From time to time, I get emails with new releases and products that will be coming to market. I wanted to share a few of the recent updates I received for this 2023 holiday season.

Clermont Steep American Single Malt Whiskey is the first American Single Malt Whiskey to be released from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. under Freddie Noe, 8^th Generation Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery. As a formally undefined category, Freddie Noe purposefully developed his own guidelines and defining factors for American Single Malt Whiskey while operating under the ultimate creative constraint – using a single grain. Clermont Steep is a product of singular focus and results in a singularly focused whiskey experience.

47% ABV | SRP: $59.99

ARDRAY™ Blended Scotch Whisky – Developed by Beam Suntory’s Chief Blender for Scotch, Calum Fraser, and Suntory’s team of blenders from Japan, ARDRAY Blended Scotch Whisky presents a fresh perspective to Scotch Whisky. 

48% ABV | SRP: $85

Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series – This trilogy features three Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys and takes whiskey fans on a journey of ‘Kentucky Terroir’. All three expressions are aged for 17 years with the same mash bill — the only difference being the location of aging. This limited-edition collection of ultra-rare expressions includes Hardin’s Creek Clermont (released June 2023), Hardin’s Creek Frankfort (released August 2023), and Hardin’s Creek Boston (launching Sept 2023).

55% ABV | SRP: $169.99

House of Suntory 100^th Anniversary Limited Edition Japanese Whiskies:

YAMAZAKI: Established in 1923 —Yamazaki is Japan’s oldest malt distillery. The House of Suntory celebrates a century of pioneering Japanese whisky with the launch of two limited-edition expressions in celebration of its centennial:

·      Yamazaki 12-Year-Old: The House of Suntory’s centennial edition of Yamazaki 12 Year Old is designed in special celebratory packaging, as an homage to “Monozukuri” craftsmanship. The expression is bottled at 43 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of $185.00 (750ml).

·      Yamazaki 18-Year-Old:  Yamazaki® 18 Year Old Mizunara is crafted to honor Suntory’s masterful use of Mizunara through the decades. The expression is bottled at 48 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of $1,500.00 (700ml).

HAKUSHU: For the House of Suntory, this year marks a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Yamazaki Distillery, and fifty years since the Hakushu Distillery was formed. This year, The House of Suntory announces two limited edition bottlings for Suntory Whisky’s centennial:

·      Hakushu® 12-Year-Old: The House’s centennial Hakushu 12 Year Old packaging is designed as an homage to “Monozukuri” craftsmanship. The illustration on the bottle captures the Hakushu Distillery in soft hues of verdant green, representing the forest surrounding the distillery. This expression is bottled at 43 percent ABV with a suggested retail price of $185.00 (750ml).

·      Hakushu® 18-Year-Old:  Refined and elegant, this rare Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt brings a new angle to the world of peated whisky. Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt is presented at 48 percent ABV with a suggested retail price of $1,200.00 (700ml).

HIBIKI: As 2023 marks a momentous year for the House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese whisky is thrilled to reveal the long-awaited centennial release of Hibiki 21-Year-Old and a limited-edition bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony that honors the four seasons and is a nod to the past, present, and future:

·      Hibiki 21-Year-Old: The centennial anniversary label design on the Hibiki 21-Year-Old is a reminder to appreciate life and embrace the changes that come with each passing moment. The result is a long and deep finish with undertones of spiced Mizunara wood. Bottled at 43 percent ABV with a suggested retail price of $5,000.

·      Hibiki Japanese Harmony: The House of Suntory’s centennial Hibiki Japanese Harmony bottle features motifs of snow, moon and flowers representing Japan’s changing seasons. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is bottled at 43 percent ABV with a suggest retail price of $200.

Bowmore Master’s Selection Third Edition (SRP: $400): The 5^th liquid collaboration between the two stories, ultra-luxury heritage brands. Double matured in purposefully selected European Oak, Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks along with the optimal mix of American Oak hogsheads, this 22-year-old single malt pays homage to the definitively constant character of Bowmore.

El Tesoro™ Mundial Collection: Knob Creek® Rye Edition (SRP: $175). is a unique expression of El Tesoro Añejo, aged for 12 months in genuine charred-oak Knob Creek Rye Whiskey barrels which held the liquid for 9 years, resulting in a delicious sipping tequila that is perfectly balanced with subtle sweetness and spice. As a special one-time release, this is the first and only time El Tesoro has been rested in Knob Creek Rye Barrels.

El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition (SRP $175) is back by popular demand and the success of the 2021 release, the Camarenas are excited to be releasing another iteration of “Mundial” aged in Laphraoig casks. This year only, El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition will also be available alongside the El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Knob Creek Rye Edition with updated premium gift packaging.

Ferrand Dry Curaçao Yuzu Late Harvest, a limited edition release from Alexandre Gabriel, owner of Maison Ferrand and Ferrand Cognac Master Blender, in consultation with spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich, is made from the entire Yuzu and blended with brandy and Ferrand Cognac. The yuzu is harvested past peak maturity, a technique that concentrates the aromas of the yuzu, allowing Ferrand to capture incredible pastry notes which marry extremely well with the Ferrand Cognac base. (SRP: $35.99, 40% ABV).

The brand’s first permanent expression crafted from 100% malted barley is available now at duty-free outlets worldwide

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 26, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Whiskey as the brand’s first permanent expression crafted from 100% malted barley. Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is offered in a 1-liter size packaging at 90 proof for a suggested retail price of $99.99 and is available now exclusively in select duty-free retail locations across the globe. 

Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is the latest innovation from the Jack Daniel Distillery, featuring a 100% malted barley mash bill that is ground, fermented and distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The special whiskey is charcoal mellowed and then aged in new, charred American oak barrels before being finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks. 

“When we began experimenting with a 100% malt grain bill back in 2012, we knew it would be critical to put our own stamp on timeless Single Malt traditions and craft something that was uniquely Jack Daniel’s,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “There was a lot of excitement surrounding our limited edition American Single Malt Special Release last year, and we are thrilled to now offer Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt to our friends around the world.”

Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is rich and complex with aromas of soft oak, fruit and cocoa and notes of dark chocolate-covered nuts and berries with a subtle, sweet Oloroso Sherry finish. Distinctive packaging features a cork stopper and an embossed distillery stamp of America’s First Registered Distillery.

Offered in a 1-liter size at 90 proof (45% abv), Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is available in select duty-free outlets worldwide beginning this month. To mark the launch, Jack Daniel’s is hosting more than 40 activations at airports across the globe, reaching an estimated 13 million shoppers and offering 60,000 tastings. 

 For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com. 

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Whiskey, 45% alc. by vol. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2023 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.

NEW YORK, NY, September 18, 2023 – As 2023 marks a momentous year for the House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese whisky is thrilled to reveal the long-awaited centennial release of Hibiki 21-Year-Old and a limited-edition bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony that honors the four seasons and is a nod to the past, present, and future. The two limited releases mark the latest centennial whisky offerings from the House of Suntory’s anniversary celebration, honoring a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s very first malt whisky distillery in 1923.

Originally making its debut in 1989, Hibiki is considered among the most prestigious whiskies in the world and has become one of the most sought-after Japanese blended whiskies. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. The limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year-Old is a delicate marriage of malt and grain whiskies that are meticulously blended to create an orchestra of flavors and aromas. For this special centennial edition, rare Mizunara oak is placed at the forefront, profoundly influencing the blend while still maintaining Hibiki’s character and essence.

“For the limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year–Old, our team took on the challenge of crafting a new blend to celebrate our centennial,” says Chief Blender of Suntory Shinji Fukuyo. “With meticulous precision, we managed to harness the challenging-yet-rewarding characteristics of Japanese Mizunara oak to accentuate the unique flavor profile for which our Hibiki whiskies are known. This special whisky showcases our continued dedication to craftsmanship at the House of Suntory.”

The centennial anniversary label design on the Hibiki 21-Year-Old bottle artfully displays a gradual transition of colors that evoke the sunrise in Japan, a symbol of life, vitality and the ever-flowing passage of time. In Japanese culture, the sun holds deep meaning, as it nurtures the surrounding nature and provides essential energy. It stands as a reminder to appreciate life and embrace the changes that come with each passing moment.

Tender gold in color, this extraordinary whisky embodies the spirit of “Wa,” or oneness, with enticing aromas. It offers refined and elegant notes of kumquat and jasmine with Japanese incense. The palate is subtly sweet and floral combined with spiced sandalwood and agarwood. The result is a long and deep finish with undertones of spiced Mizunara wood. Hibiki 21-Year-Old is bottled at 43 percent ABV. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $5,000 a 700-ml. bottle.   

The House of Suntory’s centennial Hibiki Japanese Harmony bottle design brings the art of “Monozukuri” craftsmanship to life—it’s this same relentless pursuit for quality, ingenuity, and expressiveness that has inspired the design of each of the house’s centennial limited editions. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony centennial edition packaging features motifs of snow, moon and flowers representing Japan’s changing seasons. The ‘Kakehashi’ (bridge) depicted on the bottle links Japan and the world to the past, present and future. The water flowing underneath is pure and clear, symbolizing the cleansing of hardships and calamity. The ‘Kakehashi’ symbolizes the emotional connection of the Japanese people to their country’s unique seasonality and its significance in everyday life, fostering an appreciation for time that deeply resonates and inspires Hibiki.

Amber in color, this luminous and delicate whisky presents notes of rose, lychee, a hint of rosemary, mature woodiness and sandalwood on the nose. On the palate, it offers aromas of honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel and white chocolate. The finish is both subtle and tender with a hint of Mizunara. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is bottled at 43 percent ABV. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $200 a 750-ml. bottle.

Earlier this year, the House unveiled its centennial edition Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old were also released for the centennial. All four are available in select markets around the world.

The House of Suntory invites fans to join its new global membership program, offering exclusive benefits such as early access to new releases, priority invitations to consumer experiences*, distillery news, cultural insights and more. To sign up and learn more about the House of Suntory, please visit us online here. 

*Limited number of invitations in key cities.

***

About The House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, Suntory Whisky celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, the House of Suntory will be rolling out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki®; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to inform consumers as they make choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

[DUBLIN, Ireland] – In recognition of their commitment to excellence in whiskey production and sustainability efforts alike, Pearse Lyons Distillery has retained Origin Green Gold Membership status for the second consecutive year. Gold Membership is the highest and most prestigious standard in the Bord Bia Origin Green programme. Pearse Lyons Distillery’s consistent improvement in the use of recycled and recyclable materials in product packaging, increased efficiencies in how raw materials are utilized, sustained waste reduction and community engagement were the basis for achieving this highly coveted status.

“It is an honour for us to have retained our prestigious Origin Green Gold Membership status for the second consecutive year,” said Conor Ryan, head of production operations at Pearse Lyons Distillery. “Our involvement in this very important national programme at such a high level shows our core commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our planet. The team at Pearse Lyons Distillery has worked diligently to maintain exemplary standards across our process efficiencies in order to meet and exceed our Origin Green sustainability charter targets.”

Origin Green is Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme, uniting the government, private sector and complete supply chain, from farmers to food producers, foodservice and retail. As the world’s only national food and drink sustainability programme, Origin Green enables the industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities more effectively.

“We are delighted to recognise Pearse Lyons Distillery with the Bord Bia Origin Green Gold Membership status again this year for their continued exemplary sustainability performance,” said Deirdre Ryan, director of sustainability and quality assurance at Bord Bia. “They have employed excellent sustainability practices, such as yearly increased use of recycled and recyclable materials in their bottles and packaging, increased return from the grain used for distilling, annual reductions in waste produced and increasing engagement with the communities around the distillery.”

“I am honored to carry forward not only the legacy of my father Pearse but generations of my family who dedicated their lives to this craft,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “It’s an extraordinary privilege to be part of Ireland’s brewing and distilling heritage, and we recognize that opportunity carries great responsibility. Our team at Pearse Lyons Distillery is united by a passion for positive impact that extends from excellence in our beverage offerings to sustainability-focused innovation in our ingredient sourcing, distilling processes, bottling and waste reduction. We are honored to have a home in one of Dublin’s most historic districts and are committed to contributing to our community.”

For more information, visit www.pearselyonsdistillery.com.

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 6, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey as the newest member of its Bonded Series, a line of innovative expressions that honors the distillery’s heritage of whiskey-making excellence. Available now across the U.S., Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye is a Tennessee Rye Whiskey bottled at 100 proof (50% alc. by vol.), and is the first rye whiskey from the Jack Daniel Distillery with the Bottled-in-Bond designation.

As stipulated by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bonded whiskey must be distilled by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.

“The Bottled-in-Bond designation on Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye is another stamp of quality, assuring consumers that every drop of our whiskey is made right here in Lynchburg at the Jack Daniel Distillery with the highest standards possible,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “Bonded Rye features our uniquely crafted rye grain bill at 100 proof, delivering a unique and balanced profile that drinkers have come to expect and seek out from our rye releases.”

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye has a grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley and is charcoal mellowed before aging in new, handmade American white oak barrels. It opens with notes of dried fruit followed by lingering hints of toffee, imparting a bold, complex, and balanced taste with a rye spice finish. 

With packaging inspired by the original design of the 1895 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey bottle, Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye will be available in 700mL bottles across the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $31.99. It will be available for pre-sale through ReserveBar starting September 6 including a limited edition Jack Daniel’s gift item while supplies last.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series includes Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Triple Mash and now Bonded Rye. For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey, 50% alc. by vol. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2023 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.