Company:Mount Gay DistilleryJob:Estate Rum ManagerWebsite:mountgayrum.comSocials:@mountgayrumHow long have you been working in the rum industry?I have held a spirits distiller position since 2009 and joined the rum industry in 2012, where I’ve grown my…
Company:Mount Gay DistilleryJob:Estate Rum ManagerWebsite:mountgayrum.comSocials:@mountgayrumHow long have you been working in the rum industry?I have held a spirits distiller position since 2009 and joined the rum industry in 2012, where I’ve grown my career far beyond just production work.What has been your biggest career highlight to date?Very few people can understand the immense undertaking
New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Distillery has announced the highly anticipated 2023 release of Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale – a pioneering, and highly distinctive beer brewed using a custom-built, proprietary infusion method which pulls flavors from bourbon-steeped charred oak sourced from Four Roses’ barrels and marries it with a malty sweet, deep amber ale. […]
New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Distillery has announced the highly anticipated 2023 release of Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale – a pioneering, and highly distinctive beer brewed using a custom-built, proprietary infusion method which pulls flavors from bourbon-steeped charred oak sourced from Four Roses’ barrels and marries it with a malty sweet, deep amber ale.
First released by New Belgium in 2018, Oakspire quickly became a favorite among beer and bourbon lovers alike. This year, seeking to up the ante with innovation and world-class bourbon flavors, the brewery collaborated with Four Roses Bourbon, known for their smooth, fruit forward and slightly spicy bourbons, to invent a brewing process that would represent the best of both beverages.
“As we bring back our collaboration with Four Roses, Oakspire returns with new packaging that offers the consumer a premium experience,” said Jared Spagnola, Emerging Brands Manager at New Belgium Brewing. “Every year as we approach the holidays, we look forward to Oakspire season. Whether you’re a beer or bourbon fan, it’s the perfect complement for slowing down with family & friends.”
Infusion Process
How exactly are those signature flavors extracted? To start, over the course of a year, Four Roses collects charred oak chips from inside their bourbon barrels as they are emptied. This process enables Four Roses to re-use the char derived from the brand’s barrels in a sustainable manner. These oak chips contain caramelized wood sugars, which add color and notes of brown sugar, caramel, and toffee to the whiskey while it ages.
Next, a barrel maker in Minnesota toasts a custom blend of oak spirals which are then soaked in Four Roses’ bourbon. Meanwhile, New Belgium’s world-class brewing engineers construct a series of custom, stainless-steel vessels to hold the charred oak and wood spirals. New Belgium’s high-rye base ale then circulates through the vessels during maturation, infusing the flavor from the charred oak and bourbon-soaked spirals, resulting in a stunning, one-of-a-kind bourbon ale with a cult following.
“Four Roses and New Belgium make for great partners because we both are committed to our craft and our own processes, and New Belgium’s innovative approach brings the result of our individual crafts together perfectly,” said Four Roses Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Ashley. “Oakspire takes a different approach from the traditional bourbon barrel ale that brings the rich Four Roses flavor notes forward in quite a remarkable way.”
Pricing & Availability: Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale is available for purchase for $14.99 at select retailers across the country, New Belgium Brewing taprooms and the Four Roses Distillery Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For more information on Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale, visit newbelgium.com. To find the nearest Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale or any of New Belgium’s other offerings, visit our beer finder.
Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale was brewed and bottled with the following characteristics:
Flavor and aroma: Expect notes of toffee, vanilla, caramel, and hints of coconut and dark fruit
About New Belgium Brewing New Belgium Brewing was founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colo., by Kim Jordan, a social worker, who built her company the only way a social worker would: People first. Over the past three decades, New Belgium has turned that ethos into a unique Human-Powered Business model through practices that were and still are rare in the business world: fully paid healthcare premiums for coworkers who need the support, living wage compensation, open-book management, renewable energy sourcing, a free onsite medical clinic and physician, a deep commitment to philanthropy and advocacy, and much more.
With expansions to Asheville, N.C., in 2016; Denver, Colo., in 2018; San Francisco in 2021; Daleville, Va.,in 2023; and the 2021 acquisition of Bell’s Brewery, based in Kalamazoo, Mich., this people-centric model has led New Belgium to become the most popular and fastest-growing American craft brewer today. New Belgium is famous for Fat Tire Ale and Voodoo Ranger IPA (America’s #1 IPA brand), along with year-round favorites like Dominga Mimosa Sour, La Folie Sour Brown Ale, an award-winning wood-aged sour program, and the addition of Bell’s iconic brands including Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale.
Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY) has just released its Batch #2 of its Red, White, and Blue Straight Kentucky Bourbon. A portion of proceeds will benefit the local non-profit Veterans Club. AGE: NA (4+ years) PROOF: 100 Proof (50% abv) MASH: 25% Bloody Butcher Corn, 25% Heirloom White Corn, 25% Bruce’s Blue Corn, 20% Malted […]
Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY) has just released its Batch #2 of its Red, White, and Blue Straight Kentucky Bourbon. A portion of proceeds will benefit the local non-profit Veterans Club.
AGE: NA (4+ years)
PROOF: 100 Proof (50% abv)
MASH: 25% Bloody Butcher Corn, 25% Heirloom White Corn, 25% Bruce’s Blue Corn, 20% Malted Rye, 5% Malted Barley
AVAILABILITY: Jeptha Creed gift shop. More locations in KY, IN, IL and TN in the coming weeks. Coming online soon via HERE.
Batch #1 of Red, White, and Blue Bourbon generated over $27,000 for the Veterans Club organization.
Far right, Joyce Nethery. Jeptha Creed Founder. Courtesy via JCD Facebook page.
Batch #1 Online Availability:CLICK HERE for online sales of Batch 1.
The first written mention of Bourbon is in 1826. There were no regulations on what is Bourbon at that time. In fact, there was only the idea that Bourbon was a corn whiskey made in Kentucky. There was not even… Continue Reading →
The first written mention of Bourbon is in 1826. There were no regulations on what is Bourbon at that time. In fact, there was only the idea that Bourbon was a corn whiskey made in Kentucky. There was not even... Continue Reading →
WhiskyCast celebrates our 18th anniversary this week, and Stephanie Macleod has been the Master Blender for Dewar’s almost as long. She was named Master Blender… Read More
WhiskyCast celebrates our 18th anniversary this week, and Stephanie Macleod has been the Master Blender for Dewar’s almost as long. She was named Master Blender in 2006, and has won a shelf full of awards for her work since then. Stephanie joins us this week on WhiskyCast In-Depth to discuss malts, the relationship between blender and distiller, and her role in bringing along the next generation of women in the whisky industry.
A new distillery is coming to Cynthiana, Kentucky, the first one since the 1970’s. Who’s behind it? Jeff Wiseman and Pete Wright of Lexington, Kentucky based Barrel House Distilling Co. as this will be an expansion for their craft distillery that launched 2006. Cynthiana is about 45 minutes north of Lexington. The expansion project, scripted […]
A new distillery is coming to Cynthiana, Kentucky, the first one since the 1970’s. Who’s behind it? Jeff Wiseman and Pete Wright of Lexington, Kentucky based Barrel House Distilling Co. as this will be an expansion for their craft distillery that launched 2006. Cynthiana is about 45 minutes north of Lexington.
The expansion project, scripted at an $1.8 million investment, is set to commence in the first and second quarters of 2024. The project is anticipated to generate 2-4 full-time positions with an average wage exceeding $20 per hour, complete with comprehensive benefits. Moreover, during the construction phase, the community can expect the creation of 15-20 additional jobs, providing a boost to the local workforce.
Looking ahead to the fifth year of operation in Harrison County, Barrel House Distilling Co. plans to augment its investment by an additional $750,000 – $2,000,000, leading to the creation of 8-12 more employees. The company envisions a substantial increase in tourism, with a projected 12,000 visitors annually, resulting in an annual economic impact of $2.7 million.
While Barrel House Distilling Co.’s new facility in Cynthiana will primarily focus on the production of their Barrel House Select Bourbon, a variety of other spirits will be produced. This includes Pure Blue Vodka, Oak Rum, Barrel House Rum, Devil John Moonshine, Dark Shine, Brandy, and King Solomon Rye Whiskey, which will all be crafted at this location alongside the existing site in Lexington.
EVENT SPACE: In an effort to connect with the community, Barrel House Distilling Co. will offer a versatile event space capable of accommodating up to 100 guests, with an option to rent the kitchen for special occasions. Furthermore, the company is proud to announce that both the Moonshine Trail and Kentucky Bourbon Trail tours will be available at this location, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
Barrel House Distilling Co. invites the community to join in celebrating this momentous occasion Friday, November 17th at 10:00am on Sea Biscuit Way in Cynthiana, KY as they embark on this exciting journey with a groundbreaking ceremony. The expansion represents a significant investment in the region, promising economic growth, job opportunities, and a thriving hub for spirits enthusiasts.
PUBLIC GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY: Friday, November 17th at 10:00am on Sea Biscuit Way in Cynthiana, KY.
I have a lot respect for what Jeff and Pete have done. Every drop of their spirits has been done at their distillery since day 1 of their first release. Here’s to their expansion and continued success.
Scotch Whisky Association Appoints Sarah McCormick as Legal Counsel As the Scotch Whisky Association continues to expand its legal prowess, the latest appointment may give it resolute direction. The whisky body added Sarah McCormick to its defense portfolio as it faces a busy new year. The expansion has followed suit in the association’s rapid growth […]
Scotch Whisky Association Appoints Sarah McCormick as Legal Counsel
As the Scotch Whisky Association continues to expand its legal prowess, the latest appointment may give it resolute direction. The whisky body added Sarah McCormick to its defense portfolio as it faces a busy new year.
The expansion has followed suit in the association’s rapid growth this year. The SWA now boasts a legal made up of six lawyers and two paralegals. This year, in Singapore, the SWA legal team was honored as the best Not-For-Profit Organization Team of the Year at the World Trademark Review Awards.
Sarah McCormick Credentials
Notably, Ms McCormick joins SWA with prior experience at Brodies LLP and has attained fame and popularity during her tenure with Dentons UK and Middle East LLP.
Alan Park, director of legal affairs for the Scotch Whisky Association said: “We’re delighted that Sarah has joined us. Her dedication and experience will enhance our work to protect Scotch Whisky’s intellectual property.
“At any one time we have over one hundred investigations underway into fake whiskies around the world, and Sarah’s contribution will help us meet the global challenges we face.”
Ms McCormick said: “I’m delighted to have joined such a talented team. The SWA has a well-deserved reputation for vigorously defending the interests of the Scotch Whisky industry both at home and abroad and I look forward to contributing to that important work.”
The SWA is made of whisky distilleries, dispensers, distributors, and enthusiasts. The body is non-profit in its definition and was created to provide additional security for whisky brands and consumers. The group has a plethora that represents the industry both in experience and technical professionalism.
Earlier this year, some organizations and factions of the whisky industry, voiced their objection to its existence. With plans that look to eliminate unscrupulous cask investments and other schemes, the SWA poses a growing threat to these groups.
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has sent a non-compliance Enforcement Notice to the Whisky Cask Investment industry. The decision came after the ASA found too many deceptive ads being emitted from the sector. According to a report published in The Mirror, many whisky cask investment companies were breaking advertising rules. The companies ran advertisements […]
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has sent a non-compliance Enforcement Notice to the Whisky Cask Investment industry. The decision came after the ASA found too many deceptive ads being emitted from the sector.
According to a report published in The Mirror, many whisky cask investment companies were breaking advertising rules. The companies ran advertisements that failed to comply with standard requirements laid down by the governing bodies. Some of which were in clear violation of customer rights or even bordered on fraudulent practices.
Whisky Cask Investment Enforcement Notice
The ASA pointed out that several companies were investigated and warned of their shortcomings. The majority of these companies failed to adhere to the following rules clearly stipulated in the Enforcement Notice.
• Adverts for cask whisky must make clear that investments can go down as well as up.
• They must not state or imply that results can be guaranteed.
• Profit claims must be supported by documentary evidence.
• The risks must be made clear.
• Adverts must warn that whisky investment is unregulated.
• Fees and other costs must be stated.
In addition, some companies have even been subpeoaned and are in jeopardy of being closed down. One such company is Whisky Advisors Limited. The outfit presents itself as an expert in locating rare whiskies at the best prices. even though several warning signals were visible on the website such as spelling errors, investors dove in to avail of bargains.
The company is now under investigation following a closure petition filed by the High Court. The hearing is scheduled for December 6, 2023, According to The Mirror, the company’s Director Krzysztof Maruszewski was not responsive to its request for comments.
The whisky cask investment has been around since the early 1900s when the US Senate allowed its usage as a form of investment. However, the modern landscape has become an unregulated venture with little or no guarantees for investors.
PRESS RELEASE: Provided by Michter’s Distillery For the first time ever, an American distillery has taken home the highest honor in whisky. Michter’s, a Louisville, Kentucky-based bourbon and rye producer, eclipsed the biggest names from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and beyond to rank first overall in the newly-released 2023 World’s Most Admired Whiskies top 50 list […]
For the first time ever, an American distillery has taken home the highest honor in whisky.
Michter’s, a Louisville, Kentucky-based bourbon and rye producer, eclipsed the biggest names from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and beyond to rank first overall in the newly-released 2023 World’s Most Admired Whiskies top 50 list published by Drinks International. With this stunning recognition, Michter’s joins a winner’s circle of iconic brands including Yamazaki and Springbank.
Michter’s was ranked by Drinks International #1 in their 2022 “Top 10 Trending Brands” for American Whiskey.
The results, which are determined by an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts from more than 20 countries, represent the pinnacle of achievement in the global whisky trade and certify that American whiskey is finally being recognized for its excellence by connoisseurs around the world. In its significance, and perhaps even shock value, this thrilling announcement harkens back to the Judgment of Paris in 1976, when a Napa chardonnay and a Napa cabernet sauvignon prevailed over esteemed counterparts from Burgundy and Bordeaux in a landmark blind tasting that demolished critical expectations and sent the international image of American wine soaring.
“I could not be prouder of what this means not only for Michter’s, but for the American whiskey community as a whole,” said Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation, former Chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member. “It is the ultimate recognition of the attention to detail, discipline, rigor and focus on excellence that has characterized high-end American whiskey production for many years now. At home, we’ve always had tremendous belief in our approach, but then you would travel abroad and see bourbon placed on the bottom shelf almost automatically in many parts of the world so it is really exciting to see it reach such high regard. This means so much to our team and we couldn’t be more humbled to celebrate this moment in American whiskey with our friends throughout the industry,” Wilson continued.
Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation. Courtesy
For Michter’s President and fellow Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s being named the World’s Most Admired Whiskey caps a remarkable run that began in the 1990s with him and his two brothers acquiring for US$245 the Michter’s trademark, which had been abandoned, thereby obtaining the rights to the brand he had once sold as a summer job during the late 1970s.
“This is a great day for American whiskey and a great day for Michter’s,” remarked Magliocco. “We are so grateful to the Academy and to all the people who have done so much over the years to make this possible. I can’t put into words how thrilled and how honored all of us at Michter’s are. From my first days of learning about the heritage of Michter’s in Pennsylvania through the subsequent time our team has spent resurrecting the brand in Kentucky, we have always hoped that people would appreciate the brand’s legacy and dedication to quality. But if you told me that one day Michter’s would be named the World’s Most Admired Whiskey, well, I would’ve thought you’d had one too many.”
Michter’s President, Joe Magliocco. Courtesy
According to Shay Waterworth, Editor of Drinks International, “Michter’s is officially the trade’s favourite whiskey. Not only does the brand have a fascinating back story, it’s also making some of the best whiskies in the world right now and clearly our global Academy agrees with me. Every trade show I attend I see a crowd of bartenders, importers and buyers surrounding the Michter’s stand, which further justifies its place at the top of our esteemed ranking. It’s also great for the trade to have its first American whiskey sit atop The World’s Most Admired Whiskies, my congratulations go to the whole Michter’s team for this great success.”
To Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee, this watershed moment celebrates the passion and dedication of many individuals along the way. He commented, “I would like to thank the Academy for this extraordinary honor on behalf of our entire team, past and present. It reflects the decades of hard work and passing down of knowledge from generation to generation that it took to arrive at this point. From each and every person at Michter’s to all of our trade partners and friends, this would not be possible without you. I am tremendously grateful and honored.”
Dan McKee, Michter’s Master Distiller. Courtesy
Will Michter’s being named the World’s Most Admired Whiskey catalyze even more global appreciation for America’s native spirit? That remains to be seen, but it is certainly a landmark step in that direction.
Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter’s is farming estate grown grain on its 205-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter’s has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson Building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter’s Pennsylvania. It also has educational tours with whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.
