by admin | Aug 4, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Boston Bartender Wins a 7-Day Trip to Barbados Including a Deluxe Pass to the Annual Barbados Rum Experience
Corona del Mar, CA (August 4, 2025) – Probitas, the award-winning multi-island white blended rum which has set a new gold standard for use in cocktails, crowned Gustav Hossain-Endl of Shore Leave restaurant in Boston, the grand prizewinner of its “Home & Away” drink recipe contest at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans last week. Gustav edged out five other finalists with his signature cocktail, the “H&E Frozen Daiquiri,” and will receive a seven-day trip to Barbados, including a Deluxe Pass to the annual Barbados Rum Experience.
The inaugural competition challenged bartenders to create a unique Daiquiri-inspired cocktail, blending “Home” (local) and “Away” (distant) flavors into one unforgettable cocktail – just like Probitas Rum, a fusion of rums from Barbados and Jamaica. Participants submitted a daiquiri-inspired cocktail recipe which included Probitas White Blended Rum and combined the contrasting themes and flavors derived from home (a familiar place such as where participants live, grew up or consider a “home place”) and away (somewhere new and different). Entries were judged on persuasiveness and effectiveness of capturing the Competition theme; quality of instructions for preparation of cocktail; originality and creativity; and “balance” of flavors in the cocktail. Gustav’s winning cocktail included: Probitas, Spiced Hazelnut Falernum, lime juice & zest, Jaggery, and Saline.
“Probitas has been my go-to rum for a daiquiri for a long time so when I created my drink, I wanted to add some of myself without losing the quality of the rum, or the essence of a daiquiri,” said Hossain-Endl. “In part, my inspiration was the daiquiri itself, its Cuban origins and its evolution. But my primary influence was my family; the union of two very different cultural heritages, meeting in the middle and creating something unique. This same spirit is very present in Probitas itself being a meeting of two different cultures of rum production.
“The energy, creativity, and sincerity of the bartenders were thrilling,” said rum expert, award-winning distiller, and judge Maggie Campbell. “In my 20 years in the industry, I could not have dreamed up the innovative and delicious ideas the competitors had. From corn silk, to clay water, to cooling cumin notes in a blended daiquiri, I’ll remember these Probitas creations forever.”
A version of Gustav’s daiquiri will be available at Shore Leave in Boston, a restaurant best known for Asian inspired dishes paired with an array of tiki cocktails.
About Probitas White Blended Rum
Probitas comes from two of the most iconic distilleries in two of the most respected islands in the Caribbean for rum making – Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica. This is the first time that a White Blended Rum has been made entirely in the Caribbean, from multiple islands and producers, with components selected by the rum makers themselves. Probitas is a blend of three distinct rums, blended by Master Distiller and Master Blender Richard Seale of Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and marks the first time there has been a joint venture between Caribbean distilleries to produce a blended rum. The components include Unaged Pot Still Rum from Hampden Estate in Jamaica selected by Mr. Vivian Wisdom (Hampden’s Master Distiller at the time of blending), along with Unaged Coffey Still Rum and Two-year Aged Pot Still Rum from Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, selected by Richard Seale. Probitas is distilled, matured, blended, and bottled in the Caribbean. No sugar, flavor, color, nor neutral/multi column spirit added. The expression was bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) and is available throughout the U.S. and online for $29.99. For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/brands/probitas-rum/ and Probitas on Instagram.
About Barbados Rum Experience
For more information, please visit https://barbadosrumexperience.com/
About Altamar Brands LLC
Founded in 2005 by W. L. Lyons Brown, III, Altamar Brands is a small, entrepreneurial outfit founded to develop and import esoteric, artisanal spirits brands that offer unique and distinctive production stories in their respective categories. They include High n’ Wicked Whiskeys, Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selections Rums, Probitas Rum, R.L. Seale’s 12-Year-Aged Barbados Rum, Elvelo Tequila, Kubler Absinthe, Right Gin and Lágrimas del Valle Tequila. For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/
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by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels Features the Art of Fusion
Memphis, TN (August 1, 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 Bourbon Cask, which sold out in a matter of days last year. 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 of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, which was bottled at 113.86 proof (56.93% ABV), unfiltered.
Honey Bourbon Cask Tasting Notes
- Nose: vanilla, cedar, and nut
- Taste: leather, pear, cedar, wildflower, and honey
- Finish: gentle and warm with lingering hints of wildflower and honey
Blue Note Honey Bourbon Whiskey is now available for purchase online at BlueNoteBourbon.com and in select U.S. markets. Only 1,800 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, and Special Reserve. 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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by admin | Jul 23, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Aged 20 Years, Carefully Crafted Blend of Canadian Whiskeys Distilled Each Year from 1995 to 2005 Showcases Secondary Maturation in Spanish Brandy and Hungarian Oak Casks
Louisville, KY (July 23, 2025) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today introduced Barrell Decade, a carefully crafted blend of whiskeys distilled each year from 1995 to 2005 showcasing secondary maturation in Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak casks. The new expression is the latest offering in the company’s Black Label Series which debuted last Fall and includes the 20-year-old Toasted Single Barrel, Toasted Vantage, Full Proof Bourbon, and 33-year-old Whiskey Finished in French Oak and Oloroso sherry casks.
“Black Label Series is a new concept which takes us back to Barrell Craft Spirits’ roots of creating unique whiskies in extremely limited quantities while showcasing cutting edge blending methods and techniques which set us apart,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Expert whiskey blending is about vision and bringing together the best qualities of each of these casks. Barrell Decade represents a full ‘Decade’ of distillation. This is whiskey blending at its finest which was well worth the wait.”
Barrell Decade is now available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $199 per 750ml bottle. The new expression was distilled in Canada and contains liquid from 20 to 30 years old. It was expertly blended and bottled in Kentucky at 142.7 proof (71.35% 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 | Jun 30, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Grand Prizewinner Will Win a 7-Day Trip to Barbados Including a Deluxe Pass to the Annual Barbados Rum Experience
Corona del Mar, CA (June 30, 2025) – Probitas, the award-winning multi-island white blended rum which has set a new gold standard for use in cocktails, has announced the six regional finalists of its “Home & Away” drink recipe contest. The competition challenged bartenders to create a unique Daiquiri-inspired cocktail, blending “Home” (local) and “Away” (distant) flavors into one unforgettable cocktail – just like Probitas Rum, a fusion of rums from Barbados and Jamaica. The winner receives a seven-day trip to Barbados, including a Deluxe Pass to the annual Barbados Rum Experience.
Participants submitted a daiquiri-inspired cocktail recipe which included Probitas White Blended Rum (or a non-alcohol alternative) and combined the contrasting themes and flavors derived from home (that is, a familiar place such as where participants live, grew up or consider a “home place”) and away (that is, somewhere new and different). Entries were judged on the following: persuasiveness and effectiveness of capturing the Competition theme; quality of instructions for preparation of cocktail; originality and creativity; and “balance” of flavors in the cocktail.
Six regional winners advance to the competition finals at a private event during “Tales of the Cocktail” in New Orleans on Monday, July 21, where they will mix up their signature cocktail in front of an esteemed panel of rum professionals. They include:
- Michael Nathan (CA)
- Establishments: Viridian/Dalida
- Cocktail: “Far from the Tree”
- Nathan Thurnau (MO)
- Establishment: Good Company Taps & Spirits
- Cocktail: “High Plains Ronin”
- Cesar Gustavo Perez II (IL)
- Establishment: The Victor Bar
- Cocktail: “Valley of Stones”
- Tomas Cantu (TX)
- Establishment: The Roosevelt Room
- Cocktail: “Ikigai Daiquiri”
- Jerry Lopez (FL)
- Establishment: The Neighbors
- Cocktail: “Apples & Alps”
- Gustav Hossain-Endl (NY)
- Establishment: Shore Leave
- Cocktail: “H&E Frozen Daiquiri”
For the official Probitas “Home & Away” recipe contest rules, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SrdbriH9qov9tz37X6k8CP8HABuiCkru/edit?tab=t.0
About Probitas White Blended Rum
Probitas comes from two of the most iconic distilleries in two of the most respected islands in the Caribbean for rum making – Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica. This is the first time that a White Blended Rum has been made entirely in the Caribbean, from multiple islands and producers, with components selected by the rum makers themselves.
Probitas is a blend of three distinct rums, blended by Master Distiller and Master Blender Richard Seale of Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and marks the first time there has been a joint venture between Caribbean distilleries to produce a blended rum. The components include Unaged Pot Still Rum from Hampden Estate in Jamaica selected by Mr. Vivian Wisdom (Hampden’s Master Distiller at the time of blending), along with Unaged Coffey Still Rum and Two-year Aged Pot Still Rum from Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, selected by Richard Seale.
Probitas White Blended Rum is distilled, matured, blended, and bottled in the Caribbean. No sugar, flavor, color, nor neutral/multi column spirit added. The expression was bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) and is available throughout the U.S. and online for the suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/brands/probitas-rum/ and Probitas on Instagram.
About Barbados Rum Experience
For more information, please visit https://barbadosrumexperience.com/
About Altamar Brands LLC
Founded in 2005 by W. L. Lyons Brown, III, Altamar Brands is a small, entrepreneurial outfit founded to develop and import esoteric, artisanal spirits brands that offer unique and distinctive production stories in their respective categories. They include High n’ Wicked Whiskeys, Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selections Rums, Probitas Rum, R.L. Seale’s 12-Year-Aged Barbados Rum, Elvelo Tequila, Kubler Absinthe, Right Gin and Lágrimas del Valle Tequila. For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/
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by admin | Jun 24, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Newest Batch Features a Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys Ranging in Age from 8 to 15 Years Old
Louisville, KY (June 24, 2025) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today launched Barrell Bourbon Batch 037, which received a Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition earlier this year.
Barrell Bourbon batches are the hallmark of the team’s dedication to crafting innovative, high-quality bourbons. Each batch is a unique expression of the art of blending, showcasing a diverse range of ages and styles. The flavor profile evolves with each release, and every batch is distinctive and memorable.
The new expression incorporates straight bourbon whiskeys from Indiana (8, 11 & 12-year), Tennessee (13, 14 & 15-year), and Kentucky (10-year), which were expertly blended and bottled at 111.38 proof (55.69% ABV). The sophisticated bourbon highlights notes of dark chocolate, toffee, spiced orange, banana, cardamom and honey and features a derived mash bill of corn (78%), rye (18%), and malted barley (4%).
Barrell Bourbon Batch 037 is now available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $84.99 per 750ml bottle. A limited number of bottles signed by one of BCS’ expert blending team of Joe Beatrice, Tripp Stimson, or Nic Christiansen, will be randomly included in Batch 037 cases.
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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