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.

OLDEST MACALLAN RED COLLECTION WHISKY AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

Macallan-78 year old estimated at £65,000-70,000

 View the catalogue: https://www.bonhams.com/live_auctions/27532/

The Macallan-78-year old. Estimate: £65,000-70,000

Edinburgh – A bottle of one of the oldest known Macallan Scotch Whisky ever produced – The Macallan-78 year old – leads Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on Thursday 10 March. The pinnacle of Macallan’s Red Collection, the bottle is numbered 133 out of a limited edition and comes in its original oak and Bridge of Weir leather-lined presentation case. It is estimated at £65,000-70,000.

Bonhams Head of Whisky Martin Green commented: “This is an astonishing whisky. One of the oldest single malt whiskies ever bottled by any distillery, it had been maturing in sherry casks since the early 1940s until it was bottled in 2020. It represents the peak of Macallan’s Red Collection and is proof perfect of the saying that good things come to those who wait.”

Other highlights of the sale include:

The Bowmore Trilogy consisting of a bottle each of Black Bowmore-42 year old -1964, bottled in 2007; White Bowmore -42 year old -1964 bottled in 2008 and Gold Bowmore-44 year old-1964 bottled in 2009. Estimate: £45,000-55,000. 

The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask-1950. Bottled in 2018 at 67 years of age and released in a limited edition of 336 bottles. Estimate: £32,000-38,000.

Karuizawa Ruby Geisha-38 year old. Distilled by Karuizawa Distillery for Elixir Distillers, the bottle comes in its original wooden presentation case and is numbered 139 of a limited edition of 223. Estimate: £24,000-26,000. 

Dalmore-45 year old. Bottled in a Baccarat crystal decanter at Dalmore Distillery, Alness and released in 2018, the bottle retains its original presentation case and stopper and is accompanied by a booklet and outer leather carrying case. Estimate: £7,000-8,000.

Sale: Whisky saleLocation: 22 Queen Street, EdinburghDate: Thursday 10 March at 11 am

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and luxury. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

E.H. TAYLOR, JR BOURBON PARTNERS WITH

MUSICIAN CHRIS STAPLETON TO CELEBRATE 125^th Anniversary of BOTTLED IN BOND DAY 

 Two Packages Up for Bid; all Proceeds to Benefit Stapleton’s Charity Outlaw State of Kind

 FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 3, 2022) – In honor of the 125^th passing of the Bottled in Bond Act today, Buffalo Trace Distillery raises a glass to salute E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a commemorative single barrel release hand selected by Grammy Award Winner Chris Stapleton.

            The Bottled in Bond Act, which was passed on March 3,1897, guaranteed the integrity of the whiskey to the American consumer, and among other things, guarantees only water can be added to the whiskey.

            The joining of two stalwarts of Kentucky, E. H. Taylor, Jr. and Chris Stapleton, resulted in the E. H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond commemorative Chris Stapleton Single Barrel Bourbon, which is being donated to Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind.   Each bottle will be autographed by Chris Stapleton and will be used to raise funds for a variety of charities across the country.

            This is the second year for the partnership between E. H. Taylor, Jr. Bourbon and Chris Stapleton’s charitable fund.  Two prize packs are available for bidding now through March 17, 2022 on charitybuzz:

• One bottle of E. H. Taylor Single Barrel with commemorative sticker noting Bottled in Bond Day and partnership with Chris Stapleton; four tickets to Stapleton’s April 23, 2022 concert in Lexington, Ky; a VIP tour and tasting for four at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky; and E. H. Taylor, Jr. branded merchandise.  Live auction link here.
• One bottle of E. H. Taylor Single Barrel with commemorative sticker noting Bottled in Bond Day and partnership with Chris Stapleton; plus two tickets to winner’s choice to any Stapleton concert in 2022, and E. H. Taylor, Jr. branded merchandise.   Live auction link here.

            The remaining bottles will be used by Stapleton’s charitable fund Outlaw State of Kind throughout the year to raise funds for various causes.  Updates on fundraisers will be posted to Outlaw State of Kind.

            “The first glass of E.H. Taylor, Jr. I ever had was in the studio. Vance Powell, engineer of both music and 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. We’re proud to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Bottled in Bond Day with this special Single Barrel bottling. All proceeds raised by these bottles will benefit Outlaw State of Kind, our charitable fund that is dedicated to giving back to the people and communities that continue to play a vital role in our journey,” said Chris Stapleton.

“We’ve very excited to be able to partner once again with Chris Stapleton and Outlaw State of Kind,” said Sara Saunders, vice president, American whiskey.  “We were lucky enough to partner with Chris last year, and we are very pleased his charitable fund was able to raise so much money over the past year for so many different causes.  We’re excited to kick off this second year of partnership on the 125^th anniversary of Bottled in Bond Day, and with two great prizes going live today, we hope fans of both his music and our bourbon can help out even more needy causes.”

The E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery and put in the barrel on June 3, 2009.  Bottled in mid February, this bourbon is over 12 years of age, 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 125^th anniversary of Bottled in Bond Day and the partnership with Chris Stapleton.

            The E. H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond commemorative Chris Stapleton Single Barrel bottling will be available through the charitable organization Outlaw State of Kind.  To find out more about Outlaw State of Kind, click here.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is celebrating Bottled in Bond Day in various other happenings as well, including expanded offerings of its Old Taylor Tour and activations in various markets across the United States.

1. H. Taylor, Jr. was instrumental in getting the Bottled in Bond Act passed.  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. The Bottled in Bond Act was the first consumer protection law passed, pre-dating the Pure Food and Drug Act by nine years To learn more about E. H. Taylor, Jr., 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 George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   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

Caskshare X Isle of Raasay 30 Litre Project

Leading industry platform Caskshare is on a mission to democratise access to maturing single cask spirits. In collaboration with Isle of Raasay Distillery, the online whisky platform has offered a selection of 30L casks for reservation by the bottle. An ideal opportunity for whisky fans to get their hands on, the innovative product is not often seen in mainstream distillery production.

As such these casks represent the first output taking Caskshare customers through the whole journey from new filled casks through to maturation and bottling. The first of these casks are bottling now and shipping to the Caskshare customers who reserved early on in the cask’s life.

Exactly three years ago Isle of Raasay Distillery began filling custom built ex-Speyside Scotch whisky oak casks. This was the brainchild of co-founder Alasdair Day, who is a firm believer in bringing innovation and novel approaches to the whisky sector.

The 30 Litre Project deals with casks that have a much higher spirit-to-wood surface contact ratio means a much faster maturation process, cutting through the needs for longer maturation and making the craft producer able to release a well-developed spirit in a shorter time frame. Distilleries in hotter climates have already opened up the market to shorter (3-year) maturations, but the colder Scottish climates have traditionally not been favourable to this style of whisky in the larger cask sizes.

Alasdair worked with Speyside Cooperage to make bespoke small casks specially designed for this style of whisky. Each cask is completely unique and are made from the wood previously used to mature Speyside whisky in larger quantities. Alasdair Day, Isle of Raasay Distillery states: “It’s a well-known fact that the size of a cask has a direct impact on the maturation of the spirit within it. When my Great Grandfather created his blended scotch whisky, the age of the single malt was a major component in the quality of the blend. Now on Raasay we have the option to fill smaller specially coopered ex Speyside oak casks that impart their specific flavour in different ways and in much shorter timescales. Single malt evolves with much more flavour development yet to come.”

David Nicol, Founder of Caskshare commented: “The idea of using bespoke built casks is a great example of the innovation coming from Alasdair Day and the whole team at the Isle of Raasay Distillery. Scotch is an ever-evolving product and when we heard about these casks we were committed to bringing a selection of them to Caskshare.com for whisky fans to reserve by the bottle. We decided to bottle one at 46% for a wider audience, and the other at cask strength for a comparison at smaller quantities.”

An additional range of 30L casks are set to launch on Caskshare imminently, initially available exclusively to The Caskshare Collective, Caskshare’s membership program offering permanent discounts, early access to a selection of newly launched casks and bi-annual tasting packs of maturing or recently bottles exclusive single cask whisky.

www.caskshare.com
@caskshare

Sample bottles of Isle of Raasay Cask 19/117, bottled at 46% abv are available on request. Cask 19/118 will be bottled early March.

Award-winning whisky writers to host online tasting supporting Ukrainian refugees

Award-winning whisky writer Felipe Schrieberg and Whisky Exchange Drinks Ambassador Billy Abbott will be co-hosting a charity online whisky tasting supporting Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland from the violence in their country. 

Taking place March 28^th at 7 pm, packs containing six delicious whiskies will be sent to guests’ homes by whisky subscription service The Dram Team, and can then join Schrieberg and Abbott on Facebook and Youtube. All profits from the tasting will be donated to Polish Humanitarian Action, a relief organisation working with displaced Ukrainian refugees.

The tasting pack includes drams of:

• Compass Box Spice Tree
• Glenturret 12 Year Old
• Jura Seven Wood
• Lakes Distillery The ONE Sherry Limited Edition
• Glen Scotia Victoriana
• Royal Brackla 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Finish

Though the tasting itself is free to watch and accessible for anyone even if they don’t have a whisky pack, optional ‘viewing only’ tickets are also available to purchase, with all proceeds going to PAH as well.

Both Schrieberg and Abbott are extremely experienced tasting hosts – the former has welcomed over 3,500 people across more than 250 online tastings since April 2020 while the latter has fronted tastings at many whisky festivals both physical and virtual. For their work, they have both won the prestigious Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year – Rest of World award by Whisky Magazine (Schrieberg won this year’s prize, and Abbott received it in 2021).

Schrieberg, who is currently based in the Polish city of Gdansk, was inspired by the compassion shown by his adopted country when he decided to put together the tasting:

“Over half of the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine are arriving here in Poland” he said.

“The response from Poles all over the country has been truly moving, and everyone coming here from Ukraine needs all the help they can get. We’re very excited to be able to share some very tasty whiskies to support an excellent organisation doing amazing work here.”

The tasting will be hosted on Schrieberg’s Facebook and Youtube pages for his online whisky tastings – The Virtual Whisky Masterclass.

Tickets are available to purchase on Designmynight.com

Event Information 

Event: Online Charity Whisky Tasting Supporting Ukrainian Refugees

Price: £45 (excluding booking fee)

           £15 for optional ‘viewing only’ ticket

Ticket link: https://tinyurl.com/2p8a57bz

About Felipe 

Felipe is a whisky writer, musician, author, spirits competition judge, and tastings host.

As a whisky writer, Felipe has been widely published across industry magazines and websites. He is a senior contributor for Forbes.com writing about spirits, and is regularly featured in Whisky Magazine, The Whiskey Wash, Unfiltered, and many other platforms. His book, London Cocktails, is published by Cider Mill Press and is distributed worldwide by Simon and Schuster.

For his work, he was named the 2022 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year (Rest of World), and the 2021 Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year.

He is also the co-founder and one half of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo combining live music, tasting events, and multimedia.

www.felipeschrieberg.com

About Billy

Billy is a writer and trainer specialising in drinks. Starting as a blogger in 2009 and working full time in the drinks industry since 2011, he’s been writing, presenting and training people about drinks around the world.

While he is the drinks ambassador at The Whisky Exchange during the day, he also regularly runs tastings and training sessions, and also works as a drinks consultant and spirit competitions judge. He recently published his first book, The Philosophy of Whisky, through The British Library.

www.billyabbott.co.uk

About The Dram Team

The Dram Team are a whisky box subscription service, offering tasting packs of curated whiskies for subscribers and as gifts. The tasting packs are delivered right to your door, containing 6 different whiskies, deluxe tasting note cards, and a guided tour of the flight.

www.thedramteam.co.uk

Talnua Distillery Releases Exclusive Anniversary Edition Whiskey

Talnua Distillery continues their tradition of releasing a unique version of Olde Saint’s Keep on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate their anniversary and the holiday. The name “Olde Saint’s Keep” pays homage to the legend of Gaelic monks who kept the most special aqua vitae made at the monastery to share with their most esteemed guests.

Talnua Distillery’s 2022 Olde Saint’s Keep release is an American single pot still whiskey, triple distilled from a mash of 50% unmalted barley and 50% malted barley.  The whiskey was first aged in former bourbon and port casks, then the two were married and finished for 10 months in rare Pineau des Charantes Casks from Southwest France.

Tasting notes overview: A lively blend of candied oranges, mixed berry cobbler, and creamy marzipan on the nose compliment the stone fruit and dried cherry palate, made richer and more complex with accents of pecan and leather. The unique French barrel used to complete the aging process gives undertones of white pepper and malted milk balls with the toasted oak finish.

Talnua is releasing Olde Saint’s Keep at 100 proof on March 18th. Fewer than 1,000 bottles are available, so make sure to get your hands on one! Proof it’s special stuff? Our 2021 release just won Best American Pot Still Whiskey in the World Whiskies Awards!

About Talnua Distillery

Talnua Distillery is an artisanal small-batch distillery that proudly hand crafts each of our spirits. Established in 2017, we embarked on a mission to define a new chapter in history with the introduction of our American Single Pot Still Whiskey.

True to Gaelic-style distilling, and unique to the new world, our spirits are produced using a mashbill of un-malted and malted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills. Located on the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the altitude, changing seasons, crystal clear mountain spring water, and local barley all lend a uniquely American terroir to our products.

Talnua’s founders, Meagan and Patrick Miller, fell in love with Single Pot Still Irish whiskey on their honeymoon in Ireland more than a decade ago. With family history rooted in Irish ancestry, the couple returned to Ireland every year and knew that single pot still whiskey would forever be a part of their story.  Before starting Talnua, Single Pot Still Whiskey was not available in the US, so they created the first Single Pot Still distillery outside of Ireland.

Talnua is born of the Irish-Gaelic words ‘Talamh’, meaning ‘Land’, and ‘Nua’, meaning ‘New.’ It speaks to our passion for bringing an old-world style of distilling to the new land. Our sigil shows the Big Horn Ram, native to the Flatirons of Colorado’s Front Range. It is looking back on a triskele moon, which represents the Irish-Gaelic old world – home to the distilling traditions we honor. For more information about Talnua Distillery, visit www.talnua.com