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Barton 1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon Whiskey Unveiled

Jun 10

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1792_sweet_wheatBARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (June 10, 2015) – Barton 1792 Distillery will soon debut the first ever new 1792 whiskey expression, entitled 1792 Sweet Wheat.  Distilled back in 2007, the recipe features wheat as the secondary grain, rather than traditional rye. “Using wheat instead of rye gives the taste profile a softer and more delicate flavor,” said Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance. “The soft flavor is balanced by rich oak tannins extracted by the bourbon while aging in the charred oak barrels.”

Distilled, aged, and bottled at Barton 1792 Distillery, this wheated bourbon delivers a markedly distinct flavor profile.  Made with a recipe of corn, wheat, and malted barley and a yeast strain specific to Barton 1792 Distillery, this new expression was aged for eight years in the warehouses in Bardstown. Hints of caramel, vanilla, and ripe fruit mingle with notes of deep oak tannins and tobacco. The elegant taste is followed by a clean, pleasing finish and unmistakable character.

1792 Sweet Wheat was bottled at 91.2 proof. Bottles are expected to hit stores this summer at the suggested retail price of $32.99.  Furthermore, the Distillery plans to release more new expressions of 1792 over the next few years. “We have some remarkable whiskies aging in Bardstown,” said marketing director Kris Comstock. “We’re excited to unveil them over the next several years.”

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent Best of Category winner at the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.

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2012 Commemorative Marker’s Mark Bottle Features UK Football Great Tim Couch

Mar 21

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LEXINGTON, KY (March 20, 2012)–As Keeneland and Maker’s Mark embark on the 16th edition of its signature charitable bottle series to raise money for charity, the two are once again teaming up to honor and support their friends at UK HealthCare. This year’s bottle will celebrate UK football great Tim Couch, whose likeness will be featured on the bottle this spring. Proceeds from the bottle sales will benefit the Gill Heart Institute at UK HealthCare.

“The most important thing about this bottle is that the proceeds from it will go to help my fellow Kentuckians fight and win the battle of heart disease ¬especially in Eastern Kentucky,” Couch said. “Winning this is very near and dear to my heart and more important than any football game. My father passed away from heart disease, and everyone has a family member that this terrible disease has affected.”

Maker’s Mark will donate proceeds from the sales – estimated to be about $200,000 from 20,000 bottles sold statewide – to the Gill Heart Institute, which will utilize these funds to grow and develop high-quality clinical heart care services in rural Eastern Kentucky. The 65 health-care providers at the Gill Heart Institute saw an estimated 15,500 outpatients in 2011, including those seen in 51 monthly outreach clinics covering much of Eastern Kentucky. The Gill staff reads 25,000 images annually.

“Reaching patients in Eastern Kentucky is a critical component of the mission of UK’s Gill Heart Institute,” said UK Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Dr. Michael Karpf. “Outreach clinics help us touch patients who may not have access to the high level of care we provide. By continuing these services, we are helping to improve the lives of these individuals. We are thankful to Keeneland and Maker’s Mark for providing us with this opportunity.”
“Keeneland is a company that is a kindred spirit of Maker’s Mark – original, true to its roots and a model corporate citizen that exemplifies what Kentucky can do and is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage,” said Rob Samuels, Maker’s Mark COO. “UK Healthcare is much the same – a world-class medical facility in the heart of Kentucky, bringing leading cutting edge research in the field of medicine and bringing advanced medical treatment to all of us.”

Born in Hyden, Ky., Couch played football for the University of Kentucky where he was selected as an All-American and number one pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. During his time at UK − from 1995 to 1998 – Couch set several school records was a Heisman Trophy finalist. His career totals at Kentucky included completing 795 of 1,184 passes for 8,435 yards and 74 touchdowns. He still holds the NCAA record for completion percentage in one game and for completions per game.

Maker’s Mark will produce 20,000 numbered, limited edition bottles honoring Couch, and they should be available statewide Friday, April 6, opening day of Keeneland’s Spring 2012 meet. The bottle should retail for about $49 if retailers take their normal markup.
“We are very proud that Maker’s Mark, UK HealthCare and Keeneland have come together once again for this very worthy project,” said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. “We congratulate Tim Couch as this year’s honoree. This initiative will be very important to people back home and many years from now, they will remember Tim Couch as not only an outstanding athlete but as a good person who works hard to make a difference in his community.”

A bottle signing, scheduled the day of the $300,000 Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) (formerly known as the Maker’s Mark Mile), will be held Friday, April 13, trackside at Keeneland, with Couch, Samuels and Nicholson. For more details about the signing, visit Keeneland.com

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Summer Bourbon Cocktails with Maker’s Mark & 46

Aug 14

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Recipes | 2 Comments

Summer Breeze


1 part Maker’s Mark

1 part Ginger Ale

A splash of Cointreau

1 orange slice

Directions: Muddle an orange slice in an old-fashioned glass with a splash of Cointreau. Add in equal parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon and ginger ale. Stir gently. Top off with ice.

Char No. 46

Recipe courtesy of Ward III (New York, NY)

2 parts Maker’s 46

Muddled fresh peaches

1 part Averna Amaro

Dash of fresh orange juice

1 egg white

Bitters

Directions: Muddle peach in shaker and add all ingredients except the bitters. Shake vigorously for at least one minute. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Drizzle bitters on the foam and garnish with fresh peach.

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Maker’s 46 Debut And Online Media Event

Jun 25

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events, News | 1 Comment

Bourbon is helping grow Kentucky’s economy and the Maker’s Mark brand is growing right along with it. For the first time in the history of the company, Maker’s Mark is introducing a new bourbon. Maker’s 46 is still a Kentucky straight bourbon whisky, handcrafted like the original at the distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.   In fact, the recipe starts with original Maker’s Mark bourbon, and its unique flavor comes from aging the bourbon for an additional two to three months in barrels with seared French oaks staves. You can think of Maker’s 46 as a “cousin” to the recipe Bill Samuels Sr. more than 50 years ago.

As you probably know by now, Maker’s 46 is the brainchild of Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith and Brad Boswell, President and CEO of Independent Stave. It’s a 94 proof product, created by the addition of toasted French oak staves to the finished Maker’s Mark product.

Join Maker’s Mark as they celebrate this momentous occasion by visiting http://makersmark.com/makers46 on June 29 at 11 a.m. EST to watch Bill, Kevin, and Brad dip bottles two through five out of the first case. As for bottle number one, Governor Steve Beshear will do the honors at 4 p.m. EST. Governor Steve Beshear will speak about how the Bluegrass is benefiting from the bourbon industry’s impact on the state’s economy and will dip his own bottle of the new Maker’s 46 in the brand’s distinctive red wax. 

Don’t forget to keep a close eye on BourbonBuzz.com for more news about where you’ll find the new Maker’s 46. Also, Kevin Smith gave our friends at Bourbonblog.com a sampling of what’s to come at http://brbn.bz/w.

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Early Times Mint Julep KY Derby Commemorative Bottle

Apr 23

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For the past 23 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®.” In celebration of this, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of the 2010 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

The 2010 Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle holds special significance as the 11th and final in a series of paintings by the inimitable Celeste Susany, whose creations have graced the bottle every year since Kentucky Derby 126. In this year’s masterwork, entitled “A Golden Moment,” Susany adopts a more impressionistic style to capture the essence of this grand race. The scene spotlights the field of contenders galloping along the back stretch while the twin spires stand majestically in the background.

“Celeste’s work captures the true essence and emotion of Derby day and we’ve been so very fortunate to have her as our artist for the past 11 years,” said Joe Murray, Brand Manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “The Early Times Mint Julep bottle has truly become a collectible among art, horse racing and whisky fans and is a must-have for Derby parties as the perfect way to serve a delicious mint julep in less than ten seconds.”

With 2010 marking Susany’s final year of doing the artwork for the commemorative bottle, Early Times is giving consumers the opportunity to submit their artwork for the chance to be featured on the 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle. Beginning April 20, consumers can log onto www.earlytimes.com/etmjartistsearch to submit their “What Derby Means to Me” artwork, as well as to see official rules and contest details.  The winner will win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 Kentucky Derby, $5000 in cash, along with having their artwork featured on the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep bottle.

“It has been an honor to have the opportunity to do the artwork for the Early Times Mint Julep bottle for the past 11 years,” added Susany. “It’s time to give another artist the chance to have their work displayed for horse racing fans to collect and enjoy.”

During this year’s Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. Over the past 23 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks® and Derby Days at Churchill Downs. This year’s Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday, May 1, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Launching in April 2010, the newly labeled one-liter pre-mix bottle will be available in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

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Early Times 150th Anniversary Release Revisits Old Times

Apr 8

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News | 1 Comment

Early Times Kentucky Whisky, first distilled in 1860 in Early Times Station, Kentucky, is a whisky known for its rich heritage and mild taste profile. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the brand, Early Times Kentucky Whisky will release a one-time, limited release expression in a 375ml commemorative bottle.

Although the year 1860 congers up images of “early times” today, at the time, the brand’s original distillers believed the industry was turning too modern, too quickly, and wanted a brand that captured the “good old days.” Thus, the brand name Early Times was selected to remind consumers of the old-fashioned methods of making whisky – mashing grain in small tubs and boiling the beer and whisky in copper stills over open fires.

Closed by Prohibition, the distillery, brand and barrel inventory was acquired by medicinal whiskey permit holder Brown-Forman Distillers in 1923. Brown-Forman moved the production of Early Times to Louisville, Kentucky in 1935 where it has thrived to this day. Every drop is distilled under the late 1800’s permit number DSP – 354.

“This commemorative bottle celebrates the rich history of Early Times’ role as the second oldest continually produced whisky brand in America,” said Joe Murray, brand manager for Early Times. “While Early Times is now made with modern methods, its name still invokes images of the good old days and still provides a welcome reward at the end of a hard day’s work. As one of America’s top selling Kentucky Whiskies for the last 60 years it still lives up to its reputation as ‘The Whisky that made Kentucky Whiskies Famous.’

The Early Times 150th anniversary edition will come in a unique 375ml bottle and carry an Early Times retro 1920’s label. The distillery will produce only 3000 cases which will be available in 20 US states at a suggested retail price of $11.99.

“Early Times 150 is crafted to emulate the flavor profile the brand would have possessed in 1923 when it was acquired by Brown-Forman,” said Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller. “Most whisky aficionados who have been treated to a prohibition-era medicinal whisky taste a late bottling. These contain whisky that was aged up to three times longer than the distiller planned. In 1923 Brown-Forman began bottling 5-6 year old Early Times as medicine. This bottling, with its light honey color, mellow oak, brown sugar, vanilla aroma and simple sweet corn, vanilla and faint butterscotch taste bring back the best of a by-gone time – an Early Times to remember.”

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Exclusive Empty Calipari Marker’s Bottles Up For Grabs

Apr 3

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News | 1 Comment

Yesterday’s release of the 2010 Keeneland Maker’s Mark bottle featuring UK basketball coach John Calipari was a slam dunk. Reports are that 24,000 bottles  sold out everywhere in under 2 hours. There simply were not enough to meet the demand. Coach Cal and Maker’s Mark have decided to make 8,000 more of the bottles available. The catch is, they will be empty! They will feature the same design as the full bottles which sold out on Day One of sales. The only difference is that instead of the Surgeon General’s warning on the back label, there’s a message from the CFFC. The proceeds from these bottles will benefit The Calipari Family Foundation for Children to help better the lives of underprivileged children in Kentucky. The limited edition bottles are on sale now for $49.99 with free shipping anywhere in the continental United States. You can get order this bottle online directly from caliparifoundation.org

Why empty bottles? Maker’s Mark President/CEO Bill Samuels, Jr. said:  “Cal’s foundation can now sell and ship them anywhere. With nothing inside there are no legal restrictions. Fans everywhere can get one and make a donation to his cause for kids. When Cal agreed to do our charitable bottle only available in Kentucky, he warned me about the nearly 1 million fans outside Kentucky that are not going to be happy. He was right.”

“Ellen and I would like to thank Bill Samuels, Maker’s Mark and Keeneland for making this special edition empty bottle to help support our Foundation. By not including alcohol in the bottles, we are able to ship these keepsakes all across the world and allow the Big Blue Nation to share in the commemoration of our first fabulous year in the Bluegrass,” Coach Calipari said.

The collaboration between Maker’s Mark and Keeneland, Kentucky’s world famous bourbon and its historic thoroughbred racetrack and sales company, respectively, could result in nearly $250,000 for the CFFC.

Watch the video below for more info about the Maker’s Calipari bottle.

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Maker’s Mark Trademark Wax Seal Is Affirmed

Apr 3

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in News | 4 Comments

A federal judge Friday agreed with the distiller of Maker’s Mark bourbon that the dripping red-wax seal on its bottles is the company’s exclusive property, the Associated Press reports.

U.S. District Judge John Heyburn in Louisville, Ky., issued an injunction preventing a rival liquor company from using a dripping wax seal on its tequilas sold in the U.S., ending a seven-year legal fight over the distinctive bottle- topper.

Friday’s ruling caps a lawsuit between Maker’s Mark owner Fortune Brands Inc. (FO) and two competitors, Diageo PLC’s (DEO) North American unit and Casa Cuervo, over the trademarked wax seal. Mexico-based Cuervo used a dripping red wax seal on special bottles of its Reserva tequila, which was distributed by U.K.-based Diageo.

Heyburn’s ruling barred the companies from using the seal but didn’t award damages to Maker’s Mark.

Calls and emails to spokesmen for Maker’s Mark, Diageo and Cuervo weren’t immediately returned Friday, the AP says.

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Click here for the full story from the Associated Press.

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