VIRTUAL GREAT BUFFALO CHASE 5K

HOSTED PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL 50 STATES

More than $21,000 raised for local VFW, $15,000 donated to local food pantry 

       FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July 8, 2021) – Runners from all 50 states and five countries participated in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s 20^th annual Great Buffalo Chase 5k which was held virtually over July 4^th weekend. This was the second time this race, which has historically attracted top runners from across the United States and the world, received runner participation in all of the 50 United States. In total, 1,131 people participated in the virtual race. Registrations for the race raised more than $21,000 for the city of Frankfort’s VFW Post 4075’s annual fireworks show on July 4^th weekend.

The race kicked off the morning of July 2^nd with the singing of the National Anthem, performed by Navji Dixon, a public relations coordinator for the Distillery and performing artist in the central Kentucky region. Then, runners and walkers participated in this year’s virtual race in their hometowns and local neighborhoods wherever they were located during the period of July 2-5 instead of running at the Distillery as in the past. Participants were mailed a commemorative T-shirt and race bib and had the option to record and submit their personal race time.

Due to the nature of this being a virtual race, and in the spirit of fairness, prizes were not awarded to top runners this year. On behalf of all participants, and in commitment to supporting others, this Fourth of July Buffalo Trace Distillery donated $15,000 to God’s Pantry Food Bank to support the local Franklin County community. Additionally, everyone who registered was entered into a raffle to win a prize from the Gift Shop and winners were notified via email.

Participants also were encouraged to take part in the virtual patriotic attire costume contest on the Virtual Great Buffalo Chase 5K Facebook Event through the Buffalo Trace Distillery Facebook Page and by using #ChaseTheBuffalo for the chance to win a prize from the Gift Shop. Participants also had the opportunity to post pictures of their pets in Buffalo Trace or patriotic attire for a special pet costume contest new to this year’s race.

A full listing of submitted race times can be found on the Buffalo Trace Distillery website, here.

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 1775 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 35 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” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Our July auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 16^th July until Sunday 25^th July.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Bowmore ‘Black’ – 1964

Scapa – 41 Year Old (1979)

The Dalmore – 40 Year Old

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1981) Fazzino

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.co.uk.

New 2021 batch of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength!

Bottled at 57.9% abv, this is the authentic way to experience the rugged nature of this classic Islay dram. Add a splash of water to open up sweet and spicy waves of rich peat smoke. Secure a bottle of this iconic limited edition malt today!

Pre-Order Now →

Booker’s Batch 2021-01: Donohoe’s Batch Bourbon
New UK Limited Release | 70cl | 58% ABV

Booker’s Bourbon is one of America’s finest whiskies, and can stand toe to toe with the very best that Kentucky has to offer. The first release in the Booker’s 2021 collection is Booker’s Batch 2021-01 – Donohoe’s Batch – named in honour of retired Jim Beam employee Mike Donohoe, who was also a close friend to the eponymous Booker Noe. A bold, rich, satisfying Bourbon that will fill your mouth with warming flavours of sweet vanilla, cornbread, exotic spice, and toasted oak. Greatness in a glass!

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon
70cl | 40% ABV

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon has a high rye content (30% in the mashbill) which makes this drier and spicier than your average Bourbon. It is incredibly easy going and would be a good introduction to the delights of the other Jim Beam range and a prelude to trying straight rye. A mellow and easy drinking Bourbon and a real mint-chocolate festival in your mouth.

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Small Batch Bourbon
9 Year Old | 70cl | 50% ABV

When it comes to making Knob Creek Bourbon, there’s a lot of waiting but hardly any sitting around. While each barrel patiently ages in white oak, Knob Creek’s distillers continue to raise the standards, fulfilling their commitment to full flavour. The result? An unflinching balance of deep, pre-Prohibition-style Bourbon with a robust oak taste, complemented with hints of smooth vanilla and layered caramel.

£149.95

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Our 1st North Star
TyndrumWhisky Exclusive

We are really proud to have partnered with North Star Spirits for this release, it’s part of their Series 015. Tasting notes were provided by the team here: “Susie & Craig”

It’s hailing from an Orkney distillery, which we can all assume is that one, and not the other one…

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Gleann Mòr Lagavulin 9 Year Old
£90.00

A smoke bomb fit for any fan of Islay whisky! Bottled exclusively for us at Loch Fyne by indie bottlers Gleann Mór Spirits – Lagavulin isn’t a liquid you’ll see all that often as a single cask and we are delighted with it. And with Lagavulin being popular with connoisseurs all over the world this one is a great addition to anyone’s collection. A highly limited release!

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Welcome to this weeks episode of the show, in which I’ll be taking a look at most of the Dewar’s blended whisky range. Is it Illegal? Well, watch and find out!

https://youtu.be/zcFrpgy7CpY

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES CASTLE & KEY AS NEWEST HERITAGE MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Castle & Key Distillery in Woodford County is the 43rd member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

In 2014, Castle & Key co-founders Will Arvin and Wes Murry purchased the historic Old Taylor Distillery at 4445 McCracken Pike and began an intensive multi-year restoration effort that culminated in its 2018 grand opening.

With three continuous column stills, production of bourbon and rye whiskey, gin and vodka began in 2016. Current products include Restoration Kentucky Rye Whiskey and Slow Hands Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

“We’re thrilled to be joining the KDA and will be seeking a spot soon on the Kentucky bourbon Trail Craft Tour,” Arvin said. “We’ve appreciated the leadership of Eric Gregory and his team at the KDA in championing Kentucky’s signature industry around the world, and we look forward to working alongside all other members of the organization.”

Learn more at https://castleandkey.com/.

KDA President Eric Gregory said Arvin has demonstrated a superb commitment to the preservation of Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage through Castle & Key’s significant investment in the restoration of the iconic distillery.

“We have had a great relationship with the Castle & Key team from its beginning, and we are equally thrilled to welcome them into our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers,” Gregory said. “We look forward to adding Will’s insight and leadership to our trusted Board of Directors.”

Castle & Key is the KDA’s 15th Heritage-level member, the highest rank for distilleries that age more than 50,000 barrels a year. As a Heritage member, Castle & Key will have an expanded leadership role in the management of the association and the future of the landmark industry.

Other KDA Heritage members include Bardstown Bourbon Company, Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Green River Distilling Co., Heaven Hill Brands, Louisville Distilling Company, Lux Row, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail and Willett.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless Craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.6 billion economic engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year.

In addition, the industry is in the middle of a $2.3 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism centers to expanded production facilities, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

There are now nearly 10 million barrels of Bourbon and other spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses, the highest number in the modern era of American Whiskey. Of that, 9.3 million are just Bourbon, the first time since 1967 that the number of Bourbon barrels topped nine million.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 360 percent since the turn of the century, with Kentucky distillers filling 2.1 million barrels in 2019, the second year in a row that Kentucky distillers have filled two million barrels, the first time that’s happened in the modern era.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon TrailⓇ and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft TourⓇ distilleries has shot up more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly 2 million, the highest number since KDA founded the tour in 1999.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

Gregory said Castle & Key’s contributions to the industry and the KDA’s legislative initiatives will bolster Kentucky Bourbon’s efforts to change archaic laws and regulations, opening new opportunities for sustainable growth globally.

“The KDA and its members are committed to upholding the integrity of our beloved industry and meeting the global demand for Kentucky Bourbon responsibly an sustainably,” Gregory said. “We thank Will and his team for their dedication to strengthening Kentucky’s place as the one true home for Bourbon.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Make It Memorable – Enjoy Responsibly.

New 2021 batch:
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength!

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength 2021 – Batch 13

This cask strength edition of the classic and much-loved 10 Year Old is matured in ex-bourbon charred oak barrels, imparting gentle vanilla and barbecue base notes. The palate is sweet and spicy showcasing burnt marshmallow, sea salt toffee, cinnamon stroopwafels, white pepper and layers of peat smoke. Presented at 57.9% abv natural strength, this is the authentic way to experience the rugged nature of this Islay malt!

£74.99
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Rarity, Quality, and Value in a Standout, 17 Year Old Single Malt Cask
1998 Braeval 17 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” Cask Strength Single Sherry Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)
Off-the-charts collectible appeal for Scotch connoisseurs

The driving force behind our spirits program is our buyers’ relationships with their suppliers, and one of our favorites is the inimitable Hart Brothers, blenders and wholesalers of some of the finest single malt casks available. It’s no surprise that they’ve brought us one of the most outstanding combinations of rarity, quality, and value that we’ve seen in a long time. Single malt casks from Speyside’s Braeval distillery are incredibly scarce on the market, even for independent bottlers like Hart Brothers. So, when we were offered this utterly unique, 17-year-old refill hogshead selected by master blender Alistair Hart himself, we took all we could get our hands on. This singular dram is all about intensity, with a bold fruit profile that handles the sherry influence perfectly, while offering up sustained, savory elements that round out the amazingly complex finish. Collectible, age-stated Scotch seldom comes through at this price, and we have the last remaining bottles in the U.S. market, so anyone hoping to make this rarity a part of their collection should act fast.

1998 Braeval 17 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” Cask Strength Single Sherry Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)

The Hart family have been licensed victuallers and publicans in Paisley on the outskirts of Glasgow since the 18th century, but it was in 1964 that brothers Iain & Donald Hart incorporated the company as Wine & Spirit Wholesalers and Scotch Whisky Blenders. Alistair Hart, who still selects casks for this special line today, came on as Chief Blender in 1975. His charge at the time was to secure and select the finest casks of single malt that were not readily available to the market. Their commitment to excellence is second to none in the industry, and they’ve built a reputation for acquiring high-quality stocks and bottling exceptional single casks. This gorgeous single sherry hogshead from the wonderful Braeval distillery is bottled without chillfiltration at a cask strength of 58.5%. Deeply complex but not totally overpowered by the sherry, it will show bold fruit, rich malt, complex pinewood notes, and dense, nutty sherry on the finish. Considering this sells in the UK for upwards of £120, we believe this is one of the better deals out there considering the rarity and quality. K&L purchased the last 276 bottles and are currently the exclusive source for Hart Brothers in the U.S.