Archive for 2023

Ross & Squibb Distillery Honors the Repeal of Prohibition with September Release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII – National Bourbon Heritage Month News

Ross & Squibb Distillery Honors the Repeal of Prohibition with September Release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII

Latest edition features a medley of five rare bourbons aged since 2007-2014

ST.LOUIS (Aug. 24, 2023) Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman announced the upcoming release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII Straight Bourbon Whiskey this September. The limited-edition bourbon is the seventh-annual offering of the distillery’s award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII retails for a suggested $99.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities starting in September in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Created by Stirsman and the distillery’s team of master distillers and master blenders, Series VII is comprised of barrels aged between 9-16 years from its 175-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery. Made in Ross & Squibb’s signature high-rye style, Remus Repeal Reserve features a new medley of bourbons each year, allowing Stirsman and his team to experiment with their various mash bills and aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII is comprised of 6% 2007 Bourbon (21% Rye), 26% 2013 Bourbon (21% Rye), 26% 2013 Bourbon (36% Rye), 21% 2014 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 21% 2014 Bourbon (36% Rye). Series VII leads with aromas of caramelized pecans, candied cherry and maple syrup. The taste begins with rich caramel, maple and candied raisin, leading to a candied cherry, barrel char and rich cinnamon body. The finish delivers intense cinnamon and peppermint spice, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel and oak.

“We believe we have some of the best whiskey in the world aging here at the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The Remus Repeal Reserve series allows our team the opportunity to showcase these great spirits, as well as showcase our expertise at blending our best barrels to create a special medley each year,” said Stirsman. “As the latest in this award-winning collection, Series VII is certain to be a highly sought-after and much-enjoyed member of the Remus Repeal Reserve family.”

Previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the bourbon category, including winning Best Of Class at the 2021 Sunset International Spirits Competition, being named among the Top 5 American Whiskeys of 2021 by Fred Minnick, and earning 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine (for both Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV and V). Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI earned a Master medal in The Spirits Business’ 2022 American Whiskey Masters competition, received the Double Platinum medal in the 2023 ASCOT Awards and was named among the top 10 whiskeys for 2022 by both Drinkhacker and The Whiskey Wash. 

Click here for a video of Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman discussing this year’s release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada September 2023 Outturn – Scotch Whisky News

September brings seven new treats, including “Maverick” – bottled for the Society’s 40th anniversary this year and named not only for our maverick founder Pip Hills, but in honour of our members, whose maverick approach to whisky has brought the Society to where it is today.

There’s also a Global Gathering bottle – Cask no. 42.81 “Remember remember” (bottle name and tasting note written by our Victoria ambassador Adam Bradshaw!); a distillery we’ve seen only three other times in SMWS Canada’s 12-year history, Cask no. 6.64 “Spanish castanuts;” and a stunning rum that will be the perfect accompaniment to an evening by the fireplace!

Lots to explore so gather your friends and get into the spirit!

 

PERFECT FOR TANNIN’

CASK NO. 64.138

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill hybrid hogshead

AGE:  13 years

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Bags of intricate wood influence contribute to a luxuriously creamy, rich and heady dram full of complex spice, chocolate and fruit flavours.”

 

MAVERICK

SMALL BATCH SINGLE MALT

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASKS:  Ex-bourbon hogsheads

FINAL CASKS:  1st, 2nd & refill sherry hogsheads

AGE:  12 years

This expression is a celebration of the iconic sherry cask, bottled to honour not only our maverick founder Pip Hills, but all the maverick members around the world.

 

THE WESTERN SHORE OF THE KITCHEN SINK

CASK NO. 93.200

REGION:  Campbeltown

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Oily & coastal

BOTTLE NOTE:  “An excellent and typical example of this cool Campbeltowner; abundantly coastal and medical, with pickled exotic fruits and plenty of sweetness.” 

 

SPANISH CASTANUTS

CASK NO. 6.64

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill Oloroso hogshead

AGE:  16 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Hazelnuts, walnuts and figs played the castanets while rhubarb crumble and cured ham danced the paso doble with black cherries and praline.”

 

PARTICULARLY PECULIAR POTPOURRI

CASK NO. 4.361

REGION:  Highland Island

INITIAL CASKS:  Ex-bourbon hogsheads

FINAL CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Dark sweetness, delicious teasing smoke and a very fancy potpourri. Single malt originally from bourbon hogsheads, married in this cask.”  

 

REMEMBER REMEMBER

CASK NO. 42.81

REGION:  Highland Island

CASK TYPE:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Memories of Bonfire Night; burnt toffee, old woollen jumpers and a peat-fuelled fire next to a table with candy, smoked cheese and seafood.”  

 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Click Whisky Auctions September 2023 AUCTION HALWAY POINT! – Auction Whisky News

AUCTION HALFWAY POINT!

As we approach the halfway point in this month’s auction, let’s take a look at some of the cracking Macallan bottles we have this month, including this gorgeous 1970 Macallan Speymalt by bottling behemoths Gordon & MacPhail.

Want more? No problem, check out our selection of one litre Macallans, including the 1992 Elegancia travel retail exclusive, bottled in 2004.

We also have a selection of Macallan age statements to bid on, including the 2016 18 Years Old Sherry Oak, 15 Years Old Fine Oak and 12 Years Old Fine Oak.

Here are a few example of Macallan 10 Year Olds in our September auction, from the 1990’s and early 2000’s. These are becoming more and more collectable and worth adding to your watchlist!

Folklore has it that many older casks were tasted in an attempt to replicate the style of whisky that would have been produced back in the days when the original 1851 and 1861 Macallan bottlings that these replicas imitate were first produced. What a great job!

Surely one of the most iconic bottles in the whisky world today. Macallan Private Eye has surged in popularity and excellent examples like the one in our live auction are becoming increasingly hard to find.

These are only a few of the bottles in our September auction, we have much more to enjoy, including bottles from many of your other favourite distilleries. To view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 17th September from 8pm.

Gov. Beshear Proclaims September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky – Kentucky Bourbon News

Gov. Beshear Proclaims September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky

Bourbon Boom Continues to Build Strong Local Economies and Increase Tourism Across the Commonwealth

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Recognizing the Commonwealth’s centuries-old distilling industry, its deep agricultural roots and its growing economic and tourism impact, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear today proclaimed September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky.

The proclamation, available here, highlights the state’s $9 billion Bourbon and distilling industry, how it drives and elevates tourism across the Commonwealth and sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion.

It cites Kentucky Bourbon as a chief part of the Commonwealth’s agricultural, agritech and agritourism industries, with distillers purchasing more than 13.5 million bushels of corn and other grains every year from local farm families – a number that continues to grow.

“Bourbon is essential to building Kentucky’s economy, supporting local communities and farmers, and giving thousands of families a good-paying job,” Gov. Beshear said.

“We are grateful to these industry leaders for their commitment to growing right here in Kentucky – because when Bourbon succeeds, so do we. During my administration alone, we’ve announced a record $2.2 billion plus in investment across 56 projects, which are expected to create over 1,200 jobs in this signature industry.”

Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory welcomed the Governor’s proclamation and the spotlight it brings to the industry’s growth and impact.

“With worldwide interest continuing to escalate for our historic and signature distilling industry, Bourbon is building Kentucky in new and exciting ways,” Gregory said.

“We proudly carry forward the historic distilling traditions that have been a defining agricultural and manufacturing endeavor since before Kentucky was a state, while expanding the impact of tourism every year to our local communities through our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences.

We’re grateful for the Governor’s ardent support of the Kentucky Bourbon industry that impacts every community in Kentucky and the fervent interest from enthusiasts and tourists around the world,” added Gregory.

With 100 licensed distilleries across 40 of the Commonwealth’s 120 counties, Kentucky’s distilling industry continues to add jobs, locations and economic and tourism impact for local communities.

The industry is in the middle of a $5.2 billion, 10-year building boom. Those projects include investments in production capacity, warehousing and bottling, as well as tourism-related amenities such as dining, entertainment and lodging facilities.

Since the turn of the century, Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 475%. Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the greatest amount ever in its distilling history.

Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels in 2021 alone, up from 2.4 million the prior year and the fourth consecutive year that production topped 2 million.

Bourbon tourism continues to break records, as well.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tourists made a record 2.1 million distillery visits last year, the first time the KBT® experiences eclipsed two million in total attendance in its history. In the last 10 years, the amber adventure has skyrocketed by a phenomenal 370% in attendance.

KDA President Eric Gregory said KBT® experiences are an integral part of local and state tourism efforts. Research shows Bourbon tourists trend younger, spend between $400 and $1,200 on their trip, travel in large groups and stay longer than the average visitor to Kentucky.

More than 70% of visitors are from outside Kentucky and nearly half have household incomes over $100,000, all of whom bring new revenue and additional economic momentum to Kentucky counties and cities.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® welcomed four new members this year, for a total of 46 distilleries across the two trails. These additions create new and engaging tourism opportunities and experiences for the state’s spirits-producing communities.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

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

New In at The Whisky Exchange – Whiskey News

NEW IN AT
THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

This month we’ve welcomed two new The Whisky Exchange exclusives including the first Irish pot still whiskey ever to be finished in mezcal casks from Method and Madness and a powerful Bunnahabhain single malt that has spent more than three decades in a single oloroso sherry butt, adding layers of sweet spices, sticky caramel and nutty chocolate.

Other new releases include an elegantly peaty Yoichi single malt from Nikka’s most northerly distillery, limited-edition single malts from New Zealand’s Scapegrace distillery, and a Macallan single malt inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean and bursting with notes of tiramisu, espresso, dark chocolate and Brazil nuts.

  SHOP NEW ARRIVALS 

Laphroaig 10YO Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – K&L California Islay Single Malt Whisky News

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

$34.99

View

(750ml) (Previously $50)

92 points Whisky Advocate

Outer quote mark This expression offers an uncompromising note of brine-laden peat and iodine, with charcoal and sweeter fruit notes also present. The palate is equally out there, with old-fashioned fabric Band-Aids, bladderwrack seaweed, black pepper, smoldering peat, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. The finish is as big as everything else, with barbecue, iodine, and asphalt. Still a classic! (GS, Fall 2018) Inner quote mark

92 points Wine Enthusiast

Outer quote mark Look for a distinctly peaty aroma, with hints of smoked fish, bacon and mesquite. The palate shows peat smoke from the first sip plus an undercurrent of honey, finishing with black pepper heat. Water brings out a spearmint note and a touch more vanilla. (KN) Inner quote mark (12/2017)

K&L Notes

*****The last time we sold Laphroaig 10 for this incredible price was February 6th, 2012! When this deal is gone – it is gone***** This 10 year old malt epitomizes the taste of Islay; rich, smoky and peaty. Known as “the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies,” Laphroaig is widely considered one of the finest distilleries in the world. The fact that they’ve held that distinction for two hundred years is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Laphroaig continues to maintain an on-site malting operation, which accounts for a small but significant chunk of the barley that they distill. Fermentation is conducted precisely in steel before distillation using a complex seven still system. The spirit is almost always filled into ex-bourbon barrels. The resulting whisky is one of the world’s great marvels; the confluence of nature’s bounty and human ingenuity. You may not like the way this whisky tastes, but you sure won’t ever forget it. If you do accept the siren’s call to this hollow by the bay, there’s fortunately no going back.

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

Whisky Wednesday Reviews Mannochmore 10YO, Cask&BottleCo – Scotch Whisky News

Mannochmore 10YO, 46.7%, Cask&BottleCo

https://youtu.be/GAA7X2gK0cU

Cask & Bottle Co are a brand new bottler on the independent scene. Based in London, and wanting to showcase some classic examples of Scottish whisky, we have their first ever bottling here to sample, a Mannochmore 10YO at 46.7% ABV, from a refil hogshead, producing 391 bottles of liquid

https://bit.ly/CABCpurchase?ref=YmVwkrjf-HguzE

If you follow the link above and use this code, you can gain 10% off the purchase.

CASKANDBOTTLECOAFF10474

Mannochmore is the definition of a distillery lost in the mist of Speyside. Only opening its doors in 1971, it was quickly mothballed in 1985, before reopening again in 1989, on the cusp of the modern worlds first whisky boom! Producing 6,000,000 litres of whisky per year, most of it ends up in Johnnie Walker, but a fair chunk is sold onto indie bottlers for this very purpose.

This the definition of an absolutely textbook summer time whisky…even though we may have gone passed summer by this point, as it’s a single cask, it’s worth putting in the bunker. Cheers!

Still Installation Brings Heaven Hill One Step Closer to a ‘Bourbon Capital Homecoming’

Still Installation Brings Heaven Hill One Step Closer to a ‘Bourbon Capital Homecoming’

Heaven Hill Brands marks major milestone in Heaven Hill Springs Distillery construction

with installation of Vendome copper still

Bardstown, Ky. (August 31, 2023) – Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest family owned and led spirits producer, marked a major milestone today in the more than $200 million project to build a new distillery in the Bourbon Capital of the World. Construction partners and media joined the company as they completed installation of the distillery’s Vendome copper still. This critical piece of the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery marks a major step towards returning the company’s distilling processes to Bardstown for the first time since the 1996 fire that destroyed the original distillery.

The major milestone in the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery project coincides with the start of Bourbon Heritage Month and upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival, celebrations that have become synonymous with the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

“This project represents a significant investment in the future of bourbon production, solidifying Heaven Hill’s commitment to upholding the time-honored traditions that have made Kentucky Bourbon world-renowned,” said Allan Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands.

The distillery is being built at 1015 Old Bloomfield Pike and is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Initial production is slated for 150,000 barrels a year, and over time will have capacity to ramp up to producing 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s distilling that occurs at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which will continue to operate at full capacity of 450,000 barrels annually.

The new Vendome copper still was shipped by Vendome to Bardstown in two pieces on separate flatbeds. At nearly 60 feet tall and weighing more than 22,000 pounds, this still is capable of producing 35,500 proof-gallons per day which is equal to more than 500 barrels per day. Crafted from copper, a material celebrated for its role in distillation due to its exceptional heat conductivity, the still represents a marriage of traditional and modern technology. The state-of-the-art piece of equipment is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the character and flavor profile of Heaven Hill’s future whiskeys.

In line with Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the design of this new distillery reflects the company’s dedication to play a role in forming a more eco-conscious distilled spirits industry. The new still is insulated and then wrapped in a copper skin to enhance energy conservation throughout the whiskey-making process. The site will also include other sustainability efforts such as a wastewater pretreatment system and program to harness energy creation and recovery which will alleviate demands on the city’s electrical and water treatment plants. Once construction is closer to completion, the campus will use native plants and natural systems to manage stormwater runoff and improve habitat on the property.

“Our Bourbon Capital homecoming is one step closer as we mark this significant milestone in the development of our Heaven Hill Springs Distillery with the installation of the Vendome copper still,” said Kate Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we uphold the values and heritage of our industry, this moment reflects our commitment to crafting exceptional bourbon and continuing our Heaven Hill legacy of excellence.”

For more information about Heaven Hill Brands and the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery project, please visit heavenhillsprings.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio

Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak 2023 Release at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak 2023 Release

A distinguished single malt with an intensely rich profile, beautifully led by European Oak, sherry seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

£2,200.00
SHOP NOW

Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak 2023 Release Description

A distinguished single malt with an intensely rich profile, The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak is beautifully led by European Oak, sherry seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The liquid was left undisturbed for a quarter of a century, before being decanted at 43% abv.

Expect aromas of dried orange slices, raisins, sultanas and apricot with ginger syrup and oak. The palate is full of rich dried fruits, black cherries and chocolate with hints of crystallised ginger and toasted almonds, leading to a lengthy finish with touches of oak.

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more

Benromach Peat Smoke 2012 Bourbon Cask at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

Benromach Peat Smoke 2012 Bourbon Cask

Matured for 10 years in first-fill bourbon barrels, made with peated malted barley with phenol levels of 55ppm

£55.00

SHOP NOW

Benromach Peat Smoke 2012 Bourbon Cask Description

Released as a part of Benromach’s Contrasts range, this small batch release has been matured for 10 years in first-fill bourbon barrels and has been made with peated malted barley with phenol levels of 55ppm – levels usually only seen in Islay smoke-bombs like Ardbeg and Laphroaig. This Speysider packs a punch!

Expect aromas of vanilla, apricot, citrus and peat smoke, which lead to a palate full of smoky sweetness. Vanilla bean, charred lemon, butterscotch and toasted oak flavours intertwine with bonfire smoke, before a finish of sweet lemon and smoke.

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more


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