All articles tagged with #whiskey
Brown-Forman confirmed it is in talks with Pernod Ricard about a potential merger or acquisition, describing it as a merger of equals if agreed, with no guarantee a deal will close; shares rose over 20% on the news while Pernod’s stock dipped, and both companies face sales slumps in a volatile market.
An opinion piece arguing that ten widely celebrated liquor brands—Aviation American Gin, Grey Goose, WhistlePig, St-Germain, Patrón, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, The Macallan, Bulleit, Pappy Van Winkle, and Bumbu—are overrated, due to marketing narratives, celebrity associations, scarcity, or mass-market appeal rather than distinct aroma or taste; while some are well-made, their hype and price exceed the liquid’s actual quality or value, illustrating a broader pattern where branding eclipses craft in the spirits world.
McLaughlin Distillery in Pennsylvania emphasizes small-scale, in-house production with a focus on control, simplicity, and quality, using unique methods like separating grain solids before distillation and aging in small barrels to produce consistent, award-winning spirits without external funding or rapid expansion.
Whiskey producers in Scotland and the U.S. warn that tariffs on British spirits could harm both industries due to their interconnected supply chains, with Scotch and bourbon deeply intertwined through shared ingredients and trade relationships, and oppose higher tariffs to protect their mutual interests.
The popular Black-owned whiskey brand Uncle Nearest is facing a major legal setback after a federal judge approved the appointment of a receiver to take over the company amid a $100 million lawsuit from Farm Credit Mid-America, which claims the company defaulted on loans and provided false information about its whiskey barrels, leading to a significant blow to the brand's control and reputation.
Buffalo Trace has introduced Eagle Rare 12, a new 12-year-old bourbon aged at 95 proof and priced at $49.99, expanding its lineup with a more mature and higher proof option that remains accessible and regularly available, thanks to recent distillery expansion.
Conor McGregor, the MMA fighter, was dropped by his whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve following a civil judgment for sexual assault. Despite this, McGregor had already profited significantly, earning at least $100 million from the sale of the brand in 2021. Proper No. Twelve, which McGregor founded in 2018, was sold to Becle, a Mexican company, and became one of the top-selling Irish whiskeys in the U.S. McGregor no longer holds any ownership stake or promotional role in the brand.
A team of divers and scientists in Michigan have recovered rye grain from the 1878 shipwreck of the James R. Bentley in Lake Huron, aiming to revive the historical grain for whiskey production. The rye, a predecessor to modern varieties, was brought to Michigan State University for genetic analysis after attempts to germinate it failed. The project, led by Mammoth Distilling and MSU, seeks to reintroduce rye as a viable crop in Michigan, using modern genetic techniques to blend the historical rye's genome with current varieties. The effort highlights the intersection of history, agriculture, and modern science.
Fawn Weaver founded Uncle Nearest to honor Nearest Green, the formerly enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel. In seven years, she has built it into a $1.1 billion Black-owned liquor empire, focusing on ownership and avoiding institutional investors. Weaver's distillery in Tennessee features extensive facilities and attractions, and she plans to expand into other spirits. Her long-term vision includes buying out investors and eventually bequeathing the business to Green's descendants.
A Costco shopper in Burbank, California, found a rare bottle of Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon for $56.89, a steal compared to its usual prices of over $100 in Kentucky and $220 elsewhere. Blanton's scarcity is due to its lengthy aging process and high demand, leading to limited availability. This isn't the first time Costco has surprised customers with rare finds, including a $27,000 bottle of Macallan 1948 and a $37,000 bottle of 54-year Singleton single malt scotch.
A Costco shopper in Burbank, California, found a bottle of the elusive Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon for $56.89, a steal compared to its usual prices of over $100 in Kentucky and $220 elsewhere. Blanton's scarcity is due to its lengthy aging process and its popularity in the whiskey collector's market. Costco has been known to carry other rare and expensive bottles, such as a $27,000 Macallan 1948 and a $37,000 54-year Singleton single malt scotch.
Bourbon, America's "native spirit," must be made in the US with a mash bill of at least 51% corn. The six favorite bourbons for 2024 include Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Union Horse Reserve Straight Bourbon, Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon, Bib & Tucker 6-Year Bourbon, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. Recommendations for picking the best bourbon include grabbing a cheap everyday mixer, a nice barrel strength bourbon, and a small batch craft bourbon.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton has collaborated with Buffalo Trace Distillery to launch Traveller Whiskey, named after his 2015 album "Traveller." Priced at $39.99, the 90-proof blended whiskey is characterized by notes of oak, sweet maple, tart currant, and leather. Stapleton was deeply involved in the whiskey's creation, from the tasting process to designing the bottle, which features a replica of an 1800s map centered on his birthplace of Lexington. The whiskey is now hitting retailers nationwide, and Stapleton hopes to incorporate it into his upcoming spring and summer tour.
Country music star Chris Stapleton has released his own blended whiskey, Traveller, in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery. Stapleton, known for his songs about whiskey, worked closely with master distiller Harlen Wheatley to create a flavor profile that reflects his taste. Despite erroneous reports of sobriety, Stapleton clarifies that he still enjoys drinking and has a collection of 200 bottles of bourbon at home. He plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his breakthrough album, "Traveller," and will be taking his new whiskey on tour as he hits the road for his All-American Road Show Tour.
An American whiskey collector, Mike Daley, has set a new record by purchasing a rare bottle of Irish whiskey for $2.8 million from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The bottle of The Emerald Isle triple-distilled Irish single malt whiskey comes with unique packaging, including a Fabergé egg, a watch, whiskey stones, and two Cohiba cigars. Daley, who sees Irish whiskey as the future of the industry, believes he is getting in on the ground floor of its rebirth. The distiller, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., aims to make Irish whiskey the most coveted luxury spirit and restore Ireland's reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world. For those without millions to spend, the company has an upcoming release of The Donn, expected to retail for about $200.