Industry News - BourbonSphere

Bourbon Women Announces 2024 SIP Scholarship Program

Bourbon Women is pleased to announce the 2024 SIP Scholarship Program funded by the Bourbon Women Foundation. Bourbon Women is a community that believes in paying it forward, helping develop new talent and professional connections in any industry, especially the spirits industry. Each year hundreds of Bourbon Women gather at the SIPosium National Conference for an epic four-day whiskey education conference that includes both consumer and industry attendees.

The SIP Scholarship Program gives individuals interested in moving into the spirits industry or furthering their careers access to the Bourbon Women SIPosium National Conference, August 15 – 18, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville. “The SIP Scholars program represents our drive for community engagement and inclusivity within the spirits industry. It creates avenues for women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect with seasoned professionals and peers from across the nation. Our members, spanning both industry and consumer sectors, are passionate about introducing more women to the spirits industry and bolstering the networking essential for career advancement,” said Heather Wibbels, managing director of Bourbon Women.

Brittany Allison, Chair of the Bourbon Women Foundation, notes, "We can all point to a person or persons that invested in our development, the Bourbon Women Foundation is our opportunity to pay forward that investment. In addition, the generosity of both the bourbon industry and bourbon consumers continues to increase, enabling the SIP Scholarship program to expand its reach. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our tribe and their enthusiasm for welcoming newcomers." This year the Bourbon Women Foundation is offering fifteen scholarships for the 2024 National SIPosium Conference. A SIP scholarship includes a mentoring program, a three-year Bourbon Women membership, and can also include financial support to cover the cost of the SIPosium National Conference ticket and lodging at the hotel. Recipients also attend an Angels Share reception with past recipients, mentors, and some of the Bourbon Women leadership. This facilitates connections and helps the scholars take full advantage of the weekend and the relationships made over a delicious sip of whiskey. Wibbels said, “For our SIP Scholars as our SIP attendees, whiskey isn’t just a spirit we enjoy, it’s a way to create connection and community with one another, and a way to empower one another with education, opportunities and fun.”

Applications for the 2024 SIP Scholarship Program are available on the Bourbon Women website (https://bourbonwomen.org/2024-sip-scholar-program/). Applications are due by April 26th, 2024, Midnight PST.

Barrel Global™ Launches New, High-End American Whiskey Experience with its “Kentucky Bourbon Retreat”

“Our Kentucky Bourbon Retreat democratizes barrel ownership by allowing individuals to create their very own batch of barrels with a truly bespoke mashbill.”

Bourbon Barrel Ownership Service Offers Bespoke Travel, Tasting, and Distilling Experience

Barrel Global™ Launches New, High-End American Whiskey Experience with its “Kentucky Bourbon Retreat”

As the bourbon boom continues apace, and whiskey aficionados look for new and interesting ways to engage with their favorite brands, one company is introducing a travel, tasting, and distilling experience centered around America’s Native Spirit. Today, US-based Barrel Global announces the launch of a new bespoke service dubbed the “Kentucky Bourbon Retreat.” This immersive experience welcomes consumers and corporate clients to visit a distillery in Kentucky where they will distill their very own barrels of bourbon that will then be aged and bottled to their exact specifications. Learn more and book an experience.

“Our Kentucky Bourbon Retreat democratizes barrel ownership by allowing individuals to create their very own batch of barrels with a truly bespoke mashbill. Distilleries typically require a minimum order of more than 100 barrels for such a service, but given our distillery relationships, we’re able to bring that minimum number down to a more palatable 10 barrels,” said Barrel Global Founder George Koutsakis.

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Read our previous story about Barrel Global for more background.

A fully customizable itinerary awaits, as guests arrive in Kentucky for a three-day “once in a lifetime” bourbon-making adventure under the careful guidance and curation of an esteemed bourbon distiller. During the deep dive into bourbon-making, retreat attendees receive a tutorial in the art, science, excitement of distillation and barreling – which starts with selecting a mashbill to create a taste profile suited to your palate, tasting the new mash and the distillate, and making the correct cut between heads, hearts and tails before proofing the liquid. Under the watchful eye of the head distiller, guests return to the distillery on their final day in Kentucky to fill their own barrels with distillate, seal them, check for leaks, and finally roll them into the rickhouse.

Once the barrels are proofed, the distillery partner stores them for the required aging in their on-site warehouses until they are at the desired maturation and ready for bottling. Although bourbon is notoriously a waiting game, the owners of these newly-minted barrels may determine their future use – from personal consumption and corporate gifting to launching their own mini bourbon brand or reselling the barrels on the open market.

“Bourbon distilling has captivated a global audience, and this experience allows retreat attendees to step into the highly coveted role of “distiller” for a day under the careful tutelage of a highly trained distilling expert while respecting the traditions, legacies, and expertise that these notable craftspeople bring to the industry,” Koutsakis continued.

Pricing for this group-centric activity is $35,000 dependent on group size and barrel yield, which includes 10 newly-distilled bourbon barrels with a completely bespoke mashbill, full participation in the distilling process – from mashing and fermentation to distilling and barreling, hotel accommodations, dinner, and a comprehensive bourbon tasting. Additional guests may be added for an incremental cost.

In partnership with Hopkinsville, KY-based Casey Jones Distillery, the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Retreat launches this month and is aimed at corporate clients, the hospitality industry, families, and friend groups – making it a truly universal experience for legal drinking age consumers. While Barrel Global is rolling out the service with one distillery partner, the company will expand with additional experiences and partners in the months ahead.

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Pop's Hot Take
The bourbon industry is witnessing unprecedented growth in brand diversity and the emergence of barrel brokers aiming to exploit the rising demand for unique bourbon experiences. Barrel Global sets a new standard with its Kentucky Bourbon Retreat, making custom distillation more accessible and affordable. This move will likely inspire similar innovations across the industry, as others aim to offer unique experiences alongside bulk barrel purchases. Already, we're seeing brokers adjust minimum order quantities (MOQ) to as low as a single barrel, but Barrel Global stands out by offering custom mash bills with an MOQ of just 10 barrels.

Regarding the whiskey itself, the quality remains an open question, particularly from Casey Jones Distillery, a relatively unknown entity for many. Prospective buyers should prioritize due diligence, requesting samples from Barrel Global, ideally across different mash bills and ages. Starting with a four-year sample is wise, progressing to older vintages to gauge the potential of your investment. Reconsidering your investment might be prudent if the younger whiskey doesn't meet your expectations.

West Fork Whiskey Co. Partners with M/I Homes for Transformative Development

The design is intended to create a community hub that people can enjoy through outdoor experiences and is meant to enhance both the live and play experience with shared programming initiatives between the distillery and broader community.

Central Indiana based whiskey distillery, West Fork Whiskey Co., announced that they entered an agreement with M/I Homes, Inc. to create a live and play entertainment district to be located in Westfield, Indiana and dubbed the West Fork District.

This development will encompass 12 to 18 acres surrounding the current distillery, which includes land to the north and east of its current footprint.concept plan calls for approximately 150 townhomes, walking paths, firepits, a pond, outdoor concert venue, dog park, whiskey aging warehouse, and future additional commercial development.

M/I Homes is planning to build the townhome in the same style of the West Fork Whiskey Co. distillery in order to create a cohesive development. Current architecture and feel will be that of a modern farmhouse. They have also allotted for a commercial space to be developed at a later date on the southeastern corner of the development. The future commercial development is intended to further the West Fork district by capitalizing on a live and walk real estate concept.

“We look forward to working further with the Westfield City Council to ensure this development creates the community impact that we desire. development is designed to bring the community together with shared assets & create yet another reason to move to Westfield to make it their home. We are committed to building community around our brand in every capacity possible,” said Blake Jones, Co-Founder & Co-CEO.

You can find more information, details and visuals of this project on our website at www.westforkdistrict.com

New Bourbon Experience is Coming to Bourbon Country’s Lexington, KY

PRESS RELEASE provided by Bespoken Spirits: Bespoken Spirits, the innovative California bourbon maker known for its pioneering approach to bourbon aging, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. The grand opening event is scheduled for March 27th, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM at their new distillery in Greyline Station. This marks a […]

The post New Bourbon Experience is Coming to Bourbon Country’s Lexington, KY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

PRESS RELEASE provided by Bespoken Spirits:

Bespoken Spirits, the innovative California bourbon maker known for its pioneering approach to bourbon aging, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. The grand opening event is scheduled for March 27th, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM at their new distillery in Greyline Station. This marks a significant milestone as Bespoken Spirits transitions its operations to the heart of bourbon country.

“Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry continues to see historic momentum,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This growth is not possible without quality companies like Bespoken Spirits believing in Kentucky and the business-friendly environment we have established. This grand opening marks a welcome addition to Lexington and an exciting next step for the company. I am thrilled to see Bespoken’s success here in the commonwealth.”

To celebrate its grand opening, Bespoken Spirits and Hell House Whiskey are thrilled to host a special appearance by one of its esteemed Artist Partnerships, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The legendary rock band will join the festivities, and participate in a bottle signing event for their Hell House Whiskey at Total Wine & more the next day from 12 PM to 2 PM followed by their concert at Rupp Arena. Attendees of the grand opening event at Greyline Station can expect an evening filled with tastings of Bespoken Spirits’ exceptional bourbons, music, and the chance to mingle with industry experts and bourbon aficionados alike.

Mayor Linda Gorton stated “I was happy to be involved in recruiting Bespoken Spirits to Lexington. Bespoken Spirits is a perfect fit for Lexington. Agriculture technology companies are attracted to our city because of its quality of life, highly educated workforce, and deep roots in agriculture. By integrating technology into the art of bourbon aging, Bespoken Spirits is now ushering in a new era of craftsmanship here in bourbon country. Welcome, Bespoken Spirits!”

“We’re excited to open our doors in Lexington and share our innovative approach to bourbon with the community,” said Peter Iglesias, CEO of Bespoken Spirits. “This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for us, and we look forward to contributing to Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage.”

Schedule of Events:

March 27, 2024
6:00PM – 8:00PM EST
Bespoken Spirits Grand Opening
101 Loudon Ave, Ste 136
Lexington, KY 40508
Free entry.

March 28, 2024
12:00PM – 2:00PM EST
Hell House Meet and Greet / Bottle Signing with Lynyrd Skynyrd
Total Wine & More
2321 Sir Barton Way Suite 165, Lexington, KY 40509
On-site bottle purchase required.
8:00PM EST
The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour
Rupp Arena
430 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507
Tickets available online.

For the latest in Bourbon, visit www.thebourbonreview.com

The post New Bourbon Experience is Coming to Bourbon Country’s Lexington, KY first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Sazerac’s “Blanton’s Gold Barrel Charity Sweeps” Raises $1,000,000 for St. Jude’s Research

The post Sazerac’s “Blanton’s Gold Barrel Charity Sweeps” Raises $1,000,000 for St. Jude’s Research first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Nothing better than seeing how the Bourbon Community unites to help support wonderful causes. A recent testimony of this – the Sazerac Single Barrel (SBS) program recently hosted a charity sweeps that began in February, all benefits going to St. Jude’s Research. The steaks were high as the dangling carrot just happened to be a BARREL of BLANTON’S GOLD. And its get better, a VIP on-site experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery. All for a $100 ticket entry. That’s some pretty serious smoke.

Perhaps it should not be a big surprise that this campaign raised a reported $1,000,0000. Nonetheless, it’s so incredible to see this kind of success going to such a wonderful cause.

Per Sazerac, the SBS Program has raised more than $3M for charities prior to this campaign. We will certainly drink to that.

To learn more about the SBS Program and to sign up – CLICK HERE.

SBS BLANTON’S GOLD CHARITY SWEEPS PRIZE PACKAGE

The winner of the Blanton’s Gold Charity Sweepstakes will receive:

· A VIP behind-the-scenes tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery for the winner and up to seven of their guests.

· A private barrel selection experience where the winner will thieve, taste and select their barrel.

· $20,000 prize, which may be used to purchase personalized bottles yielded from the selected barrel.

· A private lunch at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

· The empty barrel.

The post Sazerac’s “Blanton’s Gold Barrel Charity Sweeps” Raises $1,000,000 for St. Jude’s Research first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Jeptha Creed Distillery Reports RECORD BREAKING Visitor Volume in 2023

(Shelbyville, KY) We’re big fans of Jeptha Creed Distillery. It’s completely family owned and operated. Joyce Nethery is the momma hen, chemical engineer, who’s hands are on the Master Distiller wheel. Her daughter Autumn is co-owner and Marketing Director. The Nethery family has put their hearts and souls into every thoughtful detail behind JCD. It shows. […]

The post Jeptha Creed Distillery Reports RECORD BREAKING Visitor Volume in 2023 first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

(Shelbyville, KY) We’re big fans of Jeptha Creed Distillery. It’s completely family owned and operated. Joyce Nethery is the momma hen, chemical engineer, who’s hands are on the Master Distiller wheel. Her daughter Autumn is co-owner and Marketing Director. The Nethery family has put their hearts and souls into every thoughtful detail behind JCD. It shows.

Jeptha Creed’s 2023 numbers reveal another year of growth for the bourbon distillery. Experiencing an increase of guest visits to their Shelbyville location, traffic increased about 20% overall. Guest traffic grew from their 2022 record high of 52,500 visitors, to 63,000 visitors in 2023. 55% of visitors came from out-of-state or country, with the remaining 45% hailing from Kentucky. Traffic to the distillery was influenced by, not only being named Shelbyville’s #1 destination by Trip Advisor, but exciting new happenings, such as: the return of their Jammin’ At Jeptha concert series, their new Fall Harvest Festival, new tour & tasting experiences, and the release of batch 2 of their Red, White, & Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

After seeing success in 2023, Jeptha Creed’s team has ramped up their efforts to maintain momentum in 2024. Their goals for 2024 are no less ambitious, including: releasing their 6 Year Wheated Bourbon, offering new experiences at their visitor center, and opening distribution to new states, to name a few. Expectations are higher than ever for this woman-owned, family-operated craft bourbon brand.

For the latest in Bourbon, visit www.thebourbonreview.com

The post Jeptha Creed Distillery Reports RECORD BREAKING Visitor Volume in 2023 first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

New Kentucky $250 Million Distillery Welcomes MASTER DISTILLER, Industry Veteran Lisa Wicker

Big whiskey things are happening in a small town just outside of Lexington, KY. Atlanta-based premium spirits company Staghorn has named award-winning craft whiskey maker Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller of its recently opened $250,000,000 scripted Garrard County Distilling Co. in Lancaster, Kentucky. The former Widow Jane Distillery leader will oversee whiskey making at the largest all-new […]

The post New Kentucky $250 Million Distillery Welcomes MASTER DISTILLER, Industry Veteran Lisa Wicker first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Big whiskey things are happening in a small town just outside of Lexington, KY. Atlanta-based premium spirits company Staghorn has named award-winning craft whiskey maker Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller of its recently opened $250,000,000 scripted Garrard County Distilling Co. in Lancaster, Kentucky. The former Widow Jane Distillery leader will oversee whiskey making at the largest all-new independent distillery in the commonwealth, capable of producing 8.5 million proof gallons or 150,000 barrels of whiskey a year. The distillery began operations in January.

Wicker brings more than 20 years of distilling and winemaking experience to Garrard County Distilling Co. In her new role as Master Distiller, she will manage all aspects of whiskey production, including grain selection, fermentation, distillation, blending, and aging for the company’s owned whiskey brands, including All Nations, as well as contract-distilled whiskey.

Prior to joining Garrard County Distilling Co., Wicker was the President and Master Distiller of Widow Jane Distillery in Brooklyn, NY, where she worked for nearly six years. There, her highly regarded whiskeys earned such accolades as Whisky Magazine’s Best Small Batch Bourbon 2022, Best in Class at the 2019 Whiskies of the World Awards, and a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. She was also nominated for the Icons of Whiskey Master Distiller/Blender of the Year. Under Wicker, Widow Jane was the largest heirloom corn crop whiskey in the U.S. for several years.

Wicker’s other experience in the spirits industry includes lead distilling roles at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company, Samson & Surrey, Limestone Branch, and Starlight Distillery. For years, she served as a consulting distiller at George Washington’s Distillery, the revival of our first president’s historic distillery at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

“I am so grateful to the team at Staghorn for this amazing opportunity to lead the whiskey making team at this beautiful new facility,” said Wicker. “Though this is one of the largest distilleries in Kentucky, my focus will remain on creating whiskeys using the hands-on, traditional craft disciplines I have honed over the past several decades.”

“When we were looking for a head distiller at Garrard County Distilling Co., we wanted someone with deep experience in time-honored distilling methods but also someone with an eye for what’s next. This made Lisa our obvious first choice,” said Ray Franklin, Founder of Staghorn.

Until the whiskey currently in production matures, Wicker will focus her attention on Staghorn’s All Nations brand, selecting and blending whiskey from the company’s more than 17,000 sourced-barrel inventory. Garrard County Distilling Co. plans to announce several new brands in 2024.

“High-rye and wheated bourbons are going to be the calling card for Garrard County Distilling Co., but I am also excited to explore rye whiskey, American single malt and some other emerging categories,” continued Wicker. “Key for me will be to have a premium whiskey for everyone, so expect a broad portfolio across multiple price points, from your daily sipper to the bottle you pull out for special occasions.”

Located 30 minutes south of Lexington, the 210-acre Garrard County Distilling Co. site includes the 50,000+ sq ft distillery, as well as two 20,000 sq ft rickhouses, with plans for a total of 24 aging warehouses by 2030, each holding nearly 25,000 barrels. A visitor center with tasting room and restaurant is scheduled to open by the end of this year. This is the first commercial distillery in the formerly dry county since the 1800s.

The post New Kentucky $250 Million Distillery Welcomes MASTER DISTILLER, Industry Veteran Lisa Wicker first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Taylor Swift to Launch Exclusive Whiskey Collection Inspired by Iconic Albums

The result is a collection as diverse as Swift’s discography, featuring barrels aged 7-8 years, each corresponding to one of her iconic albums.

In a move that's sure to shake up both the music and spirits industries, global superstar Taylor Swift has announced her latest venture: a series of whiskeys designed to celebrate her illustrious music career. The Bourbon & Banter team, known for their uncanny ability to sniff out the most intoxicating stories, got the inside scoop during Swift's electrifying 'Era's' tour last summer. Whispers of this project had been fermenting since then, and were finally confirmed amidst the pre-game buzz of the NFL playoffs.

For years, behind the scenes and unbeknownst to the public, Swift has been meticulously crafting this project with the guidance of Peggy Noe Stevens, the visionary founder of Bourbon Women. This collaboration has brought Swift together with a quartet of the industry's most distinguished distillers: Rebecca Harris of Catoctin Creek, Heather Greene of Milam & Greene, Britt Kulsveen of Willett, and Elizabeth McCall of Woodford Reserve. Their meetings, held under the guise of Swift's 1989 tour stops in Houston, Washington D.C., and Louisville back in 2015, laid the groundwork for what promises to be a groundbreaking series.

At just 26, Swift caught the whiskey bug, inspired by band members who savored a dram post-performance. Realizing the potential within the burgeoning American whiskey scene, she embarked on a journey to distilleries during tour breaks. There, alongside her newfound mentors, Swift delved into the art of whiskey tasting and selection, compiling notes to create blends that would bear her signature touch.

The result is a collection as diverse as Swift's discography, featuring barrels aged 7-8 years, each corresponding to one of her iconic albums. But there's a twist – each whiskey release is paired with an exclusive "barrel proof" NFT, unlocking a vault of digital delights, including unseen concert footage, a 30-minute acoustic set recorded at the distillery, and a virtual happy hour with Swift and friends.

This whiskey series is a harmonious blend of music, craftsmanship, and technology, born from Swift's partnership with the Bourbon Women organization. The official announcement is set to stir the spirits world at this year's Bourbon Classic.

Here's a sneak peek at the lineup:

Tortured Poets KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A nod to Swift's lyrical depth, this 115 proof bourbon from Noah’s Mill, selected with Britt Kulsveen, promises complexity and character.
Midnight Smoke Rye Whiskey: Paired with the 'Midnights' album, this 92-proof rye by Catoctin Creek is finished with smoked staves for a sultry sip.
Evermore Four Cask American Whiskey: A blend reflecting Swift's eclectic sound, combining Texas and Kentucky bourbons, Tennessee whiskey, and Pennsylvania rye, curated with Heather Greene.
Double Lover: A Woodford Reserve Double Oaked expression, aged in Cabernet barrels for a 90.4 proof romance, crafted alongside Elizabeth McCall.
Red Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey: A tribute to Swift's 'Red' era, this soft red winter wheat bourbon is a collaboration with Nancy Frahley, rumored to have a touch of Kansas City Chief's magic.

Stay tuned for more on this intoxicating fusion of melodies and malts. The Bourbon & Banter team remains your exclusive source for the latest in high spirits and high notes.

Remember to listen to our most recent podcast episode, Taylor Takes a Drink, where we first broke news of the Taylor Swift Whiskey Collection.

Staghorn Names Lisa Wicker Master Distiller of New Garrard County Distilling Co.

Wicker brings more than 20 years of distilling and winemaking experience to Garrard County Distilling Co.

Former Widow Jane President and Master Distiller Takes Helm at Largest All-New Independent Distillery in Kentucky

Staghorn Names Lisa Wicker Master Distiller of New Garrard County Distilling Co.

Atlanta-based premium spirits company Staghorn has named award-winning craft whiskey maker Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller of its recently opened Garrard County Distilling Co. in Lancaster, Kentucky. The former Widow Jane Distillery leader will oversee whiskey making at the largest all-new independent distillery in the commonwealth, capable of producing 8.5 million proof gallons or 150,000 barrels of whiskey a year. The distillery began operations in January.

Wicker brings more than 20 years of distilling and winemaking experience to Garrard County Distilling Co. In her new role as Master Distiller, she will manage all aspects of whiskey production, including grain selection, fermentation, distillation, blending, and aging for the company’s owned whiskey brands, including All Nations, as well as contract-distilled whiskey.

Prior to joining Garrard County Distilling Co., Wicker was the President and Master Distiller of Widow Jane Distillery in Brooklyn, NY, where she worked for nearly six years. There, her highly regarded whiskeys earned such accolades as Whisky Magazine’s Best Small Batch Bourbon 2022, Best in Class at the 2019 Whiskies of the World Awards, and a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. She was also nominated for the Icons of Whiskey Master Distiller/Blender of the Year. Under Wicker, Widow Jane was the largest heirloom corn crop whiskey in the U.S. for several years.

Wicker’s other experience in the spirits industry includes lead distilling roles at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company, Samson & Surrey, Limestone Branch, and Starlight Distillery. For years, she served as a consulting distiller at George Washington’s Distillery, the revival of our first president’s historic distillery at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

“I am so grateful to the team at Staghorn for this amazing opportunity to lead the whiskey-making team at this beautiful new facility,” said Wicker. “Though this is one of the largest distilleries in Kentucky, my focus will remain on creating whiskeys using the hands-on, traditional craft disciplines I have honed over the past several decades.”

“When we were looking for a head distiller at Garrard County Distilling Co., we wanted someone with deep experience in time-honored distilling methods but also someone with an eye for what’s next. This made Lisa our obvious first choice,” said Ray Franklin, Founder of Staghorn.

Until the whiskey currently in production matures, Wicker will focus her attention on Staghorn’s All Nations brand, selecting and blending whiskey from the company’s more than 17,000 sourced-barrel inventory. Garrard County Distilling Co. plans to announce several new brands in 2024.

“High-rye and wheated bourbons are going to be the calling card for Garrard County Distilling Co., but I am also excited to explore rye whiskey, American single malt and some other emerging categories,” continued Wicker. “Key for me will be to have a premium whiskey for everyone, so expect a broad portfolio across multiple price points, from your daily sipper to the bottle you pull out for special occasions.”

Located 30 minutes south of Lexington, the 210-acre Garrard County Distilling Co. site includes the 50,000+ sq ft distillery, as well as two 20,000 sq ft rickhouses, with plans for a total of 24 aging warehouses by 2030, each holding nearly 25,000 barrels. A visitor center with tasting room and restaurant is scheduled to open by the end of this year. This is the first commercial distillery in the formerly dry county since the 1800s.

Woodford Reserve To Debut ‘Flavor Notes Collection’

The Flavor Notes collection will bring Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavor notes to life and showcase how its bourbon is a spectacle for the senses.

Woodford Reserve is exploring the intersection of fashion and bourbon via a new partnership with two esteemed luxury designers.

Sergio Hudson and Anifa Mvuemba, who have created fashion statements for everyone from Michelle Obama to Beyonce, will design pieces for The Woodford Reserve Flavor Notes Collection, which is inspired by the flavors and craftsmanship of the super-premium whiskey.

The collaboration was announced during New York Fashion Week and will debut at the 150th running of The Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve.

Hudson and Mvuemba will attend The Kentucky Derby, often called the world’s largest fashion show, along with their muses wearing pieces from each designer’s collection.

The Flavor Notes collection will bring Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavor notes to life and showcase how its bourbon is a spectacle for the senses.

“Woodford Reserve brings substance and style to everything we do”, said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “These fashion statements from Sergio and Anifa are an extension of the bourbon lifestyle in a luxurious way.”

Hudson is an American designer passionate about making women feel beautiful, fearless, glamorous and confident through his women’s ready-to-wear luxury clothing line, The Sergio Hudson Brand. Every garment is carefully crafted for the female form with a masterful use of color and silhouette. At a young age in the mid-1980s, Hudson grew a great love and respect for fashion idols and felt he was destined for a career in fashion. Today, he is focused on normalizing inclusivity in the industry and bringing back the joy of dressing. He is an in-demand designer for celebrities.

“Just like Woodford Reserve, every garment I create requires meticulous attention to detail,” Hudson said. “I am excited to help tell the story of how Woodford Reserve is more than a bourbon, showing it is a spectacle for the senses through the pieces I create. The Derby is just the start of our trendsetting partnership.”

Mvuemba, is the CEO, Founder and Creative Director of Hanifa, a luxury ready-to-wear womenswear label. The self-taught designer moved to the United States from Congo at an early age. With an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, she continues to revolutionize the industry. Her exceptional leadership and creative prowess have paved the way for a new era of fashion, where inclusivity and self-expression reign supreme. Invested in the intersection of technology and fashion, Mvuemba is constantly looking to innovate in the space. She focuses on a range of vibrant hues in her collections.

“The Woodford Reserve Flavor Notes Collection is the perfect place to bring my colorful fabrics and sophisticated silhouettes to life,” said Mvuemba. “My brand represents women without limits, and it’s so inspiring to work with Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall on this partnership as she has broken barriers in the bourbon industry.”

Throughout 2024, Woodford Reserve will continue collaborating with Hudson and Mvuemba, including at Hudson’s fall 2024 fashion show.
Moreover, this collaboration marks the beginning of an ongoing journey between Woodford Reserve and the visionary designers. Other fashion collaborations to expand the Flavor Notes Collection will be announced in the coming years.