NH Liquor Commission Hand-Selects Record Quantity of World’s Finest Single Barrel Whiskey

NHLC expands selection of premium whiskey with purchase of 62 single barrels from Knob Creek, Jack Daniel’s, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve and Wild Turkey

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) recently hand-selected a record quantity of the world’s best single barrel Tennessee  whiskey and bourbon, substantially expanding NHLC’s selection of those offerings. In April 2017, representatives from NHLC traveled to Tennessee and Kentucky where they purchased a combined 62 individual barrels of premium Tennessee whiskey and bourbon from the Jack Daniel, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey and Jim Beam distilleries.

This selection represents the largest individual purchase of single barrel whiskey in NHLC history. NHLC is offering a limited allotment available for purchase exclusively at NH Liquor & Wine Outlet stores and the remainder will be available in late October to coincide with the 5th
annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits.

To produce traditional Tennessee whiskey and bourbon offerings, distillers blend numerous barrels to maintain a consistent flavor profile. Distillers choose a limited number of barrels to mature individually and sell as a “single barrel” product. These barrels are placed at higher warehouse levels for longer periods of time, during which they are subject to extreme temperature swings that deliver distinct flavors, colors and
taste profiles. Each barrel NHLC selected has its own unique flavor profile and is only available at NH
Liquor & Wine Outlet locations.

“NHLC has truly become a go-to destination to purchase premium, small-batch bourbons and whiskeys, evident from our ranking as the third best state to purchase bourbon from BreakingBourbon.com,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “Due to the overall category growth of premium spirits, combined with the tremendous success of our barrel buy program, we made this strategic purchase which will continue to differentiate us from competitors and provide customers with an extraordinary array of single barrel whiskey.”

Interest in bourbon and whiskey is on the rise in New Hampshire and nationally. With the expansion of its barrel buy program and an increased selection of rare, and exclusive offerings, NHLC has seen bourbon sales increase from $17.9 million in Fiscal Year 2014 to $25.3 million in Fiscal Year 2017—an increase of more than 40-percent.

Chairman Mollica continued, “NHLC has made it a point to offer customers unique, one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy some of the world’s best whiskey. That is a major reason why we generated an alltime record $678.4 million in total sales in Fiscal Year 2016, including a 7.6-percent increase in spirits sales to a record $383.4 million.”

HLC representatives took part in tastings, educational sessions and tours alongside some of the world’s most renowned distillers, including Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, and Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. These industry leaders offered their expertise and guidance as NHLC selected barrels.

The following selections will be available at NH Liquor & Wine Outlet stores:
  17 barrels – Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey
  15 barrels – Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon
  12 barrels – Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  6 barrels – Woodford Reserve Personal Selection Bourbon
  4 barrels – Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
  4 barrels – Weller’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
  3 barrels – Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Bourbon
  1 barrel –  Weller’s Antique Single Barrel Bourbon
  1 barrel – Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet single barrel offerings are easily identifiable through in-store displays. Customers can also visit www.liquorandwineoutlets.com and search in the product locator for store availability. “Our customers are extremely savvy and knowledgeable and have come to expect a vast selection of unique, small-batch, premium spirits at our outlet stores,” said Mark Roy, NHLC spirits marketing and
sales specialist. “In making this strategic purchase, we wanted to ensure we could offer our customers these exclusive products throughout the year, which is why we are staggering the release. With 62 barrels of the finest single barrel whiskeys and bourbons, we can offer customers an extraordinary array of taste profiles, ranging from sweet notes of vanilla and caramel to bold and spicy.”Responding to customer demand and relying on its buying power, NHLC has grown its barrel-buy program in recent years. In addition to expanding its offerings of single barrel bourbon and whiskey, NHLC also purchased nine barrels of the world’s finest barrel-aged tequila earlier this year.

About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) operates 80 retail locations throughout the Granite State and serves more than 11 million customers each year. More than $3 billion in net profits has been raised since the first store opened in 1934. NHLC set an all-time sales record in Fiscal Year 2016, generating $678.4 million in gross sales, an increase of $36.3 million – or 5.65% – over the previous fiscal year. Total liquor net profits reached $159 million, of which $156 million was transferred to the New Hampshire General Fund, which is used to fund programs including education, health and social services, transportation and natural resource protection. Additionally, $3 million was transferred to New
Hampshire’s Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund, which utilizes a percentage of NHLC profits to fund addiction treatment and prevention programs. Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate a store, search f or product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.