by admin | Sep 23, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Distilled Spirits and Sales Industry Veteran to Oversee Expansion of Blue Note’s Award-Winning Bourbon Portfolio
Memphis, TN (September 23, 2025) – B.R. Distilling, parent company of Blue Note Bourbon™, today announced the promotion of distilled spirits and sales industry veteran Chris Crosbie to the rank of Chief Executive Officer, a role which has remained unfilled for the past two years. Crosbie joined the company in March 2024 as Vice President, Sales, swiftly driving expansion of the award-winning bourbon portfolio and accelerating U.S. sales growth. In his new capacity, Crosbie will be responsible for guiding the company’s strategic direction, driving growth initiatives, and ensuring continued innovation.
“Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision during his tenure,” said Rob DelPriore, Chairman of the Board for B.R. Distilling. “His ability to build strong customer relationships, deliver consistent growth, and inspire teams across the organization makes him the ideal leader to take Blue Note into its next chapter.”
“I am honored to step into the role of CEO,” said Crosbie. “I look forward to working closely with our talented team, partners, and customers to build on our strong foundation and accelerate Blue Note’s growth in the years ahead.”
Before joining B.R. Distilling, Chris served as Director of Sales & Trade Marketing East USA, Canada, LATAM & Duty Free for Altos Planos Collective, based in New York. Prior to that, he spent 16 years with Diageo, most recently as Vice President, Commercial, where he led the planning and execution of the spirits and beer portfolio across many markets. He also served as the Acting General Manager for the Caribbean and Central America region. A native of Scotland, Chris studied Business Administration at Edinburgh’s Telford College and is currently working towards a BA in History.
Blue Note’s whiskey portfolio, which is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis, is distilled in partnership with Green River Distilling Company, and then aged just north of downtown Memphis where the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers collide. The long summers filled with infamous Memphis heat and cooler evenings forces the whiskey deep into the oak, creating an unmistakably rich flavor that’s bold yet smooth.
At the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Blue Note Juke Joint and Crossroads were awarded Platinum medals, a rare honor meaning that each expression has received Double Gold medals for three consecutive years. The award-winning Blue Note portfolio, which ranges in price from $35-$50, also includes the following expressions: Uncut, Straight Rye Whiskey, and Single Barrel Rye.
In recent years, Blue Note has also introduced several other highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, Special Reserve, 17-year, and a Honey Rye and Honey Bourbon Cask.
About B.R. Distilling Company
Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company is the oldest licensed distillery in Memphis, TN, and producer of world-famous Blue Note Bourbon. Currently, the company produces five flagship expressions, along with regular limited releases, which are distributed in the following U.S. states: AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, MO, NY, NJ, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, WI, and Washington, DC as well as online at BlueNoteBourbon.com via Bevstack, which can be shipped to: AK, AL, AZ, AR, AS, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
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by admin | Sep 23, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Limited Release Underwent Secondary Maturation in Hand-Selected French Oak Casks with Distinct Toast Levels
Louisville, KY (September 23, 2025) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today unveiled a 12-year French Oak Cask Finish Bourbon. The limited-release blend of straight bourbon whiskeys was distilled in KY, IN, TN, and WY before undergoing a secondary maturation in hand-selected French oak casks with distinct toast levels designed to enhance its aromatic depth and enrich its palate. The influence of the French oak imparts a rich tapestry of flavors—warm nutmeg and aromatic allspice unfold on the palate, followed by layers of toasted hazelnut and creamy vanilla, and a sophisticated touch of worn leather, adding a refined, earthy character.
“French oak offers a more refined subtle contribution compared to heavily toasted American Oak barrels used for initial maturation or heavy charring, adding layers of flavor without overpowering the bourbon itself,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice.
The 12-year French Oak Cask Finish Bourbon is now available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $159 per 750ml bottle. The expression was expertly blended and bottled in Kentucky at 108.5 proof (54.25% ABV).
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 sold in 49 US states, Puerto Rico, the UK, South Korea, the Ukraine, and Australia. Follow Barrell Craft Spirits on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, 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. Our cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases have quickly become an influencing force in American whiskey, winning awards from the world’s most prestigious distilled spirits publications and competitions.
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 10, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Distributor Brings More Than 70 Years of Experience to the Burgeoning Brand
Memphis, TN (September 10, 2025) – B.R. Distilling, parent company of Blue Note Bourbon™, the award-winning whiskey portfolio which is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis, has selected Bill’s Distributing as its distributor, as it expands into Wisconsin.
“Bill’s has been distributing quality beverages for more than 70 years so choosing them as our partner was an easy decision,” said Chris Crosbie, President and CEO, B.R. Distilling Co. “They share our passion for quality, our respect for tradition, and our drive to bring exceptional spirits to discerning drinkers.”
“We are excited to bring the highly acclaimed line of whiskeys from Blue Note into Wisconsin and have them as new partners,” said Jason Overbaugh, Wine & Spirits Manager for Bill’s Distributing. “They have created quite a buzz across the country with bourbon enthusiasts, and we cannot wait to satisfy the demand from our retailers.”
Blue Note’s whiskey portfolio is distilled in partnership with Lofted Spirits (parent company of Green River Distilling Company) and then aged just north of downtown Memphis where the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers collide. The long summers filled with infamous Memphis heat and cooler evenings forces the whiskey deep into the oak, creating an unmistakably rich flavor that’s bold yet smooth. The award-winning portfolio includes the flagship Juke Joint ($34.99), Crossroads ($44.99), Uncut ($49.99), and Straight Rye Whiskey ($34.99) expressions. At the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Juke Joint and Crossroads were awarded Platinum medals, a rare honor meaning that each expression has received Double Gold medals for three consecutive years. In recent years, Blue Note has also introduced several other highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, Special Reserve, 17-year, and most recently a Honey Rye and Honey Bourbon Cask.
About B.R. Distilling Company
Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company is the oldest licensed distillery in Memphis, TN, and producer of world-famous Blue Note Bourbon. Currently, the company produces four flagship expressions, along with regular limited releases, which are distributed in the following U.S. states: AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, MO, NY, NJ, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, Washington, DC and WI as well as online at BlueNoteBourbon.com via Bevstack, which can be shipped to: AK, AL, AZ, AR, AS, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
About Bill’s Distributing, LTD
At Bill’s Distributing, Ltd., we strive for Quality in everything we do, and to provide Superior Service that sets us apart from our competition. Our continued growth and success in the beverage distribution industry is the result of having talented people on our team who thrive in an environment that is both challenging and rewarding. For more information, visit www.billsdist.com
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by admin | Sep 2, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels Features the Art of Fusion
Memphis, TN (September 3, 2025) – Blue Note Bourbon™, the award-winning whiskey portfolio which is artfully crafted to honor the rich blues music that is synonymous with Memphis, has brought back its wildly popular Honey Rye Cask, which sold out quickly last year. This follows the recent reintroduction of Blue Note Honey Cask Bourbon.
The expression began its journey by embracing the art of fusion. American oak barrels used for finishing were repurposed to produce delicious, barrel-aged honey. The team then returned the whiskey, which was aged for a minimum of three years, to the honey-infused casks for another round of aging to create a distinct and harmonious profile. Crafted in Memphis, the new expression features a mash bill 95% rye, and 5% malted barley, which was bottled at 116.49 proof (58.245% ABV), unfiltered.
Honey Rye Cask Tasting Notes
- Nose: Vanilla and spice
- Taste: Crisp apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak
- Finish: Inherently smooth with lingering hints of vanilla, apple and spice
Blue Note Honey Rye Whiskey is now available for purchase online at BlueNoteBourbon.com and in select U.S. markets. Approximately 13,000 bottles are available for the suggested retail price of $64.99.
Blue Note’s whiskey portfolio is distilled in partnership with Lofted Spirits (parent company of Green River Distilling Company) and then aged just north of downtown Memphis where the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers collide. The long summers filled with infamous Memphis heat and cooler evenings forces the whiskey deep into the oak, creating an unmistakably rich flavor that’s bold yet smooth.
Over the years, Blue Note has introduced several highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, 17-year, Special Reserve and Single Barrel Rye. These expressions are in addition to the award-winning flagship Blue Note portfolio which includes Juke Joint ($34.99), Crossroads ($44.99), Uncut ($49.99), and Straight Rye Whiskey ($34.99).
Production Facility & Tasting Room
Blue Note’s 110,000 square foot production facilities, located on Royal Avenue just North of downtown Memphis, are open from Monday through Friday from 10am – 4:00pm and include a unique and intimate tasting room. Guided tours are available on Thursdays and
Fridays for $10 plus tax & fees. Guests can add a Tasting Flight Experience for an additional $5. For more information and to book a guided, behind-the-scenes tour, visit www.bluenotebourbon.com. Please follow Blue Note on Facebook and Instagram.
About B.R. Distilling Company
Founded in 2014 in Memphis, TN, B.R. Distilling Company is the oldest licensed distillery in Memphis, TN, and producer of world-famous Blue Note Bourbon. Currently, the company produces four flagship expressions, along with regular limited releases, which are distributed across 22 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, MO, NY, NJ, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, and Washington, DC as well as online at BlueNoteBourbon.com via Bevstack, which can be shipped to: AK, AL, AZ, AR, AS, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
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