by admin | Mar 20, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Newest Exceptional Cask Selection is a Blend of Two Distinct 14-Year Single Blended Molasses Rums Aged in Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Ex-Madeira Casks
Corona del Mar, CA (March 20, 2025) – Foursquare, the legendary rum distillery located in Barbados, has launched its newest Exceptional Cask Selection, Mark XXVIII Convocation. The new expression is a blend of two distinct 14-year aged Single Blended Molasses Rums coming from the double-retort pot still and twin column Coffey Still of Foursquare Rum Distillery. One rum was aged for 14 years entirely in Ex-Bourbon barrels and the other was aged for 14 years entirely in Ex-Madeira casks.
These Exceptional Cask Selections represent the unique, limited, and rare offerings of Foursquare Rum Distillery which Master Distiller and Master Blender Richard Seale hand selected. They are only released when he feels they are of exceptional quality. Each is one-of-a-kind, only available for a limited time, and showcase truly unique approaches to both Rum blending and maturation.
All blending, bottling, and aging occurred entirely on-site by Richard Seale. No added color, sugar, filtration, or flavor additives. The expression was bottled at 124 proof (62% ABV) and is available throughout the U.S. and online for the suggested retail price of $159.
Foursquare Rum Distillery is located on a former sugar plantation that dates back to approximately 1720, within the tiny Caribbean Island of Barbados. The distillery was re-opened by the Seale family in 1996, distilling operations and blending are currently directed by Richard Seale, 4th Generation Trader/Distiller of R.L. Seale & Co.
For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/brands/foursquare-rum-distillery/ and Foursquare on Instagram
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/
With Cocktailing, Quality Bests Quantity.
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by admin | Mar 20, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Limited-Edition Offering Showcases the Company’s Blending and Finishing Expertise
Louisville, KY (March 20, 2025) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today launched the latest offering in its Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: P.X. Sherry. The limited-edition Series utilizes the company’s blending and finishing expertise to make bespoke blends of straight bourbon whiskeys with unique finishes. Previous cask-finished bourbons include Amburana, A Tale of Two Islands Rum Finish, Mizunara, and Ice Wine.
Pedro Ximénez, often abbreviated as P.X., is a dessert wine from Spain, renowned for its rich, intense sweetness. P.X. wines typically feature notes of dried fruits, velvety chocolate, and toffee. In crafting a harmonious counterpart, the BCS team meticulously blended select straight bourbon whiskeys from Kentucky (9 & 10-year), Indiana (6, 7, 8, & 12-year), and Tennessee (7 & 15-year) before further maturation in P.X. Sherry barrels to enhance and complement the sumptuous flavor derived from said barrels. The result is a rich, full-bodied bourbon with layers of toasted coffee, golden honey, and candied fruit, offering a sophisticated balance of depth and sweetness.
Featuring a derived mash bill of corn (80%), rye (16%), and malted barley (4%), the new expression was bottled at cask strength (115.52 proof) in Kentucky. It is now available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and in select retailers for the suggested retail price of $84.99 per 750ml bottle.
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, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and the UK. 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 | Mar 19, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Grand Prizewinner Will Win a Trip to Barbados
Corona del Mar, CA (March 19, 2025) – Probitas, the award-winning white blended rum which has set a new gold standard for use in cocktails, today launched a recipe contest challenging bartenders to blend local and distant flavors into one unforgettable cocktail for the chance to win a trip to Barbados, including the Barbados Rum Experience.
In the competition, participants submit a daiquiri cocktail recipe which includes Probitas White Blended Rum (or a non-alcohol alternative) and combines 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). The recipe along with a photo of the cocktail constitutes the entry.
Entries will be judged on the following:
- Persuasiveness and effectiveness of capturing Competition theme
- Quality of instructions for preparation of cocktail
- Originality and creativity
- “Balance” of flavors in the cocktail
No purchase necessary to participate. Participants must be 21 or over to enter. All entries must be received by March 31, 2025. For the official rules, please visit: https://probitasrumcocktails.com/
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 was 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 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/
With Cocktailing, Quality Bests Quantity.
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by admin | Feb 27, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Black Label Limited Release Available Online on March 5 at 10am EST
Louisville, KY (February 27, 2025) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, will launch a limited release of Barrell Toasted Vantage on Wednesday, March 5 at 10am EST. Only 300 bottles of the new expression will be available for purchase online for $199 per 750ml bottle. BCS will also sell 30 additional bottles at its blending facility at 2100 Watterson Trail in Louisville that day, with the option to have them signed by Founder Joe Beatrice, Chief Whiskey Scientist Tripp Stimson, and Blender/Manager of Blending Operations, Nic Christiansen.
Toasted Vantage is a unique interpretation of BCS’ award-winning Vantage Bourbon. Barrell Vantage is a blend of straight bourbons finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak. The limited release Toasted Vantage underwent further maturation in Grand Cru Limited Edition American Oak Barrels for 22 months and was finished at 115.16 proof (57.58 ABV). The resulting blend is a refined and warm bourbon with distinct wood characteristics and enhanced notes of vanilla, tropical fruit, sandalwood and graham cracker.
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, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and the UK. 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 | Feb 10, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys Finished in 10 Different Casks is the Latest Expression in the Company’s Cask Finished Series
Memphis, TN (February 10, 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 launched its second-annual Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Crafted in Memphis, the limited-release is a blend of 10 casks from Kentucky and Tennessee – cognac, madeira, sherry, port, triple sec, madeira, apricot brandy, amontillado, vanilla cognac and vino de Naranja – ranging in age from four to 19 years with varying mashbills. The new expression was bottled at 116.3 proof (58.15% ABV), unfiltered.
Special Reserve Tasting Notes
- Nose: Bright fruit, cherry, peach, leather, oak and vanilla
- Palate: Creamy and light, oak, vanilla, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and citrus
- Finish: Light warmth with a chewy, slightly dry texture that lingers
In addition to last year’s Special Reserve, Blue Note has introduced several other highly awarded limited-release offerings, which include Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, 17-year, and most recently a Honey Rye and Honey Bourbon Cask.
“Having launched several wildly successful limited releases in recent years, whiskey enthusiasts have come to expect these types of unique offerings from Blue Note,” said Chris Crosbie, Vice President, Sales, B.R. Distilling Company. “This year’s Special Reserve is both exceptional and uncommon having been crafted from 10 unique types of casks.”
Approximately 2,000 bottles of Blue Note Special Reserve are now available for purchase online at BlueNoteBourbon.com and in 20 U.S. states (as listed below). The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $225.
Blue Note’s whiskey portfolio is distilled in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company (parent company of Green River Distilling) 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.
In addition to the aforementioned limited releases, award-winning flagship Blue Note portfolio includes Juke Joint ($34.99), Crossroads ($44.99), Uncut ($49.99), and Straight Rye Whiskey ($34.99). 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.
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 CST 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 20 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MS, MO, NY, NJ, OK, RI, SC, TN, and TX, and online at BlueNoteBourbon.com via Bevstack, which can be shipped to: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA and WI. Take note. Sip responsibly.
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by admin | Feb 4, 2025 | IN THE NEWS
Company Will Also Release Limited-Edition Package and Label Design Created by Benchetler for its High n’ Wicked Whiskeys and Lágrimas Tequilas
Corona del Mar, CA (February 4, 2025) – Altamar Brands Founder and CEO W. L. Lyons Brown today announced a collaboration with artist, filmmaker, and pro skier Chris Benchetler and the company’s High n’ Wicked Whiskey brand in support of Mr. Benchetler’s Mountains of the Moon, an immersive experience coming out in fall 2025.
Earlier today, Benchetler unveiled the first episode in the “Ship of Fools” series, which offers backstage-access to the creativity, chaos, and ingenuity that is going into the making of Mountains of the Moon. The series is a raw and unfiltered look into the creative process featuring the cast, crew, and characters as they collaborate on this ambitious project. Subsequent episodes will drop each Tuesday for 32 weeks leading into Mountains of the Moon’s release.
“Chris’ skills as an athlete, a painter, a sculptor, and a filmmaker are beyond me to fairly describe in words. It is one hell of a compelling package,” said Brown. “We are grateful that he has an appetite to express his art in our medium. The combination of his expression with the art of our distillates will enhance the rare and collectible nature of our brands.”
“I’m thrilled to have such incredible support from partners like Lyons and Altamar Brands on this special project, which stays true to the authentic and experimental spirit that always came with it,” said Benchetler. “Pushing my creativity into the unknown inspires me as an artist, much in the same way Lyons and his team relentlessly pursue distinctive distillates for the incredible High n’ Wicked whiskeys.”
The partnership will also feature limited-edition packaging created by Benchetler for the distilled spirits company’s High n’ Wicked Whiskeys and Lágrimas Single Estate Tequilas. These will be sold online and in select U.S. markets later this year.
Brown and Benchetler previously collaborated on a private project for the Alterra Group, the owners and managers of Mammoth Mountain and IKON Pass, in which Altamar created a High n’ Wicked single barrel bourbon decorated with Benchetler’s work (pictured above). See more on that in the promotional video called ‘The Spark.’
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: Elvelo Tequila, Foursquare Rum, High n’ Wicked Whiskeys, Kubler Absinthe, Lágrimas del Valle Tequila, Probitas Rum, Right Gin, and R.L. Seale’s Barbados Rum.
Brown founded High n’ Wicked in 2019. The firm’s mission is to present premium whiskeys that honor traditional methods of delivering complex flavors. High n’ Wicked produces two flagship offerings – a straight bourbon whiskey and straight rye whiskey – in addition to singular limited releases featuring cask strength, single barrel, and double wood finishes.
Lágrimas demonstrates that the centuries old concept of “terroir” exists in agave fields as well as in the vineyards of France. It celebrates the distinctive characteristics of single ranches of agave grown at different altitudes in different micro-climates in different regions of Mexico. Produced in collaboration with third generation Master Distiller “Chava” Rosales Trejo, at Cascahuin, each bottling carries a familiar profile but will be distinctly unique in flavor and aroma based on its terroir. Most brands aim to create a consistent taste profile, Lágrimas embraces the uniqueness of each individual ranch and delivers a diversity of character. Its expressions are available throughout the U.S. and online.
For more information, please visit https://altamarbrands.com/
With Cocktailing, Quality Bests Quantity.
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