2015 OFBB Label Approved

Today we received a reminder that fall bourbon releases will be here before we know it. Old Forester received approval for their annual Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Release. If you remember, the 2014 OFBB included an increased price tag. My guess is the 2015 OFBB release will be closer to the $60 mark. While on taste alone Birthday Bourbon isn’t one of my favorites, I do love how they change the label colors every year. It gives collectors something to get excited about. read more

Wild Turkey by Mash Bill

This is the final major distillery of the Bourbonr mash bill breakdowns. Wild Turkey mash bills are simple. One bourbon (75/13/12 corn/rye/barley) and one rye (37/51/12 corn/rye/barley) with most likely the same yeast strand for each. What’s interesting is how they’re able to produce different flavor profiles with age and warehouse location as their only variables. I’ve also heard that Wild Turkey takes wider cuts during the distillation process which increases the spiciness of their whiskey. read more

Buffalo Trace to Release 17 y/o EH Taylor

If you remember back in the summer Buffalo Trace received label approval for EH Taylor Cured Oak and Seasoned Wood. I asked brand manager Kris Comstock about these releases but only received a “just wait” response. It seems official now that BT is moving forward with the release. Several distributors have already received their shipments so I’d be on the lookout or at least start asking your local store. This has just made the spring bourbon hunt more interesting! read more

Blade and Bow 22 Year Old Bourbon Announced

Just one week after receiving approval for a non-age stated Blade and Bow bourbon Diageo clears a 22 year old Blade and Bow label. This bourbon is 92 proof and is also bottled by “Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co.” This is not to be confused with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. The Stizel-Weller Distillery was shut down in 1991 which would make any bourbon produced there 24(ish) years old. Diageo could have been holding the bourbon in steel tanks since Blade and Bow is only 22 years old but I highly doubt that is the case. read more

Mash Bill Breakdown of Brown-Forman

This is the fifth installment of mash bill breakdowns on Bourbonr and is slightly different than the others. In the past I’ve focused on each distillery. However, I’ve decided to include the entire Brown-Forman portfolio on this one since it makes it more interesting. You’ll notice I’ve included all american whiskey (sorry, Canadian Mist fans) produced by Brown-Forman. Yes, Old Forester and Jack Daniels are basically cousins. read more

Diageo Announces Blade and Bow

Just last week I posted “In Defense of Orphan Barrel” which talked about ignoring the marketing and just focusing on the taste of the Orphan Barrel bourbons. Diageo is making it hard. Blade and Bow could have the same problem. Apparently, Diageo didn’t lose the Blade and Bow barrels in the Stitzel-Weller warehouses but they did bottle them there. Diageo has been renovating the Stitzel-Weller Distillery but had positioned it as the Bulleit Experience. The new bottling facility must have been part of the remodel. read more

Woodford to Celebrate 30 Years of Kentucky Derby Museum

Woodford Reserve just received approval for a label commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby Museum. It appears to be the regular Woodford Reserve bourbon in a limited edition bottle. This seems like a great way to celebrate two of the most iconic things in Kentucky.

Since I’m celebrating my own 30th this year I’ll definitely grab a bottle. read more

Orphan Barrel Bottles Reviewed

Before you grab your pitch forks, let me explain. I understand, for some bourbon enthusiast defending Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Project is like rooting for Ivan Drago in Rocky 4 or wearing an Iceland jersey in Mighty Ducks 2. Forget the marketing. I want to focus on the taste in the Oprhan barrel line up. Yes, I do believe there are several good – great bourbons in the Orphan barrel line. read more