Whiskey

The southernmost of the Inner Hebridean Scottish Isles, the island of Islay (pronounced EYE-lah) is only 240 square miles and home to just over 3,000 inhabitants. Still, the island is one of just five distilling regions in Scotland whose identity is protected by law.Ardbeg Distillery, which is situated on the southern coast of Islay, was founded in 1815 by the MacDougall family. By 1886, nearly one-third of the population of Islay worked at the distillery and today, it stands as a testament to Scottish heritage and tradition.Each year, the distillery commemorates Ardbeg Day a day celebrating the distillerys founding with the release of a new whisky. Ardbeg Ardbog Single Malt Scotch Whisky was released on Ardbeg Day 2013 (June 1, 2013), and celebrates the plethora of peat bogs that are found on the island of Islay. Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted barley, which is peated to approximately 50 phenol parts per million (in contrast, Leviathan II Whiskey is peated to 110 phenol ppm, while Octomore 5.1 is peated to 169 phenol ppm). Once the peated barley arrives at the distillery, it is milled and mashed with water sourced from Loch Uigeadail, which is situated approximately 3 miles away from the distillery. Then, the mashed barley is fermented in washbacks made of Oregon pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they absorb a portion of the heat generated during the fermentation process and thus, create a lighter and more rich whisky. In addition, the wooden washbacks contribute estery, carbolic compounds to the whisky. Following fermentation, which lasts for 55 hours, the wash is distilled twice, first through a copper-pot wash still and then again through a copper-pot spirit still. The spirit still is equipped with a purifier, which acts as small condenser and causes a portion of the evaporating vapors to be pumped back into the pot and then re-distilled. This purification process, which is rare in the industry, results in whisky that has a signature fresh and malty flavor.Once the whisky has been distilled, a portion (60 percent) of Ardbeg Ardbog is matured in used, American oak bourbon casks for a minimum of ten years, while the remainder is matured (also for a minimum of ten years) in Spanish oak casks that were previously used to mature Manzanillia sherry. "The Manzanilla maturation weaves salty flavors through the whisky," says Mickey Heads, Ardbegs Distillery Manager, "which is then balanced with the maple syrup creaminess of the first-fill ex-bourbon casks."Ardbeg Ardbog Single Malt Scotch Whisky has classic notes of peat and smoke, which are balanced by touches of rich, dark fruits, crme brle, vanilla and caramel. Only a select number of Ardbog bottles are available, and since Heads believes this it is the best special edition of Ardbeg hes ever tasted, they are sure to sell fast. Pick up yours today!

The southernmost of the Inner Hebridean Scottish Isles, the island of Islay (pronounced EYE-lah) is only 240 square miles and home to just over 3,000 people. Still, the island is one of just five distilling regions in Scotland whose identity is protected by law. Ardbeg Distillery, which is situated on the southern coast of Islay, was founded in 1815 by the MacDougall family. By 1886, nearly one-third of the population of Islay worked at the distillery and today, it stands as a testament to Scottish heritage and tradition.Each year, the distillery commemorates Ardbeg Day a day celebrating the distillerys founding with the release of a new whisky. Ardbeg Auriverdes Single Malt Scotch Whisky was released on Ardbeg Day 2014 (May 31, 2014). The term "Auriverdes"is derived from the Portuguese word "auri,"meaning gold, and "verde,"meaning green. The name of the whisky not only commemorates Ardbeg Distillery (the distillerys signature colors are gold and green), but also the 2014 World Cup, which was hosted in Brazil (the Brazilian flag is gold and green.). Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted barley, which is peated to approximately 50 phenol parts per million. Once the grains have been fermented, they are distilled twice, first through a copper-pot wash still and then again through a copper-pot spirit still. The spirit still is equipped with a purifier, which acts as small condenser and causes a portion of the evaporating vapors to be pumped back into the pot and then re-distilled. This purification process, which is rare in the industry, results in whisky that has a signature fresh and malty flavor.Following distillation, Ardbeg Auriverdes is matured in ex-bourbon barrels. "When the casks arrived in Scotland, we had the heads removed,"explains Gregor Mina, the brand director of Ardbeg Distillery. The heads of the casks were then replaced with "new American oak heads that I had specially made for us, which had been heat treated using a particular and secret toasting regime, designed to achieve a special flavor profile, producing in particular flavors of mocha and coffee. These re-worked barrels were then filled with spirit, and ultimately blended together with a proportion of "classic Ardbeg from 1st and 2nd fill Bourbon barrels."As a result, the whisky has an aroma of malt, vanilla and white pepper that give way to notes of spices, milk chocolate, dark tannins, red fruits, peat and toffee on the palate. The finish is bold and class, with hints of charcoal, iodine, smoke and peppercorns.Pick up a bottle today!

Situated between the islands of Jura and Scarba off the western coast of Scotland, the Strait of Corryvreckan is one of the most treacherous and unnavigable waterways in the entire world. The straight suffers from strong Atlantic currents and an unusual underwater topography that conspire to produce intense eddies and tidal flows up to 9 knots. In addition, the Corryvreckan whirlpool, which is the third largest whirlpool in the world, creates terrific inflows that result in waves over 30 feet high (the roar of the whirlpool can be heard over ten miles away).Much like the whirlpool from which it derives its name, Ardbeg Corryvreckan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is "heady, intense and powerful," says Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbegs Head of Distilling and Master of Whisky Creation. Lumsden, who holds a PhD in Biochemistry (he wrote his dissertation on yeast physiology) and is the only person in the world to have been honored with Whisky Advocates "Industry Leader of the Year" award three times, is one of the most respected figures in the Scotch whisky industry.Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted barley, which is peated to approximately 50 phenol parts per million. Once the peated barley arrives at the distillery, it is milled and mashed with water sourced from Loch Uigeadail, which is situated approximately 3 miles away from the distillery. Then, the mashed barley is fermented in washbacks made of Oregon pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they absorb a portion of the heat generated during the fermentation process and thus, create a lighter and more rich whisky. In addition, the wooden washbacks contribute estery, carbolic compounds to the whisky. Following fermentation, which lasts for 55 hours, the wash is distilled twice, first through a copper-pot wash still and then again through a copper-pot spirit still. The spirit still is equipped with a purifier, which acts as small condenser and causes a portion of the evaporating vapors to be pumped back into the pot and then re-distilled. This purification process, which is rare in the industry, results in whisky that has a signature fresh and malty flavor. Following distillation, Ardbeg Corryvreckan is matured in a combination of used American oak and French oak casks. Once it has reached its peak of maturity, each batch is bottled at 114 proof.Ardbeg Corryvreckan has an aroma of dark chocolate, linseed oil, dark cherries and smoky peat. The aroma opens up to notes of plums, black fruit, seaweed and orange marmalade, which are complemented by a bold peaty undertone. The finish is long and deep, with lingering notes of chili peppers and chocolate. The whisky earned a score of 96 points from Whisky Advocate which named it "Single Malt of the Year" in 2010. It was also named "The Worlds Best Single Malt Whisky" by Whisky Magazine the same year.Pick up a bottle of the best today!

Situated along the southern coast of the island of Islay, Ardbeg Distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougall Family. By the end of the 19th century, nearly one-third of the population of the island was employed at the distillery, which became notorious for producing some of the boldest and most robust Scotch whisky in the industry. Today, the distillery remains a testament to Scottish innovation and heritage.Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced "Oog-a-dal" ) Single Malt Scotch Whisky takes its name from Loch Uigeadail, which is situated 800 feet above sea level and remains the only source of pure water for the distillery. "Its one of the raw materials we must have," says Michael Heads, Ardbegs Distillery Manager, of the water sourced from the loch. "Loch Uigeadail translates as " the dark place its got very deep, peaty water in it and its what we require for making our bold whisky. So its vitally important."Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted barley, which is peated to approximately 50 phenol parts per million. Once the peated barley arrives at the distillery, it is milled and mashed with water sourced from Loch Uigeadail before being fermented in washbacks made of Oregon pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they absorb a portion of the heat generated during the fermentation process and thus, create a lighter and more rich whisky. In addition, the wooden washbacks contribute estery, carbolic compounds to the whisky.Following fermentation, which lasts for 55 hours, the wash is distilled twice, first through a copper-pot wash still and then again through a copper-pot spirit still. The spirit still is equipped with a purifier, which acts as small condenser and causes a portion of the evaporating vapors to be pumped back into the pot and then re-distilled. This purification process, which is rare in the industry, results in whisky that has a signature fresh and malty flavor.Ardbeg Uigeadail Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from a marriage of Ardbeg Whisky that has matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The bourbon casks contribute notes of honeyed oak, cinnamon and baking spices to the whisky, and provide it with Ardbegs notorious intensity. The sherry casks contribute notes of dried fruits, berries, figs and caramelized oranges to the whisky, and contribute an unparalleled depth and complexity.Ardbeg Uigeadail earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011 and 2012, and a score of 95 points from Whisky Advocate. In addition, the whisky earned a score of 97.5 points from the Whisky Bible, which named it the Whisky of the Year.Pick up a bottle of the Whisky of the Year today!

Founded in 1994 by Harold Currie, the Arran Distillery is one of the last remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. "The reason the distillery was built on the Isle of Arran," says James MacTaggart, Arrans master distiller, "was because there is a very good water supply here. In fact, it was tasted and it was decided that it was probably one of the best water supplies in Scotland for making whisky." When the distillery was finally completed in 1995 construction was halted for nearly a year when a pair of Golden Eagles built their nest near the distillery it became the first legal distillery on the Isle of Arran in over 150 years.Arran Single Malt Whisky is made exclusively from unpeated Scottish barley, which is malted and then fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast. Once the barley has been fermented, the wash is distilled twice first through Arrans copper-pot wash still and then again through Arrans copper-pot spirit still. The stills were custom designed, says MacTaggart, and "shaped to allow the lighter vapors to come up through the stills." As a result, Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky has an appreciably softer and more delicate flavor profile as compared to other Scotch whiskies.Following distillation, Arran 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky was aged in a combination of first fill sherry and first fill bourbon casks. As a result, the whisky has a copper gold color, along with an aroma of dried fruits, vanilla and toffee. Notes of caramelized oranges and apples on the palate are followed by touches of hazelnuts, dates and tea cake, and lead to a warm, layered finish. The whisky earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012 and the title "Best Island Single Malt"at the World Whisky Awards in 2011.Pick up a bottle of each today!

Situated at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills in Western Scotland, Auchentoshan (pronounced Aw-khen-tosh-an) Distillery was founded in 1800 and is one of the last remaining Lowland malt Whisky distilleries. The distillery is nicknamed "Glasgows Malt Whisky" due to its proximity to Glasgow, and its Whisky is nicknamed "breakfast Whisky" due to its sweet flavor and elegant texture.Auchentoshan 18YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted, optic barley that is gently kilned and completely unpeated. The barley is milled and mashed before being fermented in wooden washbacks made from Oregon Pine. The wooden washbacks (as opposed to the stainless steel washbacks used at most distilleries) retain a portion of the heat produced during fermentation, and ultimately produce a lighter and slightly sweeter Whisky.Following fermentation, the Whisky is distilled. While Scotch Whisky is traditionally distilled twice, Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch is distilled three times first through a wash still, then through an intermediate still, and finally, through a spirit still. This extra step during distillation no other major distillery uses an intermediate still is both time-consuming and expensive, but it produces a 160-proof Whisky that is incredibly pure and free of impurities.Following the third distillation, the Whisky is brought down to barrel proof before being matured for 18 years in used bourbon casks. Before Auchentoshan fills the used casks, however, the interiors of the barrels are set on fire, or re-charred, for up to a minute, opening up the grains and caramelizing the remaining sugars. As it matures, the Whisky picks up an aroma of tobacco and old leather, along with hints of toasted almonds and green tea. The initial flavors are deep and slightly woody, with notes of zesty citrus, ripe fruits and a hint of sweet, brown sugar. The finish, which is long and lingering, is well-balanced with notes of spicy cinnamon and oak.Triple distilled and aged for 18 years, this scotch earned a score of 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast. Pick up a bottle of Scotch (whose name no one can pronounce) today!

Situated at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills in Western Scotland, Auchentoshan (pronounced Aw-khen-tosh-an) Distillery was founded in 1800 and is one of the last remaining Lowland Single Malt Whisky distilleries. The distillery is nicknamed "Glasgows Distillery"due to its proximity to the eponymous city, and its whisky is nicknamed "breakfast whisky" due to its sweet flavor and elegant texture. During World War II, the distillery was bombed relentlessly by Germany, and much of the whisky that was being matured in its rickhouses was lost to fire or spilled into the Clyde River, which is situated adjacent to the distillery. Following the end of the war, the distillery was rebuilt and today, it remains a testament to Scottish perseverance and innovation.Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted, optic barley that is gently kilned and completely unpeated. Once the barley has been malted, it is milled and mashed before being fermented in wooden washbacks made from Oregon Pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they retain a portion of the heat produced during fermentation, and ultimately produce a lighter and slightly sweeter whisky.Following fermentation, the whisky is distilled through Auchentoshans copper pot stills. While Scotch whisky is traditionally distilled twice, Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch is distilled three times: first through a wash still, then through an intermediate still, and finally, through a spirit still. This extra distillation step no other major Scotch distillery uses an intermediate still produces a purer and more refined spirit that dramatically affects the character of the whisky produced.Auchentoshan 21 Year Old Limited Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and ex-Spanish sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years. The limited-edition Scotch has an aroma of ripe berries, creamy vanilla, oak, honey and mint. The aroma gives way to notes of sweet milk chocolate, honeyed oak, green apples and nutty dough, and leads to a long, elegant finish. The whisky earned a score of 91 points from Whisky Advocate, and was named F. Paul Pacults "top choice" as the quintessential Lowland Single Malt.Pick up a bottle of Scotch whose name no one can pronounce today!

Situated at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills in Western Scotland, Auchentoshan (pronounced Aw-khen-tosh-an) Distillery was founded in 1800 and is one of the last remaining Lowland Single Malt Whisky distilleries. The distillery is nicknamed "Glasgows Distillery" due to its proximity to the eponymous city, and its whisky is nicknamed "breakfast whisky" due to its sweet flavor and elegant texture. During World War II, the distillery was bombed relentlessly by Germany, and much of the whisky that was being matured in its rickhouses was lost to fire or spilled into the Clyde River, which is situated adjacent to the distillery. Following the end of the war, the distillery was rebuilt and today, it remains a testament to Scottish perseverance and innovation.Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted, optic barley that is gently kilned and completely unpeated. Once the barley has been malted, it is milled and mashed before being fermented in wooden washbacks made from Oregon Pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they retain a portion of the heat produced during fermentation and ultimately produce a lighter and slightly sweeter whisky.Following fermentation, the whisky is distilled through Auchentoshans copper pot stills. While Scotch whisky is traditionally distilled twice, Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch is distilled three times: first through a wash still, then through an intermediate still, and finally, through a spirit still. This extra distillation step no other major Scotch distillery uses an intermediate still produces a purer and more refined spirit that dramatically affects the character of the whisky produced.Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the first Auchentoshan whisky matured exclusively in charred, American oak casks that were previously used to mature bourbon. Following maturation, the whisky is bottled without the use of chill filtration or artificial coloring.The whisky has a bright golden color, along with an aroma of bourbon, coconut, and vanilla. The aroma gives way to notes of spiced fruits, citrus, toffee and whipped cream on the palate, and leads to a finish with hints of grapefruits and spices. Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky was recently released. Pick up a bottle of Scotch whose name no one can pronounce today!

Situated at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills in Western Scotland, Auchentoshan (pronounced Aw-khen-tosh-an) Distillery was founded in 1800 and is one of the last remaining Lowland Single Malt Whisky distilleries. The distillery is nicknamed "Glasgows Distillery" due to its proximity to the eponymous city, and its whisky is nicknamed "breakfast whisky" due to its sweet flavor and elegant texture. During World War II, the distillery was bombed relentlessly by Germany, and much of the whisky that was being matured in its rickhouses was lost to fire or spilled into the Clyde River, which is situated adjacent to the distillery. Following the end of the war, the distillery was rebuilt and today, it remains a testament to Scottish perseverance and innovation.Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted, optic barley that is gently kilned and completely unpeated. Once the barley has been malted, it is milled and mashed before being fermented in wooden washbacks made from Oregon Pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they retain a portion of the heat produced during fermentation, and ultimately produce a lighter and slightly sweeter whisky.Following fermentation, the whisky is distilled through Auchentoshans copper pot stills. While Scotch whisky is traditionally distilled twice, Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch is distilled three times: first through a wash still, then through an intermediate still, and finally, through a spirit still. This extra distillation step no other major Scotch distillery uses an intermediate still produces a purer and more refined spirit that dramatically affects the character of the whisky produced.Following distillation, Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured in three different types of casks: casks that were previously used to mature bourbon, casks that were previously used to mature Spanish Oloroso Sherry and casks that were previously used to mature Pedro Ximenez Sherry. This triple maturation process imparts a distinctive flavor profile to the whisky its aroma of oak and spices is balanced by touches of brown sugar, oranges plums and raisins. In addition, notes of hazelnut and cinnamon are accented by touches of maple syrup, caramel and butterscotch on the palate, and lead to a slightly sweet, fruity finish.The whisky earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012 and 2013, and earned a score of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast.Pick up a bottle of Scotch whose name no one can pronounce today!

Situated at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills in Western Scotland, Auchentoshan (pronounced Aw-khen-tosh-an) Distillery was founded in 1800 and is one of the last remaining Lowland Single Malt Whisky distilleries. The distillery is nicknamed "Glasgows Distillery"due to its proximity to the eponymous city, and its whisky is nicknamed "breakfast whisky"due to its sweet flavor and elegant texture. During World War II, the distillery was bombed relentlessly by Germany, and much of the whisky that was being matured in its rickhouses was lost to fire or spilled into the Clyde River, which is situated adjacent to the distillery. Following the end of the war, the distillery was rebuilt and today, it remains a testament to Scottish perseverance and innovation.Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted, optic barley that is gently kilned and completely unpeated. Once the barley has been malted, it is milled and mashed before being fermented in wooden washbacks made from Oregon Pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they retain a portion of the heat produced during fermentation, and ultimately produce a lighter and slightly sweeter whisky.Following fermentation, the whisky is distilled through Auchentoshans copper pot stills. While Scotch whisky is traditionally distilled twice, Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch is distilled three times: first through a wash still, then through an intermediate still, and finally, through a spirit still. This extra distillation step no other major Scotch distillery uses an intermediate still produces a purer and more refined spirit that dramatically affects the character of the whisky produced.Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured exclusively in newly charred casks crafted from North American oak. While Scotch has traditionally been matured in used sherry, port and bourbon casks, the use of new oak casks to finish whisky is another weapon in a distillerys arsenal and allows the whisky to enjoy the sweeter and more complex flavors of virgin wood. Following maturation, the whisky is bottled without the use of chill filtration or artificial coloring.The whisky has an aroma of banana custard, creamy vanilla and caramel apples. The aroma gives way to notes of spiced fruits (particularly kiwi, oranges and apples) on the palate, and ends with a touch of spiced pears.Only 2,100 bottles of this Scotch whisky are available in the United States. Pick up a bottle of Scotch whose name no one can pronounce today!

Bains Cape Mountain was launched in 2009. This whisky is a critically acclaimed label distilled in Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa at the James Sedgwick distillery. This is South Africas first whisky produced from 100 percent yellow maize. The label is owned by Distell, a South African multinational brewing and beverage company. Bains whisky is Inspired by the Cape Mountains. It is named after Andrew Geddes Bain, the man responsible for bullding the Bainskloof Pass. Andy Watts is the 6th Master Distiller of the company, since its founding in 1886. Bains Single Grain Whisky is double matured initiallly in specially selected first-fill bourbon casks for three years, before being transfer to first-fill bourbon casks for an additional 18 to 30 months. This process extracts a full rich flavor onto the spirit. Bains was named the Worlds Best Grain Whisky at the annual Whisky Magazines World Whisky Awards in London in 2013.Pick up your bottle today!

Following the end of the American Revolutionary War, Johannes Reginald Beam emigrated from Germany to the United States, and eventually settled in Kentucky County. At the time, Kentucky County was still considered part of Virginia, and was overseen by a military governor named John J. Bowman. In order to encourage westward expansion, Virginia issued pioneers who agreed to settle in Kentucky County "corn writs," which granted the pioneers 60 acres of land if they agreed to settle in Kentucky and start farming corn.After settling in Kentucky, Beam began harvesting corn and set forth a family tradition by distilling the excess grains he harvested into Whiskey. Since then, seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in Whiskey production for the eponymous company.Bakers 7 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named after Baker Beam, the grand nephew of of the legendary Jim Beam. The bourbon is made from a mash dominated by corn and fermented using a special strain of jug yeast that has been in the Beam family for over six decades. Following fermentation, the bourbon is distilled and then matured in new, American oak casks for a minimum of seven years. As a result, the bourbon has an aroma of honeyed fruit, creamy vanilla and caramel. The aroma gives way to notes of roasted nuts, candied fruits, vanilla, toffee and milk chocolate. The finish is rich and lasting, with sweet and spicy flavors mingling with each other.Bakers 7 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition twice. In addition, it earned a score of 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast, which called it "superb" and "highly recommended."Pick up a bottle of this superb bourbon today!

Situated in the Highlands region of Scotland, the Balblair Distillery was founded in 1790 by John Ross. For over a century, Ross and his son, Andrew, sheparded the distillery forward. In 1895, however, the distillery was purchased by Alexander Cowan, an Inverness wine merchant, and relocated to be closer to the Edderton Railway Station (at the time, coal and barley arrived at the distillery via rail). Nevertheless, Cowan was so impressed by the distillerys original water source (the Ault Dearg burn) that he chose to ignore a nearby burn in favor of the water that the Ross family had been using for over a hundred years. Today, the Balblair Distillery continues to source its water from the Ault Dearg burn.Balblair Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from plump, ripe Scottish barley, which is malted and fermented using water from the same source the Ross Family began using nearly 225 years ago. Following fermentation, the grains are twice distilled through the Balblairs copper-pot stills. After distillation, Balblairs stillmen remove the heads and tails of the distillate and preserve only the "hearts"for maturation (the hearts comprise less than 20 percent of the entire distillate).Unlike other Scottish distilleries that bottle their whiskies with an age statement, Balblair Distillery bottles its whisky with a vintage statement. This method of bottling, which emphasizes maturity rather than age, allows Balblairs Distillery Manager John MacDonald to bottle the whisky when it has reached its peak flavor profile. "Theres something quite special about a perfectly matured, Highland single malt whisky," says MacDonald. "About having the essence of a vintage year, captured in a bottle. About tasting it. About feeling it."Balblair 1969 Single Malt Scotch Whisky was distilled in 1969 and aged for 43 years in American ex-bourbon hogshead casks, before being bottled at natural strength in 2012. The 1969 vintage is the oldest in Balblairs entire U.S. portfolio, and extremely-limited due to the fact that only two casks were used to produce the entire release.Balblair 1969 Single Malt Scotch Whisky has a rich amber color, along with an aromatic nose filled with apples, pears, bananas and a hint of vanilla. The aroma gives way to notes of honey, toffee and tropical fruits, and leads to a long, full-bodied finish.Pick up a bottle of this extremely limited whisky today!

Handcrafted in small batches, Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky is made from 100 percent malted Golden Promise barley. Golden Promise is an early-maturing spring barley that has a depth of flavor ideal for single malts. While it was popular in Scotland for many years, it gave way to cheaper barely that was higher in yield but lower in quality. The first in a series of anniversary bottlings for Balcones, this is a limited-edition cask strength bottled at 62.5 percent ABV. This Texas whiskey is madewith 100 percent rye, and raw elbon grain from north and northwest Texas as well as crystal, chocolate and roasted rye varieties,giving the whisky a special rich chocolate character with more traditional rye spice notes. Aged for almost two years, this rye is matured in new American oak barrels and brought to proof with Hill Country spring water.Pick up your bottle today!

Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whisky is the first blue corn whisky made in Texas since Prohibition. Distilled twice and aged in five-gallon oak barrels, Baby Blue is a hand-crafted spirit made inside a hand-crafted distillery. Every square inch of Balcones Distilling, from the 235-gallon copper pot stills hammered by hand to the woodwork and copper plumbing, was made by the distillers at Balcones. Balcones Baby Blue is made from roasted Hopi blue corn and has notes of butter, toasted almonds, masa, and smoked peppers. Still, its the gorgeous midnight blue kernels, packed with a rich, roasty nuttiness, that earned Baby Blue the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 4.5 stars from Drink Spirits. Balcones never uses chill filtering or caramel coloring in making Baby Blue Whisky. Instead, Balcones uses only fresh New Mexican blue corn, ferments its own wash and distills the product from start to finish, going so far as to number each bottle by hand. "Were trying to do something thats novel," he says. "More importantly, were trying to do something thats authentic."Enjoy Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whisky. Bigger and bolder, this isnt just a whisky from Texas its a Texas whisky.Pick up a bottle of Texas whisky today!

Balcones Brimstone Whisky is crafted exclusively from roasted Hopi blue corn. This unique strain of corn, which is sourced from New Mexico, produces kernels that are full of rich, roasty nuttiness. "I wanted some corn with guts and a really nice flavor," Tate says. "Only the Hopi blue corn had the depth and elegance needed to create something truly exceptional."Balcones Brimstone is made by mashing and fermenting the corn, and distilling the resulting wash twice through Tates copper-pot stills. Following distillation, Tate smokes the distillate the whisky that is produced after distillation but before maturation with sun-baked Texas scrub oak using a proprietary process that remains a closely-guarded secret. While a number of distilleries smoke grains prior to distilling them peated Scotch, for instance, is made by smoking barley over a peat flame Tate smokes the distillate that is produced after the wash passes through the still. The proprietary process results in a whisky that has a unique flavor profile the Texas scrub oak adds notes of bacon, barbecue and pulled pork to the whisky. The notes of barbecue and brisket are bold but not overpowering. Rather, they complement flavors of chili pepper, brown sugar, cinnamon and graham crackers. After the distillate is smoked, it is aged in lightly charred, American oak barrels before each bottle is filled and labeled by hand. Balcones Brimstone earned a score of 95.5 points from Jim Murrays Whisky Bible and the title "Best in Category" at the American Distilling Institute Competition in 2012."Were trying to do something thats novel," says Tate, noting that Brimstone is one of only a few blue corn whiskies available on the market. "More importantly, were trying to do something thats authentic."Try some authentic whisky today!

Balcones Rumble is a uniquely Texas spirits made entirely from Texas ingredients: wildflower honey, mission figs, turbinado sugar and natural Texas Hill Country spring water. Together, the ingredients are fermented and distilled before being matured to perfection in small, oak barrels.Balcones Rumble has a golden syrup color, along with an aroma of sweet vanilla, maple sap, brown sugar and nutmeg. The aroma gives way to notes of caramel, molasses, milk chocolate and cinnamon on the palate, and leads to a warming finish with touches of oak, fig and earthy minerals. As a result of its unique ingredients, Balcones Rumble has flavors that are similar to Scotch whisky, cognac and rum.Balcones Rumble earned the Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, The Examiner called the spirit "simply delicious."Pick up a bottle today!

Handcrafted in small batches, Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky is made from 100 percent malted Golden Promise barley. Golden Promise is an early-maturing spring barley that has a depth of flavor ideal for single malts. While it was popular in Scotland for many years, it gave way to cheaper barely that was higher in yield but lower in quality. After mashing the malted barley, they slowly ferment it at cool temperatures for seven days. Their fermentation process, which takes nearly twice as long as most other distilleries and is done at much lower temperatures, ultimately produces a richer, smoother whisky. After distillation, they age the whisky using a unique barreling process. "The main difference between Balcones and other single malts," they explain, "is the barreling. The cooperage we use and the care we put into blending and reblending the casks defines a lot of what makes our malt what it is. All of the barrels used are bespoke casks made from fully yard-aged oak with custom toast and char profiles.This all-new Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon, is distilled from roasted blue corn, Texas wheat, Texas rye and malted barley in pot stills before being matured for two years in new charred oak barrels. It is then bottled at 92 proof.Pick up your bottle today!

Handcrafted in small batches, Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky is made from 100 percent malted Golden Promise barley. Golden Promise is an early-maturing spring barley that has a depth of flavor ideal for single malts. While it was popular in Scotland for many years, it gave way to cheaper barely that was higher in yield but lower in quality. After mashing the malted barley, they slowly ferment it at cool temperatures for seven days. Their fermentation process, which takes nearly twice as long as most other distilleries and is done at much lower temperatures, ultimately produces a richer, smoother whisky. After distillation, they age the whisky using a unique barreling process. "The main difference between Balcones and other single malts," they explain, "is the barreling. The cooperage we use and the care we put into blending and reblending the casks defines a lot of what makes our malt what it is. All of the barrels used are bespoke casks made from fully yard-aged oak with custom toast and char profiles."While most single malts age in a single, large cask of a certain variety their entire lives (for Scotch, this is typically a used bourbon cask), they blend and rebarrel each cuve of Balcones Texas Single Malt through several barrels of different sizes and oak profiles in order to create uniquely round and complex flavors. While a batch of Balcones Single Malt may begin aging in toasted American oak barrels, it may also age in French oak and European oak barrels before being bottled by hand."We go out of our way to prevent excessive wood extraction," they say. "With both small and large barrels, you risk a very strong wood profile in the Texas heat. By rotating the whisky, different characteristics emerge from each type of wood, depending on the size of the barrel, and how long the whisky rests inside."For Balcones Distilling, creating the perfect Texas Single Malt Whisky is a labor of love. After the whisky has reached its peak of maturity, it is slowly proofed by hand. Each batch of Balcones Single Malt is then bottled and labeled with the type of wood in which the whisky was finished.Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky will appeal to Scotch and bourbon drinkers alike. With notes of warm toffee, dark sugar and caramel, it has a flavor profile similar to Scotch. In addition, the barreling process adds notes of honey and vanilla, which would appeal to any bourbon drinker.Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky is Texas made, Texas proud. Pick up a bottle today!

Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whisky isnt just the first whisky made in Texas since Prohibition, its also the first and only blue corn whisky made anywhere in the world. Distilled twice and aged in five-gallon oak barrels, Baby Blue is a hand-crafted spirit made inside a hand-crafted distillery. Every square inch of Balcones Distilling, from the 235-gallon copper pot stills hammered by hand to the woodwork and copper plumbing, was made by the distillers at Balcones. Balcones never uses chill filtering or caramel coloring in making Baby Blue Whisky. Instead, Balcones uses only fresh New Mexican blue corn, ferments its own wash and distills the product from start to finish, going so far as to number each bottle by hand. "Were trying to do something thats novel," he says. "More importantly, were trying to do something thats authentic. Balcones Blue 100 proof is made from roasted Hopi blue corn. True Blue 100 is made from the same select barrels of their blue corn whisky brought down to 100 proof. True Blue 100 is inspired by the bottled-in-bond tradition. 100 percent of the whisky in this bottle was born, raised, and bottled at Balcones--from mash to glass. More approachable than full cask-strength whisky, True Blue 100 retains the depth and complexity of over-proof spirits with the softer edges.True Blue 100 Proof Corn Whisky won the "Worlds Best Corn Whisky" category award at the World Whiskies Awards in 2018.Pick up your bottle today!

I started this company to share my passion for unique, high-quality spirits, says Joe Beatrice, founder of Barrell Craft Spirits, whose self-proclaimed goal is to find and curate the best barrels and batches of whiskey, wherever they may be. To preserve the singular characteristics of each batch, Barrell bottles all their whiskeys at cask strength. The complexity and concentration of flavor is greatest when the whiskey comes right from the barrel, says Beatrice.The tradition of keeping aninfinity bottleis well known to whiskey collectors and aficionados around the world. It is the method of taking the last ounces of each whisk(e)y bottle as you finish it, and pouring them into another bottle.Barrell Craft Spirits is honoring the Infinity bottle tradition in their own way by introducing theInfinite Barrel Project.They began by selecting barrels for their flavor profiles and complexity, blending them in a largersingle, or "Infinite"vessel.At each bottling a portion of whiskey and replace it with other barrels that will complement the remaining blend. They then repeat the process - bottling a portion and adding newly selected whiskeys each time. You can find which whiskeys are present in each bottling by referring to the bottling date on the front label and going to that page on the Craft Barrell Spirits site.Pick up your bottle today!

I started this company to share my passion for unique, high-quality spirits, says Joe Beatrice, the founder of Barrell Bourbon Co, whose self-proclaimed goal is to select and bottle the finest small-batch, craft-distilled bourbon. At Barrell Bourbon, we support the time-honored traditions of distilling, a patient art designed to give you a better tasting bourbon. At every stage of bourbon making, subtle choices are made that impact the whiskey. Though all bourbons are made from the same basic ingredients, its the choices the master distiller makes that shapes his creation.This whiskey is a marriage of 10-year-old whiskey distilled in Indiana, finished in Dunn Vineyards Cabernet barrels, and 11-year-old bourbon distilled in Tennessee finished in black strap rum casks and LBV Port Pipes.Dovetail is blended to highlight flavors of woody bourbon; terroir driven Dunn Cabernet; toasted French oak; Late Bottled Vintage Port pipes; blackstrap molasses casks; all working in tandem to create a buttery and deep whiskey as unique as it is delicious. Dovetail took almost a year to get right, from blending to labeling, all coming together in a seemingly perfect point.Pick up your bottle today!

Following the end of the American Revolutionary War, Johannes Reginald Beam emigrated from Germany to the United States and eventually settled in Kentucky County. At the time, Kentucky County was still considered part of Virginia, overseen by a military governor named John J. Bowman. After settling in Kentucky, Beam began harvesting corn and set forth a family tradition by distilling the excess grains he harvested into whiskey. Since then, seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the eponymous company (the company is actually named after James Beam, who rescued it following Prohibition).Basil Haydens is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a Maryland Catholic who led twenty-five other Catholic families from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky (near Bardstown, home of the Jim Beam) in the late 1700s. In addition to being a religious man Hayden established the first Catholic church in what is now the Commonwealth of Kentucky Hayden was also a distiller and a pioneering one at that. While most bourbons at the time were made from a traditional corn base, in 1796 Hayden defied convention by mixing small grains into his mash, believing that the spicy rye flavors would provide a striking complement to the corns sweetness. Much to the chagrin of the traditionalist set, Hayden proved to be right.Basil Haydens is known for their signature spicy high-rye recipes and innovative finishing touches. Their latest limited-edition release Basil Haydens Caribbean Reserve Rye is a true summer whiskey, the latest in a series of successful rye whiskey innovations. Inspired by the sweet and spicy contrast between rye whiskey and rum, this limited edition showcases a blend of 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and 4-year-old Canadian Rye Whisky, delivering bold layers of flavor, and a deeply complex distinctive spice followed by toasted oak and vanilla notes. The blend is distinctively finished with Black Strap Rum enhancing the rye character with sweet notes of brown sugar and molasses. The result is a balanced, approachable 80 proof whiskey, perfect for your next summer cocktail.Released in May 2020, Basil Haydens 10 Year Old Rye is the newest addition to their lineup and the oldest rye they have on offer. Bottled at 80 proof, its a light yet complex and satisfyingly spicy dram. This limited-release rye is approachable on one side and full-flavored on the other, making it a perfect choice for the budding rye aficionado.Pick up your bottle today!

Following the end of the American Revolutionary War, Johannes Reginald Beam emigrated from Germany to the United States, and eventually settled in Kentucky County. At the time, Kentucky County was still considered part of Virginia, and was overseen by a military governor named John J. Bowman. After settling in Kentucky, Beam began harvesting corn and set forth a family tradition by distilling the excess grains he harvested into whiskey. Since then, seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the eponymous company (the company is actually named after James Beam, who rescued it following Prohibition).Part of Booker Noes Small Batch Bourbon Collection, Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a Maryland Catholic who led twenty-five other Catholic families from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky (near Bardstown, home of the Jim Beam) in the late 1700s. In addition to being a religious man Hayden established the first Catholic church in what is now the Commonwealth of Kentucky Hayden was also a distiller, and a pioneering one at that. While most bourbon at the time was made from a traditional corn base, in 1796 Hayden defied convention by mixing small grains into his mash, believing that the spicy rye flavors would provide a striking complement to the corns sweetness. Much to the chagrin of the traditionalist set, Hayden proved to be right.Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash very similar to the recipe Hayden himself developed in 1796. The whisky has a golden amber color and a spicy aroma of breakfast tea and peppermint bark. On the palate, the rye grains are evident, as are the cracked pepper and honey notes. The finish is clean and dry, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of cinnamon and baking spices.Pick up a pioneering bourbon today!