by admin | Nov 7, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
First Blended Rye Whiskey Finished in Two Types of Coffee Liqueur Barrels Now Available in California and Online
Los Angeles, CA (November 6, 2023) – Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. known best for its innovative whiskey finishing techniques, has partnered with Laurel Canyon Spirits to launch Black Hjerte, a blended Rye Whiskey finished in two types of coffee liqueur barrels. As the second limited-edition offering in the Broken Barrel “Collaboration Collection” series, this warm and inviting whiskey that’s perfect for ushering in the winter months, is the result of both masterful blending by Founder Seth Benhaim and his sourcing of Laurel Canyon Spirits’ Black Hjerte Barrel-Aged Coffee Liqueur barrels.
The blend features both Kentucky Straight Rye and Kentucky-distilled Light Whiskey, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience. The Oak Bill™ or combination of various barrel staves used during the finishing process, combines Barrel Aged Black Hjerte Coffee Liqueur staves (66%) and limited-edition Blood Orange Coffee Liqueur barrel staves (33%). Both are based on Laurel Canyon Spirits’ original recipe French pressed coffee liqueur.
A One-of-a-Kind Taste Profile
As soon as the golden amber spirit hits the glass, the aromas conjure an alluring blend of roasted coffee, vanilla, buttercream, and charred oak. On the palate, the whiskey is a symphony of flavors that begin sweet, with caramelized sugar and orange zest notes, intertwined with rich and mildly bitter coffee notes. The result is a beautifully balanced fusion of coffee liqueur and whiskey, where the spirit’s underlying grain and vanilla tones gracefully share the spotlight with the coffee’s deep, earthy complexity. The finish is velvety and enduring, with a lingering and warming citrus sweetness from the blood orange liqueur staves.
“When I discovered Laurel Canyon Spirits’ coffee liqueurs and learned of these two distinct coffee liqueur barrels, I knew a collaboration was in order,” said Benhaim. “Oak accounts for over 80% of a whiskey’s flavor so why not expose whiskey to various types of wood and create even more complex layers of flavor? Our innovative finishing process makes great Kentucky whiskey taste even better.”
Availability
Broken Barrel Black Hjerte is now available online at brokenbarrelwhiskey.com and in select retail stores throughout California as well as the company’s gift shop located at 2332 East 8th Street in downtown Los Angeles. The expression features a mash bill of 51% corn, 48% rye, and <1% malted barley. The liquid was bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV) and has a suggested retail price of $99.
Finishing is Everything
Broken Barrel has become known for producing whiskeys (in partnership with Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky), which showcase the impact a non-traditional barrel finishing practice has on flavor. While most whiskey is aged in barrels and then bottled, Founder Seth Benhaim believed that there was a missed opportunity in traditional barrel finishing – namely the reliance on one type of barrel used to finish one type of whiskey. He created Broken Barrel to expand the barrel finishing concept, involving not only broken barrel staves (vs. intact barrels), but also the combination of multiple barrel types all finishing aged bourbon in tandem. Once Broken Barrel whiskey ages for a minimum of two years, barrels are carefully selected, dumped, and batched in a large tank. The broken barrel staves from multiple different kinds of casks are then added to further age and finish the whiskey. Individually, these types of oak barrels are not typically used on 95% of all bourbon or rye whiskey produced, and rarely if ever are three types of oak used at the same time to finish any whiskey.
Broken Barrel boasts an award-winning core whiskey portfolio including Americana (whiskey), Heresy (rye), Small Batch (bourbon), and Cask Strength (bourbon), the latter of which was named Best Kentucky Finished Bourbon at the 2023 World Whisky Awards. Additionally, in the spirit of experimentation, Broken Barrel regularly issues special releases which allows the team to further flex its creative muscles and incorporate barrel staves from various combinations of unique casks sourced from all over the world. To date, Benhaim has purchased whiskey barrels from over a dozen countries and has released nearly 30 unique whiskeys with varying Oak Bills. Past limited releases have incorporated various types of barrel staves including Barbadian Rum, French Oak, Cognac, Armagnac, Islay, Maple, Mizunara and Amontillado. Individually, these types of oak barrels are not typically used on 95% of all bourbon or rye whiskey produced, and rarely if ever are three types of oak used at the same time to finish American whiskeys.
Whiskey enthusiasts can follow Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. on Facebook and Instagram.
About Broken Barrel Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2017, Broken Barrel Whiskey is a portfolio of premium whiskeys sourced from Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky. The core expressions feature exclusively Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, which are further aged and finished using various types and combinations of barrel staves. For more information, please visit www.brokenbarrelwhiskey.com
About Laurel Canyon Spirits
Born from two families intertwined through a lifetime friendship – the pair thrived in the fast-paced Los Angeles music industry – from making records, touring, and performing live, building an award-winning music production company, and ultimately diving into craft distilling rooted in the creative culture of Southern California. Bryan and Dayna Turcotte began making a family recipe French press coffee liqueur in their kitchen in 2002, using collected vintage bottles for gifting to friends. Word of mouth and growing demand for the liqueur sparked the entrepreneurial spirit in Tammy and Nathan Ehrenfeld. Laurel Canyon Spirits was born, and we now produce our original French pressed Black Hjerte, Cold Black Hjerte, and barrel-aged versions in used American Oak Bourbon barrels. Barrel Aged Black Hjerte delivers a unique, complex and smokey flavor with deep notes of coffee, caramel, chocolate and sweet bourbon. In addition to the classic Barrel Aged Black Hjerte, Laurel Canyon Spirits released a limited-edition Blood Orange Barrel Aged Black Hjerte best described as ‘Christmas in a bottle’.
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by admin | Oct 11, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Crafted to be Enjoyed Neat and in Cocktails, this New 100-Proof Expression is the Independent Blender’s First Foray into Non-Cask Strength Bourbon
Louisville, KY (October 11, 2023) – For the past 10 years, Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS) has become synonymous with some of the most exciting cask strength releases being made in America, showcasing its ability to blend complex flavors in bourbon, rye, and American whiskey from a variety of different distillery partners across the world. Today, the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013 announced the launch of Barrell Foundation Bourbon, its first non-cask strength bourbon, in select U.S. markets. The new ongoing release is a blend of Kentucky (8yr), Indiana (5, 6, and 9yr), Tennessee (8yr), and Maryland (5 and 6yr) bourbon whiskeys bottled at 100-proof (50% ABV). Featuring a derived mashbill of 73% corn, 23% rye, and 4% malted barley, the expression presented a unique challenge for the award-winning blender to show it can produce a great, consistent whiskey at a lower ABV and for all occasions.
“Barrell Foundation is a delicious and easy drinking bourbon whiskey with all the flavor of a cask strength bourbon whiskey at 100-proof,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “We believe that a true art form in bourbon-making is the ability to produce bourbon whiskey that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we welcomed the challenge to show that we can produce great bourbon whiskey at a more approachable strength and price for all occasions. For 10 years we’ve led the blending movement in the U.S. and now welcome this exciting opportunity to be a trailblazer of an entirely different style of bourbon whiskey.”
Having recently opened its new 31,000 square foot blending facility in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, BCS can now support the growth of its current brands as well as new product launches. Featuring eight blending tanks with 64,000 gallons of capacity, the new facility enables the team to blend larger stocks of its bourbon into a profile that tastes great neat and works well in cocktails.
Barrell Foundation is now available for purchase online via the Barrell Craft Spirits website and in select markets (AZ, CA, DC, DE, IL, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NV, NY, TX, and WA beginning this month for the suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle. The new offering will rollout nationally in January of 2024.
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes and a liberated approach to blending guides every product release.
The award-winning line of BCS releases are currently sold in 49 U.S. states. For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | Sep 19, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Award-Winning Independent Blender Commemorates 10 Years of Blending Expertise
Louisville, KY (September 19, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, unveiled its new state of the art blending facility in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, during a private ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was hosted by Bourbon Authority Susan Reigler and featured speakers Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville and Mayor Carol Pike of Jeffersontown.
10 years ago, BCS set out to source exceptional bourbon casks from established producers and to blend and bottle them at cask strength. The goal was to elevate barrels of whiskey into something greater than the sum of their parts. Since that time, the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and transparency has had a significant impact on Kentucky and the larger whiskey industry. In 10 short years, Founder Joe Beatrice has built BCS into a national brand sold in 49 U.S. states which has won countless awards from the industry’s most prestigious competitions and earned the respect and praise of the most esteemed whiskey authorities. He has also inspired several other non-distilling producers to pursue blending with whiskey. Today, Joe remains intimately involved with every step of the production process at BCS, using his exceptional palate alongside the BCS blending team to choose and create great spirits.
After a decade of pushing the boundaries of blending, BCS is celebrating a new blending facility that can support its rapid growth. The 31,000 square foot facility was designed specifically to support how BCS operates as a company under one roof in the most efficient manner possible. Large office spaces encourage a free-flowing discussion of creative ideas around innovative product development. The new blending operation features (8) blending tanks with 64,000 gallons of capacity, allowing BCS to increase its blending capacity by over 500%. New bottling lines are capable of a one million case annual throughput on a single shift, ready to package innovative releases. The facility will support the growth of current brands and new product launches. BCS also recently acquired an historic 18,000-barrel rickhouse – strategically located just minutes away from the new blending facility – which features 42 ricks and five levels and offers a multitude of locations throughout to provide unique character to each cask.
“We’re thrilled to unveil our new state of the art blending facility and to continue our 10-year legacy of developing sought-after award-winning blends that push the boundaries of American whiskey,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice.
“I am proud to celebrate the expansion and 10th anniversary of Barrell Craft Spirits, a local blender of unique, aged whiskey and rum. They have recently invested $15 million back into Louisville’s economy and are creating new high-wage jobs for our residents,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Congratulations on your success and continued growth!”
In honor of the company’s 10th Anniversary, attendees were treated to a limited-release, Anniversary Bourbon which was available online before quickly selling out.
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength guides every product release.
The award-winning line of Barrell Craft Spirits releases are currently sold in 49 US states. For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | Sep 7, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Only One Barrel (180 Bottles) Available for Purchase Online at www.tcwhiskey.com Beginning Friday, September 8 at 10:30 ET
Traverse City, MI (September 7, 2023) – Fresh off its 4th annual Cherry Whiskey Fest in Michigan, the team at Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), will make its limited-edition Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey available for the first-time outside of Michigan. On Friday, September 8 beginning at 10:30 ET, the true small batch distillery handcrafting a portfolio of premium whiskies and bourbons in Up North Michigan, will make 180 bottles of the highly coveted spirit available for purchase at www.tcwhiskey.com.
The limited-release, enhanced strength version of its classic American Cherry Edition – the best-selling craft spirit in the state of Michigan – uses the same mash bill (75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malt barley) but features a blend of hand-selected five- and six-year-old bourbon barrels. The whiskey is then infused with more than 200 pounds of Montmorency sour cherries harvested in Leelanau County and bottled at a higher proof (109.4). Whiskey lovers can purchase the expression for $94.99 per 750ml bottle. Limit (1) per customer.
“Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey is extremely authentic to northern Michigan and exhibits a subtle cherry taste,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-founder, TCWC. “But this year, we’re excited to offer this unique whiskey beyond our home state. Folks who aren’t necessarily fans of flavored whiskey will appreciate this higher-proof version.”
Cherry Whiskey enthusiasts can also order a limited-edition Cherry Whiskey Fest kit for $75, which includes 200ml bottles of both the company’s Barrel Proof Cherry and American Cherry Edition whiskeys, a jar of TCWC’s premium cocktail cherries, a limited-edition tasting glass and three cocktail tools: jigger, ice mold, and mixing spoon.
TCWC draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800s, sourcing their grains from the Midwest. The distilling team, led by Chris Fredrickson, strives to make quality products, inspired by patented distilling techniques invented by Fredrickson’s great grandfather that were approved by the US PTO during the prohibition era.
TCWC products are available in 750ml bottles at both on- and off-premise establishments in the following markets: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin. Retail prices may vary by market.
For more information, please visit www.tcwhiskey.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @tcwhiskey
About Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a family-owned distilled spirits company that is known for crafting premium whiskeys that are unmistakably Up North. The harsh winters and hot summers of Traverse City, Michigan, produce exceptional whiskeys forged by the elements. Up North whiskey is said to be both strong and delicate, like a lumberjack with an understanding gaze. TCWC’s early family roots are in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800’s, sourcing all grains from the Midwest.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
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by admin | Sep 6, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Limited-Edition Offerings Utilize the Company’s Blending and Finishing Expertise to Make Bespoke Blends of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys with Unique Finishes
Louisville, KY (September 6, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today launched the new Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series. The limited-edition Series utilizes the company’s blending and finishing expertise to make bespoke blends of straight bourbon whiskeys with unique finishes. The Cask Finish Series will introduce two blends each year, beginning with the launch of the first two blends this Fall: Amburana and A Tale of Two Islands.
Amburana is a blend of Indiana (5, 6, 7, & 10-year) and Kentucky (5-year) bourbon whiskeys, which were further matured in sustainable Amburana casks. Amburana casks are challenging to work with as they impart strong cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla spice notes. True blending expertise is required to enhance the bourbon with Amburana and maintain balance. The BCS blending team created a bourbon blend of two mashbills with different char levels finished in Amburana casks. A vatting of individual casks without finishing was then layered in to add depth, richness, and complexity, ensuring the bourbon shines through first and foremost. Featuring a derived mash bill of corn (75%), rye (21%) and malted barley (4%), the blend was bottled at cask strength (116.42 proof).
The second blend in the Cask Finish Series builds upon the legendary BCS 2018 Tale of Two Islands Rum: a Jamaican Rum matured in peated Islay single malt casks. For the 2023 Tale of Two Islands offering, BCS chose to feature a blend of straight bourbons from Indiana (5, 6, & 9-year) and Maryland (5 & 6-year). The team then used the empty casks from the 2018 offering to finish the blend of straight bourbons. The sweetness of the rum and the smokiness of the Islay casks mingle together with the underlying bourbon for a classic bourbon with notes of old-fashioned donut and coconut macaron. With a derived mash bill of corn (73%), rye (23%), and malted barley (4%), the blend was bottled at cask strength (118.22 proof).
“We’re thrilled to continue our 10-year legacy of developing sought-after award-winning blends that push the boundaries of American whiskey,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “The intent for this Series is to produce unique blends that showcase the finishing cask, while respecting the underlying bourbon blend.”
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments, and bottles them at cask strength. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength guides every product release.
Both expressions are available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and in select retailers later this month for the suggested retail price of $89.99 per 750ml bottle.
The award-winning line of Barrell Craft Spirits releases are currently sold in 49 US states. For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | Sep 5, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Just in Time for the Holidays, the Original Independent Blender Offers 100ml samples of its Core Whiskey Expressions and Newest Batched Bourbon
Louisville, KY (September 5, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today launched a gift box containing 100ml samples of its core Barrell products – Dovetail, Seagrass, Vantage – and its newest batch release, Barrell Bourbon Batch 035.
Barrell Dovetail — A blend of whiskeys finished in blackstrap rum, Port, and Dunn Vineyards Cabernet barrels. A uniquely delicious whiskey with a buttery texture and rich, spicy depth.
Barrell Seagrass — A blend of Canadian and American rye whiskeys finished in Martinique rum, Madeira, and apricot brandy barrels. Ripe, juicy fruit sits at the core of this whiskey, wrapped by layers of leather, grassy herbs, and rye spice.
Barrell Vantage — A blend of straight bourbons finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. The result is a warm, elegant bourbon that highlights the many dimensions of oak.
Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 — A blend of 6, 7, 8, and 13-year-old bourbons. The resulting bourbon is peppery and intriguing on the nose, and sweet and long on the finish.
“Many consumers appreciate the opportunity to sample an ultra-premium whiskey before purchasing a 750ml bottle,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Our sample gift box is the perfect way to try before you buy. It also makes an ideal holiday stocking stuffer for adult whiskey enthusiasts.”
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments, and bottles them at cask strength. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength guides every product release.
Beginning October 1st, the sample gift box is available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and in select retail locations across the U.S. for the suggested retail price of $69.99.
The award-winning line of Barrell Craft Spirits releases are currently sold in 49 US states. For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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