Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Owensboro-based Green River Distilling releases its highly-anticipated rye whiskey tomorrow, February 1st.Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is a 95 proof expression, with a mash bill of 95 percent rye and five percent malted barley. The whiskey is a blend of four-to-six year old barrels that have all been distilled, aged and bottled at Green River Distilling Co.(DSP-KY-10), and joins the flagship Green River Bourbon and Green River Wheated as the third expression in its core lineup.

Green River is an important name in Kentucky whiskey history. The brand was originally founded in Owensboro in 1885 and, as the DSP number indicates, was the 10th oldest distillery licensed in the Commonwealth. By 1907, Green River was considered the most-advertised whiskey in the world. The brand continued in acclaim and popularity even after prohibition, but was shuttered in the 1950s as part of the decline of American whiskey. The brand was revived in 2016 and started production in 2022. Green River Kentucky Straight Rye is presented in the brand’s signature packaging - a horseshoe shaped bottle honoring the original labeling from 1885 - tells the story of the brand through glass with 10 notches on the brands horseshoe referencing DSP-KY-10, an ornate tax trip with the original tagline "The Whiskey Without Regrets," and "The Pride of Owensboro" prominently displayed.

Green River will mark the launch with a special celebration on February 1, 2024, with bottle sales beginning at 9 a.m. Four specialty VIP tours, led by Head Distiller Aaron Harris and National Brand Ambassador Caryn Wells, will give guests a behind-the-scenes look at Rickhouse B, a barrel strength tasting and a bottle of Green River Kentucky Straight Rye to take home. From 2 - 5 p.m. the community is invited to the distillery for music, food and cocktails featuring the new release. Visit the Green River website to reserve tours and tastings.

Green River Rye is offered at suggested retail price of $34.99

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon & Compartes Chocolate Pairing

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Woodford Reserve has put together a super-elevated take on the classic pairing of bourbon and chocolate!

Woodford Reserve has partnered with gourmet chocolate brand Compartés to create a limited-edition four-piece chocolate collection that was inspired by Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. The set of four chocolate truffles — Butterscotch, Pear Nutmeg, Oak Smoked Salt Caramel and Maple Pecan — were developed to mirror and enhance the flavors found in the WR Double Oaked expression.

Over the past few years, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall has taken a special interest in exploring pairings of chocolate to bring out the gorgeous notes in Double Oaked. When I saw the press release in which she called Compartés chocolatier Jonathan Grahm “a true genius and artist,” and went on to say that the tasting notes of wood, spice, and florals found in the chocolates align perfectly with the flavors found in Woodford Reserve Double Oaked”, I knew I was in for a sensory treat!!

Bob and I tasted the truffles with Double Oaked. Our favorite was the Maple Pecan, followed by the Oak Smoked Salt Caramel. The Pear Nutmeg was a lovely and unexpected flavor combination, while the Butterscotch was quite buttery and smooth but didn't quite stand up to the whiskey.

We tasted the chocolate and Double Oaked alongside the Old Forester 1924. It was a special day of tasting, for sure!

If you want to enjoy the pairing for yourself, you have a few options:

• You can order the Double Oaked and Compartés bundle via Reserve Bar. (Shipping available to consumers in Kentucky, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.)

• An elevated version of the Valentine’s Day tasting experience package will be available on the Woodford Reserve website on February 1st. This version features a bottle of the highly sought after 2024 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked as well as a bottle of Doubled Oaked and the Compartés truffle assortment.

• You can visit the WR distillery on February 14th or 15th for a special tasting experience of Double Oaked, Double Double Oaked and Compartés, led by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. Click here for reservations.

• You can visit the Reserve Bar website to attend for a free virtual tasting experience led by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall tonight at 6PM EST.

Copper & Kings Apple Brandy Finished Bourbon Review

Last month, Louisville-based Copper & Kings released a Kentucky bourbon finished in Apple Brandy Barrels. I recently visited the Copper & Kings distillery to taste and chat with Head Distiller Brandon O’Daniel.

Copper & Kings Bourbon 

HerKentucky Whiskey Glass Rating: 🥃🥃🥃🥃

Nose: red apples, baking spice and oak 

Taste: fruity and spicy with peppery notes. Apple, cinnamon and cardamom are very prominent, with some black pepper.

Finish: Apple pie and caramel with some woody notes

Sleepeasy at Old Forester

Image Courtesy Brown-Forman

Old Forester will make one of its most exclusive bourbon experiences — The Old Forester Sleepeasy — available for one month only!

From March 1 to April 2, 2023, consumers nationwide can book a stay in the one-bedroom apartment that draws upon the brand’s rich 152-year history and is located adjacent to Old Forester Distillery. In fact, the apartment’s sitting room literally shares a wall with the office that once belonged to OldFo founder George Garvin Brown, and is currently the office of Master Taster Melissa Rift!

I visited the Sleepeasy today as part of a media preview event, and it is so amazing, y’all. Every detail is so perfect — the eclectic decor pays tribute to Louisville and Old Forester in the most thoughtful way possible!

Each booking includes:

• a personalized meet and greet with Master Taster Melissa Rift;

• a tour and tasting at Old Forester Distillery;

• and the rare opportunity to purchase limited-edition whiskies including the 117 entire Series, President’s Choice 2023, and Birthday Bourbon 2022.

The best part is that the March-only booking event will benefit charity! Proceeds from bookings will be donated to the Center for Women and Families, a non-profit that helps women and families in Louisville in crisis by providing housing, support and safety from domestic violence. During today’s press event, Melissa Rift noted that, prior to her career in bourbon, she worked as a social worker, and that she strongly believes in the mission of Center for Women and Families.

Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift.

“We are so grateful to Old Forester for this generous donation and the strong message it sends about the importance of the community supporting the critical work The Center is doing every day to help individuals and families in situations that threaten their safety and well-being,” said Elizabeth Wessels-Martin, president and CEO of The Center for Women and Families. “Domestic violence deaths have been increasing in our area, and there is a greater need for our services than ever.,” she said. “The funding raised through this unique opportunity will help us continue to raise awareness about this crime and how to seek help, answer our crisis line 24/7, and provide safe housing and vital resources to aid our clients on their journey from victims to courageous survivors.”

Image courtesy Brown-Forman

Sleepeasy booking terms

To make your reservation between March 1 - April 2, 2023, click HERE. Bookings start at noon, Wednesday, Feb 22, 2023.

• Guests must be 21 or over

• Limit of two people (the apartment has a queen bed that sleeps two)

• Bookings are available from March 1 - April 2, 2023.

• Three-night minimum at $500 per night. Guests may book up to five nights.

• All proceeds will be donated to the Center for Women and Families