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30 November 2016

28 November 2016

Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon

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23 November 2016

Cask & Crew Rye Whiskey

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21 November 2016

18 November 2016

JustMalt.com Features Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila

imageWe love featuring the latest spirits to hit the market, and as we feature more and more unique beverages, I find myself being consistently drawn to some of the new and interesting Tequila releases.  With that in mind, we decided to feature a new and unique tequila called Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila.

Soltado is not only an aged tequila, but it is also the first infused tequila we’ve sampled…and as it turns out, Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila is actually the first aged and infused tequila to hit the U.S. market.  This tequila is made using 100% blue Weber agave, it is then aged for 28 months (

6-months shy of

an extra AƱejo)

in American white oak, and after the aging is complete, Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila is infused with local organic Serrano chilies and Mexican canela (cinnamon).
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Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila gets it’s agave from 80 local agave farmers in the Juanacatlan region that are part of a co-op that makes the tequila.  Because Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila is all-natural, I’m told that each batch actually has subtle variations due to the changes in the hand-selected ingredients and NO sugar or coloring is added.
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As always, we decided to sample Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila straight up.  The tequila pours a deep amber color with really inviting roasty/peppery aromas.  The first seep greets you with some spicy cinnamon richness followed by the roasty almost smoky serrano pepper heat.  Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila carries enough natural sweetness that you get some additional caramel notes, but the heat of the peppers quickly builds and dominates.  After a few sips we did start to find more sweetness and cinnamon flavors toward the end, but the aggressive heat still remains (in a good way).  Overall this is a really smooth and pleasant tequila with a very unique combination of flavors.
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Next up we decided to make a cocktail with Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila, and we quickly locked in on the Soltado Spicy Blood Mary.  This classic cocktail uses Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila with tomato juice, lemon, horseradish, celery salt, black pepper hot sauce and Worcestershire.  We decided to drop out the hot sauce to allow the tequila’s natural heat shine a bit more.  We really enjoyed what Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila brought to the mix, so much so that we decided to make and enjoy another Soltado Spicy Blood Mary.  Try this cocktail!

imageSoltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila is a 4-time Gold award winner including a Double Gold Best Flavored Tequila Of The Year as well as a 97-point rating.  It is available in 750ml bottles for a retail price of about $40, so this is great value for such a nicely aged tequila.  Try Soltado Spicy AƱejo Tequila for yourself and be sure to try the Soltado Spicy Blood Mary too (you’ll thank me later).

Royal Challenge - Spirit Whiskey

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16 November 2016

Glenfiddich Announces India Pale Ale Cask Finish

imageFrom Glenfiddich:


Rewriting the Whisky Rulebook: Glenfiddich Launches The Experiment Series



New Range Debuts with India Pale Ale Cask, the First-Ever IPA-Finished Single Malt Scotch.



Glenfiddich, the world's most awarded and best-selling single malt Scotch whisky – announces the U.S. launch of the Glenfiddich Experimental Series, a new range of single malts that combines the brand’s passion for pushing Scotch whisky boundaries and collaborating with trailblazers beyond the world of whisky. Today sees the unveiling of the first release from the series: the Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish, the world’s first single malt Scotch whisky finished in IPA craft beer casks.



Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, created the Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish in collaboration with a local Speyside craft brewer who shares a passion for innovative flavors. The duo worked together to pioneer a new single malt Scotch whisky imbued with zesty citrus and tangy hops from the oak casks that had previously held a bold Speyside IPA custom brewed for Glenfiddich.



To pioneer a brand new malt, the collaborators first had to design and create a new IPA craft beer that would go into whisky casks, which would later be used to finish the first variant of the Glenfiddich Experimental Series. The intensive experimental process involved creating three separate brews of different strengths and levels of hops. Kinsman seasoned up to nine American oak casks at a time with the IPA brews, varying the time the beer spent imparting character into the oak casks, before filling the casks back up with whisky to assess the flavor profiles.



Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman said: “The Experimental Series builds on Glenfiddich’s long tradition of innovation and takes us to new levels of experimentation in a way no distillery has ever done before. The idea to experiment with single malt and beer was quite unusual but one we were passionate about – we wanted to really play with the flavors to see what we could create. The result is a liquid with a zesty citrus note followed by soft, sweet vanilla and a hint of fresh hops. The innovative flavor comes from carefully hand-selecting the right malt whiskies to complement the extra hoppy notes.”



The Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish (MSRP: $69.99 / 750ml) will be available nationally beginning October 2016 at luxury whisky retail stores and premium bars and hotels in the United States. “We’re excited to introduce Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series with the India Pale Ale Cask Finish to the U.S., a market whose whisky consumers are open to exploring new and unusual releases,” says Michael Giardina, U.S. Senior Brand Manager for Glenfiddich.



Created from partnerships and collaborations with like-minded innovators from a wide range of different industries, the Glenfiddich Experimental Series unlocks new whisky possibilities in the true spirit of experimentation. The Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish is the first in the series, which will include a number of unexpected variants over time.



Malt Master Brian Kinsman’s Tasting Insight:

Nose
A beautifully delicate balance of ripe green apple, William’s pear and spring blossom. Aromatic hops and fresh herbs complement the characteristic Glenfiddich fruitiness and sweet, vanilla oakiness.

Taste
Vibrant with a zesty citrus note followed by soft, sweet vanilla and a hint of fresh hops

Finish
Long lasting sweetness with subtle green hops

ABV
43%

15 November 2016

First Release of Michter's Celebration Sour Mash in Three Years

Michter's 2016 Celebration Sour MashLOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 15, 2016 -- This December 2016, Michter's Distillery will be releasing its Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey for the first time in three years. It is the last Celebration release blended by Willie Pratt before his retirement as Michter's Master Distiller and his transition to Michter's Master Distiller Emeritus.

To make this 2016 Celebration Whiskey, Mr. Pratt selected his very favorite stocks of Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye from Michter's entire inventory and blended portions of them together. The six barrels chosen for blending the 2016 Celebration release range from over a decade to nearly 33 years old. The 2016 release is 116.8 proof (58.4% alcohol by volume)

Michter's 2016 Celebration Sour Mash

Michter's 2016 Celebration Sour Mash

"Our Michter's team takes great pride in every single bottle of whiskey we offer. When we first released Michter's Celebration Sour Mash in 2013, it was our goal to show that an extraordinary American whiskey could rival the very finest spirits produced anywhere in the world. This year, Willie has done just that yet again. With his masterful barrel selection and blending, Willie's sum of the parts is even greater than each of those remarkable parts independently," said Michter's President Joseph J. Magliocco.

Pamela Heilmann, Willie's successor as Michter's Master Distiller, commented, "Blending is an art, and I value the opportunity I've had to work with a virtuoso like Willie. This 2016 Celebration release is an exceptional whiskey."

Offered in the U.S. and select export markets, the 2016 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash release will consist of a total of 258 bottles. It is expected to be offered in the U.S. at a retail price in the vicinity of $5,000 per bottle. 

For further information, please visit www.michters.com.

14 November 2016

Lifted Spirits - White Whiskey

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11 November 2016

Almight Spirits - Alcohol Inside

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10 November 2016

Johnnie Walker Announces Keep Walking America Campaign, Celebrating Cultural Progress And Diversity In America

imageNEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2016 -- "This Land Is Your Land," the iconic song and rallying cry for American unification penned by Woodie Guthrie, is at the heart of Johnnie Walker's new Keep Walking America campaign. For nearly 200 years, Johnnie Walker has inspired the world with stories of personal progress and Keep Walking America is another powerful collection of stories reflecting the countless achievements, unwavering optimism and tireless progression of the great people who call America home.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7975051-johnnie-walker-keep-walking-america-celebrating-diversity
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The new 360 marketing campaign, which premiered nationally on November 7th with a :60 TV spot created by Anomaly and directed by Chris Sargent of Anonymous Content, celebrates the cultural progress and diversity that represents the fabric of America today. The lyrics of "This Land Is Your Land," read in both English and Spanish, serve as the campaign's anthem. The meaning behind the lyrics powerfully communicate the core message that America has always been and should always remain an inclusive nation, built on values that celebrate and reward people from all colors and creeds. The film was shot over two weeks and features real storylines of progress from Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Montana, New Orleans, Baltimore, New York and Washington DC.



The message of Keep Walking America is supported by a variety of initiatives on a national and global level, each calling for a united, more open-minded society that can be a catalyst for progress and positive change. The brand recently traveled to Brownsville, Texas, a U.S.-Mexico border town, with celebrated actor, director and activist Wilmer Valderrama, to spotlight the rich community of cross-cultural Americans living in proximity to the border and to hear their personal stories of progress. This initiative mirrors recent global work from Colombia, which shared a message of unification during the ongoing peace treaty negotiations, and the brand's Ode to Lesvos storyline, a deeply moving film series that sheds light on a community in Greece that has shown heroism and humanity during the Syrian refugee crisis.



Stephanie Jacoby, Vice President of Johnnie Walker North America stated, "We are extremely honored to continue taking a pioneering role in culture by championing and celebrating progress. Keep Walking America brings to life stories of cultural progress and diversity, and we hope this campaign inspires people to come together for a better future."



This spirit of possibility and commitment to progress will inform all Johnnie Walker brand activity, including cocktail strategy and how we engage with the bar community and those who enjoy our whisky.Flavors of America, a new cocktail program, highlights the stories and cross-cultural backgrounds of the American bartending community. The program will feature modern cocktail recipes inspired by the holidays, traditions and authentic cultural flavors that have influenced the diverse group of bartenders involved in the program. When celebrating life milestones and achievements, Johnnie Walker reminds you to always drink in moderation and secure a designated driver. 



Johnnie Walker is proud to launch this new campaign and will continue to champion powerful stories of personal progress around the world. Please visit www.KeepWalkingAmerica.com to view the new work.

09 November 2016

08 November 2016

Timber Creek Distillery Releases World's First Bourbon Blending Kit

imageDESTIN, Fla., Nov. 8, 2016 Timber Creek, Florida's fastest growing distillery is launching the whiskey industry's first and only Bourbon Blending Kit. The limited edition gift set features a selection of 100 percent single grain whiskeys and Timber Creek's Bourbon Blending Guide allowing consumers to create their own personal bourbon blend.

Bourbon lovers will have the opportunity to blend their own whiskey using an innovative process pioneered by Timber Creek to create its handcrafted small batch bourbon. Each grain is individually milled, mashed, distilled, barreled and aged to make 100 percent single grain whiskeys. Barrels are hand-picked and the whiskeys blended to create Timber Creek's unique bourbon flavor profile.

"Today's bourbon industry is dominated by a handful of large companies using mass production techniques that don't produce the same individual high-quality bourbon created by craft distilleries," said Camden Ford, President of Timber Creek Distillery.  "As a craft distillery, Timber Creek can experiment with new techniques and push the boundaries of innovation unlike large scale operations. Timber Creek is at the forefront of the craft spirits industry and is leading the way by offering new flavor profiles and new whiskey experiences to customers."

Timber Creek's Bourbon Blending Kit is comprised of all single grain whiskeys bottled at 100 proof, including:

  • 750ml bottle of 100% Florida Corn Whiskey
  • 375ml bottle of 100% Florida Wheat Whiskey
  • 375ml bottle of 100% Florida Black Rye Whiskey
  • 375ml bottle of 100% American Single Malt Whiskey

Together, these bottles can be blended together in scores of combinations to create virtually any bourbon flavor profile. The blending kit also provides a graduated mixing beaker, stir rod, and a graduated pipette for precise mixing and blending of the bourbon.



"By leveraging tried and true techniques from the brewing and distilling industries and marrying those with a new approach and process for distilling, we are able to experiment with different flavor profiles and quickly bring distinct products to market while simultaneously focusing on quality," said Aaron Barnes, Timber Creek's Master Distiller. "Timber Creek's objective is to bring big, bold, unique flavors to a new set of customers that want more than the low cost, highly processed generic products for mass markets.  With the Timber Creek Bourbon Blending Kit, we are offering customers the opportunity to blend whiskey the way they want without being limited to what is found on the shelf."



The Timber Creek Bourbon Blending Guide walks consumers through the Timber Creek process, explains how the different grains contribute to the flavor of each bourbon, and shows exactly how to blend the different whiskeys.  Included is also a list of mash bills for many popular Bourbon brands so connoisseurs can easily replicate the recipes for their favorite bourbon.



Timber Creek's Bourbon Blending Kit will be available in limited release, with only 500 being produced. For more information about the distillery and where to find its products visit TimberCreekDistillery.com.

07 November 2016

04 November 2016

Fifth State - Aged Corn Whiskey

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02 November 2016

Johnny Walker & Wilmer Valderrama Visit The US-Mexico Border To Take a Stand For Cultural Progress & Diversity

imageWednesday, November 2nd (New York, NY)

As hundreds of admiring fans bid Wilmer Valderrama an enthusiastic farewell as he headed to the airport in Brownsville, Texas, it was clear this is a passionate community filled with people who are proud of their home, heritage and stories. Johnnie Walker joined forces with Valderrama, celebrated actor, director and activist, to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border to showcase the stories of Americans raised in close proximity to the border and the impact of cross-cultural influences on their personal progress.



This journey to the U.S.-Mexico border was part of Johnnie Walker’s new campaign, Keep Walking America, which celebrates the cultural progress and diversity that is shaping the new face of America today. While on the border, Valderrama got up close and personal with the people and places that define this iconic border town. He walked the fence-line of the border along the Rio Grande, witnessed the daily ebb and flow of people crossing the International Bridge, and spoke with several hometown heroes to learn about their dreams, struggles and stories of personal progress.





Bianca MarroquĆ­n, a Brownsville native and the first Mexican-American actress to have a starring role on Broadway, met with Valderrama and shared, “I feel very fortunate to have grown up with both Mexican values and American traditions – it allows me to offer the world so much more. I was raised by strong Latina women who pushed me to never give up and now I have a responsibility to lead by example. I hope I can help inspire a new generation to follow their dreams.”



Brothers Rick and Mark Del Castillo, founders of the band Del Castillo and also Brownsville natives, who have worked with Valderrama on previous projects, had the opportunity to catch up with Valderrama over a glass of Johnnie Walker. They exchanged familiar stories of how their heritage and cultural upbringing defined their music noting, “While we may be from a small border town, our music has no borders and it resonates with people wherever we go – whether we’re in South Dakota or South America. We are proud to highlight our heritage through our music, as the modern world is all about sharing and acceptance, which helps us all grow and progress for the better.”



As Valderrama concluded his day he stated, “Traveling to Brownsville, Texas was an inspiring and humbling experience. I was able to meet some amazing people who have such a rich and wonderful heritage and it was incredible to hear their stories of progress and perseverance first-hand. My journey to the border for the Keep Walking America campaign has moved me deeply, since it not only represents my own immigrant story, but it’s also a powerful message to our whole nation. I believe your heritage and culture are your biggest assets. If we collectively embrace the cultural diversity that helps define our country, it’s going to help us progress towards a more positive future together.”



AdriĆ”n GonzĆ”lez, another border town native and aspiring actor now living in Los Angeles, showed Valderrama the beautiful Rio Grande – the physical border between the United States and Mexico. Gonzalez went to school in Brownsville but lived in Matamoros, Mexico. He detailed what it was like growing up in both cultures noting, “Matamoros and Brownsville are sister cities – one cannot exist without the other and that’s exactly how I feel about my heritage and culture. As you look across the river, both places look very similar. I believe that it shouldn’t be about pointing out differences, but rather coming together to celebrate our similarities. As Americans, we all come from diverse backgrounds and I believe we should embrace that.”



For more than 200 years Johnnie Walker has encouraged people to make progress in their lives by inspiring them with stories of the human spirit. Founded in 1820 by John Walker, the brand was built upon a commitment to excellence, which was fueled by John’s entrepreneurial spirit and fearless determination to perfect his craft. Over the years, each generation of the Walker family worked through personal challenges, as well as the struggles of the time period, but still found a way to innovate and progress. As a result, Johnnie Walker has always stood for personal progress, and this initiative in Brownville, Texas is another moment in Johnnie Walker’s celebration of progress in the U.S. and the world.



Stephanie Jacoby, Vice President of Johnnie Walker North America, commented, “It is so important that we take an active role honoring stories and supporting initiatives that contribute to culture in a positive way. Now more than ever, we want to actively live out our purpose within society rather than simply stating it. Our experience in Brownsville brings to life powerful messages of cultural progress and diversity that should be championed and celebrated.”

Backstage Southern Whiskey

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01 November 2016

Berkshire Mountain Distillers & Samuel Adams Collaborate On Two Lanterns American Whiskey

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Today, Berkshire Mountain Distillers (BMD) announces the release of Two Lanterns American Whiskey, the highly anticipated whiskey that is the result of a groundbreaking four-year collaboration with Samuel Adams.



BMD crafted this one-of-a-kind premium whiskey by triple distilling Samuel Adams flagship Boston Lager at BMD's distillery in Great Barrington, MA, followed by years of barrel aging in vintage bourbon barrels.  While BMD is well known for aging spirits in used craft beer barrels, Two Lanterns is the first whiskey distilled with Samuel Adams' Boston Lager. It took nearly 25,000 gallons of Boston Lager to produce the 1000 gallons of Two Lanterns available for purchase, so this whiskey is a truly unique and rare find.



"After anxiously waiting for more than four years, we are excited to finally share the fruits of our teamwork for craft whiskey and beer lovers to enjoy," said Berkshire Mountain Distillers founder Chris Weld. "Two Lanterns American Whiskey is truly a labor of love and we had a lot of fun working with Jim and the Sam Adams team."



The whiskey's name was inspired by the two lanterns lit at Old North Church in Boston in 1775 that signaled to the Sons of Liberty that the British were coming by sea to Lexington and Concord to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock and hang them as traitors. The alert launched the American Revolution, much like the creators of Two Lanterns have revolutionized the craft beer and whiskey industries. Jim Koch brewed the first batch of Samuel Adams Boston Lager in his kitchen in 1984 using his grandfather's recipe, creating a full-flavored beer that propelled the craft beer movement. BMD's innovation in craft spirits began in 2007 and its work in craft beer barrel-aged whiskey - and now distilled beer - has built a bridge between two highly sought-after craft beverages: whiskey and beer.



"After barrel aging for over four years, we can't wait for drinkers to finally have the chance to enjoy Chris' Two Lanterns whiskey distilled with Boston Lager," said Jim Koch, Samuel Adams founder and brewer. "Chris is doing a lot of really cool things and it was fun and interesting for us to see how the ingredients and flavor in the beer influenced the final whiskey."



The distilled Samuel Adams Boston Lager has distinct notes of malt and piney hop flavors. The lager was aged for four years in vintage bourbon barrels, creating a smooth whiskey with sweet fruity esters and a very slight bitterness from the Noble hops. Once fully emptied, the American oak barrels used for aging the whiskey will make the trip back to the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, where they will be used for a yet-to-be-named barrel-aged beer. 



Throughout the months of November and December, Chris Weld and BMD will hold over 40 tasting events for Two Lanterns American Whiskey. For more information on the locations, visit berkshiremountaindistillers.com.



Availability: Beginning the week of October 31st, Two Lanterns American Whiskey (SRP: $120) will be available for purchase at select liquor stores, bars and restaurants in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey and Georgia.