The recipe for America's booming bourbon business is a mix of growing cocktail culture and social media, Michter's Distillery President Joseph Magliocco told CNBC. "There's a growing appreciation for [bourbon] among millennials, as opposed to beer and some other stuff," Magliocco said on "Power Lunch" Friday. "A lot of it is really cocktail culture." The Kentucky-based supplier imports wine and...

Hamilton's Urban Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar is now open at 2101 Chouteau Avenue in Downtown West. The restaurant is the latest venture from the married team of Paul and Wendy Hamilton (Eleven Eleven Mississippi, Vin de Set, PW Pizza). In fact, it shares a building with Charleville Brewing Co. & Tavern, which the Hamiltons opened in 2017 in partnership with Charleville Vineyard, Winery & Microbrewery...

The second annual Bourbon & Beyond festival makes its much-anticipated return to Champions Park in Louisville, KY, Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 with the perfect blend of bourbon, food & music not found anywhere else in the world. Festival producers Danny Wimmer Presents, culinary curator Edward Lee (The Mind of A Chef) and bourbon curator Fred Minnick have put together another...

This bottle was a present to me from my cousin, for a favor I did for him in college, over 46 years ago. I truly did not remember it (even when he told me) but I was glad to receive the bottle. I’m have not been a big Woodford Bourbon fan in the past but find myself enjoying it more recently. When I saw this was a malt whiskey I felt a pang of disappointment because I am not a big fan...

What should a “special release” bourbon entail, exactly? That’s a very general question, but a jumping off point that any distillery must assess when they conceive a special product and then bestow it with a name like “The President’s Choice.” Should that bourbon be meant for approachability and neat drinking—a sort of elevated version of the brand’s best-known, flagship product? Or should it be...

Watermelon is my favorite thing about summer. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s really true. I could eat it every single day of my life and never tire of how refreshing and tasty it is. While I love watermelon, I’m a bit picky about the texture. It needs to be crisp and perfect. The sweetness needs to be there too. Sometimes I’ll buy two watermelons and one will be a bit on the mealier side...

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon has debuted a new limited-release whiskey this month that offers the “spiciness of a rye” along with the “sweet characteristics and finish of a bourbon,” in part because it contains both. Two by Two Rye includes an unprecedented blend of two ryes and two bourbons (thus the two-by-two name) that have been combined so that their flavors complement each other. The blend include...

Ever been out downtown, looked at the brown booze in your glass, and had the urge to sip some from your own secret stash? Ever thought 'hey, all the wine bars, cocktail clubs, and breweries on the peninsula just don't really DO it for me?' Ever wanted to play out, in real life, that scene from Anchorman — "unique, New York, unique, New York." Well, very specific person, you are in luck. With plans...

“My only experience is bourbon & Coke.” That was the answer when I asked Kevin, who purchased a VIP trip to the Bourbon Trail, what he typically drank. Read Part 1 of From Coke to Cash Strength to get the full story as we head into Part 2. As with most people who visit the bourbon trail, they come away with a personal connection to certain distilleries and the people who...

The Western Slope is known for its Palisade peaches. But the area also favors lavender, vineyards and wild sage. Josh Niernberg is the executive chef at Bin 707 Foodbar in downtown Grand Junction, where nearly half of the ingredients he uses in his restaurants are from the Western Slope. He’s a frequent advocate for chefs and restaurants outside the Denver metro. Here is Niernberg’s recipe for a...

“I heard certain whiskies that aren’t distilled by the actual distillery listed on the label and come from somewhere else, can make you sick!” A woman excitedly told me this factoid at a private whiskey tasting that I recently hosted. I assured her that the bourbon I was pouring would not make her sick—unless, of course, she drank too much of it. The next day, a few journalists called me alarmed...

The annual Parker’s Heritage Collection American whiskey release from Heaven Hill Distillery is always something of note to collectors and those looking to try unique, limited edition bottlings from this ongoing series. Now entering its 12th edition, what we have this time around is a bourbon that’s been finished in ex-French orange curaçao liqueur barrels...

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (July 10, 2018) — Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2018 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in orange curaçao barrels. The 12th edition will ship into select markets across the country beginning in September. The 2018 edition showcases the versatility that Heaven Hill’s 1.4 million aging barrels provide for an...

The sour mash process is an old method of making whiskey. Many people credit James C. Crow with inventing the sour mash process, but the process is much older than James Crow. The Kentucky Historical Society has a recipe for sour mash whiskey from Catherine Carpenter of Casey County, Kentucky that dates to 1818. Her recipe is as follows: “Out into the mash tub six bushels of very hot slop then put in one bushel...

“Hmmm, where is this place?” My wife, Patti and I are standing in the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel looking for the Milk Room, the bar which we have reservations at 5PM. We are a little early but the only directions we have is it is on the second floor. I don’t see anything and have walked back and forth between the lobby and The Game Room a couple of times...

Two weeks ago, we told you about the partial collapse of Warehouse 30 at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. On July 4, not surprisingly, the rest of it came down. The photographs and videos are certainly dramatic, approximately 18,000 barrels of whiskey, each one holding 53 gallons and weighing 500 pounds, in a massive pile, with pieces of the roof and other debris scattered about...

A bourbon storage facility in Bardstown owned by the Barton 1792 Distillery collapsed recently, sending thousands of barrels of aging whiskey rolling down a hillside. Throughout Kentucky history, distillery disasters have made headlines. Few, however, were as descriptive as a November 1886 distillery fire at the John Thixton Distilling Co. in Owensboro. In that incident, onlookers sampled the...

SAUK CITY, Wis. - Not everyone can serve their country, but those at Wollersheim Winery and Distillery say everyone can do their part to support those who do. "It's always about trying to create something new and different,” co-owner Philippe Coquard said. Coming up with new flavors of liquor, like their recently-released Rye Whiskey, is everyday work for Coquard and his son-in-law and distiller...

“My only experience is bourbon & Coke.” That was the answer when I asked Kevin, who purchased a VIP trip to the Bourbon Trail, what he typically drank. My organization (Jazz St. Louis) auctioned off a trip to the trail, guided by yours truly, as a fundraising item. Finally, my job would be to tour distilleries, host tastings, and talk about bourbon! Kevin knew nothing about bourbon and bought the trip because...

In an apt metaphor for American society, what remained of the Kentucky bourbon warehouse came crashing down on July 4, two weeks after parts of the structure first collapsed. No injuries were reported, but it is currently not yet known how much (alcohol) our country has lost. Owned by Sazerac, the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky contained 18,000 barrels of bourbon and other spirits...

Sipping a glass of wine with a selection of cheeses in front of you is one of the great pleasures of life. But it’s time to step out of the box when it comes to what you’re sipping alongside that cheese plate. Sure, a fresh goat cheese and a glass of rosé is tough to beat, but a sharp cheese paired with a smooth, malty dram of whiskey will open you up to a whole new world of taste. And with a bit...

As more distilleries come onto the scene, each has to create a one-of-a-kind experience for guests. Some host dinners, some offer up live music on the weekends, and others serve up craft cocktails and additional tastings. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience — which was the first to open its doors on the re-branded Whiskey Row in 2013 — has converted its conference space on the third floor to a...

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (July 3, 2018) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a rare bottling produced at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery before it was destroyed by fire in 1996. Only 41 barrels produced in 1989 and 1990 passed taste testing for inclusion in this limited release that represents Heaven...

Six years ago, my wife, Sanci, was trying to think of a fun place for us to visit together during her spring break. She ended up suggesting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and it was one of the most fun and interesting experiences I’ve had in this great commonwealth of ours. Up to that point, I liked bourbon pretty well and would usually drink it with Coke or in some other mixed drink. Before we went...

The Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky has a long history in its home state, one of which at one time was impacted by tragedy. A legendary fire over 20 years ago consumed a part of the whiskey maker’s operations, destroying in the process some 90,000 barrels of aging whiskey. Some of what was produced there inevitably survived, however, and now a portion of it has emerged as the new Heaven Hill 27...

Diageo’s Orphan Barrel series of well-aged bourbons, rescued from the ancient aging racks at the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery outside Louisville, KY, are “prestige whiskeys” by any definition. The mere fact that the Stitzel-Weller juice is finite, and can’t be reproduced exactly the same again, is a major draw—there will be Stitzel-Weller Orphan Barrel releases for a few years to come, but...

One of the lesser known features of the rather historic Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky is the estate farm which grows corn for a planned estate bourbon. We’ve tracked the progress of this operation over the years since the days of the first crop, and now word has just come down of the fourth crop being planted. Here’s what Buffalo Trace had to say specifically about this new crop, alongside...

It’s surprising West Virginia hasn’t had its own in-state made bourbon, given the perceptions outsiders like me have of its history of bootlegging, moonshining and the heavy influence of Scots-Irish settlers, who surely brought a love of the water of life across the Atlantic. Smooth Ambler has corrected that oversight with the recent release of the first wholly West Virginia bourbon, Big Level...

For more than 200 years, American bourbon has spread from its birthplace in the mountains of Kentucky throughout the country and beyond. Though the details of this liquor’s origin story are often conflicting, original bourbon distillers were likely Scottish and Irish settlers who craved their familiar, Old World whiskey and adapted their ancient recipes to New World ingredients such as corn. No...

I love bourbon. I like it neat, on the rocks, in an old fashioned or in a boulevardier. As a side note – For those of you who don’t know, a boulevardier is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth and Campari. Order one the next time you’re at a bar. This cocktail definitely deserves more press. There’ actually never been a better time to enjoy bourbon. Kentucky distilleries have increased production...

There’s been a lot of whiskey news of late, and not just the unfortunate event that took place at the Barton 1792 Distillery last week. There have been some intriguing new releases that are worth your attention, so grab a Glencairn glass and read on. Tullamore makes one of my favorite Irish whiskeys at affordable price points, so I was pleased to find out about their latest expression, Tullamore...

You'll no doubt agree that whiskey is in fact the nectar of the gods and that single drop wasted is an insult to humanity. With this in mind, you'll also agree that the 9,000 barrels of bourbon that crashed into oblivion on Friday in a warehouse in Kentucky add up to the greatest loss to humanity since the burning of the Library of Alexandria. This unimaginable tragedy occurred at the Barton 1792...

The $45 million, 70,000 square foot distillery on Main Street takes guests through Old Forester's rich history and bourbon making process. WDRB's Keith Kaiser gets a tour of the updated building that housed the bourbon long ago. Old Forester Distilling Co. will add production capacity of approximately 100,000 proof gallons annually. Visitors can follow the bourbon making process from fermentation...

Kentucky is famous for fried chicken, tobacco and thoroughbreds, and it produces about 95% of the world's bourbon. While this amber liquid is steeped in tradition, one manufacturer is learning a few new high-tech tricks. At Beam Suntory, the key is using digital manufacturing from Rockwell Automation and Cisco to change its business models, improve efficiencies, streamline logistics and update its...

There’s an old story in the whiskey world: Before trucks and bottling lines, all American whiskey was aged and shipped in barrels, soaking up flavor as it sloshed down the Mississippi River. Eventually, people took a particular liking to the barrels marked “Bourbon County, Kentucky.” They started clamoring for “bourbon.” And that’s how that whole thing got started. Trey Zoeller, the cofounder of...

Here’s a fun fact: Castoreum is an FDA approved food additive. Know what that means? It means that the yellow/gray, strong-smelling liquid secreted by the castor sacs located right under a beaver’s tail can be added to your food and drink. And now, you can find it in a new whiskey from Tamworth Distilling in New Hampshire, the aptly named Eau de Musc. That said, castoreum’s been used as a food...

We are still a few weeks away from when sweet corn is stacked as high as an elephant’s eye at farmers’ markets, but there is a way for you to enjoy corn in the interim. And that way is bourbon. The spirit of Kentucky must be distilled from grain that is at least 51 percent corn in order to be considered bourbon (learn more by spending an hour with a rocks glass in hand while watching the new...

If Kentucky is known for anything, it is known for its bourbon. So next time you are traveling through the Bluegrass State and looking for something to do, try checking out some of the great distilleries. Here are 14 bourbon facilities in Kentucky. Plus, one brandy distillery (wait, what!): 1. Woodford Reserve If you're looking for a classic Kentucky distillery from the Bourbon Trail, this is a...

With a trade war heating up between the United States and other countries, the issue of tariffs on whiskey, particularly bourbon, is rapidly becoming a focal point of concern for the greater spirits industry. In recent weeks we’ve seen a series of statements issued by different related parties that we now provide here for your consideration...

Another Kentucky distillery is coming online soon. Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, in Pikeville, Ky. is opening to the public on June 28. The new distillery is being opened by Nicholasville-based Alltech Inc., a company that's known mostly for its animal nutrition and agricultural products but is also no stranger to the distilling industry — it also operates Town Branch Distillery in...

Old Forester Distilling Co. has opened a new distillery in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. One of the oldest brands of bourbon in the US, Old Forester holds the distinction of being the first bourbon ever put in a bottle. Almost 150 years ago, whiskey was typically sold by the barrel, but a pharmaceutical sales rep named George Gavin Brown decided to seal his whiskey in a glass bottle and sign...

Stand directly underneath Louisville’s Clark Memorial Bridge, which spans the green gray waters of the Ohio River and connects Kentucky to nearby Indiana. Now walk due south on the 2nd Street, following the steeply sloped path whiskey barrels used to roll down before being loaded onto shipping barges bound for the Mississippi. At the top of the 2nd Street slope, you’ll find yourself at the...

Wild Turkey is a brand with a notable amount of name recognition. Nonetheless, it has gone through a “reintroduction” in the last couple of years, with Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey joining the company as Creative Director in 2016. He has since appeared as the new face of the brand in its advertisements as well as becoming more integrated into the company behind the scenes...

Whiskey fanatics will have their work cut out for them with the launch of Pappy Days at the Saratoga, a seven-week tasting of America’s cult bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle. The tastings take place each Monday during the weekly series, starting with the 10-year ($10) and ending with the 25-year ($225). Bar director Brandon Clement has been amassing a huge collection of Pappy over the past ten years...

Spirits industry professionals rolled out the red carpet for Kentucky bourbon maker Tom Bulleit of Bulleit whiskey in Houston recently. And why not? The high rye bourbon is among the country’s best-selling brown spirits and a bartender darling. The meet-and-greet held at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations was a chance to meet the maker of the portfolio that includes the original Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit...

For the young and the restless Whisky enthusiasts, it’s the quest for seeking new flavours, age and regions. In India, we identify whisky mostly with Scotch, more than with whisky from any other country. Over the last few decades, Irish, American, Japanese and to some extent Canadian whiskies have complemented to the joy of discerning Indians by adding to the global whisky offering...

Plan a date to meet your dad on the front porch with a pair of these gorgeous cocktails. Celebrate Father's Day with a sweet spin on his favorite bourbon and a juicy hunk of fresh honeycomb to make it extra special. Take in the sunshine as you compare notes on your dad's best jokes and most entertaining fashion faux pas...

Over the past decade, bourbon has exploded in popularity. According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, “America’s native spirit” is an $8.5 billion industry that employs more than 17,000 people in Kentucky alone. There are more than 6.6 million barrels of bourbon aging in the state, enough to supply each Kentuckian with a barrel and a half of whiskey. Whiskey can be classified as bourbon as...

From 1882 to 1919, the Old Forester Distilling Co. had a presence on Louisville’s Main Street, nicknamed Whiskey Row, at the very same address where its new $45 million, 70,000-square-foot distillery opens today, June 14, which fittingly happens to be National Bourbon Day. Public tours begin Friday, June 15, with ceremonial events happening all day long on Thursday. Insider got a sneak peek...

If you grew up watching your dad indulge in a glass of whiskey after a long day or as a nightcap, you probably didn’t get why it was so great until you became an adult and tried for yourself. Now, you can really appreciate it and understand that it’s more than just “that brown stuff” and why having a nice bottle (or two matters). Naturally, dad deserves a nice bottle of whiskey anytime but...