by admin | Oct 31, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that Traverse City Whiskey Co. LLC, (TCWC), a Traverse City-based distiller of bourbon and whiskey and producer of premium cocktail cherry garnishes, is expanding in Traverse City with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
“Today’s $20 million investment by Traverse City Whiskey Company will create nearly 100 good-paying jobs and foster long-term economic opportunity in Northern Michigan’s agribusiness sector,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Right now, Michigan’s economy is growing, and we must build on our momentum by empowering our hardworking people, innovative small businesses, and resilient communities. Our future is bright, and by continuing to work together on bipartisan economic development efforts, we can bring in more investments like this one by TCWC to us move Michigan forward. Cheers, Traverse City!”
“Cheers to the team at TCWC on your growth success! We’re pleased to support your expansion in Michigan, and appreciate this vote of confidence in the strength of our talented workforce and attractive business climate,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “Today represents only the beginning of an exciting relationship with TCWC. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. This project further demonstrates Team Michigan’s commitment to supporting economic opportunities throughout all regions of the state. We’re proud to join our local partners as we celebrate TCWC’s expansion and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs, and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors in Northern Michigan.”
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of approximately $20 million and create nearly 100 jobs, supported by a $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Michigan City, Indiana.
TCWC began operating in 2012, when it established its first distillery and bottling plant in downtown Traverse City and produced straight bourbon and innovative cherry whiskey that have become top selling craft whiskeys statewide. At its current facility in Traverse City, the company operates the Stillhouse tasting room that has become a popular destination for tens of thousands of area residents and visitors each year. In 2018, TCWC introduced its premium cocktail cherries which have grown to be the leading premium cocktail cherry nationally, sold in all fifty states. In 2019, it opened its first tasting room in Metro Detroit: The Outpost in Ferndale. TCWC currently employs 45 Michigan residents.
The company’s rapid growth has exceeded its current distilling capacity, which has resulted in a portion of its annual production to be outsourced to out-of-state partners. TCWC has purchased and has begun to repurpose the abandoned Cherry Growers Co-Op cherry processing facility in Traverse City where it will accommodate every step in the production process and meet increasing demand for its products. The first-of-its-kind facility in Michigan will also allow TCWC to offer support to other craft whiskey distillers that are in need of capacity for their own growing brands. It will also include a state-of-the-art traditional rackhouse, dedicated processing and packaging spaces, administrative offices and a visitor center and tasting room, as well as spectacular indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces.
“We’re thrilled to break ground on this incredible new facility and are grateful to the State of Michigan for investing in our future which will allow us to expand operations and exclusively produce our award-winning whiskey right here in our hometown of Traverse City,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-Founder and President, TCWC. Our new headquarters will be an all-encompassing campus that will provide a unique immersion in whiskey culture and industry, and will add a new experience to the thriving Northern Michigan agritourism industry. It will provide numerous jobs and attract new and returning visitors to our beautiful region. We can’t wait to welcome our friends into our new home.”
The project builds on Michigan’s agribusiness industry and will further boost tourism throughout the region. TCWC offers a variety of training opportunities and competitive benefits to its employees and promotes from within whenever possible. In addition, the company works with Michigan Works! to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas.
Elmwood Township has offered a property tax abatement in support of the project, and plans to offer staff time in support of the project.
“Elmwood Township is excited that TC Whiskey is revitalizing the former Cherry Growers operations,” said Elmwood Township Supervisor Jeffrey K. Shaw, DC. “The property has been vacant and decaying, and the TC Whiskey project will provide economic opportunity for workers in our area.”
“Michigan’s craft beverage industry is on the grow. Businesses like Traverse City Distillery directly contribute to economic development and jobs creation with our local communities while creating markets for our farmers,” said Jenelle Jagmin, executive director, Michigan Craft Beverage Council. “I appreciate the ongoing support and investment from Governor Whitmer, MEDC and other partners into the state’s robust craft beverage industry.”
by admin | Oct 18, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
Annual Holiday “Treat” Available Via StillAustin.com Beginning Monday, October 24 at 1:00pm CST
Austin, TX (October 18, 2022) – Still Austin Whiskey Co., a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, is thrilled for the annual release of its limited-edition Monster Mash cask strength whiskey under its special “Distillery Reserve Series” just in time for the Halloween holiday.
The whiskey was handmade from grain-to-glass at the distillery, aged for four years in new charred American Oak barrels, and bottled at 108.6 proof (54.3% ABV). This year’s (monster) mash bill is a wicked blend of five Texas grains: 63% white corn, 17% winterhawk wheat, 10% malted rye, 8% rye and 2% malted barley.
As in years past, this whiskey uses five “super sacks” found in the distillery which were all less than half full. Head Distiller John Schrepel decided to see what happened when he combined each of the remaining grains found in each sack. The result is a spooky spirit with a veritable trick-or-treat bag of tasting notes, featuring impressions of caramels, almond bars, pecan candied apples, chocolate and lingering afternotes of cream soda.
Once again, the team partnered with Austin-based artist Dan Grissom of Biscuit Press on the bottle artwork. This year’s label features the familiar tree monster as in years past, who has gone trick-or-treating in a mummy costume.
How to Purchase
Consumers will have the chance to purchase a 750ml bottle beginning Monday, October 24 at 1:00pm CST by visiting StillAustin.com. Price is $100 per bottle plus tax, which will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Patrons can pick up their bottles at the Still Austin distillery (440 E. St Elmo Road Unit F) on Friday, October 28, beginning at 12pm. Bottles must be picked up at the distillery and cannot be shipped.
Grain-to-Glass Philosophy
Still Austin is an independent craft whiskey distillery founded in 2015, focusing on a true grain-to-glass concept that produces the highest quality whiskey by perfecting every part of the process and using local resources and sustainable practices. The team is committed to carrying out each part of the process in-house. That means never sourcing whiskey from another distillery, and instead always hand-making everything from scratch, and managing everything in-house – milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling and bottling.
The Still Austin distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, Master Blender Nancy Fraley and veteran Master Distiller Mike Delevante, one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America who designed the distillery to make the highest quality whiskey. That includes a 42-foot custom-made column, “Nancy,” (and her sister copper-pot still, “The Queen”) which give the distillers serious creative license to create unique new flavors and spirits. For more information, visit www.stillaustin.com
For more information, visit www.stillaustin.com
About Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2015 by three Austin families, Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a true grain-to-glass distillery, located at 440 East St. Elmo Road in the heart of Austin, Texas. All spirits are hand crafted using grains grown by Texas farmers. Still Austin’s collection of spirits includes the flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey (aka “The Musician”), Cask Strength Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey (aka “The Artist”), and American Gin (aka “The Naturalist”). Still Austin places a high value on sustainability, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, increasing the biodiversity of the region through heritage grains, returning spent grains to local ranchers to feed their animals, and operating a distillery that is designed for energy efficiency and water conservation.
About the Artist
Dan Grissom is an illustrator, designer, painter, and printmaker based in Austin, Texas. He specializes in screen printed concert posters and has done work for a diverse list of musicians including many local Austin bands. His gallery work includes solo exhibitions at the University of New Mexico Gallup and Northwestern State University in Louisiana. Dan has been a part of many group exhibitions including several through Spoke Art Gallery based in San Francisco and New York. His work has also been featured in several art books as well as magazines based in the U.S., France, and Brazil. In 2015, Dan built a screen printing and letterpress shop in his garage called Biscuit Press where his work is printed, as well as the work of other local artists and designers. He’s taught multiple screen printing workshops with art students at both the University of Texas in Austin and the University of New Mexico in Gallup. Find him on Instagram @dangrissom and Facebook @dangrissomart.
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by admin | Oct 18, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
Industry Veteran Brings More than 20 Years of Financial and Beverage Alcohol Expertise to the Award-Winning Independent Blender
Louisville, KY (October 18, 2022) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the pre-eminent independent blender of unique aged, cask-strength whiskey and rum recognized for its expertise since 2013, has hired Sam Sorsa as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Sam will be responsible for all BCS financial and strategic planning and oversight.
A 20-year veteran of the financial and beverage alcohol industries, Sam most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Dant Crossing and Log Still Distillery where he oversaw planning, implementing, managing and controlling for all financial activities. He also spent 16 years at Brown Forman in various domestic and international senior financial roles successfully leading, directing, and administering activities across various regions in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
“We’re extremely excited for Sam to join our team in Louisville,” said Barrell Craft Spirits Founder Joe Beatrice. “His wealth of deep and successful industry experience makes him an incredibly valuable addition to our team and the future growth of the company.”
Sam earned his Executive MBA from Bellarmine University in Louisville and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky in Lexington with a B.A. in International Economics and Foreign Languages (German). He replaces Jacob Goldstein who worked alongside Joe Beatrice since day one, putting his heart and soul into launching Barrell Craft Spirits from an idea to the vibrant, strong business it is today. His contributions were essential to the company’s growth and success.
For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Barrell Craft Spirits® is an independent blender of unique aged, cask-strength whiskey and rum spirits, that is recognized for its blending expertise. The company selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels and aging environments, and bottles them at cask strength.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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by admin | Oct 17, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (October 17, 2022) – Chicken Cock Whiskey – known as “The Famous Old Brand” – has released Chicken Cock Chanticleer, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in fine French Cognac barrels. Bottled in a Prohibition-era Chicken Cock replica apothecary-style bottle at 112 proof (56% ABV), the second-edition holiday release features a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley. Chanticleer is sealed in a beautiful collectible commemorative tin, similar to what was used during Prohibition to smuggle Chicken Cock Whiskey over the border to American drinkers. This special release celebrates the long time French-American friendship dating back to the 1700’s during the American Revolutionary War. Bourbon County, Kentucky, was named after the royal French Family —the Bourbons— and Paris, Kentucky —where Chicken Cock was founded in 1856— was named after Paris, France. Chicken Cock Whiskey Master Distiller Gregg Snyder hand selected each barrel to perfectly marry the flavor of bourbon and cognac to create a truly unique and interesting whiskey. Only 32 barrels of Chanticleer were produced.
“This luxury spirit and commemorative tin honor Chicken Cock’s Prohibition-era history and heritage,” said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, which owns Chicken Cock. “Chanticleer is the second edition in a collectible series of special limited-edition holiday releases, following last year’s Chicken Cock Cotton Club Rye Whiskey. This is a way for us to really shine a light on some of the great whiskey we’re making at Chicken Cock.”
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: mahogany leather
- Aroma: vibrant notes of ripened peaches, delicate sweet cream, and succulent honey
- Flavor: tannic bursts of vanilla and cherry complimented by softened plums, candied dates, and banana flambé
- Finish: hot caramelized sugar, melted butter, and fresh citrus zest
Chicken Cock Whiskey rose to fame as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, one of Prohibition’s most legendary speakeasies. The brand managed to survive Prohibition by swiftly moving production around and smuggling bottles into the United States in tin cans.
After Prohibition, Chicken Cock enjoyed a resurgence before a distillery fire just after World War II put it out of business. In 2012, Matti Anttila rediscovered the brand and set out to resurrect it to its Prohibition-era glory. Since then, the team has introduced a flagship KY Straight Bourbon and KY Straight Rye Whiskey, made in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company as part of its collaborative distilling program, along with several other highly sought after limited-releases.
Chicken Cock Chanticleer will be allocated in limited quantities nationally and available online at www.chickencockwhiskey.com for the suggested retail price of $499 per 750ml bottle.
About Grain & Barrel Spirits
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. The company’s core brands include: Chicken Cock Whiskey, an historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast, the Official Vodka of NASCAR and one of the fastest-growing craft brands in the United States, having won the prestigious 2019 and 2020 and 2021 “Rising Star” Growth Brands Awards from Beverage Dynamics magazine; Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskeys, a duo of Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys, and; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls. Grain & Barrel has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America three years in a row.
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by admin | Oct 9, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
New Flagship Offering Made from Texas Grains Now Available at the Still Austin Distillery
Austin, TX (October 10, 2022) – Two years ago, Still Austin Whiskey Co. launched its Straight Bourbon, affectionately known as “The Musician.” The flagship spirit took Texas by storm, becoming one of the fastest-selling spirits in the history of the Lone Star State—and winning Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Now, the grain-to-glass distiller is proud to announce that “The Musician” has a new companion. Introducing “The Artist,” a 100% Straight Rye Whiskey made from Texas grains that’s dedicated to the dreamers, visionaries, and artists who have inspired the team.
Aged for at least two years and bottled at 99.6 proof (49.8% ABV), the new flagship rye whiskey represents the culmination of years of effort in which all the ingredients came together perfectly to create a work of art that feels, somehow, effortless. The spirit’s blushing, oaky hue foretells a complex nose, with hints of honey, cherries, fig, clove and coffee. The palate of spicy chocolate, apricot, sandalwood, ginger and caramel gives way to lingering after-impressions of cinnamon, molasses, nutmeg and orange zest.
“Our team put a lot of hard work and love into this release,” said Brandon Joldersma, Chief Operating Officer, Still Austin Whiskey Co. “We could not be more proud to bring another expression to life that represents the spirit of our city.”
The artwork on the label, created by internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt, is the latest in the series of “archetypical” Austinites (e.g. The Musician, The Naturalist). Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir.
The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey is now available at the Still Austin distillery tasting room for the suggested retail price of $50.00 and will roll out to retailers throughout Texas, and online at Reserve Bar, in the coming weeks.
Grain-to-Glass Philosophy
Still Austin is an independent craft whiskey distillery founded in 2015, focusing on a true grain-to-glass concept that produces the highest quality whiskey by perfecting every part of the process and using local resources and sustainable practices. The team is committed to carrying out each part of the process in-house. That means never sourcing whiskey from another distillery, and instead always hand-making everything from scratch, and managing everything in-house – milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling and bottling.
The Still Austin distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, Master Blender Nancy Fraley and veteran Master Distiller Mike Delevante, one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America who designed the distillery to make the highest quality whiskey. That includes a 42-foot custom-made column, “Nancy,” (and her sister copper-pot still, “The Queen”) which give the distillers serious creative license to create unique new flavors and spirits. For more information, visit www.stillaustin.com
About Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2015 by three Austin families, Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a true grain-to-glass distillery, located at 440 East St. Elmo Road in the heart of Austin, Texas. All spirits are hand crafted using grains grown by Texas farmers. Still Austin’s collection of spirits includes the flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey (aka “The Musician”), Cask Strength Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey (aka “The Artist”), and American Gin (aka “The Naturalist”). Still Austin places a high value on sustainability, with a focus on cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, increasing the biodiversity of the region through heritage grains, returning spent grains to local ranchers to feed their animals, and operating a distillery that is designed for energy efficiency and water conservation.
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