by admin | Mar 28, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
New Flagship Expression Aged for Eight Years Meets Increased Consumer Demand for Double Oak Whiskey
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 27, 2023) – Chicken Cock Whiskey – one of America’s oldest whiskey brands – has released a Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey, which was aged for eight years. This special release was created in response to the increased consumer demand for Double Oak whiskey which, according to Nielsen[1], is growing +18% compared to the overall whiskey category growth of 1% year over year. Double Oak was bottled in a Prohibition-era Chicken Cock replica apothecary-style at 92 proof (46% ABV).
“You can’t have great whiskey without great wood and this expression is the perfect marriage of age and wood,” said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits, which owns Chicken Cock Whiskey. “That’s why we aged our eight-year-old whiskey in American oak barrels twice. This process allows us to extract all the great flavor within the oak to create a robust and intriguing sipper that’s likely to not last long on the shelves.”
The history behind Double Oak goes back to the 2014 barrel shortage when cooperages couldn’t make barrels due to unusually heavy precipitation that impacted logging. Distilleries continued to make whiskey, but they were forced to put their whiskey in used barrels. Because one of the key requirements to being labeled a Kentucky Straight Bourbon is that the liquid must be aged in new white American oak barrels, Chicken Cock Whiskey Double Oak is the combination of two distinct barrel finishings – seven-year-old Kentucky Whiskey which was aged in used barrels and then transferred into new white American oak barrels, which were placed on the top floor of the rickhouse at Bardstown Bourbon Company during one of the hottest Kentucky summers on record, which is perfect for aging whiskey. After about 18 months in the new American oak barrels, the team bottled Chicken Cock Double Oak making it an eight-year-old Kentucky Whiskey.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: chestnut brown
- Aroma: dark chocolate covered berries, toasted coconut shavings and caramel coffee
- Flavor: vanilla bean, waffle cone, steeped berries, and warm baking spices
- Finish: round and balanced with creamy undertones and hints of crème brulée and cinnamon flan
Chicken Cock Double Oak is available nationally at retail and online at www.chickencockwhiskey.com, Caskers and ReserveBar for the suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750ml bottle.
When Chicken Cock Whiskey Founder James A. Miller started making whiskey in Bourbon Co., Kentucky in the 1830s, bourbon wasn’t even bourbon yet. Seeing the increasing value of his liquid creation, Miller formally established Chicken Cock Whiskey (thought to be named after the rooster feathers he used to stir his drinks with) in 1856. Chicken Cock hit peak prestige when it was served as the house whiskey at the Cotton Club in Harlem, one of Prohibition’s most legendary speakeasies. In 2012, Matti Anttila rediscovered the brand and set out to resurrect it to its Prohibition-era glory. Today, Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Master Distiller Gregg Snyder oversees all parts of the whiskey-making process from bark to barrel, bourbon to bottle, and the whiskey is distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Collaborative Distilling Program facility. The brand currently has two flagship products, Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye, as well as a number of creative limited edition releases, like the recently launched Double Oak Whiskey and Chanticleer.
About Grain & Barrel Spirits
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits is an innovative-driven global spirits portfolio that develops and scales authentic brands – connecting the best artisans with markets and consumers around the world. The company’s core brands include: Chicken Cock Whiskey, a historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls; Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast, having won the prestigious 2019 and 2020 and 2021 “Rising Star” Growth Brands Awards from Beverage Dynamics magazine; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskey, Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys; and Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey. Grain & Barrel Spirits 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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[1] Nielsen Latest 52 Weeks 10/29/22 Total US Liquor
by admin | Mar 28, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
New Offering at the Company’s Tasting Rooms and Online Features a Trio of Different Types of Whiskey Finished in Unique Wine Cases
Traverse City, MI (March 27, 2023) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), a portfolio of premium whiskeys and bourbon made in Michigan, today unveiled “The Finishing Series,” a set of three types of whiskey finished for up to 12 months in unique wine cases.
“Starting with three of our award-winning whiskeys, we further aged them using various wine cases, and captured fond memories of folks’ time here in Traverse City in a bottle,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-Founder and President, Traverse City Whiskey Co. “Here in Northern Michigan, we don’t just distill whiskey; we distill the spirit of Traverse City itself.”
Here’s a look at the lineup:
- Port Barrel Finish – a bourbon whiskey featuring TCWC’s classic straight bourbon mashbill (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley) aged for five years and rested for nearly 12 months in massive 300L Ruby Port wine barrels. The dryness of the casks meld perfectly with the sweetness of the bourbon. 100 proof (50% ABV)
- Nose: Very light, stone fruit and buttercream, hint of orange
- Body: Sweet and silky; tart cherries, vanilla, sweet fennel, hint of toasted marshmallow
- Finish: Tannic but slightly sweet, burnt sugar and toasted orange peel
- Cab Franc Barrel Finish – TCWC’s 100% straight rye whiskey aged for five years and rested for nearly 12 months in Cabernet Franc barrels from an artisan northern Michigan winery. 97.5 proof (48.75% ABV)
- Nose: Sweet cherries, lemongrass, wintergreen, milk chocolate
- Body: Dry and lightly buttery; caraway seed, toasted sesame, and a hint of bitter orange
- Finish: Tannic, whole grains fading to 100% cocoa nibs
- Sherry Barrel Finish – a unique high-rye bourbon whiskey featuring a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley, which was aged for five years in new American Oak barrels and then rested in Pedro Ximenez sherry wine barrels for nearly 12 months. 95 proof (47.5% ABV)
- Nose: Caramel, sassafras (root beer), cinnamon, andraisins
- Body: Light andnutty; walnut, toasted almond, green cardamom, and a hint of vanilla bean
- Finish: Mild, toasted rye bread andtobacco
Whiskey enthusiasts can now purchase the complete set of three or individual 750ml bottles at the company’s two tasting rooms (in Traverse City and Ferndale, MI) and online at tcwhiskey.com for $59.99/each.
Known as the “Whiskey of the North,” the TCWC draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800’s, sourcing all 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.
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 | Feb 23, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Louisville, KY (February 21, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, has hired Chris Riesbeck as its Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Chris will assume responsibility for developing commercial strategies, achieving the company’s revenue goals, and overseeing the route-to-market (distributor) strategy in addition to all operational aspects of sales activities. He will also join the BCS Executive Team, reporting directly to Founder Joe Beatrice.
With expertise in sales and distilled spirits, Chris most recently served as Vice President of Sales for Westland Distillery in Seattle where he built and oversaw the Commercial strategy for all Global markets. Previously, he spent five and a half years with Classic Imports in Boston and before that nearly four years with Slocum & Sons in Connecticut, in various roles.
“I’ve known Chris for several years and have been highly impressed with his strategic thinking, management style and overall track record,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Given his background and proficiency within both sales and distilled spirits, he’s tailor-made for this critical role.”
Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (Bioethics) with a minor in Economics from The College of Wooster and a PgD in Brewing & Distilling Sciences from Heriot-Watt University.
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.
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by admin | Feb 8, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Kisner to Broaden Awareness of Chicken Chock Whiskey
CHARLESTON, SC (January 31 , 2023)- Grain & Barrel Spirits has announced a multi-year partnership with Aiken, SC native and PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Kevin Kisner. Grain & Barrel is a producer of world-class spirits and iconic brands including Kentucky-based Chicken Cock Whiskey and SC-based Dixie Vodka, two of Kevin’s favorites, which led to the partnership coming together.
Chicken Cock Whiskey is looking forward to supporting Kisner through all of his outdoor pursuits, whether it be during the golf season, or hunting and fishing in the off season. The Chicken Cock Whiskey logo will be displayed on Kisner’s shirt sleeve for the full PGA TOUR schedule, as well as the Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Viewers can get a first look at his branded shirt at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am February 2-5, held annually in Pebble Beach, California as part of the PGA TOUR.
Kisner, a PGA TOUR winner and Presidents Cup Team participant, is currently ranked #31 in the world. His confidence, bold attitude and prestige mirror Chicken Cock Whiskey’s celebrated reputation. Known as “The Famous Old Brand,” Chicken Cock Whiskey originated in Paris, Kentucky in 1856 and prospered for nearly a century, through prohibition, until it disappeared from the market in the 1950’s. In 2012, Grain & Barrel Spirits Founder Matti Anttila came across the legendary brand while researching the early days of distillation and decided to bring it back to its former glory.
“I’m thrilled to work with Grain & Barrel, especially since they were founded in my home state of South Carolina,” shares Kisner. “Their support for the Kisner Foundation really means a lot and I’ll be proud to wear the Chicken Cock logo this season. Chicken Cock, like golf, has a long, rich history I admire. Whether it’s golf or good whiskey, this ain’t no hobby for me!”
“Partnering with a South Carolina native to activate our brand carries so much meaning to us,” says Anttila. “The fact that we get to work with a golfer like Kevin, whose values align so closely with our brand’s values, is truly a gift. We’re looking forward to expanding Grain & Barrel’s reach by connecting golf aficionados with whiskey and vodka lovers.”
Grain & Barrel looks forward to supporting the Kevin & Brittany Kisner Foundation at a variety of charity events throughout the year. The nonprofit, run by Kevin and his wife, benefits children in the Central Savannah River area by providing them with opportunities to build strong foundations for success.
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, the famous heritage whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in Charleston; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskey, Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls; and Virgil Kane Lowcountry Whiskey, chef driven, flavor forward whiskeys inspired by and created in Charleston. 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.
by admin | Jan 25, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Charleston, SC (January 25, 2022) – Grain & Barrel Spirits, which develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide, has appointed Will Woodington as its first National Whiskey Brand Ambassador. A long-time resident of Metro Detroit, he will be responsible for promoting the Grain & Barrel Spirits whiskey portfolio. Will’s primary focus will be expanding the national footprint for the historic Chicken Cock Whiskey brand, which was established in 1856 and rose to fame as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, one of Prohibition’s most legendary speakeasies. He will also assist with marketing and sales related initiatives for Elvis and Virgil Kaine whiskeys.
Will brings considerable beverage alcohol experience to the new role, having most recently served as a Brand Ambassador for Bardstown Bourbon Company, where he oversaw on- and off-premise events and tastings. Over the past several years, he has built a respectable following as a whiskey enthusiast and social influencer via @bondedinbottles. He is also co-founder of and moderator for The Bourbon Alliance, a select group of whiskey enthusiasts who aim to shine a light on distilleries nationwide. Previously, Will worked as Channel Sales Manager at Roush Performance Products for nearly 10 years.
“Will brings substantial sales and marketing experience plus a passion for whiskey to this new role,” said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits. “He will be an excellent steward for our whiskey portfolio helping to generate national awareness and buzz.”
To connect with Will, please email him at [email protected]
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; 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. For more information, visit www.grainandbarrel.com.
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by admin | Jan 23, 2023 | IN THE NEWS
Slated to Open in 2024, the New 70,000 Square Foot Campus Will Include End-to-End Production, Visitor Center & Tasting Room, and Will be Michigan’s Largest Distillery
Traverse City, MI (January 24, 2023) – Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), an award-winning portfolio of premium whiskeys and bourbon made in Michigan, officially broke ground on the future site of its new whiskey production facility, in Traverse City. The company’s rapid growth has exceeded its current distilling capacity, which resulted in a portion of its annual production to be outsourced to out-of-state partners. The first-of-its-kind distilling campus in Michigan will enhance the company’s current production facilities and tasting room located at 201 E. 14th St. in downtown Traverse City, which has become a popular destination for tens of thousands of area residents and visitors since 2012.
Set on 35 acres of land in the countryside, the new facility will accommodate every step in the whiskey production process (mashing, fermentation, distillation), allowing the company to significantly increase production of its award-winning portfolio of premium whiskeys and bourbon, to as many as 24,000 barrels of whiskey each year. Part of the property will also be dedicated to growing grain to be used in the company’s various distillations. The facility will also help to meet increasing demand for TCWC’s portfolio of products, which includes its best-selling Premium Cocktail Cherries and Cocktail Crate craft mixers.
The 70,000 square foot campus, which will be built in partnership with Mathison Architects and Erhardt Construction, will feature a state-of-the-art traditional rack house, dedicated processing and packaging spaces, administrative offices, a visitor center & tasting room, and spectacular indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces. The new facility will also create approximately 100 new jobs for the surrounding community and afford TCWC the ability to support other Michigan distillers in need of capacity for their own growing brands.
“We’re thrilled to break ground on this incredible new facility which will allow us to expand operations and exclusively produce our award-winning whiskey right here in our hometown of Traverse City,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-Founder and President, TCWC. Our new headquarters will be an all-encompassing campus that will provide a unique immersion in whiskey culture and industry and will add a new experience to the thriving Northern Michigan agritourism industry. It will provide numerous jobs and attract new and returning visitors to our beautiful region. We can’t wait to welcome our friends into our new home.”
Known as the “Whiskey of the North,” the 100% family-owned craft whiskey company produces straight bourbon and its signature cherry whiskey which have become top selling craft whiskeys statewide and across the U.S. The team 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, makes an award-winning portfolio of quality products, inspired by patented distilling techniques invented by Fredrickson’s great grandfather that were approved by the US PTO during the prohibition era. In 2018, TCWC introduced its Premium Cocktail Cherries which have grown to be the leading premium cocktail cherry nationally, sold in all 50 states. In 2019, TCWC acquired Cocktail Crate premium craft mixers and opened its first tasting room in Metro Detroit: The Outpost, in Ferndale.
TCWC products are available via the brand website and at on- and off-premise establishments in more than 30 U.S. States.
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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