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Evan Williams Honey Reserve

Aug 12

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News

Evan Williams Honey ReserveNext month, Heaven Hill Distilleries will release Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with real, natural honey. Bottled at an approachable 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Honey Reserve will be shipping to select markets across the country in September at an average retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle. Heaven Hill tells BourbonBlog.com that it lives up to its tag line of “All Flavor.  No Sting.”

Several established trends in the distilled spirits industry make this right product at the right time for Evan Williams. There is an ongoing success of flavored spirits, whose growth is more than double that of unflavored spirit is the continued popularity of Bourbon, especially Evan Williams which showed a double digit sales percentage increase in 2008.   In addition, there is a growth of mid-tier products, with ultra-premium brands down 2.5% and brands perceived as a better value up 5.4% year-to-date, according to AC Neilsen.

To create a “buzz”, Heaven Hill tells BourbonBlog.com they will use an array of retail display materials while utilizing striking graphics and the “All Flavor.  No Sting”  in yellow and black graphics.  We’ve also heard about drinks called “Honey Splash” and the “Stinger” made with Evan Williams Honey Reserve.

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Story from Bourbonblog.com. Please check out their web site for more incredible coverage of the bourbon industry and be sure to follow them on twitter for up to the minute updates.

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Heaven Hill Set To Release 3rd Edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection

Jul 28

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News

Parker's Heritage CollectionHeaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces the September release of the third edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskeys that pays tribute to 6th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam. The third release, the 2009 “Golden Anniversary” edition, specifically celebrates Parker’s 50 years as a distiller, beginning in 1960, by marrying Bourbons from each of his five decades of craftsmanship in a rare and limited bottling.

The Golden Anniversary edition will be offered nationally in a 750ml bottle, like the previous two Parker’s Heritage Collection releases, and will be bottled at 100 proof with an average retail price of $150. The entire production run will only number 1500 three bottle cases.

Only Heaven Hill Distilleries, with the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon and nearly 50% of the world’s supply of Bourbon barrels over 8 years old, could bring these rare and aged whiskeys to market. Parker Beam, along with his son Craig, oversees one of the world’s most highly esteemed distilling operations, where renowned brands such as Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, and Evan Williams, the world’s second largest selling Bourbon, are produced according to Parker and Craig’s seven-generation- old family recipe and yeast strain. Aged in traditional open-rick warehouses in Nelson County, the Bourbons used to make the Golden Anniversary edition were personally selected and married together by Parker, with the majority of the whiskey aged 10 to 20 years, and much lesser amounts of older whiskey.

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Nine-Year Aging Requirement Amidst Robust Demand Causing Knob Creek Supply Shortage

Jul 8

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News

Knob_NothingDEERFIELD, Ill., July 7 /PRNewswire/ –  With double-digit growth fueling demand far exceeding early 2000 forecasts, Knob Creek(R) has reached a temporary shortage. The nation’s top-selling Super-Premium Bourbon requires a nine-year, four-char barrel aging process that sets it apart from the rest — as evident by its loyal customer base. The next batch of Knob Creek will be readily available again starting this November.

Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s grandson and the sixth-generation Beam family distiller who first hand-selected Knob Creek for production, knew the significance behind the nine-year aging process – a number nearly unheard of in American whiskey. It is evident in this complex, full-bodied 100 proof Bourbon that quality reigns supreme. With Knob Creek, Noe set the standard for an entirely new category: Super-Premium Bourbon. In today’s market, the demand for Knob Creek has far outweighed the supply.

“We could bottle the next batch of Knob Creek a tad earlier than nine years to satisfy demand, but that just wouldn’t be right. Much as we want to keep product available, like Booker Noe, we would never compromise on quality, or bottle at lower proof to fill a short-term gap,” said Bill Newlands, president, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, U.S.

“In many ways, a Knob Creek batch running out is the full realization of Mr. Noe’s dream to elevate the spirit he so loved,” said Newlands. “We have to thank our growing ranks of Knob Creek fans for making it so, and to ask their patience while the next batch fully matures to age nine.”

Noe family members today describe that dream as Booker’s quest to craft Bourbons reflecting a master distiller’s highest artistry, and watch them grow as spirits fans came to understand and embrace their rich and full character.

About Knob Creek Bourbon

Knob Creek is aged nine years at a sophisticated 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume, and is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born. The intriguing taste of Knob Creek and unique flask shaped packaging has driven this brand to become the number one super-premium Bourbon in the world. Knob Creek is part of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection(R), credited with driving growth in the Bourbon category at the high-end. Today, these ultra-premium Bourbons continue to grow at a faster pace than premium Bourbons. For more information on Knob Creek and the Whiskey Professors, visit www.knobcreek.com.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam(R) Bourbon, Sauza(R) Tequila, Canadian Club(R) Whisky, Courvoisier(R) Cognac, Maker’s Mark(R) Bourbon, Laphroaig(R) Scotch Whisky, Cruzan(R) Rum, EFFEN(R) Vodka, Larios(R) Gin, Whisky DYC(R), Teacher’s(R) Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper(R) Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek(R) Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), a leading consumer brands company recently named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

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Brown-Forman Changes Name of Blue Grass Cooperage, Open for Tours

Jul 8

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in News

B-F Cooperage BarrelLouisville, KY, July, 7, 2009 – Brown-Forman announced today it is opening the Brown-Forman Cooperage to the public for tours for the first time in its history. The Cooperage will also be re-named from Blue Grass Cooperage to Brown-Forman Cooperage to honor the parent company which continues the rich tradition of crafting barrels to this day.

The Brown-Forman Cooperage is where barrels are hand-crafted for the aging of spirits such as Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Early Times, Canadian Mist, El Jimador and Herradura. Brown-Forman is the only spirits company in the world to make its own barrels, which are created from American white oak.

All Brown-Forman Cooperage tours must be setup in advance through Mint Julep Tours by calling (502) 583-1433 or visiting www.mintjuleptours.com. Also available through Mint Julep Tours is the “All Woodford, All Day Tour” which will include transportation to both the Brown-Forman Cooperage and Woodford Reserve Distillery, a tour guide host, admission to both venues and lunch.

With the opening of the Brown-Forman Cooperage for tours, the general public will have a chance to see the lumber yard, view the artful selection of staves and barrel assembly, charring and the finishing section. Visitors can also witness the historic art of barrel raising, powerful sounds and the smell of burning oak which are present every day at the Cooperage.

“The aromatic smells are the best part of the tour,” said Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. “By toasting and charring these barrels, we activate natural flavors and aromas in the wood which give our spirits such distinct tastes.”

Brown-Forman founded the Cooperage in 1945, and while a great deal of technology has been added to enable the production of more than 1,500 barrels per day, a trip inside is a step back in time.

“We know oak barrels were introduced to the world by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago,” added Morris. “The Romans obviously didn’t have the technology we have available today, but we are still following the same processes they followed back then.”

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Acquires E.H. Taylor Bourbon

Jun 24

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in News

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky., June 23 /PRNewswire/ — E.H. Taylor is coming back to the distillery where it all began. Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, KY, has purchased the Old Taylor Bourbon label and barrel inventory from Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., maker of Jim Beam Bourbon.

“We are ecstatic about this transaction,” said Mark Brown, president and CEO of Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Part of our family is returning and we are buffalo_tracethrilled to welcome home a true bourbon whiskey pioneer.”

Taylor, the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor, briefly lived with his great-uncle after the death of his parents. He later moved to Kentucky where he was adopted by his uncle, Col. E.H. Taylor, Sr. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Taylor went on to be a leader in the Frankfort community. He served as mayor from 1871-1887 as well as a local state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

Taylor’s link to Buffalo Trace dates back to 1870 when he first purchased the distillery and took on the daunting task of modernization. He later named the distillery O.F.C. (Old Fire Copper) and continued to invest large sums of money, making it a leader in the industry.

Taylor over-extended himself financially in an effort to use the most modern equipment to make the finest bourbon whiskey available. The end result of Taylor’s financial difficulties was the sale of O.F.C. to George T. Stagg. However, even with Taylor out of the picture, the new owner moved forward using his name, as it was synonymous with fine bourbon whiskey. The award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery is proud to carry on the legacy of this great pioneer.

“It’s an exciting, new opportunity for us,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “We are very proud of the bourbon we produce at Buffalo Trace and to be able to carry on what E.H. Taylor started more than a century ago is a real honor.”

For more information about Buffalo Trace Distillery please visit www.buffalotrace.com. To learn more about the other award-winning bourbons of Buffalo Trace please go to www.greatbourbon.com.

About Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and has included such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buffalo Trace has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Buffalo Trace has also garnered more than 170 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. The distillery is part of the Sazerac family of companies, which has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Franklin County, Bardstown and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland.

SOURCE Buffalo Trace Distillery

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New Makers Mark Bottle Only Available in New Hampshire

Jun 9

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz

Check out this limited edition commemorative Maker’s Mark bottle honoring the 75th anniversary of the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission. There are 6,000 bottles being sold all across the state of New Hampshire (NH). You can get more information by visiting http://www.nh.gov/liquor/index.shtml. Get these while you can. With a small number like 6,000 produced they will not last long and will quickly become a collectors item.makersmark-nh-bottle

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Bardstown Bourbon Society Changes Name

Jun 5

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News

Bardstown Whiskey SocietyHeaven Hill’s Bardstown Bourbon Society will be renamed to the Bardstown Whiskey Society and launched an attractive new website for members. In response to recent member satisfaction survey results, the Bardstown Whiskey Society has lots of new and exciting benefits to offer in order to teach consumers more about American Whiskey.

By joining, you will receive the following exclusive benefits.

  • An attractive membership certificate
  • Invitations to special events such as the annual unveiling of the Evan Williams Vintage Single Barrel Bourbon
  • Members-only access to the Society’s web site www.bardstownwhiskeysociety.com
  • Rebates, product information and news from the world of American whiskies
  • A chance to interact with Master Distillers Parker Beam and, his son, Craig Beam

Neck tags on bottles of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, Elijah Craig Single Barrel, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and Parker’s Heritage Collection include the member registration web address for the Bardstown Whiskey Society (www.bardstownwhiskeysociety.com/register) where you can sign up for a complementary membership.  You may refer friends who enjoy our products but don’t have internet access to write to our mailing address:

Bardstown Whiskey Society

1064 Loretto Road

Bardstown, KY 40004

Once you submit the invitation, you will receive a new member packet within 4-6 weeks containing membership materials.

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Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2009 Review

Jun 4

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, Reviews

Four Roses Limited Edition SB 2009The Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2009 Release is starting to hit the shelves now. The bourbon is coming at uncut barrel strength and has not been chill filtered. It is running 11 years old and around 113.8 proof (or 56.9 percent alcohol by volume). The 2009 Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon has combined the mashbill using 20% rye grain with yeast number 5 which is the OESQ recipe (see below for reference code info). The distillery is producing 1,836 bottles of this release, from super select barrels, and distributing it only in select U.S. markets. The price point is around $70 USD.

Master Distiller Jim Rutledge specially selected the sophisticated 11-year-old whiskey from among the 10 bourbon recipes the distillery produces.

“We’re excited to continue the tradition of releasing an exceptional, and very unique single barrel limited edition that consists of one recipe we feel exhibits various combinations of flavors and aromas pleasing to any Bourbon enthusiast,” said Rutledge.

As a member of the Mellow Moments Club, I had the privilege of tasting this bourbon at the Four Roses Distillery prior to its release. Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge, opened a barrel and drew some of the precious whiskey straight from the barrel for us to taste. He kept the pours coming all night and entertained us until we were all content! When asked how he liked to drink his bourbon, he said, “straight from the barrel!”

The first thing I noticed about my pour of whiskey was the dark, rich amber color. The nose was quite potent and told of the higher proof. The first taste had an initial edge that turned smooth and sweet. Upon taking my first taste, I immediately noticed less spice and ultimately less rye than the standard Four Roses single barrel bourbon (20 % vs. 35%). This bourbon seemed to sit very well on the tongue and was less oily than the standard single barrel. I tasted the oak, nuts, caramel, honey, a bit of wheat grass and spice. It had a very long, clean and complex finish with a nice slow burn that hung around for a bit. After several drinks, the rye started to pop out a little more, but was not overpowering and somewhat subtle. It added to the great complexity of the bourbon. I added a splash of water, which greatly opened the whiskey up and brought out more subtleties. It handled the splash of water very well and is how I will probably drink it from this point forward.

Overall the bourbon is a success. It is different from anything else I have tasted from Four Roses. I can say that it is probably not a bourbon for the beginner or average bourbon drinker. It is definitely targeted at the connoisseur with a sophisticated palette. That being said, I will definitely be buying several bottles of this for the bunker, if I can find them.

Be sure to let us know what you think!

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Four Roses Reference Codes:

10 Total Recipes

Two Mashbills:

OE             OB

Corn                        75%         60%
Rye                          20%         35%
Malted Barley         5%           5%

Five Yeast Cultures:

Yeast Codes:          V, K, O, Q, F

Basic Flavor Descriptors:
V – Delicate fruity flavor
K – Slight spicy character
O – Robust fruitiness
Q – Floral essence
F – Light herbal essence

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