Bourbon and Mead has undergone a few modifications in response to the struggles with my physical and mental health. The previous sections, Latest Buzz and Bourbon Barrel Blurbs, have been replaced by a new feature called the B&M Digest. This adjustment is part of an effort to manage my health challenges effectively. The B&M Digest will now be published biweekly, reflecting a change in the publication's frequency. The modifications aim to accommodate my health battle while still providing content to readers. So, without further delay, here is the premiere edition of B&M Digest.
New Bourbon Distillery Opens In Kentucky
A new distillery, Garrard County Distilling Co., has opened near Lancaster, Kentucky, making it the largest all-new independent distillery in the state. With two 45-foot by 36-inch Vendome column stills, the distillery aims to maximize production capacity from the beginning, filling up to 150,000 barrels a year. Owned by Staghorn, the $250 million project pays homage to Prohibition, with ties to anti-alcohol crusader Carrie Nation, born in Garrard County. The distillery, the first commercial one in the county since the 1800s, plans to join the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and has already begun producing its All Nations Whiskey bourbon and rye, available in markets in Georgia and Kentucky. The project includes a visitor center, tasting room, and restaurant, contributing to Kentucky's status as the bourbon capital of the world. The distillery is expected to create around 60 jobs and use grain sourced within 50 miles. Staghorn also plans to offer contract distilling for other small labels and introduce new bourbon and whiskey brands, including high-rye, wheated, and single-malt varieties. The full article can be found HERE.
Manhattan’s Only Whiskey Distillery Is Bringing Some Serious Smoke
Great Jones Distilling Co., located in Manhattan, New York City, has released a unique Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon, putting a smoky twist on the American classic. Owned by Proximo Spirits, the distillery opened in 2021 and operates on a small scale, overseen by head distiller Celina Perez. Although the whiskey is currently produced upstate at Black Dirt Distillery (acquired by Proximo in 2018), the Manhattan-made product is expected to reach consumers eventually. The Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon, a distillery-exclusive release, features a seven-year-old bourbon base made from a mashbill of corn, rye, wheat, and barley grown in New York State. It was finished for two years in barrels previously used for aging peated whisky, resulting in a 96-proof spirit with a unique smokiness reminiscent of savory mesquite barbecue notes. The bourbon also presents classic elements such as oak, tobacco, vanilla, caramel, blackberry, maple, and brown sugar. Available exclusively at the distillery for $150, the Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon comes in special gift boxes, offering a distinctive experience for whiskey enthusiasts. For those unable to visit the distillery, other Great Jones expressions can be purchased online from retailers like Total Wine. For the full article, click HERE.
Middle West Spirits Completes Distillery Expansion
Middle West Spirits, an independent producer based in Ohio, has completed the construction of a new distillery in Columbus, Ohio, significantly increasing its production capacity. The expansion includes a 75,000-square-foot distillery, along with grain processing and bottling facilities. This new facility supplements the capacity of Middle West Spirits' original distillery in the Short North district. The expansion has not only provided economic benefits to the east side of Columbus by reusing and improving land and structures but has also tripled the employee base. Middle West Spirits, founded in 2005 by Ryan Lang, who serves as the head distiller and CEO, has a multi-generational background in distilling and agriculture. With over 15 years of experience, the distillery has produced 15 branded products, including Middle West Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whisky, the Double Cask Whiskey collection, Oyo vodkas, Vim & Petal, and Lux & Umbra gins. Additionally, Middle West Spirits has collaborated with various companies, such as Horse Soldier and Old Line Spirits, to develop new products. The expansion aims to continue supporting fellow distillers and fostering innovation in whiskey-making. For more information, visit: https://middlewestspirits.com/.
Fulfilling A Dream, Fair Play Distillers Opens In Pennsylvania
Two brothers, Drew and Damon Lomison, have fulfilled their dream with the opening of Fair Play Distillers, Williamsport's first small-batch craft distillery. Since December 2023, the distillery has been producing high-end spirits like vodka, rum, and whiskey, offering unique flavors. Located in Loyalsock Township, the tasting room provides a TV-free and gambling-free space for customers to enjoy cocktails. Fair Play Distillers collaborates with state and local businesses, using Pennsylvania-sourced ingredients in the distillation process and aging spirits in oak barrels. The brothers plan to sell their products to local establishments and have received substantial community support. Business is thriving, and a ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for January 19. The distillery looks forward to expanding with an outdoor seating area in warmer weather.
Chattanooga Whiskey Releases Batch XXXV
Chattanooga Whiskey, known for its award-winning whiskeys, has released a new expression, Batch 035: Centenary Cask, as part of its Experimental Single Batch Series. The whiskey gets its name from being matured in a rare, 100-year-old Oloroso sherry puncheon and aged in 100-gallon batches using the solera style. Blended from the brand's signature "Barrel 91" recipe and a malted barley and rye recipe, the Centenary Cask offers a complex flavor profile with hints of Christmas fruit cake, dried cherries, herbal tea, pipe tobacco, vanilla, and a sweet Oloroso sherry finish. Limited to about 3-4 barrels, each barrel is carefully chosen for harmony and complexity. The 100-proof whiskey is available for purchase at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for $69.99. Online retailer Seelbachs.com is also offering it in select states.
Other Bourbon and Mead News
Ethiopian Honey Wine Gets the Royal Treatment at Negus Winery and Meadery in Alexandria
Zymarium Meadery Sees Success As Orlando’s Only Mead Taproom
Thanks for following!
Thanks for the great bourbon updates! Good for you taking your health into consideration! Take care!