Bourbon’s Third Wave

Blakein
Posts
6
There’s a new wave of bourbon hitting the scene. Since the repeal of prohibition, a few familiar names dominate the bourbon market. Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Brown-Forman, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark distill 99%+ of bourbon on the market. Small and craft distillers started to pop up across the US. around 2008. In 2008 there were 26 new distillers. In 2017, there were 274 new distilleries. As of 2018, we have around 1,589.   That is a lot of new distilleries but the issue is production capacity. I.e. how much bourbon/whiskey are they making? The entire production capacity of new 2017 distilleries is most likely less than one month of production at a big distillery. There was no real competition from a production standpoint. They’re a drop in the “barrel” compared to the big seven distillers. That was until a few years ago. A new trend has started to develop. We’ve started to see some new faces in the distilling world that can compete on production. Here is a list of new distilleries with sizeable production capacities. A lot of these numbers are estimates. But, I’ve tried to link to sources where I can. Also of note, not every distillery is running at full capacity. That goes for the big guys as well.

New Distiller’s

  Bardstown Bourbon Company – 120,000 barrels. 7,000,000 proof gallons. Two 50-foot tall, custom-made, 36-inch stainless steel Vendome Copper & Brass Works still New Riff – 8,000 barrels   O.Z. Tyler – 72,000 barrels   Wilderness Trail – 36,000 barrels   Lux Row – 20,000 barrels (could move to 50,000 in the near future). 1,700,000 proof gallons   Rabbit Hole – 20,000 barrels   Castle & Key – 18,000 barrels and expected to grow to 45,000 in 2019   Michter’s – 16,500 barrels. 1,000,000 proof gallons. With an additional expansion for aging (sourced barrels)   Smooth Ambler – 3,000 barrels (per John Little). Vendome 36 ft Continuous Column still    

Big Guys: read more

2018 Bourbonr Whiskey Of The Year

Blakein
Posts
23

The 2018 Bourbonr Whiskey of the Year vote is in! For the past few years, Bourbonr has crowdsourced the Whiskey of the Year selection. I’ll still add my favorite whiskey but this is about the whiskey you loved. Plus, I disagree with most books/sites for “Whiskey of the Year”.

George T Stagg is the 2018 Bourbonr Whiskey Of The Year! This marks three years in a row William LaRue Weller is in the Top 3. The Buffalo Trace Antique collection and Four Roses continue to dominate the top 3. But, it’s hard to argue when they continue to pump out great bourbon. read more

EH Taylor Amaranth Announced

Blakein
Posts
6

This morning Buffalo Trace received TTB approval for a new E.H. Taylor extension. The next release will be E.H. Taylor Amaranth “Grain of the Gods” Bottled-In-Bond. I still can’t figure out why the E.H. Taylor brand continues to be the carrier for these experimental whiskeys. As I’ve mentioned before, isn’t that what the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection (BTEC) is for? I don’t have a problem with these releases. However, I enjoyed being able to try them in a 375ml under the BTEC brand. read more

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye Is Back

Blakein
Posts
14

That’s right, “Pappy Rye” is back! After a one year hiatus, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye Whiskey (VWFRR) has rejoined the family. All prior year releases of VWFRR were bottled from tanked older rye. The label said 13-year but what was in the bottle was closer to 18 or 19-years-old. It was a blend of rye whiskey distilled at Charles Medley and Cream of Kentucky. read more

2018 Pappy Van Winkle Release Map

Blakein
Posts
251

Please Read: Each state is highlighted when one bottle is reported in that state. There’s a good chance that means that store, and a lot of times that city, is already sold out. This map isn’t an official release tracker from Buffalo Trace. This is a network of bourbon drinkers looking to help each other. Stores are dealing with smaller allocations and greatly increased demand. Please be understanding of this fact. Happy Hunting! read more

How To Host A Blind Bourbon Tasting

Blakein
Posts
3

I’m a huge fan of blind tasting. I’ve written about blind tasting and hosted quite a few of my own. After every blind tasting, I get two questions. “How can I join the next blind tasting?” And, “how can I host my own blind tasting?” This post aimed at the latter.

Selecting the Tasters

Your first step to planning a blind tasting is to figure out who will be tasting. This drives a lot of other decisions. If you plan an in-person tasting you need to figure out glassware. It’s important that each taster uses the same glasses for all their whiskey. You can have one tasting using Glencairn while another uses neat glasses. Make sure there is no mismatching. The glass affects a tasters perception of the whiskey. You want as much consistency as possible. read more

Bourbon and Borrowed History

Blakein
Posts
11

Bourbon is rich with history. Whether legendary names like Jim Beam, Elijah Craig and E.H. Taylor, the history of bourbon runs deep. With the history, brand equity and goodwill are built. In the whiskey business history, legacy, tradition, etc. sells really well. Because of that, marketers use history and stories to sell booze. read more

Bourbon and Beyond This Fall

Blakein
Posts
2

For the second year in a row, Bourbon & Beyond will take place in Lousiville. This year you may recognize some familiar (aside from the famous musicians, chefs, master distillers, etc.). Three members of the Bourbon Community Roundtable will participate in the event. I’m moderating a workshop called “We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Master Distiller“. Brian Haara from Sipp’n Corn and Ryan and Kenny from Bourbon Pursuit will be hosting events as well. read more

Bourbonr Pro Membership

Blakein
Posts

Welcome to open enrollment for the Bourbonr Pro membership. Almost three years ago, I launched Bourbonr Pro as a way to provide additional benefits and support the Bourbonr site. The main focus of the Bourbonr Pro memberships is the Bourbonr barrel picks. Don’t worry. If you choose not to become a “pro” member nothing changes for you. All of the advantages of the Bourbonr Pro membership are in addition to what is already provided on Bourbonr. read more

I Hate Single Barrels

Blakein
Posts
38

Let’s start with a little history. One-off barrels were a thing among distillers for a long time. They bottled these “single” barrels for parties and friends. And, on occasion, in exchange for a favor from a governmental official. It wasn’t until 1984 when Elmer T. Lee came up with the idea for a premium single barrel bourbon. Ancient Age Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) decided to name the brand Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon. It was named after former distillery president Col. Albert B Blanton. Blanton’s single barrel bourbon was one of the first premium bourbon releases. After a few years of sales Blanton’s sales began to pick up. Other distilleries also offering “premium” bourbons. The downward sales trend in the bourbon industry began to slow. read more