New American whiskey and bourbon releases this week include an Iowan bourbon from Templeton, a bourbon/rye concoction from High West, a French oak finish from A. Smith Bowman, and the return of Michter’s 10 Year Old.
Templeton FORTITUDE Bourbon
Templeton Distillery has unveiled its inaugural Templeton FORTITUDE Bourbon.
The new bourbon, distilled at the Templeton Distillery in Iowa, is the first bourbon release and the maiden distillate from the distillery.
Templeton FORTITUDE is a high-rye bourbon that was distilled from a mash bill comprising 55% corn, 40% rye, and 5% malted barley. The bourbon was bottled at 92 proof and is of natural color with no chill-filtering.
Templeton Distillery is located on a 20-acre site in the small town of Templeton, Iowa, which has just over 350 residents. The small distillery serves as a cornerstone of Tempelton’s economy, employing over 30 locals.
Shane Fitzharris, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Infinium Spirits, said: “It’s thrilling to be part of this historic moment for the Templeton Distillery and the incredible community of Templeton, Iowa. We are very excited to bring our distillery’s inaugural distillate to the world and showcase the innovation and craft that we have at Templeton Distillery through this fantastic Bourbon release.”
The release of Templeton FORTITUDE comes on the heels of several successful rye releases from Templeton Distillery. The bourbon will hit shelves nationwide in April 2024.
High West Bourye 2024
High West Distillery, Utah, has announced the release of Bourye 2024. Bourye is a mix of straight bourbon and straight rye whiskeys that have been aged for at least 10 years in the barrel.
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There are two rye whiskeys in this experimental blend. The first was distilled from a mash bill comprising 95% rye and 5% MGP malted barley. The second mash bill comprised 80% rye and 20% HWD malted rye.
As for the bourbons, the first mash bill comprised 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% MGP malted barley. The second mash bill comprised 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% KY malted barley. It was bottled at 46% ABV.
Tasting notes for the High West Bourye 2024 include “[c]risp green apple with maple syrup drizzle, butterscotch squares, toasted almond biscotti, sage, balsam de Peru and sun-weathered oak” on the nose. On the palate, expect “[d]ried Bing cherries, brown butter shortbread with grilled peaches, French vanilla mouse, candied ginger and cedar”. The finish has notes of “[w]arm chai tea with grated nutmeg”.
High West Bourye 2024 is available exclusively from the distillery Saloon in Utah at an RRP of $124.099.
Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak
A. Smith Bowman Distillery ventures into experimental oak finishes with the release of the Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak. The release is part of the brand-new Abraham Bowman Oak Series.
The new series allows A. Smith Bowman to explore the effects of maturation in different wood types on their whiskey. This inaugural release comprises whiskeys that were matured for 12 years in both charred and uncharred French oak barrels. The whiskey was bottled at 100 proof.
Tasting notes for the Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak include “cherry and caramel” on the nose, “sweet vanilla and spice” on the palate, and a “crisp cinnamon apple” finish.
Head Distiller David Bock commented on this new release, saying “French Oak is teaching us that experimenting with wood can bring some exciting nuances to the flavor profile of a distillate. As the upcoming Oak Series releases continue to age, we are excited to explore what will come next in the Abraham Bowman collection.”
The Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak is exclusively available via online lottery which will run from April 4th to April 11th. Winners will be selected on April 15th and will have three weeks to purchase a bottle from the distillery for an RRP of $99.99.
Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Following much anticipation, Michter’s is finally releasing its prized 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The new release comes just months after Michter’s was named the ‘World’s Most Admired Whiskey 2023’ by Drinks International.
Speaking about the release of Michter’s 10 Year, Master Distiller Dan McKee, said “[t]his a wonderful single barrel whiskey. It’s brimming with all the characteristics that I look for in a special bourbon.”
Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, added: “We know that Michter’s fans everywhere look forward to our 10 Year Bourbon. We are excited to share the 2024 release, which again is overaged to a beautiful maturity with an excellent nose, creamy texture and an array of characteristics on the palate, that ascend through to the finish, making every drop an enjoyable moment”.
Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be available nationwide at an RRP of $185 per 750ml bottle.
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