Whisky expert outlines investment potential ahead of World Whisky Day

THE second annual celebration of World Whisky Day takes place this Saturday 18 May, an important day in highlighting the global significance of whisky and how important it is to Scotland and the UK.

David Robertson, formerly Rare Whisky Director at The Dalmore and Master Distiller at The Macallan, recently set up The Whisky Trading Company, to take advantage of the increasing demand for the rarest bottles of Scotland’s most famous export.

The company has identified 3,000 bottles of rare whisky as part of its initial stock, many distilled before World War II. The investment opportunity to acquire shares in the new business is currently being widened as it seeks to raise an additional £2-4 million to capitalise on market opportunities. The shares are issued under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and attract certain tax benefits for qualifying UK tax payers.

Commenting ahead of World Whisky Day, David Robertson said: “It’s a fantastic day to celebrate what is truly a global drink. Not only will people be raising a glass in Scotland, but millions more will be enjoying a dram at home or in the pub, from Boston all the way to Beijing.

“The whisky industry is vital to the UK economy, bringing in billions of pounds in revenue, and its growing value as an investment is truly dynamic. Whisky is rarely viewed as such, but having spent my career in the industry I have seen rising prices and returns first-hand, which is why I have started The Whisky Trading Company last year.

“The volume of premium bottles being traded continues to grow significantly, with more than 20,000 expected in the UK auction market through 2013. If you had invested in the top 100 performing whiskies in 2008, you would have seen returns of 306 percent. With knowledge and insight there are huge returns to be made and it’s time to take whisky investment seriously.

“I hope by World Whisky Day in 2014 the whisky investment market will have become far more prominent in the minds of alternative asset investors and whisky enthusiasts alike.”

Notes:

• EIS: The Whisky Trading Company qualifies under EIS rules in order to deliver tax benefits for investors, depending on their circumstances. The main benefits are:
  • Income tax relief of 30 percent of the subscription (£1m cap per investor);
  • The ability to carry back the income tax relief to 2011/2012 for tax relief at 30 percent (£500k investment cap per investor);
  • Unlimited capital gains tax deferral relief;
  • Capital gains tax exemption on disposal of the shares; and
  • Unlimited 100 percent IHT relief after two years.
• Investment in alternative assets or exotic assets are becoming increasingly popular. An increasing number of investors are putting some of their wealth into more tangible assets such as investments in fine wine, art, classic cars, coins, jewellery, stamps, watches and now whisky, which diversifies their portfolio. They are deemed to be investments that are less correlated with macroeconomic shocks, the performance of the macro economy and the volatility of the stock market.
• Global socio-economic trends have led to an increase in the demand for luxury goods, which includes premium whisky around the world in both mature and emerging markets.
• The most valuable whisky ever sold at UK retail was 64-year old The Dalmore Trinitas, which fetched £120,000 in Harrods in 2010.
• The most valuable globally was a 62-year-old The Damore Sinclair, sold at Changi Airport, Singapore, which sold for £135,000 in 2011. (First sold in 2002 for £25,000 at auction, a second bottle was acquired and drunk at Penny Hill Park Hotel in April 2005 for £32,000 and the final bottle was then placed with Changi airport in 2011.)
• The value of rare and collectable whisky depends on reputation of distillery and the quality of the whisky itself. The most sought after whiskies usually originate from a number of places: extinct distilleries, classed as “silent stills” – Brora, Port Ellen, Rosebank; older aged vintage bottles; certain brands – particularly iconic brands such as The Macallan, The Dalmore, Balvenie and Glenfiddich, and, in particular, limited edition varieties – for example, Macallan released 2,012 bottles to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and The Dalmore have recently released their Constellation Collection – and, finally, having a bottle in its original packaging in pristine condition is also key

About The Whisky Trading Company

The Whisky Trading Company is a specialist rare whisky merchant established in London and Edinburgh in 2012. It offers a unique opportunity for UK taxpayers to participate in the returns attainable from the rare whisky market by investing in a start-up supported by the benefits of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), a government-sponsored initiative to encourage investment in UK enterprise.

The company buys and trades only the rarest and super premium of whiskies and aims to deliver returns in excess of 15 percent per annum to its investors and shareholders. As with fine wine, there is finite supply and growing demand for rare whisky, with every bottle sold and consumed increasing the value of remaining stock. These market conditions coupled with our expertise in the industry deliver a strong investment opportunity for investors seeking to diversify their funds into alternative assets.

The company was set up and is managed by whisky expert David Robertson, who has over 20 years’ experience in the whisky industry including as Master Distiller at The Macallan. He also created and sold the world’s first £100,000 bottle of whisky, a 64-year-old Dalmore Trinitas.

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY PRODUCES THREE

MEDAL WINNERS IN SAN FRANCISCO COMPETITION 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 7, 2013) – Three Kentucky favorites from the Barton 1792 Distillery won medals in the 13^th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), held March 21-24, 2013.  1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon Whiskey won a much-coveted Double Gold Medal, and long-time favorite Kentucky Tavern won a Silver Medal.  Another up and coming star, Zackariah Harris, was honored with a Silver Medal.

A record number of entries – more than 1,400 – were evaluated by some of the finest palates and spirits experts in the industry. Judging is based on a blind, consensual procedure to ensure competitive integrity.  Complete results of the 2013 competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/browse.

 About Barton 1792 Distillery 

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, a family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”  1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery.  This small batch Bourbon whiskey is a two-time double gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To learn more about the Distillery visit www.1792bourbon.com.

Discover A Rare Find!

Shielded from the world’s prying eyes deep in the Highlands of Scotland, quietly producing small, precious batches of Single Malt Whisky, Glen Garioch is a Rare Find indeed.

Now, we want to share this little hidden gem in Scotland’s northeast with one lucky winner!

We’re offering Glen Garioch enthusiasts the chance to experience Rare Finds across Aberdeenshire: a two day, all expenses paid trip to the Garioch, The Granary of Aberdeenshire.

On a VIP tour of our Glen Garioch distillery, our lucky winner will discover the time honoured skills at work and hear from the master craftsmen involved.

After a private tasting held by our Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, the lucky winner will rest their head at Meldrum House: a luxury four star hotel situated in the beautiful countryside surrounding the market town of Oldmeldrum, the home of Glen Garioch.

The next morning, you’ll venture out into the wild to discover Rare Finds of the northeast. Guided by local experts, our winner will experience salmon fishing and gold panning at secret locations precious few will ever see.

Competition runners up will also receive their very own Rare Find: a special, Limited Edition Small Batch release of Glen Garioch Single Malt Whisky.

For your chance to win, simply enter via the Glen Garioch Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/glengarioch Entry closes at midnight on 3rd June 2013: good luck!

The new Glenrothes Vintage 2001

A NEW CENTURY IN THE MAKING.
It may have taken 12 years but we’ve finally judged an expression worthy of our vintage label and fit to mark the turn of the century. Laid down in 2001, it has been chosen for its wonderful length and depth, displaying soft but stimulating and conversational properties. Something, which we are sure will get even the most regular Glenrothes enthusiasts talking.

FIND OUT MORE 

Forty Creek Distillery Announces 2013 Limited Release Bottle Reservations

Grimsby, Ontario – Forty Creek Distillery is pleased to announce bottle reservations for their 2013 Limited Release whisky: Forty Creek Heart of Gold.

Forty Creek Heart of Gold is a whisky inspired by both the heart of the distillation and the heart of the maker. Heart of Gold has been created with an artist’s palette of noble grains, unusual yeast selection, copper pot stills and delicately toasted oak barrels, mixed with passion, innovation & patience.

Whisky maker John Hall explains, “This project started nearly a decade ago, focusing specifically on Canada’s noble rye grain. I have always brought out the spicy, fruity notes of rye in my whiskies, but this time, I wanted to perfect how to capture the underlying delicate floral notes of the rye that too often get lost in the process.”

“My Heart of Gold is a rye forward whisky – but it is not 100% rye. I believe the art of blending adds a complexity and creativity to the final whisky. The final Heart of Gold blend includes some barley whisky for nuttiness and some corn whisky for weight and body. But there’s no doubt the fruity, floral rye whisky notes are the star of this show.”

Heart of Gold is the seventh Forty Creek special release. Only 9,000 bottles will be produced for release in the Fall. Forty Creek fans are invited to pre-reserve their bottles and can even choose their own number.

“We are pleased to offer our customers an opportunity to reserve a bottle number with significance,” says Beth Warner, Vice President, Marketing. “It’s fun when customers share their stories about what makes their chosen numbers so special – birth years, anniversaries, the year they discovered Forty Creek or the year they are planning to retire. Badge numbers are also a popular choice, and we have one customer who has chosen 1967 each time – the last year the Toronto Maple Leafs won a Stanley Cup!”

Reservations for numbered bottles open at noon on Monday, May 27th and end June 21st, 2013. Customers may choose any number between 00003 and 9,000. Numbers are offered on a first come, first served basis. Reservations must be completed on-line at www.FortyCreekWhisky.com

Reserved bottles of Forty Creek Heart of Gold must be purchased and picked up at the distillery in Grimsby, Ontario. Forty Creek Whisky Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, September, 28th and Sunday, September 29th, 2013. “I always look forward to this annual event to celebrate with our fans and to enjoy special tours and events. It’s always a fun time. That’s when you can pick up your specially numbered bottles and I will be more than happy to personalize them,” says John Hall, Whisky Maker.

About Forty Creek Distillery:

Located in Grimsby, Ontario, Forty Creek Distillery is an independent Canadian-owned craft distillery. Known internationally for its quality spirits, Forty Creek Distillery has won numerous awards at prestigious tasting competitions around the world, including Canadian Whisky of the Year at the Canadian Whisky Awards in Victoria, BC for three consecutive years 2009-2012. Forty Creek was named “Distillery of the Year” at the 2012 Wizards of Whisky Awards in London, England and the 2013 International Whisky Competition in Chicago.

HIGHLAND PARK 25 YEAR OLD TRIUMPHS

UNPRECEDENTED 100-POINT SCORE AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Highland Park 25 year old, distributed by Maxxium UK, was awarded the first ever 100-point score, along with the Chairman’s Trophy for Best of Category, by judges at Ultimate Beverage Challenge’s fourth annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge held March 11-15, 2013, in New York.

Highland Park went on to achieve four more finalist entries all 95 points and above, in the prestigious trophy sweepstakes with Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation for 30 year old (97 points); 12 year old (96 points); 18 year old (95 points) and 15 year old (95 points).  In addition, Highland Park Thor, the first edition of the stunning Valhalla Collection, achieved 94 points, with the judges classing it as ‘highly recommended’.

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager for Highland Park, said:  “To be the only ever recipient of the 100-point score in the history of the Ultimate Spirit Challenge is a great honour for Highland Park 25 year old.  We’re thrilled that the judges, all respected commentators in our industry, have selected Highland Park for this accolade in the presence of a strong array of competitors.  The fact that Highland Park was also represented so strongly across the board is very significant and allows us to maintain our award winning reputation.”

More than 70 companies from 30 countries around the world entered the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The judging panels, which included many of the world’s most famous distilled spirits authorities, authors, and buyers, rated the distillates on a 100-point scale. The judges named 33 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman’s Trophy winners and 151 finalists.

Highland Park 25 Year Old 2013 has an ABV of 45.7% and is available at selected whisky retailers at RRP £201.08.

For more information on Highland Park, visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

Notes: 

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including category winner at the 2011 World Whisky Awards for its 25-year-old single malt and ‘Best Whisky in the World 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Highland Park 18 year old was named Best Spirit in the World by American drinks expert Paul Pacult in Top 115 Spirits, Spirit Journal 2009 and 2005.

Five keystones contribute to making Highland Park:

*    Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park

*    Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky

*    Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky

*    Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park

*    Cask harmonization ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park

Canadian Whisky Book Review and Twitter Tasting Week Three

Join author, Davin de Kergommeaux and whisky fans from around the globe on Twitter this Sunday, May 19, at 3:00 Eastern time. We will be chatting about Davin’s award-winning book, Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert, and raising a dram of Canadian whisky. To take part simply go to #DavinTT on Twitter at 3:00 Eastern time this Sunday.

Social media are changing the way whisky lovers interact right around the globe. Whisky fans from Israel to Oregon took part last week as we reviewed several chapters from the book Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert and discussed them with each other and with the author on Twitter.

If you wish to add your comments, interact with author, Davin de Kergommeaux, or discuss a Canadian whisky you are tasting, please join us for week three this Sunday. This week we will be talking about chapters 18 – 21.

We invite the bloggers among us to blog about the book, the experience, the whiskies and/or Davin. Let the fun begin!

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with me, @WhiskyLassie on twitter.

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert is available at Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, and many other fine bookstores, or on-line at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

THE GLENLIVET MAKES WHISKY HISTORY WITH LAUNCH OF MYSTERY CAMPAIGN

The Glenlivet, the world’s No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky, is pioneering an innovative approach to flavour with the launch of The Glenlivet Alpha; a new, mystery expression released without cask information or tasting notes.

Presented in a black bottle to preserve the mystery, consumers are encouraged to let taste and smell lead their experience of The Glenlivet Alpha. Connoisseurs of the range will be able to identify its signature style but also discover a new flavour palate due to the inclusion of never-before-released spirits.

The Glenlivet Alpha launch will be supported by an integrated marketing campaign that will see consumers exploring The Glenlivet’s complex flavours through multi-sensory experiences both online, through http://www.theglenlivet.com/ and the brand’s Facebook page, and offline. The campaign will help to generate discussion and a deeper understanding of The Glenlivet, the single malt that started it all.

The campaign will bring The Glenlivet Alpha to life with a launch film, advertising, in-store activity and a global media launch event in London. Additional films, which explore the roles of sight, smell, taste and feel on flavour perception, will be hosted on The Glenlivet’s digital social media platforms and will link through to online sensory challenges that allow consumers to gradually unlock the secrets of The Glenlivet Alpha. Sensory experts including taste visualisation specialists, Greyworld, will also be working with the brand on the campaign.

In June, the mystery behind The Glenlivet Alpha will be revealed by Master Distiller Alan Winchester in a global broadcast to The Glenlivet fans on http://www.theglenlivet.com/ and on the brand’s Facebook page.

Nikki Burgess, International Brand Director for The Glenlivet, says: “The Glenlivet is famous for its smooth, full bodied flavour and with the launch of The Glenlivet Alpha we’re excited to be exploring this in an original way. This is the first time anyone has launched a ‘blind’ whisky in this way and we are confident that this innovative campaign will excite whisky drinkers and help them to truly appreciate single malt and understand the flavours they taste in The Glenlivet’s award-winning range.”

With only circa 3,500 bottles worldwide, The Glenlivet Alpha will be available in USA, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, India and South Africa and will retail at $120.

The Glenlivet was the first licensed distillery in the Livet valley and offers a variety of expressions, all boasting its signature smoothness and floral, fruity profile.

The Glenlivet has been the biggest contributor to volume growth in the single malt category over the last five years, adding more than any other Single Malt brand*. The release of The Glenlivet Alpha continues the brand’s legacy of innovation and reinforces its position as ‘the single malt that started it all’.

*IWSR 2011 

Notes 

Follow The Glenlivet on Twitter via the handle @The_Glenlivet and stream the campaign through #Alpha 

Facebook application: https://www.facebook.com/theglenlivet/app_406821989412224 

The Glenlivet Alpha YouTube video and embed link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOvsNoC-2YU&list=UUVnO1IwQ0pn6-pMrfks8TfA&index=1 

The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet. 

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

While the history of whisky is long and proud, with legend telling of Saint Patrick bringing the craft of distillation to Scotland, the history of the Quaich is no less long or illustrious.

 The word Quaich comes from the gaelic “cuach” which means cup and they have been used for centuries to welcome or bid farewell to guests, or as a mark of comradeship or friendship. Sharing a dram of whisky from a Quaich has long been symbolic of binding people together in love, friendship or comradeship or to welcome or bid farewell to favoured guests. Today quaichs are often given as a gift to someone held dear.

This two handled Scottish drinking cup may have originated with the practise of drinking whisky from a scallop shell and progressed to forming these shallow cups from wood, stone or horn. Over the years the cups became more elaborate and highly skilled craftsmen fashioned wooden quaichs with beautiful celtic designs. From the 17^th century, as metals came to be more commonly used, quaichs have been made of  brass, pewter, silver or a combination of all three. The original outer shape was retained but the thick bases were thinned to reduce the the weight.

Quaichs originated in the Highlands and weren’t used in Lowland Scotland until the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie when the quaich travelled south in the canteens of the Prince’s army. The quaichs of the army were reputed to have glass bottoms enabling the drinker to keep an eye on those around him; a sad reflection on treacherous times.

Alex Scott & Co Ltd, a long established Aberdeen based company would like to offer you the chance to win a beautiful quaich so you may sup your dram in the traditional way and our gift set even provides a miniature of MacAllan Gold single malt whisky for the first filling.

To enter simply email the answer to the following question along with your name and address to sales@kiltmakers.co.uk using the subject line Quaich Competition, and we will draw the winner, at random, from the correct answers. Closing date June 19th, 2013…….. Please don’t forget to title your email Quaich competition.

What is the Centenary Quaich?

1. Quaich which resides in the Scottish Parliament building and is used for ceremonial occasions.
2. An international rugby union trophy contested annually by Ireland and Scotland.
3. A annual flat race run at Ayr races each September with the Centenary Quaich also being the name of the trophy.
4. A quaich presented to Queen Victoria by her loyal Scottish Subjects at the turn of the twentieth century.

Terms and Conditions:-  The winner will be notified of their win by email and the prize sent by post. No further correspondence will entered into and the judges decisions are final. The prize cannot be substituted or exchanged for cash. The competition is open to all except employees or relatives of Alex Scott & Co (kiltmakers.co.uk) or employees and relatives of Red Evolution. Important – entries will only be accepted from those who are 18 years old or over. This contest will run until Wednesday June 19th, 2013.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Ninth Round of Single Oak Project Bourbon

Interesting Insights Learned from Participants  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May, 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery releases the ninth round of the Single Oak Project Bourbon and with it some interesting perspectives from the top two consumer reviewers.

In this ninth release, all of the bourbons that comprise this release entered the barrel at 125 proof, aged within the concrete walls and floors of Warehouse L, with a number three barrel char after the staves were seasoned for six months.  This allows the release to focus on three other variables, the recipe, wood grain size, and tree cut.  All of the other variables such as aging warehouse, entry proof, char level, and stave seasoning remain constant.

So far, more than 2,481 industry expert and consumer reviews have been logged online at www.singleoakproject.com and barrel number 106 continues to remain at the top, for now.  It has battled for that top spot with barrel number 97 for the past several months, but currently retains its lead as the consumer favorite.

Two of the top consumer reviewers of the Single Oak Project, both of them members of the MAD Oak Apostles tasting club in Madison, Wis., have shared their insights into what they’ve learned so far on the Single Oak Project.

Michael Dereszynski, who is the organizer of the Mad Oak Apostles, is the leader for number of barrels reviewed and says what he enjoys most about the Project is the learning, “It made me more aware and appreciative of what comes out of a bottle, as well as the discipline needed in analyzing a series of samples. It became a project within the Project for me to hone these skills.”

Dereszynski also learned that he prefers wheated recipe bourbons over rye recipe bourbons, saying, “Before the Project started, had you asked me, I would have said my recipe preference was rye, not wheat. But after compiling my reviews, apparently I favor the wheat.” He adds, “I prefer a wheated recipe at 105 entry proof, no preference in top or bottom of the tree or the char level, but seasoned staves for 12 month and stored in a concrete floored warehouse.” Dereszynski’s favorite barrel so far is #56, which scored a “91” rating by Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible 2013.

Scott Reich, who is the second place reviewer of the most barrels, was surprised at how much he enjoyed wheated bourbons as well.  “I tried one wheat recipe bourbon a few years ago in a tasting that included several rye recipe bourbons. I found the wheated bourbon to be quite bland, so have tended to avoid them ever since.” Now according to Reich’s reviews, he’s been surprised to find that while 58% of his favorites in the Single Oak Project are rye recipe, 42% are wheat recipe.

Reich has also found he enjoys bourbons aged in barrels made from the bottom of the tree and he also has a strong preference for those aged in the concrete floor warehouse.  Reich adds his favorite so far was from barrel #136, which was given a “92” rating in the Whisky Bible 2013.

All of the whiskey reviews entered on www.singleoakproject.com will determine which Single Oak Project Bourbon is the favorite of fans worldwide. Buffalo Trace looks forward to more reviews, to hear what bourbon drinkers think, and will craft the perfect bourbon based on consumer feedback.

“It’s gratifying to hear the knowledge consumers are gaining from their reviews. Not only is it helping us to create the perfect bourbon, it’s helping them learn more about their taste preferences and what the different effects like aging environment or proof entry can have on a bourbon,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This ninth release will reach stores towards the end of May. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The ninth release is made up of barrel numbers 5, 6, 37, 38, 69, 70, 101, 102, 133, 134, 165, and 166.  All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com