by admin | May 22, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Barrell Craft Spirits® and Stellum™ Spirits Win Seven Double Platinum and Three Platinum Medals
Louisville, KY (May 22, 2023) – Stellum™ Spirits Rye Fibonacci Blend #1 was named “Best Blend of Straight Rye” and awarded a Double Platinum medal at the 2023 ASCOT awards. Overall, Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS) and Stellum™ Spirits took home seven Double Platinum medals and three Platinum medals. The competition is led by Fred Minnick, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, spirits journalist, professional taster, and speaker. He is recognized for his discerning palate and expertise on a variety of spirits. Judging is blind and involves a prestigious panel of nationally recognized distilled spirits judges, each selected for their distinct and trusted palate.
As the original independent blender of unique aged cask strength whiskey since 2013, BCS was thrilled with this year’s results, which recognizes products from various parts of its portfolio, including its signature bourbon batches and limited releases. The team was especially pleased that, as a Best in Category winner, Stellum Rye Fibonacci Blend #1 will advance to a blind taste-off for the title of “Best in Show” against all other Best in Category winners on Thursday, June 1, via The Spirits Network.
“We hold the judges of this esteemed spirits competition in very high regard,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Winning 10 Double Platinum and Platinum medals – with an opportunity to also achieve ‘Best in Show’ – truly validates our commitment to continually push the boundaries of blending and to elevate barrels of whiskey into something greater than the sum of their parts.”
The full list of BCS and Stellum Spirits awards includes:
- Best In Category “Best Blend of Straight Rye”
- Stellum Fibonacci Rye #1, featuring six separate rye blends which were combined in accordance with the sequence. (57.56% ABV) $99.
- Double Platinum Medal Winners
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 033, a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys (a marriage of high-rye and high-corn barrels ranging from 5-9-years) distilled and aged in KY, IN and TN. (58.3% ABV) $90.
- Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Bourbon GXA1, incorporates 5, 7, 9 and 14-year bourbons, showing a pronounced sweet and earthy Kentucky Bourbon influence. (59.97% ABV) $109.
- Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Bourbon CSX8 has a component age statement of 5, 7, 10, and 17-year bourbons. It shows a pronounced sweet and earthy Kentucky Bourbon influence. (57.05% ABV) $109.
- Stellum Black Red Fox Sparrow features a stimulating fusion of eastern spices and fruit. (58.66% ABV) $99.
- Stellum Black Hunter’s Moon, an oak driven bourbon marked by a high rye spice and a robust woodiness. (76% ABV) $99.
- Stellum Black Equinox Blend #1, created by slowly layering in rare sets of bourbon barrels until the evening of the Vernal Equinox, when the blend was completed in honor of the changing seasons. (58.63% ABV) $99.
- Platinum Medal Winners
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 032, a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys (5, 6, 7, and 10-year-old barrels) distilled and aged in TN, KY, and IN, and bottled at cask strength. (57.67% ABV) $90.
- BCS Private Release Whiskey finished in a St. Agrestis Brooklyn Amaro Cask DJA2 (61.61% ABV) $109.
- BCS Private Release Whiskey finished in a Ruby Port Barrel DJX2(61.95% ABV) $109.
Collectively, BCS has won eight Double Platinum and eight Platinum medals at the ASCOT Awards, while Stellum Spirits has won five Double Platinum medals.
For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
# # #
by admin | May 2, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Amongst Thousands of Entries, TCWC’s Barrel Proof Bourbon Once Again Selected as a Top Three Finalist For “Best Small Batch Bourbon,” Which it Won in 2019
Traverse City, MI (May 2, 2023) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), a true small batch distillery handcrafting a portfolio of premium whiskies and bourbons in Up North Michigan, announced that three of its signature products – Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey and Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon – were awarded Double Gold medals at the prestigious 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Additionally, TCWC’s Barrel Proof Bourbon was named a Finalist for “Best Small Batch Bourbon,” an award which it won in 2019.
TCWC’s Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey has quickly become a must have for premium bourbon lovers. It has a truly exhilarating taste, like hugging a bear, but way less dangerous. It contains a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley that was aged for 10 years and bottled at 120.2 proof (60.1% ABV). The bourbon presents a deep, oaky body with sweet and nutty flavors of burnt caramel and dark chocolate, a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, and a long finish. SRP $80.
The company’s Barrel Proof Rye is the newest addition to the company’s already impressive lineup. Imagine a red-bearded pirate crying tears of joy after seeing land for the first time in 10 years. That’s the feeling whiskey lovers can expect when drinking it. The expression has a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The expression was aged for six years and bottled at 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV). The whiskey showcases a classic rye spice alongside a rich oak flavor, an effervescent aroma of baking spices, notes of allspice, black peppercorns and sage, and a warm buttery finish. SRP $80.
The Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon tastes like a classy Cinco de Mayo party in your mouth. It is part of TCWC’s new “Finishing Series” that features a unique high-rye bourbon whiskey with a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley. The whiskey was aged for five years in new American Oak barrels and then rested in Pedro Ximenez sherry wine casks for nearly 12 months and bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). It exemplifies notes of caramel, sassafras, cinnamon, raisins, and vanilla bean, with a mild finish of toasted rye bread and tobacco. SRP $60.
“It’s an absolute thrill to have our signature Barrel Proof Bourbon and Rye whiskeys receive Double Gold, and an honor to be a finalist for ‘Best Small Batch Bourbon’ for the second time,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-founder, TCWC. “We’re also thrilled that our Sherry Barrel Finished whiskey, one of our newest products, also earned Double Gold.”
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, 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.
TCWC products are available in 750ml bottles at both 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, North Carolina, 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 a family-owned distilled spirits company that is known for crafting premium whiskeys that are unmistakably Up North. The harsh winters and hot summers of Traverse City, Michigan, produce exceptional whiskeys forged by the elements. Up North whiskey is said to be both strong and delicate, like a lumberjack with an understanding gaze. TCWC’s early family roots are 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).
# # #
by admin | May 1, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
RTD Lifestyle Company Significantly Increases U.S. Retail Footprint
Miami Beach, FL (May 2, 2023) – Cool Cat, a refreshing line of low-calorie sparkling cocktails seeking to make wine more approachable and inclusive for the next generation of wine drinkers, has significantly increased its distribution footprint across the U.S. After only three years in business, Cool Cat is making its mark as a leading RTD in the Wine Category with leading national accounts including Total Wine & More, Kroger, Harris Teeter, GoPuff and BevMo! to name a few, in 1,000+ stores across 24 states.
Although total U.S. wine sales increased in 2022, a recent study[1] suggests the wine industry should focus on being more innovative and recruiting new, multi-cultural wine consumers. Currently, only 25% of 20–29-year-olds (Gen Z and younger Millennials) drink wine, 70% of which are White-non-Hispanic vs. Hispanic (13%), Black (12%), and Asian (4%). The Cool Cat team has been pleased to see many retailers increasingly emphasizing minority-founded companies.
“We work closely with accounts to ensure Cool Cat is highlighted as a minority founded company, when possible,” said Cool Cat co-founder and CEO Rocco Venneri. “We have been fortunate to find supportive partners who stand behind us and allocate resources to help minority brands like ours succeed. We will always be guided with diversity and inclusivity in-mind and hope this helps to inspire other minority founded and owned companies.”
The good news is that the wine cocktail category – which includes wine spritzers – is exploding (especially RTD single serving sizes that offer convenience, new flavors, and styles), up +48.5% in value and +35.5% in volume in 2021, a trend which was expected to continue in 2022[2].
A Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Cool Cat naturally flavored sparkling cocktails – available in Original (Elderflower Mint Lime) Citrus, Berry, and Grapefruit flavors – feature a base of California white wine, cane sugar, and are naturally gluten free. At 6.9% ABV they are a better alternative to many other alcoholic beverages, containing just 140 calories and two grams of sugar per 12-ounce can.
Cool Cat tastes great out of the can, poured over ice or used as a mixer in cocktails. It’s portable, recyclable and park, beach, and festival friendly. At $15.99 per 4-pack of 12oz cans (355ml), the brand provides more bang for the buck than a traditional bottle of wine.
All four sparkling cocktails are available for purchase online at drinkcoolcat.com, Drizly, Gopuff, and in select on-and off-premise locations in 24 U.S. states. To find a store near you, visit All Store Locator.
For more information, follow the brand @drinkcoolcat on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Spotify, or visit www.drinkcoolcat.com.
About Cool Cat
Cool Cat is a minority founded, owned, and operated beverage lifestyle company established in 2018 in Chelsea, NYC. Launched in April 2020, Cool Cat Sparkling Cocktails are currently distributed online and select retailers in 24 U.S. states. Discover the brand online at drinkcoolcat.com or on Instagram and Facebook @drinkcoolcat.
# # #
[1] Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates 2022 report
[2] NielsenIQ
by admin | Apr 27, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Stellum Fibonacci Rye is Named a Finalist for “Best in Class” Plus Three BCS Expressions Strike Double Gold for a Second Time
Louisville, KY (April 27, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS) and Stellum™ Spirits were awarded four Double Gold and seven Gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), the largest international spirits competition in the United States. With two decades of experience, the SFWSC has become one of the most respected competitions in the world. Judging is blind and done by a prestigious panel of nationally recognized distilled spirits judges, each selected for their distinct and trusted palate.
As the original independent blender of unique aged cask strength whiskey since 2013, BCS was very happy with this year’s results, which recognizes products from various parts of its portfolio. The team was especially pleased to learn that one of its expressions – Stellum Fibonacci Rye #1 – is a finalist for “Best in Class” and that three of its expressions have now twice received Double Gold medals – Barrell Seagrass (2021), Stellum Rye (2021) and Barrell Dovetail (2022) in recent years.
“Winning 11 Double Gold and Gold medals from this internationally-acclaimed competition further validates our blending expertise and quest to become the most creative and progressive blenders in the nation,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “It’s incredibly satisfying to have our full portfolio of Barrell Craft Spirits and Stellum Spirits products recognized, from our batches and limited-releases to ongoing and private releases.”
The full list of BCS and Stellum Spirits awards includes:
- Double Gold Medal Winners
- Barrell Seagrass, a blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys, meticulously sourced and finished separately in Martinique Rhum Agricole casks, apricot brandy casks, and Madeira barrels. (60.19% ABV) $90.
- Barrell Dovetail, whiskey finished in rum, port, and Dunn vineyards cabernet barrels. (62.71% ABV) $90.
- Stellum Rye, a whiskey rooted in a 95% Rye Indiana mash bill which incorporates small amounts more barley-forward rye and choice barrels from KY and TN. (58.12% ABV) $55.
- Stellum Fibonacci Rye #1, featuring six separate rye blends which were combined in accordance with the sequence. (57.56% ABV) $100.
- Gold Medal Winners
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys ranging from six- to 15-year-old American White Oak barrels distilled and aged in TN, KY, and IN. (57.31% ABV) $90.
- Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 (not yet released) started with a multi-mashbill blend of spicy and earthy, high-rye, high-proof, oak forward barrels and a blend of softer, lower-proof barrels with concentrated notes of dark cherry and butterscotch. (58.75% ABV)
- Barrell Private Release Whiskey QJC1, finished in a Cognac Park XO Cask. (60.95% ABV) $110.
- Barrell Bourbon Private Release Bourbon GXA1, features 5, 7, 9, and 14-year bourbons and shows a pronounced sweet and earthy Kentucky Bourbon influence (59.97% ABV) $110.
- Barrell Whiskey Private Release Whiskey DJA2 finished in a St. Agrestis Brooklyn Amaro Cask, (61.61% ABV) $110.
- Stellum Bourbon, highlights three Indiana Bourbon mash bills, (two of which are high rye, with the third being almost exclusively corn) along with older barrels from KY and TN. (57.49% ABV) $55.
- Stellum The Lone Cypress Rye, a savory and delicate rye blend defined by notes of dried herbs and pine (57.67% ABV) $100.
Collectively, BCS has won 25 Double Gold and 20 Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Stellum Spirits has won two Double Gold and four Gold medals. In 2021, the team took home eight Double Gold and six Gold medals including “Best Small Batch Bourbon Up to Five Years” and “Best Over-Proof Rum.” In previous years, BCS captured the 2020 awards for Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon – both overall and within the 6–10-year category (Barrell Bourbon Batch 021) and the 2017 awards for Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon, (Barrell Bourbon Batch 011) and Best Over Proof Rum (Barrell Rum Batch 001).
For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
# # #
by admin | Apr 20, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
New Series of Releases Features a Blend of Rye Whiskey Designed for its Unique Finishing Cask
Louisville, KY (April 20, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, will add Rye to its already expansive Private Release offerings, as it continues to lead the industry in micro-blending unique expressions for whiskey enthusiasts. For this special series, BCS selected Rye whiskeys from Indiana and Canada and then blended them into unique recipes with variations on a theme. Beginning this month with 10 initial selections, each release will feature a blend of Rye whiskey designed for its unique finishing cask.
The BCS Private Release Rye Series includes:
- Rye Whiskey finished in an Armagnac Cask
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Bourbon Whiskey Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in an XO Cognac Cask
- Rye Whiskey finished in an Oloroso Sherry Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Madeira Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Ruby Port Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Barbados Rum Cask
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Sauternes Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Tokaji Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel
Known best for blending award-winning, unique aged spirits at cask strength, BCS’ Private Release Series showcases the team’s blending expertise while maintaining a single barrel-like scale controlled entirely by hand and by palate. Private Release barrels also offer retailers, bourbon clubs and whiskey aficionados something truly unique.
“We’ve expanded our successful Private Release program to include rye whiskeys featuring unique finishing barrels and casks from around America and the world,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “For more than 10 years, we’ve led the industry in micro-blending and have proudly pioneered many of these finishes being utilized by other producers today.”
Each offering in the Private Release Series is produced as a limited release, has a distinct flavor profile, and contains between 150-180 total 750ml bottles, with an SRP of $109.99.
Click the link below for more information: https://www.barrellbourbon.com/privaterelease
For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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.
Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
# # #
by admin | Apr 17, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Distilled Spirits Veteran Sets His Sights on the Company’s Next Phase of Growth
Los Angeles, CA (April 17, 2022) – Infuse Spirits Group, a portfolio of award-winning spirits brands, today appointed Simon Burch as its new Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Burch will oversee day-to-day operations for Infuse Spirits Group, parent company of Broken Barrel Whiskey Company, as well as develop commercial strategies, achieve revenue goals, and manage the organizational structure.
An industry veteran with 20 years of experience in distilled spirits, Burch most recently served as CEO of Green River Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina, where he led a dramatic expansion agenda for the organization, culminating in a sale to Bardstown Bourbon Company last year. He also held multiple executive leadership positions at Pernod Ricard, Diageo, and Moët Hennessy. While at Diageo, Simon led the USA Tequila, Rum, and Vodka brand portfolios before transitioning to Global Head of Smirnoff Vodka, the world’s largest Spirits brand. Subsequently, he joined Moet Hennessy as CMO of Belvedere Vodka.
As part of the agreement, Burch will become a major shareholder in the company and join the current Executive Board of Directors, alongside former Founder & CEO Seth Benhaim, who will assume the new title of Founder & Chief Creative Officer.
“What began as a typical customer-supplier relationship has grown into a natural partnership between Seth and I,” said Burch. “This new role allows him to be laser-focused on what he does best – enhancing and transforming spirits through his own innovative ideas and process. His concepts are perhaps the most exciting I’ve come across in my career. The company’s brands are in great shape with Broken Barrel recently being awarded ‘World’s Best Tasting Finished Kentucky Bourbon,’ and I look forward to accelerating the growth of these award winning, world-class brands.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Simon join our team,” said Benhaim. “He is a proven leader with a successful track record of building and selling iconic spirits brands. With an incredibly unique proposition and a fierce passion for these brands, this was the perfect time and a necessary transition to take us to the next level.”
Simon earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Durham University. A UK citizen with USA permanent residence, he currently lives in New York State.
About Infuse Spirits
Seth Benhaim started Infuse Spirits Group in his grandmother’s garage in 2012. The brand, which was named “Best Flavored Vodka” at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, is the world’s only single-bottle infusion, made with real fruit in the bottle, and no added sugar, color, or artificial flavoring. To date, the brand has earned more than 75 industry awards and is currently sold in 35 U.S. states.
About Broken Barrel Whiskey Co.
Founded in 2017, Broken Barrel Whiskey is a portfolio of premium whiskeys sourced from Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky. The core expressions feature exclusively Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, which are further aged and finished using various types and combinations of barrel staves. For more information, please visit www.brokenbarrelwhiskey.com
# # #
