At Last, The Fourth Rose Has Landed!

Small Batch Select Completes the Four Roses’ UK Line-Up  

Two years after it launched Stateside, Four Roses Small Batch Select has made it to the UK, completing the brand’s permanent line-up as the ‘Fourth Rose’.

The UK is the only market outside the US where the bourbon is available. Limited to just 3,000 bottles, it arrives 15 years after Four Roses’ last line extension (Small Batch). It’s also the first non-chill filtered bourbon to be added to the distillery’s permanent line-up. Previously, only Limited Editions were non-chill filtered.

It will be distributed, as ever, by long-standing UK partner and 2021 IWSC Spirits Distributor of the Year, Spirit Cartel.

133-year-old Four Roses remains the only bourbon distillery that combines two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to produce 10 distinct recipes. Six of these – all aged for between six and seven years – were selected and mingled by Master Distiller Brent Elliott to create Small Batch Select.

Four Roses recipes are described by a four letter ‘code’ – each indicating the production facility, the mash bill, the spirit (always straight whiskey) and the yeast strain. In this instance, they are: OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK AND OESF (see notes below).

Select represents the most significant addition to Four Roses since Elliott took the position in 2015. Named Master Distiller/Blender of the year at 2020’s ‘Icons of American Whiskey’ awards, Elliott says he’s crafted a bourbon that: “Showcases bourbon recipes and flavours that aren’t as forward-facing in the rest of our line-up. It’s an extension of what we do well at Four Roses – balancing candied fruit with warmth and spice and enjoyable to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.”

Tasting notes:

On the nose, raspberries, clove and nutmeg. As it hits the palate, it opens into flavours of apricot, ripe berries, vanilla and light oak. The finish lingers with notes of spearmint and a touch of cinnamon.

Weighing in at 52% ABV, Small Batch Select has an RRP of £58.00/75cl. High-res visuals: https://we.tl/t-88igkG6ZEO

1. All Four Roses’ Limited Editions are non-chilled filtered. Select is the first permanent addition to its line-up that’s non-chill filtered.
2. Four Roses recipe code: The first and third letters always remain the same (‘O’ for Four Roses, ‘S’ for straight whiskey), while the second pairing (second and fourth) show which of two mash bills are used – ‘E’ for low-rye (20% rye/75% corn/5% malted barley) or ‘B’ (35%/60%/5%) – and the yeast strain employed. The latter could be one of five – ‘V’ (delicate fruit); ‘K’ (slight spice); ‘O’ (rich fruit); ‘Q’ (floral essence) and ‘F’ (herbal notes). Helpful infographic here: https://fourrosesbourbon.com/our-recipes/
3. Four Roses permanent line-up: Original (Yellow Label); Single Barrel; Small Batch; Small Batch Select.

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MALT WHISKY TRAIL PREPARES FOR BATTLE AT SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL   

Let the battle commence.  Distilleries across The Malt Whisky Trail are rolling their sleeves up and preparing to fight it out at the ‘Battle of the Drams’ now that tickets to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival are available to purchase.

Some of the world’s finest whiskies will go head to head in a showdown with attendees getting to decide once and for all, what is the best single malt on the Malt Whisky Trail at The Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin, on April 28th.

Event-goers will be able to sip their way through the flavours of the Trail, with each distillery fighting it out to be voted the world’s first whisky trail’s top dram. On top of complementary welcome and leaving drinks, there will be opportunity to order from the new cocktail menu, crafted by the bar team at The Drouthy Cobbler.

The expert-led tasting will include whiskies from award winning distilleries including Glen Moray, Benromach, Strathisla and Glenfiddich.

Rebecca Wood, Benromach Visitor Centre Supervisor, commented: “Here at The Malt Whisky Trail, we don’t like to turn down a challenge and we are really looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and battling it out on the 28th of April. This is a fun way for people to taste the Trail in one sitting and decide their favourite dram.”

Tickets can be purchased via The Spirit of Speyside’s website, where you can also view the full 2022 programme.

About The Malt Whisky Trail: 

The Malt Whisky Trail® includes nine sites each with at least a four star visitor centre promoting the very best of Scottish hospitality and tourism. The trail consists of the following Speyside distilleries and a cooperage: Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Strathisla and Speyside Cooperage.

Visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com to plan your adventure along the Trail and create your own personal itinerary to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

For booking information prospective visitors should directly contact the sites of The Malt Whisky Trail ahead of travel. For all contact details please visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com/malt-whisky-country/distilleries

Instagram: @themaltwhiskytrail
Facebook: @themaltwhiskytrail
Twitter: @TheMWT

Lost Lantern Spring 2022 Single Cask Collection Highlights Tradition & Innovation

March 1, 2022—Lost Lantern, the new independent bottler of American whiskey that launched less than 18 months ago, is pleased to announce their Spring 2022 collection, featuring four limited edition single casks from four celebrated distilleries: Smooth Ambler in West Virginia, Westward in Oregon, Frey Ranch Distillery in Nevada and Spirit Works in California.

Beginning March 9, the Spring 2022 single cask collection will be available for sale on LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com. All offerings are bottled at cask strength, are non-chill-filtered and have natural color.

• 2022 Single Cask #1: Smooth Ambler West Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey (195 btls): SRP, $80
• 2022 Single Cask #2: Westward Oregon Single Malt Whiskey Finished in Chardonnay Cask (272 btls): SRP, $130
• 2022 Single Cask #3: Frey Ranch Distillery Nevada Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey (188 btls): SRP, $100
• 2022 Single Cask #4: Spirit Works California Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in a Sloe Gin Cask (207 btls): SRP, $100

Lost Lantern’s Spring 2022 Single Cask Collection showcases American whiskey’s simultaneous embrace of tradition and innovation. “This group of distilleries is continually pushing the boundaries of American whiskey and exploring new ways of making whiskey in many different forms,” commented Lost Lantern Co-Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski. “The Spring Collection includes our first single casks from Frey Ranch, one of the only estate distilleries in the country, and Westward, one of the creators of modern American single malt, as well as our second Smooth Ambler West Virginia wheated bourbon and a unique sloe gin-finished rye whiskey from Spirit Works in California.”

Single casks are an essential piece of the Lost Lantern model, inspired by the long tradition of independent bottlers in Scotland. These highly limited, one-of-a-kind single casks consist of unique and deeply expressive whiskies produced by some of the finest distilleries in the United States. Since their debut in October 2020, Lost Lantern has released 22 single casks from Santa Fe Spirits (NM), Cedar Ridge (IA), New York Distilling Company (NY), Ironroot Republic (TX), Whiskey Del Bac (AZ), Balcones (TX) Watershed (OH), Boulder Spirits (CO), Spirit Works (CA), St. George Spirits (CA), McCarthy’s (OR), Smooth Ambler (WV), Starlight (IN), Westward (OR), and Frey Ranch Distillery (NV).

In addition to the single cask releases, Lost Lantern’s flagship blend, American Vatted Malt Edition No. 1 (SRP $120) is available. Recently named ‘Best American Blended Malt’ at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards, it was created with some of the biggest names in American single malt (Balcones in TX, Copperworks in WA, Santa Fe Spirits in NM, Triple Eight in MA, Westward in OR, and Virginia Distillery Co. in VA). American Vatted Malt represents collaboration and community amongst distillers and crafters who share the vision of bringing American whiskey into the light it deserves.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN’S SPRING 2022 SINGLE CASK COLLECTION

Lost Lantern single casks show that the best whiskey reflects where it’s made, how it’s made, and who made it, and demonstrate that compelling whiskey comes from all across the United States. 

2022 Cask #1: Smooth Ambler West Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(195 btls | 123 Proof): SRP, $80

This is the second of a pair of bourbon casks Lost Lantern selected from Smooth Ambler Spirits in Maxwelton, West Virginia. Smooth Ambler has long been on the vanguard of sourcing and blending whiskey with transparency and integrity. They’ve also been distilling and aging their own whiskey as they forge a new whiskey tradition in West Virginia. Distilled on Smooth Ambler’s own column still in West Virginia, it was aged in a 53-gallon barrel for 5 years. The nose has notes of toasted almond, white chocolate, and cranberries. The palate is rich and spicy, with clove, black cherry and deep oak flavors.

2022 Cask #2: Westward Oregon Single Malt Whiskey Finished in a Chardonnay Cask

(272 btls | 121 Proof): SRP, $130

Known for pushing the boundaries of craft spirits for almost two decades, Westward in Portland, Oregon has created a new style of American single malt built on the brewing culture of the Pacific Northwest. This single malt was made from 100% two-row malted barley grown in the Pacific Northwest. It was aged for 28 months in a new oak cask, then finished for 20 months in an Oregon Chardonnay cask. It has a structured and well-rounded palate with a big malty flavor that includes hints of white flowers, toasted pecans, and fresh pears. It is reminiscent of a meadow in the first days of fall.

2022 Cask #3: Frey Ranch Distillery Nevada Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(188 btls | 124 Proof): SRP, $100

Frey Ranch, located in a unique farming oasis in the watershed of Lake Tahoe in northern Nevada, is where Colby and Ashley Frey have transformed their fifth-generation family farm into one of the most exciting distilleries in the country. Committed to doing things the right way, no matter how long it takes, Frey Ranch is one of the only true estate distilleries in the U.S. This cask is a 5-year-old straight bourbon whiskey made entirely from grain grown at Frey Ranch. It has spicy, earthy fruit flavors, with notes of black cherry and caramel vanilla creams. It is Lost Lantern’s first Nevada whiskey.

2022 Cask #4: Spirit Works California Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in a Sloe Gin Cask

(207 btls | 113 Proof): SRP, $100

Located in the heart of Sonoma wine country, Spirit Works is a family-run distillery built from the ground up with sustainable practices in mind. Highly awarded and respected, the distillery also has one of the very few female-led distilling teams in the United States. Most importantly, they make wonderful spirits like whiskey and gin. This special whiskey was made by finishing straight 2-year-old Spirit Works rye whiskey for an additional year in a cask that previously held the distillery’s sloe gin. The finish adds complex flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and juniper to the underlying spice, vanilla, and oak notes, making this whiskey similar in flavor to the iconic cocktail, the Boulevardier.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is a new independent bottler of American whiskey. Inspired by the long tradition of independent bottlers in Scotland, the company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the country and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. Currently, the Lost Lantern portfolio consists of American Vatted Malt Edition No. 1, a blend of American single malt whiskey made in collaboration with six distilleries from across the U.S., and twenty-two single casks (9 of which are available now). Lost Lantern debuts new hand-selected whiskies throughout the year and announces one-off limited releases from time-to-time. Subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter to learn about new offerings as they become available. Lost Lantern Whiskey is available for purchase at LostLanternWhiskey.com, at Seelbachs.com, and at select retailers in California, Kentucky, and Alberta.

Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on the following channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostlanternwhiskey
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lostlanternwhiskey
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LostLanternDram

Two Trees Launches Refreshing New Bourbon Barrel-Aged Seltzer 

New Bourbon Barrel-Aged Seltzer Opens Up Taste Experiences and Mass Appeal 

(FLETCHER, NC) March 1, 2022 – Two Trees Beverage Co. introduces new Bourbon Barrel-Aged Seltzer. The new malt-based, wood-crafted seltzer will be available this spring in 6-packs of 12oz cans.

Two Trees is blending the timeless barrel-aged taste of bourbon with the crisp, refreshing experience of RTD seltzers. Opening with an aromatic and oak forward nose, followed by subtly sweet & spicy notes; a grain profile of corn, wheat and pilsner gives Two Trees Bourbon Seltzer a satiny finish with hints of vanilla and maple. 

Two Trees previously announced its partnership with Iron Heart Canning, a leader in mobile canning, to introduce additional capabilities including carbonation for product innovation and portfolio expansion. The RTD and canning capabilities expand on the Two Trees’ sustainable maturation processes which uncover new taste experiences, first-to-market innovations and incremental growth.

Chad Slagle, Two Trees Beverage Co. CEO said, “There is a large segment of bourbon drinkers that would like to enjoy crisp, refreshing beverages that are wood-crafted and have the traditional, time-honored taste of bourbon. We can finally deliver all of that in one product. The carbonation breaks up the syrupy mouthfeel and opens up the nuances of our flavors. This makes it easier for even a novice bourbon drinker to enjoy. It is more approachable, with less burn which makes this more appealing to a broader base audience and more instantly refreshing.”

Global consumption of RTD’s grew by 43% in 2020, according to the IWSR, which projected 21.8% additional growth by 2024. According to the IWSR, in the U.S. the RTD category will be larger in volume than the spirits category by the end of this year.

“Seltzers have seen tremendous growth and unique product attributes will be necessary to continue delivering incremental category sales and attract new buyer audiences to the segment in order to maintain healthier profit margins.  Two Trees™ can help retailers with category expansion through malt-based, bourbon barrel-aged taste,” said Chris Sellers, president of Two Trees Beverage Co.”

Like all of the products Two Trees produces, the Two Trees™ Bourbon Barrel-Aged Seltzer is Sustainably Matured™. The Two Trees process leads to conservation in forestry, reduced emissions and reduced environmental footprint overall as well as other positive impacts pertaining to social and community responsibility.

The new Two Trees Bourbon Barrel-Aged Seltzer will be available in the second quarter of 2022 and the suggested retail price is $11.99 per 6 pack and ABV is 5.5%. Those interested in ordering the new ready to drink beverages should contact Chip Flanders at 803-767-1322 or email: info@twotreesdistilling.com

About Two Trees Beverage Co. Inc.

Two Trees Beverage Co. Inc. helps bring premium, Sustainably Matured™ products to the market in the spirits, beer, wine and RTD categories. Two Trees Beverage Co. develops premium craft beverages at scale with consistency in a sustainable and socially responsible manner using an endless combination of wood types and flavoring. Two Trees Beverage Co. addresses consumer demand for premium products and improves speed-to-market for retailers and manufacturers while reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and dependency on wood supply. Two Trees Beverage Co. provides third-party manufacturing and rapid-aging for new and established beverage brands that are looking for ways to diversify portfolios, and improve taste experiences. Aside from Two Trees Beverage Co. offering sustainable maturation for beer (including IPAs), wine, spirits and RTDs, the company has its own line of spirits including Two Trees™ Wood-Crafted Bourbon, Two Trees™ Vodka, Two Trees™ Ready to Drink Old Fashioned and Manhattan and the Two Trees™ Wood-Crafted Flavored Whiskey Portfolio including Crisp Apple, Peanut Butter, Sea Salted Caramel, Carolina Peach, Scorched Brown Sugar, Candy Apple, Michigan Cherry, Cinnamon Spice, Golden Honey, Batch 314, Pumpkin Spice, and Peppermint. The Two Trees™ folklore brand series includes, Snarly Yow™, Owl Head™, Wampus Cat™ and Old Fyre Dragaman™. The Two Trees Beverage Company portfolio of brands also includes Tim Smith Spirits– Climax™ Spirits and Southern Reserve™ For more information, visit twotreesbeverage.com.

Dancing Goat Distillery Single Barrel Program Provides Unique Opportunity for Retailers to Personally Select Whiskey For Their Customers

Cambridge, WI March 7, 2022   In the first year of its single barrel program, Wisconsin’s Dancing Goat Distillery sold more than thirty-five barrels of whiskey, each personally selected by retailers for their stores.

“Our customers like to hear that we took the time to choose this particular whiskey for them,”  said George Beneos of Doti Liquors in Ilinois.  “Serious whiskey lovers and those new to whiskey both really appreciate the special attention and we enjoy the experience working closely with Dancing Goat to select our own barrel.”

Retailers are invited to the distillery or sent a selection of samples to taste based on the profiles they are seeking.  Proof, mash bill, aging and finishing are all variables that make each selection distinct.  Vice President of Distilling and Innovation, Nick Maas conducts a one-on-one tasting with the retailer while at the distillery or a virtual tasting through a zoom call if samples were sent directly.

“I love working with our retailer partners,” said Maas.  “It’s like a dance.  Going back and forth with each sip and sharing the nuances of different taste profiles that they are trying to achieve.  Eventually getting to the perfect whiskey experience that they want to provide their customers.

Barrels sold to date include the award-winning six year-old Limousin Rye with special bottled proofs and finishes. The distillery also made exclusive mash bills available under a Dancing Goat Distillery Single Barrel Selects label. These included rye bourbon, malted bourbon, oat bourbon and 100% corn whiskey.   Depending on the whiskey and proof selected, a barrel will yield between 15 to 40 six-pack 750ml cases.

Most recently, online retailer Seelbachs.com selected two different single barrels.  The first sold out in four hours and the second barrel sold out in even less time for a combined total of 200 bottles sold.  In addition to Seelbachs, the distillery has worked closely with retailers and distributors to select barrels for stores in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Missouri, Arkansas and Florida.

The Dancing Goat Distillery Single Barrel Program will continue and expand in 2022.   For more information and to set up a single barrel tasting/selection, please email to: info@dancinggoat.com.

The Dancing Goat Distillery is located in Cambridge, Wisconsin.  

It was named the 2021 Wisconsin Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirit Competition.

THE WHISKY BARREL PIONEER NEW AUTHENTICATION PROCESS FOR SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY

Fife-based Scotch whisky retailer and bottling company release world’s first single-cask Scotch whisky with full Digital Provenance Certificate (NFT)

Alastair Brown of The Whisky Barrel with world’s first digitally-certified Scotch whisky

In recognition of the growth of virtual whisky collections, Alastair Brown, who runs Fife-based The Whisky Barrel with brother Chris, has pioneered a revolutionary whisky authentication process that harnesses blockchain technology.

Made publicly available today, The Whisky Barrel’s Digital Provenance Certificates (NFTs) securely transmit essential product information on a public ledger, helping collectors and connoisseurs alleviate the risk of investing in counterfeit whisky.”

Using blockchain technology offers our customers a continuously updated, secure record of ownership for each individual bottle, adding a layer of provenance that’s unrivalled in the Scotch whisky industry.” Alastair Brown

Developed in conjunction with Aberdeen-based tech start-up CD Corp., this is the world’s first Scotch whisky collection to use digital certification to verify provenance. Each Digital Provenance Certificate is minted on the Solana (SOL) blockchain platform, chosen for its verified carbon-neutral, low-energy consumption.

L-R Murdo McCandlish (CDC), Joseph McGraw (CDC), Ryan Aitken (CDC), Chris Brown (TWB), Alastair Brown (TWB)

“Alastair and Chris trusted us to execute our vision of immutable digital provenance certificates correlating with each bottle in a collection. They are at the forefront of this new process of authentication for rare Scotch whisky, and I believe their openness to a more inclusive integration of blockchain technology will reap rewards for their business long term” Ryan Aitken, Managing Director of CD Corp. Ltd.

Today sees the release of the first bottling — a 30-year-old distilled at the Glen Moray distillery in Elgin. Each of the 152 individually-numbered bottles feature a unique QR code that links to its corresponding Digital Provenance Certificate. This token provides digital proof of ownership, as well as the provenance of each bottle.

The Whisky Barrel’s 30-year-old Glen Elgin with Digital Certificate of Authenticity

Owners of the first bottles are granted VIP membership to The Whisky Barrel Scotch Club hosted by Solsea. The first 30 NFTs feature a unique graphic representation of the bottle, enhancing their collectability.”

Blockchain technology is not just for the big companies, it’s for small companies like ours. It is the future. Applying a certified digital history to a physical bottle of premium Scotch whisky is the ultimate provenance for our barley-to-bottle approach.” Alastair Brown

The Glen Moray is the first release from The Whisky Barrel’s 15th Anniversary Portfolio Series, that will culminate in the bottling of a 50-year-old cask whisky at the end of the year.

First-release Glen Moray 30-year-old

The first release of The Whisky Barrel’s 15th Anniversary Portfolio Digital Provenance Certificate series is a Glen Moray 30-year-old, bottled from their own casks stored at their warehouse. This modest yield of 152 unique bottles was minted on 12th January 2022. The Whisky Barrel’s decision to digitally certify their provenance adds an enhanced layer of security for buyers.Speyside single malt distilled at Glen Moray Distillery.1991 vintage.54.9% ALC/VOL

Single cask, 1st fill Palo Cortado Hogshead

Bottled the old-fashioned way at cask strength with natural colour and unchill-filtered.Tasting notes:Nose: fruit salad, burnt orange peel, toffee, green apples and fudge.Taste: peach and pink grapefruit compote, butterfudge, vanilla and spices.Finish: long, oily mouthfeel, figs, mint and ripe grapes.

Bottle #001 Digital Certificate of Authenticity (NFT) on Solsea:

https://solsea.io/nft/3LvXBcigfvRaBaes5PGci8bcUWrBovZuL7uAXgaxgNwc

About The Whisky Barrel — TheWhiskyBarrel.com

The Whisky Barrel is an online Scotch whisky retailer and bottling company with customers in over 50 countries worldwide. Located in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland, the business celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

Founded by Alastair Brown in 2007, today the company owns an enviable portfolio of Scotch whisky, maturing in casks under bond, including whiskies from Scotland’s best-known distilleries.Alastair’s brother Chris joined the company in 2015 to direct the company’s e-commerce platform and to help diversify the business. Today, The Whisky Barrel stocks thousands of premium whiskies and rums that can be delivered globally within days.

The Whisky Barrel received the Queen’s Award for outstanding international trade growth in 2019.Sustainability is at the core of The Whisky Barrel’s ethos, and this year they are planting 350 trees at Falkland Estate in Fife as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

Alastair Brown – Managing Director & Founder

Alastair is a qualified I.T. professional who has worked in e-commerce and international trade for 20 years in senior management positions, founding The Whisky Barrel in 2007. By building relationships with the world’s most prestigious Scotch whisky brands, Alastair has built the business into an internationally-recognised specialist online whisky merchant, exporting millions of pounds worth of Scotch whisky annually. Alastair lives with his wife and young daughter in north east Fife.

About CD Corp.

Aberdeen-based tech start-up CD Corp was founded in 2021 by Robert Gordon University graduates Ryan Aitken, Murdo McCandlish and Joseph McGraw, with American digital finance consultant and investor, Ryan Caudill. Aitken was introduced to digital currencies and their possibilities by Caudill whilst studying for a semester at Oklahoma State University in 2018.

About Digital Provenance Certificates

With the release of a Glen Moray 30-year-old single malt, The Whisky Barrel is introducing the world’s first single-cask Scotch whisky with a full Digital Provenance Certificate, unique to each individually-numbered bottle.

The bottle’s information — the distillery, cask type and bottle number — is accessed via the QR code on the label, that can be verified on virtual platforms including online auctions. This acts as a digital proof of ownership, transferred to the buyer upon purchase, meaning its provenance can be verified using a Smartphone in seconds. It’s possible for owners to trade their Digital Provenance Certificate with the corresponding bottle. Or to trade the bottle and transfer the digital ownership to a new owner.

For Scotch whisky collectors and connoisseurs, provenance is important. The Whisky Barrel’s process of authentication is the first of its kind for the Scotch Whisky industry, preventing counterfeit Scotch entering the marketplace. To mark their 15th Anniversary year, The Whisky Barrel has selected some of their best Scotch whisky casks for a series titled ‘Portfolio’. Each bottle has its own Digital Provenance Certificate which is transferred when the bottles are delivered.

Collectors and connoisseurs wishing to purchase whisky with a Digital Provenance Certificate must join The Whisky Barrel® Scotch Club on SolSea.io or visit the https://www.thewhiskybarrel.com. Buyers should note that no two casks of Scotch whisky have identical taste profiles, and no two bottles are identical at The Whisky Barrel® Scotch Club on SolSea.io. It’s possible to build a digital Scotch whisky collection on SolSea.io Marketplace (or securely within a personal digital wallet), to collect or trade.

The Whisky Barrel partnered with CD Corp. (CryptoDramz) to analyse the Scotch whisky provenance process and apply a blockchain-based DPC to every bottle of their single cask Scotch. They use Solana blockchain — best known for its native token SOL — due to its low-energy, carbon neutral credentials. Each bottle features a unique QR code on the label, this links to its very own Digital Provenance Certificate, also known as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token). These cannot be changed thus certifying the provenance and ownership of each bottle.

Chef Michael Crouch Joins Watch Hill Proper as Executive Chef 

Louisville, KY (February 24, 2022) – Louisville’s first premier bourbon club, Watch Hill Proper, has announced a well-known expert to take the food program to a new level. Chef Michael Crouch will be the Executive Chef for the club. This is his first opportunity to lead a creative restaurant team since Bistro 1860.

The excitement over Michael joining the team led to the owners’ decision to expand the kitchen space to accommodate more staff and capabilities. They are currently hiring kitchen staff to join the group; applications are accepted at WatchHillProper.com.

“We are beyond excited to be able to add Michael to our amazing team,” says co-founder Tommy Craggs. “Honestly, we have downplayed our food menu from the very beginning. When it became clear that we had the opportunity to add Michael, we switched gears. So much so that we are in the process of doubling the size of our kitchen. Michael’s talent and creativity is elevating the quality of our menu and allowing us to really expand the role that food will play at Watch Hill Proper.”

By showcasing his culinary skills over the years as a private chef and at many respected Louisville restaurants, including Bourbons Bistro and Bistro 1860, Michael has earned the reputation of being one of the premier chefs in Louisville. He spent several summers in Paris learning from some of the top French Masters. Michael will use his love of exploring flavors to provide bold, flavorful cuisine yet simple and elegantly presented to deliver an unforgettable dining experience for Watch Hill Proper guests.

“I’m more than excited to be joining Josh and Tommy on this new venture in Norton Commons and honing my skills in a commercial kitchen again,” says Chef Michael Crouch. “This amazing concept will be bringing people far and wide and at the same time rekindling so many great relationships with the countless friends I have accumulated through my culinary journey thus far in this great city. Expect a selection of dishes that are easily shareable in addition to a handful of individual entrées. There will certainly be something for everyone. Bear with us as we extend our kitchen and slowly add to our menu. Great things to come! Lastly…drink whiskey.”

What makes Watch Hill Proper so unique? It’s a celebration of bourbon and its rich Kentucky history. The ambiance, the architecture, the knowledgeable staff assisting guests in selecting the perfect pairing of food and beverage… it’s an immersive experience. In addition to the expansive whiskey offerings and rare bourbon list, an extensive wine list and expertly crafted specialty cocktails will be available.

While membership has major perks at Watch Hill Proper, the club is open to everyone. Only members can make table reservations at the club, but anyone can walk in and be seated. Membership provides discounts on drinks, early access to purchase the club barrel picks, spirit lockers, and invitations to special member-only events along with many other privileges. However, anyone who wants to have a great bourbon experience is invited to visit.

“Watch Hill Proper is a place for everyone to enjoy,” explains co-founder Josh Howes. “We have a huge whiskey collection, a world-class cocktail program, an extensive wine list, an incredibly talented staff, and in our opinion one of the best chefs in the city. We want to give everyone that visits us an experience of a lifetime.”

Watch Hill Proper is expected to open to the public in April, and special members-only events and grand opening celebrations are in the works. For more information or membership details, please visit watchhillproper.com or contact Bev Reese at (502) 230-1982.

For more information about Chef Michael Crouch, visit chefmichaelcrouch.com.

About Watch Hill Proper:

Watch Hill Proper, located in Norton Commons, is Louisville’s first premier membership bourbon club. The purpose is to be a community built around a common interest – bourbon. The goal is to be a community of ambassadors for Kentucky’s signature industry and do it in style. For more information about Watch Hill Proper, or to apply for membership, visit www.watchhillproper.com.

NEXT BATCH OF REVERED GLENALLACHIE

10-YEAR-OLD ANNOUNCED

 Batch 7 of the multi-award-winning Speyside distillery’s popular 10-year-old

Cask Strength bottling is newest addition to core range

Independently owned and managed distillery The GlenAllachie today launches the next instalment of its coveted 10-year-old Single Malt: The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 7.

The release follows acclaimed previous batches from the Speyside distillery; most notably the fourth instalment which was awarded World’s Best Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2021).

Batch 7 (UK RRSP £62.99) was expertly aged in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons, Rioja barriques and virgin oak casks, all personally selected and blended by esteemed Master Distiller Billy Walker.

Walker – who this year celebrates reaching an astonishing half-century as a blender in the Scotch Whisky industry – holds widespread recognition for his hands-on approach and innovative maturation philosophy. Each release of the decade-old expression reflects this distinguished expertise in wood management.

Presented at 56.8% ABV, without added colouring or chill filtration, the punchy cask strength spirit of the seventh batch is abundant with rich mocha, stewed plums, runny honey and cinnamon tones.

Remarking on this latest batch release, Walker comments:

“Every batch we create of our 10-year-old Cask Strength represents the direction in which we are taking The GlenAllachie. From the outset, our defined objective has been to achieve a bold and flavourful yet balanced spirit, predominantly matured in Sherry wood, but with interesting twists introduced by unusual cask types.

“This latest batch is a complex and enjoyable drinking experience which brings together spirit from some truly exceptional Sherry, Wine and virgin oak casks. I must say, this one is pretty special!”

Prior to this launch, the latest addition to The GlenAllachie’s core range was the 21-year-old Cask Strength Batch 2, unveiled in February 2022.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 7 is available to purchase from global specialist retailers, with a UK RRSP of £62.99.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts an almost 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2021 stands at an eye-watering £1m/$1.2m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol, and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits, encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum, and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 7 – 56.8% ABV

• Colour: Rich Mahogany.
• Nose: Waves of heather honey, dried fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by orange peel, mocha and treacle.
• Taste: Lashings of dark chocolate, figs and heather honey, with raisins, cinnamon, plums and hints of orange zest.

Heaven Hill Distillery Wins Top Awards from 2022 American Icons of Whisky

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Jeff Crowe recognized as winners

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky awards announced the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience as Visitor Attraction of the Year and Jeff Crowe as Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. In a virtual presentation hosted on both Whisky Magazine and American Whisky Magazine’s Facebook pages, the visitor center and Crowe were announced as winners and finalists in the upcoming World’s Best competition in London on March 24.

Unveiled on June 14, 2021 as the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, the expansion and renovation of Heaven Hill Distillery’s visitor center in Bardstown are the culmination of a multi-year $125 million investment in Kentucky’s signature industry and model for the future of tourism since 2018. The state-of-the-art experience received a $19 million upgrade to become an interactive, educational space offering signature exhibits unique to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. First opened on Oct. 15, 2004 as the Bourbon Heritage Center under the guidance of the late Harry Shapira, Heaven Hill’s presence as one of the first visitor centers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has played an instrumental role in establishing Kentucky as a top tourist destination.

First joining Heaven Hill in 2013, Crowe now serves as the Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences for Heaven Hill Distillery. Crowe oversees the development and management of teams and programs at both the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, Ky. and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. Through the difficult circumstances of the past two years, Crowe’s patience and perseverance in development and training led to the successful opening of the new Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, along with continued success at both visitor centers. His continued involvement and leadership in trade, tourism, and hospitality organizations have paved the way for innovative, inclusive and strategic partnerships throughout the industry.

“I am humbled and grateful for the recognition, one that would not be possible without the support of my team and partners in the industry,” said Crowe. “We get to showcase the best of Kentucky Bourbon and the Commonwealth every day and I’m honored to work for Heaven Hill Distillery to shine a light on our tourism and hospitality.”

As noted by Phoebe Calver, editor of American Whiskey Magazine, “This year’s winners have proven themselves to be a shining light in the industry during tough times. It’s such a pleasure to be able to watch the development of the American whiskey industry and the way that distillers are challenging perceptions, while pushing standards higher and higher.”

Several Heaven Hill brands were also recognized during the World Whiskies Awards segment of the presentation, including brands within the recently acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio. Notable awards include Widow Jane 10-Year-Old winning Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon, Widow Jane Oak & Apple Wood Aged Rye winning Gold in the Rye category, and Henry McKenna winning Gold in the Bourbon category. More information, including silver and bronze medalists, can be found at www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Releases Annual Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon Bottle

The 2014 Vintage, 117 proof Bourbon is dipped in gold wax and features the 50^th Edition Gold Pegasus Pin on the bottle neck

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for the sixth consecutive year, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience today released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 50^th Edition Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.

Dipped in a gold wax, the bottle features a special face label with the coordinating gold Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2022 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau, and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Matt Gibson, unveiled the official 2022 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience by personally hand-dipping two of the 750 limited-edition bottles.

Beginning February 24, the Bourbon will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $79.99 and at select area retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2014 vintage is bottled at 117 proof, commemorating both the 67^th Kentucky Derby Festival plus the 50^th year for the Pegasus Pin. Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age, the barrel number, and the date it was bottled.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival and celebrate a milestone year for the Pegasus Pin, which represents the unique Kentucky spirit that makes this time of year so exciting in the Bluegrass State,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau. “Join us as we raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and usher in the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival.”

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, who monitors the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“Celebrating the 50th year for the Pegasus Pins will make this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival even more special,” said Matt Gibson, KDF President & CEO. “Like the pins, we know Festival fans will want to add this special edition Evan Williams bottle to their collection too.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from March 16 – May 1. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to many Derby Festival events, may be purchased exclusively at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience through March 2, prior to being available at other local retailers.

ABOUT THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE:

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.