Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey Debuts, Forged by Grit, Patience and Pure Tennessee Character

COLUMBIA, Tenn. – In the heart of Columbia, Tennessee, where mules outnumber stoplights and pride runs as deep as the creeks, Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey is taking shape — one stubbornly patient batch at a time.

This is whiskey with backbone. Crafted with purpose and precision, it’s a spirit that honors where it comes from: a land that values hard work, honest flavor, and the quiet confidence to do things the right way — not the fast way.

Inspired by the legendary mule — Columbia’s enduring symbol of strength and persistence — Columbia Creek moves to its own tempo. Made with a classic Tennessee mash bill of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley, then distilled in a traditional column‑and‑doubler system, every drop balances purity with bold, full-bodied flavor.

Before barreling, the whiskey undergoes the slow, time-honored Lincoln County charcoal mellowing process, giving it a smooth, refined edge that separates Tennessee whiskey from bourbon pretenders. The spirit then rests — not rushed, not disturbed — in heavy-charred new American oak, soaking up six long Tennessee years of heat, cold, and honest change.

Bottled at 95.6 proof, non-chill filtered, and unapologetically full-flavored, Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey is both smooth by nature and strong by proof. It’s the taste of patience rewarded — a bold reflection of Columbia itself: hardworking, unhurried, and proud of its roots.

Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey is part of the SNL Alcohol Beverage Group family, available now at columbiacreekwhiskey.com and at select retailers in key markets. Future releases include Barrel Strength and Single Barrel editions — each proof that real Tennessee whiskey doesn’t cut corners.

Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey — Smooth by nature, strong by proof. 

Contact: SNL Alcohol Beverage Group at info@columbiacreekwhiskey.com

About SNL Alcohol Beverage Group

SNL Alcohol Beverage Group, a division of SNL Capital, invests in, and manages, spirits brands of the highest quality. Its aim is to bring to light innovations in the spirits sector, showcasing the true artistry of the alcohol industry. For more information, visit the SNL Capital website

(Not gonna lie: it felt smug to trade 50cm of snow in favour of blue skies and sunny drams.)

It’s with full hearts and much respect that we headed West in January, paying tribute to our friends and peers as they celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Victoria Whisky Festival.

It takes passion and commitment to bring a whisky festival to fruition, even more so under the auspices of a government monopoly. (Like a big amount.)

That the Victoria Whisky Festival has done so as a charitable endeavour – powered by a literal army of volunteers who have raised upwards of $600,000 for local charities – is nothing short of epic, and speaks to service, dedication and community building.

It also speaks to how far whisky appreciation in Canada has come over the past twenty years, and it was heartwarming to see a swath of familiar faces from Spirit of Toronto and beyond, including some longtime whisky stans from La Belle Province.

Looking back we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. The commitment to excellence of our Victoria peeps has always set a high bar for Spirit of Toronto to follow, but this year feels even more daunting.

Gauntlet thrown. Our own tickets go on sale Tuesday April 7 at 10am (and with a quarter of them already pre-sold, just saying.)

In the meantime, keep reading after the signature for some of the weekend’s liquid highlights…

With much esteem,
Johanna

Johanna Ngoh
Founder, Spirit of Toronto and Whisky Social

Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has released their fifth bottling in their much-lauded Iberian Series: Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, a single pot still Irish whiskey with a vibrant, sun-drenched character.

Initially matured in a mix of ex-American whiskey and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, it is then finished in oak casks that were previously seasoned with Moscatel wine for two years. This Redbreast showcases the influence of these Moscatel casks, which impart vibrant notes of tangerine, orange blossom, panettone and warming nutmeg.

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 597: Ardara Irish Whiskey: 2025 Edition vs Cask Strength

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with two Irish malts. Ardara (pronounced ‘ardrah’) is a small distillery in the town of the same name in County Donegal, in the north of Ireland. They have been producing heavily peated, triple-distilled whiskey since 2021 and launched their first release in 2025, both at drinking strength (46%) and cask strength. Mark puts them head-to-head!

https://youtu.be/FEtezNXoOJk

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release
This year’s release features the collection’s oldest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to date

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 3, 2026) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release showcases some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging American Whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935.

Each release in the ultra-premium collection features one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, one of the only heritage distilleries to produce this range. The 2026 edition, the oldest since the series debuted in 2022, highlights Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill, comprised of 78% Corn, 10% Rye and 12% Malted Barley, and is bottled at Barrel Proof and non-chill filtered.

With an age statement of 22 years, this release is comprised of 270 barrels produced in February, July and August of 2003 and bottled in December 2025. The barrels were aged on the 5th and 6th floors of Rickhouse Y, where over two decades of Kentucky seasons imparted remarkable depth and character to the whiskey.

The extended maturation results in a Bourbon defined by pronounced oak structure balanced by layers of caramelized sweetness and baking spice. Rich aromas of seasoned oak, dark caramel and toasted vanilla give way to notes of leather, warm cinnamon and subtle dried fruit on the palate. The finish is long and resonant, showcasing lingering notes of charred oak, toffee and a peppery spice that speaks to both its proof and age.

“This 22-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a striking example of how thoughtful aging and careful barrel selection can unlock extraordinary character in our traditional Bourbon mashbill,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “After more than two decades in Rickhouse Y, these barrels have developed a remarkable balance of oak influence and preserved sweetness. It’s a testament to the patience and long-term vision that define the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection.”

Along with its innovation-focused counterpart, the Parker’s Heritage Collection, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection reflects Heaven Hill’s commitment to excellence and ultra-aging techniques. Releases from both collections provide insight into the long-term planning behind Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey inventory and its dedication to quality, craft and heritage.

As with previous releases, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 750ml bottle will be accompanied by a premium box in signature Heaven Hill blue. The Heaven Hill Distillery seal is prominently featured on the box, strip stamp and label, mirroring Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass line. In keeping with the collection’s focus on transparency and provenance, specific attributes including warehouse location, production dates, mashbill percentages and barrel count are noted prominently on the packaging.

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will launch nationally in limited quantities, with select international availability, beginning in early March 2026 at a suggested retail price of $319.99.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

2011 Bruichladdich 11 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 5.1″ First Fill Bourbon Cask #2477 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $325) $228.89 View

Colour – Primrose Yellow, Aromas – Opens beautifully on a combination of Primrose, Myrtle, Lily, Marigold and mint. It’s like walking through the peat fires next to the Atlantic Ocean! Then the sweetness of the toasted barley and mellow oak drift in bringing with them little hints of bourbon spiciness laid down by the first spirit matured in the cask. “Its gentle on my mind” Taste – The spirit is balanced & restrained on the palate. This is pure Islay; No smoke, just barley & oak and time by the Ocean. The opulent flavours seduce the taste buds with mellow oak and barley sugars. The Maritime Islay character is with you all the way, fresh and clean and packed with passion & traditional skills from a dedicated team of Distillers who bring the magic to the spirit. No computers, no colouring, no chill filtration, just a special spirit from a special place.

According to the bottler: “Distilled on 11th July 2011 this whisky spent its whole 11-year life maturing in cask #2477. This maturation took place in a 1st fill bourbon cask from an unknown American Distillery. Bottled in July 2022 as Release 5.1 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 59.0% (as we always say, Jim would have it no other way!), it yielded only 238 bottles.”

2012 Port Charlotte 10 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 7.2″ First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask #2554 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $370) $258.10 View

Aromas – Opens on a beautiful combination of peat smoked barley with tantalising hints of lemon & honey then waves of heather in bloom drift by. Little notes of juniper and pine mingle beautifully with the spiciness of bourbon residue and sweetness of malt extract. It’s Islay at its best, in the early summer with the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean caressing the barley fields and depositing the salty moisture on the land that give the barley its unique flavour. Palate – The sweetness of malt extract is in harmony with the smokiness from the peat and also the spicy residue from bourbon-soaked staves, it evolves slowly creating the flavour profile that makes this spirit unique. The most important element of this spirit is that it is distilled by Islanders who simply walk in the footsteps of their fore-fathers; no computers, no chemists, no BS, just passion pride and patience.

This release was distilled on July 18th, 2012 after spending its entire 10-year life maturing in cask #2554, a first-fill Bourbon barrel from the Jack Daniels distillery. It was bottled in February 2023 without chillfiltration and no added color, at a natural cask strength of 60.6%. Only 232 bottles were produced. Tasting notes from Jim McEwan: “Aromas – Opens on a beautiful combination of peat smoked barley with tantalising hints of lemon & honey, then waves of heather in bloom drift by. Little notes of juniper and pine mingle beautifully with the spiciness of bourbon residue and sweetness of malt extract. It’s Islay at its best, in the early summer with the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean caressing the barley fields and depositing the salty moisture on the land that give the barley its unique flavour. Palate – The sweetness of malt extract is in harmony with the smokiness from the peat and also the spicy residue from bourbon-soaked staves, it evolves slowly creating the flavour profile that makes this spirit unique. The most important element of this spirit is that it is distilled by Islanders who simply walk in the footsteps of their forefathers; no computers, no chemists, no BS, just passion, pride and patience.”

2011 Port Charlotte 11 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 6.2″ First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask #2125 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $400) $274.07 View

Aromas – Opens beautifully on a brilliant combination of peat embers and a spicy sweetness encapsulated in a cradle of sweet mellow oak with a drift of the Ocean bringing a freshness seldom found in many whiskies matured full term by the Atlantic. Palate – The sweetness of the malted barley works wonderfully with the spiciness from the bourbon soaked staves. Add to that peat fire embers and the marine overture all held in a halo of mellow oak. It envelopes the taste buds like a warm peat fire on a stormy night as the wind and rain batters the Island. It’s a must have dram for the disciples of single malts hand crafted by Islanders who add the Islay DNA to the spirits they distil with pride and passion!

Distilled on 15th June 2011 this whisky spent its whole 11-year life maturing in cask #2125. This maturation took place in a 1st fill bourbon cask from Jack Daniels. Bottled in February 2023 as Release 6.2 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 60.2% It yielded only 209 bottles.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

March is all about new beginnings from a seasonal perspective, so it’s only right that we get into this month’s whiskies with the same attitude. Isn’t it time you got into the new stuff? March Outturn is now live. To celebrate the third year of our partnership with the OurWhisky Foundation, our all-women Tasting Panel has selected whiskies for International Women’s Day. Pick up Cask No. 35.412: Layers of intrigue or Cask No. 122.86: Brine and pine to enjoy this weekend and beyond. A 5% charitable donation from all sales will go to OurWhisky Foundation.

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

New: Dalmore 17 Year Old

An elegant new addition to The Dalmore’s Highland single malt collection, the 17 Year Old sits between the 15 and 18 Year Old expressions, offering a sweeter, more delicately balanced profile.

Matured first in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, it develops notes of sweet vanilla and warming nutmeg before a refined finish in a selection of exceptional Oloroso sherry casks, including Amoroso, rare Apostoles, and Matusalem casks from Gonzales Byass. The result is a luxurious whisky layered with orange marmalade, sweet toffee, dried fruit and gentle wood spice.

A refined and decadent expression of The Dalmore’s signature style.

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ralfy review 1119 Extras – Contrasting two Bunna’s (both fab)