B&M Digest, Volume I, Issue 13
In this edition, we’ve got exciting releases and collaborations that are sure to spice up your whiskey and mead collection. From the latest creations of renowned meaderies and distilleries to bold new ventures in the whiskey world, we’ll keep you up-to-date on the tastiest pours coming your way. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey, sit back, sip something good, and enjoy the latest news in bourbon, mead, and more!
Booker’s Bourbon Introduces First New Release in Five Years: “The Reserves”
Jim Beam’s Booker’s Bourbon has just unveiled a new limited-edition expression called “The Reserves,” marking its first extension since 2019. Crafted by eighth-generation distiller Freddie Noe in honor of his grandfather, Booker Noe, this annual release will feature a blend of bourbons aged between 8 and 14 years. Known for its bold barrel-proof style, Booker’s fans can expect the same uncut, unfiltered whiskey, bottled at 125.9 proof. Official tasting notes highlight dried fruit, brown sugar, vanilla, and oak with a lingering baking spice finish. The Reserves will be available at a SRP $130 per bottle but we know how that often goes.
Angel's Envy Founder Unveils Plans for a $92.5 Million Distillery in Woodford County
Wes Henderson, co-founder of Angel's Envy, is launching an ambitious new project with his company, Saga Spirits Group. The new distillery, set to break ground this fall in Woodford County, Kentucky, is part of a $92.5 million development featuring a distillery, interactive visitor center, tasting room, restaurant, lodging, and event space. Located near the Kentucky Castle, which Saga Spirits acquired last year, this venture is designed to elevate the bourbon tourism experience along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The distillery will focus on producing spirits under the name "True Story," promising to redefine the industry with a mix of tradition and innovation.
Ezra Brooks 99 Expands with New 1-Liter Bottle Option
Ezra Brooks 99 has added a 1-liter bottle to its lineup, joining the existing 750mL and 1.75L options. Launched in 2021, Ezra Brooks 99 is a 99-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a rye-heavy mash bill, delivering a bold, spicy flavor enhanced by charcoal filtering for a smooth finish. Priced at $29.99, the new 1-liter bottle reflects the brand's growing popularity, driven by high praise and awards in major 2024 spirits competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Produced by Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, the expanded lineup aims to meet consumer demand for this award-winning bourbon.
Marlene Holmes Named WOW Master Distiller of the Year
Marlene Holmes of Milam & Greene Whiskey has been honored as the “Master Distiller of the Year” at the 2024 Women of Whiskey (WOW) Awards. With over 30 years of whiskey-making expertise, Holmes began her career at Jim Beam under the legendary Booker Noe, producing more than 1,400 barrels a day. Since joining Milam & Greene in 2018, she has led the company’s growth, expanding production both in Texas and through partnerships in Kentucky. Her recognition follows Milam & Greene CEO Heather Greene’s 2023 WOW award, showcasing the team's industry leadership.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Launches Silver Oak Finish and Discovery 12 for Bourbon Heritage Month
In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, Bardstown Bourbon Co. unveiled two new releases on September 6: the Silver Oak Finish and the 12th edition of the Discovery Series. The Silver Oak Finish blends six bourbons aged 9 to 15 years, finished in Silver Oak Cabernet barrels for 17 months, yielding a rich profile of ripe fruit, caramel, and roasted nuts. Priced at $159.99 and bottled at 108 proof, it reflects a collaboration with the renowned Silver Oak winery.
The Discovery 12, retailing at $139.99, features a blend of four whiskies, including a 6-year-old Bardstown Bourbon, and offers notes of baked cherry, toasted oak, vanilla cream, and hazelnut. At 115.2 proof, it showcases Bardstown’s blending artistry with a mix of old and new whiskies. Both releases highlight Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s commitment to innovation and quality.
Watershed Distillery Unveils Fall Finishing Series with Ruby Port Cask-Finished Bourbon
Watershed Distillery is launching the first of its 2024 Fall Finishing Series, featuring a unique bourbon finished in ruby port casks. This release marks the distillery's debut use of port casks, sourced from Pedroncelli Winery and aged since 1997. The bourbon, finished in both American and French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Vernou and Canton Cooperage, boasts a garnet color and rich flavors of sweet plums, mulling spices, and dark cherry. The finish highlights caramel notes and subtle red wine tannins, offering a warm and cozy experience perfect for autumn.
Middle West Spirits Announces Cask Strength Whiskey Series and New Calvados Finish
Middle West Spirits is expanding its portfolio with the permanent addition of the Cask Strength Whiskey Series, featuring three expressions: a Four Grain Bourbon, Wheat Whiskey, and Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey, all bottled at cask strength with proofs between 122.2 and 125.3. These will be available for reservation at the Middle West Spirits Bottle Shop starting September 14 and will hit national shelves on October 1.
Additionally, the distillery is introducing the Napoleon Calvados Cask-Finished Whiskey, a blend of Wheat and Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskeys finished in Calvados casks. This 5-year-aged whiskey presents aromas of smoked oak and baked apple, and flavors of apple pie and pear custard with a dry, spicy finish. It is bottled at 123.8 proof and will also be available for reservation on September 14, with a national release on October 1. All reservations can be picked up from the Bottle Shop between September 14 and 20.
Mr. B's Meadery to Open New Location in White Center
Seattle’s Mr. B's Meadery is expanding with a new location in White Center, set to open between November 2024 and January 2025. Owner Brandon Eller, a White Center native, is thrilled to bring his successful meadery to his hometown. The new spot will transform the former Center Tool Rental building at 9444 Delridge Way SW into a mead lover's haven. The space will feature an enchanted forest-themed main area and a smaller "Tool Crib" tasting room with a post-apocalyptic vibe. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of meads by the glass, in flights, or to-go. With a family-friendly environment and a rotating selection of over 18 mead flavors, including unique options like "Dragon's Breath" and "Queen's Diamond," Mr. B's is set to be a distinctive addition to the local scene.
SirDavis American Whisky Now Available Nationwide
SirDavis American Whisky, a new venture from Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy, has officially launched and is available for purchase online and in select stores across the U.S. This premium whisky, featuring a blend of 51% rye and 49% malted barley, is finished in sherry casks, giving it a unique profile reminiscent of both Japanese and Scotch whiskies. The striking bottle design pays homage to Knowles-Carter's great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, and combines Art Deco elements with modern luxury. SirDavis is available for purchase at leading retailers and DFS stores in major U.S. airports.
Lost Cause Meadery Drops New Releases This Friday
Get ready for a treat from Lost Cause Meadery as they unveil two exciting meads this Friday, September 6. Available for pick-up only initially, the meads will be up for online orders starting at 8am PT.
Peel of Fortune (12% ABV, $34) is a decadent banana-date mead with hazelnuts, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla, and candy cap mushrooms. Think of it as liquid French toast with Bananas Foster and maple syrup. Its sweet profile promises a rich, breakfast-dessert-like experience with intense maple syrup notes.
Lying in Bedlam (12% ABV, $34) is a tart cherry mead enhanced with miombo blossom honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. This returning favorite features a complex profile with cherry pie notes, hints of tobacco, caramel, fall spices, and dark chocolate, thanks to its use of intense African honey.
Both meads will be available for in-person purchase at the Bay Park location starting at 4pm PT, where you can also enjoy pours and growler fills.
Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey Bottled in Bond Release
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is set to release their Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whiskey on October 4th at the Distillery Mercantile for $49.99. This special edition is crafted following the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, recreating the original recipe from 1860. It’s made with corn, wheat, and malted barley, then mellowed through sugar maple charcoal. Aged for six years, it boasts a robust flavor profile with notes of caramel, cornbread, and allspice on the nose, cracked black pepper and molasses on the palate, and a finish of sweet tobacco, honey, and black tea. This whiskey embodies both tradition and quality.
D&D Partners with New Holland Brewing for Limited-Edition Stout and Whiskey
In celebration of Dungeons & Dragons' 50th anniversary, Wizards of the Coast has teamed up with New Holland Brewing Co. to expand their Dragon's Milk line with new limited-edition offerings. The collaboration will introduce the D20 Brew Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and the Origin Mead Cask Bourbon Whiskey, set to release in November 2024. A pre-sale for themed merchandise, including glassware and wearables, kicks off on September 6, 2024. Fans can find these exclusive products online and at select retailers, with special items available at New Holland Brewing Co.'s retail locations and dragonsmilk.com/dnd.
Dierks Bentley Launches ROW 94 Whiskey
Country star Dierks Bentley is debuting his first whiskey, ROW 94, crafted at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, KY. Launching this September, ROW 94 is a 94-proof bourbon made with 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged for four years in new White Oak barrels. Bentley aimed to create a bourbon that's both high-quality and approachable, with flavor notes of vanilla, toffee, green apple, honey, and tobacco. Named after the year he moved to Nashville, ROW 94 reflects Bentley's personal journey and connection to country music. The whiskey will initially be available in select states, with nationwide availability at ROW94whiskey.com.
Grand Homes That Bourbon Built [Kentucky Monthly]
Taste Test: This Award-Winning New Bourbon Actually Lives Up to Its Hype [Robb Report]
Meet The 3 Friends From Philly Behind Diggs Boys Bourbon [NBC10 Philadelphia]
Bourbon Isn’t Only For Drinking — Try It In These Barbecue Recipes As Well [The Manual]
Looking For A New Bourbon? 5 New Releases (Including Birthday Bourbon!) To Try This Month [Courier Journal]
12 Bourbon Alternatives To Pappy Van Winkle, According To A Bartender [TastingTable]
Is Faster Whiskey Aging Possible? These Distillers Think Wood Chips Are the Answer [VinePair]
Get Ready To Sip, Savor, And Celebrate: Bourbon & Belonging Takes Over Louisville! [OUT]
The Best New Whiskeys to Drink This September [InsideHook]
10 Kentucky Bourbons to Try Before You Die [Bottle Raiders]
Barrel Char Levels: Their Impact on The Taste of Bourbon [Intelligent Living]
We hope you enjoyed diving into the latest mead and whiskey news with us. From exclusive bottle releases to exciting collaborations, there’s always something new to discover in this world of bold flavors and rich traditions. Until next time, keep exploring, tasting, and sharing your passion with fellow enthusiasts. Cheers!
