Wild Turkey is launching Russell’s Reserve 15 year Bourbon beginning July 1st nationwide in select retailers. The limited edition clocks in at a sturdy 117.2 proof and price tag of $250 SRP. Barrels for this release were plucked from the Camp Nelson area rickhouses. Russell’s Reserve has made some substantial noise with the release of […]
Wild Turkey is launching Russell’s Reserve 15 year Bourbon beginning July 1st nationwide in select retailers.
The limited edition clocks in at a sturdy 117.2 proof and price tag of $250 SRP.
Barrels for this release were plucked from the Camp Nelson area rickhouses. Russell’s Reserve has made some substantial noise with the release of its 13 year Bourbon, the upcoming release set to build on taste profile with a few extra years of aging.
“While it wasn’t an easy decision to release something other than Russell’s Reserve 13, the added complexity from extended aging was too exciting to pass up,” said Eddie Russell. “It’s been humbling to watch what started as a passion project – a place to celebrate my family’s shared love of bourbon making – turn into something that’s coveted by collectors the world over. We stay committed to bottling only the best, and only when it’s ready. This year, that’s brought to life in these bottles of Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old.”
Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY) announced today the launch of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass. This latest addition to the Heaven Hill family is a collection of Kentucky Whiskeys that highlight Heaven Hill’s long-standing commitment to quality, sustainability, and craft. The initial launch features three new mashbills which include a Bourbon Whiskey, Wheated Bourbon Whiskey […]
Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY) announced today the launch of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass. This latest addition to the Heaven Hill family is a collection of Kentucky Whiskeys that highlight Heaven Hill’s long-standing commitment to quality, sustainability, and craft. The initial launch features three new mashbills which include a Bourbon Whiskey, Wheated Bourbon Whiskey and Rye Whiskey expression.
Starts With The Seed
The craft nature of this unique line of Whiskeys starts at the very beginning – the seed. The idea for the line began over 8 years ago as the brainchild of Heaven Hill Executive Chairman Max Shapira. Max’s passion for quality and transparency in whiskey-making lead to a partnership with seed company Beck’s Hybrids – a fellow family-owned and lead operation based in Indiana since 1937.
Each year, our Master Distiller works with Beck’s Hybrids to hand select a unique corn seed varietal that has specific attributes desirable for Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, one of which is choosing seed which is best suited for growth in Central Kentucky. The chosen corn seed varietal is then grown by Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, one of which is directly across the street from Heaven Hill’s Bardstown facility. Peterson Farms, a multi-generational family farming company, has been entrusted to take the corn seed varietal and cultivate it into healthy grain that goes into the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass mashbills. Since its founding in 1935, Heaven Hill has prided itself on crafting the highest quality Kentucky Whiskeys. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass honors this legacy and the cherished partnerships which were built on handshakes, not contracts.
“Over the course of the nearly 90 years, since the founding of Heaven Hill by my Dad and his brothers, we have always been cognizant of viewing our business from the long term, developing products that fit into this broad vision,” said Heaven Hill Executive Chairman Max Shapira. “Heaven Hill Grain to Glass incorporates everything our long history and heritage brings to our producing what we believe is the most unique, transparent offering that we have brought to market in our entire history. And that is saying a lot.”
Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill. Courtesy
Unique Mashbills & Proofs
The Bourbon and Wheated Bourbon Whiskeys feature mashbills with higher secondary grain content than Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill and Wheated Bourbon mashbill.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Bottled at 107 proof, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey expression is comprised of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malted barley.
Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon: Bottled at 121 proof, the Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey expression is made with 52% corn, 35% wheat and 13% malted barley.
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: This expression is bottled at 123.2, the only barrel proof expression of the series. It also features a higher rye content than Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey mashbill consisting of 63% rye, 24% corn and 13% malted barley.
Age: The distillates have been aged over six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse site. Each product is non-chill filtered and bottled at the ideal proof to allow the characteristics of each unique mashbill to shine.
“Working with Beck’s and Peterson Farms to create Grain to Glass has been an incredible experience,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “We’re proud to have crafted an innovative product – taking it from seed to aged liquid – while still remaining true to the values and legacy of Heaven Hill Distillery.”
The focus on transparency in the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass line extends beyond its local ingredients. The label on each bottle features details of the specific corn seed varietal utilized from Beck’s Hybrids, the unique mashbill, as well as the distillation and released years. The illustrations include a blueprint of Bernheim Distillery, along with custom designs depicting the importance of farming tradition and innovation. The bottles are 700ml which perfectly poises the line for international expansion in the future. More information can be found here: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass/
Maker’s Mark today announced the latest in its Wood Finishing Series with the 2024 expression, “The Heart Release.” Inspired by the team that distills its whisky at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, The Heart Release will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99 beginning in July 2024. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series is […]
Maker’s Mark today announced the latest in its Wood Finishing Series with the 2024 expression, “The Heart Release.” Inspired by the team that distills its whisky at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, The Heart Release will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99 beginning in July 2024.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand’s iconic bourbon. Whereas the first series emphasized the production process that impacts the flavor of Maker’s Mark, the second series will focus on the teams behind Maker’s Mark. The first release within this series will shine a light on the unique taste vision inspired by the distillery team – the makers of Maker’s Mark, who craft its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.
What Makes This Unique?
The base of this release is Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. From there, 2 different blends were created using French Oak Staves. Per each batch, the staves were “cooked” uniquely. Regarding age, it’s to a minimum of 6 years and is done so “to taste”, meaning when its deemed ready.
For Batch 1, the cask strength base was finished for an additional 5 weeks with 10 specially cooked French Oak staves in Maker’s limestone cellar. For Batch 2, the process was repeated but finished for 9 weeks. Following, the 2 batches were blended together.
“Always staying true to my grandparents, our founders’ vision to deliver a full-flavored, soft red winter wheat bourbon with a smooth finish, Maker’s Mark continues to shape the brand’s future through purposeful, flavor-driven innovation,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and Managing Director for Maker’s Mark. “This Wood Finishing Series release celebrates the entire distillery team, who share our vision and who have contributed their perspective to craft the final expression.”
“It was a very unique, special experience to have the distillery team play a significant role in crafting the taste vision of The Heart Release,” said Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending, Maker’s Mark. “Distillery team members all have different, yet very important jobs in creating our whisky; each person described aromas and flavors they experience throughout their day, which helped us shape the flavors of this release.”
We like seeing age statements on Bourbons. Lets you know what you’re working with so to speak. With that being said, it was nice seeing Jim Beam Black is now packing a 7 Year Age Statement. And with a $24.99 SRP, clocking in at 90 proof. Former proof being 86. $25 bottle at seven years […]
We like seeing age statements on Bourbons. Lets you know what you’re working with so to speak. With that being said, it was nice seeing Jim Beam Black is now packing a 7 Year Age Statement. And with a $24.99 SRP, clocking in at 90 proof. Former proof being 86. $25 bottle at seven years has a nice ring to it.
Just prior, JBB was labeled as “Extra Aged”. Likely in the 6 year range. In a former life prior to that, Black carried an 8 year label. Now, the label has went through a redesign.
Prior “Extra Aged” Jim Beam Black Label:
“Jim Beam Black is the culmination of our family’s dedication to crafting the finest bourbon. With each sip, you’re experiencing seven years of careful maturation and a tradition that has been passed down for over two centuries,” said Fred and Freddie Noe. “We’ve put our heart and soul into creating this bourbon, and we believe it represents the very best of what Jim Beam has to offer. It’s a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.”
This week, Old Forester announced a surprise release of its most coveted and rarest expression, President’s Choice, just in time to celebrate Father’s Day. Per the brand, this is the largest PC drop in the label’s history. Bottles from several single barrels went on sale June 12th online (where shipping is legal) and at Old […]
This week, Old Forester announced a surprise release of its most coveted and rarest expression, President’s Choice, just in time to celebrate Father’s Day. Per the brand, this is the largest PC drop in the label’s history.
Bottles from several single barrels went on sale June 12th online (where shipping is legal) and at Old Forester Distillery.
President’s Choice dates to 1964 when former Brown-Forman President George Garvin Brown II offered the first private single barrels to customers. That tradition continues today as Old Forester surprises consumers with a summer release of President’s Choice.
“President’s Choice is our most sought-after product – and most people never get the chance to buy a bottle,” said Master Taster Melissa Rift. “We’re excited to announce this special President’s Choice release just in time for Father’s Day.”
Old Forester Master Taster, Melissa Rift. Courtesy
The limited release comes from single barrels each with unique flavor profiles. The quality and characteristics of the barrels are crucial for the 7–12-year aging process and contribute to optimal flavor within the 105-120 proof range.
Today, Woodford Reserve has released a limited-release bourbon collection created by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and her father, just in time for Father’s Day. These special bottles were created by two generations of bourbon lovers to honor the passion and spirit of fathers everywhere. McCall and her father Tim O’Neill spent a day at the […]
Today, Woodford Reserve has released a limited-release bourbon collection created by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and her father, just in time for Father’s Day.
These special bottles were created by two generations of bourbon lovers to honor the passion and spirit of fathers everywhere. McCall and her father Tim O’Neill spent a day at the Woodford Reserve Distillery earlier this year developing the batches.
Quick Facts
AGE: N/A
PROOF: 90.4 (45.2% abv)
BLEND: 7 different two barrel batches
PRICE: $79.99 1 Liter
AVAILABILITY: Distillery sold and online store (KY, D.C, NE, NH, ND)
They batched seven different two-barrel blends to create a variety of flavors that fit their taste profiles.
Elizabeth’s mother worked in the spirits industry, but it was her father who first introduced her to whiskey.
“I brought my Dad to the distillery and put him to work, and it was such a special experience,” McCall said. “We had a wonderful time creating seven one-of-a-kind bourbons that others can share with their fathers.”
“I’ve always been a bourbon drinker,” said O’Neill, who is retired. ”I was very excited when my daughter asked me to join her.”
This limited-edition bourbon collection is now available at Woodford Reserve Distillery and online (in states where shipping is legal). Each 1L bottle is $79.99.
BUY ONLINE: The WR online store ships to KY, D.C., NE, NH, ND.
Lux Row Distillers announced the introduction of Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, aged and hand bottled independently at 100 proof (50% ABV) for a unique flavor profile specific to each batch. The annual release will be available in a limited allocation later this month at a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle. Quick […]
Lux Row Distillers announced the introduction of Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, aged and hand bottled independently at 100 proof (50% ABV) for a unique flavor profile specific to each batch. The annual release will be available in a limited allocation later this month at a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle.
Quick Facts
AGE: 10 year (Single Barrel)
PROOF: 100 (50% abv)
PRICE: $99.99 750ml
AVAILABILITY: Select nationwide
Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel is hand crafted according to Rebel Bourbon’s original, time-honored wheated recipe since 1849.
Earlier this year, Rebel Bourbon became the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing, the No. 8 Chevrolet and NASCAR® Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. Rebel Bourbon also offers two new barrel programs for retailers – Rebel Full Proof Single Barrel in person at Lux Row Distillers or via a mailed sample kit, and Rebel Stave Finish Collection Single Barrel in person at Lux Row Distillers.
“This annual Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel shows how Rebel is bridging the gap between its heritage and modern tastes,” said Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. “I think consumers will appreciate the hand-crafted single barrel process when they experience the robust, rebellious flavor and mature finish of this extra smooth sipping whiskey.”
As Green River Distilling Co. (Owensboro, KY) continues to expand its reach across the country, the brand will also expand its offerings this summer. Green River Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey takes the brand’s flagship bourbon and presents it with full-bodied, full proof flavor. Green River Full Proof is a blend of five-to-seven-year barrels […]
As Green River Distilling Co. (Owensboro, KY) continues to expand its reach across the country, the brand will also expand its offerings this summer. Green River Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey takes the brand’s flagship bourbon and presents it with full-bodied, full proof flavor.
Green River Full Proof is a blend of five-to-seven-year barrels selected from curated areas of Green River’s Owensboro tile warehouses and feature the same mash bill as Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon. These original tile warehouses maintain both warm and cool temperatures, yielding unique proof variation and liquid maturation. The result is a pure expression offering a robust flavor profile which preserves the barrel character while bringing massive flavor to the palate.
Quick Facts
AGE: 5 – 7 year blend
PROOF: 117.3 proof (58.65% abv)
PRICE: $49.99
AVAILABILITY: Select markets nationwide
Tasting Notes (Brand Provided):The high rye percentage gives it a robust backbone of spice, sweetened and softened by corn and barley to produce. Full of warming spice, vanilla, caramel and chocolate-coated peppermints, Green River Full Proof offers aromatic notes of cinnamon, dried cherry and light leather. Deep golden amber in color, is weighty on the palate and closes with a lingering, rich mouthfeel.
“Full Proof bottlings are custom blends of barrels selected from our favorite parts of the rickhouses and hand selected for their quality. What I love about full proof expressions is that you are in control of the proof – taste at full-bodied strength and adjust to your preferences,” said Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development for Green River Distilling Co.
Presented at a variable batch-proof, the initial batch is bottled at 117.3 proof (58.65% ABV). This everyday product will be available for a suggested price of $49.99.
Full Proof joins Green River’s lauded profile of Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, and Rye. Previously, full proof single barrels were only available for purchase by the barrel.
James B. Beam (Jim Beam) recently announced a new, permanent addition to its small batch portfolio: Knob Creek® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey. “Whiskey enthusiasts know when they’re drinking our whiskey, it’s aged to perfection and crafted with exceptional full flavor. We’re excited to bring an extra-aged rye whiskey with even more robust flavors from […]
James B. Beam (Jim Beam) recently announced a new, permanent addition to its small batch portfolio: Knob Creek® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey.
“Whiskey enthusiasts know when they’re drinking our whiskey, it’s aged to perfection and crafted with exceptional full flavor. We’re excited to bring an extra-aged rye whiskey with even more robust flavors from a decade of aging in our barrels,” said Freddie Noe, Eighth Generation Master Distiller. “When my grandfather created Knob Creek® over 30 years ago, he set out with the intention to craft a premium whiskey without shortcuts, and we’re excited to continue his legacy – I know he’d love it, just like our fans will.”
L to R: Freddie Noe, Fred Noe. Courtesy
Quick Facts
AGE: 10 Year
PROOF: 100 proof (50% abv)
PRICE: $69.99 750ml
AVAILABILITY: Nationwide
The Knob Creek Rye journey began with launch of Knob Creek® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012. Per the brand, Knob Creek 10 Year Old Rye boasts a bold and complex flavor profile, capturing the essence of Knob Creek’s traditional rye while delivering deeper notes of rich caramel, creamy vanilla, and robust oak and char notes imparted by additional years spent aging in the barrel.
It’s a very big day for Angel’s Envy. Fresh off the wire, the brand just announced they will soon release their FIRST EVER NON FINISHED WHISKEY. Why does this matter? Launched originally in 2014 by the legendary Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes (and their family), they are the house built on finishing. That is […]
It’s a very big day for Angel’s Envy. Fresh off the wire, the brand just announced they will soon release their FIRST EVER NON FINISHED WHISKEY. Why does this matter?
Launched originally in 2014 by the legendary Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes (and their family), they are the house built on finishing. That is their DNA. Their bread ‘n butter. Not a spin off or side hustle limited edition. Their flagship from day 1 has been port finished Bourbon. They have been at the absolute forefront of finished whiskeys and doing a dang good job at it.
They will soon unveil their inaugural Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The genuine article Bourbon with no finishing influence.
Quick Facts
AGE: Nearly 6 years.
PROOF: 100 proof (50% abv)
MASHBILL: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
RELEASE DATE: Friday, June 14th
AVAILABLITY: Distillery ONLY (Louisville, KY)
PRICE: $54.99 for 375ml
VOLUME: 12,000 Bottles
BOTTLED IN BOND
CASK STRENGTH
NO WATER ADDED
INTERESTING FACTOR: CASK STRENGTH – This new release unites the historic Bottled in Bond distinction with modern cask strength boldness through a lower barrel entry proof and meticulous blending by Master Distiller Owen Martin, artfully achieving exactly 100 proof. To me, a big X factor here is being bottled-in-bond at cask strength. I’m not sure there is another label out there that can claim this. And building on that, the absurdly low cask strength proof at 100. This means the liquid went into the barrel at a very low proof (no water added) which is a sign of high quality commitment in itself. Very normal in the industry to have liquid come off the still approaching the limit of 125 proof and into the barrel. This tactic reduces the number of barrels in inventory, which lowers production cost. Water can then be added before bottling to a lower proof. Water however is not the enemy, quite the opposite as those sugars lingering in the wood are more soluble in water vs alcohol. Extracting those sugars help provide those yummy vanilla and caramel notes.
What’s important here to realize, the whiskey wasn’t pulled from the barrel and diluted down to 100 proof. You’re getting the genuine article of liquid purity. For a brand that has been built on barrel finishing, this is pretty cool and certainly an extra step of higher quality implementation.
“In spring 2018, the team started with a lower barrel entry proof of 103 and placed our barrels in a cool, humid warehouse. Instead of withdrawing them at 100 proof, we let them mature further to prioritize flavor. We drew the barrels at 98-99 proof and blended 27 low-proof barrels with two high-proof barrels from the same season to reach exactly 100 proof, creating Cask Strength Bottled in Bond,” said Master Distiller Owen Martin. As the brand’s first-ever unfinished whiskey, ANGEL’S ENVY® is excited to continue its legacy of demonstrating how it can take a heritage-rich category and view it through a different lens to share truly unique whiskies.
Angel’s Envy Master Distiller Owen Martin. Photo credit: Robert Jacob Lerma
TASTING NOTES (Brand Provided): Aged for nearly six years, the ANGEL’S ENVY® Cask Strength Bottled in Bond has a toasted gold appearance and comes in at 100 proof (50% ABV). The final bourbon presents lightly caramelized sugars and vanilla wafers on the nose with a hint of banana pudding while sweet and balanced on the palate with notes of honey latte, light fruit syrup, and toasted oak. Fading gently, the finish is rounded and soft.
ANGEL’S ENVY® Cask Strength Bottled in Bond will be available in 375ml bottles, with only 12,000 bottles available in this distillery series release. The bourbon will be priced at $54.99 and is only available for purchase at the ANGEL’S ENVY® Distillery, which is located at 500 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202.
