Aboard to MS Koningsdam Cruise Ship of Holland America Cruises with more than 120 bottles of whiskey from around the world, travel writer James Hills shows us what this cruise ship bar with is all about including its own Whiskey Sommelier for the whiskey tasting room.
In the photo above, James Hills is aboard the MS Koningsdam Cruise Ship with more than 120 bottles of whiskey from around the world – including more than 60 Scotch whiskies along with a ton of Bourbon whiskeys.
Holland Cruises Koningsdam might just be the ultimate ship for whiskey lovers.
Koningsdam’s whiskey tasting room has its own private whiskey sommelier ready to lead tastings and help guests explore their palates and discover new favorite whiskeys.
Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.’s Nicole Austin and Todd Leopold Leopold Bros Distillery joined forces for a limited release of George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Rye Whiskey Blend at 100 proof. This release balances two different styles of rye whisky: Leopold Bros’ Three Chamber Rye and George Dickel traditional column still rye whiskey
Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.of Tullahoma, TN and Leopold Bros Distillery of Denver, CO tell BourbonBlogl.com they have joined forces for a new, limited release of George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Whiskey Blend at 100 proof.
Starting this month of November 2021, you can find the George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend rolling out in select markets across the US for a suggested retail price of $109.99.
Over the years, Nicole Austin – General Manager and Distiller at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. – and Todd Leopold – Founder and Master Distiller at Leopold Bros Distillery – have cultivated mutual respect not only as peers in the whisky industry but as friends. They are both friends of ours at BourbonBlog.com, so we are excited to share this.
Fast-forward to 2021, when Todd shared a sample of their trademark Three Chamber Rye with Nicole, he was looking for a partner to collaborate on a new blend to challenge the status quo for rye offerings on the market.
About the Blend
Dubbed the George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend, this union perfectly balances two different styles of rye whisky: Leopold Bros’ celebrated Three Chamber Rye and George Dickel never-before-released traditional column still rye.
The result is a rare, historically inspired blend of straight rye whiskies that is reminiscent of an era when heavy-bodied rye whiskies were served at bars and saloons across America.
They tell us that George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend boasts a floral nose of lavender, elderflower, and rose balanced by sweet hints of maple syrup, marshmallow and cocoa. On the palate, rosewater, blackberries, caramel, lavender, fig, and citrus are present and followed by a finish combining earl gray, honey and cocoa.
“When you look back at official records for Three Chamber Rye Whiskies, they weren’t just sold as is, but they were also blended together with column still whiskies,” Todd Leopold, Founder at Leopold Bros tells us. “It feels fitting our rare rye release combines this historic style with something new from George Dickel. We hope whisky fans will enjoy this take on an American classic and inspire the resurgence of rare rye whisky.”
“At the core of both George Dickel and Leopold Bros is a shared spirit of commitment to producing quality and distinctly delightful whisky,” Nicole Austin, General Manager and Distiller at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co share with BourbonBlog.com. “I’ve been a personal fan of Leopold Bros for years, and it’s why I’m thrilled to collaborate with Todd and his team. I’m also particularly excited this partnership will mark the first time people will be able to enjoy a rye whisky distilled at Cascade Hollow.”
WhistllePig Rye Whiskey releases the 8th edition of The Boss Hog finished in high toast barrels that held small batch, single island, aged Philippine rum barrels. This rare whiskey from the WhistlePig Shoreman, Vermont Distillery
WhistllePig Rye Whiskeytells BourbonBlog.com this year’s much anticipated 8th edition of The Boss Hog finished in high toast barrels that held small batch, single island, aged Philippine rum barrels. This rare and complex whiskey is barrel strength, bottled between 104.8 and 106.6 proof.
They call this “an epic sequel to the World’s Best Rye from last year’s Magellan’s Atlantic. We reviewed last Magellan’s Atlantic in the live video below and on this link).
The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific completes is said to complete the journey around the world, unfurling a chronicle as rich and bold as the whiskey itself.
Upon crossing the Pacific, Captain Magellan met his fate at the hands of the legendary Filipino warrior LapuLapu. A fierce and vociferous defender of independence, LapuLapu led his island home against the Spaniards. There he forged a successful fortification, staving off colonial occupation for more than forty years.
In honor of this new hero in the story, this rare edition sees a double finish in high toast, small-batch, single island Philippine Rum casks, adding layers of warm spice and delicate tropical notes to an already deeply complex, well-aged Rye Whiskey.
Five hundred years later, LapuLapu is celebrated as a symbol of strength and independence – his likeness captured in the hand-made, collectible pewter pig that crowns as shown below.
The Philippines is one of the world’s lesser-known Rum producers. The Rum barrels for The Boss Hog VIII make their own long journey from a small island just southwest of Cebu, where the famous battle occurred. They previously held small batch Rum for between seven and ten years. Just like Rye Whiskey, extended barrel aging enriches Rum’s vanilla, caramel, and oak notes, mellows the profile, and adds layers of complexity to the final spirit. A high toast profile imparts another dimension of toffee and spice flavors.
“On the heels of Magellan’s Atlantic, it was a great challenge to find the perfect finish for the most special Rye barrels in our warehouse. We were already tracing Magellan in depth, and when we discovered LapuLapu’s story we knew we had to track down the best Philippines Rum barrels we could for the sequel. Before maturing Rum for 7-10 years, the barrels were coopered from American Oak and originally held bourbon. In this way, they’ve made their own circumnavigation from American whiskey to the Philippines, and back again to us in Vermont,” Meghan Ireland, Blender, WhistlePig Whiskey tells BourbonBlog.com.
“The whiskey rest first in 7-year-old small-batch Philippine Rum casks, followed by a shorter finish in 10-year-old small batch Philippine Rum casks. The older rum is darker and bolder, requiring less time for its barrels to impart notes in the whiskey. The end result is an amazingly unique and delicious whiskey.”
VIDEO: WhistlePig Rye Whiskey: Boss Hog Magellan’s Atlantic
Tucked away under a Japanese restaurant in an unassuming area of the Hudson Valley, it already feels like the best escape ever. Welcome to Fuchsia Tiki Bar in New Paltz, New York. Bourbon expert Tom Fischer hands with owner Anton Kinloch for a podcast interview and a tiki cocktail recipe.
Tucked away under a Japanese restaurant in an unassuming area of the Hudson Valley, it already feels like the best escape ever.
Welcome to Fuchsia Tiki Bar in New Paltz, New York.
BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer enjoyed it so much he returns to the Hudson Valley the second time in two months and hangs with owner Anton Kinloch. Together, they bring you the podcast interview below (or listen to it here BourbonBlog’s Podcast channel).
Listen to Our Podcast With Tiki Bar Owner Anton Kinloch
Fischer and Kinloch discuss the parallels between Rum and Bourbon whiskey, the revival of Tiki bars, and new Rums to check out.
Fuchsia is lush and brilliantly transportive. There are even old movie props from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom that adorn the ceiling.
One of the coolest bars of its kind we have ever seen.
To get a taste of what you experience at the bar, Kinloch shares the cocktail below with us.
“Tiki is the greatest way to escape from everyday life and enjoy things on a much greater level,” Kinloch tells Tom Fischer. He describes that especially in recent times, Tiki is what we all need.
The bar currently houses 209 different rums and holds the record for one of the largest rum libraries in the state of New York. Kinloch shares some Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum, a brand created by Hudson Valley native Eric Kaye.
As No Time To Die is released and the movie features Blackwell Rum , we share a James Bond story and interview with Geoff Curley telling the story of funder Chris Blackwell, who as a young man, worked as a production assistant on Dr. No in 1962, later purchased Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye estate, and became Goldeneye Luxury Resort. Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum is featured in the film.
As No Time To Die is released and the movie is said to feature Blackwell Rum, Bourbon expert Tom Fischer interviews Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum’s Geoff Curley in the video below and on this link.
Curley tells the story of Jamaican native and rum founder Chris Blackwell, who as a young man, worked as a production assistant on Dr. No in 1962, later purchased Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye estate, which became Goldeneye Luxury Resort.
It all came full circle as Blackwell Run was featured in the new “Bond 25” movie along with a partnership of a limited edition Blackwell Rum 007 bottle and expression available for sale at select retailers and on their website for $39.99 on BlackwellRum.com/shop.
(Photo Below: Chris Blackwell with Sean Connery Sand Ursula Andress on the set of Dr, No in 1962)
WATCH OUR VIDEO INTERVIEW AND REVIEW BELOW
It all came full circle as Blackwell Run was featured in the new “Bond 25” movie along with a partnership of a limited edition Blackwell Rum 007 bottle and expression available for sale at select retailers and on their website.
With regard to which scene to look for the Rum, JamesBondLifestyle.com seems to indicate in the image below as Daniel Craig reaching for his gun, In No Time To Die, he has been living at his house in Jamaica.
Bond’s peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
The limited-edition Rum features an augmented reality experience available via a QR code on the bottle, where Blackwell, who is best known for discovering Bob Marley, comes to life to share life stories, music selections, cocktail recipes, and more.
Listen to Our Bond Podcast Below
The Fine Jamaican Rum is inspired by his family’s time-honored recipe. This aged, rich, and fragrant dark gold rum is filled with the warmth and sensuality of Jamaica. “This is a rum that celebrates Jamaica, my friendships, and also my family legacy,” Chris Blackwell tells us.
About GoldenEye Luxury Resort
Once the Jamaica home of renowned author Ian Fleming, GoldenEye was developed by Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, and opened as a resort in 2011. GoldenEye is home to private beaches, secret coves, a seawater lagoon and The Fleming Villa (where all 14 James Bond books were written). There are four dining options (The Gazebo, Bizot Bar, Shabeen and the Bamboo Bar), a newly expanded FieldSpa and accommodations that include Beach and Lagoon Villas, Lagoon Cottages, Beach Huts and an ocean front villa. GoldenEye is located 20 minutes east of Ocho Rios. It’s 90-minutes by car from Montego Bay Airport and a five-minute drive from Ian Fleming International (private aviation only).
291 Colorado Whiskey brings back unique whiskeys to the market for the season – 291 Bad Guy Colorado Whiskey, 291 HR (High Rye) Colorado Bourbon Whiskey, and 291 Colorado M (Maple) Whiskey. The whiskeys will roll out throughout the fall with Bad Guy available on October 9, High Rye on November 6, and Maple on November 22.
291 Colorado Whiskey tells BourbonBlog.com they are returning three unique whiskeys to the market – 291 Bad Guy Colorado Whiskey, 291 HR (High Rye) Colorado Bourbon Whiskey and 291 Colorado M (Maple) Whiskey.
The whiskeys will roll out throughout the fall with Bad Guy available on October 9, High Rye on November 6, and Maple on November 22.
“These three releases have historically been some of our most sought-after whiskeys, while also some of our most limited releases,” Michael Myers, owner and founding distiller of 291 Colorado Whiskey, tells BourbonBlog. “As we celebrate our tenth year, 291 continues to grow into new markets giving us the opportunity to share these with a larger group of whiskey enthusiasts.”
2021 will be the first time the new whiskeys will be available outside of Colorado.
BAD GUY
The Bad Guy is a wheated four-grain bourbon, founding distiller, Michael Myers’ third recipe, created as an experiment back in 2011. Historically one of the distillery’s highest-rated and most-awarded whiskeys, the Bad Guy is often considered their most bold, rich, and complex whiskey. Made from corn, malted wheat, malted rye, and beech smoked barley mash, this whiskey is heavier on the sweet side despite its high proof. 57.8% Alc/Vol – 115.6 PROOF
HR: (HIGH RYE)
291’s High Rye Colorado Bourbon was first created when a miscommunication between 291 Founder Michael Myers and Head Distiller, Eric Jett resulted in a double dose of rye accidentally added to the bourbon recipe. The “spicy cousin” to the flagship bourbon is branded as “HR” and with malted rye making up over 30% of the recipe. After aging, the result was a delicious, complex bourbon that strikes a balance between 291’s Colorado Bourbon Whiskey and its Colorado Whiskey. This whiskey has a spice and fruitiness to round out the vanilla and oak.
It became so popular with fans that the Colorado-based distillery now offers it in a limited run each year.
Made from corn, malted rye, and malted barley mash. 64.1% Alc/Vol – 128.2 PROOF
M (MAPLE)
291 “M” Colorado Whiskey starts as 291 Colorado Rye Whiskey, which is aged in new American White Oak barrels and finished with Aspen staves. The whiskey is then transferred to 291 whiskey barrels previously used to barrel-age Wisconsin maple syrup by producer Lincoln County Reserve and finished for four months. The result is a whiskey with notes of toasted oak, toffee, maple syrup, and figs and a rich, viscous mouthfeel. Utilizing the brand’s bold rye whiskey to create the “M” makes this maple finished whiskey stand out from the crowd.
This rich, spicy, and viscous whiskey is like liquid french toast with a serious kick. “M” Colorado Whiskey is presented at approximately 62.5% Alc/Vol – 125 PROOF.
The cocktail joins the ranks of Dark ’n Stormy, Sazerac, Pain Killer, and Hand Grenade® in the line-up of trademarked cocktails. Here is the whiskey recipe for White Whiskey Cocktails: The Whiskarita® which was created by Distillery 291’s Michael Myers.
The cocktail joins the ranks of Dark ’n Stormy®, Sazerac®, Pain Killer®, and Hand Grenade® in the line-up of trademarked cocktails, and was created by 291 CEO and Founding Distiller Michael Myers before he even started his distillery. Myers said that the Whiskarita® is the first cocktail to ever be served in the tasting room and it has been a best-seller ever since.
And best of all…while many think of whiskey as the perfect drink to sip by a fire, more bartenders are turning to white whiskey to make refreshing cocktails. We might think of traditional Margaritas as a summer or spring libation, but this one can work all year.
White Whiskey, otherwise known as “White Lighting,” “White Dog” and in 291 Colorado Whiskey’s case Fresh Colorado Whiskey, is simply unaged whiskey.
To be considered a whiskey, usually the spirit has to be stored in oak, but that could be for as little as ten seconds, and not enough time to really grab the notes of aged whiskey.
Because of its more neutral flavor, white whiskey can be a great substitute for traditional vodka, rum or tequila cocktails. 291 Colorado Whiskey out of Colorado Springs has been swapping out tequila for white whiskey in its Whiskarita® cocktail for years, but only recently did the brand go the extra mile to trademark the popular cocktail, making it the fifth ever trademarked cocktail.
Whiskarita® Recipe
1 1/2 oz of 291 Fresh Colorado Whiskey
3/4 oz Triple Sec
1 1/4 oz Lime Juice
3/4 oz Simple Syrup
Shake ingredients in a tin with ice. Strain over ice into Collins glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Michael Myers makes his with 291 Fresh Colorado Whiskey, a small batch, un-aged whiskey distilled in a copper pot still that recently won “Best American New Make” in the 2021 World Whiskey Awards. Fresh Colorado Whiskey is made from corn, malted rye and malted barley mash and present at 90 proof. The whiskey is Aspen Charcoal Mellowed giving it a softer taste profile.
From Jim Beam’s Ghost to Buffalo Trace’s White Dog offering, white whiskeys in general have become more prevalent on the shelf. Tell us in the comments or on Bourbon Blog social (@bourbonblog) what white whiskey you’ve been enjoying and what cocktails you’ve created.
Savage and Cooke Distillery’s new 17-year-old limited edition Bourbon Whiskey is “Guero.” According to Savage & Cooke, only 900 cases have been released. At 108 proof, it retails for $199.99 for a 750 ml bottle. We speak with winemaker and Savage & Cooke founder Dave Phinney.
Savage and Cooke Distillery tells BourbonBlog.com they have released the 17-year-old limited edition Bourbon Whiskey called “Guero.” According to Savage & Cooke, only 900 cases have been released. At 108 proof, it retails for $199.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
BourbonBlog.com is scheduled to welcome Savage & Cooke owner and founder Dave Phinney soon to our BourbonBlog Live series to do a live tasting on the Guero.
Savage & Cooke tells us about how the Bourbon was named:
The name Guero is very near and dear to Dave Phinney’s heart. It was the nickname given to him at his first harvest job where he was the only white guy on an all-Mexican crew. It translates to “light-skinned”, and the days and nights of working in the winery as part of a temporary harvest team with this skilled crew remain some of Dave’s fondest memories.
They also tell us they are excited that it checks off 3 important boxes for whiskey collections: Limited production; 1-time release, and the age of the whiskey.
King of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey is returning this year with the release of its fourth edition. While the majority of this year’s volume will remain in Kentucky, the expression will also be available in limited quantities in Illinois and Ohio. Chris Morris tells us more.
Brown-Forman tells BourbonBlog.com King of Kentucky is returning this year with the release of its fourth edition. Hitting shelves in September, this will be the fourth release for the brand. While the majority of this year’s volume will remain in Kentucky, the expression will also be available in limited quantities in Illinois and Ohio.
The 2021 expression is a 14-year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Approximately 2,700 bottles have been produced with a suggested retail of $249.99.
King of Kentucky was established in 1881 as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Brown-Forman acquired the brand in 1936 from Selected Kentucky Distillers and, by 1940, converted it to a blended whiskey until it was discontinued in 1968. In 2018, Brown-Forman revived the lapsed label paying homage to the brand’s past.
King of Kentucky is an annual, periodic release of a single barrel inventory featuring a barrel-strength, minimally-filtered proof presentation, with each release and every barrel being unique. For this year’s iteration, Master Distiller Chris Morris chose 33 barrels to set aside for the limited-release product.
“This year’s release comes from two production days-14 years ago-but a mere twelve days apart,” Master Distiller Chris Morris tells BourbonBlog.com. “Given the fact that each bottling is of a single barrel, the very slight difference in age is undetectable. All the barrels that were selected for this year are of the highest quality.”
Due to the rarity of these barrels, there will be no defined annual volume.
Omni Louisville Hotel will host a handcrafted luxury bourbon whiskey experience for bourbon fans and collectors at the first annual Kentucky Southern Social, Thursday, September 16 through Saturday, September 18.
Omni Louisville Hotel tells BourbonBlog.com that later this week they will host a luxury bourbon experience at the first annual Kentucky Southern Social later this week.
The immersive three-day bourbon experience at the Omni Louisville featuring celebrity-hosted dinners and tastings, entertainment and a live auction of rare bourbons and whiskeys. This year’s Kentucky Southern Social event will be held Thursday, September 16 through Saturday, September 18.
The Omni Louisville Hotel has carefully crafted the weekend with dinners and parties featuring the biggest names in bourbon. Highlights include a three-course dinner with Brown-Forman’s master distiller Chris Morris; a private speakeasy dinner with Kaveh Zamanian, founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery; a cocktail hour with Joe Dininger of Angel’s Envy; and horse racing with Elizabeth McCall of Woodford Reserve.
In addition to special guests, the auction will feature vintage, rare and hard-to-find bourbons such as the first release of Peerless Double Oaked Bourbon, Rabbit Hole’s new Founder’s Collection Raceking, a complete collection of all Old Forester Birthday Bourbon releases, the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition plus various releases of King of Kentucky, Pappy Van Winkle, Sazerac, Blanton’s, Kentucky Owl and pre-Prohibition bottles, and lastly, a Jefferson barrel pick experience. See the full auction list at kentuckysouthernsocial.com.
Guests will be able to choose which events they would like to attend. To participate, guests will first select one of the various two-night room packages offered. Each package includes two-night stay, early check-in, late check-out, breakfast for two and a special bourbon amenity. Guests may then select to purchase tickets to special events. All packages include access to the auction.
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The Omni Louisville Hotel has carefully crafted the weekend with dinners and parties featuring the biggest names in bourbon. Highlights include a three-course dinner with Brown-Forman’s master distiller Chris Morris; a private speakeasy dinner with Kaveh Zamanian, founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery; a cocktail hour with Joe Dininger of Angel’s Envy; and horse racing with Elizabeth McCall of Woodford Reserve.
