MICHTER'S LAUNCHES ITS US*1 TOASTED BARREL FINISH RYE 2020 EDITION IN THE UK

Michter's Distillery, has today announced the UK launch of its eagerly anticipated, US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2020 edition.

Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2020 (55% ABV) has been produced by using fully matured Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength, and then aging it further in a second custom barrel.

Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2020

This latest release from the Louisville, Kentucky based distillery, is said to deliver enhanced spice notes, delicate chocolate overtones, vanilla, honey, hints of roasted nuts and dates. Followed by a lingering finish of burnt brown sugar reminiscent of crème brûlée, complemented by smoky campfire highlights.

Commenting on the news, Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation, said: “For this release, we selected rye barrels aged to peak quality and then dumped each single barrel into a second barrel assembled from 24 month naturally seasoned and air-dried wood. The second barrel was custom toasted to create a rich and decadent rye whiskey experience.”

Distributed in the UK by Speciality Brands, Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2020, is now available from specialist retailers in limited quantities, for a RRP of £98.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

BALLANTINE'S LAUNCHES NEW LOW ABV SPIRIT DRINK

Chivas Brothers, has announced the launch of its first lower ABV expression, from it’s Ballantine’s blended Scotch whisky brand.

Ballantine’s Light (20% ABV) is a spirit drink, which has been crafted by the Ballantine’s blending team, led by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop.

Ballantine's Light

This latest release, has been created to for the growing number of spirit drinkers who want to cut down their alcohol consumption and drink more mindfully, without missing out on the social enjoyment of a drink shared with others.

Ballantine’s Light, which is the result of months of experimentation with different whisky bases and additional flavours, is said to deliver notes including juicy green apple, pink grapefruit and orange zest.

Commenting on the launch, Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender, said: “We wanted to offer Scotch fans an alternative, more mindful drinking option, and were inspired by our founder George Ballantine who, as early as 1827, was innovating and breaking conventional codes of whisky.”

He went onto say: “Ballantine’s drinkers are known for their great taste, so we worked tirelessly to ensure that Ballantine’s Light would be light in nothing but alcohol. The result is a lower-ABV expression that is full of flavour – and unmistakeably Ballantine’s – and reaffirms our belief that there’s no wrong way to enjoy Ballantine’s”.

Ballantine’s Light, will launch exclusively in Spain later this month, for a RRP of €12,45.

Posted by Steve Rush

WOODFORD RESERVE BACCARAT OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES IN THE UK

Brown-Forman, has announced the official UK release of its limited-edition Woodford Reserve Baccarat bourbon bottling.

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition (45.2% ABV) has been finished in hand-selected XO cognac casks, at their distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. 

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition

This latest release which is the first and only American whiskey to be bottled in Baccarat, is said to celebrate the legacies of both the distilling and crystal brands. The bottle design evokes the iconic Woodford Reserve bottle silhouette and is engraved with both Woodford Reserve’s and Baccarat’s distinctive logos.

The Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition bottle, which comes housed in a signature Baccarat red box, is said to deliver notes of rich toasted oak, cocoa, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, dried fruit and citrus peel on the nose. Followed by notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, dried fruit, creamy caramel, rich malt and oak on the palate.

Commenting on the news, Mark Bacon, Global Brand Director for Woodford Reserve, said: “We are extremely proud to announce the partnership between the world’s finest bourbon and the world’s finest crystal because both represent craftsmanship at the highest level. This partnership elevates the category of American Whiskey in the global market.”

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, is now available from selected specialist retailers in the UK, for a RRP of £1,500.00.

Posted by Steve Rush