New Craft Spirit and Beer Collab From @2bar Spirits & Counterbalance Brewery

Over two years ago, 2bar Spirits and Counterbalance Brewery partnered in creating a one of a kind whiskey. Using the mash bill of Counterbalance’s premier Kushetka Russian Imperial Stout (Kushetka Stout), 2bar made that beer onsite at its SoDo distillery and distilled it into a whiskey, which was aged for two years in 2bar Bourbon barrels.

The Counterbalance Kushetka Stout is a dark, rich beer with copious roasted malts and coffee and dark chocolate flavors, along with a fiery alcohol presence. And since all whiskey starts as a beer, 2bar Spirits decided to go big, using this wonderfully complex mash bill and working with the great team at Counterbalance to see how the whiskey would age in 2bar Bourbon barrels.

“I am so excited to share this whiskey with fans of complex, rich spirits” said Nathan Kaiser, founder of 2bar Spirits “The stout notes come across so wonderfully. I have been a huge fan of the Kushetka Russian Imperial Stout since I first tried it and I believe you won’t be disappointed when you try the whiskey”

Concurrently, two miles south in Georgetown, Counterbalance has been working on their half of the collaboration, aging  Kushetka Stout in 2bar Bourbon barrels.  

”Nathan quite literally showed up on our doorstep about a month after we opened the brewery,” Jeff Howell, Counterbalance co-founder laughs, “We immediately found that we shared commonalities in our palates and sensibilities. When he brought up the idea of making a whiskey based on our Kushetka Imperial Stout, Frank [Lawrence, Counterbalance co-founder and Head Brewer] and I jumped at the chance. And, true to the spirit of Counterbalance, it seemed obvious to use this opportunity to launch our barrel program by aging the beer in 2bar barrels.”

Bottles of  Counterbalance Whiskey by 2bar Spirits and the 2bar Bourbon barrel aged Counterbalance Kushetka Russian Imperial Stout will be released on Saturday, May 7th, at 2bar Spirits distillery and Counterbalance Brewing company, respectively. Owners of both companies will be on hand to talk about the project throughout the afternoon. Quantities of both products are extremely limited and will sell out quickly.

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South Hollow Spirits - Dry Line Gin

Dry Line Gin is crafted by fermenting sugar cane juice for three weeks before distilling, then steeping the mixture in a 55 gallon steel drum for 48 hours with a carefully curated local selection of botanicals, including Eastern Red Cedar juniper berries, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom, allspice, coriander, orris root, grains of paradise, angelica root, anise and dried cranberry. This infusion method enables the spirit to absorb essential oils from the botanicals before it is redistilled and brought to its final proof of 94. This process results in a carefully blended palate embodying the spirit of the seaside Cape Cod town where this craft gin is distilled.

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An Entirely New Kind of Spirit

Townshend's has been in the business of finding all the interesting ways of presenting tea since 2003, which is about when the Tea Company began as a college project at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Founder Matt Thomas' idea was to bring  a casual coffeehouse atmosphere together with top-grade loose leaf tea, an apparently well received concept that has since grown into five locations. An inviting atmosphere, good music and friendly service come together with exceptionally crafted tea to make the teahouses gathering places that appeal to people of all ages. 

They've been making kombucha since 2008, which has given Thomas and his team the opportunity to learn a lot about fermentation and make friends throughout the beverage universe. In 2012, Matt started thinking about how it might be possible to apply a traditional liquor-mash fermentation approach to their existing kombucha fermentation to create a higher level of alcohol that would yield a high-proof spirit when distilled. It was a chance to make an entirely new kind of beverage alcohol. 

That is, taking a tea fermentation, driving it forward to create a higher base alcohol content, then distilling it. 

Its certainly not an idea that would motivate many people to start a business around it, but it makes sense for Townshend's because since very early on they have tried to offer as many forms of tea to their customers as possible. In 2008 this meant creating Brew Dr. Kombucha, a new approach to brewing kombucha that uses the same high-quality tea blends that are served at their teahouses. The new distillery project at Thomas & Sons follows that mission of taking great tea to new places.

Recently, the distillery has announced the first ever release of their innovative new spirits outside of Oregon. Through a partnership with KBI Craft Spirits, who will distribute the line of tea-based spirits throughout Seattle and Washington state, Washingtonians will finally have access to one of the most innovative craft spirits to come on the market this past year.

Thomas & Sons Distillery’s unique expressions include four “Townshend’s Tea Spirits” — Sweet Tea, Spice Tea, Smoke Tea and Bitter Tea — all fermented and distilled in-house, from leaf to bottle, from a wash composed of tea leaves, herbs and cane sugar. 

Rounding out the collection are two specialty spirits: Townshend’s White Rose, a clear spirit made from a simple recipe of white tea and rose petals, and Bluebird Alpine Liqueur, a warming spiced spirit destined for hot toddies everywhere, featuring ginger, fennel, cassia, and angelica root.

Find them online or at your local bottle shop in Oregon or Washington State.

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Wyoming Whiskey's Barrel Strength Bourbon Gone in a Flash

As we noted in our recent post on Halloween punch recipes, barrel proof spirits are on fire, and few releases are as noteworthy as this one from Wyoming Whiskey. So worthy that ten gallons of 116-proof and twelve gallons of 120-proof bourbon sold out before it could even hit shelves.

WW's Barrel Strength Bourbon was personally selected by head distiller Sam Mead, with assistance from Nancy Fraley, a professional whiskey taster and consultant.

“As soon as Nancy came out to taste with us, it was apparent that we had different tiers of whiskeys. We have our Small Batch, we’ve got our Single Barrel, and then we have our Barrel Strength—our truly exceptional barrels,” said Mead. “These two barrels started as very good barrels and then they started to leak, significantly. This accelerated the oxidation process and turned them into very special barrels.”

Already well known among discriminating drinkers for its exceptional small batch bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey pushes the envelope even farther with this latest offering, joining the likes of Montgomery, Catoctin Creek and Koval in defining a whole new world of opportunity for whiskey drinkers.

We're certainly looking forward to their next release, so check back to learn when they do!

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Wicked Gold Rum

With winter weather fast approaching, rum might not be the first spirit that comes to mind, but perhaps it should be. Particularly since rum goes really well with that traditional holiday beverage, eggnog, and because Florida craft distiller Wicked Dolphin just released its long anticipated Gold Reserve.

Made using 100 percent Florida sugar and local ingredients, Wicked Dolphin handcrafts their rum in small batches using the largest copper pot still in South Florida. The Gold Reserve expression takes this artisan approach a step farther, the spirit having rested in reused whiskey barrels.

“We have worked on Wicked Dolphin Gold Reserve since we started making rum in 2012. Our rum is aged for a full 3 years in bourbon barrels which gives us unique deep whiskey notes for one of the best gold rums on the market," states Wicked Dolphin Rum owner JoAnn Elardo.

Handcrafted from two distinct fermentation styles using both sugarcane and molasses, the South Florida climate plays a large factor in Wicked Dolphin’s rum making process. The barrels are then blended and finished to create a clean, honest profile without the use of added caramel or sugar. To fully appreciate this craft spirit, Elardo recommends drinking Gold Reserve over ice or in a classic cocktail recipe that will allow the oak finish to really come through.

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Early Release from Montgomery Distillery

In a lot of situations, an early release isn't exactly something to be proud of. But in the case of Montgomery Distillery's first public whiskey offering, early just happens to be right on time.

As we've said here many times before, Montgomery Distillery in downtown Missoula, Montana is the archetype for micro and craft distilleries. From its inception, owner and operator Ryan Montgomery has maintained a singular vision, to build a perfectly scaled micro distillery crafting incredible spirits while keeping nearly aspect of the process in-house. The objective: value, quality, and of course, whiskey.

Leveraging sales of their excellent clear spirits, Ryan has been patiently toiling on his true loves - outside of family, Montana, and motorcycles - single malt and rye whiskey. As everyone knows, making good whiskey is largely a matter of commitment, something that Montgomery has in spades. It may be an early release, but you can be certain that it wasn't premature.

   

Montgomery Distillery’s “Early Release Straight Rye Whiskey” is the first released by our small Montana distillery, and is comprised of a 100% rye grain mash bill, milled, fermented, distilled and aged at Montgomery Distillery in new charred oak 53 gallon bourbon barrels.  This particular label was only released through our tasting room in Missoula, Montana and was limited to a little less than 2000 bottles.  However, this whiskey will be released in wider form, and on a regular basis, starting in Spring 2016 under the label “Sudden Wisdom Straight Rye Whiskey.” 

Montgomery Distillery has been open for three years and offers a variety of clear spirits - such as Quicksilver Vodka, Whyte Laydie Gin, and Skadi Aquavit – while at the same time producing rye and single malt whiskey.  We also own a distillery farm in Central Montana that has begun (this year) supplying us with winter wheat (for our clear spirits) and rye grain (for our rye whiskey).  Please note: the Early Release Rye Whiskey was not made from our farm rye, as we just harvested the first crop about a month ago.

Be sure and swing in some time to have a taste!

Ryan

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Catoctin Creek Releases Limited Edition Rested Gin

Like many, we are in love with Catoctin Creek, and as you may know, their products have been receiving rave reviews, including having Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "Cask Proof" named the #7 whisky in the grain whisky spirits category at the 3rd Annual Wizards of Whisky World Awards.

Whisky accolades aside, something we love as much as their spirits is Catoctin Creek's approach to the process. Everything they do seems to be imbued with same sense of effortless innovation and unassuming elegance. As a whole, Catoctin embodies the essence of craft, and we have no reason to expect anything less than more of the same from this latest release.

Here's their recent announcement:

Catoctin Creek is pleased to announce the limited release of our Pearousia Barrel "Old Tom" style Watershed Gin. We took our regular, award-winning Watershed Gin, and set some aside for a time to rest in a re-used Pearousia pear brandy barrel. The result is a golden, rich, and surprisingly fruity gin which gleams in those cocktails made for Old Tom gins, like the famous Ramos Gin Fizz.*

"This entire product is the work of our brand ambassador, Chad Robinson," said Scott Harris, founder of the distillery. "Chad came to us with the idea, and begged us to reserve a couple spent Pearousia barrels for him. We filled them with gin, let them rest, and when the time was right--and the flavors were at their peak--we pulled the gin from the barrel to bottle it. The result is very exciting!"

There will only be 344 bottles available for sale, which will be evenly divided between Catoctin Creek Distillery's tasting room, and the Maryland / Washington DC market served by Bacchus Importers, Ltd. "Obviously, we expect this to sell out very quickly," added Mr. Robinson. "If you're in the DC area, I'll be pouring tastings at Weygandt Wines in Cleveland Park on March 14th."

At the Distilery:

• Available for purchase to VIP members through March 14.
• "Ramos Gin Fizz" Shake Off Event -- For VIP members, a cocktail party celebrating the new gin with classic cocktail fun!
• Available for purchase to the general public

At Weygandt Wines in DC:

• Chad will be pouring tastings at Weygandt Wines with the new gin, among other Catoctin Creek products

At Hank's on the Hill in DC:

• Launch party at Hanks on the Hill from, featuring a $5 happy hour punch and special cocktail menu at $10 apiece.

The new Catoctin Creek Pearousia Barrel "Old Tom" Watershed Gin will only be available in limited release, and each bottle is hand numbered. Look for this and more exciting releases to come in 2015.

Ramos Gin Fizz

3 oz Catoctin Creek "Old Tom" Watershed Gin
1/2 oz parts fresh lime juice
1/2 oz fresh fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
4 oz cream
1 egg white
3 dashes Orange flower water
2 drops Vanilla extract
Soda water

Pour all ingredients except soda in a mixing glass, dry shake (no ice) for two 

minutes, add ice and hard shake for another minute.

Strain into a highball glass without ice, top with soda.

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Kissing Cousins and other Special Releases

Always one of our favorite distillers, Journeyman is currently offering not one special batch release but three! These unique spirits include their Road's End Rum and two batch whiskeys, New Zealand Single Malt and Federalist 12. The barrel aged Road's End is Journeyman's longest aged and strongest spirit, aged 18 months in Featherbone bourbon barrels and bottled at 114 proof. Distilled in the Willowbank Distillery in Dunedin on the South Island, the New Zealand Single Malt is the very first addition to Journeyman's Around the World series, while the presidential Federalist 12 whiskey was created from the same mash bill used by George Washington himself. All three of these special batch spirits are in short supply, so grab a bottle or two while you can!



And if that wasn't enough, Journeyman's next batch of their Kissing Cousins has almost matured. It's not quiet ready yet, but fans of this unique spirit are already counting down the days. Tasting notes include "a classic vanilla aroma with a sweetness deriving from hints of malt, spice and tobacco." Stayed tuned for more on this much anticipated and always popular release!


This post appeared first on MicroShiner

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Caledonia Spirits Set to Release Tom Cat

Caledonia Spirits, an outgrowth of Todd Hardie's original beekeeping and honey house endeavors in northeastern Vermont, is getting set to release a rested gin they are calling Barr Hill Reserve Tom Cat. According to assistant distiller Andrew Pinault this batch of Barr Hill gin is "aged in new American oak barrels for 3-4 months. While resting in the barrels, the gin is constantly transforming. The charred barrels contribute to the brown color of the spirit and give our Barr Hill Reserve Tom Cat its complex flavor. This is our first brown spirit at Caledonia. Weeks of discussion with the TTB led to us not being able to use the word “gin” on the label (as raw honey is added after distillation and then it goes into a barrel), so we are calling this Reserve and Tom Cat."

Caledonia Spirits hopes to release the Tom Cat in February. Visit them here to learn more.


Andrew Pinault filling a barrel with Barr Hill Reserve
This post appeared first on MicroShiner

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Punch Drunk on Catoctin's "Cask Proof" Rye

Weighing in at a staggering 116 proof, Catoctin Creek's limited edition "Cask Proof" Rye packs more punch than Mike Tyson. However, only a mere 120 bottles were produced this year, which means the odds that we'll get one are longer than Buster Douglas beating the heavyweight champion of the world.

Here it is in their words:

Saturday, December 14th, just in time for the holidays, Catoctin Creek will release this year's limited production of the ever popular "Cask Proof" Roundstone Rye. Bottled at a whopping 116 proof, this is serious whisky! Only 120 bottles were produced this year, so a very limited number of bottles will be released. Limit two bottles per customer, while supplies last.

What:	Cask Proof Roundstone Rye Release
Where:	120 W. Main St. Purcellville, Virginia
When:	Saturday, December 14, 2013 12pm

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Certified organic and kosher, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from organic sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy. At Catoctin Creek, high quality and organic spirits are our passion. For more information, contact us at www.catoctincreek.com or 120 W. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Tel: 540-751-8404.

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New Releases from St. George

St. George Spirits, one of the oldest craft spirit makers in the game, has two super exclusive releases set to hit the shelves in the coming weeks. These offerings are extremely limited, so check their Facebook page and Twitter feed for live sightings of an actual sighting of these truly artisan spirits. Here's their press release in full: Lot 13 of St. George Single Malt Whiskey    Great news, single malt fans! Lot 13 of St. George Single Malt Whiskey has been bottled and is starting to make its way to bars, restaurants, and finer retailers across the land. Lot 13 is an elegant blend of 14 barrels of whiskey ranging 4–13.5 years in age. 1001 Whiskies You Must Try Before You Die says that ours "might just be the best U.S. single malt available today," so needless to say, this is a spirit worth seeking out and treasuring. We have started to ship bottles out from the distillery via our distributors and expect Lot 13 to start hitting shelves (in about 20 states total) within the next week or so. This is a very limited release and it will sell out very quickly—in fact, Head, Hearts and Tails (the onsite store at the distillery) has already sold out of its entire allocation due to go-getters calling ahead to place pre-orders. If you're interested in securing a bottle or two of your own, we advise you to call your favorite retailer(s) now to put in a request. If you need assistance tracking down a bottle in your area, as always, we are happy to help (info@stgeorgespirits.com, 510-769-1601). St. George Dry Rye Reposado Gin A totally new release for us—and great news for whiskey fans, gin fans, AND wine fans! To make this singular spirit, we rested our malty, spicy Dry Rye Gin in French and American oak wine casks that previously held Grenache rosé and Syrah. Because rye whiskey is the base spirit of our Dry Rye Gin, it lent itself beautifully to some time in barrel (about a year and a half in this case). The barrels came from local Blacksmith Cellars, run by winemaker Matt Smith—brother of St. George blender/distiller Dave Smith. We like to think of the resulting elixir as a gift to the gods of whiskey, gin, and wine. As with Lot 13, our Dry Rye Reposado Gin is a very limited release, so we expect every bottle to be snapped up quickly. Residents of AZ, CA, CO, DC, GA, IL, MA, NV, NY, WA can look to their preferred local liquor stores. Residents of other states can try to score a bottle via mail order. As always, we'd love to help to find some (info@stgeorgespirits.com, 510-769-1601).

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