Whisky Informative

How Whisky is Made

My last article regarding the process of whisky covered maturation and some of the casks used for such, but there’s so much more that goes into the making of whisky that I of course wouldn’t want to leave out. This article will cover all of the other processes that go into making the spirit we all love so much.

There are three simple ingredients that go into the making of single malt whisky –…

Stopping to Smell the Roses: An Evening with Al Young

The evening before Whisky Live Boston I attended a private dinner and tasting along with Al Young, Historian at Four Roses Bourbon, Jerusha Torres, Regional Sales Manager at Four Roses, and some fellow Boston drinks writers including my friend Phil of Bargain Bourbon for a toast to 125 years of Four Roses, some conversation and a Q&A with the historian himself.

From left to right: Phil Conner of…

On the Rocks: A Different Look at Nosing & Tasting

The other day I was sitting back on my couch with my laptop and a few books, trying to make some ground on a research project. With light music in the background and a nice spring breeze coming through the window, a desire for a smooth, refreshing drink came over me. That was the moment I decided I would try something I had never done before – Put a little ice in my whisky.

Yes, the infamous…

Types of Casks & the Maturation Process

In my article titled “Different Categories of Scotch Whisky,” I mentioned that I would explain more about the different types of casks that are used in the production of Scotch whisky. My goal of this article is to do just that.

The maturation process is wonderful and unique in many ways. It is how New Make spirit, or White Dog as it is sometimes referred to here in the US, is transformed into…

Remainder of Barton 1792 Distillery Collapses

On top of the already unfortunate initial collapse of Sazerac’s Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, the remainder of warehouse #30 has given away.  Now, the warehouse remains as a pile of wood and barrels among the beautiful distillery grounds.  Luckily, no injuries were reported in either collapse.

After the initial collapse in June, Sazerac commented the fallen warehouse, constructed…

Getting to Know Some Basic Brands

We have all been there. You are standing in your local liquor shop, staring at their shelves while minutes upon minutes keep passing by.  Perhaps you are trying to decide which whisky to buy next or maybe you are trying to decide which whisky is going to be your first.  The problem is, you are not really sure what it is you are looking at.  If you are in a specialty shop or a store that has a…

Maker’s Mark is on the Road Again with #ShareDelicious Holiday Tour!

Maker’s Mark is once again on the road and celebrating the spirit of the season for its 2nd annual charitable mobile holiday tour. In partnership with Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization founded with the belief that everyone has the strength to share in the fight against hunger and poverty, the Maker’s Mark #ShareDelicious bake sale truck is giving fans in six U.S. cities a chance to…

CEI Debuts New Film: ‘I, Whiskey: The Human Spirit’

Last week, I, Whiskey: The Human Spirit, a documentary-style short film that tells the story of how the freedom to innovate, enjoy, and profit brings people together, was launched. Produced by the Competitive Enterprise Institute and Passing Lane Films, the film interviews whiskey industry entrepreneurs as well as whiskey drinkers to illustrate how the commerce of whiskey creates human…

2016 Yellowstone Limited Edition Launching in October

Limestone Branch Distillery has announced the 2016 edition of Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, set to hit the market in October. This year’s limited edition combines two extra-aged rye mashed bourbons – a stately 12-year and a bold 7-year – hand-selected and finished for several months in new toasted wine barrels. The result is a small batch legendary bourbon with a truly…

Clyde May’s New Straight Bourbon & Cask Strength Whiskey

Clyde May’s Whiskey has announced two new releases – a non-chill filtered, 92-proof Straight Bourbon and a 117-proof, 8-year Cask Strength whiskey. 5-year, Non-Chill Filtered, 92-proof Straight Bourbon Paying homage to Clyde May himself, this non-chill filtered straight bourbon is said to be a classic 5-year-old, easy drinking…

The Bardstown Bourbon Company Starts Production with Sold Out Capacity

After nearly three years in development, the Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo) today achieved another major milestone with the start of commercial production. The Company also announced that it’s already preparing to expand because its collaborative whiskey, bourbon, and rye distilling program is sold out, based on the current capacity of the distillery. The distillery’s 1.5 million proof gallon…

Rare Scotch Whisky Breaks £5 Million Barrier First Half 2016

The value of collectible bottles of Scotch whisky traded within a half year period has surpassed $6.6 (£5) million for the first time since records began in 2008, according to figures published this week by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101. During the first six months of 2016, the value of collectible bottles sold in the UK on the open market rose more than 25 per…

Tullamore D.E.W. Launches Two New Single Malt Irish Whiskeys in the US

Tullamore D.E.W. has announced the launch of its new single malt range, comprised of Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Year Old Single Malt and Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt. Both Tullamore D.E.W. single malts are characterized by their rare, four cask recipe, which sees the whiskey finished in Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, Port and Madeira casks. Both malts are said to boast a rich, balanced and vibrant…

Laphroaig Prepares for Live Twitter ‘Opinions Welcome’ Projection Project

Opinions Welcome – “Big Opinions” Join in on the fun. You may all be familiar with Laphroaig’s ongoing “Opinions Welcome” campaign. To shake things up, John Campbell, for one week only (11-15 October), will be choosing “Opinions Welcome” tweets to display onto the over 200-year-old iconic white wall of the Laphroaig distillery, Warehouse No.1 on the shores of Islay. Big Opinions asks whisky…

Tech Thursday: The All New Apple Watch is Finally Here…

The Jim Beam Apple Watch, that is… How we all like to have our fun. Yesterday, in conjunction with Apple’s latest keynote, Jim Beam joined in the fun by sharing its latest innovation: the Jim Beam Apple Watch. “It’s a slick, stylish accessory that conveniently packs a 1.5 oz. shot glass right on your wrist, allowing you to connect…

Rebel Yell Bourbon Launches 10 Year Single Barrel

Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has introduced Rebel Yell Single Barrel, aged for a full 10-years and bottled one barrel at a time at 100 proof. This hand-bottled wheated bourbon will be available nationwide in limited quantity – 2,000 cases – in September, and 4,000 cases are planned for 2017. Rebel Yell Single Barrel…

Whisky Legend Richard Paterson Celebrates 50 Years in the Industry

The greatest whisky maker of his generation is set to celebrate 50 years of work in the industry this month. Richard Paterson, renowned for his role as Master Distiller at The Dalmore Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, has spent the past 50 years of his illustrious career creating some of the worlds most coveted and iconic whiskies. The landmark will see Richard, a true artisan, pioneer and…