May, 2023 - BourbonSphere

Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

Before we get started, I would like to thank everyone for their well-wishes while I recovered from a mental health emergency. Knowing that I wasn’t letting people down by not publishing helped me to not worry and allowed me to get back to a stable spot…

A few months ago, I started getting comments from readers that the standard Ezra Brooks 90 proof was disappearing from shelves. The Lux Row PR guy I talked to reassured me that it hadn’t been discontinued. But then, a few months later, the shoe dropped, and it was removed from the Ezra Brooks site. I know that a lot of folks were disappointed in that, but honestly, I almost never bought the 90-proof version. Especially once the 99-proof version became readily available.

So it wasn’t a huge surprise when I saw this bottle of 99-proof Ezra Brooks rye sitting on the shelf of a local liquor store instead of the former 90-proof version. Of course I grabbed it, thinking that it might be fun to compare it to the Rebel 100 Rye that we looked at a couple of weeks ago. Especially since they are both coming from the same producer. It was the cheapest thing I bought that day.

Now you might be asking yourself: ok, so what is the difference between Ezra Brooks 99 Rye and Rebel 100 Rye? And to that, I can confirm…one proof point. Beyond that is just speculation on my part. There isn’t a lot of info out there other than the website. I’m guessing they didn't do a big rollout of this one since they just did the Rebel 100 rollout. The one thing that I would love a little clarification on is the mash bill. The website contradicts itself. It says that the mash bill is 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malted barley. It also says that the ingredients are rye and barley. No corn was mentioned. Since this comes from their corporate cousins at MGP, I’m not sure which is the typo, as MGP makes both kinds of rye. So, for the time being, let’s just look at the juice in the jug, and I’ll update the post if I hear back from the PR folks. I had a huge email outage over the last few days, so who knows what got lost.

Ezra Brooks 99 Straight Rye Whiskey

Purchase Info: $26.99 for a 750 mL bottle at South Lyndale Liquors, Minneapolis, MN

Price per Drink (50 ml): $1.80

Details: 2 years old. 49.5% ABV. Distilled in Indiana.

Nose: Mint, cedar, honey, and coriander.

Mouth: Cinnamon, mint, honey, and cedar.

Finish: On the longer side of medium. Herbal with additional notes of baking spice and black tea.

Thoughts: Though all signs point to this being pretty much the same as the Rebel 100 Rye that we looked at a couple of weeks ago, there are subtle differences. However, it is hard to know if that is due to Rebel 100 being from the bottom of the bottle versus the Ezra Brooks 99 Rye being from the top, if it is in my imagination, or if there is an actual difference in the barrels that are chosen for each. As I said, the differences are subtle, with the Rebel 100 Rye being sweeter when I taste them side-by-side.

That said, though, this is a tasty rye. I'm digging the herbal notes I'm getting throughout. I even had to raid my spice rack to find the Corriander on the nose. Works well in cocktails too. This one gets a smile from me.

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Chivas Royal Salute Marks First British Coronation In Modern Times

First created as a gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her Coronation in 1953, Royal Salute, the master of exceptional aged Scotch whisky, marks the start of a new era of a contemporary monarchy with the debut of a precious limited-edition expression, the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition. With only 500 bottles of the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition available around the word, 56 of which are available in the U.S., this rare and collectible offering marks a momentous milestone, witnessed only once in a lifetime and worthy of the greatest tributes.  

Since its inception, Royal Salute has honored the British Monarchy and its significant milestones with unique expressions that represent and embody a moment in history. As the Scotch originated as a Coronation gift 70 years ago, there could not be a more fitting moment for Royal Salute to pay homage once again.  

Expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the coveted expression is a timeless whisky to be treasured and savored for years to come. A blend of over 53 rare malt and grain whiskies, to reflect the year Royal Salute was first crafted, the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition is a beautifully rich and complex expression with notes of fresh redcurrants, dark chocolate praline, and freshly roasted chestnuts, and a palate of sweet figs and fresh ginger leading up to a long and rich finish with a playful spice.  

“This expression is a momentous tribute to both the British Monarchy and Royal Salute’s unique origin story,” says Sandy Hyslop. “I wanted to mark this memorable occasion with a blend that was as iconic and special as the original Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Signature Blend created in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Crafting this blend has been the perfect occasion to reflect on the innovative approach we’ve taken to blending whisky for the past 70 years, and a moment to look forward to what can be achieved in years to come.” 

The Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition is housed in a Dartington Crystal decanter, tinted in a deep sapphire blue hue, reminiscent of the precious stones set within the Imperial State Crown. In keeping with Royal Salute’s signature style, the decanter is presented in a stunning wooden box inspired by the iconic Westminster Abbey, with details intricately chiseled into the wood, paying tribute to the historic setting of British Coronation ceremonies since 1066. The jewels and crests of each country forming Great Britain were the inspiration for the artwork inside the gift box, symbolizing the unity under the Crown and enduring solidarity between the nations. 

The Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition will be available in the U.S for pre-order mid-April 2023, via ReserveBar.com, and officially available at select retailers the first week of May 2023, for an SRP $25,000 USD.

What’s the Best Whiskey for a Great Sitdown at a Blackjack Table?

Whiskey lovers are often portrayed as experienced, profound and self-assured. A common trait of people who enjoy drinking whiskey is that they also delight in telling stories about their lives and feel comfortable doing so in public places like the blackjack table. After all, few things go better together than drinking whiskey and playing cards. …

Old Fashioned
(Credit: Photo by Adam Jaime on Unsplash

After all, few things go better together than drinking whiskey and playing cards. So, the next time you sit down at a casino table and start card counting in blackjack, be sure to have your favorite whiskey in hand while you try to win big.

Top whiskey brands worldwide

There are more whiskey choices available than ever before. With that in mind, this article will explore some of the most popular whiskeys around the world according to sales.

Crown Royal

In honor of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Canada, Seagram initially introduced Crown Royal in 1939. Until 1964, it was exclusively available in Canada. This light whiskey’s first bouquet is made up of syrupy honey, citrus and a little nuttiness.

The last aromas are some delicate undertones of raw grain, brown sugar and hazy vanilla. Crown Royal is commonly enjoyed on the rocks or in a cocktail.

Jack Daniel’s

The hue of Jack Daniel’s whiskey is a deep amber that’s highly appealing to the eye. It has a rich, silky scent with prominent vanilla and caramel undertones. The taste is smooth and sweet, similar to warm molasses.

The finish is warm and smooth, with a tiny bit of a fiery bite at the end. It serves as a suitable entry point into the Tennessee whiskey category.

Jameson

Although the Jameson brand has many varieties, a good place to start is with the basic, blended, triple-distilled Irish whiskey. Jameson is crisp and light. A slow-developing flavor with hints of berries, citrus, malty honey and vanilla is revealed.

The finish can be described as smooth, medium and sweet. It works best on its own, on the rocks or with a touch of water.

Jim Beam

Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey is amber in hue and smells faintly of vanilla syrup, with a hint of wood. The taste carries over to the tongue as a sugary vanilla and caramel syrup with a little touch of rye spiciness.

This bourbon works nicely when consumed neat and as a base for mixed beverages.

Johnnie Walker

The hue of Johnnie Walker Black is a beautiful, rich coppery amber. It’s popular at bars because the whiskey is affordably priced. The sweet aroma of cinnamon, apples and raisins is present, along with an undertone of natural peat. It has a warm and understated finish.

Final thoughts

If you have yet to savor the delectable taste that a good whiskey offers, consider trying one of the options listed in this article. Sit down at a card table with any of the brands listed above and enjoy an unforgettable blackjack experience. You could even host your friends for a memorable night of playing cards and whiskey tasting at your home.

Blue Run Celebrates Mother’s Day With New Rye

Blue Run has announced 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 will be available only online at BlueRunSpirits.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. …

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, carefully 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.

Blue Run Kentucky Straight Emerald Single Barrel Rye Whiskey features an anodized emerald green butterfly medallion on the bottle, making it easily identifiable to whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. It is available for $199.99 SRP.

Orphan Barrel Releases First Ever Rye

Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. has introduced the first ever rye whiskey release, Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade. This one is dubbed “a born traveler distilled in Indiana, aged to perfection in Kentucky and bottled in Tennessee.” Presumably, that means it was sourced from MGP’s rye stock. That is a good guess, keeping in mind that …

Presumably, that means it was sourced from MGP’s rye stock. That is a good guess, keeping in mind that Diageo brands Bulleit and George Dickel have sourced their rye through MGP for years. Among other warehouses, Dickel own the famous Stitzel-Weller property in Shively, Kentucky. Since they own Dickel, they naturally have bottling facilities in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

So it’s probably an MGP rye, but a special one, as befits Orphan Barrel releases. Take note that it is a 14 year old, bottled at 90 proof.

“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,” said Samantha Johnson, Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade Master Blender. “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.”

Beginning this May, the new variant will begin rolling out at select spirits retailers across the nation with a suggested retail price of $199.99.

Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 11th Anniversary Blend Announced

“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…”

Chattanooga, TN (May 2023) – Chattanooga Whiskey announced today the release of Founder’s 11th Anniversary Blend. This highly anticipated release launched with a Founder’s Celebration Party on April 26th at the company’s Riverfront Distillery. Here attendees had the opportunity to be the first to taste the final product, along with individual whiskeys contained in the 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.

Following in the footsteps of last year's critically acclaimed 10th Anniversary Blend, the 11th Anniversary edition of Founder's revisits a familiar theme by blending three whiskeys that symbolize the company's past, present, and future. 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 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 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.

Whiskey Quickie: Bernheim Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey Review

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch A223. This 7-9 year old wheat […]

The post Whiskey Quickie: Bernheim Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey Review appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch A223. This 7-9 year old wheat whiskey is 118.8 proof and $65 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

The post Whiskey Quickie: Bernheim Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey Review appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

OHLQ Announces Town Branch Single Barrel Releases – Coming Week of May 1st

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of fifteen(!!!) barrels worth of Town Branch Single Barrel selections arriving at select stores the week of May 1st. The three varieties are Town Branch Malt Single Barrel fo…

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of fifteen(!!!) barrels worth of Town Branch Single Barrel selections arriving at select stores the week of May 1st.

The three varieties are Town Branch Malt Single Barrel for $69.99 + tax, Town Branch Rye Single Barrel for $54.99 + tax, and Town Branch Bourbon Single Barrel for $45.99 + tax. Additionally, Town Branch Master Distiller Mark Coffman will host three bottle signings throughout the state occurring at:

May 4, from 12:00 - 2:00 P.M. @ Centerville Liquor & Wine in Centerville
May 4, from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. @ Giant Eagle in Powell
May 5, from 12:00 - 2:00 P.M. @ Giant Liquor in West Chester

The fifteen barrels consist of the following:

Town Branch Malt Single Barrel - 2 barrels - ($69.99 + tax)

Barrel #224 - 108.4 proof (54.2% alcohol), filled on 07/02/2009 - A sweet nose with a hint of cereal opens up to a nuanced, homebaked taste of molasses, vanilla, brown sugar, and nutmeg, and finishes with a velvety cascade of flavors.
Barrel #290 - 114.8 proof (57.4% alcohol), filled on 11/11/2009 - Aromatic with cereal notes, the flavor of baking spices and vanilla leads into a soft, sweet, lingering finish.

Town Branch Rye Single Barrel - 5 barrels - $54.99 + tax

Barrel #3154 - 105.8 proof (52.9% alcohol), filled on 07/05/2016 - An inviting aroma welcomes a rye with toasty, caramelized baked sugar flavor.
Barrel #3159 - 108.6 proof (54.3% alcohol), filled on 07/06/2016 - A traditional rye nose opens up to a sweet flavor that takes a surprising funky turn and intrigues with a hint of mint.
Barrel #3164 - 107.2 proof (53.6% alcohol), filled on 07/05/2016 - With blissful sweetness and unparalleled smoothness, this rye defies its high-proof credentials to deliver a gentle finish.
Barrel #3177 - 100.6 proof (50.3% alcohol), filled on 07/16/2016 - A classic and full-bodied whiskey flavor also reveals compelling, delicate notes of orange.
Barrel #3201 - 103.7 proof (51.85% alcohol), filled on 07/23/2016 - Sweetly aromatic, this rye has an Irish whiskey flavor with bourbon sparkle and pleases the palate with a long finish.

Town Branch Bourbon Single Barrel - 8 barrels - $45.99 + tax

Barrel #3362 - 101.9 proof (50.95% alcohol), filled on 09/03/2016 - Delicious butterscotch notes accentuate a well-rounded bourbon flavor.
Barrel #3366 - 107.4 proof (53.7% alcohol), filled on 09/03/2016 - A light, pleasant, and balanced flavor is given complexity with a subtle hint of smoke.
Barrel #3367 - 102.8 proof (51.4% alcohol), filled on 09/03/2016 - A delicate vanilla and malt candy aroma delivers an approachable flavor with an appealing sweet and sparkly balance.
Barrel #3443 - 102.5 proof (51.25% alcohol), filled on 10/22/2016 - The evocative aroma of Honeycrisp apples and ripe peaches invites a lightly smoky flavor and satisfying long finish.
Barrel #3476 - 105.0 proof (52.5% alcohol), filled on 10/03/2016 - A subtle caramel nose expands on the palate to reveal a robust bourbon flavor with a broad finish.
Barrel #3560 - 98.8 proof (49.4% alcohol), filled on 10/29/2016 - Aromatic sweet corn blossoms into a clean, dazzling flavor.
Barrel #3587 - 106.7 proof (53.35% alcohol), filled on 11/03/2016 - A nose of warm, malty grain delivers a lightly sweet bourbon with big, bold flavor.
Barrel #3592 - 103.9 proof (51.95% alcohol), filled on 11/05/2016 - An aroma of applejack and caramel opens up to a buttery, broad series of classic bourbon flavor notes that cascade across the palate.

You can check product available here:

My Take

I really like this release for a few reasons. The first being that there are 15 barrels worth of product available so people should actually be able to get their hands on this if they are interested. The second is that these are good prices for single barrel offerings. The Malt is a 13 year offering with the Rye and bourbon coming in at 6 years. If I see the bourbon, I'm definitely picking up a bottle.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.

Source: OHLQ

The White Oak Shortage That Could Ruin the Bourbon Industry

A crucial aspect of making bourbon is under threat.

Editor's Note: Here's a new podcast from Bloomberg that dives into the challenges facing the bourbon industry and their use of oak barrels.

Some supply chain crises are acute. A bottleneck at the ports. A shortage of semiconductors. These can get fixed, to some extent, with concerted policy choices. But other crises are slower moving and don't have one easy fix. In the coming years, the bourbon supply chain could be under threat, due to a shortage of the specific type of wood used in the barrels made for aging the liquor. On this episode of the podcast, we speak with Penn State University forestry professor Calvin Norman about a looming shortage of critical white oak. He explains why the industry is potentially facing a shortfall, why other woods can’t be used to replace it, and what it would take to ensure that this critical tree remains abundant.

NEW RELEASE: Orphan Barrel’s First Ever Rye, “Scarlet Shade” Aged 14 Years

Diageo owned Orphan Barrel has just released its first ever rye whiskey, aged 14 years, named “Scarlet Shade”. The Orphan Barrel brand roots goes back to 2014 with its inaugural offering “Old Blowhard”, a 26 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, SRP $149.99. That price for that age – my have times changed (tear shed). The […]

The post NEW RELEASE: Orphan Barrel’s First Ever Rye, “Scarlet Shade” Aged 14 Years first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Diageo owned Orphan Barrel has just released its first ever rye whiskey, aged 14 years, named “Scarlet Shade”.

The Orphan Barrel brand roots goes back to 2014 with its inaugural offering “Old Blowhard”, a 26 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, SRP $149.99. That price for that age – my have times changed (tear shed). The brand storyline is built on the foundation of discovering “lost whiskey” on the grounds of now Diageo owned Stitzel-Weller Distillery. SWD, opened Derby Day 1935, was founded by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle I.

Per the brand, Scarlet Shade liquid was born in Indiana but raised (aged) in Kentucky so to speak.

QUICK FACTS

“Scarlet Shade”
1st rye release from Orphan Barrel
Aged 14 years
Debut May 1st; Nationwide Availability
SRP $199.99
90 Proof
Indiana Distilled, Kentucky Aged
1st blend created by Master Blender Samantha Johnson

Tasting Notes (Brand Provided): Sweet vanilla butter cream and lightly toasted oak aromas, tasting of warm baking spices, rye toast and orchard fruits, before warming into sweet orange marmalade and lingering as a dark chocolate finish. At 90 proof (45%), Rye fans can best enjoy Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade neat or on the rocks.

About The Label Artwork: The vibrant label design pays homage to the history of Scarlet Shade. In the center, the cardinal – 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.

BIO: Master Blender Samantha Johnson: Since joining Diageo as a Quality Technician in 2018 and being named a Master Blender in 2020, Samantha has blended a number of fan-favorite, high-quality whiskies including I.W. Harper 15 Year-Old and Bulleit Rye. In fact, her very first blend—I.W. Harper 15 Year-Old—won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition that same year.

Samantha initially uncovered her passion for working with whiskey while completing her senior thesis at Hanover College where she sped up the maturation process by rapidly aging the liquid to mimic a 4-year-old aged whiskey. After graduation, she received her Master’s in agriculture (with a focus in food science and management) from Washington State University and landed a position as a Quality Technician at Bulleit Bourbon Distillery.

The release of Scarlet Shade will mark her first offering under the Orphan Barrel brand.

Learn more at www.orphanbarrel.com

For latest on NEW BOTTLE RELEASES, please visit us at www.thebourbonreview.com

The post NEW RELEASE: Orphan Barrel’s First Ever Rye, “Scarlet Shade” Aged 14 Years first appeared on The Bourbon Review.