E. H. TAYLOR, JR BOURBON CELEBRATES

BOTTLED IN BOND DAY WITH RELEASE TO MUSICIAN CHRIS STAPLETON’S OUTLAW STATE OF KIND CHARITABLE FUND  

Less than 100 Bottles Available – Initial Bottles Will Support Disaster Relief in Texas and Kentucky 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 3, 2021) – On this day nearly 125 years ago, Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. succeeded in getting the Bottled in Bond Act passed, the first consumer protection act. The Bottled in Bond Act guaranteed the integrity of the whiskey to the American consumer, and among other things, guarantees only water can be added to the whiskey.  Prior to its passing, disreputable sellers would put items like tobacco juice, turpentine, iodine or other unsavory and potentially poisonous additives to a barrel of whiskey to fill it back up, and/or to give the liquid color.  Back in those days, whiskey was usually delivered by the barrel to a local saloon, general store or pharmacy where customers could fill up their own jug directly from the barrel, or retailers could bottle it up for resale on the spot.

            Today Buffalo Trace Distillery raises a glass to salute E. H. Taylor, Jr. by releasing a “Bottled in Bond Day” commemorative edition E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel.  One special barrel was hand-picked by the team at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the contents being bottled and made available through musician Chris Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind.   Each bottle will be autographed by Chris Stapleton.

            Initial bottles will be used to support disaster relief in Texas, hit hard by a major winter storm, and Eastern Kentucky, experiencing devastating floods.  These initial bottles are available for bidding on the online charity auction Charitybuzz and can be viewed here.  The remaining bottles will be used throughout the year to raise funds for a variety of charities across the country.  Updates on subsequent fundraisers will be posted to Outlaw State of Kind.

            “We’ve very excited to partner with Chris Stapleton and Outlaw State of Kind,” said Joshua Steely, E.H. Taylor, Jr. brand director. “We knew Chris was a big fan of E. H. Taylor, Jr., so we thought this was a perfect way to commemorate Bottled in Bond Day, by partnering with his charitable fund so fans of both his music and our bourbon can help out needy causes across the country through the various events and auctions that will be held throughout the year.”

                Grammy Award Winner Chris Stapleton adds, “The first glass of E. H. Taylor, Jr. I ever had was in the studio. Vance Powell, engineer of both music & good times, brought a bottle to the session for inspiration. That week we recorded an entire album, and that album was Traveller. We’ve made it a point to keep a bottle around ever since.

So when E. H. Taylor, Jr. approached us to partner up for an exclusive bottling in celebration of Bottled in Bond Day, it seemed like a natural fit since they were already a part of our musical journey.

Together we’ve decided to use the occasion to give back to the communities that have been the real magic in both of our stories.  The challenges of these times have left many in need, and we’re honored to help address some of these needs through this partnership.

Proceeds from the first batch of bottles to be auctioned off will go to natural disaster relief in Texas & Kentucky.”

            The E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery and put in the barrel on Jan. 5, 2012.  Bottled in early February, this bourbon is 9 years old, and like the act its namesake fought so hard to pass, is Bottled in Bond at 100 proof.

            Like the other E. H. Taylor, Jr. releases, this Single Barrel is packaged with elements of Taylor’s original bottlings from the turn of the 20^th century, a vintage label bearing his signature and a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago.  The canister gives a nod to this unique bottling with a commemorative sticker noting the 124^th anniversary of Bottled in Bond Day and a label at the bottom explaining in more detail the significance of this bottling.

            The E. H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond commemorative Single Barrel bottling will not be available at retail. It is only available through the charitable organization Outlaw State of Kind.  To find out more about Outlaw State of Kind, click here.  To learn more about Bottled in Bond Day and how you can celebrate, click here.

About Outlaw State of Kind

Outlaw State of Kind is Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s charitable fund that supports a variety of causes that are close to their heart.  The Outlaw State of Kind Fund was founded in 2016 and is administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

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 for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 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.

When the Society was formed in 1983 it blazed a new trail for whisky lovers – revolutionising the appreciation for, and access to, single cask malt whiskies. Fast forward nearly 40 years and we still strive to host game-changing experiences for our members – from the flavourful whiskies we share, to the occasions where we enjoy them. Up your whisky game this month with a selection of drams from the March Outturn, along with new pairing ideas and whisky knowledge.

EXPLORE THE OUTTURN HUB

VIEW LATEST OUTTURN

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

 

Dead Whisky Society

Banff 37 Year Old

Distilled 1971 and bottled 2008 at 53.3%

Rare Lost Scotch

A trio of rare, single casks whiskies from lost Scottish distilleries back in at TWB…

Banff 37 Year Old 1971

Caledonian 34 Year Old 1976

Cambus 27 Year Old 1983

Smoke Wagon Small Batch Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $49.99 View

Nevada H&C Distilling produces the Smoke Wagon line-up of whiskeys. The Small Batch Straight Bourbon was born of a brainstorming process to solve a particularly thorny problem they were having with bottling an aged, high-rye whiskey that met their profile preferences and standards. Because rye typically ages much faster than corn-based mash bills, the aged high-rye spirits often lost their spicy rye components after successive years and rackings. At the same time, the younger rye spirits exhibited all the bold and spicy components they were seeking, but the palate was often lacking in the sweet, rich texture that aging brings. The solution was to blend and bottle and combination of old and young ryes, thereby capitalizing on the desirable characteristics of each in the finished product. Bottled at 100 proof, the Smoke Wagon Small Batch carries all the depth, body, and richness of an aged spirit the with robust spice of rye and #4 char.

 

 

Michel Couvreur “Overaged” 12 Year Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

Belgian Michel Couvreur was an independent bottler of single-malt Scotch (and this apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade). The cellars are located in Bouze-lès-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy, where Michel aged his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptionally well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-lès-Beaune. Vatted from 54 whiskies aged 12 to 27 years in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine, and fat almond, plus a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

Heaven Hill Legacy Bundle (Heaven Hill 7 Year, Henry Mckenna 10 Year, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Rittenhouse Rye) Whiskey Collector Set (4x750ml) $139.99 View

Rare bourbons and a deal? Who can say no to that. If you were lucky enough to grab these four whiskies in your cart on our site, which would of course be an unprecedented stroke of lucky on your part, you’d find your retail price would equal exactly $148.99 plus tax and shipping. Now get access to two of Heaven Hills most renowned products, plus two bar staples that any whiskey lover should have stocked at home, for nearly $10 off the regular retail price. This bundle includes three of Heaven Hills flag ship brands at different ages and proofs. The sought after revamp of the great old Heaven Hill brand bottled in bond at 7 years on, the exceptional Single Cask Henry Mckenna bottled in bond at 10 years old and the famous Elijah Small Batch, which is a blend of 8-12 year old bourbons from the same mashbill bottled at 94 proof. Throw in a bottle of the excellent Rittenhouse BIB Rye for good measure and you’re set for the next few weeks at least. Dont forget that Henry McKenna was the winner of best in show at SF Spirits in 2019 and has been next to impossible to keep in stock or that Heaven Hill 7 year is the #4 on Whisky Advocates Top 20 Whiskies of 2019. Needless to say there are few better values on anyones shelf these days.

Heaven Hill Bottled In Bond (Heaven Hill 7 Year, Henry Mckenna 10 Year, Evan Williams, Rittenhouse Rye and Mellow Corn) Whisky Collector Set (5x750ml) (Elsewhere $212) $149.99 View

92 points Whisky Advocate

 In 2018, Heaven Hill discontinued its 6 year old bottled in bond bourbon that was sold only in Kentucky, but now has roared back with this widely available 7 year old. While the bottled in bond designation isn’t necessarily a quality guarantee, this whiskey more than proves its merit. It’s explosive, bold, and buttery, with warm flavors of honey-roasted peanuts, caramel, chocolate, corn muffins, licorice, and cinnamon, all accented by notes of savory herbs, cloves, white pepper, tobacco, and an earthy undertone. Well-integrated big oak, sweetness, and spice combine to create grace, power, and length. This is pure bourbon bliss, at a very approachable price. *Number 4 in the 2019 Top 20* (DF, Winter 2019) 

K&L Notes

*NB: Partial Returns not accepted, all 5 bottles required* The Bottled In Bond Act was passed on March 3rd, 1897. This is perhaps the most important piece of spirits related legislation in the history of the United States. Not only did it establish the most rigorous standard for any distilled spirit in the world, it was also a critical change to tax law that allowed us to have great and relatively inexpensive whiskey. To be bottled in bond a spirit must meet a number of requirements. Most importantly for today’s whiskey consumer, spirit that is BIB must be a minimum of 4 years of age. In addition it has to be distilled in a single distillation season (Jan-Jun or July-Dec) by a single distiller at one distillery. That single season whisky must then be aged in a bonded warehouse and ultimately bottled at exactly 100 proof. The label must identify where it was distilled and who bottled it. In the case of Heaven Hill, no one has a larger or better portfolio of Bottled In Bond whiskies. This item includes 5 full-sized bottles: Henry McKenna – winner of best in show at SF Spirits in 2019. This bottle alone averages about $85 bucks since this prestigious award was bestowed upon it. A bottle of Heaven Hill 7 year – #4 on Whisky Advocates Top 20 Whiskies of 2019 (elsewhere $70). This 5 pack is rounded out by 3 other extraordinary whiskies: Evan Williams BIB Bourbon, Rittenhouse BIB Rye, and Mellow Corn BIB Corn Whiskey. All stone cold classics and staples in any well stocked bar.

The Fisherman’s Retreat launches its 8th edition whisky

Following the success of its previous editions, The Fisherman’s Retreat, located just beyond the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, has launched its 8th edition single malt whisky.

From buying the first few single malt whiskies to stock the bar back in 1992 to purchasing the first cask in 1995, whisky has always been at the heart of The Fisherman’s Retreat.

Now in its 29th year The Fisherman’s Retreat now stock over 500 different Scottish single malt whiskies, with the majority of these available to try by the dram or purchase by the bottle from their onsite and online shop.

The Yalumba Viognier white wine cask was filled in August 2013 with Arran spirit, bottled in February 2021 at 50.0% ABV with a cask strength version also available at 60.4% ABV

These latest releases are currently available on a pre-sale basis at £45.00 & £55.00 per bottle until they go on general sale on Monday 8th March

Purchases can be made via The Fisherman’s Retreat Shop https://www.fishermansretreat.com/shop/home/

BENRIACH CASK EDITION COLLECTION CAPTURES FULL FLAVOUR PALETTE

Benriach Distillery has today (Wednesday 3rd March) unveiled its latest single cask bottlings – Benriach Cask Edition Collection 2021. Each of its 19 premium expressions have been crafted to celebrate the individuality of the distillery’s cask types, and the resulting Single Malt that each helps to mature.

Each expression in the new collection has been individually nurtured and selected at its optimum maturation point by Benriach’s Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Featuring both peated and unpeated styles of whisky, each expression celebrates the unique flavour impacted by its cask, and allows a different facet of Benriach’s multi-layered, fruit forward style to be explored.

From madeira to moscatel hogsheads and rum barrels to port pipes, 11 different cask types from around the world have been used to paint a rainbow of flavour across the collection. From the smoked nutmeg of the madeira cask to the smouldering pine nut and rich campfire smoke found in the Oloroso sherry butt, these flavourful individual casks range from 1994 to 2009.

Cask Edition Collection 2021 continues Benriach’s creative legacy of bottling individual casks in what is a new era for the distillery since it relaunched its portfolio last year.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Benriach Distillery commented: 

“When it comes to experimenting with flavour through our rich inventory of cask types at Benriach, it is important to appreciate the individuality of the cask and its back story to tease out its full potential. Benriach Cask Edition Collection 2021 offers an insight into this journey, capturing unique moments in time at our Speyside distillery.

“Exploring cask maturation at this specific level continues to excite me about the flavour possibilities of Benriach. From the honey, apricot and stewed plum of the sauternes barrique to the smooth barley cream of the rum barrel, it’s a true joy to savour the palette of flavour in these cask edition releases.”

Benriach Cask Edition Collection 2021 is available to purchase from specialist retailers in select markets globally from 3 March 2021. More information found below.

Notes

Expressions 21 years and over will be available in a secondary box. Younger expressions in the collection will be available in a secondary tube. 

Details and market availability for each expression:

1994 CASK #1851

Aged 26 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Peated

Appearance: Golden Brown

Nose: Chocolate orange and smoked dark honey, on a base of sandalwood, date oil and prune.

Palate: Chocolate espresso and black cherry with lingering campfire smoke and plum.

ABV: 51.5%

Availability: China

1994 CASK #1272

Aged 26 years

Cask Type: Oloroso Butt

Style: Peated

Appearance: Auburn

Nose: Sticky plum preserve and baked crème brûlée with smouldering pine nut and rich campfire smoke.

Palate: Blood orange, cherry cake and candied clove with lingering smoked caramel and pine nut.

ABV: 53.2%

Availability: China

1997 CASK #16004

Aged 23 years

Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Mellow gold

Nose: Candied lemon, bergamot and dark vanilla with traces of honeysuckle, apple and lime.

Palate: Lemon sweets and toffee with spiced vanilla, banana and lingering dark chocolate mint cake.

ABV: 51.1%

Availability: Israel

1998 CASK #2803

Aged 22 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Deep amber

Nose: Sticky toffee apple and caramel sponge pudding layered with cherry cake and sugar glaze.

Palate: Cherry and sultana bread with vanilla, candied peel and golden syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg.

ABV: 52.7%

Availability: South East Asia

2005 CASK #2569

Aged 15 years

Cask Type: Oloroso Butt

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Arabian sunset

Nose: Richly sherried with fruitcake, honey, orange and crème brûlée.

Palate: Chocolate meringue, toasted hazelnut and lingering sun-dried raisin.

ABV: 59.8%

Availability: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark & Ukraine

2006 CASK #5303

Aged 13 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Mahogany

Nose: Nectarine, cherry cake and caramel mocha with hints of baked apple and spice.

Palate: Chocolate macchiato and baked orange with lingering sweet almond.

ABV: 61.2%

Availability: Australia

2007 CASK #8736

Aged 13 years

Cask Type: Moscatel Hogshead

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Egyptian gold

Nose: Apricot and lemon syrup, with macadamia nut brittle and manuka honey.

Palate: Vanilla cream and sticky apricot preserve with lingering honeyed orchard fruits and praline.

ABV: 58.1%

Availability: New Zealand

2008 CASK #5813

Aged 12 years

Cask Type: Sauternes Barrique

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Red gold

Nose: Honey, apricot and stewed plum, with fleshy orange, mixed nut and tropical fruit.

Palate: Sweet mandarin orange, lemon curd and ground nutmeg with lingering ginger and toasted malt.

ABV: 61.3%

Availability: Canada

2008 CASK #2014

Aged 12 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Peated

Appearance: Golden walnut

Nose: Chocolate coated red apple, plum and redcurrant on a base of pistachio, sandalwood and espresso.

Palate: Smooth fig and apple with cinnamon spice, pistachio cream and chocolate coated dates.

ABV: 60.5%

Availability: China / South East Asia

1997 CASK #7420

Aged: 23 years

Cask Type: Virgin Wood Barrel

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Chestnut gold

Nose: Sweet candied orange and almond biscotti with banana, toffee and cream pie.

Palate: Candied citrus and spiced apple with liquorice root, caramel and sweet oak vanilla.

ABV: 51.6%

Availability: France & Belgium

1998 CASK #10298

Aged: 22 years

Cask Type: Marsala Wine Hogshead

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Burnished copper

Nose: Baked pear, apricot jam and clementine, with soft sweet spices and sugar fondant.

Palate: Caramelised apricot, tangy orange and hazelnut, layered with vanilla icing and ground nutmeg.

ABV: 52.2%

Availability: Italy

2005 CASK #1867

Aged: 15 years

Cask Type: Rum Barrel

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Honeyed gold

Nose: Candied apple, tropical fruit and pineapple syrup, enriched with smooth barley cream.

Palate: Golden fruit, soft spices and crème caramel, with lingering maple syrup and nut brittle.

ABV: 55.9%

Availability: Benriach Distillery Visitor Centre, Scotland

2007 CASK #3944

Aged: 13 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Peated

Appearance: Polished gold

Nose: Smoked apricot and silky milk chocolate with seared mandarin orange glaze

Palate: Smoked Brazil nut and walnut, balanced with sweet floral honey and chocolate cream.

ABV: 56.2%

Availability: France

2008 CASK #4052

Aged: 12 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Peated

Appearance: Burnished brass

Nose: Smoked stone fruit with cedar wood, with maple syrup and custard.

Palate: Sweet peat, smoked gingerbread and cinnamon spiced plum with hazelnut, baked apple and almond.

ABV: 60.5%

Availability: Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Malta & Poland

2009 CASK #4833

Aged: 11 years

Cask Type: Port Pipe

Style: Peated

Appearance: Ruby

Nose: Honeyed fruit syrup, smoked strawberry panna cotta and vanilla cheesecake.

Palate: Chocolate velvet cake balanced with wild berry, spiced orange, red apple and angelica root.

ABV: 60.8%

Availability: United Kingdom

2009 CASK #1642

Aged: 11 years

Cask Type: Madeira Hogshead

Style: Peated

Appearance: Rich gold

Nose: Smoke-laced melon and jellied fruit with honeycomb, aromatic coffee and sugared malt.

Palate: Smoked nutmeg, burnt orange and macadamia nut with cinnamon, pepper and lingering wintergreen.

ABV: 60.6%

Availability: Andorra, Poland and Portugal

2009 CASK #8562

Aged: 11 years

Cask Type: Oloroso Puncheon

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Burnt sienna

Nose: Toffee apple crunch and mixed nut brittle with pecan, almond and mixed spice.

Palate: Baked apple strudel with layers of bramley apple, brown sugar, cinnamon and raisin.

ABV: 58.9%

Availability: Nordics & East Europe

2009 CASK #8748

Aged: 11 years

Cask Type: Moscatel Hogshead

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Deep copper

Nose: Heather honey, apricot and sweet orange marmalade with hazelnut in golden syrup.

Palate: Deliciously sweet and fruity with honey, apricot and lingering pecan syrup.

ABV: 53.9%

Availability: The Netherlands

2009 CASK #3911

Aged: 11 years

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon

Style: Classic unpeated

Appearance: Copper

Nose: Crème-caramel and fresh orange with rich malt and candied vanilla.

Palate: Mulled orange and chocolate caramel with brown sugar and chestnut cream.

ABV: 56.5%

Availability: Germany, Austria & Switzerland

About Benriach Distillery

A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.

Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

This tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is the story of a hidden Speyside gem, quietly revealing its treasures to be discovered and savoured.

Facebook – @Benriach

Instagram – @Benriach

Twitter – @TheBenriach

Push new boundaries in the pursuit of flavour; taste and explore our beautifully unique and intriguing new cask collection as we feature a few lesser-known distilleries.

ENRICHED GERANIUM

CASK NO. 39.196

CASK TYPE:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  13 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Light & delicate

A CURIOSITY OF FLAVOURS

CASK NO. 46.88

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  2nd fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead

AGE:  22 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

FUNKY OLD BODEGA

CASK NO. 63.63

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill sherry butt

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

STIRS YOUR SOUL

CASK NO. 35.258

CASK TYPE:  Refill Oloroso sherry puncheon

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & dry

A BELTER OF A DRAM!

CASK NO. 6.39

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-Oloroso sherry butt

FINAL CASK:  1st fill Pedro Ximenez butt

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & sweet

CHEEKY AND REEKY

CASK NO. 135.21

CASK TYPE:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

SEARINGLY SWEET PURPLE SMOKE

CASK NO. 144.1

CASK TYPE:  New oak barrel

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

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

TyndrumWhisky.com

Brings you

Wee Mongrel

A 20 Year Old thing of beauty, from the upcoming wizards (and Vets) that call themselves ‘Little Brown Dog’.

This is BATCH ONE.

Matured in a Single Sherry Butt, and bottled at Cask Strength 52.3% abv.
Full of fruity and rich spicy goodness.

As the Official notes go – It’s Braw.
We can’t offer anything else, other than – IT’S BRAW.
(and it’s under £50)

Order Now >

Dancing Goat Distillery Opens First Open-Air Rickhouse in Wisconsin

Cambridge, WI March 2, 2021 The Dancing Goat Distillery in Cambridge, Wisconsin has begun rolling barrels of its award-winning Limousin Rye Whiskey into its new open-air rickhouse.  Rickhouse #1 at the Dancing Goat Distillery, is the first non-climate controlled rickhouse built in Wisconsin.  It is the first of five being planned by the craft distillery.

Rickhouses have been used for more than 140 years to age whiskey.  The building is designed using floors of ricks that allow the barrels to be rolled in and stored on their sides, giving the whiskey exposure to the wood on all sides versus the more modern palletized or stacked warehouse storage systems where the barrels are stored on end and the top side charred wood does not contact the whiskey. Dancing Goat partnered with the leading rickhouse designer and builder, Buzick Construction of Bardstown, Kentucky.  Its rickhouses are used by virtually every major whiskey producer.

Dancing Goat is one of only a select few craft distillers in the United States that use the time-honored, traditional methods of aging its barrels of whiskey in an open air rickhouse which also benefits from natural climate changes to move the whiskey in and out of the wood in the barrel.  This creates a better natural process to age the whiskey than temperature controlled warehouses that have restricted airflow that do not allow as much interaction with the wooden staves.

“When fully exposed to the extremes of weather in Wisconsin our whiskey will move in and out of the staves as the temperature changes throughout the four seasons, making every year of age incredibly impactful,” said Tom Maas, chairman of Dancing Goat Distillery.  “The mellowing and concentration of flavors occurring during this natural process results in whiskey that connoisseurs will truly appreciate while those new to whiskey will be able to experience whiskey as it was meant to be.”

Dancing Goat Rickhouse #1 is five stories tall and measures 8,750 square feet.  It houses up to 7,800 barrels. Every barrel will begin the aging process at approximately 125 proof.  The placement and rotation of barrels in this type of rickhouse are also important during the aging process and carefully monitored to achieve consistency.  While the outdoor temperature varies, the indoor temperature also varies from lower to higher floors.  Temperatures naturally rise the higher the floor.  All of this, in addition to differences in air flow between barrels on each floor is taken into account when deciding what final proof and flavor profile the distiller is trying to achieve.

“Marrying our recipes with open-air, rickhouse aging provides exciting opportunities to produce some of the most unique, world-class whiskeys, right here in Wisconsin, which is where my family’s distilling roots began,” said Nick Maas, VP of distilling and innovation.  “Wisconsin’s seasonal temperature goes from -10° in the winter to 90° in the summer.  We enjoy the fact that this natural 100° temperature swing allows us to partner with Mother Nature to assist in making our Dancing Goat whiskies special.

Introducing a new limited edition Fettercairn!

The first release from the distillery’s small batch Warehouse Collection, Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No.001 brings together five different cask styles all filled back in 2010 and laid down to mature within the unique environment of one of Fettercairn’s oldest dunnage warehouses.

This is a single malt Scotch with a tropical soul, packed with aromas of melon, pear, honey and vanilla, followed by creamy coffee, grapefruit, spiced apple and cinnamon on the palate.

A limited edition, we expect these bottles to go FAST!

This first release is part a new series of rare and limited small batch whiskies drawn from the Highland distillery’s 14 dunnage warehouses and each named after the warehouse that helped to shape it.

The collection is the start of a journey of discovery led by Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, researching how each warehouse makes its own unique mark on the Fettercairn spirit.

Pre-order today for dispatch this Thursday.

A conversation with Fettercairn

Delve a little deeper into the Fettercairn experiment! In our latest edition of Whiskeria Magazine, we chat to Distillery Manager Stewart Walker and Brand Specialist Andy Lennie to hear their thoughts on this latest Fettercairn dram, with plenty of stories from Warehouse 2 along the way.

Read the Interview ›