The 2016 Offering of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Launching in October

(Lebanon, Ky.) September 27, 2016 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces the 2016 edition of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, set to hit the market in October. This year’s limited edition combines two extra-aged rye mashed bourbons – a stately 12-year and a bold 7-year – hand-selected and finished for several months in new toasted wine barrels. The result is a small batch legendary bourbon with a truly unique complexity and character.

“We used 28 new wine barrels with varying levels of toast – I was interested in how toasting versus charring would contribute to the bourbon,” says Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery. “The result was a delightful nose that is full of vanilla, sweet tea and summer fruit with a hint of smoke.”

Bottled at 101 proof and available in 750ml bottles signed by Steve Beam and nestled in commemorative tubes, Yellowstone Limited Edition offers a taste profile of spiced oak, roasted coffee with creamy notes of vanilla, rich chocolate and fresh berries, and a smoky caramel finish. Approximately 7,000 bottles of this bourbon are being produced this fall at Limestone Branch Distillery, and the suggested retail price is $99.99.

“The 2016 limited edition Yellowstone is all about the subtle nuances that can be achieved through manipulating the barrel,” says Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery. “While last year’s edition was more about big, bold flavors achieved through char and age, this year’s is softer with a subtle complexity.”

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches. The distillery is known for its T.J. Pottinger Sugar Shine and Precinct No. 6 whiskey. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family and launched a limited edition bourbon to commemorate the brand’s 105^th anniversary. They also launched Yellowstone Select earlier this year.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com/, www.yellowstonebourbon.com/ or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

Greetings fellow whisky-lovers!

Autumn is in full swing and so is The Whisky Lounge!

We’re pretty excited to have our Speyside Special tasting series coming up in October and another round of Blind Islay Fury in November! Read on for all the details and to book your tickets….

Also coming up very soon is our once in a lifetime trip to the island itself in October!

Liverpool & York festivals were a blast – thanks everyone for coming down! Manchester and Birmingham are up next – tickets are selling fast and we’d really love for you to come along and join us for a day of whisky tasting and general fun.

Also we’ll be releasing details of the 2017 festivals in the next week – keep your eyes peeled for our offer email because those early bird tickets sell out fast – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

ISLAY BACKSTAGE TOUR OCTOBER 1ST – 8TH

Prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime… It cannot be emphasised enough what a life-changing and incredible journey of discovery this is. Trips to distilleries, warehouses, casks, beautiful scenery, amazing food, whisky, more whisky and for good measure, some more whisky! BOOK NOW

AUTUMN TASTING SERIES

SPEYSIDE SPECIAL TASTING SERIES

On our distillery visits to Speyside we came across a veritable plethora of great drams and thought we would bring some home with us for you to taste! This tasting focuses on slightly lesser known gems from this massively important area of production, that perhaps don’t get the attention they deserve…

11th October: Sheffield BUY TICKETS
12th October: Liverpool BUY TICKETS
13th October: Leeds BUY TICKETS

19th October: London BUY TICKETS
28th October: Newcastle BUY TICKETS
29th October: York BUY TICKETS

BLIND ISLAY FURY TASTING SERIES

We travelled to Islay back in May and have returned with the finest limited release bottlings for you! These whiskies were strictly limited at the time, and many are already fetching serious money at auction, so it’s your chance to taste them before they become true collector’s items and therefore far less attainable!

18th November: Manchester BUY TICKETS
18th November: Newcastle BUY TICKETS
22nd November: Sheffield BUY TICKETS
24th November: Leeds BUY TICKETS

24th November: Brighton BUY TICKETS
1st December: Birmingham BUY TICKETS
3rd December: York BUY TICKETS

WIN STUFF!

Fancy getting your hands on some whisky goods? For free?! Watch out for our Whisky Geek quizzes over on Twitter every Thursday – if you put in your details at the end we’ll put your name into the grand monthly draw! And don’t forget we still have the Whisky Challenge up and running on Facebook – can you explain whisky in 21 seconds or less better then Eddie? Give it a go and post on our page to win!

That’s all for now! If you’ve got any questions or just want to say hi, drop us an email here and we’ll get back to you in dram good time.

Sláinte!

Eddie, Amanda, Joe and the Whole Whisky Lounge Team!

TIME TO GET BIDDING

The show-stopping Bowmore 1964 has a more classic aesthetic, presented in a graceful wooden case etched with an image of the Islay distillery; while Bowmore Sea Dragon is adorned with an intricate golden motif that competes with Karuizawa for artistry.

info@whisky.auction +44 (0)20 8838 9381 whisky.auction

Let’s try some Irish Whiskies!

 Sunday October 9th, 4-6pm
@ Palmer’s
2298 Fillmore Street(at Clay St)
Kate Flanagan of Pernod-Ricard will be pouring:

Jameson Original
Coopers Croze
Green Spot
Green Spot (Ch. Leo Barton cask finish)
Yellow Spot
Red Breast 12yr. Cask Strength

Space is limited so sign up today at our event page or call: 415-346-1325 to join the fun!

www.dandm.com

D&M, 2200 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

BALLANTINE’S CREATES THE WORLD’S FIRST GAMIFIED GOLF CONTENT FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD

Call the Shots, the world’s first interactive golf instructional video.

Ballantine’s, the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and No.2 globally, has unveiled its innovative ‘Call the Shots’ film series featuring 2014 Ryder Cup-winning captain, Paul McGinley –reinforcing Ballantine’s original approach to engaging with appreciators of golf and fine Scotch whisky around the world.

Hosted on the Ballantine’s Golf Club website (www.ballantinesgolfclub.com), Call the Shots represents a world-first for real world gamified golf content. The concept allows viewers to control the shot selection of Ballantine’s Golf Club Captain Paul McGinley from tee to green through a gamified learning experience. The interactive video series is designed to test users’ course management abilities by only allowing players to shoot the lowest score possible if they make the right call for every stroke.

Filmed on the Dirleton Links course at Archerfield Links Golf Club in Scotland, the films are part of a series of innovative content available at the Ballantine’s Golf Club. The series features the opportunity to direct McGinley through a full par 5 as well as taking on a par 3 and 4, mirroring the typical challenges a golfer is likely to encounter on the course. In addition, the Ballantine’s Golf Club is offering one member and a friend the opportunity to test their course management for real by winning a round with Paul McGinley at one of the most iconic golf courses in the UK.

Ballantine’s Golf Club Captain and Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley commented: “Call the Shots is a fantastic concept that continues golf’s evolution in the digital world. The film is designed to help golfers understand the importance of course management in an innovative and engaging way, in line with the overall approach of the Ballantine’s Golf Club. Good luck, and try and stay out of the water!”

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Prestige Brands at Chivas Brothers, said: “As pioneers of the digital revolution in golf, we are very proud to launch our Call the Shots series with our Club Captain Paul McGinley. As the world’s first online golf club, we are committed to providing our members with engaging and exclusive content in an innovative way they won’t find anywhere else. Call the Shots represents exactly what our modern Club has been built on, by taking the traditional elements of golf to the next level.”
The Ballantine’s Golf Club is the world’s first online golf club, a place where members can join a global community of passionate enthusiasts and access unique online content. The Club lives both on and offline, is free to join and offers associates a series of prizes, content and the exclusive members’ only tournament, the Ballantine’s International Cup.

To find out more about the Ballantine’s Golf Club please go to: www.ballantinesgolfclub.com

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.
www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

About Ballantine’s and Golf
Ballantine’s has a rich history in golf dating back to 1960 when the first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played at Wentworth Club in England. Ballantine’s founded the Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, remaining title sponsor of the tournament until 2013. Ballantine’s has also been a sponsor of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open since 2007.

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

GENEROSITY: AMPLIFIED CHIVAS REGAL PARTNERS WITH LSTN SOUND CO. TO CRAFT NEW LIMITED EDITION GIFT TIN

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has partnered with premium audio producers LSTN Sound Co., to craft a range of unique whisky and music accessories to celebrate their shared passion for craftsmanship, style and generosity. The initiative – Generosity: Amplified – features a range of activity aimed to raise funds for Starkey Hearing Foundation, including an innovative limited edition Chivas 12 Year Old gift tin, a line of handcrafted headphones and a custom-designed luxury record console.

The creative partnership between Chivas and LSTN Sound Co. has seen the creation of a limited-edition gift tin each containing a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Scotch whisky. Inspired by sound, and featuring images of deconstructed headphones the gift tin has been designed to create disruptive on-shelf presence with a new square-to-round shape.

Chivas and LSTN Sound Co. have also created a limited edition run of handcrafted headphones, using elements of upcycled American oak whisky casks and modelled on LSTN Sound Co.’s best-selling ‘troubadour’ shape. Additionally, a custom-designed record console by LSTN Sound Co., Chivas and social entrepreneurs Maderas will go on sale as the ultimate piece for the discerning gentleman.

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, added, “We’re very proud to announce Chivas’ partnership with LSTN Sound Co. We share many of the same beliefs about doing business the right way and look forward to supporting their mission with Starkey Foundation. The creative up-cycling of the American Oak offers a fantastic opportunity to not only create an exciting and stylish new product for the modern gentleman, but truly change lives in the process.”

Both Chivas and LSTN Sound Co. recognise the growing desire amongst modern gentlemen to seek authenticity and depth in both their lifestyle choices and purchase decisions, so a percentage of the profit from each pair of Generosity: Amplified headphones and each limited edition gift tin created will be donated to Starkey Hearing Foundation – a pioneering charity that has provided more than 1.8 million hearing aids and care to people in need in the last 30 years. It is estimated that the partnership will give around 15,000 people the gift of hearing.

The Generosity: Amplified limited edition gift tin will be available globally from September 2016 for the RRP $40USD. A limited run of headphones are now available to buy from www.lstnsound.co, and to find out more about the partnership between Chivas

About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon. www.chivas.com

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

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

About LSTN
LSTN is a for-purpose company based in Los Angeles, California. The company’s core belief is: what’s good for business should be good for the world. Its goal is to produce premium audio products and use proceeds from sales to change lives through the power of music. For every purchase, it helps provide hearing aids to a person in need through charity partner, Starkey Hearing Foundation. In under 3 years since LSTN’s inception in 2012, the company has been able to help give the gift of sound to over 20,000 people.

CHIVAS 18 AND PININFARINA UNVEIL NEW LUXURY LIMITED EDITION

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, the world’s best blended Scotch whisky¹, has announced a new chapter in its partnership with Pininfarina, the prestigious Italian design company renowned for its craftsmanship and cutting edge design. Following two successful years of the collaboration, Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 is an elegant metallic gift tin offering impactful on-shelf stand out.

Combining their shared values of craft, style and tradition, Chivas 18 and Pininfarina have created a dynamic gift tin using one fluid curve, which highlights the luxury Scotch within. Marrying form and function, the limited edition echoes the aerodynamic creations of Pininfarina with a unique cut-out in the twisted casing to display the golden hues of the whisky. This simple design suggests the harmony of flavour, while the packaging represents harmony of line – the result is Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 which is an effortlessly classic design.

Speaking of the collaboration, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, Richard Black said: “We are pleased to unveil Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3, the next edition for our outstanding partnership. Every chapter has brought a new and exciting creation, each proving hugely successful, while being as usable as they are enjoyable. The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 is a beautifully designed celebration of form and function that resonates with our shared values of understated luxury.”

Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of the Pininfarina Group said: “The new creation Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 is a superb piece of design. Over the last three years, we have enjoyed working with Chivas 18 immensely. Although we come from different backgrounds, it is impossible not to recognise the craftsmanship and ethos shared between our two brands.”

The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 gift tin will be launching globally from October 2016 for the RRP USD$75.

DeAgostini, Desarrollo Mor, Far East Organization, Gorenje, Jacuzzi, Juventus, Lavazza, Leitner, Magnat, Paqualotto, Petronas, Philip Morris, Primatist, Schaefer, Snaidero, The Bridge, The Related Group, Uffix, Unilever and other international leaders. www.pininfarina.com

About Chivas Regal Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon. www.chivas.com

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

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

Aged the old fashioned way, then charcoal filtered for an unmistakable, unforgettable flavour.’  

Ezra Brooks Bourbon is a genuine sour mash, aged naturally in new charred white oak barrels and then charcoal filtered for a mellow flavour and smooth finish. Through seven generations it is, and always will be, the bourbon for those with a rugged spirit and a taste of adventure!

Aged and bottled in Louisville, Kentucky, distilled using high quality corns and ingredients, on top off, the very specific temperature control settings they use to distil the bourbon; ensures an exceptionally smooth and subtle taste that is pleasantly soft and balanced, and preferred by bourbon connoisseurs all over the world!

With bourbon projected to remain one of the fastest growing spirit categories in the UK, with rye whiskey following close behind; Ezra Brooks have managed to capture the hearts of many bourbon lovers with their Bourbon Whiskey – smooth, warming with hints of caramel and spice; their 101 proof, 7 year old Bourbon Whiskey – slightly peaty with sweet floral notes and undertones of vanilla and cinnamon; and finally their Straight Rye Whiskey – an unmistakably smooth and rounded rye whiskey, with great sweetness and an excellent rye spice.

Amathus Managing Director, Harry Georgiou comments ‘Ezra Brooks is an incredible addition to the Amathus portfolio and we feel honoured to have them on board. With the increasing popularity of bourbon it’s inevitable how well the collection will be received by both our on-trade and off-trade customers. As Ezra Brooks says, ‘everything is better with Brooks!’

Ezra Brooks is now distributed in the UK by Amathus Drinks PLC. Place your orders now: sales@amathusdrinks.com, or for more information please visit http://www.ezrabrooks.com/ or contact holly@amathusdrinks.com.

Want to know what’s in our whisky? Just ask us…

Our Scotch Whisky Transparency campaign set out to effect a change in the regulations governing the way Scotch whisky is promoted.  However, for several reasons – including, believe it or not, ‘Brexit’ – it looks unlikely that the industry will support such changes in the short-term. So we have found a legal workaround that allows us to achieve our primary goal – getting complete, clear and unbiased information into the hands of the people who are actively seeking it.

The legal advice we received is clear: while we must not actively promote the ages of the components used in our blends, we can provide information when we are asked for it by interested consumers.  So starting with our Limited Editions ‘Three Year Old Deluxe’ and ‘Spice Tree Extravaganza’ today and extending to our full range of whiskies from 1^st November, we are simply asking you to get in touch with us. 

Call the office, drop us an email, contact us on social media or speak to us at events.  The information is there, we’ll do all we can within the current regulations to share it with you – all you need to do is ask. As ever, we remain grateful for your support as the fight for greater transparency in the world of Scotch whisky continues. Compass Box Whisky Co.

Hello Whisk(e)y Lovers! Things are cracking along here with Driscoll recently back from a successful trip to Scotland to visit our dear friends and their new distillery as well as light a fire under their butts to get us some more casks before the end of the year! We’ve just got word that the new offerings from Tom’s Foolery have landed. We’re getting the new batch of the incredibly popular Bottled in Bond Bourbon along with our first single cask rye which was also Bottled in Bond. In addition, we’re extremely lucky to have been offered a tiny allocation of Tom’s extremely limited Bottled in Bond Applejack. The first batch of BIB Applejack yielded only 455 bottles we’re produced and we’ve secured about 1/3 of that allocation. It’s absolutely Spectacular!

TOM’S FOOLERY

Tom’s Foolery Bottled in Bond Batch #1 Ohio Straight Applejack (750ml) $54.99 Tom Herbruck is a pretty laid back guy. But one thing he takes very seriously is Applejack. Produced from locally sourced cider in small batches just like it would have by the pioneers 200 years ago, this Applejack is truly a handmade specialty of the region. To the small amounts of locally pressed fresh cider that Tom can source he adds a certain amount of hand-pressed crabapple cider. This was the tradition in Ohio and so it continues. The sweet cider is left to ferment naturally and takes at least three weeks before the natural sugars are completely converted to alcohol. This hard cider is then double distilled in copper pot stills before being aged in a variety of different barrels. The first batch of Tom’s Bottled in Bond Applejack was aged entirely in a single ex-cognac with a #3 char. 75.5 gallons of brandy entered the barrel at 118 proof and aged for four years and three months resulting in less than 370 bottles for the batch. The flavors are distinct and vibrant with tons of apple and spice on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with plenty of fruitiness to balance the french oak component. One of the finest American apple brandies we’ve ever tasted. Only 30 cases were made available to California.

Tom’s Foolery Bottled In Bond Single Barrel #90 Ohio Straight Rye Whiskey(750ml) $49.99

Our first single barrel with the exceptional Ohio craft distillery also happens to be their second ever batch of Bottled in Bond Rye. This special little cask of rye was distilled on Monday May 21st, 2012 from a mash bill of 64% Rye, 11% Malted Rye, 22% Yellow Dent, and 3% Malted 2 Row Barley. Fermented without the addition of any enzymes on the grains in their old Cypress fermenter, it was distilled to 108.9 proof before barreling. During those four long years of aging nearly 20% of the barrel evaporated and the proof rose to 112. We decided that it tasted best at 100 proof and so Tom slowly lowered the proof for their bottled in bond label. Fabulously complex and driven by that spicy rye and earthy malt. Expect a robust mint nose with bready grain and toasty oak. The palate is unctuous and relatively oily with those big dry rye spices upfront and some sweet fruit coming through on the finish. Of course, this little guy won’t last long, so have at it while you can.

Tom’s Foolery Bottled In Bond Batch #3 Ohio Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $49.99

Tom Herbruck is an unassuming gentleman with a solid career and a beautiful family. He’s also a man with a secret. In the shed behind his house sit hundreds of barrels of whiskey. In 2011, he purchased the historic Michter’s Jug House Pot Stills and began producing what many consider to some of the finest craft whiskey on the market. In early 2016, K&L was lucky enough to connect with Tom & Lianne Herbruck to secure the first batch of his newly minted Bottled in Bond Bourbon. Truly a culmination in the Craft Whiskey revolution, Tom’s new BIB is easily the best craft bourbon we’ve ever tasted at any price point. The big bold pot still bourbon is unlike anything else on the market even from the finest Kentucky distillers. Powerful notes of fresh oak, stone fruits, and dense grain open to a playful palate of caramelized fruit and pointed evergreen. The finish is long and full with cocoa and dark smoked woods. Oily, rich and long. It doesn’t have the sweetness of the Kentucky bourbons, but definitely matches the complexity. It feels like a whiskey from a time long forgotten and so it is. Only a tiny amount of this small batch made it way out west and we’re the exclusive supplier for CA. Tom’s third batch of Bonded Bourbon is a blend of two casks over 4 years old. One is a high corn (75% Yellow Dent, 13% Winter Rye, 12% 6 Row Barley) and the other a very unusual high rye bourbon (51% Yellow Dent, 32% Winter Rye, 8% Malted Winter Rye, and 8% Wheat).

HIGH WEST

High West “Yippee Ki Yay” Whiskey (750ml) $59.99

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. The aromas are of fresh cinnamon stick, crushed blackberries and cassis, with dried herbs in the background. The palate is a big, bold punch of cinnamon spice and blackberries on a foundation of vanilla and caramel with rye spices on the finish.

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)” (7/2016)

BENDER’S

Bender’s 7 Year Old Small Batch Rye Whiskey (750ml) $42.99

Well here we have another one of these fabolously mysterious new ryes. This was bottled in San Francisco, but it’s been confirmed that the product has Canadian roots, of course. When I asked why they weren’t talking about its origins, the owners made it very clear that the reason that they weren’t disclosing the supplier is that they’re affraid to loose the tiny amount of rye they’re getting from this distiller to someone else. Apparently, this isn’t the same old Canadian Straight Rye! When they say small batch, they really mean it. These guys are securing a handful of barrels at a time. This fourth batch clocked in at 2750 bottles, which translates to probably 6 barrels at full strength. The Whisky is a blend of Rye and Corn whisky at 85% and 15% respectively. Bottled at a seemless 96 proof it will definitely be getting some love from Canadian, Kentucky, and San Fran fans alike.

Much more coming soon!

David Othenin-Girard

K&L Spirits Buyer davidgirard@klwines.com

(650) 556-2702 http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com