Hooker’s House Bourbon from Sonoma Awarded best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2012 SIP Awards

Sonoma, CA. Hooker’s House Bourbon a Sonoma-Style Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a platinum Medal at the 2012 SIP awards last week. The platinum award was the only one given to asmall batch Bourbon in three years and one of three in the crowded American Whiskey category.

Hooker’s House Bourbon is the first Bourbon Whiskey to be finished in neutral Pinot Noir barrels giving it a unique wine country flavor profile and local story. Hooker’s House Bourbon ($36) 750ml bottle, 50% ABV (100 proof) finished and bottled in Sonoma, California.

Hooker’s House Bourbon is aged in neutral Pinot Noir barrels after spending time in new white American Oak barrels. Double barreling the Bourbon enhances the quality spirit with Wine Country influence of dark fruits, cherries and violets on the nose and pallet. The mash bill produces a sweet and savory balance of Corn and Rye. “The hot days and cool nights of the Carneros are ideal for grape growing and also excellent for aging Bourbon” says Fred Groth Founder of Prohibition Spirits and HelloCello. “The constant expansion and contraction makes the Bourbon ‘breath’ and gives it life”.

Hooker’s House Bourbon pays respect to the infamous General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War veteran, Sonoma resident, ladies man and whiskey aficionado. The spicy and bold character of Hooker’s House Bourbon is matched by General Hooker’s over indulging and sometimes outrageous lifestyle.

The 2012 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards were created to fill the void that is the current state of international spirits competitions. The illusion created by massive advertising budgets, celebrity endorsements and lofty judging is old, tired and susceptible to industry bias. The SIP Awards are the first to cut to the core of public opinion as a starting point, rather than an afterthought, in branding and product development. On July 14th 75 judges examined over 400 spirit brands in a blind taste test.

About

Hooker’s House Bourbon is aged and bottled by Prohibition Spirits, a new line from the founders of HelloCello, Fred & Amy Groth. Their other products include Limoncello di Sonoma, BelloCello, FigCello and blood OrangeCello.

For tours, industry tastings and more information please contact Fred Groth: Fred@HelloSonoma.com 707.721.6290. Learn more at: www.Prohibition-Spirits.com & www.HelloSonoma.com