John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon named “Chairman’s Trophy Finalist”

at 2018 ultimate spirits challenge 

Five A. Smith Bowman spirits take home honors

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (May 23, 2018) – Judges awarded five spirits from A. Smith Bowman Distillery high honors at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and named one a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist for the second year in a row.  New to the 2018 Challenge were three Tinkerman’s Gin expressions, crafted by Master Distiller Brian Prewitt and released in limited markets earlier this year, which scored well in their USC debut.

For the second year in a row, John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named a “Chairman’s Trophy Finalist,” and was awarded “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.” John J. Bowman was also deemed to be a “Great Value.”

Also for the second year in a row, Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended.”

Tinkerman’s Gin “Sweet Spice” and “Citrus Supreme” were awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” and “Curiously Bright & Complex” was judged to be “Very Good, Strong Recommendation.”

This competition, in its eighth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2018results.

About A. Smith Bowman

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

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

Amber Glen Blended Scotch Whisky Wins Silver Medal at London Spirits Competition.

London, Amber Glen Blended Scotch Whisky won a Silver medal at the first-ever London Spirits Competition, which took place in March 2018.

“We are tremendously pleased that Amber Glen performed so highly at the 2018 London Spirits Competition. As in order to receive this distinction, Amber Glen Blended Scotch Whisky needed to score 76 to 89 in three different categories: Quality, Value and Packaging”.

“Winning this award on our home ground is particularly important to us, as it is the ultimate seal of approval and attestation that our superbly crafted 3-year-old Blended Scotch Whisky was selected by the judging panel from amongst our peers, on merit for its excellence”. Said, CEO Samuel Minionis.

Amber Glen Blended Scotch Whisky is now available at selected retail stores, restaurants, clubs & bars in London, Shanghai & Kathmandu. Try it soon at a bar near you.

For more information, please contact: info@amberglen.co.uk

SCOTTISH DADS REVEALED TO BE LEAST FUNNY IN UK 

Survey reveals Dad jokes, fashion sense and dancing as the culprits of embarrassment

Highland whisky distillery Tomatin has unveiled the most embarrassing father traits after surveying the nation ahead of Father’s Day this weekend (Sunday 17^th June).

Results revealed a mere 19% of Scots thought their dads were the funniest members of their family, compared to 20.3% in the rest of the UK.

In celebration of dads across the UK and their groan-tastic gags, Tomatin surveyed the public and found 23.5% Scots found their dad’s jokes were the most embarrassing trait, compared to 14% of the rest of the UK.

Jennifer Masson, Marketing Manager of Tomatin, said, “Most dads are notorious for their fashion sense, dancing and jokes – much to the embarrassment of their children. So, we thought in celebration of Father’s Day this weekend, we would ask the Scottish public to find out what they think and what better way to raise a glass to all the dads out there!”

In close second, 15% of Scots thought their dad’s dancing was the most embarrassing trait, compared to 11.9% of the UK.

However, Scottish dads can redeem themselves, as 7.6% of the UK said their dad’s fashion sense was the most embarrassing trait, while only 6.5% of Scots said their dad’s style was a major fashion faux-pas.

Comedy veteran Fred MacAulay also delivered the top five dad jokes as voted for by the public in a quirky video.

Fred added, “The Dad joke is notoriously unfunny — steeped in captain-obvious observations and painful puns, so it was a bit of a challenge delivering them with comedy kudos, but it was really good fun.”

Watch the full video here:  https://bit.ly/2JJ6rDb 

Based in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Tomatin Distillery is famous for its award-winning whisky range including its non-age statement ‘Legacy’ single malt, and its 12, 14, 18 and 36-year-old whiskies. Shop the full range ahead of Father’s Day online at www.tomatin.com/shop/.

The Sazerac Company Considers New Bottling Facility in New Albany, Ind.

Facility projected to bring up to 110 jobs to area 

NEW ALBANY, IND. (May 30, 2018) The Sazerac Company, one of the largest American family-owned distilling companies in the United States, announced today its intention to purchase a manufacturing facility in New Albany, Ind., where it will expand its processing, blending, packaging and distribution capabilities.  The facility, located at 707 Pillsbury Lane, is the former General Mills Pillsbury Plant, which closed in 2016.  The building has been vacant since its closing.

“We’re excited about the possibility of expanding our operations into Southern Indiana. Our contacts at the State of Indiana, the City of New Albany and the local economic development organization, One Southern Indiana, have been great partners to work with throughout this process. If all goes well, we look forward to getting our construction underway at the new facility, then on to staffing and running our new plant,” said Jeff Conder, Vice President of Manufacturing for Sazerac Co.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has offered Sazerac up to $900,000 in conditional Economic Development for a Growing Economy (“EDGE”) tax credits and up to $150,000 in training grants from the Skills Enhancement Fund based on the company’s job-creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Indiana workers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.

“Indiana’s business-friendly environment and skilled workforce offer companies like Sazerac the perfect recipe for continued success,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “We’re excited to welcome Sazerac to the Hoosier state as it establishes its first facility here, increasing its manufacturing footprint and creating good jobs in southeast Indiana.”

The New Albany City Council is scheduled to vote on final approval of the company’s local incentives next week, with the $66 million project contingent upon the council’s approval. Should incentives be granted, Sazerac anticipates starting operations as early as November of this year with a staff of approximately 50 new employees.  By the close of 2021, Sazerac estimates the 460,000-square-foot former food plant could be at full capacity and fully staffed with 110 workers in total. The company intends to start with two production lines upon opening.

“When General Mills announced it would close its doors a couple years ago, we worked hard to help the employees most affected by the news. With Sazerac on the verge of coming to New Albany, I can’t help but marvel at how far we’ve come,” said New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan. “I would like to welcome the Sazerac team to New Albany with a pledge to support their efforts to put down roots here and prosper along with us. Sazerac has a rich and storied past, and I am certain this quality company will be embraced by our community. We are excited, and we expect that this will be the beginning of a long and prosperous friendship between Sazerac and the City of New Albany.”

Sazerac has grown significantly over the past several years and has invested heavily in its manufacturing network, including large investments in its three plants in Kentucky. Its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is undergoing a $1.2 billion investment over the next ten years, including new mash cookers, bottling lines and barrel warehouses.  The company’s Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown completed a $15 million distillery and grain drying upgrade in 2017, and The Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro completed a $45 million addition in 2016 with a new state-of-the-art distribution center.

“We’re so pleased we’ve been able to invest in our facilities as we have grown our brands. Extending our manufacturing footprint into Indiana will support future growth,” added Conder.  “The business-friendly environment and the proximity of this facility to our three Kentucky plants make it an ideal location.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana said, “1si is always excited when a company of Sazerac’s prestige and success considers expanding in Southern Indiana.  This will be a double shot of good news – it not only benefits our region by creating over 100 new jobs, but also because the company is willing to make a significant investment in an existing building that has sat unoccupied for nearly two years.”  Chesser continued, “We wish Sazerac all the best and stand ready to assist them in the future.”

Pending local incentive approval, the purchase is expected to be completed June 11th.  The purchase price is not being disclosed.  

About the Sazerac Company

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

About One Southern Indiana

One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business-friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Macallan 26 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish, Darkness! 47.3%

FATHERS DAY WEB EXCLUSIVE

Buy Now

Finished for three months in a specially coopered quarter-size fresh Moscatel Sherry cask.

Bottles released – 94.

Bottle size: 50cl

Alcohol: 47.3%

Buy

In the new era of the bourbon boom, the entire industry is trying to distinguish themselves from the competition. This creates an incredibly dynamic and ever changing marketplace, one where the big producers struggle to stay relevant, while smaller producers struggle to find stocks that can viably compete. The only possible trajectory of that situation is the creation of something new – as the industry loves to call it “Whisky Innovation.” This is by no means a new trend as big companies have large R&D departments that are equally devoted to trying to predict the next trends as well as shape them. For a long time, this meant new whisky “flavors” artificially created in the lab to appeal to a certain demographic or profile.

But the explosion of craft distillers, the demise of brand loyalty, and the general proliferation of knowledge/interest about what consumers are actually drinking has led to a new phase in the future of whisky. It also strikes fear in the hearts of some purists out there, who have a strong argument to make about the centuries of whisky production that has preceded today. There’s a reason for some of the practices that have been adopted industry-wide, while other standards from eras past have been dismissed in the name of efficiency. Many craft distillers have ignored or otherwise altered industry standards in an effort to differentiate themselves, while several big producers have destroyed thousands of gallons of perfectly good stock trying to emulate some of the successful experiments of the craft side.

Many of the very best products in the innovation category take perfectly good whiskey and add something extra that turns it into GREAT whisky. Other experiments are simply the result of good sense, good taste, and some really good luck. Here are some of our favorite, non-traditional whiskies from producers both big and small that are reshaping the future of whisky as we know it.

Barrell “May 9, 2018” Infinite Barrel Project Cask Strength American Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

This is a blend of Tennessee whiskey finished in Amaro barrels, 100% Polish Malted Rye finished in PX Sherry Casks, Tennessee rye finished in Curaçao barrels, Indiana whiskey, and Irish whiskey. Aged in a semi-solera and filled with anything and everything once it’s bottled, no whiskey like it will ever exist again. One of 3096 bottles. This tastes just as outrageous as it sounds and represents one of the most successful new styles of whisky on the market. The flavor profile is somewhere in between American Craft whisky, Speyside sherried malt and classic Kentucky rye. It’s sounds disjointed and unsatisfying, but the solera aging and expert blending have the opposite effect. Round, complex and well put together, it’s truly something unique in the sea of new and derivative whisky offerings.

Smooth Ambler “Old Scout” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #10108 American Whiskey (750ml) ($39.99)

Our first single barrel of the 107 proof American Whiskey iteration of Old Scout has arrived. Spicy and bold on the palate with rich vanilla on the finish, the extra proof and concentration of the individual cask stands out immensely from the standard Smooth Ambler edition, making this barrel a lovely little anomaly. Fans of youthful, yet robust higher proof Bourbons will definitely want to try a bottle.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 17, 2018

The Old Scout people have blended together an interesting and delicious whiskey. The nose has a lot of vanilla notes with a background of caramel. In the mouth it is full bodied with a soft and creamy mouth feel. There is a beautiful long, sweet toasted sugar finish. It is 107 proof and I tasted this whiskey with water.

High West “Yippee Ki Yay” Whiskey (750ml) ($79.99)

96 points Wine Enthusiast: “Attention wine lovers: this fab bottling with the cowboy label is made with a blend of straight rye whiskies finished in two wine casks, formerly holding vermouth and Syrah. The result is a deep ruddy amber hue and a strikingly concentrated flavor profile. Look for warming layers of caramel, toffee and espresso, drying to leather, zingy orange peel and spice. Sip or mix into Manhattans or any drink including sweet vermouth. (KN)” (07/2016)

K&L Notes: Another winner from David Perkins and the gang at High West, the new “Yippee Ki Yay” takes rye whiskies from Barton and LDI distilleries and finishes the blend in both Syrah and vermouth barrels for a completely unique experience. The color is an unusual beautiful ruby red. Aromas of fresh cinnamon stick, crushed blackberries, and cassis, with dried herbs in the background. The palate has big, bold punch of cinnamon spice and blackberries on a foundation of vanilla and caramel with rye spices on the finish.

High West “Bourye” Bourbon-Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($69.99)

96 points Wine Enthusiast: “The 2017 limited edition release of this bourbon-rye blend, all a minimum of 10 years old, perfectly balances sweetness and spice. Rich caramel and brown sugar lead on the nose and palate, finishing with clove, nutmeg and cinnamon sizzle, plus a hint of orange peel. (KN)” (07/2017)

92 points Whisky Advocate: “Straight bourbon and rye whiskeys aged from 10 to 14 years, this nicely balances its dry oak, almost cedary, aromas with bourbon sweetness and a rye finish. The initial hit of orange peel, caramel, and vanilla flan yields to a spicy finish of lemon zest, peppercorns, and ginger. (JL, Summer 2017)”

K&L Notes: High West’s latest batch of Bourye, a marriage of bourbon and rye adorned with the elusive jackalope – a cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope – is back for another limited run. The Park City, Utah outpost only releases the Bourye when they have sufficient quantities of the necessary ingredients, which are getting more and more difficult to secure in today’s market. This latest batch is bottled at 46% ABV and consists of rye and bourbon whiskies aged 10 to 14 years from MGP Distillery in Indiana, formerly known as LDI and Seagrams. Considering that a simple ten year old American rye whiskey seems to be worth its weight in gold, the fact that High West has included casks of a much older heritage is no simple task. The balance between both the richness of the bourbon and the spiciness of the rye is quite wonderful here. There are no rough edges, the flavors meander from mellow oak to toasted vanilla, all with a backbone of peppery rye goodness. We never have the Bourye in stock for long and we’re always handling questions about when we’ll get more. David Perkins continues to captivate us with his American whiskey blends, now considered the gold standard of the industry.

That’s it for this week, but stay tuned for the next edition of the Whisk(e)y News!

David Othenin-Girard
SoCal Spirits Buyer
davidgirard@klwines.com@klwines.com
323-464-9463
http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com
http://onthetrail.klwines.com

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)

Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

JUNE AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 24^th June)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

Saturday, June 23rd 2:30-5:30 PM

Scotch Tasting: Glenrothes

Join us for a tasting of Glenrothes’ single malt whisky! Current and classic releases will be sampled, with whisky experts and distillery representatives on hand to answer all your whisky questions. Established in 1879, Speyside distillery Glenrothes continues to be a pioneer in the whisky industry today. Each Glenrothes whisky is produced not in according to an age statement, but by vintage – each release encapsulates a single particular year’s worth of whisky that has reached its peak of maturity, character and flavor.

Click Here to RSVP