EMERALD ISLE TO EDINBURGH:

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY CELEBRATE MILESTONE 150^th DISTILLERY RELEASE  

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has announced the release of its 150^th distillery bottling to lucky members just in time for St Patrick’s Day

Photo Credit Stevie Singh

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) presents its landmark 150^th distillery bottling this month – and it’s not a Scotch. Cask 150.1 is from a distillery in the south-west of Ireland, bottled with impeccable timing as we approach St Patrick’s Day on Thursday 17^th March. Whiskey from the distillery has never been bottled as a single cask, an SMWS first and a real treat for its members.

Distillery 150 has been bottled as 150.1*, ‘Let’s Go West!’ falling under the Society flavour profile ‘Spicy & Sweet’, available to members via ballot entry at £75.

In celebration, SMWS are hosting a special livestream event to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and their landmark 150^th distillery release. An evening of Irish music, whiskey chat, a pub quiz, competitions and much more, with hosts from US and Australia discussing the Irish-Scots connection. The event will be streamed live on Thursday, 17^th March at 8pm GMT. Find the live stream on the SMWSUK social and YouTube channels.

Since restrictions lifted and venues re-opened SMWS haven’t missed a beat, with Edinburgh’s Kaleidoscope Bar winning Whisky Magazine’s ‘Whisky Bar of the year 2021’.

Commenting on the landmark release, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director said: “For our landmark 150^th bottling, we wanted to showcase the journey of our never-ending quest for quality and flavour. Choosing an Irish distillery to mark this milestone occasion truly shows the adventurous spirit of the Society – celebrating our vibrant spirit no matter its source.

“Our milestone 150^th distillery bottling demonstrates how far the Society has travelled. Having bottled from distilleries way beyond our own shores, we continue to explore a world beyond single cask, single malt Scotch that is at our core. We are celebrating both our beginnings and our future.”

This exceptional bottling is fantastic example of what to expect as an SMWS member. Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive experiences, a monthly members magazine Unfiltered, colourful tastings and events at the Society’s Members’ Rooms, partner bars as well as online – and of course, the finest selection of single cask whisky, bottled exclusively for members.

Begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now – join in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and enjoy annual Membership & a Mystery Malt for just £99: smws.io/celebrate150

 *FULLL DISTILLERY 150 TASTING NOTES

150.1 Let’s go west
1^st fill ex-rye barrel
Region: Ireland
Flavour Profile: Spicy & Sweet
Age: 7 years
Date: 12 December 2013
Tasting notes:

We imagined walking through a Mediterranean pine forest in spring when the lavender and the cistus bushes are in full bloom looking like an artist’s palette with vibrant colours of green, purple and white. On the palate an incredible texture as we enjoyed a chocolate and physalis cupcake made with muscovado sugar and a pinch of pepper – thick, sweet, luscious. With water it felt like a gentle fresh sea breeze was cooling us off as we walked through the pine forest and the taste reminded us of savoury coconut flour biscuits with a moreish dry spicy finish. After three years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, this whisky was transferred into a first-fill barrel which previously matured rye whiskey.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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#SMWS

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 30,000 members and branches around the world.
• The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from 150 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see: https://cutt.ly/aQGwfkH
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/HQF6PTv
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk 

UK MEMBERS ROOMS

SMWS EDINBURGH

28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX

The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ

SMWS GLASGOW

40 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HG

SMWS LONDON

19 Greville St, London EC1N 8SQ

Crabbie launch 22 Years Old Orkney Single Cask Expression with Palo Cortado finish

Historic Edinburgh whisky producers John Crabbie & Co have today (7^th March) unveiled a new single cask bottling of 22 Years Old Orkney Single Malt Whisky, finished for extraordinary flavour in a rare Palo Cortado sherry cask.

Just 253 bottles of this special new dram are being released under the signature of renowned master blender Dr Kirstie McCallum, who took charge of the Crabbie’s whisky portfolio last year.

After spending 21 years in ex-bourbon casks, this peated Orkney single malt was transferred to a highly coveted Palo Cortado sherry cask, hand selected by Dr Kirstie, before being left to rest for a final six months at Crabbie’s warehouse in Edinburgh’s port of Leith area.

Tasting notes

Colour: bright gold.

Nose: hints of raisins, dried fruit, vanilla fudge and berries, balanced with peppery smoke.

Taste: layers of sweet berries and cream, with soft coffee caramel toffee. Dried fruit develops to a sweet, balanced peppered smokiness, with hints of dark chocolate and coffee.

Finish: long, lingering and smoky.

Bottled at 47.5%, the influence of this unusual sherry – described as Amontillado on the nose and Oloroso on the mouth – gives a wonderfully complex and rounded quality to the spicey smokiness of the finished whisky.

A nose of dried fruit, vanilla fudge, forest berries and a hint of peppery smoke lead to flavours of sweet berries and cream, caramel toffee, dried fruit and hints of dark chocolate and coffee, followed by a long, smoky finish.

This exclusive new bottling continues Crabbie’s legacy of whisky innovation and excellence, with the new expression being hailed as a rare treat for whisky fans. Dr Kirstie commented: ‘This beautiful, single cask Orkney single malt is a very special whisky, an unusual coming together of the wonderfully smoky flavours of the original bourbon-matured dram with so much depth and richness from one of the world’s rarest and most coveted sherries. And with only a few hundred bottles going on sale, I’m sure it will delight for drinkers looking for something special to enjoy.’

‘It gives me enormous pride to be continuing the founder’s legacy: of producing unique, unexpected and great quality whiskies for everyone to enjoy.’

With over 200 years of whisky expertise behind them, the modern day Crabbie team continue founder John Crabbie’s quest to seek out the finest, most interesting and eclectic Scotch whiskies to finish and bottle under his mark. Investment by parent company Halewood International in Crabbie’s new Bonnington Distillery has given fresh impetus to this pioneering Scottish brand, as they prepare to add their own whiskies to the range – distilled, matured and bottled in Leith, and set to launch this year.

Crabbie 22 Years Old Orkney Single Malt is bottled at 47.5% and is non-chill filtered with natural colour. It is available from Whisky Exchange and whisky-online with an RRP of £175.

crabbiewhisky.com

Instagram @john_crabbie_co

Twitter @crabbieswhisky

About Halewood Artisanal Spirits (www.halewood-int.com)

For all the latest news and launches:

Instagram:  @halewood_artisanal_spirits

Twitter: @HalewoodIntern1

Facebook: @HalewoodArtisanalSpirits

LinkedIn: Halewood Artisanal Spirits

Halewood Artisanal Spirits is an award-winning UK-based craft distiller. Its premium gin brands include Whitley Neill Gin, City of London Gin, Marylebone Gin and Liverpool Gin.  Halewood also has a strong portfolio of other high growth premium sprits, including Dead Man’s Fingers spiced rum, J. J. Whitley Russian Vodka, Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey and Crabbie Whisky.

The business operates 10 artisanal distilleries across the UK, Russia and South Africa including:  The City of London Distillery (the home of Whitley Neill Gin), The Liverpool Gin Distillery, Crabbie Distillery in Edinburgh, Aber Falls Distillery in North Wales, Bankhall Distillery in Blackpool, The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery, Belgravia Distillery in South Africa and JJ Whitley in Russia. The company also operates the Hawkshead Brewery in Cumbria.

SPIRIT OF YORKSHIRE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF IMPEX BEVERGES

AS THEIR EXCLUSIVE US IMPORTER

Filey Bay, named for the local beach, comes from the ambitious Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, and combines a passion for making amazing whisky with a progressive approach to the distillation process that is underpinned by quality and traceability. The Flagship bottling is a Single Malt whisky made with 100% homegrown barley from the distillery’s farm, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. The result is a light and fruity style whisky, with citrus, honey, caramel and vanilla notes, and a creamy mouthfeel.

Much of the unique character of Filey Bay comes from its field to bottle approach: all of the barley used in the distilling process is grown on co-founder Tom Mellor’s adjacent farm in Hunmanby on the Yorkshire Coast, making it one of the only genuinely field to bottle whisky distilleries in the UK. Chalk aquifers directly underneath the farm provide a consistent water supply that’s ideal for whisky distilling.

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery began distilling and aging whisky in 2016, with operations headed up by co-founders Tom Mellor and David Thompson, who both have extensive expertise in barley farming in the local area. The farm, which has been in Mellor’s family since World War II, specializes in growing malting barley, and is also home to Mellor’s Wold Top Brewery, which opened in 2003.

Expertise into the whisky making process was provided by the world-renowned whisky expert, the late Dr. Jim Swan, who mentored Mellor and Thompson from the start. Two Forsyth pot stills and a four-plate rectifying column still are used in the distilling process to create two distinct styles of new make spirit, resulting in greater options for flavor in maturation and in the whisky making process. Combining a respect for tradition with a progressive approach to distillation, the result is a pair of complex and distinctive new make spirits that mature beautifully using a range of cask maturation techniques. After distilling, the whisky is matured predominantly in first fill ex-Bourbon casks which help to define the distillery’s light and fruity house style. Maturation also takes place in several types of Sherry barrels as well as STR casks – a hallmark of Dr. Jim Swan’s approach that stands for shaving, toasting and re-charring – giving it a complex and refined character.

Spirit of Yorkshire Co-founder David Thompson said,

“When entering a new market like the USA it’s essential that we find a partner who has the same passion as we do, and who fully understands the value of provenance in the making of Filey Bay Yorkshire Single Malt Whisky. 

The team at ImpEx Beverages are experts at selecting interesting and exciting new whiskies to complement their portfolio. Filey Bay is made from 100% homegrown barley and handcrafted at every stage of production and maturation; ImpEx immediately recognized the value of this unique provenance. 

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is excited to work with such a knowledgeable team at ImpEx. With them as our exclusive US Importer, Filey Bay has a fantastic opportunity to become a major Single Malt whisky in the USA. “ 

Sam Filmus, President and Managing Director of ImpEx Beverages, said of the partnership,

“We are extremely excited to launch Filey Bay here in the US.  The people and the story behind Spirit of Yorkshire very much align with the ImpEx Beverages philosophies.  We are confident that consumers will love and appreciate the quality and care that goes into each bottle and will look forward to finding these at specialty retailers across the nation.”

Filey Bay will make its debut in the US with three expressions.  Their Flagship at 46% alc., an STR Finish, aged partly in former Rioja Barriques, which gives it a subtle, delicious red-fruit character botted at 48% alc.; and a US Exclusive Fino Single Cask offering lovely fruit and spice notes which recently won a Gold Medal and Consumers’ Choice Award from Whisky and Barrel Nite (WABCCA) bottled at Cask Strength.

For more information on Filey Bay or where to purchase this amazing Single Malt please email Office@ImpExBev.com.

About Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery

Spirit of Yorkshire distillery was set up in 2016 by Tom Mellor and David Thompson in Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, UK. A sister operation to the Wold Top Brewery, it is located close to the owners’ arable farm, which specializes in growing malting barley, and uses progressive, sustainable farming practices and unique distillation methods in its range of Single Malt whiskies.

The distillery and its operations are underpinned by a long-standing passion for sustainable agriculture and careful environmental stewardship. The co-founders’ background in farming means low-impact techniques are used wherever possible, and issues like soil health and biodiversity are front-of-mind when it comes to the farm’s operations and protecting the soil for the next generation.

About ImpEx Beverages

In 2008, ImpEx Beverages was founded with the vision to import premium and rare Spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer.

Today, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notable small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers; importing Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Belgium, Wales, Japan, Israel, Mexico, and England with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. ImpEx also features a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.

#FileyBay #SpiritofYorkshire #Yorkshire #ImpExBev #SingleMalt #FieldtoBottle

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches New, Ultra-Premium Heaven Hill Heritage Collection

First edition features 17-year-old barrel proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Collection, a testament to Heaven Hill’s patience and ultra-aging techniques, will feature one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, the only heritage distillery to produce this range. The first edition features Heaven Hill’s Bourbon mashbill comprised of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and bottled at a barrel proof of 118.2. With an age statement of 17 years, this release is made up of 28% 20-year-old barrels, 44% 19-year-old barrels, and 28% 17-year-old barrels pulled from Deatsville, Glencoe, Schenley, and Heaven Hill main campus warehouse locations. Attributes will vary by release as deemed worthy of bottling.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17-Year-Old Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first edition of the new Heaven Hill Heritage Collection. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release will feature some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging whiskey, heralding the exacting standards Heaven Hill Distillery has practiced since 1935.

“Over many years, we have been quietly aging some exquisite whiskeys to be introduced under a new collection within our Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio,” said Max L. Shapira, Heaven Hill President. “Of our 1.9 million barrels resting across six rickhouse sites, our master craftspeople have kept watchful eyes on this limited stock of special barrels and we are finally ready to release the first edition.”

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection joins its more experimental counterpart, the Parker’s Heritage Collection, to form the “Heritage Collection.” The Heaven Hill offering will be released in the spring, while Parker’s will continue to be released every fall. Releases from both collections offer a glimpse into the long-term plan across Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey stock and commitment to quality, craft, and innovation.

Each Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 750ml bottle will be accompanied by a premium box in signature Heaven Hill blue with the double-H insignia stamped in gold to signify Heaven Hill. As will become a signature of the Collection, specific attributes such as warehouse site locations, production dates, mashbill percentage, and other designations will be noted prominently on the packaging.  Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17-Year-Old Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will launch nationally on a limited basis with an SRP of $274.99.

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.”

Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam rekindles family distilling history with the launch of Yellowstone Family Recipe

Latest offering inspired by the original Yellowstone recipe and distilled using cloned yeast from Minor Case Beam’s own yeast jug

ST.LOUIS (March 31, 2022) – Limestone Branch Distillery is launching Yellowstone Family Recipe, a craft-distilled bourbon honoring 150 years of Beam- and Dant-family distilling traditions. The new bourbon, created by Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam, will be available at retail in three allocations throughout 2022 – April, August and fourth quarter – with a limited total production of 6,000 cases. Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), Yellowstone Family Recipe will have a suggested retail price of $69.99.

With plans to be offered annually, Yellowstone Family Recipe provides a perfect complement to the Yellowstone brand family, which includes Yellowstone Select and Yellowstone Limited Edition bourbons. Consumers of Yellowstone Family Recipe can expect a nose of toasted caramel, candied nuts, tobacco and oak; a bold Kentucky straight bourbon flavor that includes citrus, toasted oak and hints of marzipan and spice; and a medium, nutty finish.

Inspired by a recipe found in notes from Beam’s grandfather, Guy Beam, and containing cloned yeast using DNA from a yeast jug belonging to Beam’s great-grandfather, Minor Case Beam, Yellowstone Family Recipe reflects the original Yellowstone Bourbon mash bill and carries its original namesake’s six-year age statement. It is this recipe that Stephen Beam has been distilling at Limestone Branch Distillery since 2015 and is now ready to share with the world.

“Even before opening the doors at Limestone Branch Distillery, I dreamed about producing a bourbon that was faithful to old family recipes and maintained my family’s heritage and tradition of distilling,” said Beam. “Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon is the culmination of decades of dreaming and more than 10 years of effort at the distillery. I believe bourbon lovers will enjoy drinking Yellowstone Family Recipe as much as I enjoyed recreating it!”

A pre-launch of Yellowstone Family Recipe will take place beginning in April at retail locations in Montana and Wyoming – with availability at Lebanon, Kentucky’s Limestone Branch Distillery and retail locations in the state of Kentucky following shortly thereafter – to honor the 150^th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park. A limited allocation of Yellowstone Family Recipe will be available across the US in August, with the remaining allocation rolling out in the fourth quarter of 2022.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Stephen Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest spirits in small batches. Stephen is a seventh-generation distiller with a history of distilling on both sides of his family – Beam and Dant. In 2015, he brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family. The distillery is now home to Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone Limited Edition, and Minor Case Rye Whiskey, as well as the newest addition, Bowling & Burch Gin. For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

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.