Eve's Wine 101

Old Elk Distillery Releases Limited Series Blends: Four Grain and Double Wheat

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FORT COLLINS, COLO. (PRWEB) – Old Elk Distillery is proud to announce the release of two additional expressions of Master Distiller Greg Metze’s Master’s Blend Series: Old Elk Four Grain and Old Elk Double Wheat.

Old Elk’s Master’s Blend Series is the creation of new tasting experiences for whiskey aficionados nationwide. “By marrying traditional favorites, award-winning bourbons and whiskeys, and a bold sense of adventure, we have created two exquisite, unique whiskies that I am personally very excited to share with the world,” says Greg Metze. Creating some of the most celebrated spirits in the world for over four decades, Greg’s experience is apparent in every sip.

“We are so proud of what Greg has accomplished with these two new releases,” adds Old Elk’s CEO, Luis Gonzalez. “At Old Elk, we value innovation, quality, craftsmanship and integrity beyond anything else, and Greg has really poured those values into these liquids.”

Old Elk Double Wheat Straight Whiskey is a combination of two of Old Elk’s most beloved and awarded wheater whiskeys: Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey and Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey, creating a unique pour. The liquid yields a higher proof (107.1), and a brighter profile whiskey with fresh and crisp tasting notes and an undeniable presence of fruit. Old Elk’s Double Wheat is doubling down on all the classic notes that make their traditional wheaters beloved. Aged 6-8 years. Mashbill: 71.5% Wheat, 25% Corn, and 3.5% Barley; ABV: 53.55%

Old Elk Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of all four cereal grains including corn, wheat, barley, and rye, leading to a complete profile. The result honors tradition while leading the palate on a rare journey of flavor. Fans will recognize the smooth base with hints of almond, vanilla, maple, and spices creating a balanced sweet and spicy profile at a higher proof (105.9). Aged 6-7 years. Mashbill: 51% Corn, 22.5% Wheat, 19% Barley, 7.5% Rye; ABV: 52.95%

“My goal was to always create whiskeys that bring generations together over one bottle. It’s humbling to see my four decades of experience in the industry merging in the Master’s Blend Series,” adds Metze. “With the Master’s Blend Series, I am taking my expertise and creating new and innovative whiskeys for the true aficionado – the one seeking something to discover.”

Old Elk’s Master’s Blend Series will be distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and will be a national limited release, available at select retailers in the U.S. with a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750 ml bottle. For more information, please visit http://www.oldelk.com.

ABOUT OLD ELK DISTILLERY
Rooted in innovation, quality, craftsmanship, and integrity, Old Elk Distillery of Fort Collins, CO was founded in 2013. Founder Curt Richardson’s desire was to create a distinctive portfolio of whiskeys that embodied his passion for whiskey, and he succeeded. In 2016, Greg Metze joined the team as Master Distiller, bringing his 40 years of experience in the whiskey industry to Old Elk. While the signature Old Elk Slow Cut® proofing process takes significantly longer than most recipes, taking the time to proof slowly makes all the difference. The proof is in the liquid. Today, the Old Elk portfolio is available in all 50 states and contains Old Elk Whiskey, including the flagship Blended Straight Bourbon, Whiskeysmith Co.™ Flavored Whiskey, Dry Town® Gin, and Nooku® Bourbon Cream. For more information, please visit http://www.oldelk.com.

Puncher’s Chance® Bourbon Unveils 12-Year-Old Limited Release: The D12TANCE

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EUGENE, ORE. (PRWEB) – Wolf Spirit’s Puncher’s Chance® Bourbon has announced its first-ever limited release offering – The D12TANCE Straight Tennessee Bourbon. Aged for 12 years in traditional stone and wood rickhouses and finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, The D12TANCE is now available at fine spirits retailers at $120 SRP for a 750 ml.

Just 70 barrels of The D12TANCE, sourced from the IJW Whiskey Company in Louisville, Kentucky, were born from a mash bill of 84 percent corn, eight percent malt, eight percent rye and a proprietary yeast strain. With a complex aroma of vanilla, dark cherry fruit and toasted oak, this Tennessee Bourbon yields incredible flavor. At a respectable 96 proof, the warm hint of caramel and vanilla hits the palate first. As the proof gently fades, the tongue picks up a long, fruity finish reminiscent of the French Oak wine barrels in which the liquid rested for two months.

The D12TANCE is the second release from Puncher’s Chance – a new American Whiskey entry from Wolf Spirit, out of Eugene, Oregon, and comes on the heels of the fall 2020 release of the company’s foray into aged dark spirits with the release of Puncher’s Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The brand name of Puncher’s Chance itself is a boxing reference, denoting that almost anyone is possible of a knockout punch, no matter what the odds. Naming our latest aged spirit entry The D12TANCE is a double entendre – referring both to the age of the liquid and the 12 official rounds in a formal boxing match.

Says Umberto Luchini, Founder of Wolf Spirit, “As a relative newcomer to the whiskey category, Wolf Spirit knew the liquid for Puncher’s Chance The D12TANCE needed to pack a punch (pun intended) if we wanted to make our mark, which is why we partnered with the talented team at IJW.”

“With The D12TANCE, we are finishing a 12-year-old Bourbon in wine casks, which is quite unique, as you usually see much younger whiskies receiving this treatment. This was critical to us because we didn’t want the fine Bourbon overpowered by the wine barrel finishing. Our goal was to use the finishing to coax more of the existing characteristics out of the whiskey,” Luchini continues.

The D12TANCE comes housed in the traditional Puncher’s Chance jet-black bottle with a gentle fade at the bottom to reveal the amber liquid within. The Puncher’s Chance tiger, a common symbol in boxing and MMA fighting, again graces the label, but this time in striking gold leaf making it easily identifiable on the backbar.

The D12TANCE is best served neat or on the rocks to truly experience the subtle effects the finishing has on this perfectly-balanced and nuanced liquid.

With only 2,000 cases produced for the U.S. market, The D12TANCE may be purchased in California, Florida, Kentucky, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico (Southern Glazer’s); New York, Tennessee and Georgia (Empire); Massachusetts and Rhode Island (Atlantic Beverage); Missouri (Major Brands); Connecticut (Murphy); and Wisconsin (Badger/Frank).

Find Puncher’s Chance online at http://www.puncherschancebourbon.com and on social media Instagram and Facebook @puncherschancebourbon.

ABOUT WOLF SPIRIT
Perhaps the only liquor company in the world founded in an old laundromat (Nanny’s Wash & Dry, to be exact), Wolf Spirit is a true Eugene, Oregon original, producing fine, handcrafted products that capture the pioneering spirit of the American northwest. Founded by Campari Group veteran Umberto Luchini and helmed by longtime spirits industry expert Bradd Levitan, Wolf Spirit embodies the traits of its namesake. Guided by instinct and fueled by a hunger for brands with authentic stories, Wolf Spirit is building a pack of unique products with courageously bold identities that come together with purpose. Our premium brands include Puncher’s Chance® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Tom of Finland® Organic Vodka, Blood x Sweat x Tears® Vodka and Bosscal Mezcal. Launched in 2017, Wolf Spirit’s products are now available in more than 35 states across the US with a keen focus on national and regional on- and off-premise chains. Find out more at https://wolfspiritdistillery.com/.

The Texas Whiskey Festival and Remington Family Distillers are excited to release a bourbon barrel aged Caffe Del Fuego

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AUSTIN, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The Texas Whiskey Festival and Remington Family Distillers are excited to announce the release of the Ironroot Republic Distilling bourbon barrel-aged Caffe Del Fuego collaboration.

Tejas, the Spanish spelling of the ancient Caddo word for “friend” or “ally,” is a collaboration between the festival and various Texas distillers to create unique offerings that showcase their methods and character. Each bottling will be a limited release available only through the respective distiller.

The Ironroot Republic Distilling bourbon-barrel-aged Caffe Del Fuego is the second release in the Tejas collaboration series. Caffe Del Fuego is coffee liquor done right. “As lifelong whiskey drinkers we have always loved how it pairs with our product. That’s why we were super excited by this project. By aging Caffe Del Fuego for a year in Ironroot bourbon barrels we were able to create a special release that really captures the best of two great spirits. Our rich coffee taste, their smooth, smoky accents, and the deep caramel and vanilla flavors from both come together into something truly noteworthy. I can’t wait for our fans to have the opportunity to enjoy this,” said Mark Remington Koelsch, President and Founder of Remington Family Distillers.

The bottling totaled just under 500 – 750ml bottles. It will be available…exclusively through the tasting room at Remington Family Distillers. “I love that three companies came together to create this fantastic product,” says Jake Clements, Co-Founder of the Texas Whiskey Festival.

“The collaboration is still going; the empty barrels are now back at Ironroot for the second part of our collaboration.”

Tejas came to embody the character of the weathered and resilient settlers who saw the wide-open west as their destiny. This series pays homage to their intrepid resolve by bringing together our favorite Texas distilleries in a spirit of friendship that exemplifies the pride we take in proclaiming, “We are Tejas!”

For more information about the Texas Whiskey Festival visit http://www.txwhiskeyfest.com and for more information about Remington Family Distillers visit https://www.rfdistillers.com.

About the Texas Whiskey Festival
The mission of the festival is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. Along with promotion, we want to educate whiskey lovers about the many top-of-the-line whiskeys being produced in our great state – and we’re doing it all while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. As an organization, we know that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys in the world. The Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to showcase that. For more information, please visit https://txwhiskeyfest.com.

About Remington Family Distillers
Founded by cousins Peter Knight Remington and Mark Remington Koelsch in 2014. Located in Austin, TX, Remington Family Distillers with a passion for superior quality spirits, Remington Family Distillers is the culmination of a whole bunch of paperwork hoops to jump through and a desire to create and produce premium liquor with you in mind.

New Deal Distillery’s Old Tom Gin wins Best of the Northwest

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PORTLAND, ORE. (PRWEB) – New Deal Distillery’s Old Tom Gin wins Platinum in Sip Magazine’s 2021 Best of Northwest Barrel Aged Gin category. Distilled with over 20 botanicals and barrel-rested in French oak, this amber colored gin bridges Portland’s craft distilling scene and Oregon’s winemaking tradition.

New Deal’s founder, head distiller, and self-proclaimed “young Tom”, Tom Burkleaux tinkered and experimented with this gin recipe for years before finally making it a part of New Deal’s permanent line of spirits this past May. Embracing their proximity to the Willamette Valley, this final rendition of Old Tom Gin is aged in Oregon wine barrels and slightly sweetened in the traditional style, creating a warm, toasty, and highly sippable spirit. Burkleaux explains that “while Old Tom is not a new style of gin, it is a style that’s continually evolving. Old Tom is a large and diverse category that has historically encompassed both barrel aged and sweetened gins, and we set out to combine the two.”

So, why is it called Old Tom Gin? In 18th century England, before London Dry Gin stole the show, Old Tom was the gin of choice. It was so popular that several prohibitive laws were enacted to curb its consumption but this only drove the gin scene underground. Since gin was nearly outlawed, pubs secretly selling this ‘mothers ruin’ would alert interested parties to its availability by putting a wooden plaque of a tomcat outside their building. After a coin was deposited through a slot in the wall, the bartender would slyly pour a shot through a pipe out to the patron. Some say it’s this reference to the old tomcat plaque that gives Old Tom Gin its name. However, like much of the history of spirits and cocktails, the exact answers are not known. There are other theories, some having to do with a tomcat falling into a vat of gin or an older distiller named Tom.

What is known for sure is that aging a spirit in wooden barrels affects its overall flavor profile — the gin can take on barrel characteristics like vanilla, clove, oak and smoke. For this reason, Old Tom Gin is often popular with whiskey fans as the gin takes on some of the same notes of barrel aged whiskey and can be enjoyed similarly when served on ice or simply sipped neat. Curious to try this fascinating (and award winning) spirit? New Deal’s Old Tom Gin can now be shipped right to your door in 40+ states: https://shop.newdealdistillery.com/product/new-deal-old-tom-gin/

More about New Deal Distillery:
New Deal Distillery has been making high quality, craft-distilled spirits, inspired by the DIY culture of Portland, Oregon since 2004. All of their artisan spirits are made in small batches with Bull Run water and natural and organic ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. For more information visit newdealdistillery.com or email info@newdealdistillery.com.

Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 6

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Admittedly, we meant to get back to this sooner. In wrapping up the discussion for now of the lighter wines we are drinking at home, this article will focus on a few more Northern California favorites.

Shane [www.shanewines.com]

We first discovered the wines made by Shane Finley several years ago. Back before Facebook became so popular, Michael relied on various wine message boards for news. And that was how he first heard about Shane and his eponymous label. The buzz was actually pretty compelling so Michael took a chance. We immediately became big fans of his Syrah and later [gasp!] his Pinot Noir. For lighter wines, Shane used to make a Grenache Blanc, but the last vintage of this seems to have been 2014. We’ve enjoyed his Rose, which used to be made from Syrah grapes but now with Pinot Noir. But the real showstopper for us in the light wine department is his Sauvignon Blanc under his Constant Disruptions label, which is a sub-project of his Shane brand.

Shane’s Constant Disruptions bottle art shows a picture of his parents as a young couple. The name “Constant Disruptions” refers to a comment about Shane on one of his early report cards, the Sauvignon Blanc is called “Infraction”. The wines are typically single varietal and the pricing is really amazing for what’s in the bottle. For those of you that fear Sauv Blanc due to its high acidity, you’ll have nothing to be scared of here – just rich pure delicious fruit. The 2019 was from the Russian River Valley. It had lemon notes with a lingering medium finish and paired perfectly with our roasted cod. Unfortunately, this was our last bottle of the 2019. Fortunately, our case of 2020s just arrived!

Navarro Vineyards [www.navarrowine.com]

In our search for lighter wines, we’ve taken the opportunity to try to some wines that we’ve been receiving emails from for what seems like years but had not checked out. One of these is Navarro.

Navarro is in Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. One of the special things about Mendocino County, in addition to the abundance of tasty wines, are the not-Napa/Sonoma prices, especially Navarro’s mixed-case specials. So far, we’ve especially enjoyed the Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer, both from the 2018 vintage. The Chard was medium-bodied with vanilla and pear notes – not over the top as it too often seems to be these days. The Gewurtz showed peach and lychee on the palate, a bright melon nose and a medium-to-long finish with crisp acidity. It paired perfectly with chicken in a honey/mustard sauce.

They are definitely on our list to visit when we start traveling to Nor Cal again.

Keplinger [www.keplingerwines.com]

Helen Keplinger is a superstar winemaker, having gained her reputation making wine for Grace Family Vineyards and Bryant Family Vineyard, among others. She is now totally focused on making wine for the label that bears her name. When we think of the Keplinger wines, we usually think of her powerful Syrahs and Rhone blends, so the relatively delicate nature of both the 2019 Eldorado and the 2020 Rose were somewhat of a surprise to us.

Not that their delicacy implied lack of flavor or complexity. The Rose is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre from the Shake Ridge Vineyard in Amador County. It has a luscious floral nose, with peach notes and a light to medium finish. The Rose is very crisp and paired perfectly with a salmon mousse appetizer. The Eldorado is a vibrant blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc from Amador County. We noted guava tones and a long smooth finish.

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Tasting Casa Mexico Tequila

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Received some interesting tequila from Casa Mexico for review, what made it interesting you may ask?

Well, for one the two aged expressions, the Reposado and Añejo, benefitted from time in new American oak barrels that weren’t “tainted (by) the flavor of old whiskey” and char – which I couldn’t wait to sample for myself.

Tasting:

(The quoted sections are from Casa Mexico)

Blanco

“The Blanco tequila is a straightforward expression without any aging.”

Toasted corn, cream, vanilla bean, citrus, mown grass and without any nose burn at all; tingly mouthfeel, some of the same notes from the nose on the taste – the cream, vanilla and citrus – with an extra-long finish. Highly sippable.

Reposado

“The Reposado ages for a minimum of six months…in new American White Oak Barrels…The new American oak barrels allow a truer expression of the tequila to shine through without tainting the flavor with the char of old whiskey.”

A bit sweeter nose than the Blanco, with aromas of Kettle Corn, vanilla icing, dates and figs; and again no burn. The taste was smoother than the Blanco, but spicy on the palate, with background flavors of white pepper, vanilla yogurt and dried citrus fruit – and an even longer finish. Pleasantly quaffable on its own.

Añejo

“Añejo ages for a minimum of 12 months…in new American White Oak Barrels, a twist on traditional aging methods.”

Nose: Vanilla bean ice cream, sweet cream, incense, no pepper or spice and that clean American oak simply resonating throughout. Flavor: Extremely smooth, reminded me of a sweet rye whiskey, pepper and hard butter toffee candy. Extremely pleasant. Made a Añejo Old Fashioned with this one. (Build over ice in a Martini shaker: two ounces Casa Mexico Añejo, one dash aromatic bitters and ½ teaspoon simple syrup or agave. Shake, pour into iced Martini glass, garnish with orange peel.)

From Casa México:

Founded by Mexican-American Eric “Don Buccio” Buccio, Casa México was born from a dream to create a high-quality tequila that celebrates his family’s Mexican heritage and rich traditions while supporting its farmers and creators. The brand is now championed with fellow Mexican-American partners, actor Mario Lopez and boxer Oscar de la Hoya.

Based in Los Angeles, CA, each tequila is crafted from 100% estate-grown blue agave from red volcanic soil in the Los Altos highlands region of Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring the highest quality possible. The tequila is created at Hacienda Capellanía in Jalisco, a farm and distillery boasting more than 100 years of jimador history, including several generations of family farming.

With a deep passion for the traditional distilling process, each of Casa México’s three tequilas are made using a traditional organic process with specific attention to eco-friendly measures. The water used for the distilling process is from a natural underground spring and gray water is repurposed to water the peaches, avocado and other crops grown on the estate. Hacienda Capellanía employs around 50 workers, paying fair wages with full benefits for employees to ensure their community and its families are taken care of.

Casa México Tequila currently boasts a trio of tequilas: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. The Blanco tequila is a straightforward expression without any aging. The Reposado ages for a minimum of six months and Añejo ages for a minimum of 12 months – both in new American White Oak Barrels, a twist on traditional aging methods. The new American oak barrels allow a truer expression of the tequila to shine through without tainting the flavor with the char of old whiskey.

Casa México Tequila can be found in California, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois. Distribution and expansion are growing quickly, with several other states in the pipeline including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Georgia, New Hampshire, and more. Additional national expansion throughout the United States is planned for 2022 and beyond.

Casa México Tequila

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Watkins Is Feeling Sweet About New Bitters Launch

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The heritage spice and extract company breaks into bitters category with two classic flavors to elevate cocktails and mocktails this holiday season

WINONA, Minn.,/PRNewswire/ — Just in time for holiday toasts and seasonal sips The Watkins Co. is bottling everything it has learned from 150 years of perfecting flavor and bringing it to liquor stores and cocktail/mocktail lovers across the U.S. Watkins Bitters are crafted from natural, high quality ingredients to create complex flavor profiles in two classic varieties: Aromatic and Orange. They are the perfect holiday complement to top shelf liquor selections or as a flavor boost to winter mocktails.

 

Watkins breaks into bitters category with two classic flavors to elevate cocktails and mocktails this holiday season.

The new Watkins Bitters are made with premium-grade quality fruits and spices, with no artificial colors or flavors:

  • Watkins Aromatic Bitters are crafted with Watkins vanilla beans and flavors derived from natural ingredients like dried tart cherries, hibiscus flowers and quassia bark.
  • Watkins Orange Bitters combine the sweet zest of orange with Watkins flavor favorites clove and cardamom in this classic cocktail enhancer.

A trusted brand in home kitchens for generations, this new offering is a natural step for Watkins who saw an opportunity to bring its at home flavor expertise to a growing number of home cocktail and mocktail enthusiasts. Both bitters come in 4 fl. oz. and 11 fl. oz. glass amber bottles with a beautifully-designed label to add a note of distinction to any home bar.

“It is not just home cooking that saw an upward trend this past year; we now have quite a few home cocktail enthusiasts who have been perfecting their mixology skills,” says J.R. Rigley, president, The Watkins Co. “Our focus has always been on providing consumers with the very best at home flavor experience, so moving into the beverage category and meeting a need for bitters carefully crafted with natural ingredients is a great opportunity for us—and great news for home bar aficionados looking for accessible, high quality flavorings.”

All Watkins products are Non-GMO, free from dyes, high-fructose corn syrup, added MSG and other artificial ingredients. Watkins Aromatic Bitters and Watkins Orange Bitters are now available online at Watkins1868.com, amazon.com and at select liquor stores nationwide. The MSRP is $8.99 (4 fl. oz.) and $14.99 (11 fl. oz.).

About The Watkins Company
Crafted in the USA since 1868…Naturally.™ Watkins is committed to making gourmet flavoring products from high-quality ingredients, meaning they have no artificial flavors and colors, GMOs, corn syrup or gluten. From the bluffs high above the Mississippi River in Winona, Minnesota, comes the purity of The Watkins Company. Our tried-and-true products have been good and natural through and through since 1868.

Blue Run Spirits 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon – Winner of Top Category Prize At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Now Available

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GEORGETOWN, KY. (PRWEB) – A Bourbon treasure hunt is about to commence as Blue Run Spirits unveils its Spring release, which recently won Best in Class and a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon launches today as ten separate limited-edition bottlings from ten different barrels, each hand numbered to denote the proof, barrel number and bottling date, enticing whiskey sleuths to find the entire collection and whiskey enthusiasts around the country to discover their favorite flavor profile. Each bottle comes in a custom, handmade black lacquered wooden box, adding to the collectability.

The unveiling of Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon comes on the heels of Blue Run’s inaugural release in October of 2020. Blue Run 13-Year-Old Bourbon received exceptional reviews and sold out quickly. With Jim Rutledge as the company’s Liquid Advisor, this new batch of Blue Run will delight Bourbon drinkers around the country. Rutledge is a 50+ year whiskey industry veteran and a managing partner of J.W. Rutledge Distillery.

Each of the ten barrels comes from the same mash bill, same yeast, same still and same warehouse, but how the liquid reacted to the wood and its position in the warehouse can delicately change the characteristics of the whiskey. Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon has the brand’s characteristic smooth and mellow flavor; a long, sweet and dry finish; little to no burn on the back end – even at cask strength – and a long tail.

Between 104 to 150 bottles will be available from each barrel, with the proofs varying from 124 to 132. The secret to which barrel the Bourbon came from can be found on the hand-numbered label, which gives a hint at that whiskey’s particular characteristics and flavor profile:

Barrel #1: Mellow sweet corn and brown sugar apple butter that develops into mellow oak tannins

Barrel #2: Deep chocolate and honey-drenched s’more

Barrel #3: Gorgeous crème brûlée with a burst of dark brown sugar and streaks of ginger

Barrel #4: Creamy toffee with bites of cocoa and black pepper

Barrel #5: Sultry black cherry and oak with clove honey

Barrel #6: Decadent dark chocolate with a marshmallow frame and clove cascade

Barrel #7: Layers of char smoke and rich vanilla wood sugar

Barrel #8: Roasted pecan and nutty campfire smoke

Barrel #9: Spice forward with bold black pepper and baking spices and an herbaceous wrap

Barrel #10: Oak tannin and dark raisin combination with a whip of smoke on the finish

Though each barrel has its own subtle flavor differences, consumers can expect the liquid in each bottle to have a deep glow, streaked with bronze highlights; an alluring aroma of molasses and brown sugar with a toasted, nutty frame that reveals itself around baking spices and cocoa; and a long, sweet and dry finish wrapped in dark cherry highlights.

“This limited-edition, high-proof release offers a uniquely customized experience based upon each whiskey fan’s palate, pairings and passions,” said Mike Montgomery, CEO of Blue Run Spirits. “While a bottle of Blue Run Bourbon will definitely stand out on your bar, it’s the flavor we are most proud of and glad to see experts like the judges at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition agree.”

Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon will be found in May initially in Kentucky, California, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, DC, as well as online. But here’s the twist: No state will receive bottles from all ten barrels. Each will get up to nine, encouraging collectors to reach out to friends to help amass the entire collection. The product will also be available through Seelbachs.com, with bottles from a different barrel made available every few weeks (but again, with only nine available). Seelbach’s will also offer a very limited number of ten-bottle complete sets.

Blue Run’s latest release will stand out on store shelves due to the modern design by Devon McKinney, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most-sought-after sneakers. The brand’s signature butterfly medallion, a nod to the Commonwealth of Kentucky butterfly the Viceroy, will be matte black on the Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon bottle. This new offering will come housed in a striking, handmade black lacquered display box made of sustainable birch and imprinted with gold leaf.

Blue Run Bourbon will be available at $229.99 SRP. The company’s next release, a 14-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon that also won Best in Class and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, will be launched this summer, followed by a Gold Medal-winning Rye Whiskey in late summer.

Blue Run Spirits’ distribution partners include Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in Kentucky; Breakthru Beverage Group in Illinois and Colorado; Savannah Distributing Company in Georgia; Advintage Distributing in South Carolina and Tennessee; Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co. in Washington D.C., Maryland and Delaware; American Spirits Exchange in California; and Evergreen Beverage Canada in Canada.

Find Blue Run Spirits online at http://www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS
Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. The company’s founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind the US launch of Espolòn Tequila and the Aperol Spritz; a former vice president of innovation from Brown-Forman; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder’s upbringing in Georgetown, KY, where Bourbon began in the Bluegrass State.

Tasting Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky and Nixta Licor de Elote

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Well this was a first for me. I had the opportunity to try the first 100% Mexican Corn Whisky and a Mexican Corn Liqueur, along with a kit to make my own corn tortillas. Why? Because the corn used to make the whisky is normally used for corn tortillas! The samples of both Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky and Nixta Licor de Elote would come with a cast iron tortilla press, Masa Harina corn flour and Mexican seas salt. Ed would make the tortillas later for dinner, and I would return the favor by sharing the whisky before that!

The Invitation and Details

I wanted to invite you to a special tasting with Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky – the first 100% Mexican corn whisky…we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to authentic Mexican culture and traditions, namely nixtamalization…

Launched a year ago, Abasolo is made with non-GMO Cacahuazintle corn and the 4,000-year-old Mesoamerican cooking technique nixtamalization to unlock the full flavors of the grain. Traditionally used in Mexican staples like tortillas, Abasolo is the first spirit to use nixtamalization in its production process.

To give a first-hand look, and taste, we’d love to send you a kit with samples of Abasolo and ingredients to make your own corn tortillas, including cast iron tortilla press, Masa Harina corn flour, Mexican sea salt, and of course, Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky.

The Tasting

The Whisky

Sweet roasted corn, butter toffee, brown butter, kettle corn, roasted Brazil nut, cream, vanilla bean all on the nose, for the taste I got a rich warm mouthfeel of those same corn notes, lots of vanilla and nuts with salted butter on the finish. If it wasn’t for the corn notes in the aromas and flavors, I would’ve assumed that the spirit was a single malt scotch whisky. Very interesting. I will keep what I have left of the sample to share in a blind tasting and see what another person may think.

The Liqueur

Familiar with lots of flavored liqueur from anise, to ginger to raspberry and more, but never one with corn. This time the nose delivered a lot of buttered popcorn, fresh churned butter, dried earth, vanilla ice cream and flan.

Again, pretty interesting. When I tasted it, I could see having it with (or poured over) vanilla ice cream or flan, with yummy flavors that reminded me of sweet creamed corn, grilled Elote street corn, butter toffee peanuts and white chocolate or Macadamia nut cookies. 

About Abasolo Whisky 

Abasolo El Whisky de Mexico is crafted and distilled from the finest, non-GMO, Cacahuazintle corn which has been cultivated over generations by local farmers for its distinct, extraordinary flavor. Tasting notes include rich and smooth with deep, intriguing notes of roasted grain, vanilla, and honey that are unlike any other. Learn more about the Ancestral Corn Whisky Brand, by visiting abasolowhisky.com or follow us on Instagram @abasolowhisky

About Nixta Licor De Elote

To create Nixta, the best tender corn of the season is macerated in an exquisite corn distillate and sweetened with clarified sweet wort—both produced from ancestral cacahuazintle grown near our distillery at a height of more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Pure cacahuazintle corn is used in two different stages of development: Cacahuazintle sweet corn is macerated and prepared to extract all its delicate flavor. And ripe, cacahuazintle kernels are nixtamalized to produce a sweet wort and alcohol. Together, these ingredients make Nixta Licor de Elote into a flavorful, versatile liqueur that is true to its origin. Visit https://www.nixtalicor.com or find on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixtalicor/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Disaronno and Jack Daniel’s Partner to Launch Velvet Fire

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Disaronno, the world’s favorite Italian liqueur¹ and Jack Daniel’s the most valuable spirits brand in the world², are proud to announce the launch of Velvet Fire, a national partnership between Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire. Best served chilled or consumed as a shot, Velvet Fire combines 2 parts Disaronno Velvet and 1 part Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire.

Photo: MensJournal.com

Velvet Fire blends the creamy hints of toffee and apricot from Disaronno Velvet with the warming notes of cinnamon liqueur and unmistakable character of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey for a distinct and smooth cinnamon pour. Velvet Fire opens the door to where the Italian elegance of Amaretto meets the legendary world of American whiskey. A celebratory and indulgent drink without seasonality, Velvet Fire is ideal for any and all occasions.

“Disaronno is honored to partner with Jack Daniel’s to create Velvet Fire,” said Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President of Brand & Trade Marketing for Disaronno. “The timing was perfect with the exciting growth of both the flavored whiskey and cream liqueur categories. The mixability of Disaronno Velvet combined with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire makes for a very unique tasting experience that will intrigue many palates of spirits and cocktail lovers.”

Launched in April 2020, Disaronno Velvet is the newest innovation to the liqueur category from the iconic Disaronno brand. Bottled at 17% ABV, Disaronno Velvet boasts the floral character of almonds with nuances of chocolate and vanilla, all while providing the quintessential Amaretto flavor profile of Disaronno. Disaronno Velvet is best served over ice, or by adding a touch of Italian elegance to cream cocktails.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire launched globally in 2016 and has since become one of the top selling flavored whiskies in the world, offering whiskey enthusiasts a new way to enjoy Jack Daniel’s. At 35% ABV, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire is crafted with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and is naturally infused with a proprietary cinnamon liqueur for a smooth and delicious taste.

“We’re extremely excited about this new partnership with Disaronno to introduce Velvet Fire to our friends around the country,” said Lauren Richmond, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Brand Manager. “Bringing these two iconic spirits together will build on their popularity and success to leverage the mixability of both brands in a unique way.”

Velvet Fire, which features a 750ml bottle of both Disaronno Velvet and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, is now available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $49.99. The suggested retail price for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire is $19.99, with Disaronno Velvet available at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Note¹: source IWSR 2019 – International Wine & Spirit Research
Note²: source Interbrand 2020 Best Global Brands

DISARONNO®
Disaronno® is the world’s favorite Italian liqueur. Featuring an original taste and unmistakable aroma, Disaronno stands out on the world stage with distribution in more than 160 countries. The Disaronno bottle has a unique design and a cap, which lends elegance and modernity, embellished with a golden label that enhances its contemporary style. Disaronno is a pleasure to enjoy on the rocks as well as in its various mixed drinks, including the new Disaronno Fizz. Recognizable and versatile, it makes every cocktail one-of-a-kind.

http://www.disaronno.com
https://www.facebook.com/Disaronno
https://www.instagram.com/disaronno_official/

About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/
https://www.facebook.com/jackdaniels
https://www.instagram.com/JackDaniels_US/