BourbonBlog

Climax Moonshine, podcast interview with Tim Smith about his new brand

tomfischer — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:25:50 +0000

CLICK ABOVE TO PLAY PODCAST

Tim Smith, will soon release Climax Moonshine

Listen to our podcast above as BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer is the first journalist to speak with moonshiner Tim Smith about his new Climax Moonshine brand and the “Moonshine Revolution.”

The Climax Moonshine collection will initially include Tim’s original recipe distilled from corn mash, a “Peach Lightning,” and “Grape Lightning”

“I believe in real, clear moonshine distilled from fruit, so we’re not looking at infusing fruit into the alcohol. I believe in giving you quality moonshine right from the still,” Tim tells us.

Thus, Tim’s fruit-based or “flavored” moonshines are distilled from real fruit instead of adding it later in the process.

The moonshine is named after where Tim is from in Climax, Virginia.

And while there is no official confirmation, it appears from Tim’s Climax Moonshine website that he is making this batch of moonshine at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky.

Text stating “Visit Tim at his distillery on the Bourbon Trail,” is next to a photo of the Limestone Branch Distillery on ClimaxMoonshine.com.

As a growing number of moonshines continue to be released on the market, Tim makes it clear that his will be like no other you’ve tasted.

Original Recipe Climax Moonshine

Tim says he doesn’t want to take anything away from other distillers releasing products labeled “moonshines,” but his brand is all about the attention paid to the craft, the process and being distilled by the hands of a very few individuals in small batches.

Tim’s Climax Moonshine is same recipe he has always used (even when he wasn’t doing it legally).

“We’re bringing out the recipe that I’ve made and my family has made to the table,” explains Tim.

He stresses that what makes Climax Moonshine unique is the process and how you make it come out to create the “Drink of Defiance” – the brand’s slogan.

For more continued updates on the release and availability of Climax Moonshine near YOU, subscribe to our mailing list here and we will send you the news first.

After season 2 of Moonshiners, Tim’s dream of going “legal” is now close to reality. We’ll bring you release dates and where to find his moonshine soon on BourbonBlog.com.

Tim Smith’s Climax Moonshine

tomfischer — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:35:49 +0000

Moonshiner Tim Smith tells BourbonBlog.com first that his long awaited moonshine will be available soon.

As a true moonshiner, Tim has been keeping it on the down low where he has been distilling his new shine.

It appears that Tim is currently making his moonshine at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, as shown in a photo on his official Climax Moonshine website.

After 2 successful seasons on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, Tim Smith has gone legal with Climax Moonshine which he is calling the “Drink of Defiance.”

BourbonBlog.com is the first media outlet to give you this first scoop on Tim’s moonshine brand AND what his first flavors and expressions will be below.

His original “White Lightning” moonshine, which is a corn mash base, will be bottled at 90 proof while his first two fruit expressions will be bottled at 79 proof.

These fruit expressions Grape and Peach Lightning are made the hard way, distilled from real fruit instead of adding fruit later.

A portrait of Tim’s dog named “Camo” will be displayed proudly on each bottle of Climax Moonshine. Tim’s photo will also be on each bottle.

For more continued updates on the release and availability of Climax Moonshine near YOU, subscribe to our mailing list here and we will send you the news first.

And you can learn more at ClimaxMoonshine.com.

Do YOU plan on tasting Tim Smith’s Climax Moonshine? Tell us below under comments!

Original Reicpe

Distilled from corn mash. Clean and natural tasting with a subtle sweetness and bold defiance.
90 proof.

Grape Lightning

Tim’s original grape recipe. Distilled from fresh grapes.
Delicious and defiant. 79 proof.

Peach Lightning

Tim’s delicious peach flavored defiance, distilled from fresh peaches. 79 proof.

Tim Smith’s Dog Camo on the bottle of Climax Moonshine

Ole Smoky Original Moonshine Review

tomfischer — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:25:31 +0000

Ole Smoky Moonshine Original Moonshine

There are a couple reasons why BourbonBlog.com continues to cover moonshine stories.

First: The moonshine we like to talk about and drink is a real clear whiskey with a grain base. After some time in a barrel, much of the good stuff would make fine whiskey.

Second: Growing popularity among consumers and number of moonshines entering the market.

Not only has this been evidenced by the Moonshiner’s TV show, it also has been clear with the growth of moonshine in the American craft distilling revolution.

Third: We enjoy drinking it.

We’re talking about legal moonshine here. The word “moonshine” often conjures up thoughts of illicit behavior and practices in many minds.

That brings us to a success story of Ole Smoky Distillery, Gatlinburg Tennessee. We are are reviewing their Original Moonshine below.

In June of 2010, Ole Smoky Distillery began running shine from their still.

As this is the 1st legal distillery in Tennessee that focuses on moonshine, founder Joe Baker has a rich heritage of his family moonshining that goes back a few generations.

Every ingredient that goes into their moonshine is sourced locally. The hickory cane corn is grown in Jefferson County.

We’re told this one was the only corn grown in the area a hundred years ago which gives even more authenticity to the flavor and story of this moonshine.

The distillery expects to sell 250,000 cases of all their moonshine - both flavored and clear – (3 million jars) in 2013!

And after tasting it, we know why…

Ole Smoky Original Moonshine Review

Spirit: Ole Smoky Original Moonshine, from Ole Smoky Distillery, Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Color: Clear

Proof: 50% ABV , 100 Proof

Nose:: Buttery smoke. Warm and enticing, but not fiery. Sweetness of corn comes with tiny hints of baking spices, perhaps some nutmeg.

Taste: Enters with hominy and buttered popcorn. The sweet corn is well-rounded with a natural sugar flavor that gives it both a savory and sweet flavor combined.

There is a crisp freshness to it unlike many unaged corn whiskeys on the market that are too aggressive with raw and unbalanced profiles.

Smokey notes towards mid-palette, with a surprising number of layers to dissect in this shine.

We get something new every time we’re drinking it. The distillery folks tell us that it is meant to drink from the jar!

Finish: More of the “smokey” notes have hints of subdued hot peppers.

And distillery is called “Ole Smoky,” because of the Smoky Mountains that surrond the distillery, not due to any “smokey” flavors on it.

Ole Smoky Moonshines include some flavored shines like Apple Pie and Blackberry

How will Maker’s Mark Rinsing Bourbon Barrels Affect Other Products You Enjoy?

tomfischer — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:19 +0000

CLICK ABOVE TO PLAY PODCAST

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrels, photo by Jim Karczewski

After the news of Maker’s Mark’s plan to “rinse” barrels, a.k.a. extracting every last ounce of whiskey trapped inside the wood, BourbonBlog.com investigates how this decision could affect other products you enjoy from Scotch whiskey to beer.

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer interviews Compass Box Whisky U.S. Ambassador Robin Robinson about potential consequences on the spirit industry and ancillary products.

While law mandates a single use for a Bourbon barrel to make Bourbon whiskey, barrels in Scotland and other whiskies may be used a number of times to keep aging whisky.

Robin explains the process of different fills into used barrels and how it changes the flavor in single malts over time in the podcast above.

Robins says that if a Bourbon distillery uses this new process, flavors that currently benefit alcohol products being aged in ex-Bourbon barrels could become depleted from the barrelafter the extraction.

The word “rinse” may not live up to the actual method which has been described by Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe as like agitating a spray paint can, which may force at least 2 extra gallons out of the barrel.

As Beam Global also owns Maker’s Mark, we predict that similar proprietary technology will be used.

Most Kentucky Bourbon distilleries sell their used barrels to Scotch and other distilleries.

Irish whiskey, rum, tequila, beer and some wines benefit from the Bourbon trapped inside the oak to give their products a unique flavor for both aging and finishing for deepening the flavors.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon sends somewhere near 16,000 of their used barrels annually to Laphroaig Distillery in Port Ellen, Scotland, which they use to fully age their one of a kind 10 year old Laphroaig.

We ask Laphroaig Master Blender John Campbell, “Will this extraction of Bourbon from the Maker’s barrel make a difference on your Laphroaig?”

“If anything, this new decision could make our whisky tasty more ‘Laphroaigy,’ which wouldn’t be a bad thing,” Campbell says.

Campbell says he thinks little of the sweetness from the trapped Maker’s Mark may currently come through on the final product. However, the main reason for using Maker’s barrels on Laphroaig to fully age the 10 year single malt in a “quality used barrel” and not so much for any Bourbon flavors.

“Because we are an Islay, we get most of our flavor from the spirit and the peat.”Campbell says that lighter Speyside single malts could see more of an influence with the depletion of the Bourbon from a cask, but also notes that this only an educated guess staying, “I’m not an expert on Speyside.”

Laphroaig Whisky, with new packaging design and bottle

While Laphroaig may not be changed much by the decision, it certainly stands to reason that Bourbon barrel aged beers would be deeply affected without the Bourbon trapped inside the barrel.

Years ago, we put our noses into a used Bourbon barrel as we watched how Louisville’s BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout was made and aged.

Since then, we have long admired the complexity that used Bourbon barrels impart on this beer along with many other brews across our nation.

Watch our video of that experience on this link: Bourbon Barrel Stout.

Maker’s Mark fans know a thing or two about what happens to Bourbon barrels.

Review the photo below from Maker’s Mark’s facebook as they posed the question on October 23, 2012 asking, “who knows where a lot of barrels head after aging our bourbon?”

Is Maker’s missing the mark?

The question received 836 replies and 2,064 likes, showing that some Bourbon consumers appreciate secondary uses of barrels.

So is Maker’s missing the “Mark” by potentially setting a new precedent in the Bourbon industry that could someday affect other industries and the flavor of Bourbon OR will this be a “Slam Dunk” for the entire Bourbon industry when looking for more ways to push a larger supply of aged whiskey to a growing consumer demand?

We’ll wait and see as we sip more Bourbon from our Glencairn..or we could suck it out of the barrel?

Either way, BourbonBlog.com believes these questions are worth exploring as demand for all Bourbon continues to increase in the great whiskey boom.

After a failed attempt 4 months ago to water down Maker’s Mark Bourbon from 45% to 42% ABV, Maker’s Mark’s seems to be looking to this alternative method to address rising demand for Bourbon.

Until Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon‘s introduction on the market 2 years ago, no other distiller used this process and marketed it as such.

We were immediately impressed with the bold flavor of Devil’s Cut, read our review of it here: Devil’s Cut Bourbon.

With regard to Maker’s Mark, no one knows if this is a change for the better, the worse, or if it will make no difference with regard to the actual flavor of Maker’s Mark Bourbon as we know it today.

As Robin Robinson explains in the podcast, there is no “institutional” memory for many brands for a course of time.

The flavor of many spirits will change for a variety of reasons over time, and won’t be as noticed as quickly as the change in the new design of the bottle. (By the way, check out the new Laphraoig packaging and bottle design. Fortunately, they stayed more true to the classic than some bottles have, nice job Scottish friends!)

However, the ripple effect exterminating secondary uses for Bourbon barrels could leave distillers, breweries, wineries and others looking for new solutions of their own.

We have reached out to Maker’s Mark Bourbon to discuss how this new whiskey may change the flavor of Maker’s and the precedent in the industry but have not heard from them yet.

Robin Robinson US Brand Ambassador for Compass Box Whisky Co. and Organizer of Whiskey Auction Benefit Event

Shooter Jennings and Barrel House Distilling’s Devil John Moonshine

tomfischer — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:50:08 +0000

BourbonBlog.com Barrel House Distilling tells that country music artist Shooter Jennings has signed a partnership agreement with Barrel House Distilling Company, makers of Devil John Moonshine, and Accelerated Brands, a spirits brand development firm.

The deal, which includes promotional support of Jennings’ recent ‘The Other Life’ CD and movie release, his upcoming summer Gunslinger Tour, and future development of the artist’s own line of spirits, was announced following the May 2013 contract signing.

“This partnership was triggered when a fan of Shooter’s gave him a bottle of Devil John,” said Jon Hensley, Shooter Jennings’ agent.

“Shooter knows moonshine and he loved it. He also liked that the brand is faithful to an original eastern Kentucky ‘shine recipe, now distilled by Devil John Wright’sdescendent, Pete Wright.

In Shooter’s own words,” Hensley said, ‘Devil John is real deal moonshine’.” Wright, along with fellow Kentuckian Jeff Wiseman, founded Barrel House Distilling Company in the historic James E. Pepper Distillery. Since 2008, they’ve been making the cane and corn based spirit in a direct fire copper still – just as Devil John Wright would have distilled 150 years ago.

“We’ve made sure that Devil John Moonshine is totally authentic to the original recipe and distillation process,” Wright said.

“This is a natural pairing of an original music artist and spirits distillery – both having a successful family pedigree and high level of authenticity in their respective fields,” said David Perry, President of Accelerated Brands. “It’s a natural fit that we hope to build on with Devil John Moonshine and future Shooter Jennings’ spirits brands.”

Watch the video trailer advertising ‘The Other Life’ CD and movie.

Shooter Jennings is a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter and the host Electric Rodeo on Sirius-XM. He will be touring this summer on The 2013 Gunslinger Tour.

Barrel House Distilling Company

Barrel House Distilling Company, Lexington, Kentucky

Barrel House Distilling, Lexington, Kentucky, is an artisan distiller of moonshine, aged rum and vodka following time-honored recipes and distilling traditions. For More Information, visit the website at www.barrelhousedistillery.com.

About Accelerated Brands: Accelerated Brands, a Chicago-based brand development firm, provides marketing, social media and distribution support to artisan spirits brands, helping them reach the ‘Magic 25,000 case level.’

Devil John Moonshine

Devil John Moonshine

Devil John Moonshine is made in honor of the legendary Devil John, Civil War soldier, lawman & moonshiner from Kentucky.

This small batch spirit looks back to a time when many a still ran in the hills of Kentucky to quench the thirst of men like Devil John and his crew.

Devil John Moonshine is handcrafted by Barrel House Distilling Co. in building no. 9 at 90 proof with the highest quality and attention to detail.

The Other Life new album from Shooter Jennings

The Other Life – A Film by Blake Judd

The Gunslinger Tour Dates

Jun 06	THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN	Ozark, AR	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 07	Brazos Nights: TEXAS MUSIC SHOWCASE	Waco, TX		RSVP
Jun 08	Waylon Jennings Birthday Bash	Whiteface, TX	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 16	Luckenbach Dancehall	Fredericksburg, TX	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 21	The Orange Peel	Asheville, NC	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 22	Amos’ Southend	Charlotte, NC	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 23	The Boathouse	Myrtle Beach, SC	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 27	Dauphin’s Countryfest	Dauphin, Canada	Tickets	RSVP
Jun 29	2nd Chance Rocks the Two Virginias @ Mitchell Stadium	Bluefield, WV	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 03	The Sinclair	Cambridge, MA	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 05	Cavendish Beach Music Festival	Cavendish, Canada	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 09	Common Ground Music Festival	Lansing, MI	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 11	Bottle & Cork	Dewey Beach, DE	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 13	Renfro Valley Old Barn Shows	Renfro Valley, KY		RSVP
Jul 21	The Echoplex	Los Angeles, CA	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 22	The Independent	San Francisco, CA	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 23	Swiftel Center	Brookings, SD	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 24	Vetter Stone Amphitheater	Mankato, MN	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 26	Farmageddon Records Music Festival	Cookeville, TN	Tickets	RSVP
Jul 29	Live From The Divide	Bozeman, MT	Tickets	RSVP
Aug 03	Gorge Amphitheatre	George, WA		RSVP
Aug 06	Easyriders Saloon Block	Sturgis, SD	Tickets	RSVP
Aug 09	The Cabooze	Minneapolis, MN	Tickets	RSVP
Aug 10	Budweiser Grand Nationals	Peoria, IL	Tickets	RSVP
Aug 15	The Blue Note	Columbia, MO	Tickets	RSVP
Aug 29	Majestic Theatre	Madison, WI		RSVP
Aug 30	Harley-Davidson’s 110	Milwaukee, WI	Tickets	RSVP
Sep 01	June Bug Ranch	Cookeville, TN		RSVP
Sep 06	The Southgate House Revival-Sanctuary	Newport, KY	Tickets	RSVP
Sep 07	Chick Ridge Bike Rally	Hardinsburg, KY	Tickets	RSVP
Sep 14	Revolution Music Fest	Monroe, LA		RSVP
Oct 12	Tybee Island Festival	Tybee Island, GA	Tickets	RSVP
Nov 22	Bridgestone Arena	Nashville, TN	Tickets	RSVP

Maker’s Mark Rinsing Barrels, will the flavor change?

tomfischer — Fri, 31 May 2013 16:36:51 +0000

Maker’s Mark Bourbon tells BourbonBlog.com that they will be changing things up again at the distillery by “rinsing” their Bourbon barrels after they are dumped to fully extract all the Bourbon trapped inside and adding to bottles of their Bourbon

By using Bourbon in the barrel that currently isn’t being used, they say this change will satisfy the increased demand of drinkers.

After a failed attempt to water down Maker’s Mark Bourbon from 45% to 42% ABV back in February 2013 which ended in a public relations nightmare, Maker’s Mark again may be messing with a flavor that is enjoyed by millions in order to push more bottles the market.

How does the “rinsing” work?

It is unclear how much further this new “rinsing process” will stretch the supply or change the flavor.

Over time, a whiskey will gain flavor by the aging and the process by which it swims in and out of the charred wood inside the barrel during different temperatures and seasons. When a whiskey reaches full maturity, the barrel of whiskey is then dumped to be bottled.

After the dumping, there is still whiskey trapped in the wood that never has a use, or does it? (We’ll be telling you more about that later today, stay tuned!)

According to Jim Beam 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe in our video interview with him below, there are about 2 gallons left in each barrel used for their Devil’s Cut Bourbon, which is 6 years old.

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut uses a proprietary technology with a machine that adds water and agitating the leftover Bourbon out of the barrel.

Fred likened to “agitating a barrel like a paint shaker.”

This sounds like what Maker’s Mark, also owned by Beam Global, will soon use.

Historically, the “sweating the barrel” is a technique used by some underage drinkers who can get their hands on a barrel, fill it with water and roll it around until they get enough “juice” with some proof to consume.

In the video below, Fred calls this, “a fringe benefit to growing up in the Bourbon Capital of the World.”

Will the change flavor of Maker’s Mark Bourbon with this new process?

Devil’s Cut has an enjoyable robust and bold flavor, but it is much different in profile than the current Maker’s Mark. Thus, at BourbonBlog.com, we are ultimately curious how will the taste of Maker’s Mark be affected by this change and what do YOU think of this new decision? Tell us here under comments!

Makers Mark Bourbon Barrels, photo by Bradley Kolodzaike

As we first broke the story on February 9, 2013 being first media outlet to report on the proof reduction, we interviewed Maker’s Mark COO Rob Samuels.

Rob told us that a tasting panel that Maker’s Mark Distillery confirmed that there would be no taste change in the reduced 84 proof Maker’s as it would be perceived exactly the same as what consumers came to know in the 90 proof.

On that day, this was what the distillery called a “permanent decision.”

After public outcry and an estimated 4 million mostly negative tweets, 6 days later Maker’s Mark reversed the decision.

After conducting our own tastings, we found many consumers were noticing a difference in the change from 45% to 42% Maker’s Mark Bourbon.

Immediately after the official announcement of decreased the proof, sales of of Maker’s Mark rose 44% during the first quarter of 2013.

This could have been fueled by both the publicity reminding consumers of the Bourbon AND also a rush to the store to get bottles of what consumers feared they might no longer taste again.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon has is still being accused of using this reduction in proof a publicity stunt, an accusation which Rob Samuels denied in our podcast interview with him on this link.

Distillery Expansion and Upgrades

This new rinse technology at Maker’s is part of a plan for $8.2 million in upgrades at its Loretto, Kentucky Distillery, according to a filing with the state.

They will also add a 50,000-barrel aging warehouse.

Production of Maker’s Mark has increased 10 percent a year for the last 20 years, and “sales volume is expected to grow significantly.”

For the latest Bourbon news, reviews and updates from the whiskey and spirits world of whiskey, we invite you subscribe to our free Bourbon Newsletter here!

Memorial Day Cocktail Recipes

tomfischer — Mon, 27 May 2013 05:58:09 +0000

BourbonBlog.com wishes you the best on your holiday weekend and suggests the following cocktails created by some of the best mixologists in the country!

We thank all the veterans for their service and raise a toast of remembrance to all our fallen American heroes.

Chicago Lakefront Lemonade

Created by Chicago Mixologist Lynn House

Memorial Day weekend in Chicago is all about enjoying the beach at Lake Michigan, so why not try this special lakefront recipe?

*Ingredients:

1 part Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey
2 parts Lemonade
1 part Light Beer

Preparation: Combine and shake the lemonade and Jacob’s Ghost™ White Whiskey, pour into a cocktail glass and float the light beer on top.

Lake Tahoe Breeze

A nice summer breeze on the lake has never felt this good.

Ingredients:

1.5 parts Red Stag by Jim Beam Black Cherry
3 parts sweet and sour mix
1 part cranberry juice

Preparation: Combine ingredients except cranberry juice in mixing tin, and shake vigorously without ice. Pour over ice in glass and top with cranberry juice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.

SF Carnaval Punch

San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade is an extravagant event during Memorial Day weekend. Join in the fun with this festive cocktail recipe.

*Created by San Francisco Mixologist Tony Devencenzi

Ingredients:

1 part Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey
1 part Pineapple Juice
1 part Ginger Beer
4-5 dashes Angostura Bitters

Preparation: Combine and shake Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey and pineapple juice, pour over ice into a Collins glass and top with ginger beer and bitters.

Vegas Vacation

Memorial Day weekend. Las Vegas. Need we say more?

Vegas Skyline

Created by Jim Beam Master Mixologist Bobby “G.” Gleason

Ingredients:

· 2 parts Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey
· ½ part Cruzan Coconut Rum
· ½ part Cruzan 9
· 3 parts Pineapple juice
· Float of cranberry juice

Preparation: Shake all ingredients except the Ginger beer with ice and pour into a Hurricane Glass then float the cranberry juice on top. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and or a lime wedge.

Bourbon Mojito

By Jeff Shaw, Bourbons Bistro, Louisville, Kentucky

Muddled mint, lime, and simple syrup
3 oz. Wild Turkey 101
House sour mix

Top with ginger beer

Bourbons Bistro

American Honey Jule

Created by Tinika Green, Blue Smoke

2 oz. Wild Turkey 81
1 oz. Wild Turkey American Honey
1½ oz of Lemon juice
Mint Sprigs
Crushed Ice

Slap mint springs in palm of your hand to release oils. Tear them into piece and add to shaker filled with all other ingredients and ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Blue Smoke BBQ New York

Watch BourbonBlog.com at Blue Smoke, NYC Vacation

Brugal Extra Dry Rum

BourbonBlog.com recently joined Brugal Rum at Tales of the Cocktail, where our adventure aboard their Extra Dry Rum Bus made us a fan!

Watch our video below and check out these cocktails with Brugal Extra Dry Rum.

Stars & Stripes Citrus Sipper

1 bottle of Brugal Extra Dry Rum
20 oz. of Fresh Grapefruit juice
20 oz. of Club Soda

10-12 lime wedges

Pour all ingredients into a pitcher, lightly stir and pour over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. Serves 12-15 people.

The Peg Leg Punch

Created by Kenneth McCoy – Rum House, Ward III

1 bottle of Brugal Extra Dry Rum
2 oz. Highland Park 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
2 oz. Gran Classico Bitters
8 oz. Cocchi Americano
2 oz. Agave syrup
6 oz. Fresh squeezed orange juice
6 oz. Fresh squeezed lemon juice
6 to 8 slices of orange rind
6 to 8 slices of lemon rind

Ward III, New York

St. Elmo’s Fire Review

tomfischer — Mon, 27 May 2013 00:21:35 +0000

As cinnamon flavored whiskies and themed spirits saturate the market, it takes a lot to catch the attention of our taste buds us at BourbonBlog.com.

MB Roland introduces St. Elmo’s Fire at 100 proof and we’ve been given the exclusive opportunity to review it first on BourbonBlog.com

After tasting this, our taste buds are standing at burning attention.

Savory heat means luscious sweet in a well balanced blend of MB Roland’s True Kentucky Shine with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cane sugar.

While it may appear that the spirit was named after famous 1985 film (starring Emilio Estevez who we recently interviewed on BourbonBlog.com), MB Roland Distillery tells us there was another reason for this name.

The name of the spirit celebrates the little community that MB Roland is situated in called St. Elmo, Kentucky.

St. Elmo’s Fire offers mixologists and bartenders endless possibilities to use as a base for a cocktail or to enhance new and tradition creations.

The taste makes it obvious MB Roland has not only used the finest ingredients, but they’ve also given though to the flavor in a smarter way than do many distillers who make add flavor.

For several years MB Roland has been churning out innovative offerings like their Black Dog Kentucky Corn Whiskey – made by smoking grain in a a real tobacco house making it the “Laphroaig of Moonshine.”

Not long ago, BourbonBlog.com interviewed MB Roland Master Distiller and founder Paul Tomaszewski on this link: MB Roland.

St. Elmo’s Fire Review

NOSE : The nose allures with a balance of slightly sweetened Mexican and a touch of Thai promising sugar and spice.

TASTE: Enters with a rich mouthful of spice which are both refreshing and awakening.

The rich ingredients are boldly layered, but not so intense they can’t be dissected and it enjoyed.

The peppers burn only for a moment and make it a flavor journey.

With all depth of flavor, the moonshine is nearly nonexistent. However, there is no doubt that the moonshine severs as a good backbone for proof and warmth being delivered in the full experience.

FINISH:

Rich, the sting becomes a cozy warm, and addicting.

Bode Miller Interview

tomfischer — Fri, 24 May 2013 06:30:25 +0000

Bode Miller

BourbonBlog.com interviews is American World Cup alpine ski racer Bode Miller in the video above.

He says he has taken a year off and has been supporting his wife’s volleyball career, but his season will start back up soon.

Bode says he is a fan of Fireball and honey flavored whiskies, but has a hard time drinking Bourbon and mint juleps.

Interview filmed at the Barnstable Brown Gala: The celebrity packed gala, which has raised and donated approximately $9,000,000 to the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at the University of Kentucky over the past seven years, is in its 25th year.

Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Bode Miller and Morgan Beck

Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt Interview

tomfischer — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:29:06 +0000

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt in the video above at Kentucky Derby 139′s Steamboat Race.

As a native of Pikeville, Kentucky, Jessica says she is proud to call Kentucky home and is taking a year off from studies at Georgetown College with a lot planned for her time as Miss Kentucky.

This includes partnering with the American Heart Association for her platform of “Heart Health Awareness,” with efforts to educate youth on how to live healthy.

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby 2013 coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Current Derby Photos by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg.

Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt

Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt and BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer

Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt

We only encourage responsible drinking by those of legal age. Never drink and drive.

Valerie Harper Interview

tomfischer — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:35:00 +0000

Valerie Harper became known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, photo courtesy Getty Images

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews actress Valerie Harper at Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala 2013 in the video above.

She attends Derby shortly after her announcement of her terminal brain cancer which was in March 2013.

Valerie Harper, age 73, most known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, she says isn’t letting her condition get her down.

Valerie tells BourbonBlog.com that she is currently “feeling good and has no symptoms.”

She says she is grateful for the outpouring of love and support from her fans who are concerned about her battle with cancer. They have sent her letters, gifts, pills, and “everything you can imagine to help me get better, she says.

Valerie says she is happy to be back at Kentucky Derby and calls it true American tradition and one of the few of its kind in America.

She attends Kentucky Derby with husband Tony Cacciotti.

To bring back some memories, we’re sharing video of The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song and TV intro below.

Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Valerie Harper with Tom Fischer

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Current Derby Photos by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show Theme Song and Inro

Want to be Kid Rock’s Personal Bartender on “Best Night Ever Tour?

tomfischer — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:38:45 +0000

Kid Rock pours Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe a drink

Do you have what it takes to hit the road and be Kid Rock’s personal tour bartender AND are you planning on seeing Kid Rock in concert this summer?

Watch the video above to learn more as Jim Beam tells BourbonBlog.com that Kid Rock is searching for his very own personal bartender for his “Best Night Ever” tour this summer which will also feature Kool & the Gang, Uncle Kracker, and ZZ Top.

Kid Rock has become a part of modern concert history for this tour making it affordable for all to see and capping tickets at $20 a piece.

Jim Beam is giving you the enter the contest to become Kid Rock’s bartender by writing an essay through June 7, 2013 on this link: http://www.jimbeam.com/music/kid-rock.

This creative contest gives Jim Beam spokesperson Kid Rock the chance to find a Jim Beam fan to master the art of mixology.

If you win, you get $10,000 and the opportunity to be trained by Jim Beam’s master mixologist, Bobby Gleason plus Kid Rock on his summer tour for three concert stops during his “Best Night Ever” including Irvine, Calif. (July 26); Detroit, Mich. (August 10); and Chicago, Ill. (August 30).

The full concert tour is listed below and we’ve also included a portion of what has been reported as Kid Rock’s rider list for your entertainment, full list is on The Smoking Gun.

Best Night Ever Tour Dates – tickets $20

Jun 28 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jun 29 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 02 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 05 Darien, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 06 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 09 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 10 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 12 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre Uncle Kracker & TBD
Jul 19 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Uncle Kracker & TBD
Jul 20 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavillion Uncle Kracker & TBD
Jul 23 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 24 Phoenix, AZ Desert Sky Pavilion Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 26 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Irvine Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
Jul 28 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Jul 31 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Aug 03 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Aug 09 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theater ZZ Top
Aug 10 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theater ZZ Top
Aug 11 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theater ZZ Top
Aug 14 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theater
Aug 24 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Aug 25 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Aug 28 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Aug 30 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Sep 04 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Sep 06 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Sep 07 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Sep 10 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Sep 14 Atlanta, GA Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker
Sep 15 Tampa, FL Live Nation Amphitheatre ZZ Top & Uncle Kracker

Portion of Kid Rock’s Rider

Matthew Shafer is Uncle Kracker

Kid Rock Live on “Best Night Ever” Tour

Kid Rock Drinking Jim Beam as Bobby serves him

About Hendrick’s Gin

tomfischer — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:23:52 +0000

We learn about Hendrick’s Gin and what makes it so unique from Mark Stoddard, USA Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador.

Hendrick’s Gin is made at the Hendrick’s Gin Distillery in Girvan, Scotland.

Hendrick’s is the marriage of two different spirits from two rare and unusual stills: the Bennet Still and the Carter-Head still.

By combining the two, we are able to create an extraordinarily smooth gin that has the required character and balance of subtle flavors.

This video on BourbonBlog.com was filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos from Derby by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

Two Stills at Hendricks Gin Distillery, Girvan, Scotland

Tom Fischer tasting some Hendrick’s Gin

Bartender John Bush of Pork Slope, Brooklyn and Hendrick’s Gin Cocktail

tomfischer — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:25:05 +0000

Watch the video above as BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer joins Bartender John Bush, Owner of Pork Slope, and they drink John’s Hendrick’s cocktail.

This cocktail is a riff on the Lychee Martini, and John tells us using Hendrick’s Gin makes it more complex. Here is the recipe

Hendrick’s Lychee Martini

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom FIscher and Bartender John Bush Owner of Pork Slope in Brooklyn, Brooklyn

2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
1 Dash simple syrup
1 Dash citrus bitters
1 Long dash juice of Lemon
1 Long dash juice of Lime
Splash of Soho Lychee Liqueur
Splash of Lychee Flavored Hana Sake

Shake all ingredients over ice, strain in cocktail glass Lemon twist.

Pork Slope, Brooklyn, New York

Soho Lychee Liqueur

Lychee Flavored Hana Sake

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos from Derby by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

World Whisky Day 2013: Interview with Founder Blair Bowman

tomfischer — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:04:02 +0000

CLICK ABOVE TO PLAY PODCAST

Listen to our podcast above as BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Blair Bowman, Founder of World Whisky Day, to celebrate World Whisky Day which is this Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Blair encourages all whiskey lovers to drink any kind of whisk(e)y at a party, bar, or simply their home (no matter how many people gather together) and to log onto this link now to officially register their event ahead of time.

Whether you’ll drink a glass of Bourbon, Scotch or any whiskey, Blair wants to include YOU and your event on the official map during the second annual World Whisky Day to show the world we’ve all come together to celebrate our favorite beverage!

BourbonBlog.com interviewed Blair last year on the first World Whisky Day, check out that interview on this:World Whisky Day

Blair says he came up with the idea of creating a day of celebration to toast Scotland’s national drink and major export and he could never have dreamt it would prove so popular.

This soon to be graduate of Hispanic Studies found himself being hailed as one of the country’s brightest young entrepreneurs as his creation prompted more than 20,000 people to attend one of more than 200 whisky events held in 30+ countries as far afield as Kuala Lumpur to New Zealand and Alaska to Argentina.

Since then the idea and the brand have grown stronger and ahead of this year’s event www.WorldWhiskyDay.com (Saturday May 18) he shared the life-changing effects it has had on him.

“Last year I was thinking, I must start getting a CV together for when I finish my degree and this year people have been sending me their CVs wanting to come and work for World Whisky Day!” Blair said. “I’ve had guys from Hong Kong and Australia getting in touch asking if there are job opportunities. It’s just mad.

“After I finish my studies World Whisky Day is going to be my full-time job. I really believe it has such massive potential that it will be a viable business and I’m so excited about it.

Blair Bowman, Founder of World Whisky Day

“I’ve been getting recognised a lot more as well, in public but also within the Scotch Whisky industry which is great. I suppose last year I might have been dismissed by some in the business as just some young guy with no clue but now distributors and distilleries are seeing the potential that the event has and they’re keen to be involved.”

Indeed whilst Blair was begging and borrowing to get the event off the ground last year, this time around established firms have come to him to offer support and discuss joint promotional opportunities.

“Last year the website couldn’t cope with the traffic it received on the day but this year cloud computing firm iomart got in touch to offer a dedicated server so the site won’t go down this time,” he explained. “BrewDog contacted me and they’re planning to do some taster events at their bars across the UK on the day and also the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh and London, which are usually members-only clubs, will be open to the public which is just fantastic.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the response in terms of people’s passion to celebrate our national drink but also by the industry to get onboard and get involved and to grow its reputation.

“I think distilleries are seeing it as a good opportunity to all come together under an independent umbrella group which can be mutually beneficial for everybody. And as they get involved, they’ll be able to influence and decide the direction of how the event should evolve.”

With well over 100 events already confirmed worldwide for World Whisky Day 2013, Blair is confident this year’s celebration will top the inaugural event

“This year we have events in every continent – except Antarctica. That would be great if we could get something happening in Antarctica! Someone tweeted us to say they were coming over to Scotland from Perth in Australia to celebrate World Whisky Day, which is almost difficult to comprehend but it shows how far the name has reached already”.

Blair’s achievement is made all the more impressive by the fact he has overseen its birth and development whilst still juggling his University studies. Though he can’t say it hasn’t affected his coursework – he managed to make whisky the subject of his Hispanic Studies dissertation by focussing on the historical links between sherry and whisky.

He said: “I’ve got three essays due in the day before World Whisky Day and an exam the day after, so it’s definitely been a challenge studying as well as everything else.

“Obviously I’m excited about this year’s event but I hope to make 2014 a really big one as I’ll be able to give it my full attention. We’ve already been confirmed as an official partner of Homecoming 2014 and I want to hold a really big flagship event in Scotland to tie everything together.”

In terms of his own movements on World Whisky Day, Blair says he’s keeping his schedule free out of necessity.

“I had intended to go to a few events last year but I was so busy with media requests for interviews I ended up flitting back and forth between Edinburgh and Glasgow and was still doing TV interviews at 10.30pm! So I think I’ll keep my diary flexible and hopefully I’ll be able to raise a glass before midnight!”

Blair tours the Laphroaig Whisky Distillery

Woodford Reserve Room Opens at Fort Knox, Kentucky

tomfischer — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:46:30 +0000

Woodford Reserve Bar at Fort Knox

Woodford Reserve Room Fort Knox

The first ever Woodford Reserve branded room in the Army opened today at Fort Knox. On May 15th, The Woodford Reserve Room was revealed at the Saber and Quill Club at Fort Knox during an opening ceremony and an evening reception.

“Even though Fort Knox is an Army installation, we really consider ourselves part of the community and the Commonwealth,” Fort Knox Garrison Commander Colonel Bruce Jenkins tells BourbonBlog.com. “It’s an honor to have an important piece of Kentucky heritage – bourbon – showcased here on the installation.”

The grand opening included a ribbon cutting followed by a celebration offering a live band on the verandah, hors d’oeurves, and tastings of Woodford Reserve and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

In addition, a limited number of event-specific, commemorative Woodford Reserve engraved bottles were sold to the first 100 guests with all proceeds benefiting the Army Emergency Relief Fund, a fund to help active duty soldiers who are in need of financial assistance. The room reflects Woodford Reserve’s image with copper walls, barrels around and above the bar, and images from the distillery at every turn.

“Over the past 20 years, Brown-Forman has supported our troops and developed a strong partnership with Fort Knox which makes The Woodford Reserve Room an ideal and appropriate addition to the army base,” says Joe Bollinger, Brown-Forman’s Director of Military and Transportation.

“The goal of The Woodford Reserve Room is to provide a beautiful and comfortable facility for our troops to host meetings and social gatherings in the hopes that they will also gain a greater appreciation for bourbon country and the Woodford Reserve brand.”

To further the room’s presence, Brown-Forman plans to utilize the talents of Woodford Reserve’s Master Distiller, Chris Morris, to offer tastings as well as and to host Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) trips to the distillery throughout the year.

The hope is, with the many troops who come through Ft. Knox as a duty station or for training, that they will take away a little piece of bourbon country and Woodford Reserve with them.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Smith, commander of U.S. Cadet Command and Ft. Knox, cuts the ceremonial ribbon with Joe Bollinger, director of military and transportation for Brown-Forman, to commenorate the grand opening of the Woodford Reserve Room at the Saber and Quill Club on May 15 at Ft. Knox.

All Aboard the Bourbon Boat

tomfischer — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:43:45 +0000

Guests enjoyed Four Roses Bourbon aboard the Belle of Cincinnati and Belle of Louisville Steamboats

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer joins Four Roses Bourbon at the 2013 Great Steamboat Race and talks with Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt, Paul Anthony Steele, and Dan Gardner and Al Young of Four Roses, in the video segment above!

This race was part of the Kentucky Derby Festival as the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati battled it out and Louisville won!

Weeks before the race, representatives of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati participated in a bourbon tasting to select a different single-barrel bourbon that was served aboard each vessel for the event as part of a blind tasting.

Belle of Louisville was selected in a blind tasting as the best boat Bourbon selection (see photo of limited edition Bourbon below).

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Guests taste the two different Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbons and vote for their favorite

Belle of Louisville Steamboat

The special limited edition Four Roses Single Barrel 2013 Great Steamboat Race Belle of Louisville Bourbon

Belle of Louisville Captain Mark Doty holds the trophy for winning

A Homemade Four Roses Bourbon Derby Themed Hat

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos from Derby by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

Special thanks Nick Clark and Dan Gardner.

Smokey Robinson Interview

tomfischer — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:18:08 +0000

Kid Rock hugs Smokey Robinson at Barnstable Brown Gala 2013

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews R&B and Soul singer Smokey Robinson.

Smokey introduces us to his “horsepert,” which seems to be an expert on horses and gambling of horses.

We may have just witnessed this music legend coin a new word and we have the video to prove it above!

Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Smokey Robinson and his wife at Kentucky Derby 139 (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/WireImage)

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg.

Spring Cocktail Recipes, Sippers for Mother’s Day

tomfischer — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:35:27 +0000

BourbonBlog.com shares a few cocktails that are perfect as Spring sippers and also for Mother’s Day.

Momosa

1 oz CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
1/3 oz Simple syrup
1/2 oz Violet Liqueur
3 oz Champagne Laurent-Perrier Brut

Combine CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac, simple syrup and violet liqueur. Top with Champagne and garnish with raspberry or cheery
.

Bubbles & PINK

3 oz chilled Croft PINK Port
4 oz Champagne Laurent-Perrier Brut
.5 oz Cointreau
2 dashes bitters
1 lemon twist

Pour all ingredients into a Champagne flûte and give a quick stir. Garnish with the lemon twist.

Suburban

1 oz Fonseca BIN 27 Port
.5 oz Appleton Reserve rum
1.5 oz straight rye whiskey

Strain into a chilled martini glass and twist a swatch of thin-cut lemon peel over the top.

Violet Femme

1 oz        Lucid Absinthe
1 oz        Raspberry Liqueur
1 oz        Lemonade or sour mix
2 oz        Ginger Ale
1              Lemon Wedge

Fill a tall glass with ice and add Raspberry Liqueur, Lucid Absinthe and Lemonade. Cover with cocktailshaker and shake vigorously. Top glass with ginger ale, add a lemon wedge and serve.

Blush

2 oz. Rhuby Rhubarb Liqueur
2 oz. vanilla vodka
Soda

Shake with ice and strain over one large cube into a chilled rocks glass. Top up with soda and garnish with fresh cherries.

Coffee cocktail

Fig Coffee

.5 oz. fig preserves
.5 tsp dark brown sugar
4.25 oz. CAMUS Coffee French Roast
2 oz. CAMUS XO Elegance

Directions: Prepare hot; stir to melt/blend; can also be chilled and served over ice.

VANILIA VICE – fresh and fruity; perfect for Mother’s Day brunch!

2 STRAWBERRIES, MUDDLED WITH 2-3 MINT LEAVES
1 1/2 PARTS SOBIESKI VANILIA VODKA
3/4 PART AGAVE NECTAR

MUDDLE STRAWBERRIES AND MINT IN A SHAKER; ADD ICE, SOBIESKI VANILIA VODKA, AND AGAVE NECTAR; SHAKE, AND THEN STRAIN INTO A HIGHBALL GLASS OVER ICE; GARNISH WITH MORE FRESH MINT LEAVES.

ALL THAT RAZZ – A refreshing sipper for backyard relaxation . . .

2 PARTS SOBIESKI RASPBERRY VODKA
3 PARTS LEMON/LIME SODA

ICE A TALL GLASS, THEN POUR IN INGREDIENTS; GENTLY STIR; GARNISH WITH LEMON OR LIME WHEELS, OR FLOAT A FEW FRESH RASPBERRIES.

EXPRESS MARTINI – Mom’s favorite drink, coffee, only better . . .

1 PART SOBIESKI ESPRESSO VODKA
1 PART KAHLUA
1 PART CAMUS FRENCH ROAST PREPARED AS ESPRESSO

SHAKE ALL INGREDIENTS WITH ICE; STRAIN INTO A CHILLED MARTINI GLASS; DROP IN A FEW FRESH RASPBERRIES, if available.
*FOR TRUE DECADENCE, TRY RIMMING THE GLASS WITH CRUSHED CHOCOLATE COVERED ESPRESSO BEANS

Lovely Lady

2 oz. Rhuby
2 oz. bubbly (Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne, Cava or Prosecco)

Combine in champagne fluimage004te or coupe.

Rhuby Rose
4 oz. Rhuby
Cachaca
Lemon

Muddle lemon. Add Rhuby and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice or a chilled coupe. To top it off add a splash of Cachaca. Garnish with a pink edible flower.

CAMUCCINO

Cold:

1 oz          Camus Cognac VSOP Elegance
1 oz           Maison Camus Coffee French Roast
1 oz           Sugar Syrup
1.5 ozl       Light Cream

Brew the French Roast as an Espresso drink and let it cool down. Put all ingredients into the shaker and shake for about 10 seconds. Fill in the martini glass when chilled with strainer.
Three Maison Camus Coffee beans for garnish.

Woodford Reserve Room at Fort Knox Army Base

tomfischer — Sat, 11 May 2013 09:04:51 +0000

Woodford Reserve Bourbon tells BourbonBlog.com that they will soon partner with the military and open a “Woodford Reserve Room” the Fort Knox Army Base in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

This will be the only branded Woodford Reserve Room in the Army, and the only “Bourbon” themed room at a military base which we are are aware of.

This room will be the premium essence of the Woodford brand, with copper walls, barrels around and above the bar, and images from the distillery.

Woodford Reserve tells us that with the many troops who come through Ft. Knox as a duty station or for training, they hope the troops they will take away a little piece of bourbon country and the Woodford Reserve brand with them.

More details to come, be watching here!

As Fort Knox is home to the The U.S. Gold Bullion Depository, this relationship continues the theme of the “Gold” standard that Woodford Reserve had in their $1,000 Mint Julep this year, watch our video below.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Travis Tritt at Barnstable Brown Gala 2013

tomfischer — Sat, 11 May 2013 08:24:55 +0000

Country Music Star Travis Tritt at Kentucky Derby

BourbonBlog.com interviews country music star Travis Tritt at Barnstable Brown Gala 2013.

Travis says he and his wife Theresa have suporters of the Barnstable Brown Gala and attendees of the Kentucky Derby for 15 years.

Travis says he is proud to come back year after year to support such a great cause and to reunite with friends they only see once a year at Derby.

Tom Fischer speaks with Travis Tritt just one day after Travis performed at the funeral service of country music legend George Jones at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on May 2, 2013.

Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Travis Tritt performs at the George Jones Funeral Service – photo by Rick Diamond Getty Images

Travis Tritt performs at George Jones Funeral Service Grand Ole Opry

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg.

Stephen Amell Interview

tomfischer — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:13:31 +0000

Pappy Van Winkle 23 year Old Bourbon

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews actor Stephen Amell in the video above. Stephen plays the role of billionaire playboy Oliver Queen in Arrow on CW network.

Stephen says he is a serious Bourbon fan and he just purchased a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 year Old Bourbon during his trip to Louisville.

The question of, “How do you know when it is that right moment to open the Pappy” is discussed.

Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Actor Stephen Amell with BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer

Stephen Amell as vvvon Arrow

Stephen Amell at Kentucky Derby 139

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg.

David Denman Interview

tomfischer — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:25:50 +0000

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer with actor David Denman

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews actor David Denman, formerly of The Office.

This summer, David will be appear the new sci-fi action movie After Earth playing the role of McQuarrie.

After Earth stars Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith.

Will and Jaden are already on tour promoting the movie in Asia.

On the Bourbon scene, Dave also talks about a private tour he had at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort while visiting Kentucky for Kentucky Derby 139.

We did thiss interview with David at Barnstable Brown Gala 2013.

About the Barnstable Brown Gala: The celebrity packed gala, which has raised and donated approximately $9,000,000 to the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at the University of Kentucky over the past seven years, is in its 25th year. Founded by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown

After Earth Movie Trailer

After Earth Movie Poster

Will Smith and son Jaden Smith on tour promoting After Earth – photo credit Getty Images

After Earth Movie Conference with Will Smith and Jaden Smith

Buffalo Trace Distillery

David Denman

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos from Derby by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

Gorgui Dieng, NBA Draft Pick and U of L Basketball Player, Interview at Kentucky Derby 139

tomfischer — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:27:59 +0000

Gorgui Dieng and teammates at Kentucky Derby 139, 2013 – photo by Dan Dry

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Ficher interviews NBA draft pick University of Louisville basketball player Gorgui Dieng after he carried Kentucky Derby’s iconic garland of roses from the paddock to the winner’s circle at Kentucky Derby 139.

Gorgui was joined in the winner’s circle and carrying the garland of roses by UL teammates Mike Marra and Peyton Siva.

Yet another championship moment in a memorable couple of months for the NCAA champions.

These players were given an enthusiastic welcome by the crowd as they were announced and wore plastic bags over their shoes as they crossed over Churchill Downs’ muddy track to the winner’s circle.

Gorgui decided to forgo his last year at Louisville to enter the 2013 NBA Draft.

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Gorgui Dieng has entered NBA Draft – photo credit Getty Images Streeter Lecka

Winner’s Circle Kentucky Derby 2013

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg.

Hendrick’s Gin at Taste of Derby 2013

tomfischer — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:47:47 +0000

In a world of brown spirits in Kentucky, Hendrick’s Gin has experience when it comes to being recognized in a room full of whiskeys.

Not only was this the case at Taste Of Derby 2013, but this has also been true in the history of Hendrick’s Gin.

Hendrick’s is produced in Scotland, which Mark Stoddard, USA Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador says “is decidedly one of the most un-Gin places in the world where whisky is king.”

Watch BourbonBlog.com‘s video segment above as we learn that much like some Bourbon whiskeys, Hendrick’s Gin is produced in “small batches” of only 450 liters.

Hendrick’s includes curious, yet marvelous, infusions of cucumber, Bulgarian rose and a total of 11 other botanicals.

At Taste of Derby 2013, Hendrick’s Gin featured two Kentucky-themed cocktails and we’re including the recipes below for you to tate.

Taste of Derby is a celebration of cuisine, racing and style held annually on the eve of The Oaks

Nationally renowned chefs from popular horseracing destinations serve samples of their signature dishes paired with delectable cocktails, wines and spirits at Taste of Derby.

Watch more of BourbonBlog.com’s Derby coverage on this link: Kentucky Derby .

Tipple Crown Punch

6 parts Hendrick’s Gin

6 parts weakened chamomile tea

3 parts fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 parts Solerno Blood orange Liqueur

1 part Kentucky honey syrup (dissolve equal parts local honey and hot water)

Top with chilled Champagne

Instructions:

Combine ingredients over large ice block in punch bowl.

Top with Champagne and garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon wheels, and cucumber wheels

Kentucky Gallop

2 parts Hendrick’s Gin

1 part apple cider

½ part elderflower cordial

Top with Ginger Beer

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in mixing glass without ginger beer, add ice, and shake vigorously.

Strain into short glass over ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slice and mint ti

Guests enjoy Hendrick’s Gin cocktails at Taste of Derby 2013

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos from Derby by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

Woodford Reserve $1000 Mint Julep at Kentucky Derby 139

tomfischer — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:29:27 +0000

Woodford Reserve $1000 Dollar Mint Julep Cup for Kentucky Derby 2013

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris at Kentucky Derby 139 as Chris makes the famous $1,000 Mint Julep for Tom.

For Kentucky Derby 139, the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Experience benefited Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center.

This year, the julep celebrated the gold standard that Woodford Reserve has set by winning gold medals at every major spirits competition.

Thus, the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup was a gold-highlighted julep cups with a golden straw shaped like a Woodford bottle to sip through (shown to the left and below). A total of 89 cups were made available.

Exclusive gold-influenced ingredients including ice made of gold-filtered mineral water sourced from the easternmost reaches of Nova Scotia; mint leaves dusted with gold and grown in Woodford County, Ky.; Woodford Gold sorghum from Woodford County, Ky.; and gold medal-winning Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon.

To further the “89″ theme, the cup is also in honor of the 89^th year that the Kentucky Derby winner has been awarded the gold trophy, there were a total of 89 cups purchased through www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com.

79 Distinguished Cups were available for $1,000 each featuring a hand-engraved Thoroughbred and rider from atop the Kentucky Derby gold trophy and a gold-plated garland of roses.

9 Legendary Cups display a gold-plated Thoroughbred and rider medallion with brilliant cut diamonds were available for auction with starting bids of $2,000,

Also in the collection was only one Legendary Cup is also included in the Golden Opportunity auction experience package with an opening bid of $5,000.

This winning bidder was given the honor off presenting the trophy for the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby Day.

Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center was founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen. Old Friends cares for more than 130 retired horses across three states, most of them stallions whose racing and breeding careers came to an end.

For more on Derby, watch all of BourbonBlog.com’s Kentucky Derby coverage here.

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer with Master Distiller Chris Morris and the Woodford Reserve Thousand Dollar Mint Julep for Kentucky Derby 139

Woodford Reserve Kentucky_Derby 100 Dollar Mint Julep Cups for 2013

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos from Derby by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

Kentucky Derby 139 Video from Race at Churchill Downs, Orb is the Winner

tomfischer — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:31:39 +0000

Orb wins Kentucky Derby 139, Jockey Joel Rosario – photo by Andy Freudenberg

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer reports from Kentucky Derby 139 at Churchill Downs in the video above.

Watch the horse race and the fun from our ”spirited” perspective, while we drink Early Times Mint Juleps and watch Orb win the race and check out all of our Kentucky Derby coverage here.

As the race began, Orb made a cautious start on Churchill’s muddy track and was in 17th place halfway through the race.

Orb finished with a spectacular homestretch dash and a 21/2-length victory wining the e $2 million, 1-1/4 mile classic.

Kentucky Derby 139 Mint Julep Glass – photo by Tyler Gater

“I feel so good right now, I can’t explain to you,” Rosario said.

Orb’s trainer, 62-year-old Shug McGaughey, trains out of New York and Florida.

Shug says, “I’m not a vacation guy. I like to be at the barn. That’s where I’m comfortable.”

Golden Soul finished second while Revolutionary, who started the race as second favorite behind Orb, was third in the 19-horse field.

Normandy Invasion finished fourth after leading into the straight while Mylute was fifth ridden by Rosie Napravnik, which marked the best finish by a female jockey in a Kentucky Derby.

Final results and payouts listed below.

Orb, who was bred and trained in Kentucky, emerged as the horse to beat in the annual Run for the Roses after winning four previous races, including the Florida Derby.

He was initially installed as the 7-2 favourite despite drawing gate 16 at Wednesday’s post-position draw but began to drift in the betting as the race approached.

Only a late surge of money saw him start as the 5-1 favourite, just a point ahead of Revolutionary, the Louisiana Derby winner and one of five horses in the trace trained by Todd Pletcher.

Orb’s Jockey Joel Rosario Wins 139th Kentucky Derby in 2013 – photo by Dan Dry

Joel Rosario is a 28-year-old jockey originally from the Dominican Republic.

Joel held his mount back in the early stages of the Derby, which was held on a track drenched by hours of heavy rain.

Joel worked his way through the field as the early leaders were far aout ahead. In the end, Joel led Orb to his decisive move in the final stretch, storming down the center of the track to win Kentucky Derby 139.
Orb paid $12.80, $7.40 and $5.40. Golden Soul returned $38.60 and $19.40, while Revolutionary paid $5.40 to show.

Kentucky Derby 139, horses race Churchill Downs at the Run for the Roses 2013

Kentucky Derby Final Standings and Results

Place	Horse	Jockey	Trainer	Post
1	Orb	Joel Rosario	Claude R. McGaughey III	16
2	Golden Soul	Robby Albarado	Dallas Stewart	4
3	Revolutionary	Calvin Borel	Todd Pletcher	3
4	Normandy Invasion	Javier Castellano	Chad Brown	5
5	Mylute	Rosie Napravnik	Tom Amoss	6
6	Oxbow	Gary Stevens	D. Wayne Lukas	2
7	Lines of Battle	Ryan Moore	Aidan O’Brien	11
8	Will Take Charge	Jon Court	D. Wayne Lukas	17
9	Charming Kitten	Edgar Prado	Todd Pletcher	15
10	Giant Finish	Jose L. Espinoza	Anthony W. Dutrow	7
11	Overanalyze	Rafael Bejarano	Todd Pletcher	9
12	Palace Malice	Mike Smith	Todd Pletcher	10
13	Java’s War	Julien Leparoux	Kenny McPeek	19
14	Verrazano	John R. Velazquez	Todd Pletcher	14
15	Itsmyluckyday	Elvis Trujillo	Eddie Plesa, Jr.	12
16	Frac Daddy	Victor Lebron	Kenny McPeek	18
17	Goldencents	Kevin Krigger	Doug O’Neill	8
18	Vyjack	Garrett Gomez	Rudy Rodriguez	20
19	Falling Sky	Luis Saez	John Terranova II	13

Shug McGaughey, Orb’s Trainer (Right) Jockey Joel Rosario (Left) in media center following Kentucky Derby 139

Conditions on the Churchill Downs track were muddy for 2013 Kentucky Derby 139 after rain on Derby Day

Kentucky Derby Payouts

Results WIN- PLACE- SHOW-

Orb $12.80; $7.40; $5.40

Golden Soul $38.60; $19.40

Revolutionary $5.40

Kentucky Derby Payouts Continued

Early Times Mint Juleps at Kentucky Derby

$2.00 Exacta $981.60

$0.50 Trifecta $1,731.40

$1.00 Double $9.90

$0.50 Pick Four $89.70

$1.00 Superfecta $28,542.00

$2.00 Pick Six $132.80

$2.00 Pick Six $16,172.00

$0.50 Pick Three $18.50

$0.50 Pick Five $325.10

$0.00 Pent/Str Fl

Special thanks to BourbonBlog.com’s film and edit crew for Derby Coverage 2013 including Tyler Gater (R) and Andy Freudenberg (L) pictured on the red carpet with Tom Fischer

Video filmed edited and by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg. Photos by Tyler Gater and Andy Freudenberg

Manny & Merle, Louisville, Kentucky

tomfischer — Sat, 04 May 2013 19:11:14 +0000

BourbonBlog.com interviews Tony Palombino, founder of the new Manny & Merle, Louisville, Kentucky on Whiskey Row.

Manny and Merle, Louisville, Kentucky

This unique establishment focuses on tequila and Bourbon, with modern mexican food and a “honky tonk” concept. There is no place we’ve ever been like Manny & Merle with a Nashville meets Louisville theme.

They muddle their own drinks, braise their own meats, make their own tortillas, feature live music and so much more! Check out their facebook link here.

Manny & Merle is on 122 West Main Street, one block from the Arena on Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky

Emilio Estevez at Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala

tomfischer — Sat, 04 May 2013 18:26:43 +0000

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale by Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer interviews Emilio Estevez at Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala 2013.

Emilio shares that he is a fan of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and says that it is “the best beer I’m ever had in my life.”

They also talk about Emilio’s roots as his mother was from Kentucky, his first Kentucky Derby experiences and the revival of the culture and style of 80 and 90′s.

Tricia Barnstable Brown and Emilio Estevez attend the 2013 Barnstable-Brown Derby gala at Barnstable-Brown House on May 3, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky – photo credit Getty Images

Hosted by Tom Fischer

Which horse do YOU think will win Kentucky Derby 139?

tomfischer — Sat, 04 May 2013 16:33:08 +0000

Vote below for your favorite horse below in the poll!

At BourbonBlog.com for our Kentucky Derby coverage, we want to know which horse YOU think will win Kentucky Derby 139?

As we sip our Early Times Mint Julep at Churchill Downs today, we might take check in with the poll before betting.

By no means should you take this poll as a serious resourceas a good tip on a horse. However, we will give you good tips on a Bourbon.

Kentucky Derby 139 Contenders

Listed below as : Post Position; Horse; Jockey; Trainer

1 Black Onyx, Joe Bravo; Kelly Breen

2 Oxbow; Gary Stevens; D. Wayne Lukas

3 Revolutionary; Calvin Borel; Todd Pletcher

4 Golden Soul; Robby Albarado; Dallas Stewart

5 Normandy Invasion; Javier Castellano; Chad Brown

6 Mylute; Rosie Napravnik; Tom Amoss

7 Giant Finish; Jose L. Espinoza; Anthony W. Dutrow

8 Goldencents; Kevin Krigger; Doug O’Neill

9 Overanalyze; Rafael Bejarano; Todd Pletcher

10 Palace Malice; Mike Smith; Todd Pletcher

11 Lines of Battle; Ryan Moore; Aidan O’Brien

12 Itsmyluckyday; Elvis Trujillo; Eddie Plesa Jr.

13 Falling Sky; Luis Saez; John Terranova II

14 Verrazano; John R. Velazquez; Todd Pletcher

15 Charming Kitten; Edgar Prado; Todd Pletcher

16 Orb; Joel Rosario; Claude R. McGaughey III

17 Will Take Charge; Jon Court ; D. Wayne Lukas

18 Frac Daddy; Victor Lebron; Kenny McPeek

19 Java’s War; Julien Leparoux; Kenny McPeek

20 Vyjack Garrett Gomez; Rudy Rodriguez

Kentucky Derby 139 at Churchill Downs

Barnstable Brown Celebrity List 2013 for Kentucky Derby Eve

tomfischer — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:33:44 +0000

Tom Fischer interviews UK Coach John Calpari at Barnstable Brown Gala

The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala and in the “Ten Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast, just shared the celebrity lineup for its 25th annual gala tonight with BourbonBlog.com.

We’ll be there covering the gala tonight and will bring you the video on BourbonBlog.com, click this link to watch our videos from our previous years of coverage at Barnstable Brown.

The many celebrity guests at tonight’s 2013 Barnstable Brown Gala will include:

Twin sisters Priscilla Barnstable and Patricia Barnstable-Brown at Barnstable Brown Gala, happening tonight for 2013 photo by Jonathan Palmer.

- Valerie Harper
- Kid Rock
- Miranda Lambert
- Tom Brady
- Krysten Ritter
- Aaron Rodgers
- Stephen Amell
- Josh Henderson
- Coco Rocha
- Jason Biggs
- Clay Matthews III
- Jennifer Holliday
- Emilio Estevez
- Morris Day
- Peyton Siva
- John Calipari
- Anthony Davis
- Terry O’Quinn
- Clay Walker
- Kix Brooks
- Travis Tritt
- Darryl “DMC” McDaniels
- Joey Fatone
- Smokey Robinson
- Lee Ann Womack
Barnstable Brown Mansion Address is 1700 Spring Dr., Louisville, KY as members of the public drive by and line up outside the barriers to watch celebrities and guests come in – photo credit Copious Notes

- Larry Birkhead
- Bode Miller
- Freddie Jackson
- Nerlens Noel
- Eddie Montgomery
- Taylor Dayne
- Johnny Gill
- Wes Welker
- Vince Wilfork
- Randall Cobb
- Matt Schaub
- Darius Miller
- Matt Cassel
- David Denman

The star studded bash is held at the home of Patricia Barnstable-Brown, who co-hosts the event with her twin sister Priscilla Barnstable. “Our 25th year is going to be phenomenal,” Patricia tells us. “It’ll be one for the history books.”

In addition, Maserati will be premiering never-before-seen luxury cars at the gala, while social media company Twitter is bringing its unique “Twitter Mirror,” which recently debuted at the Oscars, for instant photo sharing. And, to honor the gala’s 25th anniversary, New Era hat company will present every guest with a complimentary hat complete with a custom Barnstable Brown Gala 25th anniversary hat box, and Vineyard Vines is giving gifts to party guests, including ties, scarves, handkerchiefs and belts.

Early Times Mint Julep Commemorative Bottle 2013, Kentucky Derby 139

tomfischer — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:02:08 +0000

Early Times Mint Julep, Kentucky Derby 139 bottle

BourbonBlog.com raises a toasty to Early Times Kentucky Whisky as the past 26 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby.”
In celebration of this, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of the 2013 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

The one-liter pre-mix bottle is available in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

The artwork on this year’s Kentucky Derby 139 bottle features renowned equine artist Celeste Susany from Saratoga Springs, NY, whose paintings have graced the Early Times bottles for many years.

Entitled “The Derby Dance,” this year’s painting depicts the up and down, back and forth “dance” horses and jockeys engage in during the race.

Shown around the bottle are horses painted at different heights, depicting the feeling of flight. The front of the bottle features a horse galloping high in the air towards the finish line. The jockey is shown on the number four horse wearing red and yellow silks with a yellow saddle cloth. The historic Twin Spires stand majestically in the background.

“The Early Times Mint Julep bottle has truly become a collectible among art, horseracing, and whisky fans,” Therese McGuire, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky tells BourbonBlog.com
.
“We are proud to once again feature Celeste’s art work on this year’s bottle. We know it will be a must-have for Derby parties as the perfect way to serve a delicious mint julep in less than ten seconds.”

During this year’s Kentucky Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs. Over the past 26 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks® and Derby Days at Churchill Downs.

This year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands will take place Saturday, May 4, 2013.

Burger Land, Our Interview with George Motz, Travel Channel

tomfischer — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:46:14 +0000

George Motz, Host of Burger Land, Travel Channel

CLICK ABOVE TO PLAY PODCAST

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews burger expert George Motz, host of Travel Channel’s new TV show Burger Land in the podcast radio interview above.

Click above to stream the podcast and be sure to check out new episodes of Burger Land on Travel Channel every Monday night at 9 pm EST / 8 pm CST.

As Burger Land premiered only 2 weeks ago, the American connection and similarities between our own stories on Bourbon and George’s travels in “Burger Land” became obvious to us.

George’s burger adventures have their roots in the same place BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer began as they both became experts after doing documentaries.

About 10 years ago, George produced an award winning documentary called Hamburger America as he was “looking for stories about people.”

Around 8 years ago, Tom Fischer produced and hosted a documentary about Bourbon, and shortly thereafter launched BourbonBlog.com.

As a burger expert,George says he has eaten around 10,000 burgers in 12 years. And we’re not talking about “Veggie Burgers.” George makes it clear that a hamburger is defined as ”made from a cow, ground up, put on some kind of bread and served.”

We won’t even begin to guess how many Bourbons Tom has tasted over the years. And some have even been alongside burgers! George shares with us below his favorite cocktail recipe and burger pairing, and it happens to be an Old Fashioned!

George Motz is more than a burger expert and Travel Channel host, he is also a writer, filmmaker and more visit GeorgeMotz.com

George enjoys eating Burgers more than making them and opts for waffle fries for his favorite pairing.

He says that it is difficult to find a tasty plate of fries that stands apart from the rest and admits that, “most fries are a big let down.”

George will take viewers mainly throughout the southern states in this first season of Burger Land. Be watching for stops in Houston, New Orleans, Northern Mississippi, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago and Connecticut.

We were happy to hear George will feature Port of Call in New Orleans on Burger Land, home of one of BourbonBlog.com‘s favorite burgers that we enjoy while we’re in NOLA for Tales of the Cocktail.

George explains that Burger Land is a smarter show than most because it isn’t just about what is on the burger, he also focuses on the people behind the burgers with interesting stories about families, traditions, and the fans who want to ensure these establishments stick around for many generations.

Burger Tips from George Motz:

1. Never go frozen or freeze your meat. Use fresh ground beef and get on a first name basis with your butcher.

2. “Grilling out” is the most difficult route to a perfect burger because it is so easy to over or under cook. Instead, use a skillet indoors keep the juices intact.

Listen to the podcast for more explanations!

Burger Land on Travel Channel is more than about burgers and recipes, this is a show about people because “Burgers don’t make themselves.”

More about George Motz…

George Motz is a well-traveled Emmy award-winning freelance filmmaker and Director of Photography.

Over the past 20 years he has worked on many television commercials, feature films, music videos, documentaries, and promos.

Motz has also released an iPhone app called ‘Burger GPS’ The book was written by Motz, includes over 250 of his hamburger photos and is available at bookstores everywhere.

George is also the director of the NYC & Chicago Food Film Festivals, now in their 6th and 3rd years. They are multi-sensory film festivals where the audience is treated to the food they see on the screen.

George lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, two children and a dog.

Now here’s the cocktail he suggests as a perfect pairing with a burger…

George’s Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

- 3 oz. Jim Beam Black Bourbon (or Evan Williams)

- 2 shakes Fee Brother’s Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters

- Few Drops Sugar in the Raw Syrup

- One Orange Slice

Directions

1. Rather than a sugar cube, George prefers the sugar in the raw syrup.

2. Add a couple shakes of the Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitter’s and few drops Sugar in the Raw Syrup to the orange slice then muddle.

3. Add ice, Bourbon and stir

4. As a whiskey alternative, George also likes Michter’s Rye or Bulleit Rye.

George Motz, Travel Channel Host of Burger Land meets Mark Fayard, the owner of Bozo’s Restaurant, Metairie, Louisiana

Port of Call, New Orleans will be featured on Burger Land in an upcoming episode on Travel Channel

Louis Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut lays claim the invention of the burger in America in 1900

George Motz visits Pie ‘N Burger in Pasadena, CA

Most photos above courtesy Travel Channel and George Motz

Bourbon Classic, Louisville, Kentucky

tomfischer — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:48:05 +0000

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer recently attended the innagural Bourbon Classic in Louisville, Kentucky.

Distilleries and Bourbon products from across Kentucky gathered in one place to give enthuisasts a chance to taste cocktails, Bourbon, learn more about the industry, and to connect with fellow whiskey lovers.

In the video interview above, we catch up with Corsair Artistan Distillery, Mixologist Kristen Merle, and Vince Carida Founder of the Owensboro Bourbon Society.

BourbonBlog.com raises a toast to the c0-founders The Bourbon Classic who include Justin Thompson and Seth Thompson of The Bourbon Review and by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group of Louisville.

On the first night of Bourbon Classic, event attendees voted for their favorite small plates as they were paired with Bourbon cocktails from specific participating distilleries.

At the same time, the Bourbon cocktails were judged by an panel of judges including Editor-in-Chief, Liquor.com, Celebrity Chef Edward Lee from 610 Magnolia, Joy Perrine, author of The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book, and Noah Rothbaum.. Here are the winners

- 2013 Grand Champion: Jared Schubert of Monkey Wrench, representing Four Roses.
- 2013 Classic Cocktail Winner: Isaac Fox of Volare, representing Maker’s Mark, serving a “Vieux Carre” cocktail.
- 2013 Contemporary Cocktail Winner: Jared Schubert of Monkey Wrench representing Four Roses, serving a “Dust Bowl Smash.”
- 2013 People’s Choice Classic Small Plate: Anthony Lamas of Seviche, serving Tuna “Old Fashioned” Seviche, paired with Four Roses.
- 2013 People’s Choice Contemporary Small Plate: Shawn Ward of Jack Fry’s, serving Seared Scallop and Dried Citrus with Edamame Puree, paired with Michter’s.

Sponsors of The Bourbon Classic: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Four Roses Bourbon, Michter’s Distillery, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., Jim Beam, Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, Maker’s Mark, Blanton’s, Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies, Angel’s Envy, Bulleit Bourbon, Jefferson’s Bourbon, Nestle Waters, Spirits on Ice, LLC, Wildcat Water, Willett Distillery, Art Eatables, Corsair Distillery, Limestone Branch Distillery Neil Sulier Art, The Urban Bourbon, and Kentucky Proud

Spirits Writer Camper English of Alcademics.com and BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer enjoy some Bourbon at The Bourbon Classic

Photos by Tyler Gater, video filmed and edited by Tyler Gater.

Angel’s Envy Rye Review

tomfischer — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:14:34 +0000

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer and The Bourbon Review’s Seth Thompson review the new Angel’s Envy Rye along while tasting it on camera for the first time with Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, his son Wes Henderson COO of Louisville Distilling Company, and grandson Kyle Henderson.

This exclusive first taste was filmed at The Bourbon Classic as three generations of the Hendersons came together with Tom and Seth on-camera.

According to Wes Henderson, Louisville Distilling Company will only release 4,000 6- pack cases, about 24,000 bottles in the first wave , 15 states in early May,

This super-premium rye whiskey will be available in small quantities in only about 15 states according to Wes. The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle, which may vary by market, will be $69.99. Angel’s Envy Rye is 100 proof and 50% alcohol by volume.

It is difficult to find, but from what we tasted it will be worth the search.

Yet another gem from Angel’s Envy!

Angel’s Envy Rye is aged and conditioned according to Lincoln’s specific direction and intuition. A self-proclaimed malcontent, Lincoln chose to use 95% rye and 5% malted barley and aged the whiskey for at least six years in in American new charred oak barrels.

States that Angel’s Envy Rye will be released in include California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey

Filmed and Edited Tyler Gater

Moonshiner Tim Smith To Honor Fallen Fire Fighters in West, Texas

tomfischer — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 09:23:18 +0000

Moonshiner Tim Smith

Moonshiner Tim Smith tells BourbonBlog.com that he will honor the fallen fire fighters in West Texas Fire and EMS Department from the fertilizer plant tragedy by making the journey from Climax, Virginia to West, Texas.

Discovery Channel’s hit TV-Show Moonshiners star Tim Smith sets out to make a difference as Tim is also the the fire chief of Climax Fire Department in Climax, VA.

On Monday, Tim will embark on a fast paced whistle stop tour of the region between Climax, Virginia and West, Texas.

The intention of this tour is to collect monetary donations to be taken to these impacted families and departments.

Every bit of assistance that Tim can help raise now will go a long way now.

During the evening of Wednesday, April 17, 2013, the West Texas Fire and EMS Department was engaged in fighting an industrial fire at a local fertilizer plant.

During the firefighting operations, a massive explosion occurred that totally destroyed the plant and significantly damaged much of the town. As of the time of this story, there are reports of 14 fatalities, the majority of whom are Fire and EMS personnel, as well as over 200 individuals injured.

Along Tim’s journey, he will stop at The Denver, NC Fire Department on Monday, April 22. See details below and stay tuned to BourbonBlog.com for more updates!

Members of the West Texas Volunteer Fire Department listen to a service at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, Friday, April 19, 2013, two days after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co., Wednesday night killed 14 people including numerous members of the West Volunteer Fire Department and injured more than 160. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Who: Moonshiner Tim Smith from the hit TV-Show Moonshiners

What: 1 Hour Meet & Greet As Well As Donation Collection

When: Monday, April 22, 2013 (4:00pm – 5:00pm)

Where: Denver Fire Department – Headquarters Station
3956 N. Highway 16
Denver, NC 28037

Destruction from the Fertilizer PLant Explosion in West, Texas – photo courtesy AP

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Review

tomfischer — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:59:20 +0000

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

BourbonBlog.com was recently the first bring you news of the release of the new Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel.

This cask strength, non-chill filtered Bourbon leverages the popularity of the the Russell’s Reserve label while delivering a new expression for the Bourbon enthusiasts.

This Bourbon demonstrates how well-balanced the sugar and barrel notes are in the whiskey aged at Wild Turkey Distillery and the range of flavors you can experience in their juice.

Does it taste anything like the original Russell’s Reserve 10 year Old Bourbon? Only slightly with some of those components present in the sweetness.

While warming on the mouthfeel, the smooth nature makes it feel lower than 110 proof as it drinks closer to 100 or so.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) is available now priced at $49.99, definitely a bargain for a barrel proof.

As Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel has long been an treasure, and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel shows, we hope to see even more single barrels from Wild Turkey.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Bourbon: Rusell’s Reserve Single Barrel Small Batch

Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg

Color: Medium to dark amber

Age: 8-9 Years, varies by barrel

Proof: 110 proof 55% ABV

Nose: Pleasant burn with prevalence of alcohol and barrel.

Taste: Quite buttery blending the deep medium extraction of barrel with a chorus of brown sugars together in the mouth. A touch of light honey and milk chocolate toward end of the mid-palette.

Finish: Smooth, medium linger.

Bourbon review by Tom Fischer.

Michter’s Bourbon at Bourbon Classic 2013, Louisville Kentucky

tomfischer — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:41:11 +0000

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Joe Magliocco, President of Chatham Imports, Inc / Michter’s Bourbon and and Willie Pratt Michter’s Master Distiller at the recent Bourbon Classic in Louisville, Kentucky.

At the Contemporary Bourbon Cocktails competition portion of the Bourbon Classic, Anu Apte, Owner of Rob Roy Seattle teamed with Chef Shawn Ward, Jack Fry’s for a Michter’s cocktail and food pairing.

(L to R) Willie Pratt, Michter’s Master Distiller, BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer, and Anu Apte, Owner of Rob Roy Seattle – photo by Tyler Gater

Michter’s Whiskey Collection

Executive, Chef Shawn Ward, Jack Fry’s Restaurant, Louisville, Kentucky

Video filmed and edited by Tyler Gater, event photo by Tyler Gater.

Bourbon Series Class in Louisville by Hawthorne Beverage Group

tomfischer — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:33:34 +0000

The Hawthorne Beverage Group invites you to in depth Bourbon Classes that teach Bourbon production, Bourbon classes, and hands on Bourbon cocktails, and even hands on distilling in Bourbon at The Silver Dollar. They are partners in on the project as well as the Distilled Spirits Epicenter.

Join them on Thursday April, 25 (4/25) at 6 pm in the private speakeasy-style space above the Silver Dollar, hip honky-tonk bar in a renovated fire station on Historic Frankfort Avenue.

Fun Fact: they have a selection of 70+ Kentucky bourbons and ryes, one of the largest in the city. Yep, that’s why we we love them and you will too.

The Hawthorne Beverage Group, leaders in the spirits consulting and marketing, will be there to provide hands-on bourbon cocktails how-tos, try saying that 5 times in a row.

They’ll also provide more in depth bourbon history to add to your bourbon trivia skills. Sounds amazing huh? And the best part is this is an interactive course, so that means you get to taste your very own cocktail creations and debate on the best cocktail in the class. All while socializing with the coolest new folks in town. Sold yet?

How to purchase tickets:

Tickets are $35 per person and space is limited, so get on it. and purchase tickets on this link http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5835198235/eorg

Be prepared to walk away with some awesome bourbon swag too, cause we’re cool like that.

Following the event, head downstairs to our own reserved section at the whiskey bar to test out your mad, new cocktails skills…well maybe not, we’ll leave that one to the professionals.

But you will get to drink the professional version of your favorite bourbon cocktail and you’ll have a group of new found friends to share your experience with.

They’ll have drink specials, of course bourbon will be at the top of the list with some light bites.

Jim Beam’s Limited-Edition Distiller’s Masterpiece Finished in Sherry Cask

tomfischer — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:26:21 +0000

Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece Bourbon

Jim Beam tells BourbonBlog.com that they are releasing their most exclusive liquid in limited qantities only at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Kentucky for $199 just in time for the the famous horses races of May.

This Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece is an extra-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 100 proof Whiskey barrel finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks.

“My family has been making bourbon in Kentucky since 1795,” seventh-generation Master Distiller and Jim Beam’s great-grandson Fred Noe tells BourbonBlog.com. “This is a great time to celebrate another Kentucky icon – horseracing – with the release of some of our most exclusive juice. The catch is that you’ve got to come out to Kentucky and see us to get a bottle.

This bourbon expression from Jim Beam is the most exclusive, highest quality offering within the Beam family.

Only available at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Ky:

Jim Beam American Stillhouse, Clermont, Kentucky

· Extra-aged in the optimal rack-house position, determined by master distiller, Fred Noe

· Finished in PX sherry casks, adding a dynamic to its taste that other bourbons can’t offer

· Smooth, rich, full-bodied and mature

· Packaged in a luxury wooden case

· 100-proof and priced at $199.99

Jim Beam’s American Stillhouse Visitor Center and Experience

Four Roses Secretariat Bourbon, Barrel to Be Selected by Penny Chenery

tomfischer — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 06:06:32 +0000

Watch video above as BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Dan Gardner of Four Roses Bourbon who gives us an overview of the upcoming limited edition Secretariat bottling AND the 2013 Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon (which are told will be a spring release of a barrel proof 13-year-old OBSK)

We catch up with Dan at the inaugural Bourbon Classic. Dan has recently also become one of our favorite Bourbon lovers to follow on Twitter , check him out on @BourbonDan .

Penny Chenery

Dan tells us that Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, will soon sample from several barrels to select a Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the iconic thoroughbred’s Triple Crown.

Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge will be on hand to oversee the selection.

The barrels chosen will be bottled in special commemorative packaging, including a very limited, hand-painted ceramic decanter featuring a full-bodied Secretariat with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard, as well as a collector’s bottle adorned with Secretariat’s likeness and the famed blue and white checks of the Meadow Stables jockey silks.

In addition to the annual spring release of a Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel., the distillery will also release 500 Secretariat decanters and 3,500 Four Roses Secretariat bottles. (See photos of each below.) This will be a completely different bottling that the Limited Edition Single Barrel.

They will be available for purchase at the Kentucky Derby Museum beginning April 27.

Proceeds from the sale of the special bottlings will benefit preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby at the Kentucky Derby Museum and to the Secretariat Foundation benefiting equine-related causes within the racing industry.

Video filmed and edited by Tyler Gater.

Four Roses Secretariat Limited Edition Decanter, unfinished, see finished bottles on this link

Four Roses Secretariat Single Bourbon Bottle

Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey

tomfischer — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:06:42 +0000

Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey

Louisville Distilling Company tells BourbonBlog.com that they will soon release a limited release of Angel’s Envy Rye. A super-premium whiskey of uncompromising character and quality, this divine creation will only be available in small quantities in less than a dozen states – making it hard to find, but worth the search.

Angel’s Envy Rye is a classic example of famed Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson’s passion for experimenting outside of conventional norms and producing unique expressions steeped in tradition, but finished with a twist.

He then finished the whiskey in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks, which began as small French cognac barrels, for up to 18 months. The mingling of raw, spicy and earthy rye notes paired with the sweetness imparted by rum finishing, results in an ultra smooth and accessible ultra-rye whiskey, even at 100 proof (see tasting notes below). Due to the scarcity of the special barrels and the intricacies involved in the finishing process, Angel’s Envy will only release 2,500 9-liter cases.

The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle, which may vary by market, is $69.99. Angel’s Envy Rye is 100 proof and 50% alcohol by volume.

“We considered finishing a spirit in rum casks for some time and ultimately felt that the spiciness of a well-rounded rye provided the best pairing,” Lincoln Henderson, Master Distiller, Angel’s Envy tells BourbonBlog.com. “We sourced and sampled more than 100 different rums, before unanimously choosing one with extraordinary richness that perfectly marries with our rye whiskey.”

The Louisville Distilling Company gave Lincoln complete creative freedom to achieve a specific taste profile for Angel’s Envy Rye. An inaugural member in the Bourbon Hall of Fame, he prefers the original way of producing whiskey – making decisions based on the specific taste profile he wants to achieve – even if it means releasing in select markets and limited quantities.

So far, it has served him well. Angel’s Envy (flagship) finished 2012 as the 5th fastest growing whiskey. Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded Angel’s Envy 98 points – the highest-ever rating for a bourbon. The world’s best bourbon also received a 93 rating from Whisky Advocate and was named the 2013 Editor’s Top Pick Award Of Excellence by Beverage Industry News.

And BourbonBlog.com continues to be the first to review Angel’s Envy whiskies as we will bring you our video review of this new release soon!

Rye is a natural progression for Angel’s Envy, the super-premium artisan port finished bourbon. Its’ success proves that whiskey enthusiasts will embrace non-traditional, one-of-a-kind expressions of whiskey. As one of the original pioneers of the premium bourbon and whiskey categories in the U.S. with more than 40 years of experience, the living legend has one simple desire – to enjoy the art of making whiskey and to not rest on his laurels.

“Dad always says he’s not trying to fix bourbon – he’s just fine tuning it,” said Wes Henderson, Chief Operating Officer and Master Ambassador, Angel’s Envy. “The true Renaissance of bourbon is just now arriving. We’re proud to be trailblazers and feel fortunate to have hit the sweet spot again with Rye.”

Angel’s Envy Rye will be available in select states including: California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

The iconic bottle, made from perfume-grade glass in Italy and then ceramic stamped with the brand’s iconic wings, is hand-filled, corked and crated in Louisville, Kentucky.

As far as the name, tradition has it that for every year whiskey is aged, a little spirit is lost to evaporation. This is known as the “Angel’s Share.” Lincoln reckoned that he might be willing to lose a little more for his finest creation leaving behind the Angel’s Envy.

Firefly Moonshine by Firefly Distillery

tomfischer — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:58:08 +0000

Our Wadlamaw Island friends Firefly Distillery co-founders Jim Irvin and Scott Newitt tell BourbonBlog.com they are the launching of Firefly Moonshine this spring.

The moonshine will be distilled out of South Carolina pride, Firefly Moonshine is a raw southern spirit from the creators of the original Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka.

Firefly Moonshine is produced in six flavors: White Lightning, Apple Pie, Caramel, Cherry, Strawberry, and Peach.

They are between 41.1 and 100.7 proof; 20.55% and 50.35% alcohol by volume. Each has a unique flavor that delivers on low country character yet packs a punch.

While some moonshines on the market have real fruit floating in them, they tell us Firefly Moonshine uses real fruit flavors.

Jim Irvin and Scott Newitt have been experimenting with lots of regional flavors ever since they built their first homemade still.

When Jim and Scott started building the Firefly Distillery, they made a crude still in Jim’s workshop. As Jim explains to BourbonBlog.com, “We started with a 55 gallon stainless steel tank and some old pipes.”

Then we worked on many original recipes until we perfected the very first sweet tea vodka, Firefly. Since that time, we’ve cooked up many fine spirits and some really
good moonshine too!”

“When we first started making the Firefly Moonshine, we kept it to ourselves. It was a ‘distillery secret’ that only a few people knew about. But it tasted
so good our ‘Firefly insiders’ kept asking for it. So we decided it was time to share the good stuff and make it available across the U.S” Scotts explains to BourbonBlog.com.

Firefly Moonshine sales kicked off at
the Distillery Tasting Room in mid-February and it was introduced statewide later in the
month. At this time, it is on its way to licensed liquor distributors, retailers, bars and
restaurants nationwide.

Firefly Moonshine Flavors

Firefly Moonshine is easy to serve & drink.

Enjoy it straight out of the jar, in mixed drinks or make up a big batch of “DIY Firefly Punch.” This recipe makes 55 servings, 6 oz. drinks:

- 1 jar Firefly White Lightning Moonshine
- 2 jars of any flavor of Firefly Moonshine
- 2 gallons of your favorite juice(s)
- Fresh fruit

Instrutions:

Mix in pitcher or tub

Firefly Distillery co-founders, Jim Irvin (L) and Scott Newiit (R) introduce Firefly Moonshine.

BoozeBrackets.com, play now!

tomfischer — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:09:55 +0000

BourbonBlog.com has just launched BoozeBrackets.com, a first of its kind tournament giving spirit enthusiasts and fans of Bourbon, beers and spirit the chance to vote for their favorite brands in matchups.

The winner of each round means that the winning brand will move on to the round next with an ultimate winner at the end.

Very similar to popular basketball tournaments, these 64 brands range from craft distilleries to large distilleries.

They have been matched up in challenges and it is up to YOU to vote for who the winner of each round will be.

There could be some upsets and Cinderella stories. No matter who wins, each brand is

Return every day to see how your favorite brands are progressing as there will be an ultimate champion! vote in new matchups which will coincide with the basketball tournament, resulting in a final winner.

This is our fun surprise to sports and spirit fans alike as both brands and consumers all learned about it at the same time today ensuring that every brand had a chance to rally their team via Facebook and Twitter.

As a result of a few unique matchups in BoozeBrackets.com, we have enjoyed seeing brands compliment their matchup competition on Twitter, follow us on @BourbonBlog as we’ll be bringing you live updates.

Join us and show the world that spirits fans are good sports in this new sport of BoozeBrackets.com!

And by the way, we aren’t being biased, we are simply pleased to see brands like the couple below who got so excited about our gamethat they created these images for the purpose of rallying their fans!

The Original Small Batch Bourbon Tasting

tomfischer — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:41:56 +0000

Tom Fischer, host and founder of BourbonBlog.com

No matter where you live in the world, BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer hosts private tastings for both large and small groups, from businesses to family gatherings, with a one of a kind focus on Bourbon.

Email bourbon@bourbonblog.com to learn more!

NOW..for Tri-State friends and followers of BourbonBlog.com, we invite you to a Bourbon tasting he will be hosting on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Blush Ultralounge in Le Merigot Hotel, Evansville Indiana at 5:30 pm CST.

Whether you’re a Bourbon beginner or a you have seasoned whiskey palette, there is always something new to experience.

$30 per person includes a pour of Baker’s, Booker’s, Basil Hayden’s, Knob Creek and Knob Creek Single Barrel.

They’re adding small delicious bites from Casino Aztar Restaurants, a Jim Beam Gift Bag of non-alcoholic goodies, and and a tasting hosted by Tom Fischer.

Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection: Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, and Baker’s Bourbon

As there are only 30 tickets for this event, buy yours today! Call Kim Trice at 812-433-4059 between 8 am and 5 pm CST Mon-Fri to make your reservations for the tasting.

There is no place we know of where you could taste all 5 for $6 a piece to start..think of the rest as a the best Bourbon treat you’ll have this Spring!

If you care ot make a night of it, Le Merigot is offering guests that attend the tasting tasting a discounted rate of $89 to stay at Le Merigot.

Guests but must be 21 years of age.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 120 proof Bourbon

Four Roses Bourbon unveils Single Barrel Bourbon Secretariat bottle

tomfischer — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:24:39 +0000

Four Roses Secretariat Single Bourbon Bottle

Four Roses Bourbon’s tells BourbonBlog.com that they will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Secretariat’s record-breaking Triple Crown with a Single Barrel Bourbon collectible bottle and one of a kind Bourbon selection.

Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery, with Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, will select the single barrel bourbon during a visit next week to Four Roses’ warehouse and bottling facility in Cox’s Creek, Ky.

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer has attended a number single barrel selections at Four Roses and provided assistance in the barrel selection process.

These have included barrel selections with Seven Grand, and several liquors stores in Kentucky and Indiana.

Watch the video segments of all these private barrel selections below to enjoy unique experience of private selection.

The commemorative Secretariat bottle is the second component of Four Roses’ tribute to Big Red’s anniversary.

Last month, Four Roses and the Kentucky Derby Museum announced a partnership to release a specially created ceramic Four Roses Secretariat’s bourbon decanter, created in the style of the popular 1970s-era collectibles.

The front of the bottle will feature an image of Secretariat with jockey Ron Turcotte, while one side will list Secretariat’s unmatched finishing times in the three races of the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

The neck of the bottle is adorned with the blue and white checks of the Meadow Stables jockey silks.

Four Roses will produce only 3,500 of these Secretariat bottles, which will be available for purchase this spring at select retail outlets along the Triple Crown trail in Kentucky, Maryland and New York.

Sampling all 10 unique recipes of Four Roses Bourbon at a Private Barrel Selection

The Secretariat bottles also will be available for purchase at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Ky., beginning April 27. Jim Rutledge will be available for bottle signings that day at the museum’s gift shop from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Four Roses decanter will resemble a full-bodied Secretariat, with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard. Just 500 hand-numbered ceramic decanters will be produced and will be sold at a ticketed event at the Kentucky Derby Museum on May 1.

“These will be very special bourbons, honoring a very special horse,” Master Distiller Jim Rutledge tells us.

Proceeds from the sale of both the Secretariat bottle and the decanter will be dedicated to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby at the Kentucky Derby Museum and to the Secretariat Foundation benefitting equine-related causes within the racing industry.

Seven Grand , LA - Four Roses Private Barrel Selection on BourbonBlog.com

Four Roses Private Barrel Selection with Paul, Rick Jones and Ken Blum

Frontier Liquors, Evansville, IN – Four Roses Private Barrel Selection on BourbonBlog.com

Impractical Jokers, Murr interviewed about the TruTV show and The Tenderloins

tomfischer — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 01:06:47 +0000

CLICK ABOVE TO PLAY PODCAST

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews comedian James Murray aka “Murr”, star of TruTV’s Impractical Jokers and performer of the comedy troupe The Tenderloins in the podcast interview above, click to play.

James “Murr” Murray of The Tenderloins and Impractical Jokers on TruTV

We thought it might be appropriate among our whiskey drinking crowd to let Murr share some suggestions on how to play the best pranks and get away with them in everyday life.

Murr also tells us how these four lifelong high school friends from New York- Joe, Q, Sal and himself formed The Tenderloins and their adventures in creating Impractical Jokers on TruTV.

While Murr and Joe Gatto don’t drink, Sal and Q are Bourbon fans.

Listen to how Joe uses nights out in the clubs and bars as a character study for drunkenness AND to see how much he can get away with.

As the Tenderloins are on tour now, check out the tour dates across the country.

This week they will be in Sioux City Iowa and Evansville, Indiana!

Also watch out video clips from Impractical Jokers that are referenced in our interview below.

The Tenderloins have their own podcast show check it out here.

Search for the new Impractical Jokers app on iTunes and Android for soundbytes, videos and more!

Watch Murr Kiss a Stranger on Impractical Jokers

The Tenderloins Tour Dates

The Tenderloins (L to R) are Q, Joe Gatto, Murr, and Sal Vulcano

IOWA

Sioux City, Iowa
Friday, March 22nd, 8pm
Marina Center
Tickets

INDIANA

Evansville, Indiana
Saturday, March 23rd, 8pm
Victory Theatre
Tickets

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, March 26th, 7:30pm
Helium Comedy Club
Tickets

NEW JERSEY

New Brunswick, NJ
Tuesday, April 2nd, 7:00pm & 9:45pm
Stress Factory
Tickets

Murr and Joe with “Strip High Five” in Union Square Manhattan on Impractical Jokers

NEW YORK

Poughkeepsie, NY - Thursday, April 11th, 8:00pm Mid-Hudson Civic Center

Tickets here

IOWA

Davenport, IA
Friday, April 26th, 8:00pm
Tickets

Des Moines, IA
Saturday, April 27th, 7:30pm
Location: Hoyt Sherman Place
Tickets here

WISCONSIN

Madison, WI
Sunday, April 28th
Barrymore Theatre
Tickets

Murr Jumps on the Couch with his hopeful roommate

TENNESSEE

Nashville, TN
Friday, May 10th, 7pm & 9:30pm
Saturday, May 11th, 7pm & 9:30pm
Sunday, May 12th, 6:30pm
Zanies Comedy Club
Tickets

Watch Murr Convince a Potential Roommate to Move on Impractical Jokers

Murr and Sal are up to another prank on Impractical Jokers on TruTV

Murr steals a kiss from this “mark” on Impractical Jokers which led to him dating her for a month

TUACA’s Drinks & Ink with Corey Miller and DJ Ravidrums

tomfischer — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:28:50 +0000

When we aren’t drinking Bourbon, we taste the best parties the spirits industry offers.

Welcome to TUACA’s Drinks & Ink where BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer joins TV personality/Tattoo artist Corey Miller and Grammy-Performer DJ Ravidrums in Denver, Colorado in the video segment above!

In our “spirited: opinion, the most impressive element of this tour is is the access that consumers are given to meet both Corey and DJ Ravidrums.

Unlike some events where celebrities only make a short appearance, Corey and DJ Ravidrums enjoy meeting guests throughout the night.

The tour, now in its third year, will make a few more stops…see remaining tour dates below for consumers 21+!

Guests enjoy tasty TUACA cocktails and local entertainment, highlighted by a performance at the end of the night from DJ Ravidrums.

Drinks & Ink is a celebration of tattoo and cocktail artistry. Equally important is the TUACA’s history which 500 years in the making from Italian heritage.

Tracey Johnson, Brand Manager of TUACA, says the state of Colorado and Denver marker have given TUACA a lot of support. Thus, this event is TUACA’s way of saying “thank you.”

Several years ago, Corey Miller helped to redesign the label on the TUACA bottle using tattoo-inspired art. The lion on the label actually changes blue when the bottle is chilled.

In each market, attendees have a chance to win a one-of-a-kind tattoo from Corey Miller.

In Denver, the winner of the tattoo was bartender Katy Reynolds who created the winning cocktail “Cinn City” cocktail (see recipe below)

In Reno, bartenders will also showcase their own original recipes using the new TUACA Cinnaster.

Film, editing and photography credit: Bridger Root and Mickey O’Hara.

DJ Ravidrums performs in Denver, Colorado at TUACA’s Drinks & Ink

DJ Ravindrums and Corey Miller toast with TUACA at Drinks & Ink in Denver,Colorado

Remaning Tour Dates

Reno, NV - Friday, March 22

San Diego, CA - Sunday, April 7

Sacramento,CA - Sunday, April 14

Baltimore, MD - Friday, April 19

Cinn City – created by bartender Katy Reynolds

1.5 oz TUACA
1.5 oz Baileys
Splash of Dr. Pepper
Dash of Cinnamon Sugar
.5 oz of TUACA Cinnaster

Instructions:

Rim a chilled, Cinnaster-dipped martini glass with cinnamon sugar.

Gently shake TUACA, Baileys and Dr. Pepper with ice.

Pour mixture into martini glass and float Cinnaster on top to finis

Mixologists use TUACA Cinnaster in new cocktail creations as they compete in Denver

DJ Ravidrums performs on more than drumset. This is the world’s most advanced custom DJ rig designed with NASA scientists.

: DJ Ravidrums teaches BourbonBlog.com’s a few DJ-ing and drumming moves

Judges and Winning Spirits at Denver International Spirits Competition 2013

tomfischer — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:32:07 +0000

Bourbons lined up for tasting and judging at Denver International Spirits Competition

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer reports from Day 2 of the Denver International Spirits Competition in Denver, Colorado and speaks with fellow judges about the success and importance of this competition.

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer was a chair and judge along with 11 other prominent spirits professionals who participated in this double-blind tasting.

In the video above, Tom interviews judges and also Christopher Davies Co-Founder, Chairman of Denver International Spirits Competition and Wine Country Network, Inc.

Check out all the winning spirits and the list of medals in the list below!

Thanks again to Denver International Spirits Competition 2013 for having us in and to all judges, volunteers, and spirits who submitted!

Judges Ted Palmer, Dave Elger, Tom Fischer and Larry Wilcox discuss the best drinks of the round

Film and photography credit: Filmmakers, photographers, editors Bridger Root and Mickey O’Hara, thanks guys!

2013 Best of Show:

Old Medley 12 Year Old Bourbon wins Double Gold and Best of Show

Old Medley 12 Years Old Bourbon

2013 Double Gold Winners:

Piedra Azul Reposado Tequila wins Double Gold

Old Medley 12 Year Old Bourbon, Charles Medley Distillery

Knob Creek Rye, Beam, Inc

Exclusiv 1 Vodka, Serge Imports, LLC

Roundhouse Gin, Roundhouse Spirits

Piedra Azul Reposado, Underdog Wine & Spirits

E&J VS Brandy, E&J Gallo

2013 Packaging Contest Winners:

Gold- Suerte Tequila, 3 bottle series, Blanco, Anejo & Reposado

Silver- Infusion Diabolique, 2 bottle series, Mixto Tequila & Kentucky Bourbon

Bronze- KAH Tequila, 3 bottle series, Blanco, De’Agave, De’ Reposado

Denver International Spirits Competition 2013 Results:

Double Gold	Medal	Spirit Name	Producer
	Bronze	1One Vodka	Salveto Imports, LLC
	Gold	Barenjager Honey Bourban	Sidney Frank Importing
	Gold	Big House Bourbon Straight	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Bronze	Big House Bourbon Tupelo Honey	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Silver	Bird Dog Peach Whiskey	Western Spirits
	Gold	Breckenridge Bourbon	Breckenridge Distillery
	Gold	Breckenridge Spiced Rum	Breckenridge Distillery
	Silver	Cedar Ridge Dark Rum	Cedar Ridge Distillery
	Silver	Clear10 Vodka 80 Proof	Good Spirits Distilling
	Gold	Concannon Irish Whiskey	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Silver	Denver Dry Gin	Mile High Spirits llc
	Silver	Dirty Karma Organic Vodka	Lifestyle Spirits
	Bronze	Dirty Karma SOL	Lifestyle Spirits
	Gold	Dizzy Three Express Vodka 60 Proof	Good Spirits Distilling
	Gold	Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur	Chopin Imports Ltd
Double Gold	Gold	E&J VS Brandy	E&J Gallo
	Gold	E&J VSOP Brandy	E&J Gallo
	Silver	E&J XO Brandy	E&J Gallo
	Gold	Elevate Vodka	Mile High Spirits llc
Double Gold	Gold	Exclusive 1 Vodak	Serge Imports LLC
	Silver	Exclusive 7 Coconut Vodak	Serge Imports LLC
	Gold	Feisty Spirits Elements -Kamut Wiskey	Feisty Spirits
	Silver	Fireside 4 year aged Bourbon	Mile High Spirits llc
	Silver	Five Wives Vodka	Ogdens Own Distillery
	Silver	Golden Moon Gin	Maison De La Vie, Ltd. Dba Golden Moon Distillery
	Gold	Howdys Apple Pie Liquer	Cedar Ridge Distillery
	Gold	Infusion Diabolique Kentucky	Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc.
	Silver	Infusion Diabolique Mixto	Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc.
	Gold	Iowa Bourbon Whiskey	Cedar Ridge Distillery
	Gold	KAH Tequila Anejo	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC
	Gold	KAH Tequila Blanco	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC
	Bronze	KAH Tequila Reposado	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC
	Silver	Knob Creek	Beam, Inc
Double Gold	Gold	Knob Creek Rye	Beam, Inc
	Silver	Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve	Beam, Inc
	Bronze	Local Choice Black Cherry Bourbon	Local Choice Inc
	Gold	Local Choice Lime Tequila	Local Choice Inc
	Silver	Local Choice Orange Honey Tequila	Local Choice Inc
	Silver	Local Choice Vodka	Local Choice Inc
	Bronze	Local Choice Whiskey	Local Choice Inc
	Gold	Michael Collins Blend	Sidney Frank Importing
	Silver	Michael Collins Single Malt	Sidney Frank Importing
	Bronze	New Amsterdam Gin	E&J Gallo
	Gold	New Amsterdam Vodka	E&J Gallo
Double Gold & Best of Show	Gold	Old Medley 12 Year Old Bourbon	Charles Medley Distillery
	Bronze	Peak 7 Vodka	Peak & Vodka
	Gold	Peg Leg Rum	Mile High Spirits llc
	Bronze	Piedra Azul Blanco	Underdog Wine & Spirits
Double Gold	Gold	Piedra Azul Reposado	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Silver	REDUX Absinthe	Maison De La Vie, Ltd. Dba Golden Moon Distillery
	Silver	Reed & Lacey California Gold Sugarcane, Barley, Corn Spirit	Reed & Lacey LLC
	Gold	Ricardo’s Decaf Coffee Liqueur	Spirit Hound Distillers
		River Rum	Quentin D. Witherspoon Distillery LLC
Double Gold	Gold	Roundhouse Gin	Roundhouse Spirits
	Gold	Santa Fe Spirits Apple Brandy	Santa Fe Spirits
	Silver	Silver Coyote	Santa Fe Spirits
		Spirit Hound Gin	Spirit Hound Distillers
	Silver	Suerte Tequil Anejo	Suerte Tequilla
	Silver	Suerte Tequil Bianco	Suerte Tequilla
	Gold	Suerte Tequil Reposado	Suerte Tequilla
	Bronze	Tahoe Blue Vodka	Tahoe Spirits, LLC
	Silver	Town Branch Broubon	Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
	Gold	Trinity Absinthe	Overland Distillery
	Gold	Underground Herbal Spirit	Ogdens Own Distillery
	Gold	Wathens Kentucky Bourbon (Single Barrel)	Charles Medley Distillery
	Bronze	Wheeler’s Gin	Santa Fe Spirits

2013 Design Contest	Gold	Suerte Tequila Series (3 bottles)	Suerte Tequilla
	Silver	Infusion Diabolique Bottle Series (2 bottles)	Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc.
	Bronze	Kah Tecquila Series (3 bottles)	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC

(L or R) Judges: Tom Fischer, Mike Manning, Carolyn M. Riggs, and Natalie Guinovart

(L to R) Judges of Competition: Carolyn M. Riggs Owner/Head Chef Brick Cellar Bar & Bistro Gunnison, CO, Tom Fischer BourbonBlog.com, Mike Manning Co-Founder and Co-Owner Proof Media Mix

Omni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield, Colorado

Denver International Spirits Competition 2013 Medal Winners and Results

Jeff Heck — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 01:59:27 +0000

BourbonBlog.com brings you the results and winners of the Denver International Spirits Competition 2013 and congratulates all the fine winners!

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer was a chair and judge along with 11 other prominent spirits professionals who participated in this double-blind tasting.

We are happy to report a number of Bourbons and whiskeys won prestigious medals. An array of other amazing spirits from vodka, absinthe, gin, brandy, tequila, and more from across the globe also won medals.

Old Medley 12 Year Old Bourbon won the highest honor of all spirits taking the “Best of Show” as the highest rated spirit of all categories in the competition.

Others to note: Wathen’s Bourbon (Gold); Breckenridge Bourbon (Gold); Knob Creek Rye (Double Gold), and the rest of the Knob Creek family all won medals.

Also we’re pleased to note that Town Branch Bourbon of Lexington won a Silver Medal and Local Choice’s Black Cherry Bourbon won a Bronze Medal- along with several other big wins for Local Choice, see below.

This annual competition, held at the Omni Interlocken Resort, is one of only four competitions of its kind in the world with the degree of international focus on spirits and the large number of categories of spirits judged.

Detailed results listed below, we recommend you taste them all. Thanks to all spirits who submitted!

Judges (L to R) William Davis, Tom Fischer and Dave Elger toast to winners at Denver International Competition 2013 after discovering what they’ve been judging

2013 Best of Show:

The two bourbons from Charles Medley Distillery both won high honors. Old Medley 12 Year won a Double Gold and Best of Show for the highest rated spirit at Denver International Spirits Competition. Wathen’s Bourbon won a Gold Medal

Old Medley 12 Years Old Bourbon

2013 Double Gold Winners:

The complete Knob Creek Whiskey Family won medals at Denver International Spirits Competition: Knob Creek Rye (Double Gold); Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (Silver), Knob Creek Bourbon (Silver)

Old Medley 12 Year Old Bourbon, Charles Medley Distillery

Knob Creek Rye, Beam, Inc

Exclusiv 1 Vodka, Serge Imports, LLC

Roundhouse Gin, Roundhouse Spirits

Piedra Azul Reposado, Underdog Wine & Spirits

E&J VS Brandy, E&J Gallo

Ted Palmer, Distiller and Owner, poses with his Double Gold Medal winning for his Roundhouse Gin - photo by Chris Davies

2013 Packaging Contest Winners:

Suerte Tequila Collection including Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo – these bottles won Gold for Packaging

Gold- Suerte Tequila, 3 bottle series, Blanco, Anejo & Reposado

Silver- Infusion Diabolique, 2 bottle series, Mixto Tequila & Kentucky Bourbon

Bronze- KAH Tequila, 3 bottle series, Blanco, De’Agave, De’ Reposado

Infusion Diabolique Kentucky Bourbon and Mixto Tequila, both infused with natural fruit, herbs and spices – these bottles won silver in the Packaging Contest

Denver International Spirits Competition 2013 Results:

Double Gold	Medal	Spirit Name	Producer
	Bronze	1One Vodka	Salveto Imports, LLC
	Gold	Barenjager Honey Bourban	Sidney Frank Importing
	Gold	Big House Bourbon Straight	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Bronze	Big House Bourbon Tupelo Honey	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Silver	Bird Dog Peach Whiskey	Western Spirits
	Gold	Breckenridge Bourbon	Breckenridge Distillery
	Gold	Breckenridge Spiced Rum	Breckenridge Distillery
	Silver	Cedar Ridge Dark Rum	Cedar Ridge Distillery
	Silver	Clear10 Vodka 80 Proof	Good Spirits Distilling
	Gold	Concannon Irish Whiskey	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Silver	Denver Dry Gin	Mile High Spirits llc
	Silver	Dirty Karma Organic Vodka	Lifestyle Spirits
	Bronze	Dirty Karma SOL	Lifestyle Spirits
	Gold	Dizzy Three Express Vodka 60 Proof	Good Spirits Distilling
	Gold	Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur	Chopin Imports Ltd
Double Gold	Gold	E&J VS Brandy	E&J Gallo
	Gold	E&J VSOP Brandy	E&J Gallo
	Silver	E&J XO Brandy	E&J Gallo
	Gold	Elevate Vodka	Mile High Spirits llc
Double Gold	Gold	Exclusive 1 Vodak	Serge Imports LLC
	Silver	Exclusive 7 Coconut Vodak	Serge Imports LLC
	Gold	Feisty Spirits Elements -Kamut Wiskey	Feisty Spirits
	Silver	Fireside 4 year aged Bourbon	Mile High Spirits llc
	Silver	Five Wives Vodka	Ogdens Own Distillery
	Gold	Golden Moon Gin	Maison De La Vie, Ltd. Dba Golden Moon Distillery
	Gold	Howdys Apple Pie Liquer	Cedar Ridge Distillery
	Gold	Infusion Diabolique Kentucky	Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc.
	Silver	Infusion Diabolique Mixto	Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc.
	Gold	Iowa Bourbon Whiskey	Cedar Ridge Distillery
	Gold	KAH Tequila Anejo	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC
	Gold	KAH Tequila Blanco	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC
	Bronze	KAH Tequila Reposado	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC
	Silver	Knob Creek	Beam, Inc
Double Gold	Gold	Knob Creek Rye	Beam, Inc
	Silver	Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve	Beam, Inc
	Bronze	Local Choice Black Cherry Bourbon	Local Choice Inc
	Gold	Local Choice Lime Tequila	Local Choice Inc
	Silver	Local Choice Orange Honey Tequila	Local Choice Inc
	Silver	Local Choice Vodka	Local Choice Inc
	Bronze	Local Choice Whiskey	Local Choice Inc
	Gold	Michael Collins Blend	Sidney Frank Importing
	Silver	Michael Collins Single Malt	Sidney Frank Importing
	Bronze	New Amsterdam Gin	E&J Gallo
	Gold	New Amsterdam Vodka	E&J Gallo
Double Gold & Best of Show	Gold	Old Medley 12 Year Old Bourbon	Charles Medley Distillery
	Bronze	Peak 7 Vodka	Peak & Vodka
	Gold	Peg Leg Rum	Mile High Spirits llc
	Bronze	Piedra Azul Blanco	Underdog Wine & Spirits
Double Gold	Gold	Piedra Azul Reposado	Underdog Wine & Spirits
	Silver	REDUX Absinthe	Maison De La Vie, Ltd. Dba Golden Moon Distillery
	Silver	Reed & Lacey California Gold Sugarcane, Barley, Corn Spirit	Reed & Lacey LLC
	Gold	Ricardo’s Decaf Coffee Liqueur	Spirit Hound Distillers
		River Rum	Quentin D. Witherspoon Distillery LLC
Double Gold	Gold	Roundhouse Gin	Roundhouse Spirits
	Gold	Santa Fe Spirits Apple Brandy	Santa Fe Spirits
	Silver	Silver Coyote	Santa Fe Spirits
		Spirit Hound Gin	Spirit Hound Distillers
	Silver	Suerte Tequil Anejo	Suerte Tequilla
	Silver	Suerte Tequil Bianco	Suerte Tequilla
	Gold	Suerte Tequil Reposado	Suerte Tequilla
	Bronze	Tahoe Blue Vodka	Tahoe Spirits, LLC
	Silver	Town Branch Broubon	Antech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
	Gold	Trinity Absinthe	Overland Distillery
	Gold	Underground Herbal Spirit	Ogdens Own Distillery
	Gold	Wathens Kentucky Bourbon (Single Barrel)	Charles Medley Distillery
	Bronze	Wheeler’s Gin	Santa Fe Spirits

2013 Design Contest	Gold	Suerte Tequila Series (3 bottles)	Suerte Tequilla
	Silver	Infusion Diabolique Bottle Series (2 bottles)	Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc.
	Bronze	Kah Tecquila Series (3 bottles)	Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC

Exclusiv Vodka offers a line of Vodka flavors including Limon, Orange, Berry, Coconut, Rose, and Peach at the Denver International Spirits Competition, the regular straight Exclusiv Vodka won a Double Gold Medal

Two favorite liqueurs among the judges that both received a Gold Medal: Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur by Chopin and Ricardo’s Decaf Coffee Liqueur of Spirit Hound Distillers of Colorado

Breckenridge Bourbon wins a Gold Medal at the 2013 Denver International Spirits Competition

BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer with Denver International Co-Founders Christopher Davies and Darcy Davies

Special thanks to Bridger Root and Mickey O’Hara for photography.