Unknown - BourbonSphere

Quick Fire Rum Tasting Notes

Foursquare MagisteriumSingle Traditional Barbados Blended Rum58% ABV / RRP: £95.00Nose: A bevy of Bourbon and Sherry steeped sultanas, stewed prunes, dried apricots and Seville orange peel kick off the nasal niceties. Followed by notes of Tiramisu, banana bread, dark chocolate Bounty bar, Fry’s Turkish delight, mixed spice and freshly polished oak furniture.Palate: A warming wave of wood spice,

OHLQ Announces 2024 Single Barrel Saturday – November 16 @ 9am

Ohio Liquor has announces this year’s Single Barrel Saturday will be November 16, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., and will feature more than 150 barrels available at more than 200 locations statewide. This year’s event is moved up a few weeks as it happened Decemb…

Ohio Liquor has announces this year's Single Barrel Saturday will be November 16, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., and will feature more than 150 barrels available at more than 200 locations statewide. This year's event is moved up a few weeks as it happened December 9th last year.

Selections (1 barrel of product will be available unless otherwise noted)

Rolling Fork 6 Year Single Cask Jamaican Rum - $49.86
Rolling Fork 11 Year Single Cask Barbados Rum - $89.74
Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Strength - $99.99 (15 barrels)
Green River Bourbon Single Barrel - $59.99 (7 barrels)
Nulu Toasted Kentucky Bourbon - $89.99
Nulu VDN Finished Bourbon - $89.99
Nulu Maple Brûlée Finished Bourbon - $89.99
Nulu Toasted Honey Finished Bourbon - $129.99
Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey - $59.99 (9 barrels)
Starlight Calvados Barrel Finished Bourbon - $74.99
Starlight Amburana Barrel Finished Bourbon - $79.99
Starlight Carl T. American Double Oaked Bourbon - $64.99
Starlight Hungarian Barrel Double Oaked Bourbon - $64.99
Starlight French Barrel Double Oaked Bourbon - $64.99
Starlight Honey Barrel Finished Bourbon - $74.99 (6 barrels)
Starlight Hungarian Tokaji Barrel Finished Bourbon - $74.99 (3 barrels)
Starlight Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey - $54.99 (4 barrels)
Starlight Maple Syrup Barrel Finished Bourbon - $69.99 (2 barrels)
Pursuit United Double Oaked Bourbon Single Barrel - $69.99 (3 barrels)
WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel - $99.99 (3 barrels)
WhistlePig 15 Year Single Barrel - $299.99 (2 barrels)
WhistlePig Piggyback Rye Single Barrel - $59.99 (4 barrels)
Penelope Architect Private Barrel - $64.99 (6 barrels)
Penelope Toasted Private Barrel - $69.99 (6 barrels)
Augusta Distillery Old Route 8 Single Barrel - $114.99 (2 barrels)
George Dickel 15 Year Single Barrel - $69.99 (15 barrels)
Frey Ranch Single Barrel Bourbon Barrel Strength - $89.99 (4 barrels)
Elijah Craig Private Barrel Barrel Proof - $84.99 (37!!! barrels)
Rittenhouse Rye Barrel - $34.99 (2 barrels)

You can find more information and locations where each product is available on release day by checking the OHLQ page. Good luck to all those that are braving the crowds!

Source: OHLQ

Jeptha Creed Distillery Unveils Red, White & Blue Bourbon Batch Three

Jeptha Creed, the Kentucky craft distillery owned by a mother-daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery, offering a range of award-winning spirits, proudly announces the launch of its third batch of Red, White & Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Developed to show appreciation for current and past military members, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit organization CreatiVets.

Available starting November 7, 2024, the Red, White & Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the third batch of the expression that Jeptha Creed began three years ago to honor the anniversary of the opening, which occurred on Veterans Day in 2016. At 50% ABV/100 Proof, RWB3 offers a rich and complex fall sipping experience. The mash bill includes the deep red 25% Bloody Butcher Corn, 25% Heirloom White Corn, 25% Bruce's Blue Corn (created by Bruce Nethery, the husband and father of the ownership duo, and bred from blue Claridge and blue poppy corn), 20% Malted Rye, and 5% Malted Barley. In the glass, it presents a shimmering orange-brown amber hue. On the nose, there is a delightful mosaic of dark cherry, orange peel, and vanilla. Upon tasting, enjoy flavors of crisp apple, complemented by warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering, filled with caramel, apricot, and stone fruits, leaving a satisfying depth of flavor.

“We're thrilled to release Batch Three of our Red, White & Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” says Joyce Nethery, Master Distiller and CEO of Jeptha Creed Distillery. “This year’s partnership with CreatiVets deepens our commitment to honoring Veterans, a cause close to our hearts while celebrating the traditions that define our family and our distillery.”

CreatiVets offers opportunities for relief and healing for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. Their purpose is to use various forms of art, including songwriting, visual arts, music, and creative writing, to help disabled Veterans cope with service-related trauma by fostering self-expression in a way that allows them to transform their stories of trauma and struggle into an art form that can inspire and motivate continued healing. Through compassion, they are helping Veterans live again. All donations from this special bourbon release will directly support CreatiVets' mission to empower Veterans through the arts, giving them a platform to share their stories and find hope through creative outlets.

“We are deeply grateful to Jeptha Creed for standing by our nation’s heroes and amplifying our mission in such a meaningful way,” says Kyle Yepson, CreatiVets Deputy Director. ”Whether it's art, music, or community building, these funds will provide Veterans with the skills needed to share their experiences in new ways. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of Veterans across the country.”

In celebration of the release, Jeptha Creed Distillery will host a Veterans Day tribute to our troops with a color guard ceremony, guest speakers, bottle signings, light appetizers, and more on November 7, 2024. For more information, visit https://jepthacreed.com/event/red-white-blue-bourbon-batch-3-release/

The Red, White & Blue Batch Three Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (SRP: $75.00) is available in the distillery gift shop, online spirit shop, and in select retail locations in 40 U.S. states. Find a store near you by visiting https://jepthacreed.com/where-to-buy

About Jeptha Creed Distillery (https://jepthacreed.com)

Located in Shelbyville, KY, Jeptha Creed Distillery uses old fashioned methods to meet today’s demanding modern tastes. They use only the finest ingredients, locally grown and sourced to ensure their products meet the highest expectations for quality and flavor. Owned and operated by dynamic mother-and-daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery, Jeptha Creed sits on 64 acres of farmland, where they grow the Bloody Butcher Corn used for all of their products, including vodka, moonshine, and bourbon.

About CreatiVets (https://creativets.org)

CreatiVets is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering wounded Veterans by fostering creativity and self-expression through the arts. Founded with the mission to bridge the gap between military service and civilian life, CreatiVets provides Veterans with opportunities to heal from trauma by participating in music, visual arts, and storytelling programs. Partnering with world-renowned artists, universities, and creative institutions, the organization helps Veterans find their voice and share their stories with the world. By harnessing the transformative power of the arts, CreatiVets aims to inspire and bring healing to those who have served, using creativity as a tool for emotional recovery and community connection.

OHLQ 2024 Autumn Bottle Lottery Announced – Starting October 21

In a change from previous years, the annual State of Ohio Pappy lottery has been moved up from Winter to Autumn for 2024. The 2024 Autumn Bottle Lottery consists of the very sought after Buffalo Trace brands, including multiple ages of Pappy Van Winkle (more details below). Entries will be accepted for the lottery beginning at 12:01 A.M. on October 21, 2024. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. on October 28, 2024.

The breakdown of products available are:

Van Winkle Lottery

Old Rip Van Winkle 10, $129.99 plus tax (up $30 from 2023, up $60 from last 2022)
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, $$149.98 plus tax (up $40 from 2023, $70 from 2022)
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year (750 ML) - $199.98 plus tax (new this year)
Pappy Van Winkle 15, $199.98 plus tax (up $80 from 2022)
Pappy Van Winkle 20, $319.98 plus tax (up $40 from 2023, up $120 from 2022)
Pappy Van Winkle 23, $449.97 plus tax (up $50 from 2023, up $150 from 2022)

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Lottery

George T. Stagg, $149.98 plus tax (up $25 from 2023, up $50 from 2022)
Thomas H. Handy, $149.98 plus tax (up $25 from 2023, up $50 from 2022)
Eagle Rare 17, $149.98 plus tax (up $25 from 2023, up $50 from 2022)
Sazerac Rye 18, $149.98 plus tax (up $25 from 2023, up $50 from 2022)
William Larue Weller, $149.98 plus tax (up $25 from 2023, up $50 from 2022)

Entrants must be an Ohio resident 21 years or older and the following is required:

Ohio Driver’s License Number / Ohio Identification Card Number
First Name
Last Name
Street Address
Date of Birth
Email Address
Preferred OHLQ store location for purchasing the product if you win

Winners will have the opportunity to purchase one bottle.

You can enter here. Best of luck to all!

Exclusive Raffle: Win a Fireside Chat and more with Julian Van Winkle III – Benefiting the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky

Here’s your opportunity to win an exciting Bourbon Experience with Julian Van Winkle III. Your $100.00 chance benefits the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky. The winner will be drawn at this year’s Brain Ball on Friday, November 15. You do not need to …

Win a Fireside Chat & Tasting with Julian Van Winkle III!

Sit down with Pappy Van Winkle’s grandson and president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, Julian Van Winkle III, for a tasting and fireside chat. Known for producing some of the most sought-after whiskeys on earth, you’ll literally walk through the family of flavors during this rare opportunity. Plus, you'll be taking away a unicorn with this personalized bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle,10-year, 90.4 proof bourbon. The stories you’ll hear and memories you’ll share will last a lifetime.

The winner will receive the following (accommodating 6 persons):

Fireside Chat with Julian Van Winkle III for 6.
Tasting of “Pappy Flight” for 6.
A signed bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle,10-year, 90.4 proof. Personalized with a hand-inscribed calligraphy label with the winner’s name.
A private tour with Julian around Buffalo Trace Distillery, home of the Van Winkle whiskey production.
Other Pappy-related items from Pappy & Company.
Transportation provided by Mint Julep Experiences.

Only 1,000 tickets to be sold for this remarkable experience at the cost of $100 per ticket.

You must be 21+ to purchase. See rules for details.

Get your raffle tickets here: https://one.bidpal.net/biak24/browse/fixedPrice(details:item/2)

Here’s a little information about the event:

BIAK—Who we are: The Brain Injury Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness, support and providing hope for those affected by brain injury.

About brain injuries: The Kentucky Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Trust Fund estimates that 35,000 Kentuckians are affected by brain injury each year—roughly double the national average! Brain injury occurs suddenly, without warning, and devastates unprepared families.

What we do: The Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK) actively shares its philosophy, experience, and skills with survivors, family members, students, caregivers, administrators, health professionals, legislators, the lay community, and all those who desire to make a difference in the life of individuals with brain injuries and their families.

How we help: BIAK has relationships with healthcare providers who introduce their patients to us close to injury onset, even before they know we exist! We complement medical treatment with services that will help them navigate the difficult journey ahead.

What else the BIAK does: We advocate. BIAK has been instrumental in establishing the brain injury waivers, TBI Trust Fund, Sports concussion protocols, return to classroom protocols and is currently interacting with the judicial system to help them cope with a brain injury population estimated by the CDC at between 25% and 87%.

We help to prevent brain injury by providing bicycle helmets for children.

We conduct a brain injury conference each year for brain injury professionals.

BIAK funding: We do ALL this on a budget of just over $200,000/year and with volunteer support from within the community. Your money and support go to work to help support the thousands of Kentucky families devastated by brain injury annually.

The BIAK Brain Ball is our largest fundraiser of the year, and, again, without the community's support (in the form of both Ball attendees and sponsor partners), we would not be able to provide these services.

Review | Ardbeg Spectacular

Each year the Islay distillery of Ardbeg releases an annual Fèis Ìle bottling for Ardbeg Day – this day at the beginning of June marks the end of the festival on the famous whisky island of Islay. Ardbeg Spectacular represents the first single malt fr…

Each year the Islay distillery of Ardbeg releases an annual Fèis Ìle bottling for Ardbeg Day - this day at the beginning of June marks the end of the festival on the famous whisky island of Islay. Ardbeg Spectacular represents the first single malt from the distillery to feature maturation in ex-Port casks. It is a marriage of traditional ex-bourbon cask Ardbeg and spirit matured fully in ex-Port barrels and has been created by Gillian Macdonald, the Master Blender for Ardbeg. Ardbeg Spectacular is released at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour.

The Ardbeg distillery is located on the southern coast of the Hebridean island of Islay. It was founded in 1815 by John MacDougall, although records have distillation taking place on the site as far back as 1794. The recent history shows numerous changes of ownership from the 1950s right through to a fallow period in the 1980s and 90s, until The Glenmorangie Company (now Moet Hennessy) took over in 1997. This signalled the rebirth of Ardbeg and a significant upturn in fortunes. The distillery has an annual production of just 2.4 million litres per year and boasts an award-winning visitor centre.

"Ardbeg Spectacular is a high-flying spirit, very befitting of Ardbeg Day. Its years in bourbon and port casks create a spectacle of flavours, the like of which Ardbeggians will never have tasted before."
Gillian Macdonald.

Ardbeg Spectacular is available worldwide, plus from the Ardbeg visitor centre and brand website www.ardbeg.com. When writing this post, bottles remained available with several retailers. The exact number of bottles in this limited edition has not been revealed, but each will cost £110/ US$135.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is deep gold and the nose is vibrant, smoky and sweet. Aromas of medicinal peat smoke and coal tar soap mingle with heather honey, bittersweet maltiness and milk chocolate. There are also further aromas of dried fruit and vanilla fudge, plus hints of smoked fish and a good pinch of white pepper. The combination is heady and inviting.

On the palate this whisky is bold and big. The medicinal peat smoke and white pepper notes from the nose hit first - think of ashy bonfire embers, drying seaweed and fresh tar combined with hints of smoked fish and a mechanics oily rag. An interesting note of liquorice develops out of this with time, as does a hint of menthol or something minty.

Some much needed sweetness sits in the background and becomes more influential with time - imagine floral heather honey, vanilla custard and some golden syrup. Later notes of caramelised pear, dried fruit (especially plump sugary sultana, plus some cranberry), baked apple and cocoa powder also come through nicely. Some bittersweet malty cereals appear at the end.

The finish is long. Very long actually. The peat smoke wraps around everything and never loosens its grip. This drags out the length of the finish, especially once the sweeter and fruitier elements have started to fade. This gives an ashy dryness and a distinct peppery warmth.

What's The Verdict?

This is a very enjoyable whisky from Ardbeg. The use of the ex-Port casks has added a lovely depth and complexity to the flavour profile and it works very well with the high level of peat smoke on show. The way this smoke brings everything together is great and the extra sweetness elevates the whisky well. This is definitely one of the better Ardbeg Day bottlings of recent times.

Review | Hibiki 40 years old

This new whisky is the oldest ever version of the award-winning Hibiki blend from The House of Suntory. It features whiskies from the company’s three distilleries of Chita, Hakushu and Yamazaki. There are six component whiskies in total – the largest …

This new whisky is the oldest ever version of the award-winning Hibiki blend from The House of Suntory. It features whiskies from the company's three distilleries of Chita, Hakushu and Yamazaki. There are six component whiskies in total - the largest percentages are Yamazaki American Oak from 1983, Hakushu Lightly Peated from 1981 and two Chita single grains from 1979 and 1981. Smaller percentages in the blend include Yamazaki Spanish Oak and Yamazaki Mizunara Oak, both from 1983.

The Hibiki 40 years old has been created by Shinji Fukuyo, the Chief Blender for The House of Suntory. He joined the company in 1984, shortly after the component whiskies were distilled, and has held his current prestigious position since 2009. Since then he has also created the multi award-winning whiskies of Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Chita and Toki. The Hibiki blend (pronounced he-bee-kee and meaning 'echo' in Japanese) was first introduced in 1989 and created by then-Master Blender Keizo Saji.

The rare whisky is housed in exquisite packaging. This includes the decanter-style 30-sided crystal glass bottle from Kagama Glass and decorated with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer. The box is made of 12 different Japanese woods,and has 12 sides representing the 12 months of the year. The four seasons of Japan are depicted in maki-e lacquer. The traditional label was created by renowned Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki.

Hibiki 40 years old is bottled at 43% ABV and there are just 400 bottles available. They will be sold through luxury and specialist whisky retailers in selected markets globally. A bottle will cost £33,150/ US$35,000.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is deep gold and the nose is superbly elegant and inviting. Delicious aromas of white peach and apricot mingle with baked apple and manuka honey. These sit alongside further aromas of butterscotch and floral orange blossom. Some earthy spices also build - think of gingerbread and clove especially.

On the palate this whisky has a delicate mouth feel and oozes class. Initial notes of dried apricot, vanilla fudge and butterscotch are accentuated by early hints of bitter orange oil, golden syrup and cocoa powder. There are also hints of dark dried fruits such as raisin, plump sultana and some candied orange peel. Luscious ripe white peach and the floral note from the nose come through well, but is more reminiscent of jasmine or honeysuckle now. Elegant dusty and earthy spices add good warmth, depth and complexity - imagine clove, mace and that gingerbread from the nose in particular, plus a hint of cinnamon and cassia bark. There is a later hint of dried grass or hay.

The finish is long and presents an interesting marriage of sweet and savoury. The fruity and sweeter characteristics slowly fade while the elegant warming spices remain throughout. A late suggestion of old cigar box and the gingerbread elevates the finish further and provides a fitting end.

What's The Verdict?

This is a stunning whisky from The House of Suntory. Given the price this is clearly not a 'whisky for everyone' but it is a whisky for someone. We were delighted to be given the opportunity to sample it and attend the UK launch in London. The elegance and classiness of the whisky shines through and each sip feels like a privilege and that you are drinking a part of Japanese whisky history. The sweet vs. savoury nature is perfectly balanced and it really shows how good old whisky can be.

Jura Tweet Tasting

More industry leading, social media based dramfotainment you ask? Well as ever allow us to very gladly oblige!Continuing our teeming throng of industry leading Tweet Tastings (the original series of virtual tastings) over on Twitter / X, we’re delighted to announce that on November 13th we’ll be teaming up again with our very good friends at the Jura Distillery, for another epic evening of

Review | Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8 years old

The American bourbon brand of Wild Turkey has released a special commemorative whiskey to celebrate the remarkable career of Jimmy Russell, the long-serving Master Distiller. This year marks the 70th anniversary since Russell began working at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on September 10 1954. His remarkable career includes establishing Wild Turkey as a global brand and being inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame.

The Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 years old features whiskeys of 8- and 9-years of age that were hand-selected by son Eddie Russell and grandson Bruce Russell, who both work at the distillery in senior positions, from Jimmy's favourite rickhouses.

The Wild Turkey distillery is in the town of Lawrenceburg in the famous whiskey making state of Kentucky. The origins date from the Ripy family in the late-1860s and 1870s and there are a couple of stories regarding the name - one is because it was built on Wild Turkey Hill and the other regards a story about a former employee. He used to go on an annual turkey hunt with and took whiskey from the distillery with him. In the following year they asked him to bring more of "that wild turkey whiskey" and the Wild Turkey brand was introduced shortly afterwards.

The brand was one of the most popular bourbon brands before Prohibition, but the distillery was forced to close during that period. However, it was one of the first to reopen after Prohibition and this helped to establish Wild Turkey as a leading American whiskey brand. It is currently owned by Gruppo Campari, who took control in 2009.

The Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 years old is bottled at 101 Proof (50.5% ABV) and the bottle features Russell's signature. The bourbon is available in the USA and selected international markets in limited numbers. A bottle will cost US$50.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is deep coppery gold and the nose is packed with aromas of vanilla and toffee, plus burnt orange and the match that lit it. Further aromas of golden syrup, honey and milk chocolate mingle with warming oak spices (think of cinnamon, mace and clove) and hints of cherry, marzipan and old cigar box.

On the palate this whisky has a lovely mouth feel and plenty of honey and vanilla notes to begin with - think of fresh vanilla pod especially. There are also notes of sweet marzipan and glace cherry with some preserved bitter orange, icing sugar and golden syrup. Then come some toasted nuts - imagine almond, hazelnut and brazils. In the background there is a slightly flinty and mineralic vibe that is reminiscent of wet pebbles or stones. This is followed by hints of cocoa powder and something grassy and hay-like. Some drying oaky spice and a cinnamon stick appear at the end.

The finish is long and increasingly dry, woody and hot. The sweet golden syrup and honey-like characteristics fade after time and this leaves the toasted nuts and drying wood spices to come to the fore. Some later fruitiness also evolves with the bitter orange and glace cherry again coming through well.

What's The Verdict?

This is a lovely limited edition from Wild Turkey and one that is great for such a great occasion. The lovely and sympathetic use of old casks have given a lovely aroma and flavour profile that balances the sweet, fruity and spicy elements well. This is a proper sip and savour bourbon - that's exactly what you should do with this. It is absolutely delicious.

133rd Whisky Insiders Interview – Alasdair Stevenson

Company:Turntable Spirits LimitedJob:Co-FounderWebsite:turntablespirits.comSocials:@turntablespiritsHow long have you been working in the whisky industry?I’ve worked in the whisky industry for 12 years, having
joined The BenRiach Distillery Co. straight out of university in 2012. What has been your biggest career highlight to date?Undoubtedly, partnering with my brother, Gordon, and taking

Company:Turntable Spirits LimitedJob:Co-FounderWebsite:turntablespirits.comSocials:@turntablespiritsHow long have you been working in the whisky industry?I’ve worked in the whisky industry for 12 years, having joined The BenRiach Distillery Co. straight out of university in 2012. What has been your biggest career highlight to date?Undoubtedly, partnering with my brother, Gordon, and taking