Speyside distillery The Glen Grant has released a 21-year-old single malt Scotch whisky – the oldest in their lineup [joining 10, 12, 15 and 18-year olds]. The Glen Grant 21 Year Old was matured in former Oloroso sherry butts along with ex-bourbon barrels, bottled at 46% alcohol by volume [92 proof] and is said to […]
Speyside distillery The Glen Grant has released a 21-year-old single malt Scotch whisky – the oldest in their lineup [joining 10, 12, 15 and 18-year olds].
The Glen Grant 21 Year Old was matured in former Oloroso sherry butts along with ex-bourbon barrels, bottled at 46% alcohol by volume [92 proof] and is said to offer notes of coconut, creme brulee, peaches, raisins and toffee.
The Glen Grant 21 Year Old is being made available for $335 per bottle.
Isle of Fiji (40%, Plantation, Fiji, +/-2021)Savanna 5 yo (43%, OB, La Reunion, +/-2021)Don Pancho 21 yo 1996/2017 (50%, Sansibar for Slainte, Panama, 285 bottles)Travellers 14 yo 2006/2021 (65.6%, malt grain & cane, Belize, Rum of the World, 252 bottl…
Isle of Fiji (40%, Plantation, Fiji, +/-2021) Savanna 5 yo (43%, OB, La Reunion, +/-2021) Don Pancho 21 yo 1996/2017 (50%, Sansibar for Slainte, Panama, 285 bottles) Travellers 14 yo 2006/2021 (65.6%, malt grain & cane, Belize, Rum of the World, 252 bottles) Caroni 17 yo 1996/2013 (63%, Velier, Trinidad, 1460 bottles) T.D.L. 2003/2012 (62.7%, The Whisky Jury, The Many Faces of Rum, Trinidad, refill barrel, cask #4, 250 bottles) Clarendon 26 yo 1995/2022 (57.1%, The Auld Alliance and Precious Liquors, Jamaica, cask #433941)
What is it about cigar smokin’ and whiskey drinkin’ that seem to go so heavily hand-in-hand while watching the ponies run? Literally. There is a nostalgic catharsis about it all. When the sticks are lit and the air hums with that sweet tinge of faint tobacco burn – win or lose at the track, you’ve […]
What is it about cigar smokin’ and whiskey drinkin’ that seem to go so heavily hand-in-hand while watching the ponies run? Literally. There is a nostalgic catharsis about it all. When the sticks are lit and the air hums with that sweet tinge of faint tobacco burn – win or lose at the track, you’ve had a day.
In the game of life, especially the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, it’s all about the finish. That’s why we felt given the timing of the 149th Kentucky Derby just a day away, a little enlightenment of a cigar that embodies the finish of American Whiskey.
Diesel Cigars and Rabbit Hole Distillery are marking their third collaboration with Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Boxergrail, an cigar that brings together two masters of their respective crafts: AJ Fernandez and Kaveh Zamanian, founder and whiskey maker of Rabbit Hole.
Diesel
Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection was developed by Justin Andrews, blended by AJ
Fernandez and handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. The
cigar features a proprietary aging process developed by AJ.
The limited-edition blend is centered on a proprietary Nicaraguan Habano binder leaf selected for aging in the handcrafted wood fired, toasted and charred #3 new American oak barrels that aged Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection Boxergrail Rye Whiskey. Per the brand, the barrels impart nuances of caramel, black pepper, vanilla and a hint of citrus on the binder leaves. When blended with spicy Nicaraguan Habano filler tobacco and crowned with a rich Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the Maduro cigar delivers a full sensory experience.
Justin Andrews said, “With Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection, we set out to take our partnership with Rabbit Hole to a deeper level. Aging tobacco in rye barrels is completely unique in the handmade cigar space and I believe that we have created a cigar that will stand apart in a crowded marketplace. AJ, Kaveh and I agree this blend is one of the most versatile and provocative cigars we’ve ever smoked, and we believe it’s because we were guided by a mutual commitment to innovation. By giving the binder leaf its own personality and introducing the complexity of rye whiskey, we’ve created what we believe to be the ultimate cigar, one that pairs beautifully yet also makes a statement on its own.”
Kaveh Zamanian, founder and whiskey maker of Rabbit Hole said, “As a longtime cigar smoker, I believe that pairing cigars with whiskey is an art. It is for this reason that I instinctually selected our highly-regarded Boxergrail Founder’s Collection Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey casks for this collaboration. I knew that these exceptional barrels would lend intriguing notes to the tobacco and would elevate the smoking experience. Given Rabbit Hole’s focus on bringing one-of-a-kind innovations to life, it is a pleasure to have played a role in introducing rye barrel aging to the handmade cigar category. I’m looking forward to sharing this great blend with cigar and whiskey enthusiasts across the country.”
Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection is being released in a singular frontmark called Boxergrail. The toro (6” x 52) is presented in elegant boxes that mirror the packaging of Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The cigars will sell for $15.79 each, or $157.90 for a ten-count box and will be available Kentucky Derby weekend.
Diesel
Whiskey Row debuted in June 2018 and marked the first collaboration between
Diesel and Rabbit Hole. It was the first cigar to feature a binder leaf aged in
Rabbit Hole’s bourbon barrels and generated a significant following among cigar
lovers nationwide. The partnership expanded in 2019 with the launch of Diesel
Whiskey Row Sherry Cask which was met with critical acclaim.
About Diesel
Handcrafted by artisans in Esteli, Nicaragua, Diesel cigars are “bold by design.” The brand challenges the current conventions of the handmade cigar category through the bold, unapologetic style of its Cigar Master, AJ Fernandez. Diesel cigars are unified by their deeply complex flavor which is achieved through AJ’s steadfast adherence to time honored cigar making techniques. The full-time brand portfolio includes Diesel Grind, Whiskey Row, Whiskey Row Sherry Cask, Estelí Puro and Disciple.
About Rabbit Hole
Diversifying the spirits landscape with one-of-a-kind whiskeys is Kentucky-based Rabbit Hole. The brand was established in 2012 by Founder and Whiskey Maker Kaveh Zamanian who was inducted into the Kentucky Distillers Association’s Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2022. Rabbit Hole unifies heritage techniques with innovative mash bills and out-of-the-box thinking to create original works of ultra-premium American whiskey. Through its signature bottlings – Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks, Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and its exclusive Founder’s Collection series, Rabbit Hole turns the whiskey world on its tail, inviting imbibers to take a sip and dive down the rabbit hole. The brand’s iconic, awe-inspiring distillery, named the “architectural icon of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” produces 1.7 million proof gallons annually and showcases the entire process of crafting bourbon from grain to bottle, unlike any other distillery in the country. Rabbit Hole was recently ranked the “fastest growing bourbon” by AC Nielsen (2022).
Diesel Cigars es new Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Boxergrail Cigar Collaboration with Rabbit Hole, with tobacco was aged in the handcrafted wood-fired, toasted, and charred #3 new American oak barrels that aged Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection Boxergrail Rye Whiskey.
Diesel Cigars and Rabbit Hole tell BourbonBlog.com they have launched their third collaboration together: Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Boxergrail, a unique cigar developed by Justin Andrews, blended by AJ Fernandez, and crafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. The cigar features a proprietary aging process developed by AJ.
The limited-edition blend is centered on a proprietary Nicaraguan Habano binder leaf selected for aging in the handcrafted wood-fired, toasted, and charred #3 new American oak barrels that aged Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection Boxergrail Rye Whiskey. The barrels impart nuances of caramel, black pepper, vanilla and a hint of citrus on the binder leaves, When blended with spicy Nicaraguan Habano filler tobacco and crowned with a rich Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the Maduro cigar delivers a full sensory experience.
About the Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Boxergrail Cigar:
Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection is being released in a singular frontmark called Boxergrail. The toro (6” x 52) is presented in elegant boxes that mirror the packaging of the Founder’s Collection Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.
The cigars will sell for $15.79 each, or $157.90 for a ten-count box and will ship on May 1 st, landing at retail in time for Kentucky Derby weekend.
Rabbit Hole tells us that collaboration seeks to deepen the partnership between Diesel and Rabbit Hole, introducing rye barrel aging to the handmade cigar ind
Kaveh Zamanian, founder and whiskey maker of Rabbit Hole tells BourbonBlog.com,“As a longtime cigar smoker, I believe that pairing cigars with whiskey is an art. It is for this reason that I instinctually selected our highly-regarded Boxergrail Founder’s Collection Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey casks for this collaboration. I knew that these exceptional barrels would lend intriguing notes to the tobacco and would elevate the smoking experience. Given Rabbit Hole’s focus on bringing one-of-a-kind innovations to life, it is a pleasure to have played a role in introducing rye barrel aging to the handmade cigar category. I’m looking forward to sharing this great blend with cigar and whiskey enthusiasts across the country.”
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 whisk…
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.
________
Diageo
Scotland's largest whisky producer has announced the details of the Fèis Ìle bottlings from their two Islay distilleries - Caol Ila and Lagavulin. The festival exclusive bottlings will be available at each distillery until sold out. The Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2023 Edition (pictured, left) is released at 13 years old and has been matured in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry seasoned casks. These casks were selected by Sam Hale, the Distillery Manager at Caol Ila, and his warehouse team. It is bottled at the natural cask strength of 60.4% ABV and will cost £185.
The Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2023 Edition (pictured, right) is bottled at 14 years of age and has been matured in American oak and European oak barrels before a finishing period in ex-Armagnac casks from France. This is the first ever expression of Lagavulin with such a finish. The casks were hand selected by Jordan Paisley, the Distillery Manager of Lagavulin. It is bottled at the natural cask strength of 58.4% ABV and will retail for £220 each. Both whiskies will be on sale from the distillery on their respective open day - Lagavulin on May 27 and Caol Ila on May 29.
Douglas Laing & Co.
The independent bottler and blender of Douglas Laing & Co. has announced a new limited edition expression of The Gauldrons, their blended malt featuring only Campbeltown whiskies. The Gauldrons Sherry Cask Edition is limited to just 5,580 bottles and features single malts that have only been matured in ex-sherry casks. It is bottled at 50% ABV and is both non chill-filtered and of natural colour. The Gauldrons Sherry Cask Edition will be available globally in selected specialist retailers and will cost £65/ €74 a bottle.
"The Gauldrons brand celebrates Campbeltown’s illustrious history as a whisky making region and this expression of The Gauldrons cements Douglas Laing’s commitment to showcasing the very best of Campbeltown."
Emma Reid / Brand Manager of The Gauldrons.
Royal Lochnagar
The Highland distillery of Royal Lochnagar has contributed specially selected casks for a commemorative bottling released by Balmoral Castle & Estate. The Balmoral Coronation Edition is a Royal Lochanagar 18 years old single malt and there are just 1,000 bottles. Only five casks were selected and these include European oak ex-sherry butts and American oak ex-bourbon hogsheads. The distillery is just one mile from Balmoral Castle and has been visited by King Charles III on several occasions. It is bottled at 48% ABV and will be available exclusively from the Balmoral gift shop in Royal Deeside and via www.balmoralcastle.com. Each bottle will cost £360.
Talisker
The Talisker distillery on the isle of Skye has announced a new limited edition - Talisker Wilder Seas. The new whisky is a collaboration between the brand and Parley For The Oceans, an ocean conservation organisation. It is a pioneering bottling for Talisker - it is the first to be released in a 100% recycled glass bottle and with ceramic decoration to reduce labelling. It is also the first Talisker to feature a finish in French oak ex-XO Cognac casks. Talisker will donate £3 of every bottle sale to Parley to support their work for ocean protection and preservation. Talisker x Parley : Wilder Seas is bottled at 48.6% ABV and will be available globally and via www.malts.com. A bottle will cost £75.
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Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery has released Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky – the third entry in their series called The Regeneration Project. Bruichladdich The Regeneration Project Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky is made primarily from locally grown Islay rye [in an attempt to combat the growing cost of agro-chemicals and avoid monoculture and which has never […]
Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery has released Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky – the third entry in their series called The Regeneration Project.
Bruichladdich The Regeneration Project Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky is made primarily from locally grown Islay rye [in an attempt to combat the growing cost of agro-chemicals and avoid monoculture and which has never been grown commercially in Islay].
Bruichladdich The Regeneration Project Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky is made up of 55% Islay grown rye and 45% locally grown Islay malted barley, was matured in both first-fill bourbon casks and first-fill American virgin oak casks, bottled at 50% alcohol by volume [100 proof] and is said to offer notes of black pepper, cinnamon, citrus, honey, licorice and nutmeg.
Only 1,800 bottles of Bruichladdich The Regeneration Project Single Grain Scotch Whisky is being made available for $155 per bottle at the official Bruichladdich site [www.bruichladdich.com].
For many years I have been fascinated by pre-Prohibition back-of-the bar bottles (BoBBs). Gifted by distillers and liquor wholesalers to favored customers like saloons, hotels and restaurants, the bottles were among the most expensive liquor-related giveaways, often featuring fine glass and gold accents. BoBBs were expected to catch the eye of patrons — and did.
In featuring these bottles it seems appropriate to highlight a wholesale liquor house that stood out for the variety and attractive bottles it issued — the Rosskam, Gerstley & Co.of Philadelphia.To my mind, the two proprietors were the “kings” of those collectibles.
Isaac Rosskam and his wife’s brother, Henry Gerstley, both immigrants from Germany, settled in Philadelphia and in 1869 opened the doors of their establishment. The company initially was located at 336 North Third Street but within a year had moved to larger quarters at 402 North Third, where it would stay until 1876.” Their proprietary brands were “Old Saratoga,” “Monogram,” and “Fine Old Whiskey.”
Reflecting the rapid and impressive growth of its business volume, the partners that year moved to two new buildings. One was five stories at 226 S. Front Street that advertised “Rye & Bourbon Whiskies” on the storefront. The other at 133-135 Dock Street of six stories proclaimed “Old Rye Whiskies.” Both locations allowed the firm adequate space to undertake “rectifying,” that is, blending whiskey bought from multiple sources to achieve tastes determined to have broad public appeal
Because Philadelphia, and indeed the U.S., was loaded with distillers, rectifiers, and wholesalers, the partners had to combat stiff competition for the business of restaurants, bars and saloons to stock their liquor. They also had to appeal to members of the drinking public to request their brands from bartenders. One way of advertising was to provide giveaway items that contained the names of Rosskam & Gerstley products. Although the partners also gave away tip trays and shot glasses, they specialized in elegant back-of-the-bar bottles.
Those included bottles in fancy molded glass with stoppers, ornate gold lettering, and in one case a metal or pewter body. Shapes varied from bulbous bases to ginger jar shapes to straight sided bottles. Lettering might be in script, squared-off letters or san serif, and colored black, gold or cobalt blue. I have counted at least 21 varieties of Rosskam, Gerstley & Co. bar bottles. Ten of them are illustrated throughout this post. No other distiller or whiskey house I have researched comes close in number or variety.
At the turn of the Century, things changed at the Philadelphia liquor house. In 1899, Henry Gerstley died at age 61 at his residence. As Rosskam aged he turned over the reins of management to his son. A 1900 Philadelphia business directory lists William Rosskam as president of the firm. In 1904 Isaac died, age about 70. Although the company continued to prosper for a time under William, eventually it was forced to shut down by the enactment of National Prohibition.
The banning of bar bottles after the end of Prohibition was the result of their having been used for purposes that neither Rosskam nor Gerstley would have approved. Bartenders had a tendency when “Old Saratoga” or another whiskey had been dispensed from its fancy bar bottle to refill it with an inferior brand and cheerfully pour it out to customers under false pretenses. Today bottles behind the bar must be the container in which the liquor was sold, carrying an original label and tax stamps.
There remains a treasure trove of back-of-the-bar bottles. They steadily grow older. No more will be made and I have seen little evidence of fakery. Most BoBBs can be bought for under $100. Attractive and displaying well, they are certain to accrue in desirability and value in the future.
Note:A previous whiskey man vignette on this website featured Isaac Rosscom, focusing on his personality and religious orientation.It may be found on this website at February 10, 2014.
For many years I have been fascinated by pre-Prohibition back-of-the bar bottles (BoBBs). Gifted by distillers and liquor wholesalers to favored customers like saloons, hotels and restaurants, the bottles were among the most expensive liquor-related giveaways, often featuring fine glass and gold accents. BoBBs were expected to catch the eye of patrons — and did.
In featuring these bottles it seems appropriate to highlight a wholesale liquor house that stood out for the variety and attractive bottles it issued — the Rosskam, Gerstley & Co.of Philadelphia.To my mind, the two proprietors were the “kings” of those collectibles.
Isaac Rosskam and his wife’s brother, Henry Gerstley, both immigrants from Germany, settled in Philadelphia and in 1869 opened the doors of their establishment. The company initially was located at 336 North Third Street but within a year had moved to larger quarters at 402 North Third, where it would stay until 1876.” Their proprietary brands were “Old Saratoga,” “Monogram," and “Fine Old Whiskey.”
Reflecting the rapid and impressive growth of its business volume, the partners that year moved to two new buildings. One was five stories at 226 S. Front Street that advertised “Rye & Bourbon Whiskies” on the storefront. The other at 133-135 Dock Street of six stories proclaimed “Old Rye Whiskies.” Both locations allowed the firm adequate space to undertake “rectifying,” that is, blending whiskey bought from multiple sources to achieve tastes determined to have broad public appeal
Because Philadelphia, and indeed the U.S., was loaded with distillers, rectifiers, and wholesalers, the partners had to combat stiff competition for the business of restaurants, bars and saloons to stock their liquor. They also had to appeal to members of the drinking public to request their brands from bartenders. One way of advertising was to provide giveaway items that contained the names of Rosskam & Gerstley products. Although the partners also gave away tip trays and shot glasses, they specialized in elegant back-of-the-bar bottles.
Those included bottles in fancy molded glass with stoppers, ornate gold lettering, and in one case a metal or pewter body. Shapes varied from bulbous bases to ginger jar shapes to straight sided bottles. Lettering might be in script, squared-off letters or san serif, and colored black, gold or cobalt blue. I have counted at least 21 varieties of Rosskam, Gerstley & Co. bar bottles. Ten of them are illustrated throughout this post. No other distiller or whiskey house I have researched comes close in number or variety.
At the turn of the Century, things changed at the Philadelphia liquor house. In 1899, Henry Gerstley died at age 61 at his residence. As Rosskam aged he turned over the reins of management to his son. A 1900 Philadelphia business directory lists William Rosskam as president of the firm. In 1904 Isaac died, age about 70. Although the company continued to prosper for a time under William, eventually it was forced to shut down by the enactment of National Prohibition.
The banning of bar bottles after the end of Prohibition was the result of their having been used for purposes that neither Rosskam nor Gerstley would have approved. Bartenders had a tendency when “Old Saratoga” or another whiskey had been dispensed from its fancy bar bottle to refill it with an inferior brand and cheerfully pour it out to customers under false pretenses. Today bottles behind the bar must be the container in which the liquor was sold, carrying an original label and tax stamps.
There remains a treasure trove of back-of-the-bar bottles. They steadily grow older. No more will be made and I have seen little evidence of fakery. Most BoBBs can be bought for under $100. Attractive and displaying well, they are certain to accrue in desirability and value in the future.
Note:A previous whiskey man vignette on this website featured Isaac Rosscom, focusing on his personality and religious orientation.It may be found on this website at February 10, 2014.
Barrell Craft Spirits (Louisville, KY) has added Rye to its Private Release offerings. For this series, BCS selected Rye whiskeys from Indiana and Canada and then blended them into unique recipes with variations on a theme. Beginning with 10 initial selections, each release will feature a blend of Rye whiskey designed for its unique finishing […]
Barrell Craft Spirits (Louisville, KY) has added Rye to its Private Release offerings.
For this series, BCS selected Rye whiskeys from Indiana and Canada and then blended them into unique recipes with variations on a theme. Beginning with 10 initial selections, each release will feature a blend of Rye whiskey designed for its unique finishing cask.
Each offering in the series is produced as a limited-release, has a distinct flavor profile and contains between 150-180 total 750ml bottles, with an SRP of $109.99. To learn more and buy online, please visit www.barrellbourbon.com/privatereleaserye
The BCS
Private Release Rye Series includes:
Rye Whiskey finished in an Armagnac Cask
Rye Whiskey finished in a Bourbon Whiskey Barrel
Rye Whiskey finished in an XO Cognac Cask
Rye Whiskey finished in an Oloroso Sherry Barrel
Rye Whiskey finished in a Madeira Barrel
Rye Whiskey finished in a Ruby Port Barrel
Rye Whiskey finished in a Barbados Rum Cask
Rye Whiskey finished in a Sauternes Barrel
Rye Whiskey finished in a Tokaji Barrel
Rye Whiskey finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel
“We’ve expanded our successful Private Release program to include rye whiskeys featuring unique finishing barrels and casks from around America and the world,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “For more than 10 years, we’ve led the industry in micro-blending and have proudly pioneered many of these finishes being utilized by other producers today.”
Blue Run Spirits announces its first ever Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, dropping just in time for Mother’s Day. Blue Run Kentucky Straight Emerald Single Barrel Rye Whiskey marks the second release from Blue Run’s award-winning Emerald Rye series. Blue Run Emerald Single Barrel Rye recently became available online ONLY at BlueRunSpirits.com on May 2nd. Blue […]
Blue Run Spirits announces its first ever Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, dropping just in time for Mother’s Day. Blue Run Kentucky Straight Emerald Single Barrel Rye Whiskey marks the second release from Blue Run’s award-winning Emerald Rye series. Blue Run Emerald Single Barrel Rye recently became available online ONLY at BlueRunSpirits.com on May 2nd.
Blue Run Kentucky Straight “Emerald” Single Barrel Rye Whiskey features an anodized emerald green butterfly medallion on the bottle. It is available for $199.99 SRP.
The brand made major headlines back in March announcing plans for a breath taking new $50M distillery of its own, set for Georgetown, KY.
Like the Gold Medal-awarded Blue Run Emerald Rye Whiskey (released in November 2022), this single barrel offering was contract distilled by Blue Run Liquid Advisor Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Shaylyn Gammon, Blue Run’s Whiskey Director, selected these barrels to echo the rich, complex flavors from Emerald Rye Whiskey, but with each featuring its own personality found only in a single barrel release. Adding to the complexity, these are also bottled at barrel proof with no water added to dilute the flavor or aroma, thus allowing subtle individual nuances to shine through.
“With Blue Run’s Emerald Rye Whiskies, I am trying to work towards a baseline flavor foundation for the entire collection, then find interesting or unexpected interpretations that are wholly unique but don’t stray too far from the original profile,” said Gammon. “This might be somewhat easier when blending, but when you are working with single barrels at barrel proof, the art lies in the barrel selection, understanding how the distillate interacted with the barrel char level, and to the extent I can, what climate factors impacted that barrel as it aged over the years.”
In keeping with releasing a whiskey just before Mother’s Day, each of the single barrels from this Emerald Rye collection are named for the mothers in the lives of Blue Run founders. As noted by Shaylyn, each barrel has its own unique personality, just like these amazing women. Thanks moms!
Barrel #1 – Ashley: PROOF: 117.1 Baking spices that dance around earthy saddle leather and caramelized wood. Slight clove and herbal combinations. Dark chocolate and warm coffee with toffee linger, sweet and dry.
Barrel #2 – Liana: PROOF: 117.1 Deep blast of honey, cocktail cherries and smoked corn. Spice of cayenne that lays against the overlays of marshmallow. Toasty brioche and waffle cone combine with dense stone fruits and wood sugar structure. Mature, creamy oak finish.
Barrel #3 – Sharon: PROOF: 117.6 Brown sugared bacon, golden raisins and honeycomb. Ashy campfire smoke with crisp ginger snaps wrapping the tongue. Decadent cocoa climbs on the finish and lingers with sweet tones of dark floral honey. Touches of licorice.
Barrel #4 – Shawn: PROOF: 117.9 Smoky wood embers and decadent, creamy caramel with a background of baking spices and a medley of toffee and butterscotch. Gingery wrap that heightens and settles into plush oak flavors.
Barrel #5 – Janis: PROOF: 118.1 Bold oak and crisp toasted frame. Chopped red apple that sweeps around layers of caramel and roasted nuts. Seductive herbal notes of rosemary and sage give way to a plush reveal of cracked black pepper and butterscotch.
Barrel #6 – Cheryl: PROOF: 117.9 Honey granola and golden-brown sugar. Sweet macadamia nut rolled in a twist of nougat with generous drizzles of chocolate. Biscuit with hints of orange marmalade. Caramel corn finish.
Barrel #7 – Jodi: PROOF: 116.3 Bright tobacco leaves intertwine with coriander and black pepper for a savory reveal. Dark cherry and mint mingle with distinctive ginger and burnt truffles.
Barrel #8 – Minette: PROOF: 116.7 Toffee bar and decadent caramel. Crushed walnuts come to attention with an array of clove and nutmeg. Bready essence of yeast and grains only heightens with a finish of roasted corn.
Barrel #9 – Kimberly: PROOF: 116.8 Chewy bites of caramel that evolve into a myriad of baking spices. Smoky cigar box overlay with a boastful amount of dark cherry and ginger flavors intertwined to carry through to the rich flavors of oak.
Barrel #10 – Paige: PROOF: 118.2 Balance of florals, cooked peaches and warm grains. Astonishing softness of vanilla with firm textures of oak. Concentrated toasted coconut and modest fruit. Finishes with nutmeg and a cloak of clove.
It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 5th 2023. New Riff Distilling has announced the dual release of two new heirloom grain bourbons, Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to release Buffalo Trace Experimental Peated Bourbon, and Blue Run Spirits announces its first ever Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
Show Notes:
Bardstown Bourbon Co. kicks off their summer patio concert series
Diesel Cigars and Rabbit Hole are marking their third collaboration
New Riff Distilling has announced the dual release of two new heirloom grain bourbons
American Mash & Grain releases Borrowed Page Volume 2