The phrase “who rescued who?” resonates deeply with the tale of the courageous dog Whiskey. Initially saved by a family, Whiskey reciprocated by alerting them when smoke started filling their home.

As major players in the American whiskey sector explore new trends, the concept of combining bourbon and rye, frequently called “Bourye,” holds significant allure. This term, originated by Utah’s High West with its annual release, merges two traditional American distillery products without requiring significant investment in research and development. Although crafting a bourbon-rye blend could involve complex processes like additional aging post-blending, many distilleries choose to mix finished batches of bourbon and rye, creating a new product for the market. Ideally, such a product might offer insights into the distillery’s own spirits, though it may not fulfill this potential universally. This seems to be the case with Jim Beam’s new Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Whiskey, where the blend seems more opportunistic than a perfect matrimony of flavors.

The idea of a Bourye from Jim Beam isn’t unappealing. However, the decision to base it on their established Knob Creek lines perhaps lacks creativity from an artistic perspective. It reflects an easily made business decision, combining only the flagship Knob Creek Small Batch (9 Year) Bourbon and Knob Creek (7 Year) Straight Rye. This approach might remind some of Smucker’s Goober Grape, where peanut butter and jelly are combined in a single jar—an idea interesting yet lacking inventiveness. There’s potential for something more imaginative.

Perhaps my expectations are unfairly high, and maybe I’m not giving enough credit to the company. Nonetheless, the Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye triggers some disappointment in me—I hoped for a blend that diverged more from the standard offerings. However, one notable aspect of this whiskey is its 56.5% ABV (113 proof), quite a bit higher than the usual 100 proof typical of most Knob Creek variants, which might indicate that the bourbon part of the blend (30%) was added at near cask strength. Priced at $45 MSRP, it still offers good value, characteristic of the Knob Creek range. In my view, the Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon especially stands out as a top value in the American whiskey scene.

Let us proceed to explore the flavors of this Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Whiskey fusion.

The aroma presents a dominant herbal quality, a characteristic I pinned down before learning rye whiskey constitutes 70% of this blend. Notable are vibrant citrus tones and lighter notes of candied nuts, honey, and traces of roasted oak, paired with a subtle red fruitiness typical of mature Beam bourbon. Distinct earthy spices like fennel or anise emerge prominently, accompanied by a robust kick of pepper. There’s also a noticeable presence of ethanol, which slightly stings as it dissects the nuanced fragrance.

Tasting it, the citrus note reappears, surrounded by a diverse array of peppercorns, light honey, and caramel. Interwoven are occasional hints of leather and a more pronounced herbal savoriness, enhanced with sporadic bursts of red fruit and a touch of charred firewood. The whiskey’s strength is palpable, especially in the lingering, spice-dense finish dominated by cinnamon red hots. Despite my curiosity about a potential reduction to Knob Creek’s typical 100 proof, such a change might not align with the desires of most American whiskey enthusiasts who favor strength in their spirits. Increased rye content in this blend lends a somewhat heated sensation.

From a constructive standpoint, this fusion isn’t flawed. It’s hard to critique the Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye for its quality constituents. Yet, it feels slightly mismatched to me. Either the bourbon or the rye might offer more fulfillment if featured solo. This collaboration doesn’t necessarily enlighten us with new insights about the brands involved. Ideally, it should highlight an element making the familiar profiles seem novel or distinctive. Instead, it underscores the solid foundation of Knob Creek’s mainstay products. Still, priced at just $45 for a “limited edition” offering, the risk is minimal. Fans of Knob Creek’s original lineups might appreciate this variant with little financial outlay.

Distillery: Jim Beam

City: Clermont, KY

Style: Kentucky straight blended whiskey

ABV: 56.5% (113 proof)

Availability: 750 ml bottles, $45 MSRP

Jim Vorel is a staff writer at Paste specializing in beer and spirits. Follow his beverage-related posts by following him on Twitter.

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August 16 is National Rum Day, so it’s a great excuse to make these 10 rum cocktail recipes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to soak up as much as possible. Warm weather, outdoor dining and tropical cocktails are just a few aspects of the season worth savoring.

August 16 is National Rum Day, and the holiday is even more of a reason to enjoy tropical rum-based cocktails before Labor Day weekend rolls around.

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By DFNI Staff Writer in Brand News, Liquor & Wines – August 15, 2024 0

The new listings are at Istanbul Airport with Unifree Duty Free and additional airports in Turkey with ATU Duty Free

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has announced an expansion into duty free in Istanbul Airport with Unifree Duty Free, and additional airports in Turkey (Ankara, Bodrum, and Izmir), North Macedonia (Skopje), Georgia (Tbilisi), and Kazakhstan (Almaty) with ATU Duty Free.

In addition to these new listings, Tito’s is available in travel retail locations in major airports, cruise and ferry lines, land border stores worldwide, and almost 150 global domestic markets.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka Managing Director, International, John McDonnell stated: “As more spirits drinkers globally continue to explore and savor Tito’s Handmade Vodka, our objective is to make sure that they can locate their preferred vodka anywhere they go. These seven new listings – with additional ones forthcoming – with our partners at Unifree Duty Free and ATU Duty Free aid in introducing Tito’s to new customers who reside in and journey through these significant markets.”

GREY GOOSE^® Vodka is collaborating with top Toronto fashion outlets to prepare locals for festival season.

TORONTO, August 14, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As an official sponsor of TIFF^®, GREY GOOSE^® Vodka is enhancing fashion, specifically cocktail attire, just in time for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival^®. In partnership with renowned Toronto fashion stores, The Fitzroy and Gotstyle, GREY GOOSE^® has helped curate capsule collections available till September 7, 2024, with a 20% discount using the code VIVELESTYLE. These collections allow guests to shine on the red carpet, embodying the joie de vivre that the GREY GOOSE^® brand epitomizes.

The capsule collections, offering a mix of glamorous and sophisticated dresses and suits, can be explored both in-store and online. While shopping, guests can enjoy handpicked outfits inspired by the elemental themes of GREY GOOSE^® Vodka and taste the season’s trendiest accessory – a signature GREY GOOSE^® cocktail, available in Classic or Espresso Martini, or the MelonAce cocktail.

Enjoy signature cocktails while shopping on these exclusive dates:

August 24-25, 2024 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM

August 31-September 1, 2024 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM

The ‘sip and shops’ are available at both The Fitzroy (213 Sterling Rd Unit 111, Toronto, ON, M6R 2B2) and Gotstyle (The Well: 486 Front St W Suite UG26, Toronto, ON, M5V 0V2).

“The GREY GOOSE collaborations with our style retailers are a unique way to offer Torontonians a reason to dress up,” said Kate Watson, Senior Brand Manager at GREY GOOSE Vodka. “Our brand, alongside both The Fitzroy and Gotstyle, share a commitment to style at our core, while offering touches of refinement and elegancy every step of the way. We cannot wait to see Canadians dressed in their glamorously chic looks at TIFF!”

Once ready in their finest attire, guests can partake in GREY GOOSE^® Vodka presents LE ‘TINI BAR, an exclusive event full of sensory delights with a French influence. The gathering will take place in Toronto at Second Floor Events from September 5-7, 2024, where attendees will be taken through a tour of three mini bars, each inspired by a core element of GREY GOOSE^® – wheat, water, and sky.

At each station, a unique petit martini awaits, featuring the sophisticated French Martini, the traditional Classic Dry Martini, and the beloved Espresso Martini. Additionally, mixology experts will be on hand to impart their finest martini crafting secrets and tips.

Following the exploration, guests are invited to unwind in the lounge area with peers. This space offers the chance to buy extra drinks, including a set of the three highlighted petit martinis, elegantly displayed for memorable photo opportunities. This is an ideal moment to enjoy a stylish drink and celebrate the season’s finest films.

This festival time, delve into the refined blend of cocktail elegance and fashionable attire brought to you by GREY GOOSE^® Vodka. Elevate your festival experience by dressing impressively for the sip and shop events and continue celebrating at one of the season’s most anticipated events – GREY GOOSE^® Vodka presents LE ‘TINI BAR.

Tickets are priced at $25 each and include an exclusive three-part, one-hour sensory experience and GREY GOOSE^® Vodka tasting with expert mixologists; three custom petits GREY GOOSE^® Vodka martini cocktails, each accompanied by an amuse-bouche, and admission to the Martini Cocktail Lounge, where additional cocktails can be purchased while dancing the night away in style!

For more event information and for ticket availability, please visit https://greygooseletinibar.ca.

19+ ONLY. MUST BE LEGAL DRINKING AGE. SIP RESPONSIBLY. ©2024. GREY GOOSE, ITS TRADE DRESS & THE GEESE DEVICE ARE TRADEMARKS. VODKA – 40% ALC./VOL. DISTILLED FROM FRENCH WHEAT.

About GREY GOOSE^® Vodka

Produced with unyielding quality, GREY GOOSE® Vodka utilizes the finest French ingredients and boasts a production process that’s fully traceable from start to finish. The focus of GREY GOOSE® is to deliver a superior vodka with every single bottle distilled and bottled in France. Their classic recipe uses only two natural elements: single-origin Picardie soft winter wheat and spring water from a natural limestone well in Gensac-la-Pallue, within the famed Cognac region. This precise combination undergoes a unique distillation process designed to enhance the natural characteristics of the ingredients.

Under the guidance of Cellar Master François Thibault, GREY GOOSE® achieves an exceptional level of smoothness and distinctive taste. The full range of GREY GOOSE® includes the original GREY GOOSE® Vodka and its flavored variants: GREY GOOSE® La Poire, GREY GOOSE® L’Orange, and GREY GOOSE® Le Citron.

www.greygoose.com

As a key entity within the BACARDÍ Limited portfolio, GREY GOOSE® Vodka is part of a prestigious collection managed by BACARDÍ Limited, whose headquarters are situated in Hamilton, Bermuda, encompassing the wider BACARDÍ group of companies including BACARDÍ International Limited.

About The Fitzroy

The Fitzroy is Canada’s premier dress rental service. Established in Toronto in 2016, The Fitzroy offers a sophisticated and selectively curated range of the latest designer dresses, jumpsuits, and handbags sourced globally, available for rent for any special occasion. The mission of The Fitzroy is to alleviate the stress of dressing up, ensuring customers look and feel their best at their next event without the need to purchase a dress they’ll wear only once. The Toronto showroom provides a warm, inclusive, and judgement-free environment where customers can try on outfits with the assistance of skilled stylists at their convenience and either book on the spot or for a later date. Additionally, dresses can be reserved online with convenient two-way shipping throughout Canada. Visit us at fitzroyrentals.com.

About Gotstyle

Founded in 2005, Gotstyle is at the forefront of men’s lifestyle fashion, presenting a dynamic range of both North American and European designers and labels. Gotstyle has emerged as a comprehensive shop for men’s attire under four categories: casual, social, business, and formal. Spearheaded by Melissa Austria, Gotstyle has flourished over the past 19 years, expanding to include several physical stores, a bespoke tailoring service, a women’s line, an online store, and a vibrant social media outreach. This success can be attributed to the loyal community of over 20,000 customers fostered through exclusive events, personalized shopping experiences, and distinctive customer service. Gotstyle remains a pioneer in exceeding customer expectations. Visit us at gotstyle.com

View source version on businesswire.com.

Contacts

Danielle Sippley
Phone: 647-922-6116
Email: danielle@meatandproduce.agency

The Brother Justus Range of American Single Malt Whiskey

Established in 2014 by Phil Steger, Brother Justus Distillery is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Named in honor of a local Benedictine monk famed for his clandestine whiskey distillation during Prohibition, Brother Justus dedicates itself to preserving the artistry and innovation of its namesake through its high-quality American single malt whiskeys. The distillery is distinguished for its innovative peating process and the use of regional ingredients which give their whiskey distinct tastes. Here’s a breakdown of the flavor notes for various Brother Justus whiskey offerings.

Situated in northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brother Justus takes pride in producing, aging, and bottling its whiskey at the local facility. The distillery practices exclusive use of malted barley from the Upper Midwest and matures the spirit in specially crafted barrels made from Minnesota oak. The regional wood not only contributes unique flavors but also showcases the influence of the local climate on the aging process.

The distinct flavors arising from Minnesota’s cold-climate oaks are notably different from those derived from warm-climate oaks, such as those found in Missouri. These differences are attributable to the oaks’ varied growth rates, their specific chemical compositions, and their individual interactions with the whiskey during the maturation process.

Cold-climate oak is distinguished by a tight grain structure, higher concentrations of lignin, and fewer vanillin and tannins compared to oak from warmer climates. This tighter grain structure decelerates the interaction between the spirit and the wood, resulting in a slower flavor extraction process. Cold-climate oak introduces a complexity of spice that includes notes of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, helping to cultivate a more balanced and refined flavor profile over time.

In contrast, warm-climate oak features a looser grain structure which facilitates quicker interactions between the wood and the spirit, leading to rapid flavor extraction and a bolder, more pronounced flavor profile. Elevated levels of vanillin in warm-climate oak deliver stronger and more intense flavors, with distinct coconut notes and a sweeter overall taste. Additionally, the increased tannins present in warm-climate oak contribute to a firmer structure and greater astringency in the spirit.

The Brother Justus Distillery is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Brother Justus American Single Malt Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml

The whiskey presents scents of honey, vanilla, and toasted malt/cooked cereal, accented by dried fruit and a slight spiciness.

On the palate, it is smooth and well-balanced, offering tastes of caramel, honey, and cooked cereal, complemented by vanilla, dried apricot, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

The concluding taste is of medium duration, retaining elements of honey, oak, and a subtle spice.

Brother Justus American Single, Silver Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml

Silver whiskey, also referred to as “newmake” whiskey, is whiskey that has not undergone aging. Personally, I prefer aged whiskey as it generally offers deeper flavors. However, newmake whiskey can serve as an intriguing base for cocktails when used by a skilled mixologist. In several countries, whiskey must be aged for a certain period before it can be legally labeled as such. The United States, however, has no such regulations, allowing any distilled spirit from cereal mash to be identified as whiskey, regardless of age.

The aroma of the spirit is predominantly fresh and clean, characterized by scents of green apple and pear, alongside nuances of boiled cereal and an anise or licorice scent.

On tasting, it presents a light, fruity profile with a vibrant eau de vie essence, infused with flavors of green apple, pear, and hints of honey. This unaged whiskey illustrates the raw purity of malt, accompanied by a mild sweetness and a light citrus undertone.

The finish of the whiskey is brief but sweet, featuring continuing flavors of green apple and a subtle taste of cooked cereal.

Brother Justus American Single Malt, Cold Peated Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml

Traditionally, the process of “peating” whiskey involved exposing malted barley to the smoke from a peat fire. This smoke contains phenolic and other organic compounds that adhere to the sugars in the barley and persist through both fermentation and distillation. The specific characteristics of the peat smoke flavor depend on the peat’s origin.

For instance, peat sourced from moist, seaside areas often imparts a medicinal quality, whereas peat from drier, inland regions like eastern Scotland is known for its brushy, forest floor, and earthy notes.

In Scotland, it was common for the water used in mashing to absorb minor amounts of phenolic compounds as it flowed over peat bogs. However, these phenolic levels, generally around 2 or 3 parts per million (ppm), were too minimal to affect the flavor of the whiskey significantly.

Brother Justus has pioneered a unique method termed “cold peating” to instill a smoky/peaty flavor in its whiskey without the actual burning of peat.

Rather than igniting peat, Brother Justus derives the essential oils and phenolic components from it. These compounds are known for providing smoky, medicinal/disinfectant, and earthy aromas to traditionally peated whiskies. The process involves cold-infusing these extracted peat elements into the whiskey by introducing the peat oils into the spirit under controlled temperatures, thus preserving the peaty traits without the need for heat or fire.

This technique of cold peating gives Brother Justus meticulous control over the smokiness, earthiness, and phenolic content in the whiskey. By tweaking the quantity and concentration of the peat extracts used, they can engineer varied smoky nuances, ranging from mild to strong.

The whiskey exudes a delicate, earthy peat smoke on the nose, complemented by notes of honey, vanilla, and cooked cereal, alongside fruity undertones of citrus and green apple.

The whiskey is smooth on the palate, featuring a gentle peat smoke that meshes nicely with honey, vanilla, and cooked cereal flavors. The mid-palate reveals notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of spice.

This peating differs significantly from the heavily smoked phenolic peat bomb whiskeys often found on Islay. It also lacks the floral/potpourri character typical of Orkney and some Highland peated whiskies. It’s more akin to some of the peated whiskies from Speyside or the single malt American peated whiskeys that use peat from the Pacific Northwest. Rather than being medicinal or phenolic, the smoke has an earthy quality that is more reminiscent of mushroom compost or the forest floor after a rainstorm.

The finish is medium length, with a lingering smokiness and notes of honey, oak, and a subtle spice.

Brother Justus Founder’s Reserve, American Single Malt Whiskey, 58.5% ABV, 750 ml, Lot No. FR-1

The whiskey presents a rich aroma, filled with a complex array of scents. It starts with strong notes of cooked cereal and honey, leading into a burst of vanilla and caramel. Dried fruits, including apricots and figs, mix subtly with a light smoky character, suggesting some form of cold peating during its creation. Further sniffing reveals the spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, accompanied by a faint hint of oak.

Brother Justus Founders Reserve shows a smooth and full-bodied profile when tasted, marked by a notable feeling in the mouth. The dominant flavors include sweet cooked cereal and butterscotch, alongside rich dark chocolate, dried cherries, and roasted coffee nuances. The integrating smokiness adds dimension, enhancing the taste without overwhelming. Flavors of toasted nuts, orange zest, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and slight pepperiness emerge in the middle of the palate.

The finish is protracted and fruity, carrying persistent flavors of honey, cooked cereal, and mild smokiness, with undercurrents of subtle oak and dark dried fruits.

Brother Justus Distillery is known for producing high-quality American single malts that pay homage to the legacy of their namesake using distinct Minnesota ingredients. They offer a range of expressions from the smooth and balanced American Single Malt to the deeply complex Minnesota Oak Single Malt. Suitable for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to American single malts, Brother Justus whiskeys offer a captivating exploration into the realm of premium craft spirits.

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