Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel Small Batch Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Hand-selected barrels, blended in small batches and bottled at 110 proof, deliver intensified flavors from Rebel’s traditional wheated mash bill

St. LOUIS (Nov. 28, 2023) – Lux Row Distillers announced the release of Rebel Small Batch Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, featuring barrels that were hand-selected by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe and blended into small batches. A limited allocation of Rebel Small Batch Reserve is set to reach retail shelves across the country later this month at a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Rebel Small Batch Reserve features some of the finest barrels from Rebel’s traditional four-year-old wheated-bourbon mash bill, bottled at 110 proof to deliver a more intense flavor. The resulting bourbon features an aroma containing rich scents of honey, vanilla and caramel; a palate of dark fruit, caramel and vanilla with robust tones from the barrel; and a warm finish, followed by a light spice.

“It’s always a pleasure to set aside notable barrels to release in small batches, as it provides fans of our bourbons the opportunity to enjoy the brands they love in a unique way,” said Rempe. “Rebel Small Batch Reserve is an example of taking the same time-honored wheated recipe created in 1849 and presenting it in a small-batch format and at 110 proof. The result is an exceptionally bold, yet dependably smooth, take on Rebel that consumers are certain to love.”

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Sotheby’s Unveils Historic American Spirits This Luxury Week

Spanning 700+ Lots, Whisky & Whiskey | Festive Spirits and American Classics
 is Replete With Rare Bottles Never Before Seen at Auction

Live Auction in New York 9 December

From left to right: D.H. Cromwell 15 Year Black 1999-2000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000); Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Decanter 50.0 abv (est. $20,000 – 30,000); LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year Old Barrel #1 67.6 abv (est. $20,000 – 30,000); Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year Old Blue Smoke 92.6 Proof (est. $20,000 – 30,000)

“The collection contains some of America’s rarest whiskeys that only surface once in a blue moon. This December sale is the “blue moon” and the first time many of these bottles have been publicly offered. These rare whiskeys will go under the hammer in our final Spirits auction of the year in our Sotheby’s New York saleroom — a holiday celebration of Scotch, Bourbon and Rye that we welcome all collectors to join us at.”

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist

NEW YORK, 29 November 2023 – This December, Sotheby’s will present Whisky & Whiskey | Festive Spirits and American Classics, an unmatched assembly of one-of-a-kind American whiskey from the early 20th century through the golden era of private bottling in the 2000s, a period during which – despite low consumer demand for American whiskey – visionary distillers and producers turned out some of the best bourbon and rye ever bottled. 

The collection is replete with legendary bottles including LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, D.H Cromwell and several extremely rare bottles from the A.H. Hirsch line of whiskeys – a selection unlikely to be repeated anytime soon (full details below). A majority of the collection is significantly older than the standard bourbon and rye sold domestically, and was intended for export to Japan and Europe, where collectors clamored for well-aged American whiskey. Released in very small batches, only a handful of bottles eventually made it back to the United States, making them almost impossible to find at any price today.

A Selection of Highlights

Live Auction 9 December

Van Winkle Special Reserve 19 Year Old Corti brothers 90.4 proof

Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

Corti Brothers is a gourmet grocery store in Sacramento, California, that in the 1980s became one of the earliest buyers for Julian Van Winkle III’s bourbon, which he was buying from Stitzel-Weller and bottling at his Old Commonwealth distillery. The people at Corti Brothers were far ahead of the whiskey curve, and they ordered 19-year-old bourbon at a time when well-aged American whiskey was practically non-existent – bottles like this one constitute the first known private-barrel bourbon selection. It was Darrell Corti, who ran the business at the time, who first convinced Van Winkle to use a cognac-style bottle. Today bottles from Van Winkle that carry the Corti Brothers name rank among the rarest and most sought-after whiskeys in the world.

Van Winkle Special Reserve 20-Year Old-Cork N Bottle 90.4 Proof

Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

Gordon Hue, the owner of the Cork N Bottle liquor store in northern Kentucky, teamed with Julian Van Winkle III in the 1980s and 1990s to create some of the most iconic whiskeys America has ever seen – including this, among the first 20-year-old bourbons offered by Van Winkle and a complete game-changer in terms of pushing up age statements on American whiskey, at a time when bourbon appreciation was at its nadir. Today, the Cork N Bottle releases of Van Winkle Special Reserve rank among the pinnacles of the legendary label.

D.H. Cromwell 15 Year Black 1999-2000

Estimate: $15,000 – $20,000

One of the rarest whiskeys produced by Julian Van Winkle III at his Old Commonwealth Distillery, this bottle – one of just 72 – pays tribute to a famed Milwaukee bar owner named Helen Cromell (she often added a W to her last name because she said it was easier to remember). Nicknamed Dirty Helen for her spicy vocabulary, she was a diehard fan of Old Fitzgerald bourbon and a close friend of the Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. Cromell died in 1969, and in 2000 Van Winkle III prepared this one-time release in coordination with Gordon Jackson, owner of Old Town Liquors in Louisville. True to her personality, the letters VGS on the label stand for “Very Good Sh!@.”

LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year Old Barrel #1 67.6 abv

Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

In the 2000s, LeNell Santa Ana Camacho owned a specialty liquor store in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Ahead of her time, she reveled in American whiskey: She not only carried brands like Pappy Van Winkle in her shop, but she traveled to Kentucky to see how she could source more. On one of those trips, she met Drew Kulsveen of the Willett distillery; they got to talking, and soon the two were selecting four barrels of rye whiskey, aged between 23 and 24 years and bottled at cask strength. It was a great choice: the barrels came from a legendary run of whiskey distilled at the Bernheim Distillery, in Louisville, in the early 1980s. Other legendary whiskeys came from the same batch, like Rathskeller Rye and the Bitter Truth, but LeNell’s Red Hook Rye has emerged as the most distinctive and sought after American whiskey, perhaps of all time. To top it all off, this bottle is signed by LeNell herself.

Rathskeller Rye 136 Proof

Estimate: $18,000 – $24,000

Built by two German immigrants in an opulent European style, the Seelbach is Louisville’s grandest hotel. In its basement sits the Rathskeller, a ceramic-encrusted pub that today is used as a ballroom. In 2007 the hotel’s owners commissioned the Willett Distillery to bottle two whiskeys, a bourbon and a rye, to commemorate its rich history. The 24-year-old rye, known as Rathskeller, came from the same run of whiskey that went into bottles like Doug’s Green Ink and LeNell’s Red Hook Rye – legendary company befitting one of the country’s most desired whiskeys.

Michter’s Single Barrel Rye 25 Year Old 117.3 Proof

Estimate: $15,000 – $20,000

Beginning in the late 1990s, the spirits importer Joe Magliocco and his team at Michter’s, a brand he had resurrected a few years earlier, began buying up old stocks of bourbon and rye from distilleries around Kentucky. They bottled them first at 10 years old, then later at 25 years. The first 25-year-old rye release, including this bottle, appeared in 2011, and quickly set the standard for what great old rye should taste like. At the time Michter’s contracted with Willett to bottle for them. After 2013, Michter’s did the bottling themselves; bottles like this one, from the earlier Willett years, are therefore all the more desired.

Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year Old Blue Smoke 92.6 Proof

Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

The early 2000s were a high time for Julian Van Winkle III – he signed an agreement to distill and bottle his brands at Buffalo Trace, ensuring a future for the Van Winkle label, while at the same time he bottled a series of private-label whiskeys that have since become legendary. Among them is this bottle from 2003, which he created for Blue Smoke, a BBQ restaurant in downtown Manhattan. With its red background and bold typefaces, it is easily the most distinctive label Van Winkle ever produced.

Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon 28 Year Old 128.8 Proof 

Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000

Pacific Edge, a wine and spirits shop in Agoura Hills, California, was an early and ardent fan of the Willett Distillery’s Family Estate program. Barrels they selected would be bottled with a standard Willett label, with the details about proof, age and customer filled in by hand (at first). Because the shop got in early, it was able to purchase unbelievable barrels, like this 28-year-old bourbon, one of the oldest ever to go into bottles unblended with younger whiskey.

Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Decanter 50.0 abv

Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

At 25 years, this is the oldest Van Winkle whiskey ever released – the “Pappy of Pappys,” it’s called, not only because of its unmistakable flavor profile but because it is by far the best, rarest, most coveted bottle the Julian Van Winkle III has ever produced. It appeared in 2014, and only 710 were made. The wheated bourbon inside comes from Stitzel-Weller and is some of the last the distillery made before closing down in 1992. The bottle comes in a wooden box with an accompanying crystal stopper, made by Glencairn. This is pure, unadulterated bourbon luxury, in a bottle, and well worth every penny one pays for it.

A.H. Hirsch Reserve 15 Year Old 95.6 Proof 1974

Estimate: $5,000 – $7,000

This bottle ranks among the rarest bourbons ever produced. Its story began in 1974, when a Pennsylvania liquor executive named Adolph H. Hirsch ordered a run of bourbon from the Pennco Distillery, near Philadelphia. He later sold it to a Kentucky liquor retailer named Gordon Hue, who had it bottled by Julian Van Winkle III at his Old Commonwealth Distillery. They began in 1989 with 15-year-old whiskey, sealed in gold wax, making this bottle one of the very first released in what would become the most legendary runs of American whiskey ever.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

ABOUT SOTHEBY’S WINE

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $158 million in 2022, a 20% increase from 2021. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest ever total for a charity wine auction.

In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Glenmorangie shines a dazzling new light on its

infinitely delicious 18 Years Old 

— Endlessly complex Glenmorangie Infinita is reimagined with luxurious new look —

Glenmorangie today celebrates the infinite deliciousness of its award-winning 18-year-old whisky with a bold new look and evocative name. Shining a brilliant new light on its luxury flagship, the Highland single malt Scotch whisky showcases the limitless flavours of Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old. With elegant floral notes threaded through honey, dried-fruit depths and subtle spiciness, this single malt is regarded by its creator as his most complex and beautifully balanced whisky.

Led by renowned Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers are endlessly imaginative on their mission to dream up delicious whiskies. And many years ago, intent on creating the quintessential Glenmorangie, Dr Bill first brought The Infinita to life. Fragrant and multi-layered, his favourite whisky has been delighting the experts ever since, winning dozens of top accolades.

The Infinita begins with Glenmorangie’s silky, fruity spirit, crafted using water from its mineral-rich water source, The Tarlogie Springs. It is distilled in Glenmorangie’s giraffe-high stills, whose height allows more space for taste and aroma. For the first 15 years, this whisky rests in hand-selected American oak bourbon casks. Then, a portion is transferred into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years. Once 18 years have passed, Dr Bill reunites them in a single malt so infinitely complex it brings a wondrous new flavour experience with every sip. You might scent honeyed notes rippling across pools of caramelised orange. Or taste gardens of jasmine and lemon blossom, touched by the breeze. Or a rhapsody of warm, figgy richness and orange marmalade depths, warmed with a gentle spiciness.

The whisky’s limitless deliciousness is stunningly reflected in vibrant new packaging to be rolled out around the world from November 2023. The bold blue hue of its gift box is threaded with luxurious linework, which curves into a beautiful infinity symbol. And on the whisky’s distinctively elegant bottle, the label glows with a rich copper tone – a tribute to Glenmorangie’s signature copper stills.

Dr Bill Lumsden said: “For me, Glenmorangie Infinita encapsulates every element of our house style in perfect harmony and is our most deliciously complex creation. A favourite with whisky lovers old and new, it seamlessly unites subtle sherry-cask hints and woody notes from its great age, with our Distillery’s signature soft and fruity character. The result is a beautifully balanced single malt so multi-layered, it’s as if you are drinking a different whisky every time.

“There are aromas of honey, vanilla, narcissus and jasmine, and tastes of figs, dates, nuts, gentle spices and more. Fans of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old can rest assured that our wondrous whisky is unchanged. I’m sure they’ll agree that, as its new name suggests, Glenmorangie Infinita is deliciousness without end.”

Glenmorangie The Infinita is now available in the UK at Glenmorangie.com and on Amazon, RRP: £130.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new limited edition expressions, events and news, join Glenmorangie’s World of Wonder: https://www.glenmorangie.com/members

TASTING NOTES

Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old is bottled at 43% ABV

Colour: Honeyed gold.

Nose: Tangy, caramelised citrus-fruit aromas combine with a complex floral fragrance – a blend of honeysuckle, narcissus and jasmine.

Taste: A soft, oily texture gives way to flavours of nuts and spices, with notes of dates, figs and a hint of wood smoke.

Finish: Long and infinitely enticing, as the sweetness of dried fruit and dryness of Oloroso sherry develop.

RRP: £130 

About Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old:

This celebrated whisky has its origins in the 18-year-old single malt Glenmorangie first created more than 30 years ago. That deeply sherried whisky was subtly transformed by Dr Bill Lumsden after he joined the Distillery in 1995. It has been adored by whisky lovers and industry experts ever since, being awarded with 23 global awards since 2011. In his quest to create the most complex and beautifully balanced Glenmorangie, Dr Bill ages the whisky in hand-selected American oak bourbon casks for 15 years. Then, a portion is transferred into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years. He reunites them after 18 years. Glenmorangie now celebrates and presents the whisky’s wondrous and endless tastes in a new light, renaming it The Infinita to reflect its infinite deliciousness. 

The packaging changes include a bold blue gift box, vibrantly coloured to catapult the whisky into Glenmorangie’s wondrous world. Its luxurious linework depicts an infinity symbol – a nod to the whisky’s name and limitless flavours. On the back, are the whisky’s tasting notes and the signature of its creator, Dr Bill Lumsden. When the box is opened, the inner is a tantalising orange – a delicious surprise in Glenmorangie’s signature colour.  The bottle has a subtly smaller label, allowing the single malt’s wondrous hue to speak for itself. Its copper closure reflects Glenmorangie’s towering copper stills, while a swirl to discover in the base of the bottle, is inspired by the Distillery’s water source, the Tarlogie Spring. In order to increase its sustainability, Glenmorangie has designed the gift box from one material for easier recycling. Meanwhile, the brand has reduced the weight of this whisky’s bottle by 12%, to further reduce its carbon emissions.

From 2011 to 2023, Glenmorangie’s 18 year old expression has won 23 industry awards, including:

• IWSC Gold Best in Class, Gold Outstanding, and Gold (multiple times)
• San Francisco Spirits Competition: Double Gold and Gold (multiple times)
• World Whiskies Best Highland Single Malt (2015)
• ISC Gold (multiple times)
• IWC Gold (2017)
• IWC Best Single Malt Scotch 18 Year Old (2021)

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the magic of a walk in the woods (A Tale of the Forest) the joy of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake) a rich and intense coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkerssavour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelinesfor alcohol consumption.

Baker’s® Bourbon Brings Its Legacy To Life Through Exclusive Art Collection

NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR ANY BOTTLE OF WHISKY:

Bottle of The Macallan 1926 Sells for £2.2 Million / $2.7 Million

18 NOVEMBER 2023 – This afternoon at Sotheby’s in London, a new auction record for any bottle of spirit or wine was set when The Macallan 1926, featuring the Valerio Adami label, sold for £2,187,500 / $2,714,250 – almost three times the pre-sale low estimate (est. £750,000-1.2 million) and eclipsing the previous record of £1.5m ($1.9m) achieved by Sotheby’s in 2019, for the Fine & Rare version.

After being aged in sherry casks for six decades, just 40 bottles of The Macallan 1926 were bottled in 1986, representing the oldest Macallan whisky ever produced at that time. The appearance of any of these bottles at auction over the years has produced extraordinary results – across 2018 and 2019, the auction record was broken three times by three of the different variations (Sir Peter Blake, Michael Dillon, Fine & Rare).

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, said: “This record-breaking result for The Macallan 1926 is nothing short of momentous for the whisky industry as a whole. When we first set the record for the Fine & Rare back in 2019 it was a defining moment not just for Sotheby’s, but for me personally. This new record result for The Macallan Adami feels all the more emotional for me, having worked directly with the consignor and distillery to recondition, nose and authenticate this bottle, then finish this journey on the rostrum fielding bids in the room and on the phone. Bringing down the hammer for a new whisky world record is a feeling I’ll never forget.”

Sotheby’s worked directly with The Macallan to recondition and authenticate this bottle, the first time this has ever been done for a 1926. As part of the process The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, undertook a nosing of the whisky.

Kirsteen Campbell commented: “Being involved in the sensory analysis of this incomparable whisky was an incredible privilege.

“The whisky had an incredible depth of character – rich dark fruits, black cherry compote alongside sticky dates, followed by intense sweet antique oak, which is for me a recognisable note of such aged Macallan. Dark chocolate, treacle, ginger… the notes go on and on. It was a very special moment to experience the opening of this iconic 60 Years Old single malt, first bottled 37 years ago, and I hope the new custodian will enjoy the same privilege.”

The reconditioning process involved replacing both the capsule and the cork, applying new glue to the corners of the bottle labels and taking a 1ml liquid sample to test against another 1926 bottle at the Edrington offices in Glasgow. The bottle sold today is now the foundation for all other 1926 bottles that may undergo testing in the future.

Of the 40 bottles drawn in 1986, 14 were decorated with the iconic Fine and Rare labels. Two bottles were released with no labels at all. Of these two, one was hand painted by Irish artist Michael Dillon – when sold in 2018, it became the first bottle of whisky to surpass £1 million.

Of the remaining bottles, in 1986 twelve were labelled by Pop Artist Sir Peter Blake, whose work saw the most notable events from this year in the roaring 20s depicted in black and white sketches and photography. In 1993, a further 12 bottles had their labels designed by Valerio Adami. The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 is now the first bottle in history to exceed £2 million.

The rarity factor contributing to this particular bottle appearing on the market was amplified further in the knowledge that one of the Adami-labelled bottles is thought to have been destroyed during a Japanese earthquake in 2011. It is also believed that at least one of the has been opened and consumed, verified by images taken in Japan. Therefore one can assume that of the 12 Valerio Adami bottles originally created, only 10 remain in existence.

The Italian artist Valerio Adami (born in 1935) was recommended to The Macallan by their Italian agent, Armando Giovinetti. Limiting his palette to black and white for the label, Adami produced a design that has since become iconic in the world of whisky.

Today’s sale was part of Sotheby’s ‘Weekend of Whisky’, a two-day event which also established an auction record for a collection of Japanese whisky. Yesterday, KODAWARI | The Greatest Japanese Whisky Collection realised £1.8 million / $2.2 million, headlined by a bottle of Karuizawa 1960 – a 52 Year Old whisky from Cask #5627 – taking the top spot. The sale was predominantly made up of single cask releases from the closed Karuizawa distillery, many of which rarely come to auction.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Legendary Kentucky Distiller, J. Mattingly 1845, Offers Personalized Bourbon Bottles Just in Time for the Holidays 

Online or In-Person Custom Bottlings Allow Everyone to play Santa Claus

FRANKFORT, KY (Nov. 20, 2023) –  Since its formal inception in 1845, the name Mattingly has been associated with both world-class-bourbon-making and innovation.  With at least nine known distilleries operated since its earliest days, and owning possibly the first registered distillery in Kentucky according to historical records, the Mattingly family has found new and unique ways to bring its handcrafted bourbon batches to its guests and customers.  John Graves Mattingly (1823 – 1910) was responsible for perfecting the now famous column still used by the greatest bourbon producers in the world to provide a more continuous process to satisfy the growing demand of his customers.  Now, Jeff Mattingly, a sixth-generation descendant of John Graves, has created and perfected the first-of-its-kind custom bourbon blending process at his new distillery in Frankfort, KY that allows guests to not only blend their personal bottle from multiple “Double-Staved” proprietary barrels selected by the Mattingly team of blenders, but also choose their bottle, label, closure (including wax colors of red, green silver or gold) and their own personal name for their creation.

Now, J. Mattingly 1845 is taking its latest innovation to another level by providing its custom bourbon bottles to its customers across the country through the online J. Mattingly 1845 Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience.  The J. Mattingly 1845 blending team has been selecting hundreds of barrels of Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey to create blends for customized bottles for this holiday season to give as gifts or just to enjoy this world-class, Double-Staved Bourbon. “We are thrilled to get to watch and interact daily with our thousands of guests who come to the distillery to create their own custom blend and bottle of J. Mattingly 1845,” said Andrew Varga, managing partner for J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  “This holiday season we are equally excited to expand the experience online to provide our customers around the country the ability to enjoy these custom bottles for themselves or as gifts for their loved ones.”  

The digital J. Mattingly 1845 Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience launched online at the jmattingly1845.com website today, and all orders placed by Dec. 8 will arrive by Dec. 24 (shipping exclusions apply for some U.S. states). Orders placed after Dec. 8 will be filled and shipped out as soon as possible but not guaranteed prior to December 24.  An option to have a gift box and branded card will be offered to ensure a memento can be wrapped for gift giving. “Whether you’re able to visit us in person in Frankfort to blend your own custom bottle or order it online using our pre-selected mash bills, the J. Mattingly elves will craft your personalized whiskey, allowing you to choose ‘one hell of a pick’ for yourself or for your friends, family or business associates this holiday season,” said Harry Richart, president of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.

The J. Mattingly Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience is available online Nov. 20 through Dec. 8 and in person at the Distillery in Frankfort through Dec. 23 (reservations are requested for the in-person experience).  Gift cards are available for the in-person and online experience.  Prices for the custom bottles start at $155 for a 750 mL bottle.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD CELEBRATES 325 YEARS

WITH EXCLUSIVE LAPHROAIG BOTTLING

Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd honours its historic 325th anniversary with an exclusive bottling handpicked by Chair, Lizzy Rudd.

The limited edition release, derived from the renowned Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, is a testament to the company’s rich history of exceptional craftsmanship that spans over three centuries. The liquid itself has been patiently maturing since 1999 to create exceptional depth, complexity, and character.

Lizzy Rudd, Berry Bros. & Rudd Chair, commented:

“We started bottling casks under our label in the early 19th century so to celebrate our 325th anniversary, we wanted to offer something truly exceptional. This exclusive bottling from Laphroaig is a testament to our long-standing commitment to curating the finest spirits.”

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer at Berry Bros. & Rudd, added:

“Every so often, when tasting through our repository of casks, one barrel begins to separate itself from the pack. When this happens, it feels beholden on us to find the ideal moment for such casks to shine at their brightest. Selflessly tasting an earmarked special cask repeatedly over several years helps us to pinpoint the optimum age for bottling – thus capturing the whisky at the height of its development. We had been tracking this barrel for a while and, with unknowable serendipity, its particular apogee coincided with our 325th anniversary celebrations”

From the creation of Cutty Sark whisky at the dawn of the 20th century to the recent launch of The Collective #1: The Pioneers, a celebration of sustainability, Berry Bros. & Rudd has consistently demonstrated innovation and leadership in the world of spirits.

Berry Bros. & Rudd 325th Anniversary Laphroaig 1999 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £800.00, will be on sale at bbr.com, beginning 21st November 2023, with only 232 bottles made available.

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TASTING NOTES

Berry Bros. & Rudd 325th Anniversary Laphroaig 1999 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A spectacular bouquet; sophisticated peat smoke, luscious pineapple, coal soot and mango all appear in perfect balance. This dram rewards some patience and a little breathing time shows yet more complexity, with lychee, apricot, harbour rope and engine oil. The palate lives up to the promise offered by the nose with perfect poise and grace, peat smoke beautifully tempered with age and a serene tropicality note to offer a beguiling experience.  Subtle vanilla, spice, bonfire ash and soot linger on the finish.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a trusted merchant since 1698 and in 2023 it celebrates 325 years in business. It’s survived over the centuries because, as a family business, it has always operated with family values in mind. Recognised as the global destination for fine wine and spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd still operates from its historic home at No. 3 St James’s Street and are committed to helping customers drink better now, and in the future. As it marks its 325th year, it continues to collaborate with our community of customers, producers, and colleagues to help create a sustainable future so it can confidently raise a toast to the next 325 years.

Oldest Vintage Glenfarclas Wealth Solutions Available On The Mark Littler Shop 

There are no remaining Glenfarclas casks distilled prior to 1953. 

As vintage Glenfarclas whiskies go, you will be hard pressed to find one older than this. Glenfarclas distillery has no remaining stock that was distilled prior to 1953. As a result, whisky collectors vie for these Glenfarclas 1953 58 Year Old Wealth Solutions bottles when they come to market.

The Glenfarclas 1953 58 Year Old Wealth Solutions #1674 is available for £5,151 on the Mark Littler Shop.

The whisky was distilled on 20th November 1953 (70 years old as of this week) and bottled on 13th February 2012. It is from a single sherry butt, number #1674.

A panel of whisky experts and connoisseurs handpicked this sherried single malt for bottling and sale through Wealth Solutions, Poland. These experts included Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun, Ben Ellefsen who is the Sales Director at Master of Malt, Michał Kowalski of Wealth Solutions, and George Grant of the Grant family, owners of the Glenfarclas distillery. Four casks were tasted but #1674 was the chosen cask.

Only 400 of these legendary bottles were released and sold exclusively through Wealth Solutions. As such, they are extremely rare in the UK market. If you would like to get your hands on some of the oldest remaining Glenfarclas stock, head over to the Mark Littler Shop.

About Mark Littler Limited

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Each week he publishes new videos on his YouTube channel about topics such as cask investment fraud (and how to avoid it), the history of distilleries and bottles, debunking whisky investment myths and much more. For more information visit www.marklittler.com.

If you are interested in the Glenfarclas 1953 58 Year Old Wealth Solutions or would like to chat to one of the team about our other services, please get in touch.

Email: whisky@marklittler.com

Telephone: 01260 218 718

Ayrshire-based Lochlea Distillery crowned

International Trade Business of the Year in regional awards

Darren McCormick from Lochlea Distillery

and Samantha McKechnie from Neogen (award category sponsor)

 The independently owned and family-run Lochlea Distillery in South Ayrshire – one of the very few farm-to-cask whisky distilleries in Scotland – has scooped the ‘Going Global – International Trade Business of the Year’ award at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The annual Ayrshire Business Awards attract high profile industry support and are established as the leading awards ceremony for Ayrshire businesses, providing the opportunity to showcase major achievements and to celebrate outstanding success.

The winners were announced at the 2023 Awards Dinner on Friday (6th October) at Ayr Racecourse where the Lochlea Distillery team were delighted to win the Going Global – International Trade Business of the Year category, celebrating companies that have demonstrated significant international growth and proving that borders are not a barrier to trade.

Lochlea Distillery has a rich Scottish heritage and was once home to Robert Burns himself who worked and lived on the farm during his formative years, from 1777 to 1784. Having only launched their first whisky in January 2022, Lochlea’s whiskies are already stocked in over 150 retailers in the UK and in 20 export markets worldwide.

David Ferguson, Commercial Director at Lochlea Distillery commented: “We are over the moon to have won this prestigious award celebrating growing businesses in our region, especially given the calibre of our fellow Ayrshire finalists. We have a strong and expanding local customer base whose support has been key since we launched last year. On the export side, it means a lot to our team that Lochlea has been recognised for our achievements to date, and we have exciting plans to continue moving into more international markets in future”.

About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222 acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully-operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland.

Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund Announces 2023 Grant Recipients

Veteran Community Action Grants award $75,000 to nonprofits that serve the veteran community

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey announced today 15 recipients of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grants. The 2023 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded $75,000 across projects that make a meaningful difference in the enjoyment and quality of life for veterans. From training service dogs to professional development, music therapy and medical care, each program supports giving back to those who served.

As an American-made and owned Bourbon, Evan Williams is proud to support U.S. military veterans through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. First established in 2020, the fund continues the brand’s support of veteran communities since launching the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program and limited-edition label in 2015. To date, Evan Williams has recognized 54 veteran heroes on its American Hero Edition bottles and donated $600,000 to nonprofits.

“The 2023 recipients of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund Grants are an incredible group of organizations who deserve to be recognized for their amazing work to help their fellow veterans,” said Molly Vincent, Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager. “We would like to commend these organizations and their leaders who selflessly give back to their communities and protect the American spirit of service.”

The 15 recipients of the 2023 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund are as follows:

AZIMUTH CHECK FOUNDATION: ACF helps injured veterans achieve wellness in an atmosphere of camaraderie by providing them with challenging and rewarding events, including hiking, mountaineering, deep sea fishing, rock climbing, snowshoe hiking, sporting events & tournaments, and more. Learn more at https://azimuthcheckfoundation.org/.

BATTLE DAWGS: Battle Dawgs offers a place for veterans to relax, reset, and refocus through outdoor rehabilitation, mentorship, and leadership programs. Learn more at https://www.battledawgs.org/.

EXTREME ADVENTURES, LLC: Extreme Adventures provides outdoor experiences for Veterans and their families with goal of enhancing their lives through recreational and social opportunities that reengage them with the activities they love and unite them with people who share similar backgrounds and experiences. Learn more at https://xtremeadventures.org/.

FINAL SALUTE, INC:  Final Salute was founded in 2010 with the goal of providing homeless female veterans and their families with safe, suitable housing. Learn more at https://www.finalsaluteinc.org/Home.html.

HEROES ON THE WATER, NORTHWEST WASHINGTON CHAPTER: Heroes on the Water provides kayak fishing excursions to veterans, first-responders, active-duty military members and their families at no cost. These therapeutic events support America’s heroes and improve their quality of life. Learn more at https://heroesonthewater.org/.

HILLVETS FOUNDATION: HillVets serves Veterans and the Military-connected community in Washington, D.C. by providing opportunities for networking and second careers of service in government. Learn more at https://www.hillvets.org/.

INFINITE WISHES FOUNDATION: The mission of the Infinite Heroes program through Infinite Wishes Foundation is to provide experiences (“Gratitude Tours”) to active-duty military and veterans that have been combat-wounded and are permanently disabled, are mobility impaired, or have a service related life-threatening illness. Learn more at https://www.infinitewishes.org/infiniteheroes.

LITTLE BLESSINGS VETERAN AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Through the healing power of equine services, wellness programs, and community integration, Little Blessings helps veterans and their families successfully transition to civilian life. Learn more at https://lbveteranoutreach.org/.

NAVY SAFE HARBOR FOUNDATION: Navy Safe Harbor Foundation works with Navy Wounded Warrior to support wounded, ill, and injured Navy and Coast Guard Sailors, their families, and caregivers through financial assistance and non-medical care. Learn more at https://safeharborfoundation.org/.

REFOCUS-ON-U: Refocus-On-U offers programs designed to help veterans receive wholeness of the mind through learning how to manage relationships, increasing motivation, boosting creativity, living above loss, managing stress without distress, overcoming depression and anxiety, and achieving peak mental performance. Learn more at https://www.refocusonu.org/.

ROBIN’S HOME: Robin’s Home provides a full continuum of care for homeless, unstably housed and low-income female veterans and their children, through housing, case management, financial literacy, workforce development, and more. Learn more at https://robinshome.us/.

SHE’S THE VETERAN: Mental health in female veterans is under-researched, under-diagnosed, and under-treated. She’s the Veteran provides comprehensive support services for women who have served, improving their lives through activities, advocacy, and research. Learn more at https://shestheveteran.org/.

STAND WITH ME ASSISTANCE DOG TEAM TRAINING, INC: Stand With Me provides an intensive school for canines and their humans, allowing veterans with service-related mental health disabilities to train their own service dogs. Learn more at https://www.standwithmeorg.com/about-us.html.

WARRIOR MUSIC FOUNDATION, INC: Warrior Music Foundation provides an avenue for healing by offering free music therapy and lessons to active-duty military, veterans, and their families promoting learning and camaraderie along the way. Learn more at https://www.warriormusicfoundation.org/.

WARRIOR’S ART ROOM, INC: Warrior’s Art Room provides an inclusive space for veterans and their families to express themselves through a variety of mediums, engage in creative workshops, and build a community. Learn more at https://warriorsartroom.org/index.html.

As the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world, Evan Williams is proud of its American heritage and honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country. The 2024 class of Evan Williams American-Made Heroes will be selected from affiliate organizations who applied through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund Grant process and will be announced in early May. To learn more about the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Program, please visit american-madeheroes.com.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Kentucky Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past eight years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitors center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND: Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. Our purpose is: to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support nonprofit organizations that help veterans through a specialized grant program.

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