BUFFALO TRACE USES INFRARED LIGHT WAVES ON LATEST EXPERIMENTAL RELEASE

Buffalo Trace Distillery has revealed that it has engaged in an unconventional way of using infrared light waves for its first Experimental Collection release of 2016.

To help learn how new and different flavours can be drawn from oak, in 2009 Buffalo Trace teamed up with barrel coopers Independent Stave Company.

Buffalo Trace use infrared light waves on latest Experimental Collection release
 

Eight special barrels were constructed, all of which initially underwent the same process as standard Buffalo Trace barrels. The staves were open air seasoned for six months before being made into barrels.

The barrels were then divided into two groups and subjected to two different levels of infrared light waves. The first group of four barrels underwent 15 minutes of both short wave and medium wave frequency at 70% power. The second group of four barrels was subjected to 30 minutes of both short wave and medium wave frequency at 60% power.

The barrels were then given a quick char, before finally being filled with Buffalo Trace’s Bourbon Mash #1. After six and a half years of aging, the bourbon from both barrels expressed distinct flavour notes of wood, caramel, and vanilla, as well as pepper flavours drawn from the oak.

Another observation from the experiment was the short wave infrared light seemed to affect more of the inner layers of the wood, while the medium wave infrared light affected the surface and medium layers.

Tasting notes for each describe the 15 minute infrared light barrels as having a floral nose followed by a complex flavour profile. Oak and tannins mingle with dry raisins and sweet caramel. The 30 minute infrared light barrels are described as strong wood notes complemented by a taste of dried fruit. A lingering finish leaves a hint of cracked black pepper.  

These barrels are part of more than 5,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Some early experiments focused on aging whiskey in used wine barrels, giving the bourbons chardonnay or zinfandel finishes. There have also been experiments using non-traditional grains, (rice and oats), various fill proofs, barrels made from woods around the world.

In order to further increase the scope, flexibility, and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection (45% ABV) is packaged with six bottles from each infrared light experiment (RRP $45.35 per bottle) and will be available from specialist retailers in the US later this month.

Posted by Steve Rush

SCOTTISH DISTILLERS SIGN £300K SUPPLY DEAL WITH ASDA

UK supermarket chain Asda, has today announced that it’s signed contracts with three Scottish sprits producers including Scotch whisky distiller Tullibardine, to supply its stores in Scotland.

As the market for high-quality spirits with provenance grows, Tullibardine, Edinburgh Gin, and Valt Vodka, have announce they'll be launching three new products with Asda, in contracts worth over £300,000.

Scottish distillers sign £300K supply deal with Asda

Tullibardine has secured an exclusive deal with the UK supermarket chain to launch their new sherry finished Highland single malt, which will be available in 50 of the company’s stores across the country. The new deal comes off the back of a major investment in the Perthshire distillery to introduce a new warehouse, bottling plant and visitors centre.

Commenting on the news, Heather Turnbull, Regional Buyer for Asda Scotland, said: “With sales of gin predicted to reach over £1bn by the end of 2016 and the whisky and vodka sectors continuing to perform well, it’s clear that consumers’ taste palates are becoming increasingly sophisticated. By launching equally sophisticated spirits such as Tullibardine, Valt and Edinburgh Gin in Asda stores across Scotland, it will now mean that more consumers than ever before can enjoy a truly Scottish drinking experience.”

The new follows on from Asda’s recent craft beer deal with 13 brewers worth £800,000, which will now allow the company to offer its consumers its biggest ever range of home-grown Scottish alcohol offerings.

Posted by Steve Rush

TEELING LAUNCHES NEW SINGLE CASK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AVIATORS WHISKEY SOCIETY

The Teeling Whiskey Company, in partnership with The Aviators Whiskey Society and Dublin Airport, has announced the launch of a single cask bottling to celebrate the first year of The Aviators Whiskey Society.

Teeling Whiskey - The Aviators Single Cask (57.9% ABV) is a 12 Year Old single malt that was originally matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in ex-Californian cabernet sauvignon casks.

Teeling launches new single cask bottling in partnership
with The Aviators Whisky Society at Dublin Airport

Limited to just 306 bottles, the single cask bottling was hand selected by members of The Aviators Whiskey Society, which was set up by retail staff in Dublin Airport to celebrate and promote whiskey. The tasting event was held at the Teeling Distillery, hosted by company Founder and Managing Director Jack Teeling.

The society members were treated to an array of single cask samples that were all reviewed in a blind taste test. By the end of the evening the 50+ members had declared the Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Single Cask the single malt of choice.

Commenting on the launch, John Byrne, Buyer ARI Ireland for Alcohol & Tobacco, said: “We are delighted to add this very special edition to The Irish Whiskey Collection. The Aviators Whiskey Society was set up by retail staff in Dublin Airport to celebrate, promote and above all, enjoy Whiskey! They’ve now taken it one step further by creating their own whiskey with our partners in Teeling Whiskey. Their gesture in allowing the Aviators Society the opportunity to develop an exclusive line of whiskey, speaks volumes for our close working relationship. ”

He went on to say: “We are delighted to have the society’s name attached to such a premium whiskey which will sit proudly on shelf alongside an already diverse and truly market leading collection. I can’t think of anything better to express the real “spirit” of the Aviator’s Society. Who says you can’t bottle positivity!”

Teeling Whiskey - The Aviators Single Cask, is available exclusively through The Irish Whiskey Collection at The Loop, Dublin Airport for €85.00.

Posted by Steve Rush