KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY – Official Launch Announcement

Tenkyo Distillery honours the legacy of late founder Shunsuke Koike with the launch of KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY – a unique blend matured and bottled in Aizu, uniting Scottish spirit with Japanese craftsmanship.

A wind that never fades — a memory that lives on in every drop.

Tenkyo Co., Ltd. (Tenkyo Distillery), located in Bandai Town, Aizu, Japan, is delighted to announce the release of KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY, available from 6th July 2025.

This product originates from maturation trials undertaken by the late founder, Shunsuke Koike, in Aizu prior to the construction of the distillery. By bringing new make spirit from Scotland together with the natural environment of Aizu, and after repeated experimentation with 189 carefully selected casks, this unique blended whisky was born.

The result is a whisky born from the meeting of “winds” – the wind of Scotland, the wind of Aizu, and the spirit of Shunsuke Koike – united to create a profile unlike anything imagined. This character is carried forward through a unique solera system, allowing the whisky to continue evolving, much like an ever-blowing wind.

Thank you very much for your kind attention and support.

Notes

• “KAZE” (風), pronounced kah-zeh [ˈka̠.ze̞], means “wind” in Japanese.
• KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY is currently available exclusively in Japan at this time.
• Additional photography will be available soon.

KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY 700ml

KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY is a blended whisky matured, blended, and bottled at the foot of Mt. Bandai in Aizu, Japan. Crafted using a bespoke solera system*, each release will carry forward the legacy of 189 casks – filled with Scottish new make spirit (both malt and grain) personally selected by the late founder, Shunsuke Koike.Neither Scotch whisky nor Japanese whisky. Born in Scotland, raised in Aizu, Japan. A fusion of culture and terroir, connected by EN (縁).

The 189 casks were laid down as part of a bold maturation project while Tenkyo Distillery was still under construction. With 58 different cask types, it was a visionary exploration of oak, spirit, and future possibility.

The KAZE Founder’s Reserve solera system draws directly from these original casks, ensuring his memory lives on in every drop. The first expression is named LEGACY – a quiet tribute to his enduring vision.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Amber

Nose: Raisins, figs, white chocolate, brown sugar, wrapped in gentle spices and a touch of smokiness

Palate: Toffee, nuts, almonds, meet juicy apricots, combined with a gentle smokiness to create depth and complexity

Finish: Subtle bitterness and cigar-like notes balance with a warming sweetness, leaving a pleasant and long lasting finish

Volume: 700ml

ABV**: 46.9%

Suggested retail price: ¥8,250 (tax included)

J. Mattingly 1845, Innovative Craft Distiller, to Purchase 
the Ownership Interests of its Founder Emeritus, Jeff Mattingly

Cameron Mattingly to Remain in Role as Vice President, Production 

FRANKFORT, KY (July 1, 2025) – J. Mattingly 1845 is purchasing the equity ownership of its founder, Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly.  The transaction will leave 100 percent of the company’s ownership with an investment entity controlled by Andrew Varga and Carl Cordova of Gold Corn & Co. Cameron Mattingly, Jeff’s son and Vice President of Production, will remain in his role at the company overseeing all bourbon making, blending, double staving™, and custom bottling processes. All other employees will also remain in their current roles.  The sale is expected to close in 90-120 days.

“We are honored and thrilled to be a partner with Jeff Mattingly and his entire team for the past two years. Together, they built on the amazing ideas Jeff conceived in bourbon production and custom bottling.  Our Double-Staved™ bourbons and unmatched custom bottling experience have been a unique and exciting innovation for the bourbon industry. We wish Jeff and his wife Melissa nothing but the best as they move into this exciting new chapter in their lives,” said Andrew Varga, Gold Corn & Co.

“It’s been a passion of mine to always look at businesses in unique ways, and this has been no different with the building of the Bourbon 30 and J. Mattingly 1845 brands and distillery. Melissa and I have been proud to lead our great team for the last 15 years in building one of the most unique enterprises in bourbon distilling, said Jeff Mattingly, founder emeritus, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  We welcome Gold Corn & Co, Andrew Varga, and Carl Cordova to continue on with the Mattingly brand and continue their philanthropy working with veterans and first responders.”

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

In 2010, Jeff and Melissa Mattingly started It’s Bourbon 30 in their garage, and in 2015 released Bourbon 30 Bourbon Whiskey. In 2017, Jeff & his team created an ultra-premium bourbon offering, affectionately named J. Mattingly, and then added the year 1845, representing Jeff’s ancestors, John Graves Mattingly & Sons Distilling. The Mattingly family is connected to some of the most prominent distilling families in Kentucky, with ancestors having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

Today, the Mattingly innovation lives on through a custom bourbon blending and bottling experience enjoyed by thousands of consumers along the Bourbon Trail, as well as special military bottlings where $10 of every military bottle sold goes to various non-profit military organizations.  For more information, visit www.JMattingly1845.com.

THE FALKLAND COLLECTION LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER WHISKY

A bold new chapter in Scotch whisky begins where the story first started; today Falkland Whisky proudly announces their inaugural release from Speyside – honouring the historic roots of Scotch whisky and offering a fresh perspective for modern whisky drinkers.

The Falkland Collection has launched their first-ever bottling The Falkland Collection Speyside Single Malt* – a bright and expressive Speyside single malt, aged in re-fill Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, Spain. The first in a brand-new collection aims to bring approachable, quality whisky to enthusiasts around the world.

Carefully curated through long-standing relationships with distilleries, The Falkland Whisky Collection brings together single malts that offer both complexity and accessibility. Available to trade & stockists now, the whisky can be enjoyed neat, with water, or in a carefully crafted cocktail – Falkland Whisky is aimed to suit any occasion.

A RENOWNED REGION 

The first-ever Falkland Whisky is a Speyside single malt carefully selected for its rich and full-bodied character. Known for its well-rounded profile and elegant malts, Speyside whisky offers both structure and complexity. The region’s relatively mild climate and soft water sources contribute to the smooth and refined character of this dram.

Only the finest sherry casks were meticulously sourced from bodegas in Jerez, a region known for its wine making heritage, and chosen to enhance this Speyside expression’s depth. The interaction between the liquid and the seasoned wood elevates the drinking experience, bringing a balance of richness and vibrancy.

A CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC FROM HISTORIC SOIL 

Steeped in legend and craftsmanship, The Falkland Whisky Collection draws inspiration from the very place where Scotch whisky’s earliest records begin – the royal burgh of Falkland, beneath the Lomond Hills in the Kingdom of Fife.

Just 200 yards from Falkland Palace, where King James IV in 1494 famously commissioned Friar Jon Cor for the first recorded distillation of “aqua vitae,” the Falkland Whisky collection brings Scotland’s proud distilling legacy into the present day.

The Falkland Whisky team offered their thoughts on the launch: “Our mission is to honour the roots of Scotch whisky by making it more accessible and engaging for a new generation. Falkland has always been a place of significance in Scotland’s whisky story and we’re very honoured to be bottling whisky here.”

“Our first release from Speyside really can be enjoyed neat, with water or in a delicious cocktail – the goal is to make The Falkland Collection attractive to whisky lovers all over the world. Those who are looking to broaden their horizons and enjoy a collection of the best approachable and affordable Single Malts, however they like to drink it.”

As the first-in-series, The Falkland Collection Speyside Single Malt marks the beginning of a journey that will take whisky lovers across Scotland’s regions and flavours. Each bottle carries the soul of its origin, curated with care and bottled in the birthplace of Scotch whisky.

The Falkland Collection is available for trade and stockists to enquire on their website now at: www.falkland1494.com

About Falkland Whisky

The Falkland Single Malt Collection aims to bring approachable, quality whisky to enthusiasts around the world. Carefully curated through long-standing relationships with distilleries, The Falkland Whisky Collection brings together single malts that offer both complexity and accessibility. Whether enjoyed neat, with water, or in a carefully crafted cocktail, these whiskies are suited to any occasion.

*The Falkland Speyside Single Malt Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh orchard fruits, honeyed malt, vanilla, and citrus zest
Palate: Dried fruits, warm spices, and subtle oak
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with gentle spice and caramelised nuts
ABV: 45% | Type: Single Malt | Cask: Re-fill Oloroso Sherry Butt | Non-Chill Filtered

 Email: info@falkland1494.com
Website: www.falkland1494.com
Instagram: @Falkland1494
Address: The Townhouse, Falkland, Fife, Scotland KY15 7BU

The Perfect Fifth Releases Two Whiskies for the Summer, Including Rare 50-Year-Old Scotch and 15-Year-Old American Whiskey

North of Scotland Release Destined to be a Collector’s Item Due to Provenance

NEW YORK (July 9, 2025) – The Perfect Fifth, an American independent Scotch Whisky bottler known for its rare, ultra-premium single cask Scotch Whiskies, is adding two more gems to its collection with the release of a 50-Year-Old Scotch called North of Scotland and a 15 Year-Old Single Barrel American Whiskey under its Cannongate line.

North of Scotland
Scotch connoisseurs will be excited about these two releases, given the provenance of each.  The North of Scotland 50 Year-Old Scotch comes from its eponymous distillery, which was shuttered in 1980.  The North of Scotland Distillery was known for its innovation and produced what is widely considered one of the most flavorsome grain whiskies, due to its higher number of congeners in the spirit cut, as directed by its then-owners to retain its character with age.

North of Scotland is a single-grain Scotch Whisky from the lowland region, distilled in 1973.  The Perfect Fifth purchased a barrel from the original owner some years ago and bottled it in 2025.  The whisky is light, floral, and sweet, like tropical fruits. Today, any whiskies produced at North of Scotland are considered collector’s items, and The Perfect Fifth’s release is sure to be added to that list.

“The North of Scotland Distillery has a special place in Scotland’s whisky history. Even though it was only in place for 20 years, their whiskies were known to be flavorful and innovative for their time,” said Karl Schoen, founder and chief executive officer, The Perfect Fifth.  “When we ran across the opportunity to purchase a barrel from North of Scotland, we were eager to do so, due to its lineage and its elegant and refreshing palate.  It truly is a testament to the distillation craftsmanship that has allowed this barrel to stand the test of time after more than half a century of aging.”

With only 90 bottles available, The Perfect Fifth’s North of Scotland 50-Year-Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky will be highly sought after.  Like all whiskies produced under The Perfect Fifth’s premium line, this bottle comes in a custom, hand-made miniature barrel inscribed with The Perfect Fifth logo, which makes a show-stopping display piece on any bar. The suggested retail price of North of Scotland is $915, and ABV is 45.6%.

 Canongate 15-Year-Old Single Barrel American Whiskey   
The second release, Canongate 15-Year-Old Single Barrel American Whiskey, is part of the brand’s “Born and Bottled” series, which pays tribute to the spirited relationship between Kentucky and Scotland. This whiskey was distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, in 2009, spent three years aging in Kentucky, and was then sent to Scotland to age another 12 years before being bottled. The unique blend of Kentucky’s tempestuous weather, combined with Scotland’s more temperate climate, has resulted in a whiskey with multiple layers of vanilla and hints of cocoa and light spice.

The Canongate 15-Year-Old Single Barrel American Whiskey is a limited edition with only 236  bottles available in the United States.  The alcohol by volume (ABV) is 63.53. Suggested retail pricing is $185 per 750 mL.

“We’re excited to bring these two expressions out for the summer,” said Schoen, “The Canongate 15-Year-Old is a unique bottling due to the transatlantic journey the barrel took by first spending time in Kentucky, then in Scotland, and now back in the United States.  This bottling celebrates the symbiotic relationship between our two countries in regards to cask sharing.”

Both the North of Scotland and Canongate 15-Year-Old Whiskies are available at retail in New York, New Jersey, California, and online at www.theperfectfifth.com.

About The Perfect Fifth

The Perfect Fifth was created in 2019 by Karl Schoen, who was inspired by watching his family members toast milestones with Scotch Whisky as he grew up. As Karl began his own exploration into the world of Scotch Whisky, he enjoyed finding stellar single cask bottlings and sharing them with others.  This led to the formation of The Perfect Fifth, where Karl and his brother Ben source the best quality whisky from all over Scotland.  Together they travel throughout Scotland, sampling cask after cask until they find those worthy to be selected for The Perfect Fifth. Few casks make the cut, which is why The Perfect Fifth releases are limited editions.  Like the musical interval, The Perfect Fifth releases consist of multiple layers, each one broad and deep, which when combined, make a beautiful assembly meant to be shared with family and friends.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REVIVES AN ORIGINAL

19^TH-CENTURY RECIPE WITH THE RELEASE OF COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR’S DISTILLER’S COUNCIL

Conceived by a team of long-time distillery veterans at a historic Distiller’s Council meeting in 1996 at Buffalo Trace Distillery, this rare release is the most faithful recreation to date of the 19th-century bourbons once crafted at the O.F.C. Distillery.

FRANKFORT, Ky (July 9, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly introduces Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council: a limited-edition, ultra-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon born from the very spirit of the pioneer who helped define American whiskey. Crafted using equipment and based on techniques originally invented by Taylor himself, this 100-proof bottling stands as the closest modern interpretation of the fine bourbons produced under his leadership at O.F.C Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) during the 19^th century.

The inspiration for this modern recreation traces back to 1996, when a group of bourbon visionaries and retired George T. Stagg Distillery craftsmen* convened at Buffalo Trace Distillery in their pursuit to create the world’s best whiskey, a mission that continues to guide production at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery today. As they sampled more than 30 whiskeys across a range of ages, mash bills and proofs, one voice cut through the room with a thought: “Well, we don’t make whiskey the way we used to.” This led to the Distiller’s Council unpacking the way that whiskey was made when they first started their careers. That meeting, until now known by bourbon insiders as the “Distiller’s Council”, resulted in a re-discovery of E.H. Taylor’s pioneering techniques that had been lost to history.

In the spirit of Honor Tradition, Embrace Change, this led to the revival of Taylor’s sour mashing process – patent pending by Buffalo Trace – and, combined with the modern wisdom of Buffalo Trace’s expert distillation team, the creation of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council. Crafted using his trailblazing techniques, the production process remains nearly identical to that of the 1880s using both grains in his mashbill and his fermentation process. This expression celebrates a seminal moment in bourbon history and commemorates that meeting with a one-of-a-kind expression that tastes unlike anything else currently available on the market.

“Colonel Taylor’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has helped shape every decision at our Distillery since he set our standards in 1870,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “His enduring legacy left a profound impact on everyone present on that fateful day in 1996. As many of them are no longer with us, we hope they are enjoying this angel’s share with the Colonel himself – watching proudly as we carry his vision forward.”

Widely recognized as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. purchased the O.F.C. Distillery in 1869 and ushered in a new era of innovation. From state-of-the-art grain equipment to copper fermentation tanks and the first steam-heated barrel warehouses – still in use at Buffalo Trace today – Taylor’s vision revolutionized bourbon production. His advocacy also led to the landmark Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, cementing his legacy as a champion of quality and integrity. His visionary spirit continues to guide Buffalo Trace more than a century later.

“Colonel E.H. Taylor didn’t just shape a distillery – he helped shape the entire bourbon industry. That’s why he’s known as the Father of Modern Bourbon,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “From championing the Bottled-in-Bond Act to modernizing production standards, many of his innovations have stood the test of time and are in use to this day. Always of Topmost Class, he set the bar for integrity, innovation and craftsmanship. In that spirit, we are proud to revive this faithful interpretation of his original recipe, crafted with the same standards of quality and spirit of innovation he so fiercely advocated.”

Bottled at 100-proof in a vintage-style, Grecian glass decanter modeled after one featured in an 1950s-era Old Taylor “Original Recipe” Bourbon advertisement – as seen in popular magazines such as TIME and Playboy – this special bottling will be available in limited-quantities nationwide at retail stores, restaurants and bars starting July 2025 at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 (750ml) (local taxes and costs dependent).

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council is the 14^th release to join the acclaimed bourbon portfolio alongside expressions including Small Batch, Single Barrel, Rye, Barrel Proof Rye, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, Four Grain and more. In Fall 2025, E.H. Taylor will join the annual, highly-anticipated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection as the Collection’s first Bottled-in-Bond bourbon.

For more information on the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/e-h-taylor-jr

*The bourbon luminaries who attended the original 1996 Distiller’s Council meeting include Elmer T. Lee, Orville Schupp, Jimmy Johnson, Gary Gayheart, Al Geiser, Harlen Wheatley, Mark Brown, Ronnie Eddins and Leonard Riddle, among others.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

DOUGLAS LAING RELEASE NEW ROCK ISLAND BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY:

ROCK ISLAND 16-YEAR-OLD SHERRY EDITION

Independent Scotch Whisky Distillers, Blenders, and Bottlers, Douglas Laing & Co., are proud to announce their latest limited-edition release under the Rock Island brand: Rock Island 16-Year-Old Sherry Edition.

Following the success of the 14-Year-Old Sherry Edition, released in 2023, this unique Island Malt has been matured for an additional two years in Sherry casks, resulting in even greater depth of flavour.

This exceptional Whisky is a marriage of Single Malts from the Whisky-making islands of Orkney, Arran, Jura, and Islay, all aged for 16 years and predominantly matured in Sherry casks. These hand-selected casks enhance Rock Island’s signature sweet peat and maritime influence with layers of dried fruits, walnut, and vanilla, now complemented by honeycomb and toasted almonds. A true testament to the impact of additional maturation time.

Bottled at 46.8% ABV, this edition mirrors the strength of the 14-Year-Old, allowing for a direct comparison between these two Sherry-led expressions. As with all Douglas Laing releases, it is non-chill filtered and free from artificial colouring, in line with the family ethos of bottling Whisky ‘as natural as it gets’.

Packaged in a premium foiled carton with a complementing label, this release presents Rock Island in a new light – modern and powerful, yet true to its maritime heritage.

Chloe Wood, Rock Island’s Brand Manager, commented:

“Rock Island 16-Year-Old is a release we are all incredibly excited about at Douglas Laing. The brand itself showcases a truly unique composition, containing Single Malts from some of Scotland’s most acclaimed Whisky-making islands. To release these in a predominantly Sherry-matured expression is a special moment, particularly as it marks the first 16-Year-Old under the Rock Island brand. The flavour profile, shaped by both the spirit itself and the hand-selected Sherry casks, creates a Whisky experience not to be missed. It truly highlights the importance of time and patience in Whisky maturation.”

Expected to retail at £75.00 / €90.00, Rock Island 16-Year-Old Sherry Edition will be available from specialist retailers and online across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards are a testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old, Xtra Old Particular, and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Jackie Zykan Moves on from Hidden Barn Bourbon, Neeley Family Distillery to Continue with Award-Winning Brand 

SPARTA, KY (June 2025) – Jackie Zykan and Royce Neeley have announced Jackie is stepping away from Hidden Barn Bourbon, and Neeley Family Distillery will continue production of the brand.  Zykan created Hidden Barn Bourbon in 2022, in partnership with Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar.  In 2024, Neeley purchased Hidden Barn from the partners, with Zykan remaining as Master Blender and Winegar as Brand Ambassador.

Today, Winegar will continue his role as Brand Ambassador and Neeley will continue production of Hidden Barn, with the same flavor profile that it’s known for, which has earned it Best in Class and several double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Zykan will stay involved with the Neeley Family Distillery.

“We have been thrilled to work with Jackie over the years and we look forward to continuing to work with her in a different capacity,” said Royce Neeley, Master Distiller, Neeley Family Distillery.  “We learned a lot from Jackie and have the utmost respect for her palate and blending abilities, and plan to continue to make Hidden Barn just as we have before. Our entire family thinks the world of Jackie, and the door is always open to future Hidden Barn collaborations. We’re excited about being able to work with her in this new capacity.” 

“I’ve so appreciated having this opportunity to work with the Neeley family and Nate, and I’m grateful for their support as I start my new agriculture venture, and also focus on my other business, Oduoak, which is a line of whiskey-based fragrances I created in 2020,” said Zykan, master blender emeritus. “I am honored to lean into my background of biology and chemistry to shed light on the importance of intentional and sustainable botanical sourcing. Diversifying my engagement with the natural world by growing aromatic flowers and herbs for both fragrance and spirits is an inherent next step in my journey. Being able to supply the herbs for Neeley’s Absinthe to deepen its roots as a Kentucky-made product is something I’m really excited about.”

The base of the spirit is the Neeley Family moonshine recipe, crafted using wild-crafted Appalachian yeast. This yeast is also used to create all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, including its Hidden Barn Bourbon.  There are no plans to make any changes to the Hidden Barn Bourbon after Zykan’s departure. In fact, the brand is growing stronger than ever, “We’re moving into our 20^th state as far as distribution, with several more on the horizon,” said Neeley.  Hidden Barn is also available for sale online and at the Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Ky.

About Hidden Barn Bourbon

Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition.  This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three founders, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar.  Previous Hidden Barn Series releases have earned Best of Class in the Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 years by The Tasting Alliance, Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024, and Best Small Batch, 1st Place at the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival.  Hidden Barn Bourbon is owned by Neeley Family Distillery.   The brand is available online and in select states. For more information visit hiddenbarnwhiskey.com

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Announces 2025 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Limited-edition release crafted from locally grown grain, distilled, aged, and bottled entirely at Heaven Hill Distillery®

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (June 24, 2025) – Heaven Hill is proud to unveil the Second Edition of its Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, a limited-edition release that continues the legacy of its celebrated series. Crafted by America’s largest family-owned and operated distillery, this small-batch expression reflects the full journey of whiskey making from carefully selected ingredients to final bottling and showcases the transparency and craftsmanship for which Heaven Hill Distillery is known.

The 2025 edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey is made with a mashbill of 63% rye, 20% corn, and 13% malt— a higher rye content than Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey. Beck’s Hybrids 6225 was the corn seed varietal chosen for the second edition and was grown by family-owned Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, Kentucky. The distillate went into the barrel at 107 proof and was aged for over six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse site. The product is non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof, 105.2 proof (52.6% ABV) which allows its unique mashbill to shine. The result is a bold, spicy rye whiskey with aromas of toasted oak and almonds, leading to a robust palate of creamy orange marmalade, chocolate with nutmeg, white pepper spices and honey sweetness. The finish is long and warm with crème brûlée, charred oak, and orange oil with rye spices.

“With this second edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye, we’re proud to showcase not only the art of rye whiskey making but the full story behind every drop—from seed to barrel to bottle,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. “The unique mashbill and higher rye content bring a bold complexity, while the transparency we provide—from the corn varietal to the barrel entry proof—gives whiskey lovers an authentic connection to the process. This is a rye whiskey that speaks to our team’s dedication to precision and passion for innovation.”

The focus on transparency in the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass line extends beyond its local ingredients. The label on each bottle features details of the specific corn seed varietal utilized from Beck’s Hybrids, the unique mashbill, as well as the distillation and released years. The illustrations include a blueprint of Bernheim Distillery, along with custom designs depicting the importance of farming tradition and innovation. The 700ml bottles will be available across the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $99.99.

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass series continues the Shapira family’s legacy of quality, transparency, and innovation, offering whiskey lovers a deeper understanding of the people and processes behind their favorite spirits. The series has been recognized for its excellence, with the First Edition Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey earning a Gold Medal at the 2024 Beverage Tasting Institute and the title of Best American Rye Whiskey at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Earlier this year, the Second Edition Grain to Glass Bourbon launched to critical acclaim, further cementing the series’ reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. For more information about Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, visit: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass/

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 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 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 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. In 2025 and 2024 Heaven Hill was named Most Awarded US Distillery by the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition along with Distillery of the Year and Best in Show Whiskey in 2019. Heaven Hill Distillery held 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. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Whisky from the Ground Up: The Heart Cut Collaborates

with Fielden on Release #16

June 2025: What happens when two whisky companies – each pushing the boundaries of what whisky can be – come together? You get something remarkable.

Release #16 from The Heart Cut is the culmination of that shared vision: a single cask, limited to just 1,109 bottles. A 100% rye whisky, finished for over two years in a 600L, 45-year-old ex-Solera system Oloroso sherry cask from a bodega in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on the coastal edge of Spain’s sherry triangle.

A rare makeup in the Fielden world, this whisky is crafted from 100% English rye – 75% unmalted heritage landrace rye grown in the sandy soils of Oxfordshire, and 25% floor-malted rye from Warminster Maltings. And it was entirely distilled at Fielden’s original site in Oxford, using Nautilus – the legendary still built by Paul Pridham and the team at South Devon Railway Engineering.

The whisky was then finished for 2 years and 4 months in a single, extraordinary sherry cask – sourced through master distiller Chico Rosa’s background in wine. This is true coastal sherry territory, where sea winds lend minerality and salinity to the wine, and that maritime character has beautifully shaped the whisky itself. The result is a rich, luscious dram with exceptional depth and a rare note of minerality.

Fielden is reshaping how we think about whisky – not by focusing on the gleam of copper stills but by putting the field at the centre of the story. Their philosophy is simple yet quietly radical: if you care about what ends up in the glass, you have to start with the grain. That’s why Fielden works with regenerative farmers, planting a mix of grains – including heritage rye, wheat and barley – sown directly into clover. They never use chemicals -o fertisiliers,  no pesticides –  just healthy soil, deep-rooted farming, and grains grown not for yield but for flavour. This is No Chem Regen farming. That approach doesn’t just support better agriculture — it yields whiskies with structure, nuance, and Fielden’s signature warm, flaky pastry character. Fielden’s belief is a simple one:  from fields full of life, comes whisky full of flavour.

“We were speaking to Fielden for over a year, talking about this collaboration, and we kept hearing whispers about this cask,” says Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut. “At shows, over emails – everyone kept saying, ‘You must try cask 292.’ We finally did, and after just one sip, we said yes. Then we heard its story – and we knew we had to share it with others.”

“Working with The Heart Cut felt like a natural fit,” adds Chico Rosa, Fielden’s master distiller. “They care as much about grain and flavour as we do – and this cask, with its coastal depth and ties to our history, was always meant for something special.”

Tasting Notes

You’re wrapped in warmth from the very first nose – salted caramel melts into golden honeycomb and a whisper of honeysuckle. On the palate, that saline-sweet caramel deepens, layered with vanilla ice cream and overripe apricot, before thickening into pecan pie richness. Banana chips bring a crisp, tropical chew; nostalgic notes of warm waffles with maple syrup follow. To finish, a playful fizz of kola cubes is grounded by toasted walnuts and a flicker of smoked Maldon sea salt.

Availability

The Heart Cut #16 Fielden is limited to 1,109 bottles, bottled at cask strength (56.5% ABV). Available at theheartcut.com and select retailers, including Master of Malt and Berry Bros. & Rudd.

You’ll also find it behind the bar at DRAM and Soho Whisky Club in London, with more pouring partners to follow.

https://theheartcut.com/

@theheartcut

#16 Fielden / RRP £68 / ABV 56.6% / 1 of 1109 bottles

Rich, spicy, and mineralic – this 100% Rye Whisky from Fielden was finished for 2 years in an ex-Solera Oloroso sherry cask from a bodega in Sanlucar de Barrameda, layering honeycomb and banana chips with waves of sea-salted caramel.

About The Heart Cut

The Heart Cut collaborates with whisky distilleries across the world to release one-off single cask bottlings. From small innovative producers in unexpected locations to internationally renowned brands, each carefully selected cask has been picked in collaboration with the partner distillery, telling their tale of people, provenance and the pursuit of crafting distinctive flavours through the art of production. With 16 releases out to date, The Heart Cut was awarded ‘Independent Bottler of the Year’ at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards 2024 and 2025.

The Heart Cut was founded by husband and wife duo Fabrizio Leoni and Georgie Bell, who both have a deep history in the spirits industry, having worked behind bars and for spirit brands for over a decade each. Having travelled around the world discovering exciting distilleries, The Heart Cut was born from a collective desire to inspire a more explorative drinking experience, and share this sense of adventure and exploration of whisky from across the world with others.

HONORING EXCELLENCE: 2025 KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® WELCOMES NEW INDUCTEES & CELEBRATES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT RECIPIENT

FRANKFORT, Ky.— The 2025 class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® features a longtime legislative champion, a trailblazing female entrepreneur, a key architect of the craft distilling boom, a 7th-generation distiller of a storied Bourbon family and a 50-year veteran whose name is synonymous with whiskey quality, integrity and industry leadership.

That respected veteran is Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus, who will receive the prestigious Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award for his illustrious career in Kentucky’s signature spirits industry dating back to 1976. It is the industry’s highest honor.

Morris, 67, has played an influential role in the success of the Brown-Forman portfolio establishing renowned brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and Master’s Collection, while also serving on acclaimed industry boards as a respected and visionary leader.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced this year’s esteemed class that will be inducted in September in an exclusive, private ceremony. The KDA created the Hall of Fame in 2001 to recognize individuals who have made a transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

KDA President Eric Gregory noted that each inductee represents a chapter in the success of Kentucky Bourbon, from historic whiskey producers to the next generation of craft distillers, the recent modernization of Bourbon laws and policies, and a lifetime of service spanning the lows and highs of American whiskey which he helped to flourish.

“Even though they come from a variety of backgrounds, these distinguished leaders all have one thing in common: an unrivaled passion for Kentucky Bourbon that has shaped our timeless craft into the global economic and tourism powerhouse it is today.

“We look forward to celebrating them and their achievements in September — Bourbon Heritage Month® — along with hundreds of Bourbon’s most iconic legends and luminaries, all showcasing how Bourbon Builds Kentucky.”

Here is the 23rd class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®, in alphabetical order:

• Craig Beam, 66, Bardstown, Ky. A seventh-generation distiller, Beam learned the art and science behind crafting great whiskeys under the tutelage of his grandfather, Earl, and father, Parker, both legendary Master Distillers and Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees from Heaven Hill Distillery. Now in his fourth decade, Craig is showcasing his award-winning talents and continuing his legacy as Master Distiller at Jackson Purchase Distillery in Western Kentucky, one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing contract distillers.

• The late Mary Dowling, Lawrenceburg, Ky. An acclaimed symbol of resiliency and pioneering spirit, Mary Dowling was born in 1859 to Irish immigrants and overcame anti-Irish sentiments and gender barriers to become a trailblazing Bourbon entrepreneur. The first woman to run a major distillery in 1903, Dowling audaciously moved production to Mexico during Prohibition. A pillar of her Lawrenceburg, Ky. community and clearly ahead of her time, Dowling built churches, championed immigrant, black and women’s rights and opened a free hospital before her death in 1930.

• Larry Ebersold, 75, Louisville, Ky. Ebersold’s decades-long career, blending corporate experience at Seagram’s with entrepreneurial consulting, has left an indelible mark on the modern Bourbon and rye whiskey industry. A key architect of the craft distillery boom, Ebersold’s expertise has shaped facilities for 31 distilleries, including New Riff, Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon, collaborating with architects and engineers to design innovative production spaces.

• Chris Morris, 67, Louisville, Ky. A 50-year veteran of the Kentucky Bourbon industry, Morris’ craftsmanship and integrity is hailed around the world for elevating Brown-Forman’s whiskey portfolio and crafting innovative brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and its vaunted Master’s Collection. Morris also is one of the industry’s most respected historians, a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors, and a cherished mentor to his successor Elizabeth McCall, all of which has solidified his lasting, lifelong impact on Kentucky Bourbon.

• Damon Thayer, 57, Georgetown, Ky. One of the strongest champions of Kentucky Bourbon in the history of the Kentucky General Assembly, retired Senate Majority Leader Thayer is directly responsible for stewarding more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized Kentucky’s signature industry, propelled its amber nectar into an unprecedented golden age and transformed distilling into an economic and tourism powerhouse for the Commonwealth.

Note: Full biographies, submitted by the inductees, accompany this release in a separate file found here.

Each year, candidates for the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® are submitted by KDA member distilleries and the KDA Board of Directors through a comprehensive application process.

A special selection committee consisting of all recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award then carefully reviews each application and selects no more than five nominees a year for induction.

The invitation-only ceremony and luncheon will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, at The Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County, Ky., and is proudly sponsored by Presenting Sponsors, Buzick Construction, Inc.; Brindiamo Group, Bardstown Tourism, Independent Stave Company, Log Still Distillery, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Corp.

Tune In: 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® Livestream Event, produced by RunSwitch PR and sponsored by Kroger Wine & Spirits, will feature exclusive interviews with the 2025 Inductee Class, award presenters, and esteemed members of the Bourbon industry. Join livestream co-host Chris Blandford, Adult Beverage Specialist for Kentucky, Southern Indian, and Southern Illinois Kroger stores, for an insider’s perspective on this annual and highly anticipated celebration of excellence in Kentucky Bourbon.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the stories and recognition behind the industry’s most prestigious honor.

Learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame at www.kybourbon.com.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.