by admin | Feb 7, 2020 | IN THE NEWS
Award-winning Portfolio of Limited-Release Whiskey and Rum Bottled at Cask Strength Reflects Unique Distillation Methods, Barrels and Aging Environments
Louisville, KY – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the award-winning independent blender and bottler, has created a unique niche within the spirits industry by focusing on the art of sourcing and blending. Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels and aging environments, and bottles them at cask strength. Every batch is produced as a limited release and has a distinct flavor profile.While BCS considers themselves traditionalists when it comes to the identity of spirits, they embrace a progressive approach to exploring ideas for blending, emphasizing what people want now versus what has been successful in the past. This affords the team access to some of the most interesting and delicious spirits in the world.
Founder Joe Beatrice, who launched his first venture to help companies establish, brand, and grow their products online, brings more than two decades of experience in marketing, technology, business strategy, and product development to BCS. A longtime home brewer, Joe was captivated after tasting whiskey straight from the barrel for the first time. But, rather than follow a traditional path and build his own distillery, Joe drew inspiration from Scotland’s long-established independent bottlers who elevated barrels of whisky into something greater than the sum of their parts. With his creative juices surging, he began to source whiskey and blend exceptional casks from established producers, bottle them at cask strength, and sell them as transparently as possible.
Today, BCS blends a variety of spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, rye and rum, out of ingredients sourced from all around the world. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean they can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength and without chill filtration guides every product release.
“Our goal is to become the most creative, forward-thinking, and progressive whiskey blenders in the nation,” said Beatrice. “But, successful doesn’t mean static. We’re passionate about pushing the creative envelope every day,exploring opportunities to source and blend outside the box, and showcase the world’s most exciting spirits.”
Joe remains intimately involved with every step of the production process, using his exceptional palate to choose and create great spirits alongside master blender Tripp Stimson, who joined BCS in 2017, as Master Distiller and Director Distillery Operations, after having spent nine years with Brown Forman Corporation, headquarters to Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve andOld Forrester. National Director Will Schragis, an experienced bartender, sommelier and brand development manager, rounds out the core team. In addition to working closely with distributors and key accounts, he plays an active role in product development.
Award-winning
The BCS cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases have quickly become an influencing force in American whiskey, picking up awards from the world’s most prestigious distilled spirits publications and competitions. BCS has been consistently highly rated by Whisky Advocate and recently named Editor’s Choice (Winter 2019). At the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, BCS won “Best Small Batch Bourbon over 11 years old” (Batch 018) as well as three Double Golds. In previous years, they captured the 2017 “Best Bourbon” (Batch 011), “Best Small Batch Bourbon,” and “Best Over Proof Rum” (Batch 001). They were also named “Best American Whiskey of 2018” in Forbesby whiskey authority Fred Minnick.
Special Releases
In addition to its ongoing offerings, including Barrell Dovetail and the Infinite Barrel Project, BCS issues special releases that allow its creativity to flourish. BCS recently introduced an American Vatted Malt bottling, a blend of exclusively American single malt whiskeys that’s complex and multi-faceted, rewarding the drinker with unfolding layers of flavor. BCS also has a selection of single barrels available to retailers, bars, restaurants, and whiskey societies, via its Single Barrel Program. Each is a true single barrel – bottled at cask strength without combining it with any other barrels, unlike batches which are bottled from a selection of several barrels blended together to a specific flavor profile. Finally, the Private Release Rum Series showcases the team’s blending expertise while maintaining a single barrel-like scale controlled entirely by hand and by palate. Every ounce of every ingredient changes the overall character of these blends, as does the barrel that each one is aged in, making every bottling singularly special.
The award-winning line of Barrell Craft Spirits releases are currently sold in 43 US states. For more information, visit https://www.barrellbourbon.com. Follow BCS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @barrellbourbon
For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit www.barrellbourbon.com.
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 is produced as a limited release and has a distinct flavor profile.
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by admin | Feb 7, 2020 | IN THE NEWS
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Grain & Barrel Spirits’ (“G&B”) investment in bourbon over the last six years has set the stage for the next evolution for Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which has been released as the anchor of the Chicken Cock line. Available now in most US markets as well as online, the suggested retail price is $59.99/750mL.
Distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a rich, elegant mahogany hue; a nose which balances oak tones with sweet notes of dried fruit, caramel, and vanilla; and a palate that opens with soft tannins. A creamy, almost buttery mouthfeel is complemented by butterscotch notes and toasted oak, resolving with a vanilla finish. At 90 proof (45% ABV), there is also a slight, welcome heat. The bourbon is bottled in a replica of the Prohibition-era Chicken Cock bottle.
Established in 1856 in Paris, Kentucky (10 years before Jack Daniels), Chicken Cock rose to fame as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, one of Prohibition’s most legendary speakeasies. Known as “The Famous Old Brand” and “The Whiskey in a Tin Can,” Chicken Cock was smuggled into the Club in sealed tin cans, then ceremoniously opened table-side. After Prohibition, the brand enjoyed a resurgent couple of decades before a distillery fire just after World War II put it out of business.
In 2012, Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, rediscovered the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand and set out to resurrect it to its Prohibition-era glory. Master Distiller Gregg Snyder was brought on board to provide the knowledge and experience needed to help achieve that goal. Snyder’s impressive résumé includes distilling, cooperage, and executive positions with Brown-Forman, Austin Nichols, and others, as well as board positions with the Associated Cooperage Industries of America, Kentucky Distillers’ Association, and others. Chicken Cock Whiskey is also proud to be associated with the Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaborative distiller’s program.
About Grain & Barrel Spirits
Founded in 2012 by Matti Anttila, West Palm Beach, Florida-based Grain & Barrel Spirits is an emerging craft spirits company at home in the Southeast with production and sales partners around the world. This month, the company was named to the Inc. 5000 list, coming in within the top 25% of America’s fastest-growing, independently owned businesses. In addition to pre-Prohibition favorite Chicken Cock Whiskey, wholly owned brands include Dixie Southern Vodka, the ninth fastest-growing spirit in the U.S., and The Endless Summer Spirits Company.
Please visit https://www.chickencockwhiskey.com and follow on Instagram @chickencockwhiskey and Facebook
Please Drink Responsibly
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by admin | Dec 11, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
Revolutionary Bar System Powered by UNX Allows Everyone the Ability To Train Alongside Professional Athletes
Chicago, Ill. (December 11, 2019) – ultiFIT®, a unique program and exercise apparatus that brings the “Obstacle Course Racing workout experience” (OCR) to the comfort and convenience of your own home, today began taking pre-sale orders at www.ultifitonline.com.
Powered by the UNX channel, the new system combines state of the art OCR equipment with premium on-demand workouts spearheaded by Jesse Labreck, the first woman in American Ninja Warrior history to qualify for the Las Vegas Finals in her rookie season. Since then, Jesse has returned to Vegas three additional times as a finalist and made a name for herself among elite world-class athletes.
“If you’re looking for a fun, safe way to get you or your kids away from the screen, look no further than the ultiFIT rig and daily workouts,” said Labreck. “This style of workout is perfect for current and aspiring OCR athletes because of the obstacle features, plus each workout is professionally hand-crafted to challenge anyone at any fitness level.”
The average time kids spend watching online videos has doubled in the last four years.[1] Childhood obesity affects approximately 13.7 million children and adolescents in the U.S.[2] But, ultiFITon-demand workouts are a great example of how video can help to improve kids’ lives by mixing screen time with fun physical activity. ultiFIT is effective and appropriate for families and kids of all ages and abilities fostering family fun with exercise. All ultiFIT workouts are designed by Certified Personal Trainers and athletes who are professional OCR competitors.
The workouts, which will occasionally feature guest celebrity pro athletes, will focus on calisthenics that challenge every muscle in the body and offer Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced options. On-demand videos will be released every Monday through Friday on www.ultifitonline.com and promise to be challenging, fun and effective.
With accessories that include rings, holds and various obstacle attachments, the bar system is truly unique and modular – allowing for easy manipulation so each workout is customized. Made of weather-resistant powder coated metal and approximately 6′ wide x 7′ deep x 7′ high, the ultiFIT system can be set up anywhere inside or outside of the home – living room, basement, garage, or backyard – as well as in a gym, school or community center. The ultiFiIT program also makes a great supplement to a current gym membership.
For just $9.99 per month, users can access a library of on-demand 25-30 minute workouts and train alongside their favorite pro athletes via www.ultifitonline.com. Users can choose to simply purchase the ultiFIT bar system; however, on-demand workouts are only available through the UNX channel subscription.
ultiFITpre-sale orders are currently being accepted with projected equipment delivery in March 2020. A singular bar system retails for $1499, but is available at a special pre-sale promotion for $1,399, which runs from December 11, 2019 through February 29, 2020. The system includes the following accessories: (2) 4” spheres, (2) t-ledges, (2) cones, (2) rings, (2) elastic bands, (2) suspension straps, (8) runners, and (8) quicklinks; plus, a dip bar and a complimentary subscription to UNX NOW through March 31, 2020.
ultiFIT accessories can also be purchased separately for $450. Dip bars can be purchased separately for $89 each.
For more information on ultiFIT,visit https://www.ultifitonline.com
ABOUT ULTIFIT®
Founded in 2017, ultiFIT® is a revolutionary workout program that combines the most effective principals of high-intensity interval training (H.I.I.T.) and obstacle course training for BIG results. Whether you’re an advanced athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, ultiFIT will meet you where YOU are and help you accomplish goals you never thought possible.
ABOUT UNX
Created by pro athletes, UNX features a professional obstacle-based competitive league as well as an interactive OTT channel with access to competitions, and a daily “UNX Fast Forward” show featuring athlete interviews, analysis of runs and ultiFit®. For more information, visit www.unxnow.com.
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[1]Common Sense Media national survey of more than 1,600 American 8-to-18-year-olds about their use of, and relationship with, different types of media.
[2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019
by admin | Oct 17, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
Limited-Release Expression Made Using Local Resources and Sustainable Practices Now Available Throughout the State of Texas
Austin, TX (October 20, 2019) – Still Austin Whiskey Co., a homegrown distillery situated in the heart of South Austin, today released the second batch of its high-rye bourbon whiskey featuring grains that are 100% grown by Texas farmers. The bourbon is handmade from grain-to-glass at the distillery and then aged in new charred American Oak barrels and bottled at 100.4 proof (50.2% ABV). The expression follows the Spring 2019 release of the company’s first batch of aged bourbon whiskey. It is comprised of a high-quality mash bill worthy of its hometown: 70% Non-GMO white corn (the same found in Austin’s tortillas), 25% Elbon rye (which imparts a natural spice) and 5% wildfire malted barley. But, unlike the first batch of whiskey, which was only available in Austin, the second batch will be distributed to liquor stores and whiskey bars throughout the state of Texas.
“We’re incredibly proud of the limited-edition second release. The reception we felt on the first release here in Austin was outstanding and we are excited to share this limited second release with our friends across Texas,” said Chris Seals, CEO of Still Austin. “We got to this point by performing every step with intention, which means we focus on every detail in the process to make bourbon that highlights the natural flavor from our local grains.”
The newest release has delightfully sweet aromas which shine through on the initial nose, followed by waves of browned butter with baking spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and clove. The alcohol is soft and round on the palate, with a surprisingly long finish, depth, and finesse.
The distilling team is led by Head Distiller John Schrepel, who hand-selected 60 barrels of excellent quality to release. John draws on the experience of Nancy Fraley, Still Austin’s master nose, who has a reputation for quality and master blending. John also benefits from the decades of experience of Mike Delevante, Still Austin’s master distiller who designed the distillery to make the highest quality of bourbon, and is one of the most experienced and respected distillers in North America.
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.
Still Austin has figured out how to use 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 intentionally “raises” each barrel from birth to maturity, using a labor-intensive philosophy known as élevage. Focusing on flavor and balance, the meticulous practice uses a slow water reduction technique to give the alcohol a softness on the palate and bring 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.
The company is serious about making the highest quality of bourbon and doing that in a way that doesn’t destroy the earth. Still Austin implements sustainable practices, such as: operating a low-impact distillery that is energy efficient and conserves water, cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, working alongside farmers who use sustainable agriculture practices, increasing the biodiversity of the region by growing heritage grains, and achieving a zero waste goal by returning spent grains to local farmers to feed their animals.
“From the beginning, Still Austin committed to producing high-quality grain-to-glass spirits while staying true to itself and its dedication to the larger community and implementing sustainable practices,” said Brandon Joldersma, General Manager at Still Austin. “Our high-rye bourbon whiskey, while young, is delicious – probably the only one-year-aged expression on the market that anyone should taste.”
The second batch of Still Austin’s high-rye bourbon whiskey will be available throughout Texas in 750ml bottles at liquor stores and whiskey bars for a suggested retail price of $45.00. The bottle’s label was designed by local artist Josh Row.
In addition to the Bourbon Whiskey, Still Austin also produces Still Rye Gin, made 100% from Texas-grown rye grain.
The Distillery
Located at 440 East St. Elmo Road in Austin, Texas, the Still Austin distillery is a “whiskey lover’s paradise.” The Tasting Room is open to the public Wed-Thur (3-9pm), Fri-Sat (12-10pm) and Sunday (12-6pm) and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Distillery tours are available on by appointment on Monday and Tuesday, on Wed-Thu at 5 & 7pm, Fri-Sat at 1, 3, 5 and 7pm and Sun at 1, 3 and 5pm. The tour provides a behind the scenes look into the distilling process, history of the company and an up close and personal look at the 42-foot custom-made column still, “Nancy,” (and her sister, the copper-pot still dubbed, “The Queen”). Admission for a 60-minute tour is $15 and includes a spirit tasting. Two-hour private tours with the Master Distiller are also available for $40. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected] or calling 512.276.2700. Walk-ins are accepted (subject to availability).
For more information about the high-rye whiskey and brand behind it, 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 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 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 our 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. The distillery offers tours and tastings Wednesday through Sunday as well as private events.
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by admin | Oct 10, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
“Whiskey of the North” Purchases Craft Cocktail Mixer Company To Enhance Its Non-Alcoholic Product Portfolio
Traverse City, MI (October 10, 2019) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), the award-winning craft whiskey producer known as the “Whiskey of the North,” has acquired Cocktail Crate LLC, the New York-based, non-GMO craft cocktail mixer company.
The purchase comes at a time of explosive growth for the upstart Michigan spirits brand, which markets a portfolio of award-winning whiskey expressions. In 2018, the company added Premium Cocktail Cherries to its lineup, which expanded its consumer reach beyond the spirit aisle at all Meijer locations. This acquisition will help to accelerate the distribution of the brand’s non-alcoholic portfolio.
“This acquisition opens up exciting distribution, marketing and merchandising opportunities for our spirits portfolio and will allow us to offer even more value to our fans and retail partners,” said Chris Fredrickson, co-founder of Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Cocktail Crate was founded in 2012 by cocktail enthusiast and ex-management consultant, Alex Abbott Boyd. Starting with just $5,000 from a Kickstarter campaign, Alex grew the brand from a farmers’ market offering to its current national distribution at Whole Foods Market, Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Wegman’s and Williams Sonoma. Cocktail Crate mixers are made with passion from the highest quality ingredients including fresh juices, natural sugars and real bitters. As part of the acquisition, Boyd has agreed to join the TCWC team to lead the growth of the company’s non-alcoholic product portfolio.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Traverse City Whiskey Co. and to seamlessly lead the integration of the two businesses,” said Alex Abbott Boyd, Founder of Cocktail Crate. “The brand was made to be mixed with whiskey; now we can offer our customers everything they need to enjoy a great cocktail – craft whiskey, craft mixers and premium cocktail cherries.”
Beyond this acquisition, the “Whiskey of the North” recently opened its first satellite whiskey tasting room in Metro Detroit. The company also plans to break ground on the site of its expanded distillery in the near future, which will be complete with a rick house, visitor center and full production facility.
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 1800’s, sourcing all grains from the Midwest.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
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by admin | Oct 9, 2019 | IN THE NEWS
Following the Successful Launch of Stolen X, the Company Sets its Sights on the Single-Serve Format, Featuring a Full Proof RTD With High-End Ingredients
CHICAGO, Ill. (October 9, 2019) – Stolen Spirits, which successfully launched Stolen X in 1L and 750ml bottles earlier this year, is now extending the line with 100ml cans. Known for creating the world’s first smoked rum and award-winning 11-year-old single-grain whiskey, the company is keen to capitalize on the accelerating growth of the Premium Whiskey Category with a Rye whiskey-based RTD.
According to Nielsen[1], RTD consumption increased over 40% in the past year. Spirits Investment Partners, the group behind Stolen Spirits, expects Stolen X’s new can format to crush it in both the on-premise and off-premise, especially given the recent category growth. The brand has organically developed a cult following and significant levels of buzz and engagement among social influencers who are fueling the dramatic growth of Stolen X. By introducing an 80-proof spirit-based RTD (premium whiskey vs. a malt-base) in cans with premium organic ingredients and less sugar, the company is giving fans yet another reason to choose Stolen X, with a flavor profile of the #1 selling cocktail – an old fashioned.
“Most canned beverages are watered down versions of classic cocktails, but Stolen X delivers 2.25oz of a full strength great-tasting cocktail in a can,” said Marc Bushala, CEO of Spirits Investment Partners. “The new format and premium ingredients will only extend interest and sales in the brand as we continue to disrupt the category.”
Based on a pre-prohibition spirit known as “Rock & Rye,” Stolen X is made with straight American rye whiskey, and then blended with organic raw honey and real orange peel. The aged rye whiskey and all-natural ingredients create a smooth and perfectly balanced flavor profile.
“Canned cocktails are changing the game in both the on and off-premise,” said Ryan Perry, Co-Founder and CIO of Spirits Investment Partnership. “Owners and operators especially crave options which provide incremental impulse purchases and facilitate trade up into the high margin whiskey category.”
Stolen X will introduce the new 100ml cans direct to consumers around the country via five Stolen X Vintage El Caminos. The vehicles are wrapped in the brand’s signature black and white, outfitted with flatbeds and coolers, and stacked full of 100ml Stolen X cans. The X sampling fleet will pop-up at tailgating events, music festivals and street fairs as well as being “dropped” in target markets at high traffic intersections. Seemingly renegade sampling teams will educate and sample directly from the vehicle bringing the party to life in each region.
Distributed in partnership with Breakthru Beverage Group, Young’s Market, RNDC and other top tier independent wholesalers, Stolen X 100ml cans are available for a suggested retail price of $2.99 in on-premise and off-premise establishments in: CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NJ, NY, OK, SC, TN, TX, WA and WI.
For more information about Stolen Spirits and Stolen X, visit www.thisisstolen.com. Follow the brand on Facebook @ThisIsStolen and on Instagram @thisisstolen.
About Stolen Spirits
Stolen Spiritsis a collection of unique spirits born in Auckland, New Zealand. The portfolio includes an exceptional 11-year-old single grain whiskey, a Jamaican pot-stilled overproof rum, and the world’s first smoked rum. The Stolen family shares the same essential DNA: high quality, distinctive and unconventional character.
About Spirits Investment Partners
Spirits Investment Partners (SIP) is a boutique innovation and brand development company focused in the spirits sector, comprised of a team of highly-seasoned distilled beverage professionals with expertise spanning branding to production, sales, marketing and finance.
Stolen Skus: United States, Australia, New Zealand
Stolen Dark Rum | Stolen Gold Rum | Stolen Overproof Rum | Stolen Smoked Rum |Stolen White Rum | Stolen 11 Whiskey | Stolen X
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[1] Source: Nielsen Homescan Omnibus Survey, January 2019
