The Ever-Evolving World of Bourbon Distillery
Is the Bourbon Boom Over?
The bourbon distillery scene is buzzing with activity, despite concerns about whether the bourbon boom is over. Spirits expert and author Fred Minnick posed this question recently, highlighting how publicly traded liquor companies are catering more to Wall Street than actual consumers. However, the industry is thriving, even though small distilleries face challenges in this competitive market.
New Bourbon Distillery Releases
Let’s look on the bright side. There are numerous new bourbon releases from both individual producers and big brands. Producers have embraced the terms “small batch,” “reserves,” and “special barrel,” spurring major brands to create novelty products as well. Let’s dive into some exciting new bottlings in the bourbon distillery market.
Jeptha Creed Distillery Six-Year Wheated Bourbon
Released this month, Jeptha Creed’s Six-year wheated bourbon is a delight. It’s made of 75% Bloody Butcher corn, 20% malted wheat, and 5% malted barley, aged for six years and bottled at 93 proof. Master distiller Joyce Nethery, with a background in engineering and teaching, co-founded the distillery in Selby County, KY.
Barrel Craft Spirits Cask Finish Series Mizunara
This limited-release Bourbon is a blend of 6-, 7-, and 9-year-old bourbons from Indiana, 8- and 14-year-old Kentucky, and 8-year-old Tennessee bourbons. It’s further aged for one and a half years in Japanese Mizunara oak casks and bottled at cask strength (116.42 proof).
Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity
Founder Trey Zoeller took Jefferson’s straight bourbon to Singapore’s intense heat and humidity to achieve a unique aging process. The bourbon aged for 18 months in this climate, resulting in rich flavor and caramelization. It’s bottled in Kentucky at 104 proof, offering a distinct taste profile.
Savage & Cooke’s Heirloom Corn Bourbons
Owned by winemaker Dave Phinney, Savage & Cooke uses heirloom corn from Wyoming to create special bourbons. The distillery was named California Bourbon Distillery of the Year and has released two new limited-edition bottled in bond bourbons. These releases showcase the patience and craftsmanship involved in bourbon distillery processes.
Casey Jones Total Eclipse Bourbon
This four-grain bourbon from Casey Jones Distillery features corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. Each is aged a minimum of two years in charred oak barrels. This small-batch bourbon has a nutty quality and creaminess with a hint of sweetness.
Blue Note Reserve
Blue Note Reserve from Memphis offers a variety of expressions, including Juke Joint, Juke Joint Uncut, Crossroads, and Special Reserve. These bourbons are aged in Kentucky and Tennessee before additional aging in other barrels. The result is a range of complex and flavorful bourbons.
Brush Creek Straight from Wyoming
Brush Creek selects barrels from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, further aging them in their “barrel barn.” Their first release, bottled at 94 proof, highlights the unique characteristics developed through meticulous aging processes.
Summary of Exciting New Releases
Bourbon | Distillery | Key Ingredients | Proof | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jeptha Creed Six-Year Wheated | Jeptha Creed | 75% Bloody Butcher corn, 20% malted wheat, 5% malted barley | 93 | $60 |
Cask Finish Series Mizunara | Barrel Craft Spirits | Corn, rye, malted barley | 116.42 | $90 |
Jefferson’s Tropics | Jefferson’s | Kentucky straight bourbon | 104 | $100 |
Savage & Cooke | Savage & Cooke | Heirloom corn, malted barley | Varied | $95-$99 |
Total Eclipse | Casey Jones | Corn, wheat, rye, malted barley | 100 | $50 |
The world of bourbon distillery is dynamic and exciting, with new releases and old favorites continuing to capture the hearts of bourbon enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the scene, there’s always something new to explore in this ever-evolving industry.