more updates on this and other new whiskeys.]]>
The Fourth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival will be in Sarasota, Florida from March 30 to April 1, 2016. Complete details and schedule below. BourbonBlog.com will be there for the three day event which has become one of the largest whisk(e)y festivals in the U.S. Buy tickets here.
A dance party, interactive panel discussion, master classes, VIP pours, on site package sales, cigar pairing, culminating with a grand tasting with 250 whiskies from around the world.
Dozens of master distillers and professional ambassadors participate, sharing their knowledge and passion for fine spirits from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France, and the United States. More updates will be forthcoming at WhiskeyObsessionFestival.com and watch the video at the bottom of this page.
The Dram Dance @ The Gator Club, 1490 Main Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236
8:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Enjoy our special chillwave musical guest Brothertiger at a private Whiskey Obsession Festival event upstairs at the Gator Club, featuring a performance by Black Diamond Burlesque. $10 ticket includes one Old Forester cocktail.
The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting and Discussion @ The Francis, 1289 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Co-moderated by BourbonBlog.com's Tom FIscher and Whiskey Obsession Founder Turner C. Moore with four master distillers and four brand ambassadors for this unique interactive panel and tasting as they share and discuss sixteen of their favorite spirits. Tickets are $45 and seating is limited to 75 guests; please reserve early. Panelists are:
Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller
Pam Heilmann, Michter's Distiller
Brendan Coyle; High West Distiller
Rob Dietrich, Stranahan's Distiller
Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill Ambassador and Whiskey Professor
David Blackmore, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Master Ambassador
Gardner Dunn, Yamazaki Ambassador
Philip Pepperdine, Bowmore Ambassador
Grand Tasting and Master Classes, Michael's on East 1212 East Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34239
• 6:30 pm VIP Admission
• 7:30 pm General Admission
• 8:00 pm Class I, II, and III
• 9:15 pm Class IV, V, VI
• 10:30 pm Last Pour
• 10:45 pm After Party at Made Restaurant
Session 1, 8:00 pm to 8:45 pm
Class I The History of North American Whisk(e)y History One Sip at a Time with Michael Ring, Brown Forman Brand Champion
Class II Michter's: It's All About the Whiskey with Pam Heilmann, Distiller
Class III The Art of Japanese Whisky with Gardner Dunn, Yamazaki Ambassador
Session 2, 9:15 pm to 10:00 pm
Class IV Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey with Jess Graber, Founder of Tincup Whiskey
Class V Glenmorangie: Finishes and More with David Blackmore, Global Brand Ambassador
Class VI: Cigar and Whisky Pairing with Montecristo cigars presented by Atul Solanki, owner of the Cigar Castle in Tampa and Philip Pepperdine, Bowmore Ambassador.
With 250 whiskies available to sample, the Grand Tasting features dozens of the world's premium global brands as well as many emerging craft distillers. Taught by industry professionals, our six seminar-style master classes present an opportunity for in-depth learning and interactive tastings with distillers and brand ambassadors.
• VIP admission is limited to 150 guests and includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and one hour early entrance at 6:30 pm.
• VIP hour pours of ultra-premium, fine, expensive, and rare spirits (details will be available on the event website).
• One $50 retail voucher for purchases and special orders placed on Friday, April 1, 2016 during the Whiskey Obsession Festival grand tasting.
• Greater opportunity to interact with distillery ambassadors and industry professionals.
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Priority seating at small group seminar classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d' oeuvres.
|Hibiki Japanese Harmony
|Glenmorangie Milsean Single Malt Scotch
|Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey
|Larceny Bourbon
|Michter's Bourbon
|Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
|Maker's 46 Cask Strength Bourbon
|High West Yippee Ki Yay
|Hakashu 12 Year Japanese Single Malt
|Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey
|Jim Beam Stillhouse 6 Year Bonded Bourbon
|Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
|Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye
|Michter's Barrel Strength Rye
|High West Campfire
|Ardbeg Perpetuum Single Malt Scotch
• General admission is limited to 500 guests and includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and entrance at 7:30 pm
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Seating as available at small group seminar classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d' oeuvres.
• Companion admission is limited to 75 guests and includes entrance with VIP or general admission ticket holders.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d' oeuvres.
Watch the video above as Coach Calipari has been ejected from the University of Kentucky vs. South Carolina Gamecocks, BourbonBlog.com asks "What Bourbon should Coach Calipari drink as he watched the game from the locker room?" Tell us below under comments on this link and tweet to us at @BourbonBlog with your suggestions.
Coach Calipari said something which earned him the first technical, got in the refs face for the second, then was held off by his players. Somehow, he untucked his shirt in the process. After Gamecocks' Mindaugas Kacinas was called for an offensive foul for bowling over the Wildcats' Jamal Murray while contesting for a rebound.
What seemed to trigger it was that the officials did not call a foul on the Gamecocks' Michael Carrera when he leaped over a pair of Kentucky players and scored.
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Michter's tells BourbonBlog.com that Master Distiller Willie Pratt has approved the release of Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye in March 2016 for suggested U.S. retail price of $150 per 750ml bottle. The last bottling of this rare Kentucky Straight Rye took place in 2014.
We've seen elevated interest in Michter's and appreciation for the quality of whiskey they release. When BourbonBlog.com 's Tom Fischer and actress Dawn Wells (Mary Ann of Gilligan's Island) appeared at a recent whiskey tasting event in Hollywood, Michter's was a favorite among guests.
While you may see us pouring more Michter's at more bourbon tastings, we know you'll have the chance to see Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye. We turn to distiller Pratt for more below…
"I wasn't very popular with the sales guys who had none to sell, but I held the 10 Year Rye stocks back for a bit more maturation. I thought they would be just great with some more age, and I couldn't be happier with how things turned out," Pratt tells us.
Watch our video interview below with Pratt who the Michter's sales force nicknamed"Dr. No" due to his frequent refusal to release whiskeys before he believes they have sufficiently matured. Mr. Pratt did not bottle any of his older rye stocks in 2015 despite the fact that they were already over 10 years old.
Pratt is pictured here along with Michter's Distiller Pam Heilmann and Vice Preisdent & General Manager Andrea Wilson
Michter's Distillery is located in the Shively section of Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of the American whiskey industry. It makes highly acclaimed, limited production whiskeys that have been subject to allocation because demand has exceeded supply.
Because Chinese New Year 2016 and Mardi Gras fall together this year, a few cocktails to celebrate both. These come from BourbonBlog.com's friends at HKB Baijiu and Jade 1901 Absinthe.
For more cocktail suggestions, subscribe to our newsletter.
1.5 oz HKB Baijiu
1 oz goji berry ginger syrup
.75 oz fresh lime juice
Top with sparkling water or club soda
Method: Build in shaking tin. Pour the Baijiu, goji berries ginger syrup, and the lime juice into a shaking tin for a quick dry shake. Add ice, shake and strain over Collin glass top with sparkling water or club soda.
Garnish: Skewer candied ginger, and 4-5 goji berries
Goji berry Ginger Syrup
1/4 cup of gojiberries
32 ounces / 4 to 5 quart of fresh peeled ginger root, cut into half inch chunks.
24 ounces fine sugar
Juice blender
1. Soak gojiberries in room temperature water for 10 minutes.
2. Place fresh ginger into a juice presser, press the fresh ginger juice into a quart container.
3. Stir sugar into ginger juice until sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Add 32 ounces Ginger syrup and 1/4 cup of gojiberries into the blender and liquid blend. Strain over fine strainer into a quart and can be store up to 1 month
1 ¼ oz HKB
¾ oz Jade 1901 Absinthe
½ oz Midori
¾ oz lemon juice
6 dashes lemon oleo-saccharum
Method: In an N2O-charged ISI canister, combine 1 oz lemon juice, 6 dashes lemon oleo-saccharum, 3 egg whites, and 1 oz simple syrup. In a cocktail shaker, combine HKB, Jade 1901 Absinthe Supérieur, Midori, lemon juice, and lemon oleo-saccharum. Shake. Lay the ISI foam foundation on the bottom of a cocktail glass about 1 ½ inches deep. Slowly pour the contents of the shaker down the side of the glass so the liquid lies under the foam foundation. Garnish with viola flowers.
2 ounces HKB
1 ½ ounces OM Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Liqueur
½ ounce OM Cranberry Blood Orange Liqueur
2 dashes orange bitters
Method: Stir with ice. Strain into cocktail glass
1 ½ -3 oz. Jade Nouvelle-Orleans
Dash of simple syrup
6-8 mint leaves and sprig
Splash of club soda
Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a frappe style glass. Add the absinthe,
simple syrup and fill with crushed ice. Pour the mixture into a shaker and
shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker begins to frost. Pour
contents into the glass, top with a splash of club soda and garnish with a
mint sprig.
1.25 ounces Dassai Nigori Sake
.75 ounce HKB Baijiu
1 cherry tomato
3 to 4 leaves Italian basil
.75 ounce fresh lemon
.5 ounce tomato water
.5 ounce cane syrup
.30 rice vinegar
Method: Build in mixing tin. Muddle 1 piece cherry tomato and basil, add all ingredients into mixing tin. shake and double strain over iced glass garnish with skewer 1 leaf of basil and 1/4 piece of cherry tomato.
Garnish: Skewer cherry tomato and basil
Diageo tells BourbonBlog.com that The Gifted Horse American Whiskey will be the seventh Orphan Barrel release at a price of $50 a bottle. The Gifted Horse (115 proof/57.5% ABV). Gifted Horse is comprised of 38.5% 17-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, distilled at the Bernheim Distillery historically located at 17th and Breckinridge in Louisville, Ky., while operated by United Distillers.
It also contains 51% four-year-old bourbon and 10.5% four-year-old corn whiskey, both produced at a high-quality distillery in Indiana (which we presume was sourced from MGP).
Diageo and The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. hints that there are future international releases to come. We'll bring you our review on BourbonBlog.com.
Some time ago at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Ky., a batch of beautiful 17-year-old Kentucky bourbon was accidentally mixed with barrels of much younger whiskey. This error turned out better than anyone could have expected as the older bourbon wasn't marred, but was transformed into something surprisingly special. Realizing this unique liquid deserved a home, The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. releases the The Gifted Horse American Whiskey.
The Gifted Horse's package design reflects the lucky fortune in discovering such a unique whiskey, featuring a lighthearted illustrative style, a horseshoe and the prominently featured Gifted Horse image. Hinting at what's inside the bottle, the weathered red label entices those to discover a whiskey bold and flavorful.
The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. was started in 2014 and BourbonBlog.com was the first to broke the story about the portfolio in 2013.
Diageo says that the goal to locate nearly forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world and share them with discerning adult fans.
The Gifted Horse follows six previous Orphan Barrel releases, all Kentucky bourbons: Barterhouse (20-Year-Old), Old Blowhard (26-Year-Old), Rhetoric (20-Year-Old and 21-Year-Old), Lost Prophet (22-Year-Old) and Forged Oak (15-Year-Old). Orphan Barrel reminds discerning adult fans lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle to sip slowly and responsibly.
They say theirs is "an endeavor to rescue nearly forgotten barrels of delicious whiskey and share them with discerning adult consumers. We are inspired by creativity, delicious whiskey, good times and great stories."
The project is owned and run by Diageo and headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn.
Named in honor of two of founding distiller Booker Noe's favorite things — whiskey and bluegrass music — this batch features a custom label depicting a banjo, one of the most popular and distinctive instruments in bluegrass music.
"My Dad, Booker, created Booker's Bourbon to be his version of the perfect whiskey — uncut and full of rich flavor," Fred Noe, Beam's 7th Generation Master Distiller. tells BourbonBlog.com.
"Booker's Bluegrass is a reflection of just that, and is a true testament to Dad's larger-than-life personality. Whenever there was bluegrass music, he could be found dancing front-and-center or trying his hand at playing with the band."
Booker's 2016 Batch Collection is created in honor of Booker Noe and the namesake recipe his bourbon was founded on more than 25 years ago. Each batch in the 2016 collection will feature a one-of-a-kind label and batch name that offers an unprecedented look into Booker's life, both at the distillery and with friends and family.
"Booker's Bluegrass" was selected by Fred Noe to ensure that every batch contains a full-bodied whiskey that matches Booker's personal whiskey preference.
Proof: 127.9
Age: 6 years, 11 months, 0 days
Batch Notes: Made with barrels culled from seven different rack houses, this batch has a pleasant nose that offers notes of vanilla and toasted nuts with a smooth and well balanced finish.
We'll bring you our full review on BourbonBlog.com. Subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter for Bourbon and whiskey updates like this.]]>
The new Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye Whiskey will soon be released at 47% (94 proof) for a suggested retail price of around $50-60 / 750 ml bottle.
BourbonBlog.com is the first media outlet to talk about and review this new release. We get an early taste of Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye Whiskey as it is featured at the "Bourbon Feast" we host this weekend.
Watch my interview with Pat Fred of RNDC about the new rye in the video below.
The mashbill contains 70% rye and is said to have been featured in the upper reaches of the barrelhouses.
Regardless of whether you are a fan of other Jack Daniel's whiskeys – and by the way I am – the Single Barrel Rye has a flavor and complexity all its own.
The entry has vanilla and sugars that are well-balanced against charred barrel. Thereafter, the apple, apricot and some spice begin to come alive. The finish finds its way to baking spice flavors, but doesn't go too far into the cinnamon realm. The finale provides good diffusion of bold flavor and a luscious, creamy linger.
This is a serious whiskey which will take drinkers on a flavor journey which builds from beginning to end. This is balance and journey are both hallmarks to a fine whiskey.
This release will initially only be available in the United States. The barrels were made to specification by Brown-Forman's own Cooperage. No age statement is given.
Subscribe to our whiskey newsletter on this link to be first to learn about new releases before anyone else.
BourbonBlog.com invites you to a feast of cuisine with a sampling of the finest cuisine, Bourbons and whiskeys at Acropolis on Saturday, January 30.
Tom Fischer will join Doros and Ellada Hadjisavva to host an whiskey night like you've never seen in the Tri-State.
Featured whiskeys and how to purchase tickets below and watch the video above with Tom and Doros.
TICKETS: $75, buy tickets here, includes Bourbon, food, tax and gratuity. Cash bar will also be available. Or call 812-475-9320 to reserve.
WHEN: Saturday, January, 30, 6 to 9 pm
WHERE: Acropolis Restaurant & Catering, 501 N Green River Rd, Evansville, Indiana 47715
Wild Turkey Diamond
Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey
Old Medley 10-Year-Old Bourbon
Smooth Amber Contraction
Michter's Unblended Small Batch American Whiskey
WhistlePig Whiskey 12 Year Old World
Breckenridge Bourbon
Hudson Baby Bourbon
Bulleit 10-Year-Old Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon
E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
Bottled at 90.4 proof, it has a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 375ml bottle. It is only available for at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and select retailers in Kentucky
Master Distiller Chris Morris explains how the record-low temperatures in Kentucky during the 2013 Polar Vortex influenced the whiskey:
The product began as Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Four Wood bottled for export. One pallet of Four Wood. Our Woodford Reserve Master's Collection exports always lag behind the product's domestic launch by up to a year. So the product was in glass awaiting shipment in an unheated shipping facility when the "vortex" hit.
Since Four Wood had a significant amount of wine character from its finishing in Sherry and Port casks it became cloudy at -29F.
Once the temperature warmed up this pallet of Four Wood stayed cloudy and was therefore unsaleable. Instead of destroying the product I had the bottles emptied and the product refiltered (after much experimentation) to return its clarity and brilliance.
This of course required the removal of a portion of the port and Sherry barrels. The result is a whiskey that is slightly less sweet and fruity than the original. Still awesome!
The Distillery Series expressions are small-batch offerings available only at the distillery and select retailers in Kentucky.
Frosty Four Wood joins the prior two Distillery Series expressions, Double Double Oaked and Sweet Mash Redux. Unveiled in July 2015, the Distillery Series is Woodford Reserve's latest line of complex offerings.
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. tells BourbonBlog.com that due to increasing demand, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon will soon drop the 12-year-old age statement and be replaced with a blend of 8 to 12-year-old Bourbon. Not long ago, the distillery moved the 12-year-old age statement to the back of the bottle (see photos above). Since then, the Bourbon became known as "Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon," but the actual whiskey was stated on the bottle to have been aged at least 12 years.
So how does the new version of Elijah Craig taste with younger Bourbons as compared to the original Elijah Craig 12? We ask Bernie Lubbers, Brand Ambassador at Heaven Hill Distilleries.
"It tastes different. But still delish. I'm sure everyone will be tasting and posting notes," says Lubbers.
Regardless if you have tasted the new expression or intend to, tell us how you feel about the removal of age statements by voting in our poll below and leave a comment. Because the response on social from consumers like you may affect what decisions all distilleries make on future releases for age statements, we encourage you to Tweet by simply clicking here asking your friends to vote as well.
While Heaven Hill says that this Bourbon will contain 8 to 12-year-old Bourbons for now, it is important to note that a lack of age statement on any brand of Straight Bourbon Whiskey indicates no legal guarantee of what is actually in the bottle except that it at least 4-years-old.
The new batches of Elijah Craig will soon be shipped with the 94 proof and price remaining the same for now.
Lubbers says demand is up so much that Heaven Hill would have to actually go into allocation with a price increase if they had kept the the fully aged 12-year old.
Lubbers explains this is a good problem to have. "Tough decisions having to be made. But we still have more products age stated than anyone in the industry," Lubbers tells BourbonBlog.com.
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon will stay at 12-years-old for now.
The dropping of the age statement news for Elijah Craig 12-year-old comes after the re-release to the market of the Elijah Craig 18-year-old this past October.
There is no word yet if Elijah Craig 12 will ever return as it once was. As BourbonBlog.com will stay with this story, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter on this link so we can update you.
A popular cocktail made with Elijah Craig 12 over the years has been The Barnyard. Created by BourbonBlog.com Mixologists Stephen Dennison, it leverages the strong cooperage flavor of the Elijah Craig 12 along with a small touch of Islay Scotch and a few other surprises. Cocktail recipe here.
Bourbon Classic returns for the fourth annual Bourbon-culinary experience in Louisville at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts on February 26 and 27, 2016.
BourbonBlog.com has brought you coverage of this event that attracts Bourbon enthusiasts and culinary adventurists from across the country since 2013. A complete cross-section of the Bourbon industry will attend: Bourbon distilling legends, writers, chefs, bartenders, connoisseurs, and casual enthusiasts.
Tickets are on sale now at www.BourbonClassic.com or call Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts at 502-584-7777
This year, Bourbon Classic will kick off with an exclusive pre-event reception, Bourbon Classic Top Shelf, on Tuesday, February 23th. Julian and Preston Van Winkle along with Chef Sean Brock will participate in this exclusive event featuring Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons: 10y, 12y, 15y & 20y. For those of you who attended last year, this was similar to last year's event which we have included our video coverage of below.
In addition to mingling with Julian and Preston Van Winkle, we'll be joined by Chef Sean Brock of Husk Restaurant (Charleston, Nashville), winner of two James Beard Awards (2010 Best Chef Southeast, 2015 American Cooking), and many other accolades.
This evening event will feature progressive pairings inspired by fine quality of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and will be held at Cooperand Kings American Brandy (Louisville). A limited number of tickets to this Kentucky Department of Travel & Tourism supported reception are available to the general public.
The Bourbon Classic was co-founded by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group, an establishedevent planning and marketing firm based in Louisville, and Justin Thompson, Seth Thompson, and Bob Eidson of The Bourbon Review.
From the Barrel to the Bar:
Bourbon Classic Cocktail Challenge
"Mix things up" at this exciting exploration of what's classic and contemporary in the world of bourbon cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Teams of master bartenders will be matched with an acclaimed chef and Bourbon Classic sponsor distillery – and vie for the title of "perfect cocktail." Meet the contestants and hear them discuss their creations … chat with the distillers and representatives about what makes the brands unique … and enjoy a tasting portion of each cocktail and small plate. A select panel of media personalities and industry experts will evaluate the cocktails individually and as pairings and select the winner.
Sazerac, do you feel comfortable with $543.5 million? It appears you do…
Brown-Forman Corporation tells BourbonBlog.com that it has reached an agreement to sell its Tuaca and Southern Comfort (known for their "Whatever's Comfortable" slogan). Brown-Forman has marketed Southern Comfort since acquiring the brand in 1979. The company acquired Tuaca in two transactions, completing the purchase in 2002.
The sale of these brands is expected to close by March 1, 2016 resulting in a one-time operating income gain for Brown-Forman of approximately $475 million in fiscal 2016.
To celebrate the sale, watch BourbonBlog.com 's video coverage of a Tuaca Drinks & Ink event in Denver with tattoo artist Corey Miller.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory clearance in the U.S. and customary closing conditions, will be discussed in further detail during Brown-Forman's March conference call following the issuance of its third quarter earnings release.
"We are very excited about the opportunity to acquire such iconic brands. Brown-Forman has done an excellent job of building both brands over the years and we are looking forward to many more years of successful brand building." Mark Brown, President / CEO of the Sazerac Company.
Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga says the decision to sell these brands reflects the company's evolving portfolio strategy and a continuation of its efforts to focus resources on its highest strategic priorities. Brown-Forman has actively managed its portfolio over the last decade by developing, acquiring and divesting specific brands and categories with the aim of improving the growth and value creation prospects for its business.
"We're proud of the work undertaken over the years by our employees and partners on behalf of Southern Comfort and Tuaca," says Varga. "Both brands played important roles in the Brown-Forman success story, and we will have fond memories of the enjoyment they brought to consumers, our partners, and to Brown-Forman."
The investment is the second for Constellation Ventures, the company's corporate venture capital function, focused on identifying smaller- scale investment opportunities related to innovative concepts and emerging categories within beverage alcohol.
Constellation Ventures made its inaugural minority stake investment in August 2015 with Crafthouse Cocktails, a producer of authentic, ready-to-drink, super-premium spirit-based cocktails created by the well-known Chicago mixologist, Charles Joly.
"Nelson's Green Brier Distillery was an established whiskey business pioneered by our great-great-great grandfather, and we are honored to continue his legacy," said Charlie Nelson (pictured below with his brother Andy Nelson), CEO of Nelson's Green Brier Distillery tells us. "With the support and business acumen of Constellation Ventures, we are eager to progress to the next level in re-our family business while building a strong portfolio of whiskies."
"Nelson's Green Brier Distillery brings together two of today's hottest trends in spirits – whiskey and craft," said Bill Newlands, executive vice president and chief growth officer, Constellation Brands. "The entrepreneurial spirit that made Nelson's Green Brier Distillery great nearly 150 years ago is winning accolades and enthusiasts again today.
Constellation Brands' support of this entrepreneurial spirit will help Nelson's Green Brier Distillery accelerate growth as they continue to re-introduce these unique whiskies."
Originally founded in 1860 by German immigrant Charles Nelson, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery was one of the largest whiskey producers in the U.S. before a statewide Prohibition closed the distillery's doors in 1909.
Charles' great-great-great grandsons, Andy and Charlie Nelson, reopened the distillery in 2014, using the original family recipe for their Tennessee whiskey.
For more updates like this, subscribe to our free Bourbon newsletter]]>
Since this past Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 when we published this update on the stolen Pappy Van Winkle bottles, Sheriff Melton tells BourbonBlog.com there now likely won't be an auction of the bourbons.
Click to listen to full details in our podcast interview above as Melton explains that Julian Van Winkle, President of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, has today expressed concerns that the bottles may be tampered.
Sheriff Melton says Julian Van Winkle (pictured below) originally supported the idea of an auction. According to Melton, Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate also expressed his support for the auction.
Melton says that Julian Van Winkle is now concerned that the contents of the sealed bottles could have been tampered with while in the hands of thieves.
Melton explains that one concern is a syringe or other mechanism could have been used infect the bottle. While Melton wanted to include a certificate of authenticity and have the auctioned bottles verified as legitimate from strip stamps and / or other methods, he says Julian's main concern is liability.
As BourbonBlog.com was first to report on an auction, Melton says that our story this past Saturday prompted some inquiries.
"The story we did (on BourbonBlog.com) was picked up evidently by AP and we started getting calls yesterday about the bourbon and what our plans were and what we wanted to do," Melton says. "That has caused quite a stir. At the end of the day, we have abide by what the judge tells us to do.
Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate is the judge who will make the final decision on what will happen to all the stolen bourbon once the case adjudicated. Melton says he believes Wingate will likely follow wishes of Julian Van Winkle.
BourbonBlog.com has reached out to Julian Van Winkle for further comment with no response thus far.
"I understand that and totally respect Julian Van Winkle's decision," Melton tells us.
BourbonBlog.com wants to know if YOU think the stolen Pappy Bourbon should be auctioned or destroyed? Vote in the poll underneath the story below.
"We want to see positive come from this; we don't want anything negative." Melton says that if by some off chance a thief had done something to a bottle and someone bought it auction, that is not what the Sheriff's office would want to see happen.
Sheriff melton predicts there will be some activity on the case in the next 30 to 60 days.
Sheriff Melton tells usthat he always wanted to see the stolen Bourbon auctioned for charity but always maintained that the Judge would make the final decision.
In case you're catching up on our stolen Bourbon updates, we're including the complete timeline below and subscribe to our Bourbon newsletter for continued updates on the story.
The charities which still may benefit from a possible auction of the stolen barrels are Kentucky Sheriff's Association Boys and Girls Ranch and United States Marine Corps EOD (for Wounded Warriors and Families of those who have lost service members).
If the auction is held, we have offered to donate a hosted Bourbon tasting in order to help raise funds. Now that the stolen Pappy may not be auctioned, if you have any suggestions or ways to the auction we invite you to contact BourbonBlog or the Franklin County Sherif's Office.
Additionally, as this is an ongoing investigation, anyone with additional information on bourbon thefts is encouraged to contact Franklin County Sherif's Office.
Photo credits: Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post bottles photo.
10-16-2013 – Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon first reported stolen, first interview with Sheriff Melton – BourbonBlog.com is first to ask about a possible reward, which is offered later.
10-18-2013 Spotting the Stolen Pappy – BourbonBlog.com is first to raise the question of recorded strip stamp numbers on the bottles of stolen Pappy to aid detectives and consumers in identifying the stolen bottles from any other bottle of Pappy. This is a question that is yet unanswered to this day.
10-23-2013 Surveillance Footage released – public asked for help in locating "person of interest."
10-24-2013 Interview with Liquor Store Where Pappy Suspect Was Caught on Camera – BourbonBlog.com is first to identify Package & More Liquor Store as the location where the "person of interest" was captured on surveillance.
10-27-2013 Bardstown High Principal Chris Pickett Identified as Man in Pappy Surveillance Video
10-28-2013 BourbonBlog interviews Attorney of Chris Pickett – First interview of its kind with attorney for Chris Pickett.
11-24-2013 Bardstown High School Principal No Longer Person of Interest, interview with Sheriff Melton
12-02-2013 $10,000 Reward Offered in Pappy Theft Case
04-03-2014 Five Whiskey Worth Stealing BourbonBlog.com organizes historic tasting of other rare bourbons and whiskeys.
12-14-2014 Sheriff Believes He Knows Identity of the "Pappy Thief." Interview with Sheriff Melton –
03-12-2015 Wild Turkey Bourbon Theft Suspect Arrested, Pappy Van Winkle Connection? Interview with Sheriff Melton
4-10-2015 Major Announcement coming in the Bourbon Theft Case
4-21-2015 Great Bourbon Syndicate: 9 Kentuckians Steal Bourbon for 7 Years
5-19-2015 Former Buffalo Trace Security Guard Indicted in Great Bourbon Syndicate
5-23-2015 Five Accused Members of Great Bourbon Syndicate Enter Plea
6-5-2015 Security Guard and Others To Testify Against Ringleader in Great Bourbon Syndicate
8-7-2015 New Guilty Plea in Stolen Bourbon Case Reveals Crimes Date Back To 2006
8-13-2015 More Stolen Bourbon Recovered]]>
The distillery is named after an Iron Forge that once sat on the land, is located a short distance from the historic Old Mill providing easy access to freshly ground grain.
For each drink:
Fresh lime juice, crushed peppermint candy
2 ounces Old Forge Vodka
.75 ounce peppermint schnapps
Garnish: mint sprig, vanilla bean (optional)
Place juice of 1 lime and candy on separate small plates. Rim a stemmed cocktail glass with lime juice, then dip in candy. Combine Old Forge Vodka and peppermint schnapps in a cocktail shaker; add ice and shake to chill. Strain into rimmed glass. Garnish with mint sprig and vanilla bean, if using.
For each drink:
1 ounce Old Forge Chocolate Moonshine
1 ounce Old Forge Vodka
.5 ounce peppermint schnapps (or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract(
Vanilla bean pods scraped from 1/2 vanilla bean
2 ounces heavy cream]]>
Old Limestone mixing water, used as a splash or in ice cubes for bourbon, is the first bottled water to be sourced from an ancient limestone aquifer that runs underneath the Kentucky bluegrass region, the same aquifer that has drawn bourbon distillers for centuries.
As water passes over limestone, iron is filtered out producing a sweet-tasting mineral water. In addition to improved taste, the removal of iron prevents bourbon mash from turning black making it a sought after resource for distillers.
Bottled at a free-flowing spring 130-feet below Bourbon country's rolling hills in Wilmore, Ky., Old Limestone is certified Kentucky Proud and has received multiple accolades.
Old Limestone, sold in a 750ml French pure flint glass bottle ($9.95) and a 1L PET bottle ($3.95), can be purchased at oldlimestone.com and select retailers throughout the country.
Old Limestone tells us their water is also used by coffee, iced tea and lemonade enthusiasts and as a mixer with vitamins like EmergenC.
"Not only does Old Limestone have a smooth feel on the palette, it's iron-free, allowing it to bring out the true flavor and aroma of bourbon without altering it," Old Limestone Founder Douglas Keeney tells BourbonBlog.com. "If you're going to invest in a high-end bottle of bourbon, why wouldn't you complement it with a quality mixer?"
Old Limestone Mixing Water carries the slogan "The Official Companion of Kentucky Bourbon."Keeney says it is first bottled water sourced from an ancient limestone aquifer in Bourbon country known for its iron-free properties.
Learn more about unique Bourbons and products to enhance your whiskey experiences by subscribing to our Bourbon Newsletter.]]>
1-5-2016: An update the story has happened which will likely change the auction click here for most recent update and read original story below.
Click play above to stream and listen to our podcast interview above as we report that one of the greatest holiday gifts as we end the year (and Bourbon blessings as we begin 2016) is that the 28 bottles of stolen Pappy Van Winkle are scheduled to be saved and auctioned for charity.
Given the scarcity of Pappy Van Winkle on the whole combined with the historical value of the theft, these stolen bottles could represent one of the most unique collections ever.
Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton tells BourbonBlog.com in this exclusive interview that the plan is to auction the stolen bourbon rather than destroying it. Melton says that Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate will ultimately hand down the order allow the Bourbon to be auctioned one the case is adjudicated. Melton says that while the judge has the final say, Wingate has expressed support for the auction.
Since the unveiling of the stolen Pappy Van Winkle and other evidence during the famous press conference in April 2015 when the indictment was announced, Melton has been clear that he wanted to preserve the untainted and unopened bottles of stolen Bourbon.
The bottles to be auctioned include Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 year, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year, and Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 year.
Melton says that the empty Bourbon barrels will also be auctioned.
One partially opened bottle will be donated to the Capital City Museum in Frankfort, Kentucky.
All of this will happen after the case has been adjudicated. Melton says he hopes the case will go to trial toward the beginning of 2016.
Melton says he isn't sure yet if they will be sold as a lot or individually. However, the bottles will have a letter of authenticity included.
Currently, the charities being considered are Kentucky Sheriff's Association Boys and Girls Ranch and United States Marine Corps EOD (for Wounded Warriors and Families of those who have lost service members).
Nick Offerman and Lagavulin Scotch Whisky have released several videos for the holidays with non-stop sipping and sitting by the fireplace including a 45 minute (watch above) and 10 hour version.
Lagavulin tells BourbonBlog.com the videos help to celebrate the 49th anniversary of WPIX of New York's first Yule Log broadcast of a fireplace on Christmas eve night . The tradition started in 1966 and has continued inspiring countless varieties of media which give the ambience of a fireplace.
The official My Tales of Whisky YouTube channel also features Nick Offerman making a recipe with Oban 14 ( see below), also a part of Classic Malts of Scotland collection.
We invite you to check out our own BourbonBlog adventures on BourbonBlog on this link.]]>
On stores shelves now in select U.S. markets for a suggested retail price is $43.99 for 1 liter-size bottle.
Foerster's image on the bottle features a snow scene in the middle of winter at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. The impressionistic image features nine bourbon barrels resting on the barrel run in front of the distillery. Covered in a small amount of snow, the barrels are making their way to the warehouse where the bourbon will mature for several years. In the background, the sun is setting in hues of golden orange.
"Woodford Reserve is thrilled to collaborate with such a talented and experienced artist to showcase this beautiful scene from our distillery," Jason Kempf, Woodford Reserve brand director tells BourbonBlog.com. "His skillset for realistic landscape painting combined with his passion for impressionism makes his artwork picture perfect for the bottle.
Spending the majority of his professional life in advertising, copywriting and producing, Louisville native, Thomas Foerster consistently demonstrated strong visualization skills during his career in advertising.
The self-taught artist has been painting for nearly twenty-five years, working in oil, he concentrates primary on landscapes and cityscapes in a realistic style with a hint of impressionism. When painting, he aims to capture a realistic scene but still demonstrate vibrant brushwork and confident color choices.]]>
For those of you who are Maker's Mark Ambassadors, you should receive a 2015 Maker's Mark Holiday Gift special package for both you and your Maker's bottle in the mail.
In years past, scarves and sweaters have come that have been perfect to help your Maker's Mark bottle. For 2015, Maker's Mark decided to send two gives consisting of ear warmers for both humans and bottles.
Take a picture of your Maker's Mark ear muffs and tweet to us and include the hashtag #BourbonChristmas at @BourbonBlog and also include @MakersMark. Wait…
Did we say ear warmers for humans only? Apparently a few of you are finding new uses.
Subscribe to our free Bourbon newsletter on this link for the latest in Bourbon news. Have a safe and happy holiday and Christmas!
BourbonBlog.com invites you to celebrate holiday spirits as we're co-hosting a Twitter Party tonight, Monday, December 21st, 2015 at 9 pm ET with @ManTripping @BourbonBlog @Rick_OnTheRocks @Gunaxin and @MenWhoBlog to talk about spirits, cocktails and other things we enjoy about the holiday.
What do you enjoy? Tell us and…
Tweet: Join me for a sip tonight @ 9 pm ET to talk spirits w- @BourbonBlog @ManTripping @Rick_OnTheRocks @Gunaxin have a #MenWhoBlog Twitter Party]]>