WILLIAM GRANT & SONS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW AMERICAN WHISKEY BRAND

William Grant & Sons, has announced the launch of what it describes as “its first from-the-ground-up” American whiskey brand.

Fistful of Bourbon (45% ABV) is a is a 100 percent straight American whiskey, comprised of five straight American bourbons, sourced from across America, which have been aged for at least two years.

Fistful of Bourbon

Fistful of Bourbon, which was blended and created by William Grant & Sons Master Blender Brian Kinsman and William Grant & Sons Whisk(e)y Blender Kelsey McKechnie, is said to deliver green, leafy floral notes, along with soft spices and hints of nutmeg; buttery toffee, cinnamon and liquorice.

Commenting on the launch, Kelsey McKechnie, said: “There’s an art and science to blending — and Fistful is a balance of both, Our creative process combined the art of nosing along with our vision for the whiskey and the science of blending different bourbons to create a unique taste all its own. We’re excited to showcase William Grant & Sons’ long-time blending experience by bringing it to the American whiskey scene.”

William Grant & Sons, made its first foray into the world of American whisk(e)y in 2017, when it bought New York state based Tuthilltown Spirits; the producer of the award-winning Hudson Whiskey brand.

Initially launching in Texas later this month, before rolling out across the US later this year, Fistful of Bourbon will be available from specialist retailers, for a RRP of $24,99.

Posted by Steve Rush

MICHTER'S LAUNCHES ITS FIRST BATCH OF US*1 TOASTED BARREL FINISH BOURBON IN THREE YEARS

Louisville – Kentucky based Michter's Distillery, has today announced that after a gap of three years, it’s releasing another batch of its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon.

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon – 2018 Edition (45.7% ABV) has been produced by aging Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. The second barrel is assembled from 18-month air dried wood and then toasted, but not charred.

Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon – 2018 Edition

Originally launched in 2014 to great aclaim, Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon, has had a three-year hiatus due to whiskey shortages at the Michter's Distillery.

Commenting on the launch, Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter's President, said: "We need to allocate our whiskeys because we just don't have enough to meet demand. Because of the goods situation we debated whether to do this release. In the end we made the decision to make some Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon for our loyal customers who have been clamouring for it."

Commenting on the bourbon, Andrea Wilson, Michter's Master of Maturation, said: "It's remarkable how the character of our US*1 Bourbon can be transformed by some extra time in a barrel skilfully toasted to our particular specifications."

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon – 2018 Edition, will be released next month on a limited basis, to tie in with Bourbon Heritage Month. RRP $60,00 – 750ml.

Posted by Steve Rush

YAMAZAKI 50 YEAR OLD SETS NEW JAPANESE WHISKY AUCTION RECORD

Bonhams auction house in Hong Kong, has announced that a bottle of Yamazaki 50 Year Old, sold at auction on Friday for a record $343,000.

Setting the record for the most expensive bottle of Japanese whisky sold at auction, the Yamazaki 50 Year Old, is the oldest expression ever to be released from the Suntory owned distillery.

Yamazaki 50 Year Old

The Yamazaki 50 Year Old, was matured in casks made from mizunara (Japanese Oak) before being bottled and released in 2005. Only 50 bottles were produced, making it one of the rarest Japanese whiskies ever produced.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s auction, Daniel Lam, Bonhams Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, said: "The Yamazaki-50 year old is a very rare and special whisky, and I am expecting a lot of interest from collectors. It leads a sale which offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire the finest of Japanese whiskies and some of the most sought-after names in Scotch whisky such as Macallan, Port Ellen and Ardbeg."

The previous record for a bottle of Japanese whisky sold at auction, was set in May this year, when a bottle of Karuizawa 1960 52 Year Old, sold for $312,130.

Posted by Steve Rush