BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY AND UK HEALTHCARE PARTNER TO FORM FATHERS OF FRANKFORT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 

Program will focus on increased parental engagement and supporting the bond between father and child to ensure that it only gets better with age 

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (June 15, 2023) – Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery and UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital announce a new community-focused mentorship program for Frankfort, Kentucky-area fathers – Fathers of Frankfort. The Kentucky-based organizations partnered to launch this program as a way to strengthen families and address potential child maltreatment, a critical issue in their community.

Drawing inspiration from evidence-based, father-specific programming, Fathers of Frankfort will connect fathers who are currently team members at Buffalo Trace Distillery with new or expecting first-time dads in the local community. Mentors will share their personal parenthood experiences, offer advice and be a resource to help men navigate this major life change.

“An adverse childhood experience such as child maltreatment has a lasting impact on a person’s life, which also significantly impacts our community through increased mental health issues and decreased educational and occupational potential,” remarked Dr. Scottie Day, Physician in Chief at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. “Engaged fathers can change the trajectory of families and a child’s life.” This is especially critical in Frankfort, where 26.6 per 1,000 children experience maltreatment, a rate three times higher than the national average.

The goal of the program is to utilize experienced fathers to engage expecting fathers before their child is born to inspire them to play an active role in their child’s life from birth into adulthood. “Paternal engagement improves a child’s physical and mental health, including reducing the risk of child maltreatment and improving long-term outcomes,” said Dr. Day.

Fifteen Buffalo Trace team members and local dads will be matched as part of the inaugural Fathers of Frankfort mentor class, with a vision to expand classes substantially in the future. New dads who enroll as mentees will also receive gifts throughout the year to help them transition into parenthood, including a custom, one-of-a-kind toy chest made by Buffalo Trace Distillery’s “Whiskey Woodcraft” team.

“It takes a devoted team to help mature the award-winning products at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and it also takes a passionate team to raise a child. Like some of the best things in life, both whiskey and the relationship between a father and child only gets better with age,” said Sara Saunders, Head of Marketing at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We are honored to work alongside Kentucky Children’s Hospital to help the dads in our community raise children who mature into supported, engaged, and successful adults.”

Additionally, Buffalo Trace Distillery will support Fathers of Frankfort by donating dollars and product for charitable initiatives to aid program-specific resources and personnel, including a dedicated licensed clinical social worker within the Kosair for Kids Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Families at Kentucky Children’s Hospital to oversee the initiative.

An immediate opportunity to support Fathers of Frankfort will come in July for the 2023 Coaches for the Kids fundraiser dinner, hosted by the Coaches for the Kids Foundation and University of Kentucky Football Coach Mark Stoops. As part of the fundraiser, Buffalo Trace Distillery will donate an ultra-rare O.F.C. Vintage 3-bottle flight, including OFC ‘93, OFC ‘94, and OFC ’95, for auction. Fundraiser attendees can bid on the flight featuring some of the oldest vintage-dated bourbons ever released, with each bottle dated according to the year the bourbon was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The OFC ’93 bottle is one of only 822 ever produced and the second offered for sale, while OFC ’94 is one of less than 1,100 bottles of the expression and just the third ever offered for sale. The OFC ’95 up for bidding is only one of 1,500 bottles released. Each vintage is hand bottled in a crystal decanter with inlaid copper lettering in an upscale wooden display box.

Applications for Fathers of Frankfort are open to Buffalo Trace Distillery team members now through June 23. Mentees will be selected through a referral process coordinated by UK HealthCare. Chosen mentor applicants will be notified throughout the summer with the program slated to kick off in fall 2023. For more information on the Fathers of Frankfort program, please contact fathersoffrankfort@uky.edu.

Fathers of Frankfort is an additional extension of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s ongoing charitable endeavors. Last year, the Distillery provided 2,022 bottles of its finest whiskies to charitable organizations, raising over $2.1 million. This year, Buffalo Trace Distillery plans to reintroduce its Nonprofit Partnership program by donating 100 sets of bourbon from its portfolio to philanthropic corporations worldwide for fundraising purposes. Charitable organizations interested in receiving a hand-picked bottle of whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery are encouraged to register their establishment here. For more information on Buffalo Trace Distillery and its charitable efforts, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 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 a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Kentucky Children’s Hospital

Kentucky Children’s Hospital, part of UK HealthCare, is committed to providing the best care possible, for children as well as families. With the region’s only Level I pediatric trauma center and Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, more than 30 advanced subspecialty programs such as pediatric oncology and pediatric surgery and nationally ranked by the U.S. News and World Report in both pediatric heart care and orthopedics, KCH is equipped to provide the highest level of care to young patients, close to home.

A delicious combination to enjoy with any father figure in your life this Sunday. Two drinks, enjoyed side by side. Each improving the other. We like to carry on the tradition of this Scottish take on the boilermaker with a measure of Artist Blend and a delicious glass of craft beer. Share, and Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS 

35ml/1oz of Artist Blend

Half Pint (284ml/8oz) of chilled beer

METHOD

Fill a chilled pint glass with cold beer, we recommend a hoppy, resinous IPA. Alongside, pour Artist Blend into a small glass and enjoy!

SHOP HERE

Give Dad the gift he deserves this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift for your dad, we’ve got you covered! Our ultimate tasting bundle is the ideal present for any whisky-loving father out there.

This exclusive bundle includes a FREE Whisky Tasting Journal and a Tasting Poster showcasing the top picks from our editors over the past five years. But that’s not all! You’ll also receive a Print & Digital subscription to Whisky Magazine, providing your dad with endless hours of reading pleasure.

All of this can be yours for only $5! So why not treat your dad to the ultimate whisky experience this Father’s Day? Order now and make his day extra special!

*Please note that while we strive to ensure timely delivery, gifts may arrive after Sunday 18 June, depending on your location. However, we encourage you not to let this deter you from ordering our amazing Father’s Day gifts at an affordable price!*

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream introduces Salted Caramel variant

The new product brings a sweet-and-salty twist to traditional Irish cream

St. LOUIS (June 14, 2023) – Summer just got a little sweeter with the launch of Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel. Made with award-winning, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, all-natural cream from Irish dairy farms and salted caramel flavor, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel brings a new sweet-and-salty twist to traditional Irish cream. Produced by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel is bottled at 34 proof (17% ABV) and is available in a 750 ml bottle. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel will be available by the end of July at a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel features aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee on the nose with silky cream and sweet whiskey on the palate. The warm, sugary finish highlights the sea salt and rich caramel flavor.

“The salted caramel flavor combination continues to grow in popularity with adult consumers,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Luxco’s Irish Portfolio. “Adding this ultimate sweet-and-salty combination to Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream was a perfect match, resulting in a product that delivers across the taste profile. I expect our Salted Caramel will be a go-to choice for adults looking for a fun, boozy treat – especially during the summer months.”

To locate a retailer or to learn more about the brand, visit StBrendans.com.

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 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.

AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Our auction is almost at a close, finishing on Sunday the 18^th at 8pm GMT, so we thought we’d give you a final glimpse of some of the fantastic whiskies on offer from great distilleries, like this amazing Rare Malts 1975 Brora, which is a real cracker, aged for 20 years before being bottled at cask strength with its natural colour. Also this 23-year-old Brora bottled by Chieftain’s, distilled in 1981 – two years before the closure of the distillery, one of only 846 bottles.

We’ve already highlighted a wonderful 1958 Highland Park and thought we’d show you another cracking vintage release from the Orkney distillery, namely this 1973 single cask#11167. Aged for 28 years before being bottled in 2001. Another great expression in limited numbers, only 524 produced.

Last up, this quirky bottling of 1984 Port Ellen for the Bladnoch Forum. Drawn from a single cask#2461 and aged for 24 years before being bottled at cask strength, limited to only 644 bottles, is now becoming a rarer sight in auctions these days.

Whatever your preference, we’ve got something we think will interest everyone and remember folks, if you want to place a cheeky late bid, you’ve got to be in it to win it! There’s still time to register at clickwhiskyauctions.com

The All-American Spirit for Dad: Top Bourbon Buys

As the hottest category in the spirits market, you can never go wrong with an expertly selected craft bourbon. If a QPR all-star is on the list, Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s Origin Series #1 is the odds-on bet for best bang for the buck. Highly limited editions at a steal include Wild Turkey’s Kentucky Spirit and the Frank August Small Batch, while serious collectors shouldn’t miss out on Calumet Farm’s 16 Year Old Single Rack Black or the incredibly coveted and rare Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Cask.

Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old “Origin Series #1” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $39.99 View

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #9” Blended Whiskey (750ml) $119.99 View

Prohibition Craft Spirits “NULU Toasted Barrel” Single Barrel Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $80) $52.99 View

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml) (European Import) $270.00 View

Wild Turkey “Kentucky Spirit” Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey $59.99 View

Elijah Craig “Toasted Barrel” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

Pikesville Straight Kentucky Rye (750ml) $44.99 View

Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $74.99 View

Calumet Farm 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $129.99 View

Hirsch “Extra Full Collection” Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pack (5x750ml) $430.00 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

So, what really is Scotch Whisky?

There are five different ‘genres’ of Scotch whisky from single malt to single grain to blended variations. All are categorically different and protected under the Scottish Whisky Regulations to preserve quality and standard.

Wemyss Malts has curated some of the most special scotch whisky from all over the country for you to enjoy. Want to know more about what we have to offer? Head to the blog by the button below!

More about Scotch Whisky

An example of a single malt scotch whisky we have to offer is this delightful 14 year old Miltonduff. Called The Kitchen Table for its banquet of flavour and all rounded character, you can expect sweet vanilla, marzipan and warming spice.

“My Kitchen Table bore the brunt of childhood baking: an indulgence of weekend pastries interwoven with messiness and chaos, but a fresh, warm Victoria Sponge with an icing sugar blanket would magically appear at the end. This dram is that homely, sweet, indulgent feeling.”

Kirsty Mackinnon, Our Brand Manager

The Kitchen Table UK

Whereas at the other end of the scale, from single malt scotch to blended scotch, our perfectly crafted Lord Elcho. At a more than reasonable price given its high malt content (40% minimum) this expression should certainly not be one to pass you by!

Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume and crafted from a carefully chosen selection of the finest malt and grain whiskies, Lord Elcho is truly a noble whisky with a noble heritage.

Lord Elcho UK

Lord Elcho EU

Introducing: Ardray

An incredibly smooth and elegant blended whisky, crafted to perfection by the Japanese team behind the much-revered Hibiki and Yamazaki, Ardray is a harmonious blend of older single malts representing every terroir of Scotland. With a name meaning ‘towards the light’, Ardray is a fresh take on blended Scotch uniting the craftsmanship of Japan and Scotland to craft an exquisite new whisky.

Exclusive to The Whisky Shop for a limited time.

Discover Ardray→

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 490: Mortlach 14 Year Old 2008 Carn Mor

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries a bottle from the Beast of Dufftown! He recently got a visitor from Virginia, USA, and again his friend John brought some nice bottles. This time it is a 14-year-old Mortlach that was bottled at 47.5% after a finish on Moscatel casks. Mark assumes that this is not cask strength. The malt has been given a fantastic color by the wine.

WHISKY FOR SUMMER SIPPING

INTRODUCING THE BERRY BROS. & RUDD 2023 SUMMER RELEASE

From the creation of Cutty Sark whisky at the start of the 20th century to the launch of their limited-edition seasonal releases in more recent years, Berry Bros. & Rudd remains at the forefront of spirit innovation. This is encapsulated in the 2023 Summer Release which features six Single Malt Whiskies and an Exceptional Cask Blended Malt, displaying innovative spirits and flavour profiles from around the world.

To celebrate the 325th anniversary of Britain’s oldest spirits merchant, each of the seasonal releases in 2023 feature a whisky from the flourishing English whisky scene. Following the success of its first English whisky bottling earlier this year – which sold out within five minutes –  the collection includes Masthouse 2017, from Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent, which is one of the most fruit-forward liquids the Berry Bros. & Rudd experts have tried, despite its young age.

Jonny McMillan, Reserve Whisky Manager at Berry Bros. & Rudd, commented:

“In our very special anniversary year we wanted to feature some of the English distillers who are increasingly making waves in the industry, proffering an unparalleled sense of passion and expertise. The second of four English whiskies to be released this year, Masthouse 2017 is a triumph representing the promise of Copper Rivet distillery and their production of one of the best distillates in the UK, perhaps the world.”

Stephen Russell, Founder at Copper Rivet Distillery, added:

“This single cask bottling series is very special indeed. It marks a coming of age for both English Whisky and for Masthouse Whisky. Knowing the expertise, diligence and passion for quality with which Berry Bros. & Rudd selects the whisky it bottles, we are very proud to see Masthouse Single Malt Whisky in this collaborative bottling – and the cask the team has chosen is spectacular. Our approach brings together the magic and artistry of whisky-making, with the hard science of distilling. It is an intersection of tradition and innovation; it seems fitting that, as a first-generation family distillery, our first independent bottling collaboration would be with another family endeavour, with many generations of rich tradition.”

The remainder of the release includes a wonderfully old-style Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 which demonstrates Berry Bros. & Rudd’s long-standing expertise in blended whiskies, along with five Single Malt Scotch Whiskies; covering a whole spectrum of flavour.

The 2023 Summer Release, comprising of the Masthouse 2017 Cask #16 (£125.00), Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 Cask #5 (£450.00), Small Batch Benrinnes 2010 (£70.00), Glen Moray 2008 Cask #5710 (£90.00), Dufftown 2008 Pineau Finish Cask #96 (£100.00), Caol Ila 2010 Oloroso Finish Cask #311751 (£108.00) and Orkney 2006 Oloroso Finish Cask #5051 (£120.00), will be available from 15th June 2023 at bbrspirits.com.

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TASTING NOTES

Masthouse 2017 Cask #16

The nose displays a harmonious balance of fresh tropical fruits and American oak, with the two integrating seamlessly. Aromas of fresh melon, tinned pineapple and buttered popcorn build in intensity. This balanced theme continues on the palate, producing more tropicality and oak-driven coconut with a luxurious mouthfeel. There are further fresh fruits on the palate before some light spices appear. Considering this whisky’s youthful age, it isn’t far short of a masterpiece – one of the best distillates being produced in the UK and even the world.

RRP: £125.00

Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 Cask #5

This sublime blend dances out of the glass: aromas of coconut and warm gorse flowers interweave with melting butter and honeyed toast – truly mouth-watering. The palate is at once vibrant and vast, with notes of mango, delicate hemp, wood polish, beeswax and spiced fruit, all rolling around the mouth. The finish offers more fruit, orange and lychee. An exceptionally complex and ever-evolving glass of whisky; if Tolstoy made whisky, it would taste like this.

RRP: £450.00

Small Batch Benrinnes 2010

The aromas of this Speyside heavyweight somehow convey the texture of the liquid itself; honey, fresh hay and warm floral notes all build with citrus and fresh Granny Smiths, emerging with time in the glass. The palate is wonderfully quaffable, showing rounded notes of fruit and golden syrup with the meaty character that Benrinnes is known for. This bottle will disappear quickly when placed at the centre of the card table with a group of good friends.

RRP £70.00

Glen Moray 2008 Cask #5710
The nose immediately offers notes of banana milkshake, praline ice cream, and marzipan with cherry and apricot emerging with time. Dried banana and sweet wheat both show on the palate with waves of vanilla pods, sweet oak and cereals. The finish is long giving cocoa, rice pudding and fruit salad.

RRP: £90.00

Dufftown 2008 Cask #96 Pineau Finish
Enticing aromas of stewed apricot, orange marmalade and lemon curd lure one in. The addition of a little water brings out for gentle baking spice and vibrant green fruity distillate notes. The palate is wonderfully fat and chewy, throwing off more apricot, plums and tobacco leaf. There’s a whiff of wood smoke on the finish, along with a touch of wood spice and a mouthwatering, lingering note of fruit jams.

RRP: £100.00

Caol Ila 2010 Cask #311751 Oloroso Finish
The interplay of peat and Sherry commences immediately with aromas of tarry peat smoke, rich Oloroso Sherry, iodine and prunes, with a suggestion of fireworks and beef jerky. The palate is equally robust and complex with Caol Ila’s sooty peat smoke wrapped in layers of dried fruit and citrus, with notes of vanilla pods, spice markets and salty coastal breeze building with time. Waves of full, oily Sherry wood roll across the finish, with lasting peat smoke. A robust and vigorous dram, best enjoyed with robust friends over vigorous conversation.

RRP: £75.00

Orkney 2006 Cask #5051 Oloroso Finish

This hefty Orcadian gives a huge puff of turfy peat smoke initially, much more so than one expects from this distillery. Soon, further aromas of heather bells, leather and charcoal emerge. The palate brings the Sherry wood influence, with rich dried fruits and soft spices balancing thick smoke, heather, honey and grilled lime. This dram has huge texture, which seems to integrate with its turfy character. More sooty peat comes through on the finish, with waves of fruit and honey. A wonderful, chewy masterclass in Orcadian turf.

RRP: £120.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd
Tracing its history back to 1698, when an enterprising woman called the Widow Bourne started an “Italian grocers” at No. 3 St James’s Street in London, selling tea, snuff, spices and the most fashionable drink of the day, coffee. In due course, the focus shifted to something a little bit stronger. As wine became important to the business, so too did spirits, and Berry Bros. & Rudd started bottling casks under its label in the early 19th century, making it Britain’s oldest independent spirits bottler.

bbrspirits.com