R&B Distillers undertakes barley variety trial on Raasay

Craft whisky makers, R&B Distillers, who are in the process of building the first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay, have the long-term ambition of using all-local ingredients – water, peat and barley – to create a spirit that is a true reflection of this uncommon terroir.

The Isle of Raasay Distillery is uniquely situated on the small and fertile island of Raasay. As part of the distillery build project, R&B Distillers wanted to establish whether it would be possible to grow and ripen barley, suitable for whisky making, on the island. With a Celtic well on site providing access to the high mineral content water, as well as a plentiful supply of peat in the North of the island, R&B Distillers was curious to investigate if it would be possible to create a truly local whisky.

In April 2017, R&B Distillers began to trial barley growing on the island with five different barleys: Bere, Concerto, Tartan, Iskria, Kannas. Once R&B has found a variety that ripens well and has a low enough moisture content for malting, the barley will be sent away to be malted using Raasay peat. The barley will then be returned to the distillery and used to create a lightly-peated Raasay Single Malt.

This distillery build project has relied upon the island resources: the stone used to build the supporting wall at the rear of the distillery is from the site itself; wood from the site will be used for furnishings within the accommodation. The most invaluable resource has been the local community: the knowledge of island water, distilling history, building expertise, local infrastructure and hospitality. For the barley project, the advice and support of neighbouring local farmer, Andrew Gillies has been vital. Andrew, along with John Gillies and Alasdair MacAskill, have disked, ploughed, rolled and sowed the land as well as broadcasting it with lime and fertiliser. As a result, the process of growing Raasay barley is underway. This has all been made possible with the knowledge and help of Peter Martin of Highland’s and Island’s University Agronomy Institute.

If the trials are successful, R&B Distillers intends to hold an open day for all local farmers and crofters to see the results as well as hear about the future of barley growing on Raasay. R&B plans to offer local farmers and crofters an alternative crop to grow, with a guaranteed end customer. Working directly with the primary producer, R&B will shorten its supply chain and offer an agreed price for any crofters on Raasay, Skye or Kyle that can grow the successful variety for distillery use.

R&B Distillers have the ultimate long-term objective of growing enough local barley on Raasay, as well as on Skye and Kyle, to produce a single malt from 100% locally grown barley. While acknowledging that this whisky may only be a small percentage of total production, R&B is keen to challenge the limitations of production in such a remote and unusual location.

NOTES

Please find information about the barley varieties under trial below:

• Bere Barley was grown on Raasay 40 years ago and is a traditional and very early maturing Scottish barley (6-row; harvested 21 days earlier than Concerto in Orkney in 2016).

• Concerto is the most widely grown UK malting barley (2 row; later than average maturing)

• Tartan is a variety which had a provisional recommendation for distilling and which was grown for several years in Orkney for Highland Park Distillery (2-row; harvested 6 days earlier than Concerto in Orkney in 2016);

• Iskria is an Icelandic variety (2-row; similar in maturity to Bere)

• Kannas is a very early Swedish variety (2-row; similar in maturity to Bere)

Champion Named in Heaven Hill Brands 2017 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the champion of the 2017 Bartender of the Year competition. After a nationwide search to find the top bartenders across America, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City is the 2017 Bartender of the Year and the recipient of $15,000.

“I’m excited to be the 2017 Heaven Hill and Liquor.com Bartender of the Year. It was an incredible experience, set in such a beautiful location,” said O’Neill. “The standard of the competitors was absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere was perfect the whole time.”

Eight finalists competed beachside at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico on June 5. Final bartenders competed in a “beverage program” challenge creating an original cocktail utilizing ingredients native to Puerto Rico that was presented as if being considered for the St. Regis beverage program. The challenge was broken down into several sections, including selection of ingredients, concepting, ingredient preparation, recipe development, and presentation. Contestants were also asked to create two classic cocktails, one shaken and one stirred. Judging was based on the quality of the cocktails, the adherence to the guidelines, the technical performance, and the overall presentation.

Over 844 original cocktail recipes using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2016. 32 semifinalists then competed in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Denver, Chicago and New York throughout February and March. The top contestant from each regional semifinal vied for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico.

“Our bartender of the year competition continues to raise the bar for innovation and professionalism in the hospitality industry,” said Kate Latts, Vice President Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Congratulations to Nathan O’Neill, and to each of the contestants for their commitment to excellence and creativity.”

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and 2016 Bartender of the Year Abigail Gullo judged the final eight bartenders. Finalists were challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges were looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans set the bar as the champion of the inaugural Bartender of the Year competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details and names of this year’s semifinalists.

The following bartenders competed in the 2017 Bartender of the Year Finals:

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

R&B Distillers – 10 year membership to an exclusive whisky club – Na Tùsairean Club

R&B are building the first distillery on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland. Na Tusairean Club members are given the opportunity to invest in an evolving craft whisky brand and to add rare and exciting new drams to their personal whisky libraries. Members will receive an annual supply of single malt including as well as  exclusive use of luxury members’ accommodation on Raasay with striking views of the Cuillin mountain range on the neighbouring island of Skye.

Membership is valued at £1999 worth of benefits for 10 years but is priced at £999 (one of payment) or £55 a month over 18 months. 

Borders – Highland Single Grain from R&B Distillers 

R&B Distillers’ Borders whisky is a testament to the co-founder’s 19th century heritage; Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and are planning to build a distillery in Peebles to honour this history. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect the soft rolling landscape of this region through its light, sweet notes. Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating, this herbaceous and golden whisky pairs well with dark praline chocolates.

The 70cl bottle is priced as £49.95

Edinburgh’s First Single Malt Whisky Distillery for 90 years Launches Fundraising Drive 

UK investors have the opportunity to invest in a brand new single malt whisky and spirits distillery which will see malt distilling brought back to Edinburgh for the first time in 90 years.

Holyrood Distillery has launched a £5.5 million funding drive to help fund the balance of its ambition to create a distillery and pioneering visitor centre, spanning 11,969 sq ft, in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Led by Johnston Carmichael, the fundraising launch marks the latest milestone in the distillery’s development, following the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision last year to approve development of the historic Engine Shed building and site on St Leonard’s Lane into a distillery and visitor centre.

The funds will be used to renovate the 180-year old City-owned building, purchase and install equipment, create the visitor experience and provide working capital to cover the early costs of start-up and production.

A joint development by David Robertson, former Master Distiller for The Macallan, and Rob and Kelly Carpenter, founders of the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Holyrood Distillery will be Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery since Glen Sciennes closed in the 1920s.

The distillery will produce a range of single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits. Its innovative approach to ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set Holyrood apart from more traditional approaches.

The visitor centre – Holyrood’s ‘Home of Flavour’ – will provide an immersive sensory and educational experience aimed at enlightening and delighting its visitors as they explore the world of flavour.

Distilling of Holyrood whisky will begin in late 2018, with bottles hitting the shelves as early as 2021, but only if they meet the distillery’s quality standards.  Holyrood’s ‘flavour first’ focus will be brought to life early in 2018 with prototype gins and liqueurs for test marketing. Products will then be produced ready for the distillery opening to the public later in 2018.

Rob Carpenter, Managing Director, Holyrood Distillery said:  “We feel truly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of bringing single malt distilling back to Edinburgh after far too long an absence. Kelly, David and I all love our spirits and we’re incredibly enthusiastic about making flavour-filled single malts, gins and other cool tipples as well as creating an experience which allows our visitors to truly immerse themselves in the world of Holyrood. We are confident that by placing a working distillery in the heart of Edinburgh’s capital, with the visitor numbers and cash flow that is expected to provide, we are creating something that is quite different from the typical distillery start-up.”

Treat dad to a limited edition cask of the Cotswolds’ first-ever Single Malt whisky this Father’s Day

Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift and one he’ll treasure for years to come? Then treat him to a limited edition cask of the Cotswolds Distillery’s first ever Single Malt whisky, ahead of the big day on 18^th June.

This rare opportunity offers dads the chance to visit the distillery – based in the leafy Warwickshire countryside – fill their very own numbered cask and watch it age into the distillery’s distinctive Single Malt, the first to be distilled in this area of the UK.

Containing 200 litres of the premium spirit, the barrels are American oak first-fill ex-Bourbon, delivering a traditional finish with characteristic vanilla, honey and tropical fruit flavour notes. These perfectly complement the light, fruity character of the distillery’s spirit, which was awarded 94/100 ‘Liquid Gold’ in the last two editions of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Ten years’ storage in the distillery’s bonded warehouse will be provided, but lucky recipients can opt to age their whisky for as long as they want, perfecting the liquid to suit their palette with annual check ins.

A certificate of ownership and expert advice from their team of whisky connoisseurs will also be included in the 2,995 price tag.

Only a limited number of this one-of-a-kind gift are available for purchase. Visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com and give your dad the gift he deserves this Father’s Day.

The details:

• Recipient will receive a commemorative certificate with the number of the cask
• At the bottling stage, recipients will be responsible for bottling and labelling costs, excise duty and VAT costs
• Additional years of storage are available at 25 per year
• Thinking a barrel is too much whisky for you? No worries, Cotswolds Distillery provide three different options to suit your needs:
  • Bottling of 1/3 of your cask at no additional charge to you, in which the distillery retain 2/3 of the barrel;
  • Or if you change your mind, you have the option of selling the cask back to the distillery under bond. 

Notes

• The Cotswolds Distillery began production on its idyllic North Cotswolds site in September 2014 and already has an award-winning product – Cotswolds Dry Gin – on sale nationally and in over 15 countries.  Key national accounts include M&S, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.
• Its young Cotswolds Single Malt, made entirely using local Cotswolds barley, was recently rated as ‘Liquid Gold’ – scoring 94 out of 100 points – by noted whisky writer Jim Murray, in both the 2016 and 2017 editions of his Whisky Bible.  It will officially become whisky (3 years and 1 day in the cask) at the end of September 2017, with the Inaugural Release scheduled for the first week of October.
• The distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and receives nearly 15,000 visitors a year.  It represents an investment of 5 million, much of which was by the founder, but also through local investors and its highly successful ‘Angels’ Share’ crowdfunding round in 2016.

Sazerac Company Unveils New Southern Comfort Plans

New Packaging, Positioning, Bringing Whiskey Back and New 80 Proof Black Label Offering All Set To Drive Brand’s Global Acceleration 

New Orleans, LA (May 30, 2017) – Southern Comfort has officially found its way back to New Orleans with a revamped package and new positioning, tabbed “The Spirit of New Orleans,” a nod to the brand’s connection to the colorful city for 140+ years. In addition, the brand will once again include whiskey in the blend, which over time had been phased out prior to Sazerac’s purchase of the iconic brand in 2016. As a result, new label designs have been developed that better represent the brand’s whiskey credentials and New Orleans affiliation.

            Other improvements to the brand include the introduction of a robust, whiskey-forward 80 proof black label expression, in addition to the existing 70 proof and 100 proof bottlings. The bottles have been made taller and slightly narrower and will retain their longstanding iconic fluted shoulders plus the signature of the creator, M.W. Heron.  An upscale cap rounds out the packaging enhancements.

            “We believe the new packaging reinforces the brand’s authentic whiskey and New Orleans roots,” states Senior Marketing Director Kevin Richards. “New Orleans was an integral part of Southern Comfort’s positioning for decades. We’re excited to reinforce that critical connection into the future. Like Southern Comfort, New Orleans is adored for its uniqueness and spirited character.”

            Indeed, Southern Comfort’s roots run deep in New Orleans, as does brand owner Sazerac’s.  In 1874 creator and legendary southerner M.W. Heron created the first batch of his genuine smooth drinking Southern Comfort whiskey using his very own blend of fruits and spices. Around the same time the Sazerac Company was planting its roots in New Orleans at the Sazerac Coffee House on Exchange Alley in the French Quarter, home of the world famous Sazerac Cocktail.

            In the 140 years since its humble origins, Southern Comfort has become a highly successful global whiskey brand, selling in more than 100 countries. It has become a key ingredient in America’s drinking landscape and pop culture for generations. “We’re incredibly excited about our plans to strengthen Southern Comfort’s position as an iconic global whiskey brand for the next fifty years,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company. “We believe Southern Comfort can be a 10 million case brand one day.”

            Southern Comfort’s new packaging and new 80 proof black label expression will roll out in Summer 2017 in the United States and by the end of 2017 across the rest of the world. Suggested retail prices are as follows in the United States for 750 mL: 70 proof $15.99; 80 proof $17.99 and 100 proof $19.99.

About the Sazerac Company

         Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, California, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

Jura 10, a Unique Island Whisky, Launches in U.S. Markets 

New York, NY (May 02, 2017) — Jura Whisky today announced the launch of Jura 10, an exceptional Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the first release in Jura’s new core line for the U.S. Hailing from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, this whisky marries peated and unpeated malt with a Sherry cask finish to create a spirit that is a long way from ordinary.

Jura 10 is handcrafted on the Isle of Jura, a rugged, elemental island nestled a few miles off the West Coast of Scotland. Home to around 200 Islanders, one road, one pub and one distillery, Jura was once described by author George Orwell as the ‘most un-get-at-able’ place due to its remote location. Established in 1810, Jura whisky has been crafted on its island home for over two centuries.

“The launch of the new Jura 10 celebrates our heritage of whisky-making” said Graham Logan, Jura Distillery Manager. “The craft of producing great whisky has been at the heart of Jura’s close-knit community for hundreds of years and we look forward to sharing the long-standing traditions and unmistakable flavors of Jura 10’s island home with the world.”

While many distilleries create either peated or unpeated whiskies, Jura 10 marries together the best of both for a truly unique Island Single Malt that is subtly smoky with a sweet Sherry cask finish. It is matured for ten years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with an aged Oloroso Sherry cask finish.

Copper gold in color, Jura 10 has aromas of fruit, cracked pepper and dark chocolate, followed by nectarines, ginger and freshly ground coffee on the palate with a subtle touch of smoke on the finish. With its rich and rounded balance of subtle smoky notes and sweet Sherry cask finish, Jura 10 serves as a beautiful welcome to the Island and its whisky for those new to Scotch.

Jura 10 is available at retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $54.99 per 750ml bottle. To learn more, please visit jurawhisky.com or follow @jurawhiskyus on Instagram and Facebook.

About Jura

Sometimes wild, yet always beautiful, Jura is a small island off the West Coast of Scotland. Rough, rugged and elemental, it’s only a few miles from the mainland, though to visitors it can feel like an entire world away. The island’s single road leads to the distillery and island’s only pub which lie at the heart of Jura’s small but passionate community of around 200 people.

Established in 1810, the distillery fell into disrepair and closed in 1901. In 1963, after years of economic depression, the islanders felt it high time to revive the economy by rebuilding Jura’s distillery from scratch; a monumental feat achieved through determination, endeavor and true community spirit.

On a mission to produce a spirit unlike anything else, the distillery manager William Delmé-Evans, went to extreme lengths to ship unusually tall stills to an island which has been called ‘the most un-get-at-able place’ (by George Orwell, author of 1984, written in a remote farmhouse on Jura). You see, the taller the still, the purer the spirit. It’s the reason why you can taste the difference in every drop.

Since then, the distillery has flourished, producing expertly crafted, award-winning whisky, as unique as the island it comes from.

Jura 10 – 750 ml / 40% ABV

A marriage of peated and unpeated malt aged for 10 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with a Sherry cask finish 

Colour: Copper gold

Aromas: Fruit, cracked pepper and dark chocolate

Taste: Nectarines, ginger and freshly ground coffee

Jura 10 was recently awarded 94 Points at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the 2017 World’s Spirits Competition.

Please enjoy Jura responsibly.

ROYAL SALUTE LAUNCHES ALL NEW 21 YEAR OLD POLO EDITION

Limited edition flagon celebrates the ‘King of Whisky’ and the ‘Sport of Kings’  

Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has unveiled an all-new 21 Year Old Polo Edition featuring a more delicate-flavoured blend designed to be enjoyed during the day and as an accompaniment to sophisticated sporting occasions such as polo, a sport synonymous with Royal Salute’s values of luxury, tradition and prestige.

Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute’s Director of Blending, developed the new blend from a combination of fragrant grains and fruity malts aged for a minimum of 21 years. The new liquid embodies the values of polo as a sport and a lifestyle: strength, balance and finesse. Brighter in texture and tone with notes of ripe honeydew melon, homemade berry jam and creamy toffee, this new expression is smooth and sophisticated, providing a long-lasting tasting experience, perfect for basking in the sunshine and outdoor entertaining.

The new Scotch whisky is housed in Royal Salute’s iconic hand-crafted, porcelain bottles with a distinct polo theme, unique to the limited edition whisky. Eye-catching turquoise heroes the bottle and complements three shades of blue to mimic the blue sky and green grass of the traditional polo field. The bottles are embossed with intricate but powerful scenes of polo players in action.

Peter Moore, Prestige Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: ‘‘Polo is a noble game of honour, skill, integrity and respect – all values inherent in Royal Salute. We wanted to continue to celebrate the iconic pairing of our ‘King of Whisky’ with the ‘Sport of Kings’, and this new Polo Edition does just that in a more delicate tasting blend ideal for outdoor, daytime enjoyment.  We’re thrilled to bring it to whisky aficionados around the world.”

The Royal Salute Polo Edition will be showcased at a polo event in Singapore and is exclusively available in Singapore duty free in June. It will be available globally from September at a RRP of USD $140.

Notes

About Royal Salute 

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.

www.royalsalute.com

About Chivas Brothers 

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

About Pernod Ricard 

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin and Malibu, Mumm and PerrierJouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Milroys in Paris

You have been invited to a bar take over in Paris. Come and see Milroys own The Vault at a take over at Anouk in Paris from the 12th to the 18th of June. Contact management@amastanparis.com for bookings.

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom

A. Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Sequential Series Bourbon 

Extremely Limited, Available Mostly in Virginia

Fredericksburg, VA. (May 25, 2017) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces the latest release in its Abraham Bowman line of experimental whiskey, the Abraham Bowman Sequential Series Bourbon.

This limited release explores how flavor profiles are affected when bourbon, first aged in new charred white oak barrels, is then finished in different kinds of used barrels for its final years, and also explores how the barrel entry proof affects the finish.

This release is comprised of two expressions, each finished in two different kinds of barrels. The first expression was aged for nine years in new charred white oak barrels before being transferred into barrels that had previously held bourbon for nine years. Half of those bourbon barrels were barreled at 125 proof and half were barreled at 115 proof, before finishing for three years and five months.

The second expression was aged for nine years in new charred white oak barrels before being transferred into barrels that had previously been used to age bourbon and port wine, and then were used to finish their Abraham Bowman Port Finish Bourbon, which went on to be named the 2016 World’s Best Bourbon by Whisky Magazine. Half of these fourth-use barrels were barreled at 125 proof and half were barreled at 115 proof before finishing for three years and five months.

For the bourbon from the second-use barrels Master Distiller, Brian Prewitt notes “vanilla, baked apples, and cherry, followed by sweet caramel that pleasantly dances in the nose,” and describes the taste as “smooth, sweet flavor reminiscent of brown sugar and toasted nuts with a light leathery tobacco note with brown spice lingering on the palate.”

For the fourth-use barrels, Prewitt notes “dried fruit and dark spices on the nose,” and describes a taste of “figs and vanilla followed by a medium mouthfeel that tops off with a slight peppery finish with subdued oak.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Sequential Series Bourbon is part of a series of limited edition whiskies, named after Abraham Bowman, the commander of the 8^th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. Each edition of the Abraham line is a different expression and a new release is offered a few times a year.  This is the 16^th release in the Abraham line.  The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Sequential Series Bourbon will be available for Virginia residents to purchase through the VA ABC Lottery, and will be available in the A. Smith Bowman Distillery Visitor Center starting Saturday, May 27. Quantities are very limited and most product will be available in Virginia, however limited amounts will be available in other states this summer. The Abraham Bowman series aims to release new and different expressions of innovative whiskey for each release, so it is unlikely this exact bourbon will be repeated. The total age of this bourbon is 12 years and five months and bottled at 100 proof. These 375ml bottles have a suggested retail price of $39.99.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit http://www.asmithbowman.com/.