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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by admin | Oct 3, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
Local Event Kicks Off Release of Iconic Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey
Traverse City, MI (October 3, 2022) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), will kick off its third annual Cherry Whiskeyfest on Thursday, October 6, with the release of its highly sought after Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey – a limited-release, enhanced strength version of its classic American Cherry Edition, the best-selling craft spirit in the state of Michigan. The team will make a blend of 10 premium barrels available for purchase at The Stillhouse in Traverse City and The Outpost in Ferndale, MI, for $89.99 (750ml). Non-locals can order a limited-edition Cherry Whiskeyfest kit ($85) at www.cherrywhiskeyfest.com, which includes 200ml bottles of both the Barrel Proof Cherry and American Cherry Edition whiskeys, a jar of TCWC’s premium cocktail cherries and TCWC branded golf balls.
TCWC Barrel Proof Cherry
TCWC’s Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey features the same mash bill (75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malt barley) and recipe as American Cherry Edition, but a higher proof (between 109-112). Additionally, the team infuses the Barrel Proof version with 10 pounds of Montmorency Sour Cherries from Fredrickson Orchards, which are wrapped in cheesecloth and suspended in the batch to fully infuse their rich, fruity flavor for approximately three days (versus 10 for the Bottle Proof version). The batch is then tasted at multiple points by the team’s Master Distiller and Master Blender to ensure the proper balance and addition of the cherry essence. Once the perfect taste is achieved, the cherries are removed and the whiskey is bottled. The finished expression exhibits notes of rich dark chocolate, cherries, raspberries, vanilla, hints of cinnamon and star anise.
“Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey is extremely authentic to northern Michigan and exhibits a subtle cherry taste,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-founder, Traverse City Whiskey Co. “Folks who aren’t necessarily fans of flavored whiskey will appreciate this higher-proof version.”
Known as the “Whiskey of the North,” the craft whiskey producer draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800s, sourcing all their grains (corn, rye and malted barley) from the Midwest. The distilling team, led by Chris Fredrickson, Jared Rapp and Moti Goldring, 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.
Located at 201 E. 14th St. in downtown Traverse City, the Stillhouse is open to the public seven days a week. Guests can experience the complete distilling process firsthand. A 400-gallon, custom Kothe still sits next to the Tasting Room and Stillhouse Cocktail Bar where visitors conclude their tour. When the still, which is naturally cooled by Michigan ground water, is running at full capacity, it can create up to 800 barrels of whiskey per year. The facility also contains a visitor center and gift shop, where guests can purchase brand gear and limited-edition whiskey expressions.
TCWC products are available online via Reserve Bar and Beverage Warehouse and at on- and off-premise establishments in the following markets: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Washington DC, and Wisconsin. Retail prices may vary by market.
For more information, please visit www.tcwhiskey.com and use the “whiskey finder” in the top right corner to find retailers that sell the brand. Please also follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @tcwhiskey
About Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is an independent and locally owned distilled spirits company based in Traverse City, Michigan, that’s dedicated to producing approachable premium to super-premium whiskey and bourbon. Known as “The Whiskey of the North,” the upstart company draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800’s, sourcing all grains from the Midwest.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
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by admin | Sep 15, 2022 | IN THE NEWS
Limited Release Seven-Year Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Available at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September 15, 2022) – For the first time ever, Chicken Cock Whiskey – known as “The Famous Old Brand” – will release 15 barrels of limited-release Private Cask in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month. Handpicked by Master Distiller Gregg Snyder, the casks contain Chicken Cock’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which has been aged for seven years. Each barrel is unique in flavor and proof, celebrating the evolution of Chicken Cock Whiskey over the last 150+ years. Chicken Cock’s Private Cask is available at select retailers in eight states (MI, IN, CT, IL, SC, GA, KY and WI), but attendees at this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown from September 16-18 will be able to purchase a bottle from the very first barrel.
“We’re thrilled to launch one of our most limited-release whiskeys in the birthplace of bourbon during National Bourbon Heritage Month,” said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, which owns Chicken Cock.
Originally established in Paris, Kentucky in 1856, Chicken Cock rose to fame as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, one of Prohibition’s most legendary speakeasies. Chicken Cock Whiskey managed to survive prohibition by swiftly moving production around and smuggling bottles into the United States in a tin can. 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 alongside Master Distiller Gregg Snyder. 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.
The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle of Chicken Cock’s Private Cask is $130. To learn more about Chicken Cock Whiskey and the Private Cask, please visit www.chickencockwhiskey.com
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 Kane 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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