May, 2023 - BourbonSphere

Tennessee’s Company Distilling Releases “Three Wood” Whiskey

Company Distilling announces the second release within its experimental product lineup, Tennessee Three Wood, a Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Apple Wood. This is the second exploratory offering by Company Distilling, the first (Seismic Rye Single Barrel) was announced in November of 2022. “Tennessee Whiskey was the logical next addition to our product portfolio. At …

“Tennessee Whiskey was the logical next addition to our product portfolio. At 86.5 proof, we feel it is the perfect complement to our tasting lineup and brings some welcomed sweet notes to the spiciness of our rye,” said Founder & Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett. “The proof point (86.5) is the area code for the Knoxville area, which we think is a fun hidden fact and continues to create a sense of place for our products in East Tennessee.”

Mellowed through maple charcoal, matured in charred white oak, and finished with toasted apple wood, Company Distilling’s Tennessee Three Wood celebrates the whiskey-making heritage of Tennessee. Through the “Lincoln County Process,” this recipe explores some of the diversity of fruit and hardwood trees in Tennessee.

A decade ago, the State of Tennessee passed legislation that defined what could be labeled as “Tennessee Whiskey.” If you compare the points of this 2013 state law to the federal code for bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey cannot be made in just any U.S. state but must be made in Tennessee. It also adds one additional process requirement beyond bourbon, which is that the new make distillate must be filtered through hard sugar maple charcoal after distillation and prior to entry into the new charred oak barrel for maturation.

Company Distilling invites you to celebrate International Tennessee Whiskey Day on May 21st with the following opportunities to gather aound, meet Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, and purchase the newly released Company Distilling Tennessee Three Wood.

Chattanooga Whiskey Marks 11 Years With New Founder’s Whiskey

Chattanooga Whiskey has released their Founder’s 11th Anniversary Blend. Formulated yearly by Founder & CEO Tim Piersant, Founder’s Anniversary Blend commemorates the company’s anniversary since releasing their first whiskey in April of 2012. Similar to last year’s vintage, this year’s blend includes two repeat inclusions: the company’s original law-changing “1816” whiskey recipe (Lawrenceburg, IN), along …

Similar to last year’s vintage, this year’s blend includes two repeat inclusions: the company’s original law-changing “1816” whiskey recipe (Lawrenceburg, IN), along with the company’s now signature “Barrel 91” recipe (Chattanooga, TN). These two solera-finished whiskeys from the “past” and “present” join whiskey from a third “Infinity” solera, which contrastingly contains an evolving blend of straight whiskeys from both of Chattanooga Whiskey’s source distilleries.

“Tasted on their own, the whiskey from each solera barrel is wildly different from the other,” said Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller and CPO, “From the traditional essence of ‘1816’, to the high-malt heritage of ‘91’, to the expressive and ever-changing ‘Infinity’, each barrel not only showcases the range of styles inherent to whiskey making, but also provides a range of options for blending.”

The new 1,645 gallon “Infinity” solera presents the company’s third solera collaboration with Foeder Crafters of America (St. Louis, MO), who also crafted the company’s “1816” and “91” barrels. Wrapped in lattice-styled stainless banding, the one-of-a-kind barrel reveals overlapping infinity, hourglass, and DNA helix symbols, collectively meant to symbolize the company’s never-ending commitment to innovation.

“Founder’s is a great example of how we continue to take the road less traveled. Having 3 Solera Barrels is completely unique to the industry,” said Founder & CEO Tim Piersant. “It’s a really cool opportunity to explore blending these 3 barrels together, and even cooler to be able to share that blend with others.”

A recurring release in the company’s range of core expressions, Founder’s Anniversary Blend will change from year-to-year and highlight each solera’s ever-evolving impact to the final blend. This year’s vintage is comprised of 25% “1816”, 50% “SB091”, and 25% “INFINITY”. Together, the blend of straight whiskeys offers notes of cream soda, chocolate chip cannoli, toasted oak, panna cotta, and candied walnut.

Founder’s 11th Anniversary Blend is bottled at 100 proof and crafted exclusively at the Chattanooga Whiskey Riverfront Distillery. More information about each mash bill is available at chattwhiskey.com/mashbills. Available at a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Loch Lomond Prepares For The Open With Pair Of Whiskies

Loch Lomond has released a pair of limited edition single malt whiskies – Loch Lomond Open Special Edition and Loch Lomond Open Course Collection – to celebrate this year’s British Open golf tournament, which will be held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on July 16-23, 2023. Loch Lomond had previously entered into a five-year […]

Loch Lomond Open Course Edition is a 22-year-old single malt whisky, bottled at 48.2% alcohol by volume [96.4 proof] and is said to offer notes of cinnamon, ginger, grapefruit, mango, pineapple and vanilla.

Loch Lomond Open Special Edition – a collaboration with professional golfer and Loch Lomond ambassador, Colin Montgomerie – was matured in American oak casks, finished in Rioja Alta Reserva casks, bottled at 46% alcohol by volume [92 proof] and is said to offer notes of dark chocolate, fruit and vanilla.

Only 4,500 bottles of Loch Lomond Open Course Edition are being made available for $295 per bottle while Montgomerie’s Loch Lomond Open Special Edition is being made available for $55 per bottle – both from Loch Lomond’s website.

Jefferson’s Bourbon Launches Marian McLain Entrepreneurial Fund

Jefferson’s Bourbon, renowned for its innovative approach to bourbon while staying true to its traditions, is launching the Marian McLain Entrepreneurial Fund, hosted by Jefferson’s founder Trey Zoeller, in partnership with celebrity business mogul and entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran (Shark Tank). The partnership will also celebrate the release of Jefferson’s Marian McLain – the brand’s newest bourbon created by Zoeller to […]

Jefferson’s Bourbon, renowned for its innovative approach to bourbon while staying true to its traditions, is launching the Marian McLain Entrepreneurial Fund, hosted by Jefferson’s founder Trey Zoeller, in partnership with celebrity business mogul and entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran (Shark Tank). The partnership will also celebrate the release of Jefferson’s Marian McLain – the brand’s newest bourbon created by Zoeller to pay homage to his 8th-generation grandmother, who overcame hardship to become a pioneering spirit in the whiskey world.

Corcoran – like Marian – took risks to pursue her dreams, even when it was incredibly hard, which eventually led her to build of one of the most successful real estate companies in the US. These parallels have blended beautifully; it’s what brought Zoeller and Corcoran together to further celebrate the pioneering spirits of hopeful entrepreneurs looking to start something new with the Marian McLain Entrepreneurial Fund.

About the Jefferson’s Bourbon Entrepreneurial Fund: Spearheaded by Jefferson’s Bourbon, Trey Zoeller, in partnership with Barbara Corcoran, the Marian McLain Entrepreneurial Fund is on a mission to inspire and empower innovative minds with the tenacity and determination exemplified by Zoeller’s 8th generation grandmother, Marian McLain. On the Jefferson’s website, small business hopefuls are welcome to submit their innovative business ideas with a short video. The grand prize winner, handpicked by Zoeller and Corcoran will receive $20K in funding to kickstart their venture, as well as a congratulatory call from Barbara, and a “shop talk” interview with Trey. Five runners up will also be selected to win $1K grants.

About Jefferson’s Marian McLain:

Following Jefferson’s 25th anniversary, the Marian McLain expression is a tribute to the brand founder’s 8th generation grandmother: one of the earliest women on record in American Whiskey. In 1799, Marian McLain was arrested for distilling and selling whiskey without paying taxes. Her tenacity and determination to provide for her family left a legacy that inspired both the Jefferson’s Bourbon brand and this exceptionally bold, balanced blend.Bold tasting notes like vanilla, caramel, pepper, cinnamon, red fruit, and brown sugar all shine through in this unforgettable blend, which serves as a true testament to the innovative and adventurous spirit of Marian McLain and is the bedrock upon which Jefferson’s stands for. Jefferson’s Marian McLain is bottled at 51% ABV (102 PROOF) and is available nationwide at fine spirit shops and restaurants/bars, starting April 2023 (SRP: $300 / 750ML).

InchDairnie Distillery – New Whisky Launch

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to attend the launch of a new Whisky from the brand new InchDairnie Distillery in Glenrothes, Fife. On arrival, we were greeted by...
thanks for reading Whisky Boys Whisky Blog

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to attend the launch of a new Whisky from the brand new InchDairnie Distillery in Glenrothes, Fife. On arrival, we were greeted by...

thanks for reading Whisky Boys Whisky Blog

MGP Ingredients to Acquire Penelope Bourbon

The upfront consideration is $105.0 million in cash to be paid at closing, with further potential earn-out contingent consideration of up to a maximum cash payout of $110.8 million measured through December 31, 2025 if certain performance conditions are met.

Premium plus American Whiskey brand consistent with MGP’s premiumization strategy focused on gross margin accretive growth brands

MGP Ingredients to Acquire Penelope Bourbon

TCHISON, Kan., May 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI), a leading provider of distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions, today announced that its Luxco, Inc. subsidiary has reached a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the equity of Penelope Bourbon LLC (“Penelope Bourbon” or “Penelope”) and its related assets. Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon is a family and founder-owned and operated American Whiskey company with a diverse portfolio of high-quality whiskeys in the premium-plus price tiers. The acquisition includes all intellectual property and inventory of bottled product, as well as Penelope’s aging whiskey inventory on a debt-and-cash-free basis. The upfront consideration is $105.0 million in cash to be paid at closing, with further potential earn-out contingent consideration of up to a maximum cash payout of $110.8 million measured through December 31, 2025 if certain performance conditions are met, reflecting the brand’s current growth potential. The acquisition is expected to be financed using MGP’s existing revolving credit facility and cash on hand.

Transaction Highlights

Enhances presence in growing American Whiskey category
Expands portfolio of premium-plus price point brands
Leverages Branded Spirits national distribution platform to extend Penelope’s reach
Current MGP Distilling Solutions customer
Expected to be immediately accretive to Branded Spirits segment gross margin and consolidated adjusted basic earnings per share after close
Anticipated total cost synergies of approximately $5 million by December 31, 2025
Transaction is anticipated to close in June 2023

“We are excited to welcome Penelope as part of our expanding premium-plus brand portfolio,” said David Colo, president and CEO of MGP Ingredients. “This acquisition aligns well with our premiumization strategy and our focus on growing high potential, high margin brands. Penelope is an excellent addition to our Branded Spirits portfolio as we look to expand its availability throughout our national distribution platform. We are enthusiastic about this acquisition and its ability to further our participation in the growing American Whiskey category while delivering meaningful long-term growth.”

“MGP has been an incredible partner of ours since we started our business in 2018. We are excited to take our partnership to the next level with the goal of accelerating Penelope’s growth for years to come,” said Michael Paladini, CEO & Founder of Penelope. “Since our initial product launch in 2019, it has been amazing to watch consumers embrace our brand. We look forward to expanding our partnership with MGP and building on our legacy,” said Daniel Polise, COO & Founder of Penelope.

Advisors
Reed Smith LLP acted as legal transaction advisor to MGP. TD Cowen served as exclusive financial advisor and BakerHostetler acted as legal transaction advisor to Penelope Bourbon.

About Penelope Bourbon

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has been one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after the founder’s daughter, Penelope boasts a series of straight bourbon whiskey expressions that are all uniquely blended from three different mash bills. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or mixing in a cocktail.

Penelope’s core expressions, Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect and Toasted Series, have received over 30 combined awards and industry accolades. Most recently, the brand won Double Gold and ‘Best of Class’ at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and was awarded three Double Platinum Medals – along with the title ‘Blender of the Year’- by the ASCOT Awards (2022).

In addition to its cornerstone expressions, Penelope continues to introduce new and innovative limited releases within its Cooper Series, Private Select and Founders Reserve lines.

Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in over 30 states and 4 countries. Proving that with enough love and care, and hard work, anything is possible. To learn more about Penelope, please visit penelopebourbon.com

Get to Know James E. Pepper Distilling Co.

Did you know that it is claimed that the oldest brand of whiskey was founded in 1780 and is Old Pepper? Also, did you know that in 2008, the brand has been revived at the site of the Henry Clay distillery in Lexington, Kentucky? And did you know that it is rumored that James E. Pepper is credited with the creation of the Old Fashioned cocktail? And lastly, did you know that this brand has been revived and is the #1 rated destination in Lexington on Trip Advisor? I didn't know any of this, but let's learn together.

Who was James. E Pepper and Distillery History?

James E. Pepper was a third generation distiller of the Pepper brand that was originally founded in 1780... because what better time to start a bourbon brand than during a revolutionary war? He lived from 1850 and passed away in 1906. Pepper continued use of his grandfather's original Revolutionary‐era recipes and nicknamed his whiskey "Old 1776". He is also credited with introducing the world to the Old Fashioned cocktail, which was said to have been invented in his honor by a bartender at the famed Pendennis Club in Louisville.

Col. James E. Pepper

Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book, published 1935

In terms of the brand, they became a distillery in the 1800s, and was known as the Henry Clay distillery (registered distillery DSP-KY-5). This distillery operated until 1917. The distillery was then purchased in 1934 by Schenley Industries, who was then the largest distiller in the country. They operated it until 1958, when it was closed due to consolidation in the industry.

Distillery in 1936

Reviving the Brand

The brand was revived in 2008 by entrepreneur Amir Peay. The old distillery was was completely rebuilt and restored with whiskey production starting again in 2017. The brand started out with sourced bourbon from MGP and Bardstown. Some of those sourced bourbons are still blended and used with the whiskeys blended at the distillery.

Warehouse used to age the barrels

Visiting

The James E. Pepper Distilling Co. is currently ranked the #1 attraction in of things to do in Louisville on Tripadvisor. The guided tour costs $20 ($10 for veterans and free for active military) and includes the story of the historic Pepper Brand & Distillery, time in the distillery museum, a tour of the working distillery, a tasting of their whiskeys, and a complimentary tasting glass. Tours are available:

Tues-Thursday: Tours start every hour - 10:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday: Tours start every hour - 10:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday: Tours start every half hour - 10:30 am-5:30 pm

Sunday: Tours every hour - Noon-4 pm

The distillery is located at:

1228 Manchester St, Unit 100
Lexington, KY 40504

Next time I'm in Lexington, this is a must-visit and next time I see a bottle on the shelves (the 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey '100 Proof' is available in Ohio!), I'm picking one up. I'd love to know what you think. Drop me a note in the comments.

Source: James E. Pepper Distillery
Photos courtesy of James E. Pepper Distillery

Three Distilleries Doing Sweet Mash Whiskey

The sweet mash process is a very old process. It differs from the sour mash process in that they don’t use any set-back in making the mash. There is a recipe for making sweet mash whiskey in the Kentucky Historical… Continue Reading →

A short set of Lowlanders

Rosebank 15 yo ‘Unblended single malt ‘ (50%, OB for Peck ? Milano, Zenith Italia import, +/-1980)St. Magdalene (Linlithgow) 14 yo 1982/1997 (58.7%, Cadenhead, Authentic Collection)Littlemill 33 yo 1989/2022 ‘The 26 #9’ (50.1%, Maltbarn, bourbon cask, …

Rosebank 15 yo 'Unblended single malt ' (50%, OB for Peck ? Milano, Zenith Italia import, +/-1980)
St. Magdalene (Linlithgow) 14 yo 1982/1997 (58.7%, Cadenhead, Authentic Collection)
Littlemill 33 yo 1989/2022 'The 26 #9' (50.1%, Maltbarn, bourbon cask, 37 bottles)
Auchentoshan 24 yo 1998/2022 (48.9%, Sansibar, Finest Whisky Berlin, bourbon barrel, 151 bottles)

“Bourbon Capital of the World” Hits the Brakes on New Whiskey-Related Projects (Episode 1003: May 7, 2023)

Bourbon’s construction boom in Central Kentucky is raising concerns in Nelson County, home to Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” County officials have reached a compromise with whiskey makers for a 90-day moratorium on planning approval for new warehouses in agricultural zones. Nelson County Judge Executive Tim Hutchins wants a review of current ordinances allowing virtually unfettered development of warehouses without public input, while allowing projects in areas zoned for industrial use to move forward. We’ll talk with Judge Hutchins on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth about the moratorium and the impact of losing millions of dollars in barrel tax revenue in the coming years. In the news, Sazerac CEO Mark Brown is stepping aside in a long-planned succession, while Scotland’s Parliament has approved new rules to make it easier for whisky makers to borrow against their stockpiles of maturing whisky. We’ll also have details on a host of commemorative whiskies celebrating the coronation of King Charles III, along with the rest of the week’s whisky releases.

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