The new Elijah Craig 20 will retail for approximately $130 for the 750ml size, but less than 80 specially selected barrels will be dumped, yielding fewer than 1,300 bottles.

For now, in order to manage stock levels in the warehouses, Heaven Hill has temporarily suspended bottling of the 18-Year-Old Elijah Craig Single Barrel that it has offered for a number of years, but plans to augment the Elijah Craig line with future extra-aged single barrel limited editions.

There has talk at Heaven Hill that older expressions might possibly be released including a 21-Year-Old bottling (or older) under the Elijah Craig label at some point in the future.

Because it seems uncertain how long the Elijah Craig 18 will be available again or when it will be re-released, we recommend grabbing a bottle if it is one of your favorites and if you can still find it on shelves.

“With literally thousands of aging barrels over 10 years old, we have a huge and one-of-a-kind resource to tap into,” note Craig Beam. “We’ve carefully identified several hundred that are at middle to high storage in our best rickhouses, and these will be the source for these very special future Elijah Craig Single Barrel editions. These are some of the best older barrels of traditional rye-based Bourbon we have in our inventory.”

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam

The first 20-Year-Old Single Barrel release, which will start to appear on shelves in major metro markets in 36 states in late May or early June, will be packaged in the traditional Elijah Craig Single Barrel bottle, but with a brown face label which carries the 20-Year-Old age statement. The new 20-Year-Old version will continue to be bottled at a robust 90 proof, or 45% alcohol/volume.

Aside from the recent honor from Whisky Advocate for the special 2011 release of the 20-Year-Old, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel has in the past won Double Gold Medal/Best Bourbon from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, “Top 50 Spirits” from Wine Enthusiast magazine, and a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge.

“We are tremendously excited to introduce this special edition Elijah Craig 20 Year-Old into a broader market, albeit still in very limited quantities,” stated Heaven Hill Whiskey Portfolio Brand Manager Susan Wahl. “This release, and subsequent releases, will take the consumer on a tasting journey of discovery that will motivate them to move up the brand offerings, from the more widely available 12-Year-Old Elijah Craig Small Batch on through these more aged, rarer bottlings.”

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 year Review
2. Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon Review & Video Interview with Craig Beam
3. The Barnyard with Elijah Craig 12 Year by Stephen Dennison

“Our customers are thrilled with the new updated design of the refurbished Delta Sky Clubs and the opportunity to purchase upgraded spirits and wine aligns perfectly with the recent changes we’ve made,” Wayne Aaron, Delta’s vice president – Marketing Programs and Distribution Strategy tells us.

“During the last several weeks, we’ve quietly introduced the program in select clubs and the feedback we’ve received in those clubs strongly indicates this new program is going to be a hit with customers.”

Delta has partnered with Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks provider, which oversees a robust collection of beverage alcohol brands. The Delta Sky Club Luxury Bar will offer Diageo’s complete portfolio of Reserve spirits, including a selection of cocktails specially designed for Delta Sky Clubs. The Luxury Bar approach implements experiential elements as well as the finest spirits to the Delta Sky Clubs, in an effort to provide the highly-prized business traveler an all around enhanced experience.

“It’s an amazing partnership and we are thrilled to be showcasing our Luxury Bar portfolio in the Delta Sky Clubs. Our goal is to provide travelers an innovative and unique experience,” said Jeff Parrott, director – Marketing Capabilities, Diageo.

“In addition to the product customers will see in the Delta Sky Clubs, Diageo will host additional events throughout the year specifically designed for the Delta customer, such as cocktail master classes with Brand Ambassadors, educational sessions and tastings on the different brands.”

Luxury Bar spirit offerings will include:

- Ciroc
- Ketel One
- Godiva vodkas
- Tanqueray Ten gin;
- Don Julio
- Jose Cuervo tequilas
- Bulleit
- George Dickel American whisky
- Bushmills Irish whisky
- Crown Royal
- Canadian Whiskey
- Johnnie Walker blended scotches
- Zacapa rum
- and many premium liqueurs.

A multitude of single malt scotches including:
- Caollla 12
- Clynelsih 14
- Cragganmore 12
- Dalwhinnie 15
- Glenkinchie 12
- Lagavulin 16
- Oban 14
- Talisker 18;

AND ALSO Crown Royal, Canadian Whiskey and Johnnie Walker blended scotches; Zacapa rum and many premium liqueurs.

The Luxury Bar wine selection has been carefully hand-chosen for the Delta Sky Clubs. Wines include: Stellina di Notte Pinot Grigio, Chalone Vineyard, Chardonnay, Acacia, Pinot Noir and Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition to the Diageo reserve portfolio, the Delta Sky Clubs will also present the world’s leading Champagnes, Moet and Chandon Imperial and Dom Perignon Brut.

SodexoMAGIC has been hired to provide the management and staff for the new Luxury Bar, as well as oversee the complimentary food program and guest services in 34 Delta Sky Club locations. The Luxury Bar will be managed by a professional bartending staff hand selected for their industry knowledge and customer service skills and, will receive custom mixology training by Diageo.

“SodexoMAGIC will deliver a winning combination of operational expertise and service excellence,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr., Chairman and CEO of SodexoMAGIC, LLC. “Our unsurpassed ability to manage and enhance unique environments will positively impact the Delta Sky Clubs’ customer experience.”

The Luxury Bar will roll out to all domestic Delta Sky Clubs with a full-service bar* by the end of the year, and will mirror Delta’s onboard policy of accepting credit and debit cards.

In the last year, Delta has unveiled nine renovated or new clubs across the Delta system, all featuring the new Delta Sky Club design. The new design includes a fully stocked bar with complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the day; art featuring aerial landscapes of the region; personalized flight assistance; updated restrooms; satellite television and a work zone complete with complementary Wi-Fi, cyber counters with power outlets, desktop computers, wireless printers and additional charging stations. All clubs throughout the system have been touched with specific updates in the last two years.

Details regarding Delta Sky Club memberships, including the new, flexible Delta Sky Club Payment Plan are available online at delta.com/skyclub.

Delta’s Sky Club investments are the latest in the airline’s previously announced plan to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013. In addition to improving Delta Sky Clubs and upgrading its domestic fleet, Delta will offer full flat-bed seats on more than 140 widebody aircraft, feature personal, in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and Economy class customers on all widebody flights, and complete new terminal facilities for international customers at its two largest global gateways — Atlanta and New York-JFK. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. More information is available at delta.com/skyclub.

* The Delta Sky Club at Portland International Airport will not have a Luxury Bar

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. “The Queen of BBQ” Melissa Cookston of Yazoos Delta Q BBQ
2. Out of the Blue 2008 at Louisville Executive Aviation featuring Luxury Cars, Jets, Boats and Woodford Reserve Bourbon
3. William Grant & Sons Win Director’s Award and other medals at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

We’ve already seen a few being sold on eBay under names which make reference to the U.K NCAA 2012 Championship title.

It is a fact that Maker’s Mark has worked closely with University of Kentucky in the past for themed bottles to help raise thousands of dollars for causes like Calipari Family Foundation for Children (CFFC) and also the UK Symphony Orchestra. This is the first limited edition bottling of Maker’s 46 with a unique color wax.

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviewed UK Coach John Calipari two years ago about the John Calipari Maker’s Mark Limited Edition Blue Bottle, we’re including it below for you to watch.

More details to come, as we continue to learn more about the bottling we’ll bring it to you.

Special thanks Duke Brubaker

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Red, White and Blue Triple Pack
2. UK Basketball Coach John Calipari on Maker’s Mark Bottle
3. John Calipari interview about John Calipari Maker’s Mark Limited Edition Bottle

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Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. John Calipari and Patrick Patterson
2. Guy Fieri at Barnstable Brown Gala 2012
3. John Calipari interview about John Calipari Maker’s Mark Limited Edition Bottle

CLICK BELOW TO STREAM THE PODCAST

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Dominique Love, CEO and Co-Founder of the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival. The festival is happening Midtown Atlatna May 10-13, 2012.

Purchase tickets on this link and also learn more.

Dominique Love, CEO and Co-Founder of the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival

Tom Fischer will be making an appearance at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival moderating a pannel on bourbon and American Whiskey called the “Whiskey Round Table panel” on Saturday, May 12 11:45-12:30 featuring Julian Van Winkle of Pappy Van Winkle, Charles Medley of Wathen’s B\ourbon Medley, Corsair Artistan Distillery’s Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, and others! By the way, they’ll all be pouring their whiskey for the attendees!

“With some of my favorite bourbon distillers ever, I’m looking forward to delicious discussion on the past, present and future of bourbon and American whiskey,” says Tom. “We brought BourbonBlog.com to the festival last year and for this second annual Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, we’re ready for a culinary and spirited exploration of the South!”

Dominique tells us is the only festival dedicated to America’s Southern food, wine and spirits all in one place!

BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer with Julian Van Winkle (far left) and son Preston Van Winkle (far right) during the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival 2011

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival this week!
2. Prohibition in Atlanta, Georgia
3. Availability of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Van Winkle Whiskey Collection

Guy Fieri enjoys dining and meeting customers at Lynn's Paradise Cafe the day after Kentucky Derby 139

BourbonBlog.com had quite a treat when Ashton Kutcher, Guy Fieri and Paul Shaffer all dined at Lynn’s Paradise Cafe the day after Kentucky Derby 138 ( Sunday, May 6, 2012).

It is one of our favorite stops in Louisville, we were glad to see them all making it one of their favorite new stops as well during Lynn’s famous “Frenzy at the Finish” celebration held ever year on the Sunday after Kentucky Derby.

Paul Shaffer poses at Lynn's Paradise Cafe after having some lunch the day after Kentucky Derby 139

Lynn's Paradise Cafe in Louisville, Kentucky

Celebrity Photos by Banks-Christensen Photography

No related posts.

I'll Have Another wins Kentucky Derby 138 ridden by Jockey by Mario Gutierrez

BourbonBlog.com at Kentucky Derby 138 bringing you our betting strategy for a win, the Run for the Roses from the best view, video of the race, Derby fashion, and an interview with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear.

Like the song ”Pour Me Another” in the video? Download it for FREE when you  subscribe to our mailing list here

BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer responds to his win, collecting his earnings at a Churchill Downs wagering window

Jockey Mario Gutierrez responds to his win Kentucky Derby 138

Filmed by Aaron Mikel and Produced by Mike Manning. 

Music by   Chad Harvey.

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. Kentucky Derby Museum offers exclusive Four Roses Bourbon Limited Edition bottle for Kentucky Derby 138, 2012
2. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottle for the Kentucky Derby 138, 2012 by Michael Schwab
3. I’ll Have Another wins Kentucky Derby 138

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer interviews Guy Fieri on the red carpet at Barnstable Brown Gala 2012. Guy continues to make visits to both Kentucky Derby and BourbonBlog.com. He is joined on the red carpet by football star Marcel Reece, fullback for the Oakland Raiders.

Guy gives us an update on where he is headed next on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Guy gives a plug to Sammy Hagar’s new Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum as one of his favorite new

Always a pleasure to interview this fellow bourbon lover!

The Barnstable Brown Gala benefits the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center.

Filmed by Aaron Mikel. 

Guy Fieri signs a limited edition 6 Liter Moet & Chandon Imperial bottle for the brand's philanthropic initiative "Sign for the Roses" on the red carpet at the 138th Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joey Foley/Getty Images for Moet)

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. Barnstable Brown Gala 2011
2. The Barnstable Brown Gala 2010 Photos, Pre-Derby Eve on Red Carpet
3. Barnstable Brown Gala Video Episode

I'll Have Another, #19 with Jockey Mario Gutierrez wins Kentucky Derby 138

I’ll Have Another wins Kentucky Derby 138 and BourbonBlog.com’s own Tom Fischer predicted the win as he was interviewed by Post Parade with The Filly & The Clocker Hosted by Molly Jo Rosen & Bruno DeJulio (interview linked below, listen for Tom about 28 minutes in).

Winning by just 1 1/2 lengths – one of the deepest fields in years – you might wonder what led to such a prediction? The subtle hint of having another bourbon along with a favorite whiskey song by artist Chad Harvey, “Pour Me Another” featured on Bourbon Documentary and available for a free download when you  subscribe to our mailing list here and watch it below.

So will I’ll Have Another go to the Preakness Stakes?

While Trainer Doug O’Neill had originally planned to keep I’ll Have Another at Churchhill Downs, he has now decided to ship him to Pimlico tomorrow to begin preparing  for the 137th Preakness Stakes being run on May 19 at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland.

(LISTEN TO PODCAST PREDICTION BELOW)

A record crowd of 165,307 at Churchill Downs watched I’ll Have Another pass one of the favored Bodemeister in the final seconds of the race.

Winner's Circle Kentucky Derby 138 with Jockey Mario Gutierrez, Trainer Doug O'Neill and Owner J. Paul Reddam celebrating the win of I'll Have Another

Bodemeister just held the late run of Dullahan to take second with Went the Day Well completing the top four under the wire. Creative Cause came in fifth followed by Liaison, Union Rags, Rousing Sermon, Hansen, Daddy Nose Best, Optimizer, Alpha, El Padrino, Sabercat, Gemologist, Trinniberg, Prospective, Take Charge Indy and Daddy Long Legs.

I’ll Have Another was the ninth favorite in the race. He went off at $15.30 to the dollar, paying $32.60, $13.80 and $9. The $2 exacta with Bodemeister paid $306.60.

BourbonBlog.com's Tom Fischer with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and his wife First Lady Jane Klingner Beshear

Horse photo atop courtesty Reuters, all other photos by Aaron Mikel.

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. Kentucky Derby Museum offers exclusive Four Roses Bourbon Limited Edition bottle for Kentucky Derby 138, 2012
2. Kentucky Derby 138
3. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottle for the Kentucky Derby 138, 2012 by Michael Schwab

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer in the video segment above (filmed and edited by Dan Brown) for the ninth annual Four Roses Julep Contest held at the Kentucky Derby Museum to celebrate Urban Bourbon Exhibit sponsored by Four Roses Bourbon

Bartender Kyle Tabler of Louisville’s Village Anchor restaurant claimed the 2012 “Rose Julep” title identifying the mixologist creating the city’s best and most unique mint julep. A panel of food and beverage elite judged the competition based on taste, presentation and originality.

Emily Hornback of Limestone came in second place and Gary Gruver of  Martini Italian Bistro placed in third. See all winning Rose Julep recipes below.

Honey Suckle Rose Recipe

1st place winning Four Roses Julep Recipe 2012 by  Champion Kyle Tabler of Village Anchor, Louisville

Ingredients:

2. oz Four Roses Singel Barrel Bourbon
.5 oz St. German liqueur St. Germain Liqueur
Rose Water
Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice
1.5 oz Honey Suckle Syrup*
1.0 oz Lavender Syrup**

Instructions:

- Take a mint julep cup or glas and rinse with rose water. Coat and discard rosewater, with will bring
- Add shaved
- Add .5 St. germain Liqueur atop ice

In shaking tin:

- Add 2 oz. Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel Four Roses
- Add 1.5 oz – honey
- Add 1.0 oz lavender

Into Mint Julep Cup:

- Strain and serve
- Garnish with mint leaves

According to Kyle, “The purpose of creating is that the mint will overwhelm the lavender. Keeping them separate until the end and you’ll get the essence of both.”

Lavender Syrup**, yields 1 Quart

"Rose Julep Champion" Kyle Tabler of Louisville's Village Anchor explaining his Rose Julep Recipe to the judges

Instructions:

1. Make a simple syrup with 3 to 1 water, 1.5 cups sugar and 4 cups sugar
2. Find lavender booms at Whole Foods or other nature store and use 1/2 cup for a quart size syrup
3. He made with sugar, cup and half of sugar, then went to whole foods and bought lavender blooms

Honey Suckle Mint Bourbon Syrup*, yields 1 Quart

Instructions:

1. Use honey suckle nectar with. Squeezing 100 suckles becomes necessary for about a pint.
2. Add Kentucky grown honey, finish off with about a pint
3. Gather 100 honey suckles and squeeze nectar into jar.
4. Bring the two to a boil and add mints, 40-50 leaves or so. Allowt this it melts honey into a thinner mix to add to the Julep.
5. Let sit

Green Grass Mint Julep Recipe

third place Four Roses Julep Recipe 2012 by Gary Gruver, Martini Italian Bistro, Louisville

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée Mint Julep

by Emily Hornback, Limestone, Louisville Kentucky – 2nd place winner of 9th Annual Four Roses Julep Contest, 2012 

1.5 oz. Four Roses Single Barrel
.5 oz. Vanilla bean and brown sugar syrup (homemade)*
4 fresh sweet mint leaves muddled

In a Mint Julep Cup:

- Pour over cinnamon shaved ice

- Garnish with freshly smacked sweet mint and a sprinkle of powdered sugar

Vanilla bean and brown sugar syrup (homemade)*

——-

Competing restaurants / bars with mixolgists included:

• Asiatique- Jason Burns
• Avalon – Ryan Cohee
• Bourbons Bistro – Tina Hardison
• Lilly’s- Brad Jennings
• Limestone- Emily Hornback
• Martini’s Italian Bistro- Gary Gruver
• Meat – Jared Schubert
• O’Shea’s- Danielle Greeson
• Silver Dollar – Adam Brietenstein
• Varanese- Rory McCollister
• The Village Anchor- Kyle Tabler

Bartenders/Mixolgists from Louisville who competed in the Four Roses Julep Contest 2012

Special thanks:

Four Roses Bourbon, Karen Kushner, Dan Gardner, Patty Holland, Jim Rutledge, Kentucky Derby Museum, Wendy Treinen, Nick Clark, Todd Fischer, Dan Brown, and Ashley Cambron

Video Credits:

Filmed and edited by Dan Brown also special thanks to Todd Fischer and Ashley Cambron

Like this article? Here are some other articles of interest:

1. Four Roses Rose Juelp Contest at Sully’s on Fourth Street Live! Louisville, Kentucky
2. Four Roses Rose Julep Contest 2012, Louisville
3. Woodford Reserve $1,000 and $2,000 Mint Juleps at Kentucky Derby 138