Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Franklin County Joins the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Adventure

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, continues to grow rapidly with the addition of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Franklin County as its 24th stop.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association created the statewide journey in 2012 as the nation’s first attraction to feature the burgeoning boutique distilling movement. Its partner attraction, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, was founded by the KDA in 1999.

Also in 2012, Whiskey Thief Distilling was founded, operating more recently under the name Three Boys Farm Distillery. The new owner, Walter Zausch, acquired the Franklin County site at 283 Crab Orchard Road two years ago and set his sights on joining the KBT Craft Tour.

“We’re ecstatic to welcome guests into our 10-year-old distillery,” Zausch said. “We offer a unique and unforgettable experience celebrating single barrel Bourbons at barrel-strength, uncut and unfiltered. And we will keep making Bourbon and Whisky using our very traditional processes. We are ready to share the next decade of Whiskey Thief Distilling as part of the Craft Tour.”

Visitors to Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. enjoy an informative and casual Bourbon experience, sampling from several barrels of uncut and unfiltered Bourbon, and can even bottle their favorite to take home. The back patio and cocktail bar, surrounded by the corn grown and used in the Bourbon, allows guests to relax and enjoy the scenic Kentucky landscape.

Mandy Ryan, the KDA’s Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences, said the growth and popularity of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® over the past 10 years has been phenomenal.

“Our Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences continue to expand as interest in our signature spirit soars,” Ryan said. “We are thrilled to welcome Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and encourage visitors to seek out this and the other incredible KBT Craft Tour distilleries.”

Coupled with the 18 larger-scale distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, the KDA now boasts a record 42 immersive experiences for Bourbon and spirits lovers to enjoy when visiting the Bluegrass State.

Attendance at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences continue their rapid rebound from COVID and closures, up 160% in total attendance from last year and expected to exceed record numbers in 2022.

The KBT Craft Tour® has tallied over 2 million distillery tours since its inception.

The KBT Craft Tour® is divided into four regions — Northern, Central, Western and Bluegrass — with unique challenge coins commemorating the finish of each upon completion. After finishing all four regions, guests are awarded a collectible barrel stave tray to display their coins.

The 24 participating distilleries are:

NORTHERN REGION

New Riff Distilling, Newport

Second Sight Spirits, Ludlow

The Old Pogue Distillery, Maysville

Boone County Distilling Co., Independence

Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta

CENTRAL REGION

Copper & Kings American Brandy Co., Louisville

Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Louisville

Jeptha Creed Distillery, Shelbyville

Log Still Distillery, Gethsemane

Limestone Branch Distillery, Lebanon

Preservation Distillery, Bardstown

WESTERN REGION

The Bard Distillery, Graham

Boundary Oak Distillery, Radcliffe

Casey Jones Distillery, Hopkinsville

Dueling Grounds Distillery, Franklin

MB Roland Distillery, Pembroke

BLUEGRASS REGION

Barrel House Distilling Co., Lexington

Bluegrass Distillers, Lexington

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., Franklin County

Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort

Hartfield & Co., Paris

James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington

Learn more at kybourbontrail.com/distilleries/kentucky-bourbon-trail-craft-tour/.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $9 billion economic and tourism engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs with a payroll topping $1.23 billion each year.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.2 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 475% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels last year alone, the fourth year in a row that production topped the 2 million mark.

The KDA recently announced 2022 is on track for the highest visitation year in the KBT’s history. Due to the rise in Bourbon tourism and a growing demand for authentic curated experiences, many of Kentucky’s distilleries are asking visitors to book their tours in advance.

To support their efforts and ensure whiskey lovers from around the world can fully immerse themselves in all that Kentucky’s distilleries offer, the KDA launched a campaign asking people to “Book Now, Bourbon Later.” Click here to read more.

For more information about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Experiences, contact Mandy Ryan at mandy@kybourbon.com.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®,, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®,, ORDER OF THE WRIT®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE®are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Fynest Bruichladdich 17 Year Old

Highly-limited and bottled at a cask strength of 61.1% abv, this single malt from one of Islay’s most adored distilleries is as natural as they come! Matured in a fresh bourbon cask, we simply can’t get enough of this vibrant and flavoursome dram. Find notes of exotic spice, Manuka honey, and plenty of maritime Islay sea breeze.

Our latest collaboration within our rare single cask releases from The Loch Fyne Fynest range is with Islay’s Bruichladdich. At a mighty 61.1% abv, this single bourbon cask is lively, complex and highly-limited.

£179.00
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HIBIKI BLOSSOM
HARMONY 2022

The 2022 edition of Hibiki Blossom Harmony is made up of a rare selection of malt and grain whiskies finished in sakura wood casks. A floral and herbal bouquet of rose, sandalwood and rosemary lead to notes of honey, candied orange peel and white chocolate on the palate.

Due to a limited allocation, this sought-after annual special release is only available for purchase via ballot until 23:59 BST on Wednesday 26 October 2022. Find out how to enter below!

ENTER THE BALLOT

HOW TO ENTER

• Click the ‘ENTER BALLOT’ button to add the bottle to your basket.
• No other bottles may be added to your basket as part of this transaction.
• To confirm your entry, complete the checkout process.
• You must enter your card details but will not be charged unless you win.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Winners of the ballot will automatically be charged for the price of the product they are successful in purchasing (price breakdown will be detailed at checkout), plus any relevant taxes and charges.
• Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will be ignored.
• The ballot will close at 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 26 October 2022 and the draw will take place on or after Thursday 27 October 2022.
• Ballot winners will be contacted with confirmation of purchase. Unsuccessful entrants will receive confirmation that they have not been selected.
• This ballot is not open to employees of The Whisky Exchange or associated companies.

Littlemill 45 Year Old 250th Anniversary Release

A remarkable release. For 45 years this rare whisky has slumbered, ending up at 41.8% abv and limited to just 250 bottles.

£9,500.00
Buy now

Littlemill 45 Year Old 250th Anniversary Release Description

Dalmunach 2016 6YO

One of only 242 bottles from a single first fill bourbon barrel. Sweet oatmeal although not as sweet as first expected with a very gentle kiss of anise and darker oak tones.

Only £57.00

Order Now

Dalmunach Distillery, located in Carron, Speyside, is named after the nearby pool in the River Spey, and it is one of Scotland’s newest and most contemporary distilleries. Built by owner Pernod Ricard (Chivas Brothers) in 2014, the large yet environmentally sympathetic building occupies the former site of the Imperial distillery, which was demolished in 2013. Built combining original features with the latest environmental expertise. Classic Dalmunach boasts a flavour profile of sweet vanilla, barley, roasted almonds and oatmeal cookies.

Cask Number: 646
Cask Type: First Fill Bourbon Barrel
Bottles: 242

Tasting notes:

Colour: Copper autumn leaves.

Nose: Sweet cereal notes combine with toffee apple with the addition of creamy fudge and a tickle of white pepper.

Palate: Sweet oatmeal although not as sweet as first expected with a very gentle kiss of anise and darker oak tones.

Finish: Warming and rich for its age. Spicy but in no way aggressive this dram leaves a very clean, crisp mouthfeel for a delightfully long.

The details we await…

The Glencairn Glass invites writers to compose Scottish themed crime stories for its second short story competition

Last year the world’s favourite whisky glass – The Glencairn Glass – launched its first ever crime short story competition attracting entries from talented crime writers across the globe. The competition is being launched again this year, in partnership with the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival and Scottish Field Magazine, with the theme; “A crime story set in Scotland”.

Over the past three years The Glencairn Glass – produced by the Scottish family-run glassware company Glencairn Crystal – has supported and celebrated Scottish crime writing talent working closely with the Bloody Scotland team to sponsor their prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing prizes. Its inaugural short story competition was launched last year to build on this creative collaboration.

This year’s competition opens for entries on 18^th October and runs until 31^st December.  Both experienced and novice crime writers are invited to submit their stories, in no more than 2000 words, around the theme: “A crime story set in Scotland”.

The first prize winner will receive £1000, the runner up will be awarded £500. Both will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses. The winning entry will be published in Scottish Field Magazine in spring 2023 and both stories will be published online at the Scottish Field website, as well as the Glencairn Glass website.

The competition judging panel will comprise Tariq Ashkanani, whose debut novel Welcome to Cooper won this year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022, and Sharon Bairden, an established book reviewer and author of psychological thrillers; Sins of the Father and You Need Me.  The third judge is Glencairn Crystal’s marketing director Gordon Brown, who has written ten crime novels with his latest – ‘Any Day Now – out now. Gordon is also one of the founding directors of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

Gordon Brown commented: “The response to last year’s inaugural short-story competition was fantastic. I’m looking forward to celebrating all of this year’s entries with a wee dram in a Glencairn Glass.”

Last year’s inaugural competition was won by Brid Cummings, a fiction writer and occupational therapist, based in South Australia. Her winning story – Halmeoni’s Wisdom – was a dark tale of human trafficking, illegal trade and a desire for freedom.

Brid commented: “Winning the inaugural Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition was a fantastic experience – not only did it provide an opportunity to build my profile and connect with other crime writers, it also gave me the confidence to finish my psychological suspense novel, which has recently gained 3rd prize in the Yeovil Literary Prize. I would highly recommend this competition to anyone wishing to start a career in crime writing.”

Bloody Scotland’s Festival Director, Bob McDevitt, said: “At Bloody Scotland we are passionate about supporting new writing and encourage aspiring writers to seize this fabulous opportunity. A short story is a great stepping stone to writing a novel. Whatever your background or experience we encourage you to give the Glencairn Glass short story competition a go!”

All short story entries must be submitted at www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition with the competition closing at midnight on the Saturday 31st December 2022. Details can also be found at www.scottishfield.co.uk. The winners will be announced in March 2023.

Notes

For further details about competition rules and regulations please visit: www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition

Glencairn Crystal:

The Glencairn Glass, created in 2000 is the world’s favourite whisky glass.  Glencairn Crystal now make 5 million Glencairn Glasses per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 140 countries worldwide.

Short story competition judges: 

Tariq Ashkanani is a solicitor based in Edinburgh, whose debut novel Welcome to Cooper won this year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022. He also helps run Write Gear, a company that sells high-quality notebooks for writers, and co-hosts Write Gear’s podcast Page One. 

Sharon Bairden is author of psychological thrillers, Sins of the Father and You Need Me, published by Red Dog Press. She is an established book reviewer and lives on the outskirts of Glasgow. Sharon has worked in the third sector since graduating with BA(Hons) in Psychology. She is Chief Officer of an Independent Advocacy Service and has a passion for human rights and social justice.

Morgan Cry is the alias of Gordon Brown, who has written ten crime novels and thrillers, including his crime thriller series set in Spain’s Costa Blanca as well as the Craig McIntyre series. He is a founding director of the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival and marketing director for the Scottish glassware company, Glencairn Crystal.

Our October Auction ENDS SOON!

Follow the link below to browse and bid on over 640 lots.

Only 8.5% buyer’s commission.

Auction ends Thursday 26^th October. 

www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com

Click here to register as a user.

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0% Sellers commission & FREE* UK doorstep collections. 

We offer FREE valuations to give you an idea of what your whisky may sell for at auction.

Contact us to arrange a valuation or collection. 

www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com

£2,998.00

Another incredible old and rare single malt whisky that Gordon & MacPhail sourced from their magnificent warehouses, then released as part of their recently launched Recollection Series. This well aged Imperial was distilled in 1979 and matured in single cask #5619 for 42 years, a Private Collection release, only 61 decanters filled at 49.2% vol.

Nose

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2022

This second edition of the limited edition cask strength dram for 2022 is inspired by the distillery’s famous Warehouse 9. Many visitors told the distillery over the years how great the cask strength stuff was. So they brought it to your home! Bottled at an even higher strength than last years at 56.6% abv, this dram is deep, rich, creamy and intense!

£80.00
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