Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection, Rum Cask

I’d like to thank ByrnePR and Yellowstone Distillery for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

I’ve sung the praises of the folks over at Yellowstone more times than I can count. Well, that’s not true. I can count pretty high. But more times than I care to count, how about that? And because I enjoy their connection with their namesake park and the ways they give back, at the end of the post, I’d like to share the press release for a fun contest that the brand is running. It happened to land in my mailbox as I was getting ready for tonight’s post, and since I’m talking about Yellowstone anyway, I thought you guys would be interested.

So first, the bourbon. Last fall, Yellowstone released the first edition of its Special Finishes Collection with a Toasted Stave-Finished bourbon. Exactly a month ago, they released the second edition, “Rum Cask.” The bourbon is exactly what you think it is. It is four-year-old Yellowstone bourbon that has been finished for nine weeks in casks that previously held rum. In fact, I think I’ll let the press release writer take over at this point. I’d just be summarizing it anyway.

The new release starts with Yellowstone’s traditional bourbon mash bill and then is aged for nine weeks in casks that previously held rum distilled using molasses from sugarcane grown in the rich, fertile soils and tropical Caribbean climate of Cuba. The resulting bourbon features a flavorful blend of spice and tropical sweetness; a medium body with notes of toasted marshmallow, crème brûlée and toffee toasted oak; and the finish is highlighted by tobacco, clove, cocoa seasoned oak and honey.

“Rum has the sweetest notes of all the casks we’ve used for secondary finishing, and it was an ideal choice for the next adventure in our Special Finishes Collection,” said Beam. “Rum is an exceptional compliment to bourbon, and they come together to create subtle notes of sweetness and brown sugar, which are soaked up and stored within the staves and perfectly complement the vanilla, caramel and rye flavors of Yellowstone. Our four-year bourbon is a classic Kentucky bourbon and makes for a fantastic base. This allows me to go in many directions with the finishes while remaining true to or original profile.”

Let’s dig in and see how it tastes.

Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection, Rum Cask

Purchase Info: This sample was sent to me at no charge for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $49.99.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $3.33

Details: 4 years old. 50% ABV. Secondary aging for nine weeks in former rum casks.

Nose: Brown sugar, oak, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon.

Mouth: Cinnamon spice, toffee, vanilla, oak, allspice, marshmallow, and a touch of molasses.

Finish: Medium in both length and warmth with notes of brown sugar, tobacco, molasses, and oak. There is a final dark chocolate note that shows up after the rest have faded.

Thoughts: If you’ve ever had Angel’s Envy Rye, you will know that Rum finishes can sometimes take over the whiskey base. This is not one of those times. This is a bourbon, and you wouldn’t have guessed otherwise if you had tasted it blind. The secondary finishing adds some sweetness and undernotes that are a little unusual for a bourbon. Molasses and marshmallows are examples that I don’t usually find. However, they aren’t unheard of either. There is more oak than I expected in a four-year-and-nine-week-aged bourbon, which is very nice. Overall, I’m quite enjoying this one. I’d give it a shot should you see it.

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Yellowstone Bourbon Launches Once-in-a-Lifetime Getaway Contest

Iconic bourbon brand shares its connection to America’s first national park with consumers through new adventure experience opportunity

 ST. LOUIS (April 8, 2024) – Yellowstone Bourbon announced a contest for consumers to win an all-inclusive trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2024. Consumers can enter the Yellowstone National Park Getaway Contest now through July 15 by submitting a photo and a writeup about their love for the great outdoors – a hiking story, poem or another kind of written expression.

The three lucky winners and their plus-one will experience the ultimate national park adventure September 5-8, 2024, including hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, curated meals, private accommodations and round-trip airfare. In addition, four social media influencers will join the winners for this trip of a lifetime:

• Dean Unglert, reality TV star and outdoor explorer

• Adam Glick, celebrity chef and adventurer

• Holly Johnson, travel and outdoor content creator

• Patrick Duke, adventure photographer and filmmaker

“For more than 150 years, Yellowstone Bourbon has shared a bond with the majestic Yellowstone National Park,” said Kelly Panzitta, Yellowstone Bourbon brand manager. “This contest gives people the opportunity to experience that connection firsthand and win a one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s part of our commitment to always keep the park within reach.”

Since 2018, Yellowstone Bourbon has donated nearly $500,000 to National Parks Conservation Association to preserve national parks. In 2023, Yellowstone became one of NPCA’s largest annual corporate donors at the $250,000 level.

Yellowstone Bourbon partnered with World Playground to plan the contest itinerary and Under Canvas for the winners’ and influencers’ private accommodations in West Yellowstone. For more information about the contest including official rules, please visit Yellowstone National Park Getaway Contest or YellowstoneBourbon.com. For updates about the contest, follow Yellowstone Bourbon on Facebook and Instagram.

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Ross & Squibb Distillery helping to bring clean water to Southern Kenya

Still a little under the weather today, so I’m sharing this cool news that landed in my inbox this morning. If I’m feeling up to it, there will be a review tonight, but if not, at least we’ve learned about some good deeds via the press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROSS & SQUIBB DISTILLERY COMPLETES FIRST PROJECT WITH THE CHRIS LONG FOUNDATION'S WATERBOYS INITIATIVE TO COMBAT WATER SCARCITY IN KENYA

ST. LOUIS (JAN. 16, 2024) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery, in partnership with NFL legend Chris Long and his Foundation’s Waterboys initiative, announced the completion of their combined efforts to bring a lasting source of clean, safe water to a community of 1,600 people in arid southern Kenya.

In summer 2023, a deep borehole well was dug in the Oloile community in Kajiado County, Kenya, by The Chris Long Foundation’s Kenya implementing partner, Well Aware, to a depth of 80 meters, yielding 100,000 liters of water per day.  In November, construction of a storage tank, distribution points and refillable water trough was completed, ensuring the well’s long-term success in terms of maintenance and sustainability.

"Thanks to the generous support from Ross & Squibb Distillery, Waterboys is bringing life-changing, clean water to the Oloile community in Kenya,” said two-time Superbowl champion and founder of Waterboys, Chris Long. “This well represents hope, health, and a future for the residents who have faced severe water crises for decades. We've seen firsthand how clean water can transform lives - reducing illness, supporting education, and fostering economic growth."

The Oloile community consists of more than 100 households and one primary school and is home to about 1,600 residents. For decades, the community has been experiencing a dangerous water crisis as the rainy season has become unreliable over time with the region experiencing droughts that would last up to two years. As a result of these recent efforts, Oloile has shifted from a “water-lacking” community to one that is “water-filled and fulfilled.”

“We are grateful we were able to make such a big difference in the lives of so many through this successful partnership with Waterboys and the Chris Long Foundation,” said Allison O’Brien, Brand Manager for Ross & Squibb. "We are fortunate to have a clean water source supplying our Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana, and we take pride in our mission to help others get access to safe water. We are looking forward to continuing this great work through new projects in the future."

About Luxco
Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.  

About the Chris Long Foundation and Waterboys
The Chris Long Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by two-time Super Bowl Champion and 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Chris Long. We mobilize champions, service providers, and experts to help communities access clean water, address basic needs for youth and families, and inspire others to make an impact at home and abroad. Our vision is access and opportunity everywhere. To date, the Waterboys initiative has provided clean water to over 550,000 people in need at home and abroad. Visit chrislongfoundation.org and waterboys.org to learn more.

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Four Roses Releases Ten Recipe Tasting Kit

On March 13, 2014, I wrote the following:

What I’d really like to see, someday, is for them to put out a set of all ten in miniature bottles. Maybe just at the gift shop or something. Then we can all take part in the fun. Ah…dreams…maybe if we all ask really nicely…

I’d found and purchased 750 mL bottles of all ten Four Roses recipes as store picks. I bought them on a Thanksgiving trip through Kentucky and was very excited. Around March, I finally got around to writing about them. The main conclusion was: “Boy, that was fun. Too bad it is so expensive to try again.” And it has only gotten more expensive and harder to accomplish in the decade since.

I’ve written something similar to that sentiment numerous times over the years. I’ve brought it up to Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliot basically every time I talk with him. It has always seemed like a no-brainer when it comes to telling the Four Roses story. So forgive me for just posting a press release tonight, but I feel a victory lap is in order. For myself and all the other enthusiasts that have been asking for this, but also for you. Tasting all ten bourbons side-by-side is a very cool way to see what effects yeast and mash bill have on a finished whiskey. And now it seems that if you can get to Kentucky, you can try it yourself. For a limited time, and for $130. Way cheaper than buying 10 $80-$100 bottles.

Oh, and they’ve changed their labels too.

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FOUR ROSES DISTILLERY CELEBRATES 135 ANNIVERSARY WITH FIRST GLOBAL BRAND REFRESH IN NEARLY TWO DECADES

The Heritage Bourbon Brand Will Also Honor the Milestone with Rare Release of Its Proprietary Ten Recipes

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (June 20, 2023)- Today, Four Roses Distillery, the award-winning Kentucky-based bourbon brand, announces its global brand refresh, the first update for the brand since 2006. The new visual identity also comes as Four Roses, a heritage brand that predates Prohibition, celebrates its 135th year. Fans of the brand and consumers alike will see the refreshed branding across all of Four Roses’ bourbon bottles, and on its new website, starting today.

Since its founding in 1888, the bourbon brand has maintained its commitment to quality and consistency in its liquid and overall product. Four Roses has continued to stay true to its roots and time-tested process of creating bourbons with an unmatched flavor that are not only complex, but also delightfully mellow. Four Roses looks to pay homage to the brand’s heritage while exploring a more modernized approach through evolving the labels on all bottles, and revitalizing the website for a more user-friendly and cohesive experience.

“In our 135th year, we’re thrilled to reveal our refreshed, modernized branding, which aims to maintain the spirit of our rich history while appealing to today’s bourbon drinker.” said Kelly Edney, Senior Brand Manager. “Four Roses is about creating and being part of life’s mellow moments, and we hope that our dedicated fans and future customers continue to feel that connection.”

Helmed by agency Camp + King, the design updates from the brand refresh include:

• A renewed, 3D rose emblem - the brand’s classic logo - offering a more refreshed and refined representation of the brand’s founding story

•  A new engraved rose cluster on the cork of each bottle

•  Brightened labels with gilded borders on all bottles labels, to bring a more contemporary look to the design. Labels on each of the brand’s four bourbon expressions show a varying color palette that correspond with the richness of the product

• The publico typeface on the new label brings an elegance that is as timeless as the brand itself

• The addition of Master Distiller Brent Elliott’s signature on the face of each bottle as a nod to the care and attention he puts into every bottle; tasting notes have also been added to the back of each bottle label to highlight the unique flavor profiles of each product.

• An updated website design that still includes cocktail recipes, events, and purchase links, but with a brighter and more cohesive look to match the refreshed branding

To celebrate this momentous occasion, for the first time ever, Four Roses is releasing a rare, limited edition kit - The Ten Recipe Tasting Experience - which will feature each of the ten unique bourbon recipes that make up Four Roses’ bourbons. It’s these ten signature recipes that set the brand’s bourbons apart, and gives the liquid in each bottle its distinctive characteristic. The kit will include 50ml bottles of each recipe for bourbon enthusiasts to get a taste of where the brand’s offerings originate. A QR code on the box will lead to a guided tasting video with Master Distiller Brent Elliott for a more immersive experience. This limited edition kit (SRP: $129.99) will be available for purchase starting June 30 at the Four Roses Visitor Centers in Lawrenceburg and Coxs Creek, Kentucky, and will roll out in select retailers in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, and California starting in mid-July.

“While the look of our brand is being refreshed, our unwavering commitment to producing the highest-quality bourbons made of our ten signature recipes remains the same” said Brent Elliott, Master Distiller, “It’s been a true honor watching the brand grow over the past 18 years that I’ve been with Four Roses and I look forward to this next chapter.”

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ABOUT FOUR ROSES:

Established in 1888, Four Roses combines two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to distill and age 10 distinct bourbon recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile. With distilling and warehousing operations in Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek, Kentucky, respectively, Four Roses is available in all 50 states. This past year, Four Roses has received 46 awards, including 2 Double Platinum medals, 8 Double Gold medals and 16 Gold medals from esteemed competitions such as the American Whiskey Masters and Whiskies of the World. For more information, visit www.fourrosesbourbon.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Bourbon-Adjacent Charity News

Yesterday, I had a really severe mental health crisis due to stressors beyond my control. And it precluded me from doing my regularly scheduled tasting for tonight’s review. So instead, I’m passing along a few “Bourbon-Adjacent” things that may be of interest to the Bourbon lover.

Bourbon with HeART is back with another art exhibit in Louisville. You’ll need to hurry thought if you want to visit as it ends with the Derby.

Bourbon with HeART Presents World's First Bourbon Barrel Bow Tie Art Exhibit “Bowtied Together” will showcase wooden bowties painted by Kentucky artists, starting April 1

[Louisville, Ky – March 15, 2023] – Today, Bourbon with HeART, Kentucky’s first and only arts-focused bourbon charity, announced its newest art exhibit, “Bowtied Together.” The exhibit will take place at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville (140 N Fourth St.) and will showcase 50 wooden bowties, hand-carved out of bourbon barrels and transformed into wearable art by 25 Kentucky-area artists.

Bourbon with HeART, founded by Morgan Hancock, prides itself on tying together artists from various backgrounds and areas of expertise to create works that are as unique as the artists who design them. Like the perfect bourbon pairing, “Bowtied Together” takes wooden bowties, hand-carved out of old bourbon barrels by US Military veterans from Cruise Customs, and marries them with local artists to create beautiful art for many to enjoy.

"We're thrilled to showcase the talent of our local artists and honor the service of our veterans with this unique exhibit," said Hancock, a US Army Veteran herself. "Our goal is to use the influence and popularity of bourbon to raise funds, awareness, and education around the local art community. We're committed to providing better access and first-class arts experiences to every person in Kentucky."

Cruise Customs provides bourbon barrel products carved by veterans. Hancock explained, "As a veteran, I appreciate the work Cruise Customs does of providing therapy through this craft for those suffering from PTSD. I connect with their mission - they share that bourbon barrels once had a great purpose. Veterans once had a great purpose. Through this work they are helping them find a new one."

The exhibit will open on April 1 at the Galt House, the official hotel of the Kentucky Derby, and will run throughout the city’s famous Derby season. Each of the 25 artists was given two bowties to transform. The bowties were purchased via sponsorships from local businesses. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, for which Morgan Hancock was named “Visionary of the Year” for 2023. Attendees will also be invited to vote for their favorite bowtie design. The winning artist will be awarded a cash prize along with a donation to the charity of their choice.

For more information on Bourbon with HeART and the "Bowtied Together" exhibit, visit www.bourbonwithheart.org.

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Want some hard-to-find bourbon while benefiting Habitat For Humanity? Well, we’ve got a couple of bourbon raffles being held by Kentucky Chapters.

Bourbon Build Fundraiser: Pappy Madness 2023 (Drawing May 5, 2023 at 10am CST)

The first of the Habitat for Humanity Bourbon Raffles is being held by Habitat for Humanity, Pennyrile Region. Here is what they have to say about it:

“We are an affiliate in West Kentucky that was hit by the tornado in December 2021.  We currently are working with over 20 families in Dawson Springs, KY to help rebuild new housing for them and their families.  Our bourbon raffle is a bit different than many others that are going in that we have the typical Pappy lineup along with some vintage bottles added in as well.  This raffle goes a long way to help support those efforts.”

Here is what you could win:

• Grand Prize: 9 Bottle Collection- Three vintage bottles (16 Yr Van Winkle Pot Stilled, 10 Yr Old Rip Van Winkle, 4 Yr Old Rip) as well as a 23 Yr Pappy Van Winkle, 20 Year Pappy Van Winkle, 15 Yr Pappy Van Winkle, 13 Yr Wan Winkle Rye, 12 Yr Van Winkle, 10 Yr Old Rip Van Winkle

• 2nd Prize: 15 Year Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, 12 Yr Van Winkle, 10 Yr Old Rip Van Winkle

• 3rd Prize: 15 Year Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, 12 Yr Van Winkle, 10 Yr Old Rip Van Winkle

Check them out at: www.pennyrilehabitat.org/bourbonraffle

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2023 Bourbon to Build Raffle (in support of Habitat for Humanity Bowling Green/Warren County)

We build houses, and sometimes we raffle bourbon. Kentucky has a long and rich history of bourbon production, and it has become highly collectible and sought after. Our bourbon raffles help us provide affordable housing for those in need. We hope folks enjoy having a chance at winning these bottles, and we thank any and all who support our work. 

Our 2023 Bourbon to Build Raffle is our largest raffle to date, including ten prize packages, and will run from April 1st through May 30th. 

HFHBGWC receives grants and donations, but it’s not enough to cover our community's needs. Building, on average, ten new homes a year, these fundraisers are very helpful in keeping our mission going. HFHBGWC bourbon raffles are our most successful fundraiser and help us provide affordable housing for those who would otherwise not attain it. We like to think bourbon collectors rest easy knowing that their raffle purchase makes a difference in the lives of families we serve, whether they win a bottle or not.

Raffle details in short:

• For prize package details, entry, raffle information, and FAQs, visit: habitatbg.org/bourbon-to-build-access-page.html

• For more information on our work and our affiliate in general, visit: habitatbg.org

Ticket(s) Cost: $100.00

Raffle dates/Drawing Info: Running April 1st - May 30th. Tickets will stop being sold at 10:00 AM CST on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023. There will be a LIVE drawing held on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, at 12:00 PM CST at Habitat for Humanity of Bowling Green/Warren County, Inc., located at 804 Center Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101. You DO NOT need to be present to win. Drawing to be conducted live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HabitatBG - winners will be announced at that time; there will be ten winners.

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I hope that you will consider checking out all of the above. And if you want to support the work going on here at BourbonGuy.com, please consider a one-time donation at ko-fi.com/bourbonguy or buying some merch at BourbonGuyGifts.com.

Barrels of HeART Art Exhibit at the Frazier Museum, Louisville, Kentucky

As you are aware, I don’t usually just republish press releases. But occasionally, one comes across my desk that interests me, and so it is with this. Bourbon with HeART is an arts-focused charity from Louisville, Kentucky. As an artist myself, I like anything that helps to promote and fund arts communities across the country. So, because I am swamped at work, I’m publishing this instead of skipping tonight. I might as well use this platform to promote more than major corporations for once.

This image comes from the Bourbon with HeART website. Please visit them for more information.

Louisville non-profit Launches Barrels of HeART Art Exhibit

Bourbon with HeART presents Kentucky’s first bourbon barrel art exhibit, opening February 2 

[Louisville, Ky – January 18, 2023] – Bourbon with HeART, Kentucky’s first and only arts-focused bourbon charity, is launching Barrels of HeART, a first-of-its-kind art exhibit opening February 2 at the Frazier History Museum in downtown Louisville (829 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202).

The mission of Bourbon with HeART is to leverage the influence and popularity of Kentucky’s most iconic spirit - bourbon - to raise funds, awareness, and education around our local art community. The organization is committed to providing better access and delivering first-class arts experiences to every person in Kentucky regardless of age, race, class, gender, or ability.

“Art is like a good glass of bourbon, it brings people together and encourages self-expression,” said Morgan Hancock, founder of Bourbon with HeART. “I started Barrels of HeART with the goal of creating a space for local artists to showcase their work, particularly those artists who may not always have that opportunity. Our artists come from all walks of life, perspectives, and experiences, but the one thing they have in common is a love for Kentucky. And each one has poured that love into their piece.”

Twenty local artists were provided a barrel and a supply budget to bring their art to life. Exhibit attendees will vote on their favorite barrel design and the artist of the winning barrel design will be awarded a cash prize along with a donation to the charity of their choice. The remaining proceeds will be donated to area nonprofits.

Each barrel in the exhibit is also sponsored by local companies and bourbon brands who are committed to supporting Bourbon with HeART and Louisville’s arts community. Sponsors include Buzzard's Roost Sipping Whiskeys, Mercedes-Benz of Louisville, Heaven's Door Whiskey, Humana, Old Louisville Whiskey Co., Barrell Craft Spirits, BIGGBY Coffee, CaskX, and many others. There is currently only one sponsorship opportunity remaining. 

Entry to the exhibit is available with any general admission ticket to the Frazier Museum starting February 2nd at fraziermuseum.org.

Learn more about the artists below, or at bourbonwithheart.org. Find a media kit with photos, videos, and more information here.  

MEET THE ARTISTS

Darryl Montez Tucker: Born and raised in Louisville, Darryl Montez Tucker is a Wellbeing Consultant for Humana and is married with four kids, three of whom have autism. Darryl discovered his talent while attending a “paint and sip” with his wife and is excited by the challenge of creating his art piece on a bourbon barrel. His passion is finger painting, and he hopes to pursue a full-time art career one day. If the public should vote for Darryl’s design as their favorite, he plans to support Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville.

Marty Osbourn O'Daniel: Marty finds inspiration everywhere and is motivated to paint to escape life’s stresses and find much-needed balance. According to Marty, “Art is essential to Louisville. It bridges a gap between people with different backgrounds and of different generations. Art is all-inclusive, allowing anyone to express themselves regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or socioeconomic status. It breaks down barriers.” She signs her art with her nickname, Martimar. 

Keith Anderson: From the bottle to the barrel, Keith Anderson is taking on yet another bourbon-related artistic challenge. The Louisville native is the first artist with the distinction of designing the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle for two consecutive years, in 2018 and 2019. Keith is also the first Brown-Forman employee and the first African-American to hold the honor of his artwork appearing on the Limited Edition bottle.

Clay Mata: Clay Mata is, in her words, “a self-taught Chicana artist who loves to paint, eat, and travel.” She enjoys life with her wife and pets and works full-time as a Geek Squad repair agent. Her Mexican culture and her Chicago birthplace's street art and graffiti inspire Clay. “Also, being raised in Louisville gave me another vision, which is why my work is a little mix of everything and is usually bright.”

Chimel Ford: Chimel is excited about the opportunity and challenge of displaying his art on a barrel for Bourbon with HeART. “I've painted art on wine bottles, ornaments, and ceramics, but never on a barrel,” he said. Inspired by everyday things, he loves combining different colors to make art come to life. “He has autism, but that doesn’t define him. His art does,” said Chimel’s mother Helena.

Janet Hoard: After 35 years with FedEx®, retirement allows Janet to pursue art full-time. “Oil painting is my passion, illustration is my dream.” She is married with two children and was the first woman in Kentucky to win the State Truck Driving Championship representing FedEx®. “Challenges inspire me. The research involved in a new project brings out the motivation to create. My inspiration also comes from all things in nature, all the colors, textures, and even sounds everywhere I look,” she said.

April Schweiss: April is a self-proclaimed “big kid who adores animals, being outside (preferably on my Onewheel), and hanging with friends.” She finds inspiration most often in nature and literature. She says, “Art, to me, is an escape, a place I can visit after the world has been too dark. It’s a place where the sun is always shining, and I can hear my mom’s voice cheering me on”

Andy Perez: Andy is a visual artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Originally from Kentuckiana, he received a BFA from The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2004. His work has been featured in publications, galleries, and commercials across the US and internationally. He has partnered with many organizations in Louisville. In 2021, he was the official poster artist for the Kentucky Derby Festival. Andy is currently represented at Kore Gallery in Louisville. 

Lianne Alcon: Originally from Madrid, Spain, Lianne lived in New York City for twenty years before moving to Louisville several months ago. The artist and textile designer find inspiration through everyday life - the vibrant colors of flowers or the tone of the sky, the way the light hits objects, prints, and textures. “I find the motivation to create moods and feelings, sometimes experiencing a burst of creativity and a need to purge emotions,” says Lianne. “

David & Terri Sierra: David and Terri find inspiration in people, society, nature, and animals. They believe the arts build community, bringing Louisvillians together to “connect, learn, empathize, and grow together.” The Sierras’ charity of choice is Refuge for Women, providing a safe place for victims of sex trafficking. 

Sebastian Duverge: Sebastian Duverge has expressed himself through art since his boyhood and is on the autism spectrum. “I do not speak much with my voice. But I've found that I can say a lot with my art, and one of the main things I want to say is that welcoming and including everyone is great. Let's do that more.” If Sebastian’s barrel design wins, he plans to name Mattingly Edge as the beneficiary.

Rickelle Nelson: An equine artist and photographer based here in Louisville, Rickelle Nelson has drawn and painted horses since she was a child. “The horses have always been a part of my art, having grown up with them. Capturing their beauty and personalities motivates me to strive to become a better artist.” Rickelle is now the Horseman's Relations and Reservations Manager at the Kentucky Derby Museum on the grounds of the historic Churchill Downs racetrack

April Eryn Jeffreys: “I draw and paint all the time, but I never did anything with it,” says April Jeffreys, who has expressed herself through art since age two. “This is my big chance to show everybody that I can do anything.” April is currently disabled but recently received certification as an Adult Peer Support Specialist and interviewed with a local mental health center “striving to help people with mental health struggles live full lives.” Without hesitation, April would choose Bridgehaven Mental Health Services as her charitable donation recipient.

David Green (Starvin' Artist): David has been a local freelance artist and decor designer in Louisville for over 20 years. Kentucky, Bourbon, and art are in his blood! He finds inspiration from the past and present and has an old-school vibe and loves the Old Glamour Hollywood days! 

Ashley Brossart: Art is vital to Ashley because “it can drive communication and thought on an individual and community level” and can potentially be a catalyst for cultural and social change. Ashley believes art and creativity are essential to Louisville because they have the potential to break down cultural barriers and build connections when they are easily accessible for anyone to experience. Ashley supports Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign for its “grass-roots, non-violent approach that empowers individuals and builds a social justice movement to create lasting change.”

Gail Corso: Gail is a wife, a mother to three grown children, and an artist.  She finds inspiration in all things including nature, people, animals, and even common items like a bottle of bourbon. Something as simple as a bottle can be beautiful as the light hits a surface and creates highlights, shadows, and depth. Kentucky has such a large and diverse pool of talent. She feels honored to be selected!

Latora Schmidt: Whether creating or simply admiring the works of others, art allows Latora to enter a world that can be defined however I want. She says art is her safe space. If my design wins, I'd like to donate to the Home of the Innocents Organization.  I spent quite a bit of my youth in the foster care system, the Home of the Innocents, and what they provide for children in need during very difficult times makes them an organization very close to my heart.

Mahalia Xiaoqi: “I love taking different elements from my mind or environment and fusing them into a cohesive piece. I am often motivated to create when I am going through a period of intense emotion,” says Mahalia. Her mother was also an artist, so art has been integral to Mahalia’s life since childhood. Should Mahalia’s barrel design come out on top, she plans to support Governor’s School for the Arts, which she attended as a visual artist in 2014.

Jon Cecil: The Card Catalog Speakeasy, Jon Cecil’s bourbon tasting room, was voted one of the top eight home bars in the world by bourbon expert and spirits writer Fred Minnick in 2020 and featured in Louisville Homes & Gardens in July 2021. Jon is excited to share his passion for bourbon and love for Kentucky through his Bourbon with HeART barrel design. Jon takes his inspiration from the rolling Kentucky countryside of horse farms and distilleries, downtown Louisville’s Whiskey Row cityscape, and the red velvet curtains of his basement speakeasy, which represent a portal to a different time.

Down Syndrome of Louisville's Adult Academy Class Artists: Mrs. Willow's Art Class is full of talented artists. The art class is part of Louisville’s Adult Development Academy, “The Academy” for short. The Academy is a high-quality lifelong learning experience, unlike any other program in the area. The Academy offers a full educational curriculum for adults with Down syndrome that have completed high school.

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces 50 States Collection to Benefit Charity

Hey folks! I don’t normally just post press releases, but I was going to skip tonight anyway. No time to write tonight because it is officially COLLEGE FOOTBALL season. And tonight, my beloved Minnesota Golden Gophers open the season against one of their formerly beloved prior coaches (who is currently a bitter old man who will bad mouth the University without prompting), and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. But this came across my inbox this morning, and I thought it was interesting. Hopefully, you do too.

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BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY HONORS AMERICA AND BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH WITH 50 STATES COLLECTION BENEFITING CHARITY

Nation’s oldest continuously operating distillery and Keep America Beautiful® honor the birthplace of bourbon by auctioning 50 hand-painted, state-inspired Buffalo Trace Single Barrel bottles and corresponding artwork 

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (September 7, 2022): In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s most awarded distillery, announces the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Heritage Month Collection. This one-of-a-kind series of whiskey and art will feature 50 1.75L bottles of Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon hand-painted with designs inspired by iconic elements from each state along with the corresponding artwork and a VIP distillery tour. Beginning September 7th, the bottles will be available via an online auction with all sale proceeds benefiting Keep America Beautiful, the largest community improvement organization in the US. 

“Bourbon is a uniquely American spirit, and we’re proud of that heritage,” said Sara Saunders, Vice President of Global Marketing for Buffalo Trace Distillery. “As America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery has deep roots pioneering the category of American Whiskey, and we’re thrilled to mark Bourbon Heritage Month by celebrating not just our home state - the birthplace of bourbon – but also the states our bourbon-loving fans from coast to coast call home too.”

Artwork for the collection was done by Louisville, Kentucky-based artist and illustrator Bri Bowers. Known for her wearable art, cardboard sculptures and illustrations, Bowers is most famous for her watercolor series depicting Louisville's beloved neighborhoods and landmarks.

“This was a particularly exciting project for me for a few reasons: first, I’m a huge bourbon fan and second, because I have really a special connection with my home state of Kentucky, which also happens to be the homeplace of Buffalo Trace,” said Bowers. “Central to much of my art is the idea of celebrating connectedness to places that are important to you, and I love that with this collection we’re doing just that while also giving back, too.”

The auction will run September 7 – September 22. All proceeds raised will support the mission of Keep America Beautiful which is committed to ensuring our nation remains a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. Over the years, Buffalo Trace has donated millions of dollars to charities around the globe, and in 2022 alone, the Distillery committed to donating 2,022 bottles of its finest whiskies to raise record-breaking donations for nonprofits around the world.

“As a National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace Distillery understands that the diverse beauty of our nation requires care and attention to ensure future generations continue to benefit. Keep America Beautiful is a leader in this charge, and we’re thrilled to support their important work with this one-of-a-kind offering,” Saunders said. “Giving back to communities is a core value at Buffalo Trace Distillery and it’s an honor to work alongside such inspiring changemakers.”

To participate in the auction, visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/bourbon-heritage to link to the auction site from 9AM ET on September 7 – 7PM ET on September 22. Bidding will begin at $75/each for a hand-painted 1.75L of Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon with corresponding artwork. Winners will be notified via email and will immediately be able to download their artwork. Bottles and physical art prints will be available for pickup at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY from January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023. Auction winners will also receive a VIP tour and tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Entry and eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details. 

For more information on Buffalo Trace please visit https://www.buffalotrace.com/ and follow along on social media via Instagram and Facebook. Join Keep America Beautiful on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and take action at kab.org.  

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful, the nation's leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America's Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. 

The Keep America Beautiful Model for Change – steeped in education, research, and behavioral science – is the cornerstone of Keep America Beautiful. We empower generations of community and environmental stewards with volunteer programs, hands-on experiences, educational curricula, practical advice, and other resources. The organization is driven by the work and passion of nearly 700 Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, posters, and more.

Bourbon Companies Help Yellowstone Recover

I’d like to thank Wyoming Whiskey for providing the review sample of National Parks No. 2 for this story. It was provided at no charge with no strings attached.

As I’m sure you have probably heard, Yellowstone National Park and the communities that surround it are in the process of recovering from devastating floods. And bourbon makers with ties to the park are not standing still in helping out.

Limestone Branch Distillery Donates $50,000 to Help With Flood Recovery

Limestone Branch Distillery, makers of Yellowstone Bourbon, and long-time supporters of Yellowstone National Park have stepped up to help the park and the surrounding communities recover from this month’s devastating floods. Quoting from the press release that landed in my email this morning:

In response to the devastating floods impacting Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas, Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery – makers of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – has donated $25,000 each to the National Park Service (NPS) and to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for long-term support of flood-relief efforts.

Additionally, Limestone Branch distillery has agreed to match up to $50,000 in donations made in conjunction with a fundraising event benefiting the Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund – a joint effort between the Park County Community Foundation (PCCF) and Greater Gallatin United Way – and the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation. The event, hosted by National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), will be held June 28 at the Rialto in Bozeman, Montana.

 “We were saddened to learn of the devastation caused by flooding at and around Yellowstone National Park. Our Yellowstone Bourbon brand shares a long, storied history with the park, and our master distiller Stephen Beam has been an avid supporter of – and visitor to – our country’s national parks for many years,” said Limestone Branch Distillery Brand Manager Caitlin Palmieri Jackson.

Yellowstone Bourbon also has set up a website (www.limestonebranch.com/about/yellowstone-gives-back) to provide additional information about fundraising efforts as well as links to vetted support organizations, where consumers can learn more about donating and other ways to help. For more information regarding the fundraiser in Bozeman, Montana, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/rJK/.

On a personal note, a good percentage of my own annual charitable donations go to the National Parks Conservation Association. I’m glad to see them putting my money to good use.

Wyoming Whiskey Releases National Parks No. 2 to Support Yellowstone Forever

Now, this particular bourbon was announced prior to the Yellowstone Floods. The bottle was released to celebrate the 150th birthday of Yellowstone National Park. But as the organization that the bottle supports, Yellowstone Forever, is in the thick of things in the recovery efforts I thought it would be good to include it here. Quoting from the press release:

Wyoming Whiskey announces the release of its limited edition National Parks No. 2 straight bourbon whiskey in tandem with the brand's continuing partnership with Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. The collaboration was born in celebration of Yellowstone National Park's 150th anniversary. The Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2 bottle is the second collectible Limited Edition release in an annual National Park series which debuted in April 2021. It is now available in Yellowstone National Park and throughout Wyoming. It is also available in select U.S. markets and online from ReserveBar, Flaviar and Caskers.

The inaugural release of Wyoming Whiskey's National Parks series contributed over $120,000 to the National Park Foundation in 2021. Wyoming Whiskey continues on a steadfast mission to support our nation's sacred outdoor spaces with this year's initiative and has committed to donating $150,000 to Yellowstone Forever in the park's historic 150th year.

Let’s see how it tastes.

Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2

Purchase Info: This sample was provided by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $69.99

Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.67

Details: 52.5% ABV. 5 years old. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Made from non-GMO Wyoming-grown grains and water.

Nose: Strong oak notes followed by caramel, vanilla, and baking spice.

Mouth: Nicely spicy. Cinnamon, dark chocolate, and ginger.

Finish: Medium to long and spicy. follows the month with notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, and almond.

Thoughts: This is absolutely delicious. I really like it. If you have the opportunity. pick this one up. It's delicious and helps a good cause.

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The Challenging Craft of Blending with Brent Elliott, Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2021

Wow, sorry things have been so sporadic around here the last couple weeks. I had a COVID scare which turned out to be a bout of very severe allergies that just mimicked a severe illness. Rounds of steroids and medication later and I am finally on the mend. As such, today I will be stepping back in time to talk about a really enjoyable part of my visit to the 2021 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. I know that I gave the festival as a whole a very poor review, but this is one part that I really enjoyed. My wife and I will be talking about this event for a while.

It was a nice day for an outdoor class. The sun was out, it wasn’t too hot. It was early so the coffee hadn’t worn off yet. I was energetic and excited to get to learning. Honestly, I didn’t know anything about the class that I had signed up for. I knew that it was about blending. That was about it.

Sure, I could have looked at the schedule to see who was leading the class, but the schedule had already been wrong enough that I didn’t feel the need to bother. Whatever was going to happen would happen and I figured that when there was something to learn, I’d learn it.

When we sat down, I was happy to see the Four Roses logo on the small leather-bound notebook in front of my seat. I was even more excited to see four 100 mL bottles of Four Roses set at each place setting in the table. From left to right, they were labeled OBSO (7 year old), OBSV (7 year old), OESK (14 year old), and OESF (13 year old). All about 60% ABV. We learned later that these were the finalists for the Elliott’s Select release from a few years ago.

As the class began, Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott went over some of the background info on Four Roses itself including why they were teaching the blending class (even though they try not to use the word blending themselves). Then he explained each of the bourbons in front of us, gave us a few tips, answered a few questions and turned us loose to blend our own Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon.

Now, my wife and I each had different approaches to creating our blends. Having made plenty of fun blends at the house out of everything from Bourbon and Rye to Brandy and Tequilla, I attacked the problem the same way I always do. I tasted each of them, decided which flavor profile I wanted to feature and then started mixing. I always start with an even mix of each. Very small amounts at first, only a few milliliters of each. Then I taste that. Once I know how the even mix tastes, I’ll move on to the flavor I want to feature. I’ll add more of that one, then more of each until I get to something I like. I’ll admit, this is nothing like how the pros do it, but we only had an hour and I only had four bourbons to work with so I thought it would be efficient. Then of course you look at your notes, do your math and figure out the proportions to make the full 100 mL that we got to take home. My blend ended up sticking very close to the even mixture I started with at 21% OBSO, 21% OBSV, 21% OESK and 37% OESF. I tend to like the F and Q yeasts so it wasn’t much of a surprise to me that I included more of that one.

Of course, my wife has her own method. Like everyone else, she tasted each of them separately. And from there she decided on a couple that she really liked and wanted to work with. She started out working just with those two in order to dial in about where she wanted to go. Then once she had the framework of the flavor profile in place, she went back to the other two and little by little added more until she got the additional supporting notes where she wanted them. Her blend ended up being 37.5% OESK, 31.25% OESF, 25% OBSO and 6.25% OBSV.

This was such a fun event. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. But, these have been mingling for a month now, let’s see how they taste just for giggles.

Eric's Blend:

Details: Approximately 60% ABV. 21% each: OBSO (7-year-old), OBSV (7-year-old), and OESK (14-year-old) and 37% OESK (13-year-old).

Nose: JuicyFruit Gum, vanilla, brown sugar, and a hint of baking spice.

Mouth: Hot and spicy. Baking spice, JuicyFruit Gum, and caramel.

Finish: Long and warm with notes of caramel, red fruits, and almond.

Robin’s Blend:

Details: Approximately 60% ABV. 37.5% OESK (14-year-old), 31.25% OESK (13-year-old), 25% OBSO (7-year-old),and 6.25% OBSV (7-year-old).

Nose: Peach, cinnamon, and wintergreen.

Mouth: Stone fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, caramel, and mint.

Finish: Medium to long. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and stone fruit.

Comparison Thoughts: Both of these are delicious! My blend is spicy and brings out the "Juicy Fruit Gum" notes that I love from Four Roses. My wife's blend is very strong on peach and other stone fruits. It is sweet and fruity. It really is amazing just how different these are considering that they were made with the exact same ingredients. It just goes to show the need for a good blender in whiskey creation. It's nice to see more of them getting recognition in American Whiskey.

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