Ezra Brooks® Launches New Straight Rye

Brand Adds Rye Whiskey to Family Lineup 

(St. Louis) January 12, 2017 – The iconic brand Ezra Brooks® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a new addition to its product lineup: Ezra Brooks® Straight Rye. The brand, which dates back to 1957 and has been a part of Luxco’s portfolio of whiskeys since 1993, will continue to provide variants for consumers that celebrate the modern gentleman in all of us.

Ezra Brooks Straight Rye, a genuine straight rye whiskey, is made from the finest ingredients available and bottled at an honest 90 proof. This rye whiskey offers slightly sweet and oaky tones with a warm, spicy finish – making it perfect for crafting classic cocktails or enjoying on the rocks. It is available nationally starting this month in 750ml and 50ml bottles.

“In the past 12 months, we have seen rapid growth in the rye category, up 27 percent*, which indicates consumers are interested in more rye whiskey products,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “Ezra Brooks’ recent packaging refresh has elevated the brand to the same high-quality of the bourbon found inside the bottle.”

Ezra Brooks’ updated look includes a new corked bottle with a premium matte-finish closure capsule. In addition, a higher end label offers the bottle a craftier look and feel. The brand has recently earned top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, taking Gold for Old Ezra Seven Year and Silver for both Ezra Brooks Black Label and Ezra B 12 Year Single Barrel in 2015.

The brand family – all offered in 750ml bottles and ranging in suggested retail prices of $11.99 to $26.99 – includes:

n  Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 90 proof and offering a mellow flavor with hints of spice and chocolate and a smooth finish.

n  Old Ezra Seven Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 101 proof and aged a full seven years for a buttery long finish and deep, rich taste.

n  Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream, bottled at 25 proof and offering a rich caramel and toffee flavor with a smooth, creamy finish.

n  Ezra Brooks Blended Whiskey, bottled at 80 proof and offering a genuine Kentucky sour mash recipe with a light, warm finish.

Lux Row Distillers – a new distillery experience currently being built in Bardstown, Kentucky – will be the future home of Ezra Brooks, along with other Luxco bourbon brands. To follow the progress of the construction and for more information, please visit http://www.luxrowdistillers.com/, as well as Facebook and Instagram pages.

For more information about Ezra Brooks, please visit http://www.ezrabrooks.com/

*Source: NABCA 9L R12 through September 2016.

For more information, please contact:

Pia Reinhold at preinhold@commongroundpr.com

Kelsey Arends at karends@commongroundpr.com

About Luxco

Luxco, Inc. is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, where it is headquartered, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Arrow Cordials, El Mayor Tequila, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell Bourbons, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s Cocktails, Yago Sant’ gria and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company, visit http://www.luxco.com/.

A Colossus Of Deal On One Of The World’s Most Coveted Scotches

1993 Macallan 23 Year Old “Old Particular – K&L Exclusive”

($299.99)

“We’ll always take older casks of Macallan if there’s a reasonable price attached to the barrel. In this case, $299 is beyond reasonable. It’s downright unreal.” – David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer

This single cask of barrel strength Macallan 23 represents our biggest coup yet in the post-Brexit Scotch era. We’re living in whisky world where Macallan 25 now costs $1700 per bottle. If the distillery even offered a cask strength edition of that expression it would easily be over $2000. Yet somehow, someway, we’ve managed to secure a single barrel of 23 year old Macallan at full proof for a shocking $299.

One of the main differences you’ll find in the Old Particular offering is the lack of sherry influence, which would normally be the calling card of the distillery version. Rather than toffee and cakebread, this single hogshead cask highlights the finesse and fruitiness of the Highland legend. With ample vanilla, dried apricot, oak spice, and plenty of sweet malted barley on the finish, the flavors are dialed up at 110.2 proof, so a bit of water is recommended. Macallan is one of the most graceful and effortless whiskies in the world, qualities that have cemented its status as the elite Scottish single malt distillery. We have to imagine this will be the last time we’re able to offer a whisky of this status at this price. Having just gone back to find more this past month, prices were upward of $800 per bottle for casks of the same maturity.

1993 Macallan 23 Year Old “Old Particular – K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($299.99)

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 07, 2017

Come and get it while you can! That’s pretty much all I can add to the above tasting notes. This is classic Highland whisky that showcases everything Macallan is famous for (other than the sherry). It’s elegant, complex, easy to love, full of Highland flavor, and it tastes expensive. I would never pay $2000 for a bottle, but of course we’re not asking you to. We’ll always take older casks of Macallan if there’s a reasonable price attached to the barrel. In this case, $299 is beyond reasonable. It’s downright unreal considering the market.

Glenrothes 9 Year Old – 2007

An indie Glenrothes, aged for 9 years in a sherry butt! Distilled in 2007 and left to mature in cask until 2017 then bottled by Scotch whisky bottlers, Càrn Mòr for their Strictly Limited whisky series.

£42.60

Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso

This limited edition from Islay’s Bunnahabhain distillery takes its name from the Scots Gaelic for peat, Moine, and the seven Oloroso sherry casks in which it was matured. Revealing a side of the distillery not often seen, this rich and complex single malt is presented non chill-filtered at a cask strength of 60.1% abv.

The nose is rich in raisins, sultanas and toffee before a peppery smoke. The palate is rounded with sweet sherry and dried fruit, salted toffee and a syrupy feel developing into smoke layered over oak and citrus. Sweet smoke lingers in the finish.

£74.99 Pre-Order Now

Ralfy examines means, motive and opportunity with Ralfy Review 624 – Fake Whiskies in 2017

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society partners with World Masters Golf Championship

The recently launched World Masters Golf Championship has received a significant boost with the announcement that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will be a partner for the championship in its inaugural year.

The World Masters Golf Championship was launched last month with a call to all amateur golfers over 50 years of age to take up a unique opportunity to play on the iconic links of Scotland – the home of golf. As well as world class golf, the participants and their supporters can now savour the world class single cask whisky of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other. As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, it is also internationally renowned for its mission: to provide members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest and finest collection of single cask whiskies.

Director of the World Masters Golf Championship, Hamish Grey, said: “The World Masters is a celebration of golf staged here in Scotland – the home of golf. I can think of no better fit than whisky, another Scottish icon, to link with this event. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society produces high quality and unique whisky which aligns so well to the World Masters Golf Championship.”

Kai Ivalo, Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We are delighted to be a partner for the World Masters Golf Championship and add a particularly Scottish welcome for the players joining us from around the world. We look forward to working together to build this event and providing participants with an outstanding whisky experience to match their enjoyment of these iconic golf courses.”

The World Masters Golf Championship provides the opportunity to play competitive golf on outstanding courses in a fun, social environment. The event is open to all golfers with an official handicap who are over 50 years of age as at 17 September, 2017.

The Championship will be staged over four days from 18 to 21 September 2017, on some of the best courses in the world, including Prestwick, Dundonald, Western Gailes and Royal Troon.

Limited to 240 entrants, it is a chance to follow in the footsteps of legends such as 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson.

Competitors will have the opportunity to explore the great beauty and history of Scotland around the World Masters Golf Championship – enjoying great Scottish hospitality, and now the very best single cask whisky from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Go to http://www.worldmastersgolf.com/ for full details of how to enter the Championship for the golfing trip of a lifetime or to find out more about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society visit http://www.smws.com/

Gratis photo supplied is of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh.

Notes to editors:

For further information please contact Hamish Grey (0044 (0) 7771 956913) or Andy Salmon (0044 (0) 7387 159450) or Richard Goslan at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (0044 (0) 7375 123113)

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club which bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society releases a new batch of around 20 single cask single malt whiskies every month
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year and has bottled whisky from a range of more than 132 distilleries in its history.
• The Society offers three levels of membership:

1. Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122
2. Member at £61.50 – without gift box
3. Sample Subscription – free.

For more details, visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

Triple Crown For Wolfburn 

Wolfburn distillery has won its third gold medal, this time at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. This is the first time ever that a new entrant to the scotch whisky industry has won three consecutive gold medal awards.

“Absolutely delighted,” was how Shane Fraser, Wolfburn distillery manager, described his reaction on hearing the news. “To be honest we’ve been blown away by the response to our whisky – it’s been a truly amazing experience.”

The gold medal was awarded to Wolfburn’s ‘Northland’ expression, first released in early 2016. Wolfburn’s second permanent expression ‘Aurora’ will also be entered into international competitions during 2017.

Asked about the unprecedented achievement of winning three consecutive gold medals, Shane commented: “To the best of our knowledge this has never before been done by a new entrant to the market. When you think that Wolfburn’s single malt whisky was only released less than a year ago, it’s really quite amazing that we’ve picked up three gold medals in our first three competitions.”

Wolfburn’s Northland expression is made via a long and gentle production process, which creates a sweet, smooth spirit. This is matured in top-quality ex-bourbon quarter casks, which impart a mellow flavour to the spirit, making a wonderfully easy-drinking

ABOUT WOLFURN: 

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s first expressions were launched globally in 2016.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

Bruichladdich Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley, 63%

Exclusive Web price £148.95 (You save 10)

7.3 is the second edition of ‘Octomore from Octomore, made using barley grown on the eponymous farm. Distilled in 2010 and peated to 169ppm, this was aged in a combination of bourbon barrels and red wine casks from Ribera del Duero in Spain. Big and bold, yet also elegant with notes of oranges, honey, cinnamon and clove.

BUY NOW

Built in 1881 by the Harvey brothers, Bruichladdich distillery sits opposite the western shore of Loch Indaal on Islay, an island off the west coast of Scotland. The distillery produces three distinct single malts: Bruichladdich (unpeated), Port Charlotte (heavily peated) and Octomore (super heavily peated), along with The Botanist gin.

Our picks for Valentine’s Day!
XO, The Park Ave Liquor Shop

Will you accept this Rosé? Sure we have rosé and other bubbly bottles for Valentine’s Day but…It’s time to think outside the box of chocolates and get your honey-bunny something that says, ‘I didn’t just call the florist again.’In this email are some selections that we (emoji with hearts for eyes).  If you don’t like what you see ~ We’re happy to play matchmaker and find something that will have your loved-one (and you) sipping happily ever after.  And if you don’t have a Valentine – come on over for some chalky tasting candy hearts. Besides! We’re also having a Bourbon tasting with the new kids on the still…”Brooklyn Small Batch” Contact us with any questions. We love you…like a friend…but a really good friend.

Cheers!
Jonathan, Eric & Marlon
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
whiskyconn@gmail.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

Compass Box:
Flaming Heart ~ 15th Anniversary

“First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-fired smoke of Islay malt. It was a genre-defying style from Compass Box. The anniversary release is a huge, layered, long-lasting mouthful of a whisky to enjoy late into the night. Brooding, indulgent and older than ever before, this is a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire – with a big heart all of its own.”  Flavor Descriptors:  “A unique interplay between spice, sweet and smoke characteristics. Sweet fruits and wood-smoke on the nose. Fat and full-bodied on the palate with a spicy sweetness and a brooding complexity that is rich, sweet and addictively decadent.”  Price $150/Btl – Only 12 left – Contact the store for availability.

FEW Spirits:
Flaming Lips – “Brainville” Rye

From Flaming Hearts to Flaming Lips 🙂  This Rye is a custom blend born from a collaboration between rock legends the Flaming Lips and FEW distillery (Evanston, IL). What we know about this 5,000 bottle limited edition is that it has a mash bill containing rye, corn and barley that was aged in custom barrels where it aged while listening to Flaming Lips albums. (true story).  The label was created by Justin Helton of Status Serigraph, who has designed materials for Phish, My Morning Jacket, Ween, and The Black Keys.  “Whiskey … it’s such a volatile drink. Upon pouring a drink it’s like accepting that you may become a werewolf … And really … Who doesn’t want to become a werewolf ???”  ~ Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.  Price: $112/Btl

Park Avenue Liquor Shop ~ Exclusive
Woodford Reserve: Distiller’s Select

Here’s a gift that says, ‘Let’s be exclusive’.  The Park Avenue Liquor Shop is proud to be selected as the exclusive retailer in NYC to offer this very unique small batch bourbon. This particular Woodford bottling honors its Master Distiller, Chris Morris’ entry into the Whiskey Magazine Hall of Fame. This limited edition has been limited to just 162 bottles.  Distillery Notes: “This unique barrel of Woodford Personal Selection Bourbon is Sweet, Nutty and Malty; soft and smooth with notes of Oak, mild chocolate, pecans and light touch of toasted coconut.”  Mash bill and 72% Corn/ 18% Rye / 10% barley.  Price: $75 ~ Liter Bottle

Johnnie Walker: Blender’s Batch
“A Limited Edition Experiment”

For the Valentine that ‘has everything’…  Johnnie Walker “Blender’s Batch” is brand new to the market. It’s a blend of 3 grain whiskies from storied distilleries including the now shuttered Port Dundas and select iconic Malts including Mortlach and Cardhu. The Scotch has been aged 10 years in American oak – creating a smooth whisky with sweet, creamy notes of fresh fruit and a gentle, spicy smoke.  Price: $34/btl

Highland Park: “Fire” Edition

“Highland Park FIRE Edition is a special release 15 year old single malt which has been matured in 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks – a first for Highland Park. This follows the release of ICE Edition and completes the two-part series of special edition bottlings which celebrate some of the myths and legends from the Viking age.”  Tasting Notes: Natural in color, the vibrant and intense aromas of ruby red fruits and warm vanilla complement the fiery bitter sweetness of cinnamon bark and the richness of devilishly dark chocolate.  Price: $370/btl ~ Limited amount available – please contact the store.

Due to ever-changing inventory we cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or the phrase, ‘It’s not you~ it’s me”.  Please contact the store with any questions whether they be Wine, Spirits or Love related.

  The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 | parkaveliquor.com

VALENTINE’S DAY WHISKY GUIDE

There are lots of reasons why whisky makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. It’s a spirit to be enjoyed in good company, it’s also a very personal gift to both give and receive. Picking a whisky that is to your loved one’s taste can be tricky but getting it right will melt their heart.

Whether you’re looking for a gift or a wonderful whisky to simply share, we’re here to help. Browse over our Valentine’s Day whisky suggestions or read our gift guide on our blog »

At our Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh and London, enjoy a 20% saving on all bottles over £75.00.   

From Friday 10 – Tuesday 14 February.  Ask at the bar for more details

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