Between a significant distillery acquisition, a lawsuit that simply opened up the liquor business for small manufacturers, and Buffalo Hint placing Pappy bottles to work for a great trigger, it’s been an enormous couple of weeks in whiskey. However let’s begin with one thing nearer to dwelling—and slightly extra private.
Non-public barrel picks used to really feel like a secret handshake. Now? They’re feeling extra like a mass advertising marketing campaign with a sticker slapped on. This week, I’m digging into why that shift issues, how we’re dealing with it at Bourbon & Banter, and what “particular” ought to really imply if you’re paying premium.
Plus: some massive strikes from Center West, a wise local weather experiment from Milam & Greene, and Knob Creek lastly giving their single barrel program the cask energy improve we’ve all been ready for (simply… don’t flood the cabinets, okay?).
Let’s pour one and get into it.
Are Non-public Barrel Picks No Longer Particular?
Keep in mind when getting invited to a non-public barrel choose felt like successful the whiskey lottery? You’d present up, thieve straight from the barrel, debate taste notes with buddies, and stroll away with one thing uncommon. Dare I say…one thing yours. It was intimate. It was thrilling. It was really… effectively, particular.
However someplace alongside the way in which, issues shifted.
Now, it seems like everybody and their uncle has a barrel choose. Retail chains are doing them. Bars are doing them. Your neighbor’s fantasy soccer league in all probability has one. What was once a uncommon, significant expression of style and craftsmanship is beginning to really feel slightly… rinse and repeat.
Do not get me fallacious, there are nonetheless nice picks on the market. However when manufacturers crank out non-public choices like they’re printing t-shirts, it raises a query: is that this nonetheless about curating one thing distinctive for a group of whiskey lovers, or simply one other SKU to maintain the cabinets full?
We nonetheless do them for the Bourbon & Banter group, and those we launch are ones I personally stand behind. However we’ve additionally scaled again. Why? As a result of chasing amount over high quality doesn’t do anybody any favors. And admittedly, most of the time, the picks on the market at present simply aren’t that particular.
Yeah, they’re normally greater proof—however that alone doesn’t make them well worth the price ticket. A whole lot of them style identical to what you may already get from the distillery’s customary shelf providing. No actual wow issue. No significant distinction. Only a sticker and a barely larger invoice. And what do you do when that “unique” choose finally ends up costing greater than a top-shelf retail bottle that delivers higher complexity and end? That’s not simply underwhelming. It’s a foul worth.
Barrel picks was once a option to share one thing distinctive together with your individuals. Now they’re usually simply one other launch.
That’s why we’re retaining our give attention to picks that matter. Fewer barrels, extra intention. I need our group to get bottles they’ll’t wait to open, speak about, and share—not simply one other bottle to park on the shelf.
So I’ll ask: do you continue to get enthusiastic about non-public picks? Or are they beginning to really feel extra like a advertising gimmick than a significant expertise? Please share your ideas within the feedback and let me know what you see.
BOOZE BIZ BUZZ
Center West Spirits Acquires Outdated Elk Distillery
Center West Spirits—Ohio-based and one in all North America’s largest independently owned distilleries—has formally acquired Outdated Elk Distillery, folding the award-winning Colorado whiskey model into its increasing portfolio.
This transfer pairs Outdated Elk’s robust model recognition, buyer loyalty, and signature Sluggish Minimize® proofing course of with Center West’s grain-to-glass manufacturing mannequin and large-scale capability. The acquisition goals to protect what made each manufacturers particular whereas boosting innovation and scaling distribution.
Outdated Elk CEO Luis Gonzalez emphasised the position of relationships and craftsmanship in shaping the model’s journey, giving particular credit score to Grasp Distiller Greg Metze and founders Curt and Nancy Richardson. For Center West, it’s a milestone that alerts progress with a continued give attention to transparency, high quality, and long-term potential.
🥃📋 SIP REP: We didn’t see this one coming—however we’re glad it occurred. Outdated Elk has constructed a robust following with distinctive blends and branding, and this acquisition provides the model a future it won’t have secured by itself. What’s much more shocking? That MGP didn’t step in, particularly contemplating Grasp Distiller Greg Metze’s lengthy historical past with the model and his former position at MGP. As an alternative, Center West—quietly rising right into a severe drive—swooped in and gave Outdated Elk a brand new dwelling. Let’s hope they preserve what made Outdated Elk particular whereas constructing one thing even larger collectively.
Dan Callaway Named Grasp Blender at Lofted Spirits
Lofted Spirits has promoted Dan Callaway to Grasp Blender, a transfer that formally acknowledges his artistic management and mixing experience throughout the corporate’s increasing whiskey portfolio. Beforehand VP of Product Growth at Bardstown Bourbon Firm, Callaway now oversees mixing not just for Bardstown’s Kentucky Straight Whiskeys but in addition for Inexperienced River and Lofted’s Customized Spirits purchasers.
With a background in music and authorized sommelier creds, Callaway’s identified for mixing precision with wild creativity—serving to Bardstown Bourbon earn essential popularity of its collaborative finishes and daring experimentation.
This promotion alerts Lofted’s ambition to guide whiskey innovation at scale whereas giving Callaway extra room to play, discover, and form the following wave of American whiskey.
🥃📋 SIP REP: Given Dan Callaway’s long-standing position in main product growth at Bardstown Bourbon and his growing involvement throughout Lofted Spirits’ portfolio, this promotion tracks. With Lofted rising its customized spirits enterprise and Inexperienced River gaining floor, formalizing Callaway’s position as Grasp Blender alerts a strategic transfer to streamline mixing oversight beneath one voice. Whether or not his blends proceed to resonate with drinkers is a separate (and private style) matter—however from an organization construction standpoint, it is sensible.
BHAKTA 1928 Assessment: A Distinctive Mix of Rye & Classic Spirits
The nostril is heat with apple pie filling and darkish, caramelized sugar. Regardless of a principally rye recipe, it’s fairly plush, virtually buttery, with little in the way in which of vigorous spice.
Outdated Elk Sluggish Minimize: Easy Sipper with a Distinctive Proofing Twist
On the palate, issues are as soon as once more unsurprisingly approachable, dangerously approachable even. In truth, this is without doubt one of the best consuming whiskeys I’ve encountered.
Knob Creek® Launches Single Barrel Choose Cask Power Program
Knob Creek® is popping up the quantity on its Single Barrel Choose Program with the introduction of Cask Power Bourbon and Rye—accessible as hand-selected, uncut, and unfiltered expressions picked by retailers. The barrels will range in proof (Bourbon: ~110–130, Rye: ~100–120) and showcase daring, full-flavored whiskey in its purest type.
Retail companions can select their very own barrels both on-site on the James B. Beam Distilling Co. or remotely by way of pattern kits. The expertise contains unique entry to Warehouse Ok, a comparative barrel tasting, and a curated meal at The Kitchen Desk restaurant. These new Cask Power Single Barrel Choose choices are rolling out nationwide with an SRP of $69.99 per 750mL.
🥃📋 SIP REP: The earlier Knob Creek Single Barrel program—capped at 120 proof and accessible nearly in every single place—all the time felt slightly meh for one thing labeled “single barrel.” It was stable, positive, however hardly particular when you would discover it in each aisle endcap and Costco cart. This new Cask Power model is a welcome improve: uncut, unfiltered, and extra versatile proof-wise, giving retailers a greater shot at choosing one thing that truly stands out.
That mentioned, let’s not child ourselves—the extra barrels they unleash, the faster this might flood the market and lose the punch it’s promising now. We’re cautiously optimistic, however retaining one eye on the shelf creep. Right here’s hoping this new program lives as much as the hype earlier than it begins feeling just like the previous one another time.
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Provi Wins Massive In opposition to Southern & RNDC—and That’s Enormous for Craft Distillers
In a significant shakeup for the liquor business, the 2 greatest U.S. wholesalers—Southern Glazer’s and RNDC—have settled an antitrust lawsuit filed by on-line ordering platform Provi, which accused them of conspiring to dam entry to their portfolios. The swimsuit alleged that Southern and RNDC had finished practically $200 million in gross sales by means of Provi between 2016 and 2021, earlier than abruptly boycotting the platform in a coordinated try and shut it down.
Provi, which permits retailers to check choices and place orders from a number of distributors (together with self-distributing craft manufacturers), was seen as a disruptive drive—chopping into Southern and RNDC’s dominance. By pulling assist, the giants tried to starve Provi of stock and market share.
Quick ahead to 2025: Provi survives, the large guys settle, and the business simply acquired slightly extra open. The settlement alerts a win for free-market entry and an enormous alternative for small, impartial distillers trying to get their merchandise in entrance of extra retailers with out being tied to the “massive two” distributor mannequin. Full story
🥃📋 SIP REP: Provi simply body-checked the liquor business’s gatekeepers, and we’re right here for it. If you happen to’re a craft distiller, that is extra than simply authorized drama—it’s a lifeline. The duopoly of RNDC and Southern was by no means constructed to make room for small manufacturers. However now, due to Provi refusing to be bullied, extra doorways are open. It’s nonetheless not a stage taking part in discipline—however not less than somebody constructed a brand new stadium.
Cuba’s Sugar Disaster Places Rum Trade on the Rocks
Cuba’s once-dominant sugar business is collapsing, with 2025 manufacturing anticipated to fall beneath 200,000 metric tons—a stage not seen for the reason that 1800s. That’s an enormous drop from 1.3 million tons in 2019. The perpetrator? A mixture of financial mismanagement, U.S. sanctions, gasoline shortages, and the lingering results of COVID.
This nosedive in sugar output is devastating Cuba’s rum business, which is dependent upon native cane and ethanol for distillation. The nation’s manufacturing of 96% ethanol—very important for making premium rum—has plummeted by 70% since 2019, and most distilleries at the moment are scraping by on dwindling reserves.
Whereas provinces like Sancti Spiritus hit modest targets, sugar-heavy areas like Villa Clara and Las Tunas dramatically underperformed, highlighting a nationwide manufacturing disaster. With summer season rains now additional limiting harvest and processing, issues could solely worsen. Learn extra
🥃📋 SIP REP: Sugar shortages in Cuba? That’s like Kentucky operating out of corn. The rum business’s in bother, and there’s no fast repair in sight. With distilleries operating low on ethanol and authorities excuses piling up sooner than harvested cane, the actual casualty right here could also be one in all Cuba’s most iconic exports. We’ve all the time mentioned rum wants extra respect—but when this retains up, it would want a lifeline too.
Buffalo Hint Launches “Pour it Ahead” Fundraiser to Assist Kentucky Storm Victims
Buffalo Hint Distillery, in partnership with BlockBar, has launched the “Pour it Ahead for Kentucky” charity fundraiser to assist communities impacted by devastating spring storms and tornadoes throughout Kentucky. All proceeds from the public sale and sweepstakes will go to the American Pink Cross and the Franklin County Flood Reduction Fund.
Beginning Might 22, bourbon followers can bid on ultra-rare bottles and unique experiences, together with:
- A barrel choose of Blanton’s Gold + VIP tour and lodge keep
- A full Pappy Van Winkle assortment, Eagle Uncommon 25, and Double Eagle Very Uncommon
- Signed memorabilia and whiskey from Chris & Morgane Stapleton
- A behind-the-scenes journey to a Yellowstone spinoff set in Fort Price
Sweepstakes prizes embody a bottle of O.F.C. Classic 2006 and a PGA Sawgrass golf bundle. Each $50 donation counts as one entry.
All public sale tons begin at $100 with no reserves. Bidding closes June 5.
🥃📋 SIP REP: Credit score the place it’s due—that is the way you flip collector insanity into one thing significant. With a killer lineup of bottles (howdy, Weller Millennium and full Pappy set), Buffalo Hint is giving bourbon followers a shot on the unattainable, whereas really serving to actual individuals in Kentucky get well. If you happen to’re going to go broke chasing unicorns, not less than let or not it’s for a great trigger.
NEW RELEASES
Listed below are some new releases value a glance—shared for consciousness, not endorsement. #DrinkCurious, however select correctly. 🥃
Inexperienced River Salutes 250 Years of the U.S. Military with Particular Launch Bourbon
Inexperienced River Distilling Co. is honoring the U.S. Military’s 250th anniversary with a commemorative limited-edition bourbon set to debut on June 14, 2025. Bottled at 111.1 proof—a nod to Veterans Day (11/11)—this small batch launch blends 4- to 7-year-old barrels made out of a mash invoice of 77% corn, 14% rye, and 9% malted barley.
Tasting notes embody wealthy caramel, black cherry, cocoa, and peppermint, with a full-bodied mouthfeel of toffee and toasted oak resulting in a daring, frivolously spiced end. It’ll retail for $49.99 and be accessible on army bases, Inexperienced River’s Kentucky places, and choose on-line/shops nationwide.
A portion of proceeds will assist quality-of-life packages for troopers and their households by means of initiatives like sports activities, wellness, and recreation.
🔗 Be taught extra: army250.greenriverwhiskey.com
🥃📋 SIP REP: I’ve made it clear earlier than—Inexperienced River is without doubt one of the few newer manufacturers that truly will get it. They’ve acquired the historical past, the whiskey, and so they don’t attempt to gown it up with a bunch of smoke and mirrors. This launch retains that development alive. It’s a well-priced, age-stated, restricted launch that occurs to additionally honor the U.S. Military’s 250th anniversary—and it does it with out making it really feel like a advertising ploy.
I haven’t tasted this one but, however primarily based on what we’ve reviewed prior to now, I belief Inexperienced River is aware of what they’re doing. And at $50 for a small batch at 111 proof, this appears like one value snagging. Whether or not you care in regards to the tie-in or not, the whiskey inside might be going to talk for itself.
New Riff Drops First-Ever 10-Yr Bourbon and Rye in Restricted Whiskey Membership Launch
New Riff Distilling is celebrating its tenth anniversary with its first-ever 10-year-old whiskeys: First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon and First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye. Each are a part of the distillery’s Excessive Observe restricted version lineup and might be launched completely to members of the New Riff Whiskey Membership (free to hitch) for pickup solely beginning Thursday, Might 22.
- Each expressions are non-chill filtered and bottled at 120.5 proof
- Bourbon mashbill: 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley
- Tasting notes: cinnamon espresso cake, stewed fruit, cherry cola, and a heat wooden spice end
- Rye mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted rye
- Tasting notes: spearmint, raspberries, plum, tobacco, mint and peppercorn end
- Value: $89.99 every
- Out there: Pickup solely on the distillery by way of the New Riff Whiskey Membership
🥃📋 SIP REP: New Riff’s all the time performed the lengthy sport—and now they’ve acquired the barrels to show it. Their first 10-year-old releases really feel like a milestone second, not a money seize, which is saying one thing in at present’s market. I’ve been impressed by New Riff’s bottled-in-bond stuff from the leap, so I’m anticipating good issues right here.
At $90 and barrel proof, it’s arduous to name this something however a stable worth—particularly when you think about the proof, the age, and the model’s monitor file. Simply bear in mind: you’ve acquired to choose it up in particular person, so except you are inside street journey vary, you is likely to be out of luck. Nonetheless, these really feel like bottles value making slightly detour for.
Milam & Greene Launches “The Reply” — A Groundbreaking Local weather-Getting old Bourbon Experiment
Milam & Greene is rolling out “The Reply,” a limited-edition two-bottle bourbon set that dives headfirst into the results of local weather on whiskey growing old. Distilled in Bardstown, KY in 2019, half of the bourbon aged in Kentucky whereas the opposite half was instantly shipped to Blanco, TX to mature beneath the extreme Hill Nation warmth. Now, 5 years later, each barrels are able to pour—and evaluate.
Every set contains:
- One bottle aged in Kentucky (remaining proof: 108)
- One bottle aged in Texas (remaining proof: 116)
The variations? Suppose estery and fruit-forward from Kentucky, daring and oak-laden from Texas—leading to two uniquely expressive bourbons from the identical supply distillate.
Solely 800 units are being launched beginning Might 28, accessible by means of the Milam & Greene web site, their distillery, and choose retailers.
🥃📋 SIP REP: I’ll be tasting this one quickly, however let me simply say—it’s about rattling time somebody did this side-by-side for actual. I’ve been a fan of Milam & Greene’s considerate mixing and modern work for some time now, and “The Reply” seems to be prefer it’s bringing the science and story collectively in an enormous means. The local weather angle isn’t simply advertising fluff—it’s constructed into the juice. Can’t wait to dig in and report again.
📆 DATES TO REMEMBER
I suck at remembering dates. As such, I’ve developed a stable behavior of placing issues on my schedule as quickly as I get the data. Let my lack of reminiscence provide help to preserve monitor of key dates associated to booze.
Bookmark our group calendar so that you’re all the time within the know.
West Fork Whiskey VIP + Non-public Barrel Decide – 6/6
Able to drink like an insider? Be a part of Pops, Brent, and fellow Bourbon & Banter Ingesting Class members for a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes expertise at West Fork Whisky’s 35,000 sq. ft. whiskey wonderland. We’re getting a non-public VIP tour and choosing a non-public barrel for the Bourbon & Banter Neighborhood. Replace: Registration is now closed, and attendees have been notified. SOLD OUT
Exhausting Reality Distilling VIP Expertise + Get Misplaced Tour – 6/7
We’re retaining the weekend rolling after the West Fork Whiskey barrel choose with a Saturday all about whiskey, broad open areas, and slightly journey. Collectively, we’ll head to Exhausting Reality Distilling for lunch, a behind-the-scenes VIP tour, and an unforgettable afternoon exploring the 325-acre Exhausting Reality property by way of ATVs. SOLD OUT
Might Group Remedy Session ⚕️- 5/27
Be a part of your fellow Ingesting Class members for our month-to-month group remedy session on Might twenty seventh at 7:00 p.m. CT. A Zoom hyperlink might be despatched by way of electronic mail and Discord earlier than the session date. To obtain these updates, be sure you’re subscribed to Service Bulletins.
If you happen to’re eyeing any of those occasions and considering, “Rattling, that appears like my sort of get together”, here is your signal: be part of the Ingesting Class.
Our paid members get first dibs on barrel picks, tastings, and particular occasions—plus entry to the sort of unique experiences we do not put up throughout social. In order for you in, it is easy: improve your membership and pull up a stool. The good things begins right here. 🥃💼🧔🏻♂️
Till Subsequent Pour…
If this week’s version felt slightly like a actuality test, good—that’s the purpose. Whether or not we’re speaking about barrel picks shedding their magic, distilleries swapping arms, or the battle to maintain the spirits world open for the little guys, the widespread thread is that this: issues solely keep particular if we deal with them that means.
I’ll preserve chasing the good things for this group. Meaning fewer fluff releases, extra sincere takes, and all the time calling it like I style it.
Within the meantime, when you scored a bottle just lately that blew your thoughts—or one which made you query your life selections—hit reply and inform me about it. I need to hear what you’re seeing on the market, as a result of we’re all higher after we share what we sip and what we’ve discovered alongside the way in which.
Keep curious, keep essential, and most significantly—keep thirsty.
—Pops
Chief Ingesting Officer 🥃💼🧔🏻♂️
