The Art of Whiskey Returns to New Orleans for 2nd Annual Big Game Week Whiskey Tasting at M.S. Rau

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 9, 2025  The highly anticipated Art of Whiskey event is back for its 2nd annual tasting experience, set to take place at the world-renowned M.S. Rau gallery in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. This exclusive evening of whiskey, culinary delights, and live jazz will benefit the Rau for Art Foundation, supporting arts education and appreciation in local schools.

An Unforgettable Evening of Art and Whiskey
Guests will enjoy an elegant night of whiskey tastings, cigar pairings, and gourmet food set among priceless works of art, jewelry and antiques. Attendees can expect an immersive experience, blending the artistry of fine spirits with the sophistication of M.S. Rau's historic setting, surrounded by legendary art from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Rockwell, Lebasque and more. It's a night where craftsmanship meets culture in a truly unforgettable environment. Live jazz performances will add to the ambiance, creating an evening of culture, craftsmanship, and community.

Star-Studded Lineup
The event will welcome an impressive list of celebrity guests, including:

• Ron Isley – Grammy-winning artist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer pouring his Ron Isley Liquid Gold XO Brandy
  
• Hue Jackson – NFL Head Coach
• TJ Ward – Super Bowl Champion and 3-time Pro Bowler
• Eric Metcalf – Former All-Pro Cleveland Browns legend
• Dylan Laube – RB for the Oakland Raiders
• Bub Means – New Orleans Saints WR
• Kristian Wilkerson – Raiders WR
• Doc Curry – Hip-hop legend and co-founder of Death Row Records
• Ella Markovsky – Mrs. Universe 2022-2023
• And many more celebrities, athletes, and industry icons.

What to Expect:

• Whiskey Tastings: Close to 100 premium spirits from world-renowned distilleries such as GlenAllachie, Kilchoman, and Nc'Nean Organic Single Malt.
• Cigar Lounge: Enjoy premium cigars perfectly paired with whiskey selections.
• Masterclasses: Learn from experts about whiskey and cigar pairings.
• Food Pairings: Indulge in gourmet culinary bites designed to complement the finest drams.

Supporting Arts Education
Proceeds from the event benefit the Rau for Art Foundation, which helps young artists pursue academic and professional goals through scholarships and arts education programs.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Location: M.S. Rau, 622 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Tickets: Available at https://TheArtofWhiskey.eventbrite.com
• About The Art of Whiskey:
  The Art of Whiskey is an annual celebration of fine spirits, cigars, and culture, held during Big Game Week. Featuring exclusive tastings, celebrity guests, and masterclasses, it's the premier event for whiskey enthusiasts. Learn more at https://whiskyedu.org/artofwhisky/.

About M.S. Rau:
Founded in 1912, M.S. Rau is one of North America's most prestigious fine art, antiques, and jewelry galleries. With a 40,000-square-foot showroom, it features masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. Led by third-generation owner Bill Rau, this family-owned business operates globally, discovering items around the world and placing them in international collections, both public and private alike. For more information, visit https://msrau.com.

Read More

Johnny Pickles Distillery Loose Cannon Bourbon Whiskey

Johnny Pickles Distillery Loose Cannon Bourbon Whiskey 45%-ABV 750ml.

Read More

Montauk Distilling Company, a Leading Small Craft Distillery Located in Riverhead NY, See Tremendous Company Growth with Prestigious New Accounts Across NY and FL and Securement of Beverage Alcohol Industry Veteran Advisor

RIVERHEAD, N.Y., Jan. 9, 2025 - Today, Montauk Distilling Co., a leading small craft distillery located in Riverhead NY, is pleased to announce recent notable company wins across the organization.

See below for some key highlights:

• Opened new and noteworthy accounts in New York, including the below:
  • Famed Bond Street Sushi in NYC as well as its sister restaurant now opening in Hudson Yards
  • The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in Brooklyn
  • Highly rated and respected cocktail bar Eavesdrop in Brooklyn
• Opened new and noteworthy accounts in Florida, including the below:
  • Tomorrowland
  • Blackbird Ordinary
  • DC Pie
  • Vintage Liquor Stores
    
• Appointment of beverage alcohol industry veteran as new strategic advisor to the business
  • With over twenty years of brand-building within the spirits vertical, ranging from affordably priced to prestige brands, the advisor brings a wealth of relationships, connections and know-how at the local, domestic and international level within wholesale and retail
  • Having created and exited two of his own brands prior to beginning his journey as a consultant, he has helped hundreds of businesses with understanding their identities, strategies and growth potential

"We are thrilled at the recent momentum we've been able to generate around the brand," states Tom Joyce, CEO of Montauk Distilling.

Joyce continues, "We set out in 2013 to create a new spirits brand with a focus on craftsmanship from day one – as we handcraft, distill and bottle our products in small batches yielding exclusively unique taste profiles. It has been nothing short of a journey to get to this point, and we believe we're just beginning to see first-hand the true potential that lies ahead for Montauk Distilling in 2025 and beyond."

Our 'MVPs' remain our Modico Vodka, premium spirit at a great price and our Montauk Gin, arguably the best tasting gin made in America. Of course, the rest of our family of spirits, superb bourbons and rums, also draw people to our Riverhead tasting room year-round.

Our award-winning spirits are available through Opici Family Distributors in NY and CT; McLaughlin and Moran in Rhode Island, and Community Craft Spirits in Florida as well as online (www.montaukdistillingco.com)

About Montauk Distilling
It is our love for the water and storied beaches of Montauk, Long Island—known to locals as "The End"— that has led to the birth of the Montauk Distilling Co.

Started in 2013, MDC is family-owned-and-operated at a small scale.

We salute the rich history of the distillation craft, all the while bringing a fresh, new approach with locally-sourced botanicals. We aim to turn our traditional liquors into bolder, stronger-flavored spirits that evoke the spirit and legacy of our Montauk heritage.

Our ambition is to become a leader in craft distillation and a "drink local advocate" from Montauk to Manhattan and beyond.

As a part of the Riverhead community, we take pride in providing a family friendly atmosphere where people can come to listen to live music and receive education about the building's history. We offer tours of not only the distillery, but also the firehouse itself. With live music, education, food, and—of course—spirits, we hope to provide a space where everyone, young and old, can come to appreciate, and live, the Montauk life.

Read More

Dragon’s Mouth Distillery Nostradanielus Triticale Whiskey Amburana Wood Finished

Dragon’s Mouth Distillery Nostradanielus Triticale Whiskey Amburana Wood Finished 48.5%-ABV 750ml.

Read More

Cygnet Gin Partners with Penderyn Distillery at Swansea’s Historic Copperworks

In an exciting new chapter for Welsh heritage and luxury spirits, Cygnet - The World’s Most Luxurious Gin - founded by renowned Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE and social-impact filmmaker Professor Andrew Levitas, has found a new home at the historic Penderyn Copperworks Distillery in Swansea.

About a partnership which brings together two of Wales’s most celebrated names in a perfect blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Katherine and Andrew on this exciting venture. Cygnet Gin is a truly remarkable product, and we’re honoured to welcome them into the Penderyn distillery. Katherine's passion for quality, innovation, and her love for Wales aligns perfectly with our own values. This collaboration is a natural fit for Penderyn, and we look forward to opening the distillery doors to fans of this exceptional brand."

In over two decades as an artist and Great Campaign Ambassador, Katherine Jenkins OBE, is as passionate as ever about shining a spotlight on Welsh heritage, culture, and business around the world. Cygnet Gin is an extension of this passion… "I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with the Iconic Penderyn Distillery," says Jenkins. " Cygnet embodies the essence of my homeland – it’s incredible natural beauty, the warmth & passion of our people and the unparalleled care with which we make our products – and as such the only home I could imagine for it, is the Historical Copperworks Distillery with our friends at Penderyn”

The Penderyn Copperworks Distillery in Swansea is located in the original copperworks site, which in its time was one of the largest in the world. Within the visitor center guests will learn about the history of the site, access the Distillery Hall to see the unique copper Faraday Stills used for Cygnet, visit the Cask Warehouse, and enjoy the stunning Tasting Bar where they are welcomed to explore award-winning Penderyn Whisky and Cygnet Gin. Tours, tastings, and master classes for both brands will be available, with a dedicated by invitation only Cygnet experiential space set to open in 2026.

Andrew Levitas also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “This partnership represents the absolute best in luxury craft spirits and will hopefully bring further attention to Wales and the fusion of artistic expression, heritage, and innovation blossoming all around us. As the voice of luxury gin, Cygnet is positioned to pioneer a new frontier for the category and Penderyn is the ideal new home for us and Cygnet’s 6^th generation Master Distilling team. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our new home.”

The award-winning Penderyn Distillery, established in 2000, has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world. Penderyn’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and Welsh heritage has earned them a passionate following and numerous accolades. The business welcomes Cygnet gin and its credentials as the World’s Most Luxurious Gin with open arms and believe that their support and long earned world-class reputation will undoubtedly make a positive impact.

About Penderyn Distillery:

www.penderyn.wales

Penderyn Distillery is a multi-award-winning Welsh distillery best known for its exceptional single malt whisky. Located in Swansea, the Brecon Beacons and Llandudno, Penderyn combines traditional Welsh craftsmanship with innovative production techniques, creating world-class spirits that celebrate Wales’s rich heritage. Penderyn's products have earned global recognition, with their whisky collection being enjoyed by connoisseurs and collectors alike. With a commitment to excellence, Penderyn is a name that represents the very best of Wales in the world of spirits.
About Cygnet Gin:

Founders Katherine Jenkins OBE, the Voice Of A Generation and The 21st Century’s Most Successful Classical Singer, and professor & film-maker Andrew Levitas, set out to change the paradigm in gin when they embarked upon their journey with Cygnet. In doing so they created a luxury spirit that stands alone; Cygnet 22 is enjoyable neat, balancing sustainability with understated luxury.  Owing to its disruptive approach Cygnet has defied the gin category norms.

Following launch in 2023 Cygnet has disrupted the bar scene with exceptional liquid credentials, reinvigorating passion into luxury gin cocktails as well as establishing itself as the perfect sipping serve, neat on the rocks.

The World’s Most Luxurious Gin, Cygnet 22, is presented in “Eirlys” (the Welsh term for “snowdrop”) a hand-blown, hand-constructed decanter. This functional work of art defines luxury sustainability via iconic table service, and as a mindful gifting solution as a re-usable luxury lightweight decanter. The award-winning gin has achieved industry recognition not only for its striking vessel, but the exceptional liquid within. Distilled using 22 of the finest botanicals, including Manuka Honey, alongside the purest Welsh water, Cygnet 22 has achieved industry accolade for its complex flavour, married with velvety smooth mouthfeel and lingering silky-smooth finish.

In its premier year the Cygnet Collection has achieved an unprecedented reaction from the industry, with an accolade of Gold Medals and presence across the luxury on & off trade, showcasing the excellence of liquid craftsmanship and design expertise, in turn solidifying the position as a luxury leader in the spirits industry.

Industry Accolades

Within the first year of launch Cygnet has gained industry recognition from The Gin Awards 2024 and The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters & Luxury Masters alike.

· Cygnet 22

o The Spirit Business

§ Luxury Masters 2024 – Master

§ Global Gin Masters 2024 – Gold

o IWSC 2024 Contemporary Gin - Gold

o The World Gin Awards 2024

§ ‘Signature Botanicals’ Wales – Country Winner

§ ‘Signature Botanicals’ - Gold

§ ‘Best Gin Bottle Design’ - Global Winner

§ ‘Bottle Design’ - Gold

o 2023 World Beverage Innovation Awards

§ ‘Best Glass Design’ – Winner

§  ‘The Best Alcohol Beverage’ – Commended

· Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin

o The Spirits Business

§ Global Gin Masters 2024 – Gold

§ The Design & Packaging Masters 2024 – Silver

· Cygnet Gin & Tonic

o IWSC 2024 Ultra-Premium premixed - Gold (sole G&T to achieve Gold in 2024)

o The Spirits Business

§ Pre-Mixed, RTD & Hard Seltzer Masters 2024 – Silver

§ The Design & Packaging Masters 2024 – Gold

Read More

Old Forester 1924 Returns: 10-Year-Old Bourbon Back on the Shelf Nationwide

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 7, 2025 - Today, Old Forester^® announces Old Forester 1924 is returning to shelves for a second year. When introduced last January, this 10-year-old 100-proof bourbon sold out nationally in weeks.

"Old Forester 1924 quickly became a consumer favorite of our beloved Whiskey Row Series," said Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.  "We are glad to see it return to stores, bars and restaurants across America."

This expression features a mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye and 10% malted barley rather than the traditional Old Forester recipe of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

This 10-year-old age-stated bourbon is the newest addition to the brand's Whiskey Row Series, a collection of Old Forester expressions that commemorate distinguishable moments from the brand's 153-year history.

When more than 200 distilleries in Kentucky were forced to close during Prohibition, Old Forester continued operations because the federal government issued them one of six permits to continue to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from neighboring closed distillers, each containing different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This special release commemorates that moment in time.

When 1924 was first released last year in January 2024 it celebrated and honored the 100^th anniversary of whiskey innovation as Old Forester is the only bourbon brand produced before, during and after Prohibition.

"With a new mash bill and 10-year age statement, 1924 features a unique taste unlike any other Old Forester expression, but fits perfectly within our storytelling Whiskey Row series," said Master Taster Melissa Rift. "After such a quick sell-out last year, this re-release gives more whiskey drinkers the chance to taste – and love – this dynamic expression."

The Whiskey Row series now includes:

• 1870 Original Batch
• 1897 Bottled in Bond
• 1910 Old Fine Whisky
• 1920 Prohibition Style
• 1924 10-Year-Old

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Dark graham cracker.
• Aroma: Soft notes of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, and cured tobacco layered over
• hints of rich oak and warm cinnamon.
• Flavor: Chocolate-covered graham cracker dusted with cinnamon.
• Finish: Hints of spice and graham cracker crumbles.

Old Forester 1924 is 50% ABV (100-proof) and is available nationwide starting today at participating retailers and at Old Forester Distilling Co. for $119.99.

For more information on Old Forester, please visit OldForester.com.

About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester is Brown-Forman's founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, "There is nothing better in the market."

Please sip responsibly.
Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 47.5% Alc. by Vol., Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. ©2025 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.

Read More

Heaven's Door Spirits Unveils Bootleg Series Volume VI: Bob Dylan's Repertoire of American Whiskies are the Perfect Blend of Art and Craft

PLEASUREVILLE, Ky., Jan. 8, 2025  -- Heaven's Door Spirits, the highly awarded collection of American whiskey from Bob Dylan, announced today the release of Bootleg Volume VI. The latest in this limited release series is a blend of exceptional 12-, 13- and 14-year-old wheated bourbons finished in Limousin cigar barrels and is presented in a ceramic bottle that features one of Bob Dylan's masterful paintings from his Brazil Series. This highly limited-edition straight bourbon is a perfect blend of art and craft.

Alex Moore, Lead Blender for Heaven's Door, experimented with more than a dozen different types of barrels for the secondary finish on Bootleg Volume VI before finally choosing the cigar barrel. "A cigar barrel is given its name due to its tall, elongated cigar-like shape. The shape of this barrel provides more whiskey to wood-to-surface contact which yields more pronounced flavor notes," explained Moore. "Additionally, the Limousin oak is air dried over time versus kiln dried, which makes a big difference in terms of the tannins and sugars that are naturally resident in the oak."

Secondary finishing in the cigar barrels imparts notes of spice, dried fruit and toasted oak and are the perfect counterbalance to the softer, slightly sweeter notes of a wheated bourbon.

The Bootleg Volume VI bottle features Bob Dylan's painting, Favela Villa Candido, part of his 2015 collection, The Brazil Series. The artwork vividly portrays Brazil's favelas and their community spirit, pairing textured browns and ochres with tonal greens and blues to evoke the style of Cézanne—one of his favorite Impressionists.

Key Features of Heaven's Door Bootleg Series Volume VI:

• Limited Release: Fewer than 5,000 bottles of Bootleg VI will be available worldwide, making this a rare and collectible release.
• Masterful Blending & Finishing: A blend of 12-, 13- & 14-year-old wheated bourbons finished in Limousin cigar barrels, creating a straight bourbon with rich and complex profile.
• Inspiration from Bob Dylan: A tribute to the passion, creativity, and artistic ingenuity that define Dylan's multifaceted career.

Heaven's Door Bootleg Series Volume VI will be available starting December 17 for a suggested retail price of $499.99, exclusively through select retailers and at https://buy.heavensdoor.com. For more information, follow Heaven's Door on Instagram at @heavensdoorwhiskey.

About Heaven's Door Spirits, LLC:
Heaven's Door Spirits was founded by legendary musician and cultural icon, Bob Dylan in collaboration with Spirits Investment Partnership ("SIP"). The Heaven's Door portfolio of award-winning whiskeys includes the "Revival" Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, $49.99 SRP), "Revelation" Double Barrel Whiskey (100 proof, $49.99 SRP), "Refuge" Straight Rye Whiskey (92 proof, $79.99 SRP) and "Ascension" Straight Bourbon (92 proof, $54.99). Heaven's Door is the perfect blend of art and craft, as each bottle features co-creator Bob Dylan's unique ironwork sculptures. The Heaven's Door portfolio of craft whiskeys is available nationwide and online at heavensdoor.com

About Bob Dylan:
Bob Dylan is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential artists, selling more than 125 million records over the span of his 60-year career. In recent years, Dylan's work as an author and visual artist has further burnished his popularity and acclaim. Dylan's memoir, Chronicles Vol. 1, spent 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List in 2004. Bob Dylan received The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition." Bob Dylan's visual art, including drawings, paintings, and metal sculptures, have received international, critical acclaim and have been featured in museum exhibitions from Miami to Shanghai, as well as the prestigious Halcyon Gallery in London.

About Spirits Investment Partners:
Spirits Investment Partners ("SIP") is a boutique alcohol beverage company with deep expertise in product development, package design, branding, sales, and marketing. More information can be found at www.spiritsinvestors.com.

Read More

AlphaBeta Brewery Distillery I Do Whiskey

AlphaBeta Brewery Distillery I Do Whiskey 43%-ABV 750ml.

Read More

Three Crosses Distillery Old Red Fez Blended Bourbon Whiskey

Three Crosses Distillery Old Red Fez Blended Bourbon Whiskey 45%-ABV 750ml.

Read More

New England Barrel Company Sequential Series 12-Year Straight Rye Whiskey

New England Barrel Company Sequential Series Straight Rye Whiskey 2025 Release 60%-ABV 750ml

Read More

Welsh Whisky Triumph: Penderyn Distillery Secures Landmark Japanese Market Protection

In a significant breakthrough for Welsh spirits, Penderyn Distillery has celebrated the formal recognition of Single Malt Welsh Whisky's Geographical Indication (GI) status in Japan, opening unprecedented export opportunities for the pioneering Welsh whisky producer.

Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement: "Japan is an important market for world-class single malt whisky, making it a key target market for Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky. We have a great partner (Whisk-E) and together we plan to build awareness and reputation for our unique brand from Wales."

The geographical indication, established on the 24th July 2023, represented a critical milestone for the Welsh whisky industry, providing legal protection and authenticity for Welsh whisky exports to Japan's discerning market.
Japan, with its 124 million consumers and status as the world's fourth-largest economy, presents a lucrative opportunity for Penderyn. The distillery has already seen remarkable success in Asian markets, selling 10,000 cases across the Asia Pacific region in 2024.

Under Davies' leadership, Penderyn has transformed from a local Welsh distillery to an international brand. The company now operates three facilities with a production capacity of 900,000 litres of pure alcohol annually, equivalent to approximately 2.5 million bottles of whisky.
The Japanese market recognition is part of Penderyn's broader international strategy. Nicole Liu, Penderyn's Asia manager, emphasised the potential: "Our Dragon series, especially Penderyn Legend, resonates strongly with Asian consumers seeking unique, premium whisky experiences."

This achievement supports the UK government's Plan for Change, boosting British food and drink exports. The geographical indication protects against imitation and ensures Japanese consumers receive an authentic, high-quality product.
Penderyn Distillery's success in securing Japanese market protection represents more than a commercial victory—it's a testament to Welsh craftsmanship, innovation, and the growing global reputation of Welsh whisky.
As Davies succinctly puts it: "This recognition in Japan will be a great achievement to support our export strategy."

Key Market Insights
-39% consumer awareness of Welsh whisky in Japan
-Projected 88% surge in Asian whisky market by 2026
-Expanding from 45 to potential 50+ export countries
Unique Selling Proposition
Penderyn's distinctive approach sets it apart in the competitive whisky market:
-Innovative Faraday still technology
-Unique Madeira cask finishing
-Strong Welsh heritage and branding
-Premium positioning in international markets

About Penderyn:

www.penderyn.wales

Read More

Hermann Farm Distillery Polly’s Still House Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Hermann Farm Distillery Polly’s Still House Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 50%-ABV 750ml.

Read More