Kentucky Whiskey brand Makers Mark has launched a collaborative custom blend with two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA All-Star and Miami Heat starting centre Bam Adebayo.

Working on the blend with his mother, Marilyn Blount, the limited-release has been called “Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1″ and boasts bold notes of vanilla and baking spice, as well as toasted coconut and a light, bright aroma of honeysuckle and clove.

“My mom is my inspiration on and off the court, and it was a great experience to create our own custom blend of Maker’s Mark,” said Bam Adebayo.  “Bam & Marilyn’s 1 of 1 celebrates what my mom and I both love best about the iconic Kentucky bourbon.”

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Marilyn Blout and Bam Adebayo at Maker’s Mark Distillery

“It was a pleasure to host Bam and Marilyn at the Maker’s Mark homeplace this summer – to share what makes our brand so special and to bring their taste vision of Maker’s Mark to life through the Private Selection program,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker’s Mark.

“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to combine our passion for exceptional bourbon with a deep commitment to supporting visionaries who create a positive impact in communities around the country.”

Kentucky Bourbon brand Angel’s Envy has announced its newest Cellar Collection Series, Vol. 5, with the release of its Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels.

To lock the flavour profile together into a cohesive, yet layered experience, the liquid is aged up to 7 years, then finished in French Oak Extra Añejo tequila barrels for up to 12 months, before being blended with an older Straight Rye Whiskey, aged for over 11 years.

Master Distiller Owen Martin travelled to Hacienda Patrón, the home of Patrón Tequila’s distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, to select the barrels, immersing himself in the world of tequila making.

“This launch is very special to me as the first Cellar Collection innovation for Angel’s Envy that I oversaw from beginning to end,” explained Martin. “As a part of the vision, we collaborated with Patrón Tequila’s Master Distiller, David Rodriguez, to identify a parallel between the production processes. We are always striving to showcase the unique character of a finishing cask and how it can amplify our base whiskey’s dynamic flavour – this release embodies that particularly well.”

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A golden caramel colour, the new Cellar Collection expression is floral and fruit-forward on the nose, with a toasty vanilla and subtle smokiness of clove. Flavours of baking spices and cracked pepper are tempered by notes of herbal agave for an earthy tobacco and brown sugar taste. The French oak finish ensures the liquid is soft and balanced, with orange blossom honey and tropical fruits.

Housed in a special-edition gift box, Cellar Collection Series Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels will be available at retailers nationwide and on ReserveBar (where eligible)

French organic spirits brand, Pegasus Distillerie, has announced the launch of a fresh, smooth and transparent mint liqueur called Minty.

Crafted using three types of organic mint, grown and handpicked in the heights of the Alps: orange mint, Japanese mint, and Moroccan mint, the liqueur with no artificial colors or flavors,  is uniquely fresh and smooth.

Transporting the drinker from the crisp heights of the Alps to the soothing warmth of Morocco, the liqueur awakens the senses and unfolds with the bright citrus notes of the orange mint, while the finish lingers with the depth of Japanese mint and the warm comfort of Moroccan mint.

“I founded Pegasus Distillerie on a commitment to bringing consumers the purest refined spirits that don’t sacrifice flavor or quality, and Minty is truly an embodiment of that,” says Maxime Girardin, Founder and Master Distiller at Pegasus Distillerie.

Standing out in the rapidly-growing liqueur category with lower sugar content, total transparency and a sophisticated flavor profile, Minty undergoes several rounds of distillation using the innovative iStill technology, adding body and smoothness to the neutral alcohol ahead of the botanical infusion.

“The inspiration for MINTY came from many years of skiing in the Alps,” continued Girardin. “Experiencing the invigorating freshness of the landscape with loved ones – and a desire to bottle those memories.

“I like to refer to Minty as an “Après-ritivo” – meaning whether you’re just off the slopes, ending a padel match with friends or wrapping up a presentation at the office, MINTY is made for savoring all the little shared moments that spark joy in life.”

Minty is best enjoyed pure, on its own or simply combined with unflavored sparkling water to create a unique ‘MINTY Spark’ spritz. It is available in Florida, NY State and California and online.

For more information, go to pegasus-distillerie.com

The UK’s Hawkridge Distillers has announced the launch of its debut premium whisky, made in partnership with the renowned Berkshire-based celebrity chef, Alain Roux.

Aged in oak bourbon barrels, the Single Malt is imbued with honeyed sweetness, toasted oak, and a hint of orchard fruits.

“English whisky is on the rise, and we’re proud to be part of its exciting resurgence,” says Phil Howarth, Managing Director of Hawkridge. “With this beautiful single malt, we’ve embraced England’s unique terroir and approach to whisky-making to create something genuinely special. This is a whisky that not only honours tradition but also pushes boundaries.”

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Known for its Gin varietals, the distillery combines the finest local ingredients with state-of-the-art techniques to create distinctly English yet globally celebrated spirits.

The new Whiskey expression will launch today at selected retailers nationwide and will be available internationally soon. 

For more information, go to hawkridgedistillers.com

Global Vodka brand Absolut is getting summer-ready with an expansion of its Ready-to-Serve (RTS) and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) ranges.

Delivering convenient, bar-quality cocktails, Absolut is expanding its RTS range with two new flavors: Espresso Martini and Classic Cosmopolitan (20% ABV)

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“The expansion of the Absolut ready-to-serve cocktail line introduces new trending vodka cocktails.” explained Reshma Dhati, Senior Brand Director of Marketing, Absolut. “The Absolut Cocktails Espresso Martini is made with real espresso and Kahlúa rum and coffee liqueur, the #1 brand associated with the popular cocktail1, while the Absolut Cocktails Classic Cosmopolitan brings consumers a new way to enjoy the iconic cocktail that Absolut has been an integral part of since it entered culture in the 1980s.”

Additionally, the brand is also expanding its award-winning RTD collaboration with Ocean Spray with the releases of two new expressions: Absolut + Ocean Spray Vodka White Cran•Peach & Absolut + Ocean Spray Vodka Cran•Mango™ Canned Cocktail. The new flavors will be available in Absolut Ocean Spray 12-pack which also includes fan-favorites Vodka Cranberry and Vodka Cran•Pineapple.

But there is also more to look forward to as this spring, Absolut’s RTD Cocktails are reviving the classics without the fuss, introducing three new flavors including: Classic Mule (7% ABV), Classic Cosmo (10% ABV), and Half & Half Tea & Lemonade (7% ABV). The new flavors will be available in The Absolut Cocktails 8-Pack, which also includes the existing Berry Vodkarita flavor.

For more information, go to absolut.com or follow @absolutus

Independent bottlers World Whiskey Society has announced its latest release: Green Code Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

A distinctly eco-friendly release, Green Code is packaged in an eco-friendly, fully recyclable bottle boasting an 84% lower carbon footprint than traditional glass and five times lighter.

“We’re constantly seeking new ways to experiment, from our liquid to our bottles, and we are excited to introduce one-of-a-kind packaging that will have a positive impact on the whiskey community and beyond,” says Alex Kogan, CEO of World Whiskey Society.

“This release reflects our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, proving that great whiskey can be rich in flavour and gentle on the planet.”

Bottled at 48% ABV / 96 Proof, the Green Code Kentucky Straight Bourbon boasts a nose of butterscotch, toasted oak, sweet honey, and subtle cereal grain.

Lush and full-bodied, the expression presents layers of honey, butterscotch, oak, molasses, candied apples, and dark fruit on the palate. Finishing sweet, rich, and syrupy molasses persists with a touch of fruit and toasted oak lingering throughout. This combination makes for a balanced and nuanced experience, ending in a long and satisfying finish.

For more information, go to worldwhiskey.com