With a global release in March, Kentucky distillers Michter’s are set to release their first Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey since April 2019.

Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye is a single barrel product, and the average proof of the barrels in this March 2021release is 110.3 proof.

“These barrels are at just the right point to highlight the beautiful nuances of a great rye whiskey. This release is a powerhouse,” said Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Currently, all types of Michter’s are being allocated because demand exceeds supply.

Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco commented, “Our team has been turning out some wonderful Kentucky style ryes over the years, and this 2021 release continues that trend.”

In July 2020, a barrel of Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon set the record for the highest auction price paid for a barrel of bourbon when it sold for £166,000 (US$209,462). In January 2021, Michter’s was named the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International in their Annual Brands Report.

Master Distiller Dan McKee observed, “I was really happy when we tasted these barrels. This release has so much of what I look for in a rye.”

For more information, go to michters.com and follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Kentucky Whiskey distillery Woodford Reserve has unveiled its 2023 Kentucky Derby bottle, marking the 50th anniversary of Secretariat, who won the 1973 Derby.

Featuring artwork from Kentucky native Jaime Corum, known for her stunning horse portraits, the beautifully painted label captures Secretariat in the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs, with the famed Garland of Roses draped over the colt’s withers.

Considered one of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time, Secretariat was a Triple Crown winner and still holds the record for the fastest race time at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.

“This is our most collectable Derby bottle yet, as Secretariat is perhaps the most revered and most loved racehorse in history,” explained Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller. “Even 50 years after his stunning achievement, Secretariat’s Triple Crown run is still considered one of the most iconic achievements in sports.”

Corum spent her formative years riding horses, painting and drawing them, said: “I hope that my painting for this year’s Woodford Reserve Derby bottle, “Still The Greatest,” allows us to remember that moment of dreamlike perfection when Secretariat won the 1973 Kentucky Derby.

“I have been honoured to paint Secretariat many times over the years,” she continued, “but this one is truly special to me, as it celebrates his 50th anniversary and is paired with Woodford Reserve.  Who could imagine a more perfect pairing of two things that will never go out of style?”

For more information, go to woodfordreserve.com

The Kraken, famous for its inky, black Spiced Rum, has now chosen to lighten the mood with the release of a new gold treasure – a smooth and rich Gold Spiced Rum.

Making waves for captains, sailors, and admirals alike, the Gold Rum has come out of the depths of the sea to reveal a sweet brown medley of caramel, oak, and banana bread. Molasses and dark spice flavours fade into caramelized sugar, with a slight finish of toasted oak and vanilla.

“As Gold Spiced Rum occasions are now the highest among the rum category, we are proud to introduce this new offering from The Kraken, with a flavor profile all its own,” said Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits.

“We are confident that this product will be the new gold standard in spiced rum thanks to its superb taste that we know matches what our consumers are looking for,” Otegui continued.

Before it dives back into the darkness, The Kraken celebrates its newly released Gold Spiced Rum by allowing consumers to win a Golden Hour experience in the Dominican Republic. To enter The Kraken Golden Hour Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the home of The Kraken Rum, scan the QR code or visit KrakenGoldenHour.com for more information.

Global Gin brand Hendrick’s has announced a new limited-edition expression from its “Cabinet of Curiosities”, Flora Adora.

Created by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, within the walls of Hendrick’s Gin Palace Garden, the expression is inspired by garden florals that entice pollinators.

“I find it truly relaxing to watch the butterflies and bees busy at work in the garden,” says Gracie. “It’s fascinating to me how they seem to settle on some plants more than others. Certain flowers are more enticing to the pollinators, and it is these blooms that I’ve carefully selected to create a botanical blend for Hendrick’s Flora Adora.”

With lush green and wonderfully deep, sweet floral characteristics, Flora Adora uses a floral bouquet that is particularly attractive to pollinators to create an enticingly fresh, luscious gin. The green notes and sweet floral characteristics lengthen the juniper and coriander backbone before finishing with a fresh, herbal character.

The fourth release in the the “Cabinet of Curiosities” series, Flora Adora is bottled at 43.4% ABV

For more information, go to hendricksgin.com

Global Tequila brand Don Julio is expanding its portfolio of luxury offerings with the introduction of Tequila Don Julio Rosado.

Aged for at least four months in Ruby Port wine casks from the Douro wine region of Portugal, the expression imparts a light fruit finish and delicate pink hue.

With notes of creamy strawberry, ripe raspberry, dried plum, roasted caramel and a touch of rich cocoa, Rosado is a unique and deliciously smooth tequila.

“At Tequila Don Julio, we strive to evolve our flavour profiles and offerings to delight the ever-expanding palettes of discerning tequila drinkers,” says Christina Choi, Senior Vice President of Tequila, DIAGEO North America.

“Most people enjoy luxury tequila in the evening – with Rosado, we are enticing people to call up their friends to enjoy a luxury tequila drinking experience during the daytime with a delicious Rosado cocktail and a fabulous elevated vibe,” Choi explained.

The new creative campaign, created by the community, is about bringing the night to the day and transports you through the Tequila Don Julio Rosado world to a utopic place with some magic.

Filmmaker Tanu Muiño, who brings an unparalleled love for her craft to the film, shares, “I was thrilled to partner with Tequila Don Julio on this ambitious new campaign.

“They gave me such artistic freedom, allowing me to draw inspiration from architecture, bold artists that have influenced me along my creative journey and so much more,” she explained. “The world we created for the new Tequila Don Julio Rosado is striking and colourful. It was a great experience to push boundaries and make something so original together.”

For more information, go to donjulio.com or connect with the brand on Instagram

Global Gin brand Bombay Sapphire has unveiled Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon in the United States.

With the bright, elegant flavour notes of Murcian Fino lemons, the new super premium expression has been created to celebrate the region of Murcia in Spain and the stunning citrus that it produces.

“We are delighted that gin fans will soon be trying this stunning new expression from Bombay Sapphire, which is a multifaceted celebration of renowned Murcian citrus,” said Bombay Sapphire Master Distiller, Dr Anne Brock.

“I am incredibly proud of the meticulous processes used to produce Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, from the skilled sourcing and preparation of botanicals to my role in carefully adapting every small batch of gin to bring out the nuances of the late harvest during distillation, amplifying the unique characteristics and finest flavours into a consistent flavour profile every year,” continued Brock.

Each small batch is personally and precisely cut by Master Distiller, Dr. Anne Brock, to showcase the best of the late harvest and to ensure every bottle is consistent year after year.

In tandem, Master of Botanicals Ivano Tonutti, works closely with suppliers and farmers across the globe to source the highest quality ingredients to create a fitting tribute to Murcia and beyond. This London Dry Gin contains no artificial flavours or essences. The expression draws all its flavour solely from the botanicals and the distillation process alone, capturing nature’s best flavours.

“I am delighted to showcase the work of our suppliers and farmers in Murcia, many of whom I’ve known personally for over 20 years, in a truly remarkable gin,” said Bombay Sapphire Master of Botanicals, Ivano Tonutti.

“Each lemon has been hand-picked at its ripest moment in small quantities during the late Fino harvest season, using skillful techniques passed down from generation to generation. Murcian citrus is particularly special due to the exact region where it is grown,” continued Tonutti.

“Sitting in a basin between mountain and sea, it is the perfect micro-climate for growing citrus that slowly ripens in the winter months for the best tasting fruit and impactful flavour.”

As well as the Fino Lemons, the Murcian citrus flavours are enhanced by mandarins and sweet navel oranges for a subtly sweet yet balanced taste that elevates classic cocktails and everyday moments.

Providing a unique citrus foundation for various classic cocktails, the expression utilises perfectly ripened Murcian Fino lemons matured in the Mediterranean sun and left to ripen in the winter months. They are hand-picked and hand-peeled when they are ripest to ensure the most intense citrus aromas and flavours are harnessed.

Like all Bombay Sapphire gins, the elevated notes of the botanicals are unlocked and then captured by the signature Vapor Infusion process at the home of Bombay Sapphire, Laverstoke Mill, in Hampshire, England.

For more information, go to bombaysapphire.com