BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

TO RELEASE A NEW BOURBON DESIGNED BY FANS 

Over 100,000 Crafted their Perfect Bourbon 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 27, 2018) It seems when you leave it up to bourbon fans to “craft their perfect bourbon” they unanimously agree, wheat recipe is king! In November 2015, Buffalo Trace Distillery launched its “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon” website, in a lighthearted attempt to teach people about bourbon. The interactive experience allows fans to choose their bourbon recipe, warehouse placement, age, and proof.  In just over two years, 100,239 bourbon drinkers completed the process of “crafting” their perfect bourbon.

And what did fans choose?  The overwhelming number of them chose a wheated bourbon recipe aged for eight years. Most chose for their barrel to mature on the top floor of the bourbon warehouse and ultimately be bottled at somewhere between 90-99 proof. So in response, Buffalo Trace Distillery will be releasing a new edition of W. L. Weller Bourbon called “CYPB,” short for Craft Your Perfect Bourbon.

As directed by fans, this bourbon will be made from a wheat recipe, aged eight years on the top floors of the warehouses, and bottled at 95 proof. Although very limited, one batch of this new bourbon will be released each year, beginning this summer. The recommended price is $39.99 for a 750ml bottle.

“Although we certainly didn’t set out to produce a new bourbon based on this ‘Craft Your Own’ experience, the results are overwhelmingly consistent, so why not give whiskey drinkers what they want?!’” explained Kris Comstock, senior marketing director. “We’re thrilled how so many fans have interacted with the website, and we hope more will try their hand at crafting their perfect bourbon.”

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival

April 11 to 14, 2018

Sarasota, Florida

The Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival will be held April 11 to 14, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida. Whiskey Obsession is the largest world whiskey festival in the U.S., with four days of classes, tastings, lunch and dinner pairings, expanded bartender academy, interactive panel discussions, cigars, VIP pours, a fabulous grand tasting with hundreds of whiskies and cocktails to sample, plus free live music street party in the heart of downtown with four rockin’ bands.

Whiskey Obsession is the proud recipient of Visit Sarasota County’s marketing grant, and ticket sales to date show that 50% of attendees are from outside our region, with 20% coming from out of state. WOF has partnered with Brick Smoked Meats, Cask & Ale, Aloft Sarasota, Louie’s Modern, Mattison’s, Sarasota Whiskey Society, and the Gator Club to offer signature cocktails and exclusive bottlings at the Grand Tasting on Friday night. Visit these vendor tables to taste some local flavor. We are pleased to announce that the Child Protection Center will be a charitable beneficiary of the festival.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Bartender Academy @ The Aloft Hotel, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

$20 ticket includes lunch (bartenders/ industry only)

Session I – Professional Development Panel // 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Three panelists discuss mixologist and ambassador professional development, best practices, and career advancement including industry opportunities, expectations, and responsible brand marketing. With Randolph Adams, Distilled Spirits Expert, former Brand Ambassador and Bartender; Byron Banks, Senior Manager of Regional Sales for Four Roses Bourbon; Andy Weir, Brand Leader, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch.

Session II – Interactive Bars and Workstations // 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants will learn new skills and techniques from Four Roses Bourbon, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, and Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch.

Whiskey Obsession Kickoff Dinner @ Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC), 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The theme of the 2018 Kickoff Dinner is Whiskey , Time, and Time Zones presented by Nicholas Pollacchi, CEO of The Whisky Dog. Dinner features a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio paired with the evening’s premium whiskies: Macallan 15 Year Fine Oak, Glenrothes 2001 Vintage, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Nikka Taketsura Pure Malt, and Highland Park 18 Year. Tickets are $125 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Exclusive Focus Lunch Master Class @ The Francis Private Dining Room, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lunch whiskey pairing with a Jenny Bartels of Breckenridge Bourbon, featuring a special menu from The Francis. Tickets $35 per person.

Panelist Small Group Dinner @ The Francis, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The pre-panel dinner features an intimate meal with Raj Sabharwal of Glass Revolution Imports who will present a fantsatic range of world whiskies, including Amrut Single Malt, Amrut Fusion, Blackadder Chimera Blended Malt, and Blackadder Drop of Irish Single Malt 8 Year. Tickets are $125 per person, limited to 16 guests.

The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting & Discussion @ The Francis, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $75 and seating is limited to 120 guests. Panelists include:

Jenny Bartels, Partner, Breckenridge Bourbon

Rob Dietrich, Distiller, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

John Foster, Distiller, Smooth Ambler

Andy Hannah, Global Brand Development Manager, International Beverage

Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor, Heaven Hill

Nicholas Pollacchi, CEO, The Whisky Dog

Raj Sabharwal, Founding Partner, Glass Revolution Imports

Andy Weir, Brand Leader, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch

Brand Showcase at the historic Gator Club, 10:00 pm until late.

Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor from Heaven Hill Distillery, presents Bourbon through Bluegrass, featuring a range of whiskies accompanied by guitar and vocals. Doors open at 10:00 pm and capacity is limited to 35 guests. Cost is $10 per person, or free admission with the purchase of the Sarasota Whiskey Society’s new Elijah Craig Single Barrel bottling ($35).

Friday, April 13, 2018

Pre-show Premium Master Class, @ Michael’s Wine Cellar, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This exclusive tasting features whiskies from Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, presented by Ann Miller,

International Brand Ambassador, and Gemma Cole, U.S. Brand Ambassador. The pre-show master class will

be held in Michael’s Wine Cellar prior to the Grand Tasting. Limited to 30 guests. $60 per person.

Grand Tasting and Master Classes, Michael’s on East (See times below)

With hundreds of whiskies and cocktails available to sample, the Grand Tasting features dozens of the world’s premium global brands as well as emerging craft distillers. Taught by industry professionals, our six seminar-style master classes present an opportunity for in-depth learning at interactive tastings with distillers and brand ambassadors.

• 6:30 p.m. VIP Admission
• 7:30 p.m. General Admission
• 8:00 p.m. Class I, II, and III ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 9:15 p.m. Class IV, V, VI ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 10:30 p.m. Last Pour
• 10:30 p.m. After Party at Made Restaurant sponsored by Angel’s Envy (Free Event!)

Class I Byron Banks, Four Roses Bourbon

Class II   Raj Sabharwal, Glass Revolution Imports

Class III  Ben Potter, Glengoyne Single Malt Scotch

Class IV  Jenny Bartels, Breckenridge Bourbon

Class V Ian Forteath, Glencadam Single Malt Scotch

Class VI  Rolando Reyes, Covandonga Cigars and Andy Hannah, anCnoc and Old Pulteney

Three ticket levels are available:

VIP $195: SOLD OUT

General Admission $95:

• Limited to 500 guests includes one commemorative Glencairn glass; entrance at 7:30 pm
• Unlimited tasting of several hundred whiskies and cocktails.
• Access to evening master classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

Companion $45:

• Limited to 75 guests includes entrance with VIP or general admission ticket holders.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres

Angel’s Envy After Party, 10:30 pm to 1:00 am @ M.A.D.E. Restaurant

Wrap up the evening with some music, food, and Angel’s Envy Bourbon at M.A.D.E. Restaurant. This event is always a hit with consumers and industry professionals. Free admission!

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Women of Whiskey Brunch @ Sarasota Yacht Club, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

New event for 2018! We are thrilled to present the Women of Whiskey Brunch in partnership with Bourbon Women, featuring a panel of three prominent women making contributions to the whiskey industry. Two whiskies from each panelist will be paired with a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio. Selections include Aberlour A’bunadh and 18 Year, Old Pulteney Navigator and 25 Year, Lot 40, and Jp Wiser 18 Year Rye. Tickets are $35 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Gina Fossitt, National Ambassador, Lot 40 Canadian Whisky

Ann Miller, International Brand Ambassador, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch

Steph Ridgway, Manager of Brand Education, Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch

Peggy Noe Stevens, Moderator, Founder of Bourbon Women

Jennifer Wells, Emcee, Sarasota Whiskey Society

Sips, Suds, and Smokes presents Beer, Bourbon, and Cigars @ The Gator Club, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Just added! Join Bob Howell, Maury Jayson, and Mike Woods from Sips, Suds and Smokes radio show for a multi-faceted pairing of selections from JDub’s Brewing and Tap Room, whiskies from Widow Jane, and FEW Spirits, and cigars from Maduro’s. This fun, casual event will be held in the lounge upstairs at The Gator Club and is limited to 35 guests. Cost is $25 and includes two cigars, beer, and whiskey samples. Tickets at the door.

Whiskey Rocks Live Music Street Party, @ Lemon and Main Downtown, 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association presents Whiskey Rocks in partnership with JDub’s Brewing Company and Tap Room, with headliner the All Rise Revival featuring Berry Oakley and the music of the Allman Brothers Band; Thomas Wynn and the Believers; Alex Di Leo; and Physical Plant. Free and open to all ages!

Tickets and information are available at whiskeyobsessionfestival.com.

For more information contact Turner C. Moore, 941.400.9889

Email: Turner@WhiskeyObsessionFestival.com

Website: www.whiskeyobsessionfestival.com

High res photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B49IZoKW9ykoOVZGSi03Rm4xX1U?usp=sharing

Video: https://youtu.be/5yeO5p3Vfl0

Whiskey Obsession Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyObsessionFestival

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Maker’s Mark Keeneland bottle will be released this Friday, April 6th at 8:00 am. UK Athletics has partnered with Maker’s Mark and Keeneland with a goal of raising $2 million for the Center for Academic and Tutorial Services (CATS) through the companies’ own contributions and a portion of the proceeds of sales of special commemorative bottles of the distillery’s handmade bourbon. The 2018 Keeneland bottle features the 1997-1998 men’s basketball national championship team, which earned the moniker “Comeback Cats” during an incredible run through the NCAA tournament.

WHAT: 2018 Maker’s Mark Keeneland Bottle Release
WHERE: The Party Source
WHEN: Friday, April 6th at 8:00 am
COST: $56.99
LIMIT: One bottle per customer

thepartysource.com
95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073
 (859) 291-4007

Laphroaig 2017 “Cairdeas” Cask Strength Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$79.99 View

BENROMACH DISTILLERY WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AT THE WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS 2018

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. has been crowned the winner in the Speyside category for the Benromach 15 Years Old at the World Whiskies Awards 2018 presentation held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London.

Benromach 15 Years Old won Best Speyside Single Malt Scotch, helping Benromach to add to its growing awards collection. The accolade comes just as the distillery celebrates its 20th anniversary year, marking 20 years since it was extensively refurbished and reopened again in 1998.

Benromach 15 Years Old captures the classic character of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky – beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke. This touch of smoke was almost lost forever from the region before the distillery reopened.

The World Whiskies Awards are held annually and aim to showcase the very best whiskies in each global category. The Benromach winning expression fought off fierce competition throughout several stages by world-renowned, expert judges and tasters.

Benromach Distillery Manager, Keith Cruickshank, said: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this prestigious accolade at the World Whiskies Awards for our Benromach 15 Years Old. We are proud of our core range of hand crafted single malts, which provide whisky lovers from across the globe a chance to discover a lost taste of Speyside.

“The award also comes at an important time in our history, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of production at the distillery since it was reopened in 1998. We look forward to producing many more award-winning whiskies in the years to come.”

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to its long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, the award-winning Benromach 15 Years Old is beautifully balanced. Sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes.

The Benromach 10 Years Old was also recently honoured Gold in the Speyside 12 Years and Under category at the World Whiskies Awards.

To view the award-winning range of Benromach whiskies, please visit: www.benromach.com/whiskies

Notes 

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

In April 2017 we brought you an exclusive bottling of Springbank Sauternes, this was followed in November with a Longrow Sauternes. Now, we are pleased to complete the trilogy with the launch of;

Hazelburn 10yo Sauternes 53.9%

Available to order from Monday 9th April 2018

Limited to one per member

No pre-orders will be taken.  Only email orders from 9th April will be accepted.

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with information on the forthcoming release and how and when you can order it.  You will receive a newsflash on the release day to let you know that you can place an order.

Hazelburn 10yo Sauternes 53.9%

Cask type;    Refill Sauternes Hogsheads

Distilled;    December 2007

Bottled;     March 2018

Strength;    53.9%

Outturn;    846 bottles

Price;         £50.00

Tasting notes

Nose : Orchard fruits; fresh juicy green apples and pear skins. Rich and creamy; creme brûlée, hints of toffee and Seville Oranges.

Palate : Syrup engulfs the mouth. Honeycomb emerges with milk chocolate, prunes, vanilla sponge cake alongside oak and nut notes.

Finish : Raisins and pecan pie develop, followed by liquorice root, coffee bean and blueberries.

Purchasing and delivery/collection 

The bottle is available to purchase for £50.00.  Given the limited number of bottles available, this release is limited to one bottle per member.

We will only process email orders.

When you place your order, please supply the following information;

• If you would like to collect it from one of our Cadenhead shops

• If you are based in Canada

• If you have any other delivery preferences (not covered by the points above) then it may be helpful if you include them in your email order.

Once you place your order you will receive an email back letting you know that your order has been received and that a bottle has been reserved for you.
This may take several days. Please do not be alarmed if you do not hear back immediately.

If you wish for your Society bottle to be sent to a Cadenhead shop for collection only (Edinburgh, London, Berlin, Baden, Cologne and Odense) payment is required before your bottle is despatched to the shop.  The shops are not obligated to send bottles on to another address within their country although if this arrangement has been agreed with a shop there will be a delivery charge from the nominated shop.  We will contact you when your bottle is available to pick up.  There is no delivery charge for sending your bottle to a Cadenhead shop.

Similarly if you wish to pick your bottle up from the Campbelltown shop (we’re sure some of you will be in town for the Malts Festival!) payment is required when you have been notified that a bottle has been reserved for you.  Please also let us know if the Campbeltown shop is holding other bottles for you which you intend to collect at the same time.

Once again and finally we will only process email orders from Monday 9th April after the newsflash has been sent out.  No pre-orders will be taken. 

Slainte!

Springbank Society

Contact the Society at society@springbank.scot to join!

A True Gem from and Underrated Islay Distillery
2005 Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old “Old Particular” Whisky ($49.99)
“Pure unadulterated goodness.” – Andrew Whiteley, K&L Assistant Spirits Buyer

The newest edition to our “Old Particular” program hails from the long underrated Islay distillery Bunnahabhain. Bunnahabhain is a bit of an outlier which it comes to Islay malts, as unlike some of its neighbors, it doesn’t lean on an abundance of peat to get its point across. On the contrary, Bunnahabhain plays more on its subtle oiliness and sea-side influence. The resulting scotches are slyly seductive offering up delightful notes of stone fruit, fresh cereals, sea-salt, and vanilla. Today’s featured bottling, the 12-Year-Old “Old Particular” Single Barrel, is no exception with an elegant and graceful approach that belies cask strength potency.

For those who are inclined towards refinement above bombast, this 12 Year-Old is a sure-fire winner. As with all of the bottlings in our “Old Particular” program, the value here is pretty impressive. The standard Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old will set you back over $50 and is watered down to 46.3% ABV. Our exclusive single cask version clocks in at an impressive 58.4% ABV and is priced at only $49.99. Add all this up and you have a value that will have scotch mavens running. When it comes to classically-styled Scotch that harkens to the days of old and shows the mild side of Islay, you won’t do much better than this delightful single malt.

2005 Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)

Islay’s mysterious unpeated whisky (although peated versions do exist) is Bunnahabhain, the oft overlooked and underappreciated distillery just north of Caol Ila near Port Askaig. Having changed hands once again recently, now owned by the South African group Distell, Bunnahabhain has been long overdue for a makeover, but it appears that time is here with excited new releases like the 13 year old PX edition coming down the pike in 2018. We’re always on the hunt for a good cask of fruity, salty, easy-to-drink Bunnahabhain and when we can get 12 years of maturity at full proof for fifty bucks, we’re going to take that deal over and over again. Brimming with fresh stone fruit on the nose, pears and peaches, this light and airy malt packs plenty of punch on the palate at 58.4% ABV. The oak spices come through on the malty finish, bookending a classically flavored malt from front to back. The price and provenance should be enough for most malt lovers to take the plunge, but if you still need reassurance, let us help you: it’s really good!

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 22, 2018

Not a sherry bomb like the 14-Year-Old that blew us up earlier this year, but a fruit bomb instead. Classic malty notes and brimming with apples and stone fruits, this gem has it all for the bang up price of $49.99! This is the kind of deal that makes me excited to come to work everyday. There is an awesome honeyed complexity to this that makes the nose more intriguing than I would have expected for what seems like such a straight forward whisky. No peat on this Islay expression, just that lovely sea spray, a long finish thanks to the full throttle cask strength. Pure unadulterated goodness.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 22, 2018

We bought this Bunnahabhain barrel when the pound/dollar ratio was a bit stronger than it is currently, hence why we can offer something from Islay at 12 years old, full proof, for a hair under fifty. Those looking for something smoky or out of the ordinary, this one’s not for you. There’s nothing more than classic Scotch whisky goodness to be had in this bottle, lots of creamy vanilla, fruity malt notes, and a lot of pop on the finish due to the bolder proof. The deal is what makes it so compelling. The regular Bunnahabhain 12 is over $50 when it’s watered down, so to get a full-throttle, single cask version for less is a rare treat indeed!

Kilkerran 12 Year Old

Our Malt of the Month for April is the utterly fantastic Kilkerran 12 year old… We can’t say enough good things about this Campbeltown malt, already extremely well priced, we’ve got limited stock available for this month’s offer… Lightly peated, double distilled and created from 70% bourbon casks and 30% sherry casks; a dram that everyone should have within their collection!

BUY NOW

https://youtu.be/efzy3LeRSxI

I really, really, really like Dailuaine 12yo Single Cask.

Enjoy!

………Phil.