Stories

Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.

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Frey Ranch “Farm Strength” Bourbon Highlights Week’s New Releases

Colby and Ashley Frey grow all of the grains for their whiskies on their farm in Fallon, Nevada, and their latest release is the Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon. This one is bottled at 61.25% ABV, and is available at retailers in California and Nevada along with the Frey Ranch web site with a suggested retail price of $79.99 a bottle. Our tasting notes are available here.

Other new whiskies unveiled this week:

The Glenrothes has a new 25-year-old edition. Whisky Maker Laura Rampling selected first-fill sherry-seasoned American and European Oak casks, along with with a small percentage of refill and ex-Bourbon casks to make this whisky. There’s no word on pricing.

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery in England has released the latest batch of their Filey Bay Peated Finish single malt. It’s matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished in ex-peated whisky casks, and is available through the distillery’s web site and select retailers in the U-K for £65 a bottle.

Whisky and music go together, and that’s the case with a new project from whisky writer and musician Felipe Schrieberg and musician Paul Archibald. They play together as The Rhythm and Booze Project, and have created a whisky label as well as a record label. The first release from Rhythm and Booze records is a 13-year-old blended malt matured in a Sherry butt, and has a QR code on the back to allow consumers to download and stream the companion playlist to listen to while they enjoy a dram.

On that note…pun intended, Catoctin Creek Distilling is getting ready to release the latest edition of its Ragnarok Rye in conjunction with the heavy metal band GWAR. It’s a special bottling marking the tenth anniversary of the death of the band’s original frontman, Oderus Urungus, and is finished in rum casks.

It’ll be available at the Virginia distillery starting August first…

Published July 9, 2023