Latest news with #ElijahCraig
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bourbon Powerhouse Heaven Hill Dominates 2025 San Fransisco World Spirits Comp
Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky In the ever-evolving world of American whiskey, there's no shortage of distilleries touting heritage and craftsmanship. But accolades speak louder than marketing. Heaven Hill Distillery just proved that again in a big way, being named the most-awarded U.S. distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their haul: 12 golds, 10 double golds, one platinum, and five Best of Class finalists. It's more than a headline—it's a declaration. One that reminds the industry this family-owned powerhouse isn't just preserving bourbon's past; it's helping chart its future. That platinum distinction, awarded to Elijah Craig, 18-Year-Old Bourbon, for earning a Double Gold three years in a row, represents more than consistency—it signals legacy-level excellence. Platinum Medal winner Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old SIngle Barrel Bourbon. That future is rooted in nearly 90 years of history. Founded in 1935, just after Prohibition's repeal, the Shapira brothers had no brands, no aging stocks, and little hands-on whiskey experience. But what they did have was a vision—and the foresight to partner with none other than Joseph L. Beam, a member of the iconic Beam whiskey family. That decision set the tone for what Heaven Hill has become: America's largest independent, family-owned whiskey company, still stewarded by the Shapira family today. That continuity—rare in the modern spirits world—has enabled a long-term view, one that privileges quality over quick wins and builds credibility one barrel at a time. But success hasn't come easy. On November 7, 1996, disaster struck. A massive fire tore through their Bardstown facilities, leveling the distillery and destroying nearly 90,000 barrels of bourbon—a loss of almost 8 million gallons. Flames shot skyward. Barrels exploded. Local witnesses recall a literal river of fire. It could have spelled the end. But Heaven Hill didn't fold. They improvised, bottling whiskey distilled elsewhere, and soon acquired the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. That decision not only ensured survival—it laid the groundwork for a new era of expansion and innovation. Today, Heaven Hill's core remains bourbon, but its footprint is deep and wide. Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, Henry McKenna, Rittenhouse Rye, and their eponymous Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond are among the most recognizable names on shelves. Their newer Grain to Glass series—crafted from grains sourced within 50 miles of Bardstown—is a nod to transparency and a celebration of local terroir. It's a move that connects discerning drinkers with Kentucky's soil, water, and climate—the very essence of bourbon. And while many producers fixate on product, Heaven Hill understands the importance of experience. Their Bardstown-based Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, first opened in 2004, is a premier destination for bourbon tourism. It educates and immerses guests in the heritage of whiskey while helping to cement Bardstown's claim as the bourbon capital of the world. And now, with the opening of their new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, they've returned to full-time distillation in Bardstown for the first time since the fire—completing a full-circle moment nearly three decades in the making. The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Heaven Hill isn't just making great whiskey; they're shepherding a legacy. Their involvement in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, their ongoing commitment to Bottled-in-Bond offerings, and their investment in both heritage and innovation all underscore a simple truth: this distillery doesn't just represent where American whiskey has been. It shows where it's going. So yes, those 28 medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition matter. But what they really signify is something deeper: the enduring strength of independence, the value of generational vision, and the staying power of doing things the right way—even when it's hard. Heaven Hill's not chasing trends. They're building a dynasty. One barrel, one bottle, one bold move at a time. "These awards are a true reflection of the craft, innovation, and legacy that define Heaven Hill Brands," said Kate Latts, Co-President and third-generation family member. "To be recognized again as the 'Most Awarded U.S. Distillery' is not just an honor, it's a validation of our commitment to making spirits that resonate with consumers and connoisseurs alike." Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 industry-shaping names will join the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Meet the 2025 class
Five big, industry-shaping names in bourbon are joining the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Their roles in bourbon vary dramatically, but their dedication to the industry and overall influence on have earned them a spot in Kentucky's history. The 2025 class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will welcome longtime legislative champion Damon Thayer, trailblazing female entrepreneur Mary Dowling and Larry Ebersol, who played a key role in the craft distilling boom. Craig Beam, a seventh-generation distiller, and 50-year-bourbon veteran and former Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris are also joining the ranks. The five new members will be inducted in September, which is Bourbon Heritage Month. Each year, candidates for the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame are submitted by Kentucky Distillers Association member distilleries and the KDA Board of Directors through a comprehensive application process. The selection committee chooses a maximum of five inductees each year. More: Brown-Forman shares bleak outlook for company, spirit industry amid tariff uncertainty Here's what to know about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class of 2025. Craig Beam, who is a seventh generation distiller in a storied Kentucky family, learned the art and science behind making whiskeys from his grandfather, Earl, and father, Parker, who are both legendary Master Distillers and Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees. He spent part of his career at Heaven Hill Distillery working on the company's flagship brands while also introducing new products, such as the Evan Williams and Elijah Craig single barrel series. He is currently the master distillery at Jackson Purchase Distillery, which is one of Kentucky's fastest growing distilleries. The late Mary Dowling was born in 1859 to Irish immigrants, and throughout her life she overcame anti-Irish sentiments and gender barriers to become a trailblazing bourbon entrepreneur. When her husband died in 1903, she took over the Dowling bourbon empire. She became the first woman to run a major distillery, even though she met plenty of resistance from her bank and competitors trying to force her to sell for pennies on the dollar. During American Prohibition, Dowling moved bourbon production to Mexico. Outside of bourbon, Dowling used her wealth and influence to build churches, champion immigrants as well as advocate for Black and women's rights. She opened a free hospital before her death in 1930. More: She's the 'Mother of Bourbon,' but you've probably never heard of her. Meet Mary Dowling Larry Ebersold's career began at the Seagram's plant in Louisville in 1972 as distillery shift supervisor. He spent nearly four decades in corporate spirits world, working in various departments such as cooking and fermentation, then engineering, and maintenance and utilities. When Diageo and Pernod Ricard purchased the Seagram Company in 2001, his responsibilities expanded beyond the distillery and grain division to include Pernod's barrel inventory, as well as manufacturing planning and sales of bulk whiskies. His diverse career set the stage for a busy retirement. He launched a consulting business in 2010, and his expertise has shaped 31 distilleries, including New Riff, Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon, collaborating with architects and engineers to design innovative production spaces. Chris Morris is a 50-year veteran of the Kentucky bourbon industry, and his craftsmanship and integrity are recognized around the world through the Brown-Forman's whiskey portfolio. Morris, who is Master Distiller Emeritus for Woodford Reserve, is the mastermind behind brands such as Woodford Reserve Double Oak and the company's celebrated Master's Collection. Morris also is one of the industry's most respected historians, a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers' Association Board of Directors, and a cherished mentor to his successor at Woodford Reserve, Elizabeth McCall. More: Here are 7 new bourbon, whiskey releases or experiences you need to know about this month Damon Thayer is considered one of the strongest champions of Kentucky bourbon in the history of the Kentucky General Assembly. As retired Senate Majority Leader, Thayer is directly responsible for stewarding more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized the bourbon industry and propelled it into the bourbon boom of the 2010s and early 2020s. That legislation has position bourbon distilling into an economic and tourism powerhouse for the Kentucky. Reach Courier Journal features columnist Maggie Menderski at mmenderski@ This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KDA Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class of 2025
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Top Bourbons From The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Bourbon on the rocks The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the world's most extensive judging of bourbon. Out of more than 500 entries, roughly three dozen bourbons made the final round in each category. These finalists will vie for the Best in Category in their respective divisions and World's Best Bourbon accolades. Below is a summary of the finalists vying to ascend to the pinnacle of America's bourbon universe. The Straight Whiskey Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Old Grand-Dad, 16 YO Straight Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $195 World Whiskey Society, Doc Holiday 15 YO Straight Bourbon, 68.1% ABV, 750 ml. $399 Elijah Craig, Barrel proof C924, 64.5% ABV, 750 ml. $75 Eagle Rare, 17 YOS Straight Bourbon, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150 Ray's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $35 See 5 Must-Try Bourbons From 2025's San Francisco World Spirits Competition for an in-depth look at these five whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Small Batch Up To 5 Years Bourbon Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company Bourbon, 64.4% ABV, 750 ml. $60 Liberty & Plenty Distillery Bronze Bull Spirits Batch #5 Bourbon Finished in Madeira Barrels, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $70 Kings County Distillery Barrel-Strength Straight Bourbon, 68.8% ABV, 750 ml. $99 Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Bourbon, 59.8% ABV, $750 ml. $90 1792 Small Batch Straight Bourbon, 46.85% ABV, 750 ml. $32 See The Top Small Batch Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these five whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Small Batch 6-10 Years Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC The Beautiful and The Damned Last Lion Bourbon, 57.1% ABV, 750 ml. $79 Rare Character Batch 02 Straight Bourbon, 60.73% ABV, 750 ml. $85 Kentucky Senator John Brown Bourbon, 53.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150 ASW Distillery Fiddler Encore Bourbon – Georgia Oak, 60.2% ABV, 750 ml. $85 Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon, 58% ABV, 750 ml. $79 The Small Batch 10+ Years Bourbon Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC O.K.I. 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 57.5% ABV, 750 ml. $250 Redemption Whiskey 18-Year-Old Bourbon, 51.7% ABV, 750 ML. $400 Widow Jane Lucky 13 Bourbon, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. $110 See The World's Best Small Batch Aged Bourbons, According to the SF World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these eight whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Single Barrel Bourbon Up To 10 Years finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, 68.2% ABV, 750 ml. $169.99 Blackout Barrel Company Blackout Bourbon, 66% ABV, 750 ml. $80 Safai Bourbon 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $275 Hirsch The Single Barrel Double Oak Bourbon, 59% ABV, 750 ml. $150 High Wire Distilling Co. Jimmy Red Single Barrel Bourbon, 58.17% ABV. 750 ml.. $70 See The World's Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these seven whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Single Barrel 11 Years and Older Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC O.K.I. 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon Single Barrel, 63.9% ABV, 750 ml. $300 Augusta Distillery Buckner's 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. $300 See The World's Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these seven whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Special Barrel Finished Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Fox & Oden Double Oaked Straight Bourbon, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml. $100 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Triple Cask Finished, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $100 Whiskey Tree High Rye Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $60 Starlight Distillery Japanese Mizunara Reserve Finished Bourbon Whiskey, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $150 Penelope Toasted Bourbon Double Oak, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $59 See The Best Cask Finished Bourbon Crowned By The San Francisco World Spirits Competition for an in-depth look at these five whiskies and their tasting notes. The Wheated Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Frank August Case Study: 05, Wheated Reserve, 5 Barrel Batch Bourbon, 52.25% ABV, 750 ml. $125 Maplewood Brewery & Distillery Wheated Bourbon, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $80 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, 53.3% ABV, 750 ml. $100 W.L. Weller Antique 107 Straight Wheated Bourbon, 53.6% ABV, 750 ml. $59 W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) Straight Wheated Bourbon, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml. $65 See The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According to the SF World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth view of these whiskeys and their tasting notes. These 35 bourbons represent the best of the best, the pinnacle of American bourbon. One of these finalists will be announced as the World's Best Bourbon at The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. If you are a serious bourbon drinker, you owe it to yourself to taste these outstanding bourbons. Your own world's best bourbon is probably among these finalists.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Elijah Craig Bourbon to Serve as Official Bourbon of the 2025 PGA Championship, Celebrates with Limited-Edition Commemorative Bottle Release
Award-winning Bourbon marks its continued commitment to golf with a special 94-Proof Small Batch Bourbon honoring the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club LOUISVILE, Ky., April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elijah Craig, one of America's premier Bourbon brands, is proud to announce its designation as the 'Official Bourbon' of the 2025 PGA Championship, taking place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Monday, May 12 through Sunday, May 18. To mark this prestigious partnership and celebrate the championship, Elijah Craig will release a special commemorative bottle of its iconic 94-Proof Small Batch Bourbon. The limited-edition release features a unique design, including special labels that proudly display both the 'Official Bourbon' designation and the official 2025 PGA Championship logo. Each bottle is sealed with a gold coin cork, further highlighting the special nature of this release. Additionally, the commemorative bottles are crafted from carefully selected barrels from Heaven Hill Distillery's Q and H1 rickhouses, paying homage to the PGA Championship's return to Quail Hollow Club. 'The partnership between Elijah Craig and the PGA Championship underscores our shared commitment to excellence,' said Max Stefka, AVP, Global Whiskey Brands at Heaven Hill. 'We're thrilled to honor this prestigious event and its iconic venue, Quail Hollow Club, with a special limited-edition release that celebrates the spirit of golf and the legacy of Elijah Craig Bourbon.' In addition to the limited-edition release, Elijah Craig will host on-course activations throughout the championship, providing attendees with exclusive opportunities to experience the rich, full-bodied flavor of this award-winning Bourbon. These activations, including the Elijah Craig Speakeasy will offer fans the chance to enjoy Elijah Craig craft cocktails, interactive experiences, and learn more about the brand's legacy as the First to Char Oak Barrels to make Bourbon. Furthermore, Elijah Craig has invested in many out-of-home advertising outlets across the greater Charlotte area. 'Elijah Craig remains an integral element of the onsite experience at the PGA Championship,' said Jessica Burdett, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the PGA of America. 'We are confident that spectators will enjoy Elijah Craig's award-winning bourbon and premium activation experiences while watching the strongest field in golf compete at Quail Hollow Club this May.' Elijah Craig continues to leave its mark on the golf world through its partnerships with PGA TOUR® professionals, including Max Homa and newly announced team members Robert MacIntyre and J.T. Poston, along with professional sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis, who all proudly represent Elijah Craig. The brand is also recognized as the Official Bourbon and Whiskey Supplier of the PGA of America, the Ryder Cup, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and as an Official Partner of the PGA National Club Championship. These partnerships further emphasize Elijah Craig's deep connection to the sport and its dedication to supporting golfers who embody the same values of craftsmanship and excellence that define Elijah Craig Bourbon. The commemorative 2025 PGA Championship Elijah Craig edition will be available in limited quantities, nationally, with each bottle displaying specific information about the Major Championship and the special barrels used to craft it. The product will begin shipping in March with a suggested retail price of $36.99. ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as 'The Father of Bourbon,' who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery's Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term 'small batch' even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate's Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit ABOUT THE PGA OF AMERICA: The PGA of America is one of the world's largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world's foremost sporting events. For more information, visit and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook. Kaitlynn West (502) 413-0230
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking for a new bourbon? Here are 6 new Kentucky bourbon, whiskies to try this month
Kentucky's distilleries are constantly launching new products and April is no different. Buzzard's Roost Whiskey has released its latest batch of Toasted French Oak Bourbon, Old Forester launched its new expression in the 117 Series, PGA Tour pro Max Homa teams up with Elijah Craig to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon and more. Here are six new bourbon products to try this month: Buzzard's Roost Whiskey has released its newest batch of Toasted French Bourbon, Batch 2. Batch 2 of Toasted French Oak Bourbon takes a slightly different approach than Batch 1, using French oak staves that were precision-toasted to coax out the most appealing flavor. 'We think Batch 2 is even more delicious than our first batch,' Buzzard's Roost co-founder and CEO Judy Hollis Jones said in a news release. 'Batch 1 was a favorite of many of Buzzard's Roost customers, but with a brand mantra of 'Innovation Within the Bounds of Tradition, we always look for new ways to create outstanding flavors." Three important differentiators between French oak staves and whole barrels were considered before creating this new release: While French oak barrels can only be toasted for very short periods of time, French oak staves can be toasted for as much as 18 hours, allowing the heat to tame extra tannins that are present in French oak. French oak has a greater concentration of hemicellulose than other types of oak, resulting in more sugar molecules for caramelization. The ability to toast French oak for a longer time leads to greater concentrations of flavor producers. More: Kentucky bourbon industry braces for European Union tariff. Where things stand Batch 2 of Toasted French Oak Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. The secondary maturation with French oak staves resulted in flavors of vanilla cupcake with light caramel frosting, dried apples, powdered cinnamon and a touch of sweet oak. It is 100 proof with a suggested retail price of $85. For more information visit, PGA Tour pro Max Homa has teamed up with Elijah Craig to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon expression. Homa has said Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is his 'hands-down favorite.' So when the opportunity arose to collaborate on a private barrel pick, he jumped at the chance. The process begins with Elijah Craig's Small Batch Bourbon, which is then elevated by a second, custom toasted barrel. This step gives the bourbon an additional layer of sweet oak complexity, creating a rich, full-bodied profile. For Max's signature sip, the team followed the same finishing process, but with a unique twist, working with single barrels that were uncut and bottled at barrel proof. After sampling four carefully curated options alongside Elijah Craig Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll, Homa selected a standout 8-year-old bourbon, which begins with the aroma of toasted oak and sweet caramel. The finish is warm, with lingering hints of chocolate and baking spices. "Since the beginning of my partnership with Elijah Craig, fans have been asking for a barrel pick," said Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner. "All of the barrels I sampled were delicious which made the decision very difficult, but in the end my Toasted Barrel pick ultimately stood out with its rich creamy notes of butterscotch and vanilla alongside the classic oak smokiness and spice Elijah Craig is known for.' This Bourbon is 126.6 proof and will be released in limited quantities, with less than 200 bottles available. Sign up to be the first to know when the release will be available by visiting the Elijah Craig website and providing contact information to receive an exclusive email with limited opportunity to purchase the product. Joining the list is not a guarantee of purchase and product will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Kentucky Senator Bourbon released its sixth small batch of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, The John Edwards. Named after John Edwards, Kentucky's second-ever U.S. Senator and a resident of Bourbon County, this exclusive release continues the brand's legacy of honoring distinguished statesmen while delivering an exceptional bourbon experience. The small batch bourbon is aged for seven and a half years and bottled at the signature 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, offering a rich and balanced flavor profile that bourbon enthusiasts have come to expect from the brand. More: Smoking will be allowed again inside some Louisville businesses. Here's what to know Kentucky Senator Bourbon co-founder Andre Regard expressed his enthusiasm: "Damon [Thayer] and I continue our journey of celebrating Kentucky's native spirit with another outstanding release. Each batch tells a story, and the John Edwards Release is no exception — steeped in history and bottled with precision.' Suggested retail price of $119.99 and is available at select Kentucky retailers, bars and restaurants and online at Maker's Mark has announced the next release in its Wood Finishing Series, The Keepers Release 2025, inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker's Mark matures consistently to the founders' taste vision. Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand's iconic bourbon. The Keepers Release 2025 showcases rich, oak-forward aromas of seasoned wood, brûléd sugar, and tobacco, leading to a long, enveloping finish characterized by dried dark fruit and a lingering roasted sweetness. 'The Keepers Release was born from our close collaboration with the Maker's Mark warehouse team, the guardians of our barrels,' Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller for Maker's Mark said in a news release. "Their sensory experience of Maker's Mark is unlike anyone else's, the aromatic oak at different times of the day, evolving tasting notes of our whisky as it ages over multiple seasons, which provided inspiration and helped us shape the flavors of this release." At 109.2 proof, the release will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99. For more information, visit Milam & Greene Whiskey released Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon, a blend of two six-year-old, cask-strength collector's edition bourbon casks. Gray Wolf is the first release in the Milam & Greene 2025 Wildlife Collection, which explores how climate impacts the final flavor of aging bourbon. This limited cask-strength bourbon was distilled at the Green River Distilling Company, in Kentucky, with a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. It was barreled on May 18, 2018, and aged in Owensboro, Kentucky for three years, eight months, and 25 days before being transported to Blanco, Texas, and aged for an additional three years and one month. Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon has rich aromas of maple bar, coffee cake, creamed corn, fresh mint, and baking spices. It is full-bodied and silky loaded with butterscotch candy, black tea flavors with dill and fresh herbs, peppercorn, and nicely balanced oak. This bourbon has a lengthy, cool finish with notes of German chocolate cake, herbal lozenge, and loads of fresh mint. It is 125.5 proof and available exclusively on the Milam & Greene Whiskey website for $149.99. For more information, Old Forester released its latest expression in the 117 Series: Bottled in Bond Rye. This release marks the first Bottled in Bond Rye Whisky handcrafted by Old Forester. The 1897 Bottled in Bond Act required that each bottling be composed of barrels filled during a single distillation season. This small batch of Rye Whisky reflects the unique flavor of the unusually cool and wet spring of 2015. "This 117 Series release is unique because it holds a tie to our 1897 Bottled in Bond, our tribute to the Bottled in Bond Act," Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said in a news release. "This release is a first for Old Forester, and stays true to our historical promise of quality, consistency and balance." Tasting notes: Color: Ripe tangerine Aroma: Sweet honeysuckle and candied lemon with hints of ginger root and thick molasses Flavor: Intense spice immediately hits followed by charred oak, freshly cracked pepper and cooked pear Finish: Quick and dry finish with notes of bright citrus, lemongrass and coriander The 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye is bottled at 100 proof with a suggested retail price of $64.99. Available at Old Forester Distillery Company retail shop and in the online store at Reach News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@ This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky bourbon releases Old Forester, Elijah Craig, Maker's Mark
