BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES GIANT FRENCH OAK BARREL EXPERIMENTS

Whiskey aged for 19 years and 23 years!

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 9, 2012) There’s been much discussion and experimentation with aging whiskey in small barrels, but what about experimenting with large barrels? More than two decades ago, Buffalo Trace Distillery set out to do just that. American whiskey typically ages in 53 gallon oak barrels, but this whiskey matured in 135 gallon French oak barrels, one for 19 years and one for 23 years. Both barrels were filled with Buffalo Trace rye bourbon mash recipe #2, aged on the ground floor of Warehouse K, chill filtered and bottled at 90 proof. The giant barrels were given a #3 char, which is different from Buffalo Trace’s typical #4 char.

One important observation from this experiment was the evaporation rate was much lower for the larger barrels than the typical 53 gallon barrel. Other details on each are as follows:

19 Year Old Giant French Oak Barrel – This 135 gallon barrel was filled on January 28, 1993 and was bottled June 28, 2012. It came off the still at 135 proof and was entered into the barrel at 129.8 proof. The evaporation rate on this barrel was 34.8%, which is considerably lower than a typical 53 gallon barrel, which averages 55-60% evaporation for the same time frame. The flavor is clean and well rounded. The taste is sweeter than expected with caramel and butterscotch notes followed by an oaky finish

23 Year Old Giant French Oak Barrel – This giant barrel was also 135 gallons, filled on May 17, 1989 and bottled on June 27, 2012. The whiskey entered into the barrel at 130 proof and the evaporation rate was lower at 46.8% than a typical sized 23 year-old barrel. After 23 years, the flavor of this whiskey is complex and full bodied with notes of sassafras, caramel, birch, and tea berry.

“Both of these barrels yielded pleasant tasting whiskeys, and we were surprised about the evaporation rate being so low. Evidently the large size helped retain more of the whiskey while also imparting a well-rounded and full bodied flavor,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

These giant barrels are part of the more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics that differentiate it from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will retail for approximately $46.35 each. These rare experimental bottles should be available in September. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Ralfy’s newest submission is about Annanalde, one the many distilleries in the making. A great read… (please click on the link below to read the article)…

THE LINK

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #18

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, tries the duty free Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper’s Reserve from his swimming pool in Spain. A brilliant holiday dram.

http://youtu.be/X6WygaewIRU

TOMATIN WINS TOP PRIZE AT EDINBURGH WHISKY FRINGE

Tomatin Distillery is celebrating having been awarded this year’s ‘The Spirit of Whisky Fringe Award’ at the Whisky Fringe held in Edinburgh 3‐5 August 2012. The Tomatin 30 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was voted the outright winner by visitors to the event, and the Tomatin 1982 single cask also appeared in the top 10 coming in 5th place.

The Whisky Fringe is an annual event held in the stunning venue of The Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh, organised by whisky retailer Royal Mile Whiskies. Now in its 11th year, the sell‐out 3 day event presents over 200 whiskies to 500 visitors who vote for their favourite whisky they have sampled.

Tomatin Distillery also had two expressions in the top ten last year, including their limited edition ‘Decades’ release marking Douglas Campbell’s 50 years’ service to the company which came in 5th place. The previous bottling of Tomatin 30 year old came in 9th place, but this year’s new bottling clearly took the show by storm.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, commented: “It is a great achievement and testament to the quality of our spirit that we have had two of our whiskies in the top ten for the past two years at this popular event, and we are
absolutely delighted that our new edition 30 year old won the top prize. What makes this award so special is that it is voted for not by industry experts but by customers themselves, so we are thrilled our whiskies rate so highly.”

Both the Tomatin 30 Year Old and 1982 Single Cask are available to buy from www.royalmilewhiskies.com.

Notes

 Whisky Fringe 2012, 3rd, 4th & 5th August 2012. Highly regarded for a relaxed atmosphere, great value and high standard of exhibitor. 26 exhibitor stands, over 200 whiskies on show. 500 tickets per day. Tickets sell out within 20 minutes of being released for sale. Held at The Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh (little known former church, sometimes referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Edinburgh)
 Related links: http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/viewindex.asp?article_id=WF12
 The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
 Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
 The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
 The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
 The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

JAMESON HIGHLIGHTS THE WORLD’S GREATEST URBAN ESCAPES WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

Jameson, the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey, has launched a new, innovative, limited edition bottle that captures urban iconography from some of the world’s most exciting cities, while also highlighting some of the best bars to visit in these cities.

The Jameson Great Urban Escapes bottle is available exclusively through Travel Retail channels, for a limited period from this month. It is aimed at urban explorers who choose adventurous city breaks over beach holidays.

The contemporary bottle is adorned with logos and emblems from the top districts of seven cities across the world, including Dublin – the home of Jameson – London, New York and Stockholm. It also highlights 11 top bars in these cities that locals would recommend you visit and where Jameson is a whiskey of choice. Bars featured include The Rusty Knot in Manhattan, Queen of Hoxton, in London, and Le Pompon, in Paris.

To support the launch, a city guide app has been created that will provide travellers with an insider’s guide on what to see and do in four of the chosen cities. To access the app consumers will be directed to a QR code** that will feature on supporting POS material. For those without access to smartphone technology, a traditional printed city guide will also be available alongside the bottle which will further extend the reach of the campaign.

International Brand Director for Jameson, Nick Blacknell, says: “With 16% volume growth year-on-year*, the Travel Retail sector continues to be a significant focus for Jameson and its international growth plans. With the Great Urban Escapes bottle, we want to capture the independent spirit displayed by consumers who are increasingly taking adventurous city breaks and offer them alternative sites to visit that will further enhance their urban experience.”

The Jameson Great Urban Escapes bottle is available now in key international hubs across Europe, the Americas, Gulf and Pacific Travel Retail.

*Pernod Ricard 2010/11 figures

**Scan the QR code below to download the free Jameson Great Urban Escapes

About Jameson:

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally, including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

For further information please visit www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Littlemill 21 Year Old Burns Malt® Exclusive

Online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com today releases a new 21 year old Scotch whisky.

Specially selected for the TheWhiskyBarrel.com’s exclusive Burns Malt series we have selected a single hogshead sherry cask bottling from the lost Littlemill Scotch malt whisky distillery.

Littlemill distillery was situated in the town of Bowling, Scotland and is considered a Lowland Scotch. The distillery closed in 1994 before being destroyed by a fire in 2004. Consequently few independent bottlings are ever released.

Only 60 bottles are available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide.

Littlemill 21 Year Old Burns Malt / 55.1%

£45.83 GBP ($71.82 USD) £54.99 inc VAT.

Tasting Notes:

Nose – Sweet sherry, molasses, leather, tobacco leaves and cinnamon spices.

Palate – Very busy on the tongue, fizzy sherbet, liquorice, tobacco, melted butter and long and dry sherry finish.

The Whisky Barrel
http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com/
@WhiskyBarrel
E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com
T: +44 (0)845 2248 156

NOTES:-

Q) What is the product called?
A) Littlemill 21 Year Old Burns Malt

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) 13th August 2012

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
A) £54.99 (£45.83 ex VAT) GBP 70cl

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
A) 55.1% ABV natural cask strength

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Second release of the Burns Malt series of Scotch whiskies.

TWE Whisky Show – Update

A lot has been going on in Whisky Exchange Whisky Show-land over the last few months since we last mentioned it on here, so I thought I’d drop in a quick update. Firstly, there’s loads more information on the website. … Continue reading >>

www.ralfy.com presents Whisky Review 295 – Kilchoman Sherry Cask 2012 young, sherried and peaty, … for you followers of fashion!

WHISKEY, Booker’s Bourbon 7 Years American Whiskey, Bottle Capacity 0.70 litre, Alcohol Content 64.55%, Bottle Price 41.48 Euro.

WHISKY, Penderyn 41 Single Malt Madeira Cask Finish, Bottle Capacity 0.70 litre, Alcohol Content 41.0%, Bottle Price 31.45 Euro.

WHISKY, Arran Port Cask Finish Scotch Malt, Bottle Capacity 0.70 litre, Alcohol Content 50.0%, Bottle Price 33.55 Euro.

WHISKY, Islay Edition No 2, C&S Dram Regional 2 Casks 6 years, Scotch Malt, Bottle Capacity 0.50 litre, Alcohol Content 46.0%, Bottle Price 28.25 Euro.

WHISKY, Jura 16 Years Diurach’s Own, , Bottle Capacity 1 litre, Alcohol Content 40.0%, Bottle Price 40.43 Euro.

WHISKY, Glenfarclas 105, 10 Years, Bottle Capacity 1 litre, Alcohol Content 60.0%, Bottle Price 32.50Euro.

WHISKY, Old Pulteney 12 Years, Bottle Capacity 1 litre, Alcohol Content 40.0%, Bottle Price 29.35 Euro.

WHISKY, Talisker 18 years Scotch Malt, Bottle Capacity 0.70 litre, Alcohol Content 45.80.0%, Bottle Price 55.39 Euro.

WHISKY, Tomatin 18 Years, Oloroso Sherry Cask finished, Scotch Malt, Bottle Capacity 0.7 litre, Alcohol Content 46.0%, Bottle Price 51.98 Euro.

Stock is available on all of these items, they are all warehoused in Europe

Trentino Distribution

email winesales@runbox.com