May, 2023 - BourbonSphere

Five Dornoch

Dornoch 4 yo 2018/2022 (55.5%, OB, cask #54, 1st fill 100L ex-bourbon cask, 178 bottles)
Dornoch 5 yo 2017/2023 (58.2%, OB, cask #33, 1st fill bourbon octave, 88 bottles)
Dornoch 5 yo 2017/2023 (58.4%, OB, cask #14, 1st fill bourbon octave, 91 bottles)
Dornoch 5 yo 2017/2022 (59.06%, OB, cask #10, 1st fill bourbon octave, 80 bottles)
Dornoch 5 yo 2017/2022 (59.6%, OB, cask #4, 1st fill bourbon octave, 86 bottles)

Green River, the Whiskey Without Regrets, Launches Flagship Bourbons

A maturation warehouse at Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky.Green River is just a name. But, oh, what a name.As for the river itself, there is a Green River in just about every U.S. state, and elsewhere, but the one in Kentucky is the…

A maturation warehouse at Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Green River is just a name. But, oh, what a name.

As for the river itself, there is a Green River in just about every U.S. state, and elsewhere, but the one in Kentucky is the Green River John Prine sings about in his song, “Paradise.” Three-hundred-eighty-four miles long, all of it in Kentucky, the Green flows through Muhlenberg County and is still an important waterway for coal and aluminum producers in Western Kentucky.

The Green enters the Ohio between Owensboro and Henderson. In 1885, John W. McCulloch bought a small distillery on the Green called Green River. A few years later, he took the name and built a new distillery in Owensboro, along a rail line. His original slogan, “The Whiskey Without a Headache,” was banned by government regulators. He changed it to, “The Whiskey Without Regrets.” It was a huge success.

After Prohibition, the Green River Distillery became Medley Brothers. No one picked up the brand. Medley stopped distilling in 1992. Revived in 2016, it was rechristened Green River in 2020 with the McCulloch family’s involvement. About this time last year, Green River was acquired by Bardstown Bourbon Company. Both are now owned by Chicago's Pritzker Group.

We review all that history, and Green River’s recently-released flagship bourbons, in the new issue of The Bourbon Country Reader.

Other headlines in this issue: “Wyoming Whiskey Releases 10-Year Anniversary Edition Bourbon,” “Jeptha Creed, Kentucky Farmer-Distillers for the 21st Century,” “MGP/Luxco Acquires Penelope Bourbon Brand for $105M,” and we remember the late distiller, John Lunn.

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Launched in 1994, The Bourbon Country Reader is the oldest publication devoted entirely to American whiskey. It is a charming mix of news, history, analysis, and product reviews. Do you worry that advertising spending influences coverage in other publications? No chance of that here since The Bourbon Country Reader is 100 percent reader-supported. It accepts no advertising.

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Nevertheless, a subscription to The Bourbon Country Reader is a mere $25 per year for addresses in the USA, $32 USD for everyone else. The Bourbon Country Reader is published six times a year, more-or-less (this one is a little late), but your subscription always includes six issues no matter how long it takes. For those of you keeping track, this new one is Volume 21, Number 5.

Click here to subscribe with PayPal or any major credit card. Click here for a free sample (an older issue in PDF format). Click here to open or download "The Bourbon Country Reader Issue Contents in Chronological Order." (It's like an index, also PDF.)

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Wild Turkey 101 8-Year (2022)

Since its introduction in the early 1940s, Wild Turkey 101 has carried an eight-year age statement. Many presume the age statement was dropped entirely in the early 1990s. It was dropped, but only for the United States. Eight-year Wild Turkey 101 lived…

The post Wild Turkey 101 8-Year (2022) appeared first on Rare Bird 101.

TWiB: MGP Acquires Penelope Bourbon for $215M, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Changes Age Statement, Mark Brown Steps Down as CEO of Sazerac

It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 12th 2023. MGP and Luxco will acquire Penelope Bourbon for up to $215M, Elijah Craig […]

The post TWiB: MGP Acquires Penelope Bourbon for $215M, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Changes Age Statement, Mark Brown Steps Down as CEO of Sazerac appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 12th 2023. MGP and Luxco will acquire Penelope Bourbon for up to $215M, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof moves to variable age stated releases, and Mark Brown will step down as CEO and president of Sazerac in July.

Show Notes:

MGP and Luxco will acquire Penelope Bourbon for up to $215M
B.R. Distilling Company now offers tours at the distillery
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof moves to variable age stated releases
Wenzel Whiskey has acquired assets and an inventory of aged spirits from Ghost Coast Distillery
Mark Brown will step down as CEO and president of Sazerac in July
Scientists Have Discovered the Perfect Amount of Water to Add to Your Whiskey
HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys announces The Single Barrel Double Oak
Chattanooga Whiskey announced Experimental Batch 031: Red, White and Blue Grist
@penelopebourbon @bluenotebourbon @elijahcraig @wenzel_whiskeyhirschwhiskey @chattwhiskey
Support this podcast on Patreon

The post TWiB: MGP Acquires Penelope Bourbon for $215M, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Changes Age Statement, Mark Brown Steps Down as CEO of Sazerac appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

Mike And Matt Taste Driftless Glen Single Barrel Bourbon

The Driftless Glen Distillery is in Baraboo, Wisconsin. They have a 44 foot tall column still and a pot still doubler. They are making some very good Bourbon in Wisconsin. This is a single barrel pick from Westport Whiskey &… Continue Reading &#8…

Some Tullibardine

Tullibardine 2008/2022 ‘The Murray Triple Port Cask Finish’ (46%, OB, The Marquess Collection)Tullibardine 5 yo 2015/2020 (65.7%, Brachadair, ex-Koval cask, cask #9900483, 132 bottles)Tullibardine 2010/2016 (60.2%, Lombard for Blooming Gems, cask #6526…

Tullibardine 2008/2022 'The Murray Triple Port Cask Finish' (46%, OB, The Marquess Collection)
Tullibardine 5 yo 2015/2020 (65.7%, Brachadair, ex-Koval cask, cask #9900483, 132 bottles)
Tullibardine 2010/2016 (60.2%, Lombard for Blooming Gems, cask #652655, 242 bottles)
Tullibardine 13 yo 2006/2020 'Glory to Ukraine' (54.1%, SingleMalt.pl, 1st fill oloroso sherry hogshead)
Tullibardine 32 yo 1989/2021 (49.4%, Acla Da Fans, bourbon hogshead)

Inbox / The Week’s Whisky News (May 12, 2023)

Welcome to Inbox, our weekly round up of whisky news and PR material that has found its way in to our WFE email. It was created as we cannot write full articles or do justice to every piece received. It features items from around the world of whisky and is published by us each Friday. Within Inbox we aim to write a few lines detailing each press release/piece of news/PR event that we have received and provide links, where possible, for you to find out further information.

Here is the round-up of the news from this week.

________

Big Peat

The award-winning Islay blended malt of Big Peat has revealed details of its annual bottling for the Fèis Ìle festival on the famous whisky island. This year's limited batch is named The Smokehouse Edition and comes in at a strength of 48% ABV. It is also the first ever expression of Big Peat to be finished in ex-red wine casks. Big Peat is created using only single malts from Islay. Brand owners Douglas Laing & Co. will also be supporting local businesses with Big Peat at several events during the festival. Big Peat The Smokehouse Edition will be available in selected specialist retailers in Asia, Europe and the UK, and via www.douglaslaing.com. A bottle will cost £65/ €75.

Bladnoch

The Lowland distillery of Bladnoch has announced the release of a new series of whiskies that celebrates the nuances of the whisky making craft. The Dragon Series consists of five single malts with each bottling showing a pivotal moment in the production process. The collection draws inspiration from the Dragon Curve, a fractional curve in mathematics that suggest a stable and predictable pattern but often gives other outcomes.

The expressions are divided into five iterations. The 1st Iteration : The Field - Field to Distillery tells the story of barley sourced from local farms and the malting process. The liquid has been matured in re-fill ex-bourbon casks and is bottled at 46.7% ABV. The 2nd Iteration : The Spirit - Malt to Spirit captures the essence of mashing, fermentation and distillation within the distillery. It has been matured in first-fill and re-fill ex-bourbon casks and is bottled at 48.3% ABV.

The 3rd Iteration : The Casks - Tree to Cask considers the art of coopering and the oak used to make the barrels for maturation. It has been matured in a combination of American oak first-fill ex-bourbon and first-fill ex-sherry casks made from Spanish oak, and is bottled at 49.9% ABV. The 4th Iteration : The Ageing - New to Mature focusses on the unpredictable nature of spirit maturation. It has been matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and ex-red wine hogsheads, and is bottled at 51.1% ABV.

The 5th Iteration : The Decision - Complexity to Simplicity looks at role of the Master Blender and their work in the sample room, which determines when the whisky is ready. This has been matured in a combination of ex-Tokaji sweet wine casks from Hungary and Spanish ex-sherry casks. It is bottled at 53.1% ABV.

Each bottling in the series will cost £110 with the entire set of five selling for £550. The Dragon Series will be available in specialist whisky retailers in selected global markets, plus from the distillery shop in Wigtown and via www.bladnoch.com.

Isle of Raasay

The privately owned Isle of Raasay distillery has launched a distillery exclusive bottling to celebrate a recent award. The distillery was the winner of the coverted Tourism Destination of the Year 2022 at the Scottish Whisky Awards. For the limited edition release the distillery team, led by founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day, selected ex-sherry and ex-Manzanilla Pasada casks.

These were filled with lightly peated spirit and the whisky has been bottled at the natural cask strength of 63.5% ABV. The Isle of Raasay - Tourism Destination of the Year Edition will be on sale at the distillery shop and also exclusively to their online club members. There are just 2,500 bottles and these will be available to purchase from May 17. Each will cost £95.

Kilchoman

The family-owned Islay farm distillery of Kilchoman have announced the release of two Spring limited editions - the Kilchoman Cognac Cask Matured and Fino Sherry Cask Matured. The Cognac Cask Matured (pictured, left) is the first ever Kilchoman expression to feature maturation in ex-Cognac casks. These were sourced from Cognac house Tonellerie Bossuet in France. Heavily peated (50ppm) spirit was filled to these casks in 2016 and have matured for a minimum of six years. It is bottled at 50% ABV and there are just 15,100 bottles.

The Kilchoman Fino Sherry Cask Matured (pictured, right) is just the second ever release to feature ex-Fino sherry butts. These were selected by founder Anthony Wills and Robin Bignal, the Production Manager at Kilchoman. Just 20 butts were used and these were sourced from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain. They were filled with heavily peated (50ppm) spirit in 2018 and matured for a minimum of five years. There are just 15,650 bottles and these are released at 50% ABV. Both bottlings are non chill-filtered and of natural colour.

"The Cognac casks selected allow our fruit-driven, citrus spirit style to balance with that of the Cognac oak. There is a delicate balance to be found that ensures flavours from the spirit and the cask are easily detected.

The Fino Sherry maturation works incredibly well with our classic Kilchoman character. Fino is another example of sherry casks working together, not against, our spirit.”
Anthony Wills.

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Basil Hayden: The Official American Whiskey of Michelin Guide USA

In a bit of an interesting revelation, Basil Hayden has been announced as the Official American Whiskey of the Michelin Guide USA. Michelin Guide is kind of like the Academy Awards for restaurant recognition. The highly coveted 3 star award scale system goes back to 1936, founded initially in Europe. The MG USA didn’t hit […]

The post Basil Hayden: The Official American Whiskey of Michelin Guide USA first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

In a bit of an interesting revelation, Basil Hayden has been announced as the Official American Whiskey of the Michelin Guide USA.

Michelin Guide is kind of like the Academy Awards for restaurant recognition. The highly coveted 3 star award scale system goes back to 1936, founded initially in Europe. The MG USA didn’t hit the states until 2005. A dram of irony, yes, the namesake is en-tire-ly after the tire company who created it as a roadside guide for dining excellence.

MICHELIN GUIDE 3 STAR SYSTEM (Source Wikipedia)

* “A very good restaurant in its category” (Une très bonne table dans sa catégorie)
** “Excellent cooking, worth a detour” (Table excellente, mérite un détour)
*** “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” (Une des meilleures tables, vaut le voyage).

This is an upper echelon chess move by Beam Suntory owned Basil, we kinda like it. Woodford has tied itself in the past to the James Beard Foundation. As has Rabbit Hole Distillery more recently. In 2019, Maker’s Mark had an “official partnership” with Bravo’s Top Chef. But outside of Knob Creek, there hasn’t been a whole lot of publicity and partnerships spotted with the James Beam Small Batch Portfolio.

Basil Hayden is in that category of a nice every day sipper. It’s 80 proof, quite approachable. And with a price point in the low $30’s, that makes it very approachable. It’s nice to see approachable pair with the perhaps unapproachable status of the MG, a good balance if you will.

PER THE PRESS RELEASE BELOW:

“Consumers seek out MICHELIN and Basil Hayden for similar reasons: They want an elevated experience,” said Cara Cornelius, vice president of food and travel experiences for MICHELIN Americas. “We know; however, people sometimes assume these experiences are out of reach, kept behind an expensive bill or impossible reservations. Our goal for this new partnership is to bring MICHELIN-level events to the consumer and show how sophistication and quality can be enjoyed by all.”

One of the most anticipated events is an immersive “tasting garden” that will travel to popular food festivals across the U.S. Kicking off this June, the co-branded footprint will feature a diner-inspired exterior that gives way to a surprise, high-end cocktail bar where attendees of legal purchase age or older will enjoy Basil Hayden craft cocktails paired with MICHELIN-inspired small bites. Designed as an inclusive entry point into the world of Basil Hayden and the MICHELIN Guide, attendees will depart having discovered perfect pairings and new occasions for bourbon.

In addition to the pop-ups, Basil Hayden will serve as an official partner of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide ceremonies and will present the MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award. The partnership will also include a suite of initiatives, including a sweepstakes where a lucky winner will get to experience a MICHELIN Star weekend – inclusive of fine dining and luxury accommodations.

Jonathan Marks, senior marketing director for Global Small Batch Bourbon at Beam Suntory, shares excitement for the collaboration. “We are honored to be the official American whiskey of the MICHELIN Guide. Both the MICHELIN Guide and Basil Hayden celebrate excellence in our craft and create unique experiences for consumers, making this the perfect partnership. At Basil Hayden, we aim to unlock experiences to make them accessible and approachable – just like our whiskey. Basil Hayden’s refined yet welcoming taste profile makes it appeal to both whiskey novices and seasoned bourbon drinkers,” Marks said.

The Basil Hayden and MICHELIN Guide pop-up tour kicks off this summer and will continue through the fall. The 2023 tour stops and dates are as follows.

2023 Tour Stops
Chicago, IL – Taste of Randolph, Jun 16-18
Denver, CO – Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 1-3
Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond, Sept 14-17
Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Sept 21-24
New York, NY – New York City Wine & Food Festival, Oct 12-15
San Diego, CA – San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Nov 11

For more info on Basil Hayden, please visit www.basilhayden.com

For the latest on the Bourbon Lifestyle, please visit us at www.thebourbonreview.com

The post Basil Hayden: The Official American Whiskey of Michelin Guide USA first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

NEW RELEASE: Chattanooga Whiskey’s “Experimental Batch 031: Red, White, & Blue Grist”, High Malt Bourbon

Chattanooga Whiskey recently announced the release of their newest whiskey, Experimental Batch 031: Red, White & Blue Grist. Made with a blend of stone-ground red, white and blue corn varieties, this commemorative batch celebrates the 10th anniversary of Tennessee’s “Whiskey Bill,” which, in May of 2013, legalized spirits production in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the first […]

The post NEW RELEASE: Chattanooga Whiskey’s “Experimental Batch 031: Red, White, & Blue Grist”, High Malt Bourbon first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Chattanooga Whiskey recently announced the release of their newest whiskey, Experimental Batch 031: Red, White & Blue Grist.

Made with a blend of stone-ground red, white and blue corn varieties, this commemorative batch celebrates the 10th anniversary of Tennessee’s “Whiskey Bill,” which, in May of 2013, legalized spirits production in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the first time in over 100 years.

This (their 31st batch since 2017) is a high malt bourbon made with three stone-ground corn varieties from Riverview Farms Milling (Ranger, GA), along with more than 25% pale malted barley. Aged for over 4 years in charred & toasted barrels, the finished whiskey showcases the delicate flavor impact of each corn varietal; offering notes of dried fig, sweet corn cake, berries & cream, almond croissant per the brand.

“Every one of our Experimental Single Batches is meant to have its own personality and story, and Batch 031 is no different. Red, White & Blue Grist highlights the unique flavor contributions from less common, stone-milled corn varieties, while also telling the origin story of how Chattanooga Whiskey got started,” said Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller and CPO.

Over 11 years ago, Chattanooga Whiskey’s Vote Whiskey campaign galvanized the local Chattanooga community into action, leading to the drafting of the now famous “Whiskey Bill.” Since the bill was signed into law by Governor Bill Haslam on May 16th, 2013, dozens of distilleries have since opened across the state – creating renewed interest and growth from one of the world’s most storied whiskey making regions. In honor of the anniversary of the bill’s signing, each commemorative bottle is adorned with a sticker that was inspired by the seal found on House Bill 102 – a copy of which is on display at the company’s Experimental Distillery.

About Chattanooga Whiskey
Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in over 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery now hosts over 40,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. The Riverfront Distillery is the production home to Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature Tennessee High Malt expressions: Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, 99 Rye, and the Bottled in Bond Vintage Series.
Chattanooga Whiskey: www.chattanoogawhiskey.com

For the latest in Bourbon Releases, please visit us at www.thebourbonreview.com

The post NEW RELEASE: Chattanooga Whiskey’s “Experimental Batch 031: Red, White, & Blue Grist”, High Malt Bourbon first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade 14-Year-Old Rye Whiskey: Brand’s First Rye Whiskey Release

Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade Rye Whiskey is first-ever Rye whiskey from Orphan Barrel. Born in Indiana, matured in Kentucky, and sealed in Tennessee, this limited release is a 14-year-old rye wit the bottle’s label, depicting Indiana’s state bird and flower, pays homage to its history. Master Blender Samantha Johnson believes it’s a unique addition for whiskey fans.

The post Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade 14-Year-Old Rye Whiskey: Brand’s First Rye Whiskey Release first appeared on BourbonBlog.

Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. tells BourbonBlog.com they have added a new gem to their collection: the first-ever Rye whiskey dubbed the Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade. This adventurous spirit, born in Indiana, nurtured in Kentucky, and finally sealed in Tennessee, embodies the company’s pursuit of quality.

Like all Orphan Barrel releases, this is a limited release. At 90 proof (45%), Scarlet Shade will be rolling out this month in May 2023 and can be found at select retailers nationwide for $199.99.

For Scarlet Shade’s Master Blender, Samantha Johnson, blending the rare 14-year-old Rye whiskey stocks was the perfect opportunity to share this brand’s first rye offering.

This whiskey has a unique story, moving from Indiana to Kentucky to age in new white oak barrels. This journey reflects its historical roots from the time before Prohibition. Today, as Rye whiskey is becoming popular again, Scarlet Shade is set to shine and make its own history.

Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. tells us that the 14-year-old rye has aromas of vanilla buttercream and lightly toasted oak, notes of warm baking spices, rye toast, and orchard fruits, with a finish of sweet orange marmalade dark chocolate.

About the Scarlet Shade Straight Rye Whiskey Label

The vibrant label design pays homage to the history of Scarlet Shade. In the center, the cardinal – the state bird of Indiana and Kentucky – is surrounded by Indiana’s state flower, the peony, and perched on a skull to honor lost loved ones. With its flash tattoo-style label, Scarlet Shade serves as a reminder to all who cross its path that the best whiskey memories last forever.

“For whiskey fans looking for a Rye with heritage, Scarlet Shade provides the opportunity to add a 14-year-old, incredibly rare offering to their collection,” Samantha Johnson, Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade Master Blender tells BourbonBlog.com. “This latest Orphan Barrel offering is a nod to the journey we are all on and the travelers that we are. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with whiskey enthusiasts and showcase the dedication that went into crafting Scarlet Shade.”

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The post Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade 14-Year-Old Rye Whiskey: Brand’s First Rye Whiskey Release first appeared on BourbonBlog.