SAZERAC COMPANY NAMED AMERICAN WHISKEY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AT 2024 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE

In addition to the top honor, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon was awarded the prestigious “Trophy” award, the highest medal awarded within the tasting category

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Sazerac Company, one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies, has been named the American Whiskey Producer of the Year at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) for the fifth consecutive year. Now in its 29th year, the ISC is a premier competition founded on a rigorous and independent judging process. The competition, which receives thousands of entries from more than 70 countries worldwide, truly promotes outstanding quality spirits from across the globe.

Determined by a weighted points system, the American Whiskey Producer of the Year Award is an esteemed recognition honoring the best performing spirits producers in a single category. Winning a total of 46 medals across all brands, Sazerac Company won 32 medals in the American Whiskey category.

“We are humbled to receive the American Whiskey Producer of the Year award for the fifth consecutive year,” said Harlen Wheatley, Sazerac Master Distiller. “This award is more than just an honor- it’s a testament to our team’s relentless dedication, craftsmanship, and passion for making quality spirits. As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that consistency and innovation go hand in hand with creating award-winning whiskey.”

At the top of the category was Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, which was awarded a prestigious “trophy” award, the highest medal awarded within the tasting category. Other whiskeys in Sazerac’s portfolio that took home top medals in the competition include:

• Gold
  • 1792 Aged 12 years
  • 1792 Bottled in Bond
  • 1792 Full Proof
  • 1792 Single Barrel
  • 1792 Small Batch
  • Benchmark Single Barrel
  • Benchmark Small Batch
  • E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
  • Eagle Rare 10-year-old
  • Eagle Rare 17-year-old
  • Sazerac 18
  • Sazerac Rye
  • Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • W. L. Weller 12-year-old
  • W. L. Weller Antique 107
  • W. L. Weller C.Y.P.B.
  • W. L. Weller Full Proof
  • W. L. Weller Single Barrel
  • W. L. Weller Special Reserve

Additional spirits across the total Sazerac portfolio that received top honors include:

• Gold
  • Paddy Irish Whiskey

All spirits entered into the ISC are judged over a rigorous 23-day process of blind tastings by more than 75 respected and experienced industry professionals. Each judge assesses the products’ aroma, appearance, taste and finish, which is combined to determine which medal can be awarded.

Results from the 2024 International Spirits Challenge can be found here.

About Sazerac:

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Like this year, our auction is drawing to a close, finishing on Sunday 15^th December from 8pm GMT. Don’t miss out on your last chance to bid on some cracking drams, including this stunning Port Ellen 1982 from bottling supremos Gordon & MacPhail, part of their iconic Connoisseurs Choice range.

Or how about this little beauty? Distilled in 1975 at the now closed Inverness distillery Glen Albyn, then bottled around 2001/2002 at natural Cask strength. Part of the aptly named Rare Malts range.

Released to mark the 25th anniversary of the Roseisle Maltings which began work in 1981. This particular expression was distilled using the first barley malted at the facility. Distilled at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, aged 25 years then bottled at Cask strength. This is indeed a rare expression from the distinguished Highland distillery.

We love something different, like this private bottling for Ballindalloch Castle, the owners of Ballindalloch Distillery. A mysterious expression (rumoured to be from the neighbouring Glenfarclas Distillery), which was distilled in 1982 and bottled at Cask strength in 1999 in preparation for their Millennium party which was hosted by the Laird for locals to enjoy.

There really is something for everyone in this month’s auction and remember folks, if you want to place a cheeky late bid, you’ve got to be in it to win it! There’s still time to register at clickwhiskyauctions.com. Auction ends from 8PM GMT on Sunday 15^th December.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us throughout our second year at Click Whisky Auctions, including Whisky Intelligence who have been nothing short of amazing! Have a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2025 – Sláinte!

In the embrace of the longest night, we find the promise of returning light.

As the shortest day of the year approaches, so does a moment of reflection and celebration. We are delighted to unveil the latest addition to our solstice series: Winter Solstice 2024. 

Inspired by the depths of Winter, this exclusive single cask release has been drawn from a Glengoyne 2008 European Oak Sherry Hogshead. With a bottling strength of 59.9% ABV and a yield of only 285 bottles, this special release is available exclusively to Glengoyne Family Members at sunset on:

 16^th December, 15:44

(Five days prior to Solstice – but in time to arrive before Christmas!)

The tasting notes include a harmony of winter flavours:

Nose – Luxurious vanilla, treacle sponge pudding, chewy toffee, dark chocolate, cinnamon dusting, freshly toasted oak, thyme, dried orange and cherries, stewed peach

Palate – A medley of bright berries and dried fruits, sweet tropical notes, chopped almonds, homemade Christmas cake well-fed with Oloroso sherry, pleasant tannicity, hint of clove and roast coffee

Finish – Long, Oloroso sherry, trail mix, mouthwatering oak, dark chocolate ganache

The gift of The Macallan is the perfect way to show friends and loved ones how much you care this festive season. As the holidays fast approach, please note the final date to place orders for delivery in time for Christmas is 18th December.

We are pleased to offer complimentary shipping on all single malts and accessories.

 EXPLORE THE GIFT GUIDE

Tis the season for sharing the Spirit

Mark your new calendar – Spirit of Toronto returns to Roy Thomson Hall on Saturday May 3. And with the holidays upon us, we are once again releasing a limited number of Gift Certificates for next year’s show, and at 2024 pricing.

As always, masterclasses must be booked and paid for separately, but as a bonus we are now granting priority access to those of you with a Gift Certificate – once the schedule is published you may email us to reserve the session of your choice, on a space available basis. (And those opting to do so must pay the box office for their masterclass before tickets go on sale to the general public.)

Gift Certificates are sent out as a PDF, and include a unique barcode to be registered with us no later than April 18, 2025. Roy Thomson Hall’s box office will send the recipient their entry ticket once they go on sale next March.

But perhaps you’re looking to share a more tangible spirit with friends and family?

I’m happy to share my personal wish list below, based on the best of the daily drinkers that I’ve tried in 2024. And if you’re reading this, Santa, you know where to find my tree.

In the best of spirits,
Johanna Ngoh
Founder & Executive Producer

Spirit of Toronto | Whisky&More
Saturday May 3, 2025

“We at Lost Lantern, as passionate advocates and independent bottlers of American whiskey, are thrilled to witness the historic ratification of American Single Malt Whiskey as an official style of whiskey recognized by the U.S. federal government. We have long thought that American Single Malt is one of the most exciting and exceptional styles of whiskey in the entire world, and this long-sought recognition will dramatically boost the category’s visibility with whiskey lovers all around the world. We especially applaud the hard work of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and our many American Single Malt distillery partners for their tireless efforts to reach this milestone.  

This monumental recognition not only honors the rich heritage and uniquely innovative character of American distilleries, but also heralds a new era of innovation and excellence in whiskey-making. And for our part, we look forward to continuing to help whiskey lovers discover the finest examples of American Single Malt from all across the United States.  

We encourage all whiskey lovers to pick up a bottle of American Single Malt and to raise a glass with us to welcome this style of whiskey to the American whiskey pantheon.” 

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, VT. The brand was recently honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards and founders Nora and Adam were both named SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency.  Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than 30 distilleries in over 20 states. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com.

House of Vintages Announces Release of Collector-Grade BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon, an Object of Prophecy

POULTNEY, VT, UNITED STATES, December 2, 2024  BHAKTA Spirits, the world’s preeminent House of Vintages, announced today the launch of the rarest, oldest, and most storied whiskey yet offered from its spirits library, BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon (SRP $1,000). Only 555 bottles will see release.

Crowned with a gilded “hood ornament” topper of BHAKTA Spirits Founder Raj Peter Bhakta astride an elephant, this lavish single vintage bourbon solidifies the brand’s ascent into the upper echelon of the status spirits segment.

Distilled in Tennessee, BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon’s maturation journey carried it across two continents, three distinct casks, and four unique climates — the Smoky Mountains, the Green Mountains, the sweeping plains of Indiana, and the chilly climes of Glasgow. While in Scotland, it aged in a former Rolls-Royce factory famed for having once produced the “Merlin” aircraft engines that powered Allied fighter planes to victory in WWII’s Battle of Britain.

BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon completed its final aging within the BHAKTA-GRISWOLD Spirits Library of the brand’s college campus headquarters, where it was finished in a notably spectacular barrel of BHAKTA 1975 Armagnac (SRP $379).

Nineteen-year-old bourbons are normally no good — like the ones many collectors currently chase. But ‘The Elijah Prophecy,’ elevated by its Armagnac pedigree, sets a new benchmark for collectability.”

— Raj Peter Bhakta

Bottled at cask strength of 107.4 proof and offered at 19 years and 3 months of age, this rare bourbon is an unusual distillation of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It represents a major new discovery for collectors in search of specificity and decadence.

“Nineteen-year-old bourbons are normally no good — like the ones many collectors currently chase,” notes Founder Raj Peter Bhakta. “But none have ever tasted quite like this. Because of its astounding odyssey of aging and elevation, and in no small part due to its final education in Armagnac, BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon sets a new benchmark for collectability. May its prophecy bring you good fortune, as it has for me.”

As a result of its triple cask maturation, Armagnac pedigree, and astonishing age, this exquisite new entry into the category offers the sort of sensory experience rare among even the world’s most sought-after high-end bourbons. BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon shows an intricate flavor profile of blood orange, oak spice, leather, Moroccan chamomile, heirloom tobacco, and antebellum molasses. And where words of superlative should fall short, the extra inches of altitude endowed by its gleaming, elephantine adornment ensure its position as a literal cut above its competitors.

The historically accurate bottle topper depicts Raj Peter Bhakta’s “Crossing of the Rio Grande” (2006), a viral Congressional campaign stunt that buoyed his longshot bid for Pennsylvania’s 13th District into the national zeitgeist. Each BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon arrives lavishly packaged in a glass-windowed wooden box handcrafted by Andrew Bosela of Wild Roots Woodworking, in partnership with the College of St. Joseph the Worker’s woodshop of Steubenville, Ohio. Honoring BHAKTA’s spirit of both tradition and innovation, these bespoke bottle boxes inspired by Gothic and Art Deco architecture have been crafted from Osage, walnut, and padauk.

BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon also symbolizes an inflection point in the life and times of Bhakta the man. As his inaugural barrel acquisition following his departure from WhistlePig, the iconic American whiskey brand he founded in 2007, this scarce vintage has long remained a closely guarded personal treasure. So closely guarded, in fact, that the cask has been granted its final years of rest within Bhakta’s personal residence. Closer still, these 555 bottles of naught-five bourbon have earned a most intimate moniker — “The Elijah Prophecy” — an homage to Bhakta’s fifth child, who was born on the fifth day of the fifth month of this year. The prophecy has revealed that all who hold these bottles will be blessed with magnificent good fortune.

While just the brand’s fifth-ever whiskey vintage, BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon is the first to break four figures upon release. It is positioned as the highest-reaching whiskey expression yet offered from the BHAKTA House of Vintages — a triumph memorialized with its opulent hood ornament topper and extravagantly handcrafted bottle box. The new release joins a distinguished competitive set of Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Family Reserve, Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon 20 Years Old.

BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon will be available at select retailers and preferred restaurants. Private collectors will have the opportunity to acquire it through the BHAKTA Spirits Private Client Program. A highly limited number of its 555 bottles will be offered to loyal online customers through the brand’s website; ultimately, what scarce stock remains over the years to come will be available only on the secondary market.

To ensure fulfillment of “The Elijah Prophecy” — and to guarantee delivery of the magnificent blessings of good fortune offered by this landmark release — enthusiasts are advised to act quickly.

About BHAKTA 2005 Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $1,000)

—Aged 19 Years, 3 months
—1975 Armagnac Cask finish
—Cask strength 107.4 proof | 53.7% ABV
—84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
—Exceptionally limited release of 555 bottles

Tasting Notes

—Aspect: Ruby Red
—Nose: Toasted almond, Moroccan chamomile, and antebellum molasses
—Palate: Seville orange, baking spices, stewed pears, and layered oak spice
—Finish: Long, semi-dry, and evolving, showing charred oak, blood orange, well-aged leather, and heirloom tobacco

About BHAKTA Spirits

BHAKTA Spirits is the world’s preeminent House of Vintages. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Raj Peter Bhakta — also the founder of WhistlePig Whiskey and Hogsworth — BHAKTA offers a luxury craft spirits portfolio of limited-release single vintage whiskeys, brandies, rums, and more, anchored by its ancient and awe-inspiring Armagnac holdings dating back to 1868. An innovator in the experiential hospitality space, BHAKTA’s destinations include historic properties in France, Vermont, and Florida. BHAKTA Spirits is headquartered on its BHAKTA-GRISWOLD Campus in Poultney, VT, the former site of Green Mountain College.

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The Second Chapter in the Russell Family Cask Trilogy is Here  

 Cask #915 – 38 Year Old First Fill American Oak Sherry Butt

Nose: Dark and luxurious, rich toffee, blackberry tart with vanilla crème, raspberry dark chocolate, brandy snaps, marzipan, hints of floral honey and heavily roasted coffee bean.

Palate: Fine dark chocolate, fresh strawberries with cream, tiramisu, long aged sherry, subtle warmth of ginger.

Finish:  Long with notes of dark chocolate and toasted oak.

Alcohol: 56.8%

A Family Legacy

The Russell Family Cask is an extremely rare Glengoyne Single Cask personally selected by 3 generations of the Ian Macleod Family owners – Peter, Leonard and Tom Russell.

“We are first and foremost a family business, and growing up for me was full of family dinners and conversation flowing, quick wit and healthy debates and the Russell Cask Trilogy brings this to life. The 38 year old is a remarkable dram, and we had no doubt that we needed to bottle it. The series is a special part of our past but releasing it is raising a glass to our future”

– Tom Russell, 4th generation of the Russell Family

“…a superb expression of a French Oak refill cask, where light oak spice sets the stage without overwhelming the inherent character, showcasing a spirit that is unapologetically present. This is a whisky that invites contemplation and rewards patience. A true celebration of balance and evolution in the glass.”

Heather Tillott, Distillery Manager

Single cask TD0022 was distilled in July of 2005 and decanted in August of 2024, ageing in a single 300L French oak second-fill cask for 19 years. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, this cask yielded only 374 bottles.

Second-fill casks allow for long-term maturation without being overtaken by the influence of oak or pre-fill. The result is a whisky of perfect balance: our signature spirit character harmonises seamlessly with the soft oak profile, allowing the fruity esters from our copper alembic still, Myrtle, to shine through. In addition to the notes of dark jammy berries, aromatic spice and bright fruit, these whiskies exhibit a depth and refinement that can only come from age.

DISCOVER

AWARD WINNERS

We’re delighted to announce the three winners of our Of The Year celebrations for 2025. This year we’ve brought back the Spirit Of The Year award and have even created a new category to capture the exciting changes in the whisky landscape. They were selected by our panel of industry experts and the attendees at our judging event in London. After much deliberation the votes were cast and the winners are as follows. 

EXPLORE NOW 

WHISKY OF THE YEAR 2025
New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A high-rye bourbon with a bold, spicy and savoury character, this is a new take on Kentucky’s established whiskey-making traditions. You will find rich notes of butterscotch, blackberries, fresh mint and rye bread.

NEW WAVE WHISKY OF THE YEAR 2025
Copperworks Release 046 American Single Malt Whiskey

American single malt is becoming more established with each passing year and this complex whiskey from Copperworks is a beautiful example of the style. Made using Genie barley from a single farm in Oregon, Copperworks showcases a floral, fruity and citrussy character.

 SEE THE WINNERS