by admin | Jun 18, 2021 | IN THE NEWS
Highlights Include Special Performance by Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and DJ Dawson
New York, NY – (June 18, 2021) Cool Cat, a gay-owned, led and operated beverage company founded in New York which features a line of refreshing low-calorie wine spritzers, today announced an upcoming event series designed to celebrate PRIDE in the New York City area.
CEO and Co-Founder Rocco Venneri believes it’s essential that the lifestyle beverage brand is inclusive of all genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations, and brings together like-minded individuals who share similar values and experiences. Venneri is bringing this philosophy and ethos to life with several live Cool Cat sponsored PRIDE experiences:
June 19 FarmOn! Farm Disco – Pride Disco with Lady Bunny, DJ Lina Bradford and Christian Hogue, Hudson Valley, NY
June 24 Surf Lodge Pride – Special performance by Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and DJ Dawson, Montauk, NY
June 24-26 The Tea Dance Pride Festival – 3 Dollar Bill, Brooklyn, NY
June 25 Tea Dance – Baronet Rooftop @ The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ
July 10 Queer Art Summerfest – 3 Dollar Bill, Brooklyn, NY
“As a gay owned and operated beverage alcohol company, we’re thrilled to collaborate with like-minded, supportive venue owners and top talent like Jake Shears and DJ Dawson,” said Venneri. “Cool Cat is about leading culture forward, breaking barriers, and inspiring other minorities to follow their dreams. With hard work and the right team, anything is possible.”
More than a drink, Cool Cat is a unique lifestyle brand that offers refreshing wine cocktail experiences with the ease and convenience of a canned drink. Named “Best Spritzer” by liquor.com and awarded a Gold Medal by The Fifty Best, the naturally flavored spritzers are currently available in Original (Elderflower Mint Lime) and Citrus flavors, with new Berry and Grapefruit flavors launching this summer. Each features a base of California Pinot Grigio, cane sugar, and are naturally gluten free. At 6.9% ABV they are a smart alternative to other alcoholic beverages, containing just 150 calories and two carbohydrates per 12-ounce can.
Cool Cat Wine Spritzers are also ideal for Cool Cats on the go – they’re portable; recyclable; park, beach and festival friendly; and provide more bang for the buck than a traditional bottle of wine. The suggested retail price for a 4-pack of 12oz cans (355ml) is $15.99.
Cool Cat is available for purchase online at www.drinkcoolcat.com and at select on-and off-premise locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia.
For more information, follow the brand @drinkcoolcat on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Spotify, or visit www.drinkcoolcat.com
To find a store near you visit, https://drinkcoolcat.com/pages/find-us
About Cool Cat
Cool Cat is a minority owned, operated and led lifestyle company founded in 2018 in Chelsea, NYC. Launched in April 2020, Cool Cat Wine Spritzers are currently distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, and Florida. Discover the brand online at drinkcoolcat.com or on Instagram and Facebook @drinkoolcat.
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by admin | Jun 7, 2021 | IN THE NEWS
Sponsored by Bardstown Bourbon Company, Non-Profit Combines Charity With Bourbon to #drinkforachange
Chandler, AZ (June 7, 2021) – Bourbon Charity, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is thrilled to announce that in two short years, it has raised $1.2 million for 26 different charities. The organization is also now fully funded thanks to its Bourbon Hood group of passionate monthly givers, which ensures that 100 percent of funds raised will be donated to charity. The news comes just weeks before Bourbon Charity’s annual Father’s Day “Ultimate Bourbon Giveaway,” in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company.
“Giving back and celebrating a love of bourbon are at the core of Bardstown Bourbon Company,” said Bardstown Bourbon Company CEO Mark Erwin. “We are thrilled to partner with an organization like Bourbon Charity that lives out those values and allows us to raise funds for a great cause.”
Participants in the upcoming Father’s Day event will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the “Ultimate Bourbon Giveaway” for the chance to win coveted prizes, including:
- Lunch and tour for eight with Bardstown Bourbon Company Master Distiller Steve Nally. Enjoy a private, behind the scenes look at every part of the BBCo. production process with bourbon hall of famer, Steve Nally. Then, sit down with Steve for a fantastic on-site restaurant experience. ($1,200 value)
- A bottle of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Collection.Innovation, collaboration, and exclusivity come together in this Distillery Collection. These one-time, limited offerings present the best of Bardstown Bourbon’s dedication to the art and science of bourbon. ($199 value)
- Cocktail Class for Eight.Bring seven of your closest friends for a private cocktail experience in the Bardstown Bourbon Company elegant rickhouse lounge, Pete’s Place, named after late Founder Peter Loftin. Learn how to make the Kentucky classics through this fun, hands on experience. ($480 value)
- Vintage Whiskey Experience for Eight.Enjoy a tasting of three rare, vintage whiskeys. This guided flight takes place in Bardstown Bourbon Company’s magnificent vintage whiskey library, showcasing over 400 bourbons and ryes, dating back to 1892. ($1,200 value)
- Pappy Van Winkle – 23, 20, 15-year and the Van Winkle Lot ‘B’ and 10-year
- Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – including William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17 Year, Sazerac 18 Year, George T. Stagg and Thomas H. Handy
- Chris Stapleton signed E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon “Bottled in Bond Day” commemorative edition distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Nine years old, Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, limited edition, single-barrel release not available for sale at retail
Tickets are available online through June 20, 2021 in the following denominations: $10 (25 tickets), $25 (150 tickets), or $50 (500 tickets). Each ticket affords participants a chance to
win any giveaway. Winners will be announced on Friday, June 25, 2021 via Instagram Live (@bourboncharity). Proceeds will benefit the following eight core charities that were voted on by the Bourbon Charity community: Children’s Tumor Foundation, St. Jude, Feeding America, Boys & Girls Club of America, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Autism Speaks, Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Founded in 2019 when his “Pops” was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Brandon Hunt donated his bourbon collection to start the organization. In one year’s time, Bourbon Charity has enlisted 12,000+ supporters whose passion for combining charity with bourbon to #drinkforachange has raised more than $1.2MM to 26 charitable causes, including: Prostate Cancer Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Dare to Care, and charity: water. All donations are tax deductible.
“Father’s Day is an especially significant day for me in light of my Pops’ prostate cancer diagnosis,” said Brandon Hunt, Founder, Bourbon Charity. “Between that experience and a few other challenging events for my family and friends, I’m committed to helping make a difference in others’ lives. And I’m continually amazing and inspired by this passionate and likeminded bourbon community that has joined me for the ride.”
The online fundraising model has served the organization well, especially given the current state of the world. In addition to barrel picks, Bourbon Charity hosts several online fundraising events throughout the year, featuring rare and allocated whiskey, such as Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Weller, Sazerac, George T. Stagg and more.
Join the Bourbon Hood
Another way to get involved is to join the Bourbon Hood, a passionate community of 650 monthly givers that help to ensure every public dollar donated help the supported charities. Bourbon Hood members receive ticket entries in each fundraiser as well as exclusive merchandise and discounts. For more information, visit bourbonhood.org
For more information about Bourbon Charity and to donate, visit bourboncharity.org. Follow Bourbon Charity on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bourboncharity and Instagram @bourboncharity
About Bourbon Charity
Bourbon Charity is a nonprofit organization of more than 12,000 supporters and growing that raise money for charity. Core supported charities include: Prostate Cancer Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Dare to Care, and charity: water. Bourbon Charity is registered as a 501(c)(3) as Brandon’s Bourbon dba Bourbon Charity. We are a tax exempt organization.
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by admin | May 16, 2021 | IN THE NEWS
1,100 Cases Now Available Throughout Texas & at the Still Austin Distillery
Austin, TX (May 17, 2020) – Still Austin Whiskey Co., a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, today launched its first limited-release Cask Strength Bourbon, in on- and off-premise establishments throughout Texas and at the Still Austin Distillery Tasting Room. Unlike the company’s Distillery Reserve Series which typically yields up to 600 total bottles and is only available at the Tasting Room, the Cask Strength Bourbon is a limited-release, meaning a larger quantity will be available in the marketplace as well. This year, the team will make 1,100 cases available now and an additional 1,100 cases available in September.
Made from 100% Texas grains, the new expression contains the same mash bill as the company’s flagship straight bourbon whiskey – 70% Non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye and 5% wildfire malted barley – but without utilizing the slow water reduction process, resulting in a higher proof. The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $65.
To create this robust bourbon, the team asked Master Blender Nancy Fraley to search through their barrels of Straight Bourbon and select the most complex and full-flavored ones—those that were begging to be blended and released at “barrel proof,” meaning the whiskey was bottled at the same proof at which it was aged. The resulting spirit is a masterpiece of complex, dark flavors with a deep spice finish.
At 118 proof (59% ABV), the new Cask Strength Bourbon is a “deeper, darker, more robust version of its beloved 98.4 proof fruit-forward sibling (aka The Musician), offering a nose of brandied cherries with fresh muddled mint, old fashioned blackberry cobbler with biscuit crust, and cinnamon toast in brown butter,” according to Fraley. “The palate offers notes of grilled peaches drizzled with balsamic vinegar, butterscotch pecan pie, and dark brown sugar, followed by warming waves of rye spice, nutmeg, and clove.”
The artwork on the label, created by internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt, is a slightly modified version of the Straight Bourbon artwork, a series which portrays “archetypical” Austinites. Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir. While the Cask Strength bottle also features The Musician, the black night sky is meant to be representative of the stronger, “darker” whiskey.
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 of bourbon. 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. The team also uses Texas weather to its advantage. The region’s high heat, humidity and rapidly shifting temperatures encourage spirits to move rapidly in and out of the oak barrels and mature relatively quickly—but, if this process is left unchecked, it can also cause the bourbon to have heavy oak flavor or harsh tannic qualities. To prevent this, Still Austin uses a meticulous slow water reduction technique focused on flavor and balance, which gives the alcohol a softness on the palate and brings more “mature” notes to the forefront. 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”) 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 | May 5, 2021 | IN THE NEWS
Made in Michigan, “The Whiskey of the North” Also Takes Home Gold for its Signature Edition Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey
Traverse City, MI (May 5, 2021) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), a portfolio of premium whiskies and bourbon made in Michigan, proudly announced that its North Coast Rye Whiskey and Signature Edition Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey, were awarded Double Gold and Gold medals, respectively, at the prestigious 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. At the 2019 competition, TCWC’s Signature Edition Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named “Best Small Batch Bourbon” and received Double Gold.
The North Coast Rye expression is a unique blend of two mash bills: 100% rye (TCWC) and 95% rye and 5% malted barley (sourced) that’s barreled around 120 proof and bottled at 90 proof. The whiskey features bright, peppery and spicy tones backed by soft vanilla bean and hints of dill, pink peppercorns and mint. It has a minimum age statement of three years and retails for $36-40 per 750ml bottle.
The Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey contains a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley (sourced) that’s barreled around 120 proof and bottled at 118.2 proof. The whiskey showcases a classic rye spice, notes of allspice, black peppercorns and sage and a warm buttery finish. The expression was aged a minimum of six years and retails for $79.99 per 750ml bottle.
Known as “The Whiskey of the North,” TCWC draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800s, sourcing their grains from the Midwest. The distilling team, led by Chris Fredrickson, Jared Rapp and Moti Goldring, makes quality products, inspired by patented distilling techniques invented by Fredrickson’s great grandfather that were approved by the US PTO during the prohibition era.
“It’s incredibly rewarding that several of our brands were recognized both in 2021 and previous years,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-founder, Traverse City Whiskey Co. “Both the North Coast Rye and Signature Edition Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey are unique gems within our whiskey portfolio, which offers something for everyone, from the bourbon novice to the collector and aficionado.”
TCWC products are available at both on- and off-premise establishments in the following markets: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin. Retail prices may vary by market.
For more information, please visit www.tcwhiskey.com and 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 1800s, sourcing all grains from the Midwest.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a proud member of the Michigan Spirits Association and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
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by admin | May 3, 2021 | IN THE NEWS
Austin, TX (May 3, 2021) – Still Austin Whiskey Co., a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, is thrilled to announce that “The Musician” straight bourbon whiskey was awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The company’s flagship high-rye bourbon features grains that are 100% grown by Texas farmers. The expression is handmade from grain-to-glass at the distillery, aged in new charred American Oak barrels, and bottled at 98.4 proof (49.2% ABV). It’s comprised of a high-quality mash bill worthy of its hometown: 70% Non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye and 5% wildfire malted barley.
“We’re thrilled to receive this prestigious award from the largest international spirits competition in the U.S.,” said Chris Seals, CEO, Still Austin Whiskey Co. “It’s even more special because all spirits were judged blindly by an esteemed panel of judges. ‘The Musician’ is an expression of true Texas terroir. We’ve managed to bottle the inclusive spirit of our home city; a complex bourbon with substance, flair, and finesse.”
According to Still Austin’s “Master Blender” Nancy Fraley, who is famous for her peerless ability to detect flavor notes, “the nose offers delightful aromas of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple, banana, papaya, mango, toasted coconut shavings, and S’mores with melted milk chocolate and caramelized marshmallow. These notes follow through to the palate, where the rye makes its appearance in the form of cinnamon toast with brown butter, and blanched almonds. The alcohol is soft and creamy like vanilla egg custard and the mouth feel is round, with long waves of tropical fruit, toffee, and rye spice on the finish.”
The straight bourbon whiskey features a custom label which serves as the perfect complement to the art inside the bottle. Still Austin commissioned internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt to paint a series of portraits of “archetypical” Austinites. These are a way of conceiving a “new Austin mythology” by celebrating the innovative people who make the city what it is. Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir. The figure on “The Musician” was a natural place to start since Austin is “The Live Music Capital of the World.” “The Musician” in the painting is confident, intelligent, brave and whimsical; essentially, everything Still Austin aspires to be, and everything the distillery loves about its community.
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 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 Still Austin distillery to make the highest quality of bourbon. 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. The team also uses Texas weather to its advantage. The region’s high heat, humidity and rapidly shifting temperatures encourage spirits to move rapidly in and out of the oak barrels and mature relatively quickly—but, if this process is left unchecked, it can also cause the bourbon to have heavy oak flavor or harsh tannic qualities. To prevent this, Still Austin uses a meticulous six-month slow water reduction technique focused on flavor and balance, which gives the alcohol a softness on the palate and brings more “mature” notes, like vanilla and caramel, to the forefront. The result is a bourbon that highlights the natural flavor of the local grain, with no faults whatsoever.
Where to Buy
Still Austin’s straight bourbon whiskey is available online via the Still Austin website: https://shop.stillaustin.com/ and throughout retail stores in Texas for a suggested retail price of $45 per 750ml bottle.
For more information, visit www.stillaustin.com and follow Still Austin on Facebook at Facebook.com/StillATX, Twitter @StillATX and Instagram @Still_ATX.
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 Still Austin’s flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey, High-Rye Bourbon Whiskey, and Still Rye Gin. 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 | May 1, 2021 | IN THE NEWS
Louisville, Ky. (April 29, 2021) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS) is thrilled to announce that two of its special Private Releases took top honors and were awarded Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC): Barrell Private Release Bourbon BA1C for Best Small Batch Bourbon Up to Five Years, and Barrell Private Release Rum B617 for Best Over-Proof Rum. Additionally, the team earned Double Gold Medals for Barrell Bourbon Batch 024, 025, 026 and 027, Barrell Private Release Whiskey DH34, and the newly-released Barrell Seagrass; plus Gold Medals for Barrell Armida and five additional Private Release Bourbons and Whiskeys.
SFWSC is the largest international spirits competition in the United States. Judging is blind and done by a prestigious panel of nationally recognized spirits judges, each selected for their distinct and trusted palate. With two decades of experience, the SFWSC has become one of the most respected competitions in the world.
“Being awarded 14 Double Gold and Gold medals and taking top honors in two categories at this prestigious competition is simply incredible,” said Company Founder Joe Beatrice. “In our quest to become the most creative, forward-thinking and progressive blenders in the nation, we introduced our most ambitious project to date last year, launching both a Private Release Whiskey and Bourbon Series. It is incredibly satisfying to see just how well our full portfolio of products, including bourbon, whiskey and rum, has been received.”
Double Gold Medal Winners:
- Barrell Private Release Bourbon BA1C – Shows a fresh corn-forward sweetness and has a component age statement of 45% 5-year, 25% 10-year, 25% 14-year, and 5% 16-year bourbons.
- Barrell Private Release Rum B617 – The base rum, which is from Barbados, makes up 61% of the final blend. The marrying and finishing were done in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel.
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 024 – A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys with a gentle nose balancing blonde tobacco, pear, and coffee ice cream that belies an intense palate of cola and spice. A selection of 9, 10, 13, and 15-year-old barrels.
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 025 – A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys that’s citrusy and peppery, without losing the opulence and oaky ease of the older ingredients. A selection of 5.5, 9, 13, and 15-year-old barrels.
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 026 – A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys that dances between fruit and spice long into its finish. A selection of 9, 10, 11, 13, and 15-year-old barrels.
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 027 – A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys featuring a cohesive, yet extremely complex flavor profile. A total cherry bomb featuring a selection of 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, and 15-year-old barrels.
- Barrell Private Release Whiskey DH34 – A blend of KY Whiskeys, the largest component being 18-year-old KY whiskey, finished in an Oloroso Sherry Barrel.
- Barrell Seagrass – A blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys, with each ingredient sourced and finished separately in Martinique Rhum Agricole casks, apricot brandy casks, and Madeira barrels.
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS is known for sourcing and blending whiskey, bourbon, rye and rum products that explore different distillation methods, barrels and aging environments, and bottling them at cask strength. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks means it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Every batch is produced as a limited release and has a distinct flavor profile.
At the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, BCS’ Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 received Double Gold and was named Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon – both overall and within the 6-10 year category. The team also earned Double Gold Medals for Barrell Bourbon Batch 020 and Barrell Rye Batch 003. In previous years, BCS captured the 2017 Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon, (Barrell Bourbon Batch 011) and Best Over Proof Rum (Barrell Rum Batch 001).
The Barrell Craft Spirits award-winning line of products is currently sold in 45 US states and online via www.barrellbourbon.com. Follow Barrell Craft Spirits on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Barrell Craft Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits® is an independent blender and bottler of unique aged, cask-strength sourced 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. Every batch and single barrel is produced as a limited release and has a distinct flavor profile.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
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