September, 2024 - BourbonSphere

Johnnie Walker Partners With Emmy Awards

Johnnie Walker has collaborated with the 76th Emmy Awards airing tomorrow on September 15, with the blended whisky, as the official spirits partner of the 76th Emmy Awards, creating “Johnnie Walker Blue Label experiences” for the event. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label experiences feature 2023 Emmy-winning actor and current Emmy nominee Ebon Moss-Bachrach, chef Courtney […]

The post Johnnie Walker Partners With Emmy Awards first appeared on Whisky Critic – Whisky Reviews & Articles – Style. Attitude. Whisky..

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label experiences feature 2023 Emmy-winning actor and current Emmy nominee Ebon Moss-Bachrach, chef Courtney Storer and Diageo Reserve World Class mixologist Charles Joly, who have teamed up to create Blue Label cocktail pairings and an accompanying handheld bites menu to commemorate the awards ceremony.

Storer’s menu will include a caramelized onion burger [onions caramelized in Johnnie Walker Blue Label, of course] alongside cheddar cheese and aioli; hanger steak frites bites [with a Johnnie Walker Blue Label au poivre sauce] and a Chicago-style burger – a double patty smash burger with a splash of Johnnie Walker Blue Label on a poppy seed brioche bun with onion, pickles and peppers.

Joly’s cocktail creations will include the “Paired with Elegance In Motion” [identified as a “reimagined Whisky Sour with a hint of fizz”], the “Dressed For Success” [a Rob Roy-like adult beverage] and “Lights, Coffee, Action!” [an espresso martini with a frozen coffee element].

The Johnnie Walker menus will appear at various award event pop-ups tomorrow, while the “Blue List” by Johnnie Walker, will include a curated selection of bars and restaurants nationwide where both the cocktails and menu are served.

The Blue List as well as other Johnnie Walker awards activations are being promoted on Johnnie Walker’s Instagram @JohnnieWalkerUS.

The post Johnnie Walker Partners With Emmy Awards first appeared on Whisky Critic - Whisky Reviews & Articles - Style. Attitude. Whisky..

Old bottles and new(ish) distilleries

Ardnamurchan 2018/2024 (59.1%, OB for The Whisky Exchange, cask #1058, 1st fill sherry butt, 702 bottles)
Ardnamurchan 2017/2023 (59.7%, Berry Brothers & Rudd ‘The Pioneers’, cask #374, sherry hogshead, 302 bottles)
Daftmill 15 yo 2007/202…

Ardnamurchan 2018/2024 (59.1%, OB for The Whisky Exchange, cask #1058, 1st fill sherry butt, 702 bottles)

Ardnamurchan 2017/2023 (59.7%, Berry Brothers & Rudd 'The Pioneers', cask #374, sherry hogshead, 302 bottles)

Daftmill 15 yo 2007/2023 ‘Fife Strength’ (56.3%, OB for UK Independent Whisky Retailers, 1st fill bourbon barrel)

Daftmill 15 yo 2007/2023 (56.4%, OB for The Whisky Exchange, #009, bourbon barrel with PX sherry finish, 171 bottles)

Glen Grant 24 yo 1998/2023 (51.2%, Club Qing, cask #13087, sherry hogshead, 224 bottles)

Glen Grant 1972/1993 'The Dark Side of the Moon' (56.1%, Signatory for Velier Import, casks #6024-6025, sherry)

Glen Grant 25 yo (86 US proof, Stuart MacNair for USA, stopper cork, bottled early 1960s)

Glendronach 1970/1992 'Reserve Cantarelli' (43%, Signatory for Velier, casks #546-547, sherry hogsheads, 1200 bottles)

Glendronach (56.02%, OB, 1950s)

Lagavulin 16 yo (43%, OB 'White Horse', 1 litre, early 1990s)

Lagavulin 12 yo (43%, OB 'White Horse', Montenegro import, green glass, dark vatting, mid-1980s)

Lagavulin 31 yo 1991/2022 (49.2%, OB 'Casks of Distinction' for the 50th anniversary of Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh's family business, cask #P5D4, 1st fill PX sherry hogshead, 264 bottles)

Johnnie Walker Becomes Official Whisky of Formula One

johnnie walker

In a new partnership with the Formula One group, Johnnie Walker continues to expand its responsible drinking initiative. Dubbed Join the Pact, the platform will receive impetus from the top racing program in the world. During the announcement ceremony, Nick Blazquez, President of Diageo in Africa and Asia, disclosed the ambits of the partnership. A […]

The post Johnnie Walker Becomes Official Whisky of Formula One first appeared on Whisky Critic – Whisky Reviews & Articles – Style. Attitude. Whisky..

johnnie walker

During the announcement ceremony, Nick Blazquez, President of Diageo in Africa and Asia, disclosed the ambits of the partnership. A multi-year partnership will allow both companies to promote the platform. However, the big winner was Johnnie Walker which also became the Official Whisky of Formula 1.

This weekend, the 2024 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix will drift out at the Marina Bay street circuit. However, as opportune as this may seem, this is not the first racing rodeo for the whisky giant. The Walker brand has established a long history with the motorsports industry.

Johnnie Walker Crowned Official Whisky of Formula One

johnnie walker blue label xordinaire

In 2005, Johnnie Walker established a partnership with McLaren Mercedes that has endured for years. The new arrangement will only spur an already popular whisky to the frontline.

Speaking at the Conrad Centennial Hotel in Singapore, Nick Blazquez said: “Becoming the Official Whisky of Formula 1 will enable Johnnie Walker to greatly extend its reach to race fans. As a result of our new arrangement, we will have access to a global television audience of more than 450 million people and a track attendance audience of around 1.5 million every year.

“Equally important, and a key reason for Johnnie Walker to become the Official Whisky of Formula 1, is the huge opportunity we have through this expanded global platform to reach even more F1 fans around the world with responsible drinking messages.

“We believe there is great potential in what we can achieve together. The Johnnie Walker Join the Pact campaign is a proven, powerful program that is already driving positive change. More than 1 million people around the world have signed the Join the Pact pledge to ‘Never Drink and Drive’. We are therefore announcing today our intention to increase our investment behind this program, activating it in new territories with an ambition of gaining a further five million personal commitments over the next four years.”

The post Johnnie Walker Becomes Official Whisky of Formula One first appeared on Whisky Critic - Whisky Reviews & Articles - Style. Attitude. Whisky..

OHLQ 2024 Summer Bottle Lottery Recap

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has posted the results of the 2024 Summer Bottle Lottery Winners. Sadly, I kept my losing streak alive and didn’t win 😞. This lottery consisted of the following:HEAVEN HILL HERITAGE 2024 COLLECTION – $299.99 (P…

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has posted the results of the 2024 Summer Bottle Lottery Winners. Sadly, I kept my losing streak alive and didn't win 😞.

This lottery consisted of the following:

HEAVEN HILL HERITAGE 2024 COLLECTION - $299.99 (PLUS TAX) - 4037B

264 bottles

ROCK HILL FARMS SINGLE BARREL BOURBON – $65.00 (PLUS TAX) - 5338B

250 bottles

WELLER SINGLE BARREL - $55.98 (plus tax) - 9528B

80 bottles

There were 87,849 total entries. This put your chance of winning at 0.6%, or a 1 in 148 chance... not good. Anyway, congrats to the few who won.

BOTD Spotlight: Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon

Breckenridge Distillery is known for pushing boundaries and creating distinctive spirits, and their Rum Cask Finish Bourbon is a perfect example of that spirit of innovation.

Welcome to another exciting day in our 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge! Today, we’re featuring a bourbon that brings a unique twist to the table: Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon. If you’re looking for something different to spice up your rotation, this bottle is calling your name. Trust us, this bourbon is anything but ordinary—it’s a delicious adventure you’ll want to experience again and again.

Why Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon?

Breckenridge Distillery is known for pushing boundaries and creating distinctive spirits, and their Rum Cask Finish Bourbon is a perfect example of that spirit of innovation. What sets this bourbon apart is its finish in aged rum casks, which adds a layer of complexity and a subtle sweetness that’s sure to catch your attention.

Here’s what makes Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon a standout:

Tasting Notes: From the first sip, this bourbon greets you with a vibrant blend of vanilla, honey, and dark fruit—think dried cherries and raisins—with a hint of molasses from the rum cask finish. As it settles on your palate, you’ll notice a smooth transition to spicy cinnamon and rich caramel, rounded out by a finish that’s both warm and subtly sweet. The rum cask finish adds a unique twist, enhancing the bourbon’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Crafted with Care: Breckenridge takes pride in their meticulous production process, starting with a high-rye mash bill that’s aged to perfection in new American oak barrels. After maturing, the bourbon is transferred to carefully selected rum casks, where it rests just long enough to pick up those delightful rum-infused notes. The result? A bourbon that’s smooth, well-balanced, and just a little bit adventurous.
Versatile and Unique: Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting your journey, Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish offers something special. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or even in a cocktail where you want to add a touch of complexity. It’s a conversation starter, a palette pleaser, and a great way to mix up your bourbon routine.

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Explore our library of Breckenridge Distillery reviews.

Add Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish to Your 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge!

As you make your way through the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge, it’s important to explore a variety of styles and finishes. Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon is a perfect choice for those looking to add a unique and memorable pour to their challenge lineup. Its distinctive rum cask finish not only enhances the bourbon’s natural flavors but also provides a tasting experience that stands out from the crowd.

Ready to make this bourbon part of your challenge? Grab a bottle of Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish, savor its complex flavors, and check it off your challenge list. Remember, the goal of the 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge is to broaden your bourbon horizons and discover new favorites. By adding Breckenridge to your rotation, you’re doing just that—taking a delicious detour on your journey to bourbon enlightenment.

Want to join the fun? Head over to 30daysofbourbonchallenge.com for all the details and to keep track of your progress. And don’t forget to share your tasting notes and experiences with us. We’d love to hear how Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon is elevating your bourbon challenge!

Cheers to exploring new flavors and making every sip count! 🥃

Keep tuning in for more daily bottle highlights and continue your journey through the diverse world of bourbon. Each day brings a new experience, and we're excited to share it with you.

Inbox | The Week’s Whisky News | September 6, 2024

Welcome to Inbox – our weekly round up of whisky news and PR material that has found its way in to the WFE email. We started Inbox several years ago as we cannot write full articles or do justice to every piece received. It features items from arou…

Welcome to Inbox - our weekly round up of whisky news and PR material that has found its way in to the WFE email. We started Inbox several years ago 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 a round-up of this week's whisky news.

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The north Highland distillery of Dalmore has released three whiskies into a new collection - Dalmore The Distillery Select Series. New expressions will be added annually. The 2024 Edition features rare samples of casks laid down in specific cask types and includes the 2009 Vintage Sherry Cask Finish, 2007 Vintage Amarone & Port Cask Finishes and the 2000 Vintage Calvados Cask Finish. All are bottled at cask strength and are both non-chill filtered and of natural colour.

The Dalmore 2009 Vintage Sherry Cask Finish is bottled at 15 years old and features a finish in ex-sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass in Spain. It is released at 52.8% ABV and there are just 2,736 bottles. Each will cost £300. The Dalmore 2007 Vintage Amarone & Port Cask Finishes features a duo of cask finishes - ex-Amarone red wine from Italy and ex-Port wine from Portugal. There are just 918 bottles at 45.8% ABV. Each bottle will cost £1,000.

The Dalmore 2000 Vintage Calvados Cask Finish is bottled at 24 years old and 50.3% ABV. Initial maturation was in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period in ex-Calvados barrels sourced from the House of Drouin in France. There are just 383 bottles and each will cost £5,000. All will be available in Dalmore Boutiques around the globe, plus in specialist and luxury retailers. For more information, please visit www.thedalmore.com.

The Indian single malt brand of Rampur has announced the latest additions to its limited edition Jugalbandi series. The Rampur Jugalbandi #5 and #6 have been distilled at the Rampur distillery in the Himalayan foothills and created by Anup Barik, the brand's Master Blender. Jugalbandi translates as 'entwined twins' and refers to a traditional Indian musician and their instrument playing in harmony.

The Rampur Jugalbandi #5 (pictured, above left) has been initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels before a finishing period in ex-Tokaji wine casks from Hungary. It is bottled at 55.6% ABV. The Rampur Jugalbandi #6 (pictured, above right) has seen full maturation in ex-Madeira wine barrels. It is bottled at 55.8% ABV. Both will retail at £400 per bottle and be available in selected world markets including Europe, Singapore, the UK, the USA and global travel retail.

The luxury single cask single malt bottler of Ferg & Harris have launched five new whiskies into their 2024 collection. Each features a special cask finish and is bottled at the natural cask strength. They will be available to purchase from www.fergandharris.co.uk and selected independent whisky retailers. The list of the five bottlings and details are listed below:

Tormore 11 years old / Speyside/ 63.3% ABV/ ex-bourbon, finished in virgin oak/ 205 bottles/ £90
Longmorn 12 years old / Speyside/ 58.8% ABV/ ex-bourbon, finished in ex-white Port/ 288 bottles/ £125
Bunnahabhain 14 years old / Islay/ 54.7% ABV/ ex-Oloroso sherry, finished in ex-Sauternes/ 281 bottles/ £140
Craigellachie 15 years old / Speyside/ 64.2% ABV/ ex-Amontillado sherry, finished in virgin oak/ 284 bottles/ £130
Craigellachie 15 years old / Speyside/ 63.1% ABV/ ex-Amontillado sherry, finished in ex-white Port/ 279 bottles/ £130.

The Islay distillery of Ardbeg has announced the rebirth of a classic - the Ardbeg 17 years old. The returning whisky will be limited edition and exclusive to Ardbeg Committee members. The original Ardbeg 17 years old was released in 1997 shortly after the distillery reopened, but was retired in 2004. Now 20 years later, a complete replica is back.

The whisky has been created by Gillian Macdonald, Ardbeg's Master Blender, and matured in ex-bourbon barrels. It is bottled at 40% ABV, just as the original was. Ardbeg 17 years old 2024 Edition will be available to Ardbeg Committee members only via www.ardbeg.com, the distillery visitor centre shop and in Ardbeg Embassies worldwide. A bottle will cost £160.

The Speyside distillery of Tamdhu has announced a new rare whisky collection and the first bottling in that collection. The Tamdhu Dedication Collection kicks off with the release of Tamdhu 43 years old. The whisky is a combination of three ex-Oloroso sherry casks that were distilled and filled in 1978 and 1979. It is presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter, which is individually numbered, and housed within a hand-built octagonal wooden casket. Tamdhu 43 years old is bottled at 50.8% ABV and there are just 100 bottles available. It will be on sale from late-September via specialist and luxury retailers. A bottle will cost £13,500.

"At Tamdhu, our whisky is the ultimate artistic expression. So to launch this landmark collection we did not want to get side-tracked by gimmicks. Or look away from our whisky. Because it is there, in the spirit itself, where you see our craft, passion and dedication."
Sandy McIntyre | Distillery Manager at Tamdhu.

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Two Royal Lochnagar and Their Blend

John Begg ‘Blue Cap’ (43%, OB, blend, +/-1955)
Royal Lochnagar 12 yo (40%, OB, +/-2023)
Royal Lochnagar 10 yo ‘The Manager’s Dram’ (57.2%, OB, European oak, 2006)

John Begg 'Blue Cap' (43%, OB, blend, +/-1955)

Royal Lochnagar 12 yo (40%, OB, +/-2023)

Royal Lochnagar 10 yo ‘The Manager’s Dram’ (57.2%, OB, European oak, 2006)

TWiB: The Kentucky Castle Will Be A $92.5M Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. Has Two New Releases, Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves

It’s This Week in Bourbon for September 6th 2024. The Kentucky Castle will transform into a new $92.5 million distillery, Bardstown Bourbon […]

The post TWiB: The Kentucky Castle Will Be A $92.5M Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. Has Two New Releases, Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

It’s This Week in Bourbon for September 6th 2024. The Kentucky Castle will transform into a new $92.5 million distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. has two new releases, and the first innovation coming from Booker’s Bourbon since 2019 – Booker’s Bourbon ‘The Reserves’

Show Notes:

5th Annual Whisk(e)y Festival “Premier Drams” at Jack Rose
The Kentucky Castle will transform into a new $92.5 million distillery
Bardstown Bourbon Co. has two new releases
Proof and Wood BlameCanada
Truth Straight Rye Whiskey from Hard Truth
Booker’s Bourbon ‘The Reserves’.
@jackroseindc @bardstownbourbonco @hardtruthspirits @proofandwood @beamgeneration8
Support this podcast on Patreon

The post TWiB: The Kentucky Castle Will Be A $92.5M Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. Has Two New Releases, Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

Mike And Matt Taste Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof Bourbons

The other day, Rosemary and I were visited by Noelle Hale from the Ben Holladay Distillery. She was in town attending a Bourbon Women event and came by for a visit on the porch. She brought with her two bottles… Continue Reading →

Send-off Summer with a Four Roses Bourbon Honey Gold Rush

Are you dreaming of bonfires and hot toddies or clinching onto a bourbon slush? Though nothing can stop summer’s-end, we propose a transitional cocktail to ease you into cooler temps. Ingredients like lemon and honey promise to hold onto the bright, carefree essence of summer. While the aroma of autumn can be found in Four […]

The post Send-off Summer with a Four Roses Bourbon Honey Gold Rush first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Are you dreaming of bonfires and hot toddies or clinching onto a bourbon slush? Though nothing can stop summer’s-end, we propose a transitional cocktail to ease you into cooler temps.

Ingredients like lemon and honey promise to hold onto the bright, carefree essence of summer. While the aroma of autumn can be found in Four Roses Small Batch — a palate dominated by rich caramel and toffee notes, complemented by nuances of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re summoning sweater-weather or have a tight grip on summer, this refreshing sip is for you.

Ingredients:
2 oz Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
.75 oz Ooni Bourbon Barrel Aged Honey Syrup (or your honey of choice)*
.75 oz lemon juice
Garnish: lemon peel

Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a mixing tin. Add ice. Shake for fifteen seconds, or until the cocktail is properly diluted and well chilled. Double strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish.

*Honey Syrup:
Combine two parts honey and one part hot water. Stir until honey is dissolved. Cool to room temperature.

If you’re holding tight to warmer days, you might like these summer sips:

Woodford Reserve’s Porch Swing Cocktail
The Cham Girl Cocktail
Teaches of Peaches Cocktail

The post Send-off Summer with a Four Roses Bourbon Honey Gold Rush first appeared on The Bourbon Review.