FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 4

Brand Keys’ 2019 Customer How to Get U.S. Market-Ready Steve Raye, an longtime drinks business consultant, has written Loyalty Engagement Index How to Get U.S. Market-Ready (Positive Press, 300 pages, e-book, $24.99). “Growing concerns regarding privacy and data security have reached a tipping point, driven by an astonishing increase in consumer expectations for trust and transparency in the brands they purchase,” according to Brand Keys’ 24th annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index (CLEI), conducted by the New York-based brand engagement and customer loyalty research consultancy. Biggest Shift In Expectations For Trust . . . Ever! “Trust — an engagement factor in every product/ service category — has become the indispensable connective tissue between brands and customer loyalty,” said Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys. “Consumer expectations for that single value have increased across every category and brand we track, on average by 250+% since 2018. Consumer “I wrote it as a primer for everyone in the wine and spirits business, expectations increase each year — normally in the 2% domestic and imported, to make it easier to understand how to navigate the to 25% range. This is an unprecedented spike.” complexities of the Three-Tier System,” Raye said. “It’s particularly directed at Where “Trust” Matters Most In Alcoholic new-to-the-U.S. and new-to-the-world brands looking for creative, practical Beverage Category ways to penetrate and expand their business. Less lecture, more useful tools, Individual attributes, benefits and brand values strategies and case histories.” make specific contributions to consumer brand The book is available in the U.S. on Amazon.com in Tablet/Kindle for PC/ engagement and loyalty. In 2019, the alcoholic Kindle Fire formats. The print version will be available in the U.S. by mid- beverage sector showed the following increases in February. Both versions are available now in the E.U. via Amazon.it. consumers’ expectations for the value of “trust”: 1. Single Malts - 16% 2. Whiskey - 13% TTB Message to Industry & Others 3. Beer (regular) - 15% Affected by the Shutdown 4. Tequila - 12% We have received a number of questions regarding how we plan to address the 5. Vodka - 10% 6. Light Beer - 9% significant backlog of applications and other work items we now have following continued on page 2 the shutdown, including how long it will take us to resume normal operations. We recognize that TTB approvals are critical to your businesses, and that the partial government closure over the past five weeks may have adversely affected Texas House Legislation your operations. Would Repeal Antiquated The permit, formula and label submissions received during the funding lapse roughly doubled our existing backlog prior to the shutdown, at which time we “Blue Law’’ & Allow Package were on average achieving our service standards of 15 days for label and formula applications, and 75 days for permit applications. We are still assessing the overall Stores to Open on Sundays effect of the shutdown on our service levels going forward, and we are committed Texans would have the opportunity to purchase to working diligently to process these applications and restore normal operations as distilled spirits from package stores on Sundays under quickly as possible. We encourage you to monitor TTB.gov for the latest information new legislation introduced in the Texas Legislature. regarding our processing times. State Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, D-Laredo, What We’re Doing has introduced House Bill 1100, which would allow As part of our recovery efforts, we are: Texas package stores to open seven days a week. The th • actively developing strategies to further streamline processes legislation, if approved by the 86 Legislature, would • redeploying staff to critical areas repeal one of the remaining so-called “Blue Laws’’ in Texas. continued on page 2 continued on page 3 Consumers Still Shop, But They’re Customer Loyalty Engagement Index TTB Message to Not Stupid! findings, consumers’ behavioral maxim is “It isn’t just Facebook’s, Google’s, Twitter’s ‘verify first, then trust.’” Industry and Others and other social networks’ failures to address The result? Massive changes in what Affected by the privacy, security and transparency that are consumers want, and equally massive gaps responsible, although making significant between what they want and what brands Shutdown continued from page 1 contributions to the paradigm shift,” said are delivering. • authorizing the use of overtime Passikoff. “Charges of hacking — foreign “Real engagement metrics keep brands where appropriate and domestic — and misuse of data have on the path to profitability,” said Passikoff. • applying our risk-based enforcement raised consumers’ emotional hackles. Data “Building brand trust isn’t a matter of approach to address compliance breeches in the past year alone — along with technique or more social networking, but issues that may have occurred failure to disclose — by brands like Macy’s, the development of actual, believable brand during the shutdown Saks, Adidas, Panera, Delta, Under Armour character and values.” What You Can Do and Orbitz, have significantly increased the A complete list of the CLEI’s 90 categories You can help us recover from the gap between what consumers expect and is available here. shutdown by: what brands deliver. There’s a new brand Methodology • Withdrawing any applications that you ‘yardstick’ for every category. Consumers For the 2019 CLEI survey, 51,673 may have submitted but no longer may still shop, but they’re increasingly wary.” consumers, 16 to 65 years of age from the need, reducing the size of the Categories That Dodged “Trust” nine U.S. census regions, self-selected the overall backlog Expectations Bullets categories in which they are consumers and • Waiting to submit an application until you “A few categories managed to dodge the the brands for which they are customers. have decided on a final formulation ‘trust-bullet’ this year,” noted Passikoff. “Trust Forty-five (45%) percent were interviewed or label, because multiple hasn’t disappeared from the engagement by phone, 45% percent via face-to-face submissions for the same product and path-to-purchase process, and interviews (cell phone-only households), further increases the backlog expectations always increase Y-O-Y, they just and 10% were interviewed online. • Ensuring that any applications that haven’t escalated in their contribution to Brand Keys uses an independently- you submit are complete and loyalty the way it has in other categories.” The validated research methodology that fuses correct, speeding our review and five categories with the lowest increases in emotional and rational aspects of the approval process consumer expectations for “trust” included: categories, identifies four path-to-purchase • Checking TTB.gov for any needed 1. Printers (2%) behavioral drivers for the category-specific guidance or assistance prior to 2. Parcel Delivery (2%) Ideal and identifies the values (including reaching out to us by phone or email, 3. Lip Balm (2%) “trust” as it is characterized in a particular minimizing the overall volume of 4. Economy Hotels (3%) category) that form the components of each inquiries requiring a response 5. Gasoline (3%) driver, along with their percent-contribution We will provide an update on our efforts to “Trust” = Engagement = Loyalty = to engagement, loyalty and profitability. restore normal operations and service levels Brand Profitability These assessments are leading-indicators when additional information is available, “Brand engagement” is best defined of consumer behavior, identifying such and we thank you for your understanding as by how well a brand meets consumers’ activities 12 to 18 months before they we work to address these challenges. expectations for values that drive purchase appear in traditional brand tracking or return to page 1 behavior,” added Passikoff. “Consumers have in focus groups. Brand Keys’ research an ideal image for every product and service; technique, a combination of psychological it’s how they measure brands. In recent inquiry and statistical analyses, has a test/re- Brand Keys continued from page 1 years, a more emotionally-based process has test reliability of 0.93, and it produces results “The beer category is feeling the pinch,” created a more value-infused, complicated generalizable at the 95% confidence level. It noted Passikoff. “Some of their lower volume path-to-purchase as it regards ‘trust.’ If has been successfully used in B2B and B2C is due to a more limited pool of younger marketers think they know consumers’ categories in 35 countries.- drinkers. Millennials are shifting from return to page 1 trust levels for their brands, this year they beer to wine and spirits. The proportion of need to take another look, preferably using beer’s core drinking group — young white methods more precise than traditional males — is dropping precipitously, and it’s brand tracking.” showing up in Share-of-Market metrics.” Consumers Verify First, Then Trust This year, the Brand Keys CLEI examined Decision-making has become more 90 categories and 822 individual brands. emotionally-driven over the past decade,” Virtually all showed significant increases said Passikoff. “But the addition of increased in consumer expectations for the value desire for trust and transparency have of “trust,” some brands significantly more changed category landscapes. ‘Business than others: “Although alcoholic beverages as usual,’ ‘research as usual,’ won’t cut it in were more in line with what we’d normally today’s brandscape. Based on the 2019 expect,” added Passikoff.

2 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Texas “Blue Laws” continued from page 1 “Allowing Sunday sales in Texas is long overdue. I’ve heard from many constituents — including small business owners — who WELL, TASTING EXTRAORDINARY GIN IS PART OF IT. have asked me to file this bill to let the free market be free,’’ Raymond said. “Now is the time for Texas to repeal this outdated law.” HB 1100 would allow package stores to open between noon and 10 p.m. on Sundays, and between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. “This legislation will go a long way toward modernizing the Texas marketplace and provide consumers the convenience they demand,” said Dale Szyndrowski, Vice President of the Distilled Spirits Council. “Although Texas repealed most ‘Blue Laws’ on the books more than 30 years ago, the state still bans the retail sale of distilled spirits on Sundays.” Today, 42 states allow the sales of spirits on Sunday. Texas already allows Sunday atchison, ks | lawrenceburg, in sales of all other alcohol beverages for all other retailers, including bars, restaurants, clubs, grocery and convenience stores We’re proud to share our partners’ passion for quality. and hotels. That’s why we’re the nation’s largest supplier premium gin. In 2018, the Texas Republican Party at mgpingredients . c o m / a l c o h o l its convention in San Antonio included a provision in its platform urging the Texas Legislature to eliminate antiquated Walsh Whiskey & Illva “Blue Laws.’’ “Consumers want to purchase spirits Saronno Split when they want and where they want. The Directors of Walsh Whiskey Distillery This legislation would bring the state in have decided to split the business by line with consumer buying preferences,’’ separating out the existing drinks brands business, built on the Writers’ Tears and Szyndrowski added. ”Texas lawmakers have 203-971-8710 The Irishman premium and super-premium an opportunity to bring state spirits laws [email protected] Irish whiskeys, from the distillery business at into the modern age and promote a free www.distilleryage.com Royal Oak in Ireland’s County Carlow. and fair market to encourage competition, EDITORIAL STAFF innovation and economic growth.’’ Current sales, marketing and distilling The distilled spirits industry is a vital objectives are being fully met, however Publisher/Editor: Gregg Glaser force in the Texas economy, supports the Irish and Italian directors differ on how Contributing Editor: Peter V. K. Reid more than 82,000 jobs and makes a to develop the combined business into Contributing Editor: Michael Anstendig $7.5 billion impact on the state’s gross the future. Copy Editor: Roberts Blackwood domestic product. This change will result in the Irish ADVERTISING return to page 1 directors taking full control of the existing [email protected] drinks brands business built on the brands, SUBSCRIPTIONS which are sold in 50 countries. The business $195.oo a year for ~45 issues will continue to trade under the name [email protected] Walsh Whiskey. Illva Saronno will take full ownership of MAILING ADDRESS the distillery, renamed Royal Oak Distillery. 228 Silvermine Avenue Illva’s objective is to further enhance Royal Norwalk, CT 06850-2032 Oak as a “center of excellence in Irish whiskey All content Copyright © Modern making” by improving its technology and Distillery Age, 2019 — Copies may not processes, producing all three styles of Irish be sent to others & issues may not be whiskey — malt, pot and grain — under one posted to websites. roof and enhancing the visitor experience.

3 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Cooper Spirits, where he played a vital role in In Washington, D.C., the company’s two Intrepid Spirits Goes the growth of St. Germain liqueur. Reporting distribution houses, The Country Vintner to Wiltgen is Bradley Skolnick, Regional and Winebow, will both rebrand as Winebow with LeVecke Corp. Manager, East, and Paul Platenik, Regional but remain two separate divisions. Matthew Intrepid Spirits in Ireland is moving Manager Central. In conjunction with Tucker, Senior Vice President, Mid-Atlantic, its import operations to LeVecke Corp., on-the-ground support, Intrepid has also will continue to oversee sales and report effective February 1. added to its marketing capability with to Arjun Dewan, Executive Vice President, “This new partnership will help former Gruppo Campari and Treasury Wine Wholesale East. strengthen markets where Intrepid already Estates executive Andrew Floor on the team In New York and New Jersey, Martin Scott has a foothold, while expanding distribution in an advisory role. Wines and Winebow distribution houses to other cities and states,” according to a will also combine as Winebow, merging company statement. The Winebow Group portfolios and sales teams to enhance service in these markets. Francois Rousseau, Unifies National Vice President, New York, and Sean Woods, Vice President, New Jersey, have been Footprint with promoted to oversee sales in the two Winebow Rebrand states and report to Dewan. Tony Gonzalez, The Winebow Group, a national importer promoted to Senior Vice President, Portfolio and distributor of spirits and wine, has Management Northeast, reports to Richard Driscoll, Executive Vice President, In addition to strengthening the rebranded itself as Winebow with a new Supplier Relations. distributor network via LeVecke, Intrepid has logo and color palette. Erle Martin, based in Benicia, Calif., will also broadened its in-house sales force and continue to oversee the midwestern and marketing department. western states as Executive Vice President, “LeVecke has deep, long standing Wholesale West. relationships with key distributors around Also integral to the Winebow rebrand the U.S., relationships that will strengthen will be the unification of the company’s four the availability and visibility of our brands national import divisions. Instead of having in key markets and channels,” said John their own distinct logos, Craft + Estate, LLS, Ralph, CEO of Intrepid Spirits. “With their MundoVino and Negociants USA will now experienced leadership and our expanded “Over the past several years, our company share the Winebow logo and color palette as in-house team committed to the growth has grown significantly, achieving an part of Winebow Imports, which is overseen of our brands, we couldn’t ask for a unparalleled position as a national importer by Executive Vice President Ian Downey. better strategic partner to support the and distributor focused on fine wine and Intrepid portfolio.” spirits,” said Dean Ferrell, President and CEO. Intrepid Spirits is an Irish-based company “As we look to the future, it is time that we Gentleman Jack’s with offices across the world. The portfolio update our identity in a way that underscores of independent brands incudes Cocalero, a our commitment and capabilities as an “Pitch Distilled” Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed botanical spirit with Bolivian roots; Egan’s innovative, forward-thinking partner. Our Tennessee Whiskey and WIRED Brand Lab Irish Whiskey, a multi-generational company unification with the Winebow name clarifies have partnered for the fourth iteration of producing single malt and single grain Irish who we are and highlights how our shared Pitch Distilled, a multi-city competition that whiskies; and Mad March Hare, a premium expertise and extended reach — as one asks seven people with strong community Irish poitín. All brands will now be imported team — is advantageous to our employees, ties to formulate and pitch an idea that by LeVecke and sold through its distribution customers and suppliers.” resolves a sustainability issue. A winner partners across the U.S. In addition to existing Winebow will be selected by the public through a “We’re thrilled to welcome Intrepid Spirits distribution houses in Connecticut, national, online vote, and the first-place into the LeVecke family of brands,” said Neil Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, team will receive a monetary award and LeVecke, CEO of LeVecke Corp. “We strive Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and branded feature on WIRED.com. This to align ourselves with storied brands who Washington, D.C., The Country Vintner year, Pitch Distilled will tour a new set of share our values of culture and innovation, (Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South markets including Oakland, Philadelphia, and we are honored to have John Ralph Carolina and Virginia), Grape Beginnings Tallahassee, Houston, Denver, Detroit and the entire team at Intrepid as part of (Minnesota), The Henry Wine Group and Atlanta. our community.” (California), Noble Wines (Washington Each submission will be uploaded to To further support the company’s State), Purple Feet Wines (Wisconsin), www.wired.com/pitchdistilled, and the expansion in the U.S., Intrepid has invested in Quality Wine & Spirits (Georgia), Stacole Fine public will vote on the winning pitch in the growth of its sales and marketing team. Wines (Florida) and Vintage Wines (Illinois) March. The prize is $10,000, an interview At the helm is National Sales Manager Chad will rebrand as Winebow while maintaining and professional photoshoot with a WIRED Wiltgen, a veteran of the beverage alcohol current offices and warehouses. Brand Lab editor and a reception featuring industry and a former Director of Sales for a special keynote speaker at their location.

4 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Bacardí’s “Back to the Le Sirenuse Goza Tequila Goes Bar” Campaign Champagne Bar & Q with Blue Ridge Bacardí has initiated its second annual Back to the Bar campaign. On February Mixers – The Art Of Spirits & Wine 7, Bacardí’s Founder’s Day, 7,000 Bacardí Goza Tequila has signed with Blue Ridge employees — referred to as primos, or Bartending Spirits & Wine Marketing. Goza is currently Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar, located “cousins” in Spanish — around the world will distributed in Georgia, New York, South in the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club take on the challenge of encouraging fellow Carolina and Texas. In 2019, Goza plans to in Surfside, Fla., has partnered with Q, the bargoers to try a signature cocktail inspired increase its distribution to Florida, Colorado Brooklyn-based maker of mixers, for The Art by a founder of a Bacardí Limited brand. and Tennessee. of Bartending, a new cocktail series hosted Bacardí operations worldwide will come by five of the country’s best hotel bars. to a standstill for the day. The campaign The Art of Bartending will see Le Sirenuse was inspired by Facundo Bacardi’s guiding Champagne Bar’s Jacopo Rosito and principal, upheld by Bacardí family members Valentino Longo travel the U.S. for a series today: “We are all salespeople.” of one-night-only guest bartending events at host bars in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Chicago and Las Vegas. “We believe that spectacular service and hospitality are the best garnish for any highball,” said Anthony Pullen, Q Mixers Trade Marketing Director. “We are looking forward to supporting the experts from Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar as they demonstrate that by elevating the experience and executing the basics with finesse, you can leave a lasting L-R: Global Advocacy Director Jacob Briars & CMO/ Goza, which means “enjoy” in Spanish, President John Burke during the 2018 Back to the Bar at impression on your guests.” was first released in April 2015 with Blanco London’s London Cocktail Club Both native Italians from Florence and (~$30), Reposado (~$35) and Añejo (~$40). Rome, respectively, Rosito and Longo Back to the Bar engaged 1,080 bars in It has since added Extra Añejo (~$65), aged have worked at bars in Italy, London, San over 133 cities across 31 countries in its for five years in white oak barrels. Goza Francisco and Miami. inaugural year. This year, in addition to five is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave “At the heart of The Art of Bartending is featured classic cocktails in honor of the grown and distilled in the Highlands of a shared appreciation for hospitality that is founders of Bacardí’s premium brands — Jalisco, Mexico. a fundamental part of any great bar,” said Bacardí Rum, Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay “We are thrilled to have Blue Ridge as a Rosito, Bar Manager, Le Sirenuse Champagne Sapphire Gin, John Dewar’s Scotch and partner,” said Jacob Gluck, Goza’s founder and Bar. “An amazing cocktail is just one element Martini & Rossi Vermouth — a top bartender CEO. “Their sales and marketing expertise — of it. At the end of the day, the main thing in both Miami (Bacardí’s U.S. headquarters) coupled with a deep knowledge of the spirits you will remember about an outstanding and New York City will introduce five new industry — will prove invaluable as Goza establishment is how special you felt while specialty Founder’s Day recipes. continues to grow the brand nationwide.” being there.” “We are pleased to welcome Goza Tequila The lineup of events, which are open to to our portfolio,” added Carlos Carreras, CEO the public, includes: of Blue Ridge Spirits & Wine Marketing. “It Los Angeles, February 5 – co-hosted by is an exciting brand with a track record of Dennis Sheehe; THEBlvd at Beverly Wilshire, success in the states where it has launched A Four Seasons Hotel and has huge potential as we expand across San Francisco, February 7 – co-hosted the country. We look forward to growing this by Fernando Merino; The Den in MKT Bar at brand nationally.” Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Chicago, February 19 – co-hosted by Rachel Smith; Allium Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Austin, February 28 – c o-hosted by Sarah Rahl; Live Oak at Four Seasons Hotel Austin Las Vegas, March 4 – co-hosted by Ross Ziga; PRESS at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

5 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey Proof & Wood Ventures in Kentucky has released Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey (50% ABV).

The Macallan Lunar Portland Mule New Year Gift Box Ready-to-Drink To celebrate Chinese New Year, The Macallan has unveiled the Lunar New Year Cocktail Limited Edition Gift Box. Eastside Distilling in Oregon has entered the RTD biz with Portland Mule Ready- to-Drink Cocktail (10.5% ABV), available The mash bill is 60% corn, in four-packs of 250-ml (8.4-ounce) slim 36% rye and 4% barley, it was distilled cans (~$15). Eastside will focus initially in Indiana and it aged for a minimum on distribution in Oregon, but with of three years. A 750-ml bottle sells for plans for national accounts in select about $45. regional markets.

Snub Nose Strainers Snub Nose in Australia has added gold, copper and platinum black strainers to its line. Used with a StrainRay or BarRay strainer, or on its own, the snub nose The box includes two bottles of The strainer allows for fine straining. Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old (43% ABV) in packaging featuring a specially designed label for the Year of the Pig. The illustration for this year’s packaging was inspired by The Macallan’s Curiously The strainers are designed to double- Small Stills. Within the gold still design, strain contents to remove residue in a near the Easter Elchies house icon, The Portland Mule is made with cocktail prior to final serve. is an image of a pig to celebrate the Portland Soda, Portland Potato Vodka, lime The chrome strainer sells for about new year’s zodiac. juice, a “light touch” of natural cane sugar $12, and about $16 for the gold, black and The gift box sells for about $120. and carbonation. copper strainers.

6 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Svedka Rosé Mark W. Erwin – Conor O’Driscoll Svedka has extended the line with Rosé (30% ABV) — vodka with 5% rosé wine. Board of Directors, – Master Distiller, Bardstown Bourbon Heaven Hill Distillery The Bardstown Bourbon Co. (BBCo) in Heaven Hill Distillery has appointed Kentucky has appointed Colonel (Ret.) Conor O’Driscoll as the fifth Master Distiller Mark W. Erwin to its Board of Directors. in its 84-year history. Erwin is the President of Karakoram Group, an independent risk advisory firm that provides strategic consulting to Fortune 500 companies, and he previously served 25 years in the U.S. Army.

A 750-ml bottle sells for about $13 Conor O’Driscoll (50-ml, 375-ml, one-liter and 1.75-liter In 2004, O’Driscoll began his work in bottles are also available). whiskey as Operations Manager for the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Ky. After five years, he moved to oversee Bloomers Frosé & operations at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Shortly thereafter, he More added warehousing and processing Bloomers Frosé & More in Florida is responsibilities. In 2017, O’Driscoll left Mark W. Erwin expanding distribution throughout the Woodford Reserve to lead operations at U.S. in a multi-state deal with Republic Erwin was previously an Independent Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville. National Distributing Company. The brand Board Director of Heritage Oil, an O’Driscoll will immediately begin will begin its multi-state launch in Georgia, independent upstream exploration and leading the distilling and warehousing as well as release its new low-calorie, low- production company listed on the London teams at the Bernheim Distillery carb version to consumers. Stock Exchange. In the U.S. Army, he ended in Louisville. his career as Chief of Staff of the United A native of Dublin, Ireland, O’Driscoll States Army Special Operations Command, moved to the United States in 1989 which oversees all Special Forces after completing his degree in Chemical Operations, where he oversaw a budget Engineering at University College Dublin. in excess of $1.5 billion and coordinated His early work was with Pfizer and a headquarters staff of more than 1,000 Aker Kvaerner. employees. He commanded at every level of the Army’s most elite Special Mission Unit from Captain to Colonel and was deployed numerous times to Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries throughout the Middle East and Africa. The fruit mixers are gluten-free, Erwin’s appointment expands the BBCo Kosher, vegan and non-GMO. They’re also Board to five directors including Peter available via Amazon and through the Loftin, founder and Chairman of BBCo; company website. John Mack, prior Chairman and CEO of A one-liter bottle sells for about $15, Morgan Stanley; David Mandell, founder and about $30 for a 64-ounce bottle. and President and CEO of BBCo; and Jeff Hopmayer, Managing Partner of the Brindiamo Group.

7 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Modern Distillery Age Tasting Panel In this week’s tasting panel, we have notes on a gin and three whiskies. All spirits are tasted blind. The panelists know only the style and ABV. The notes are a distillation of the panelists’ comments. The panelists vary with each panel but often include: Tom Jensen (Millstone Spirits), Dave Schmier (Producer of the Independent Spirits Expo), David Talbot (Ultimate Beverage Challenge), John Henry (El Buho Mezcal), John Heffernan (Senior Master of Whisky), Renzo Kian-Kubota (Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market), Olie Berlic (spirits & wine sales), Frank Whitman (food & drinks writer), Linda Kavanagh (MaxEx PR), Paul Zocco (Zok’s Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies), Ernie Adamo (spirits lover), Steve DeFrank (spirits lover), Dave Sokoloff (spirits lover), Phil Simpson (Asbury Park Distilling), Thomas Henry Strenk (drinks writer), Melissa Dowling (Editor of Cheers), Kyle Swartz (Managing Editor of Beverage Dynamics, Cheers & StateWays), Pete Reid (Publisher/Editor of Modern Brewery Age), Michael Anstendig (Modern Distillery Age) and Gregg Glaser (Publisher/Editor of Modern Distillery Age).

City Amber Gin, 42% Greenbar Distillery, Los Angeles, Calif., ~$32 Amber with a lovely aroma of flowers, sweetness, citrus, subdued juniper, licorice and lavender. The taste is a perfumy blend of Bare Knuckle Straight all the botanicals from the aroma plus spices Wheat Whiskey, 61.35% and incense. A medium body. Finishes with all KO Distilling, Manassas, Va., ~$50 the above botanicals, dry and slightly bitter. 60% wheat, 30% rye & 10% malted Nicely done. barley from local Virginia farms; double- distilled; aged for at least two years in single charred new American white oak barrels Amber with an aroma of cherries, molasses, vanilla and caramel. In the taste are dried fruits, fruitcake, spices, tea, cedar, tobacco and alcohol warmth. A full body. Finishes with spices, rye and alcohol warmth.

Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 61.3% KO Distilling, Manassas, Va., ~$56 70% corn, 20% wheat & 10% malted barley from local Virginia farms; double- distilled; aged for at least two years in single charred new American white oak barrels Light amber with an aroma of corn sweetness, cornbread and tea. In the taste are corn sweetness, tea, tannins, vanilla, a Bare Knuckle Straight hint of smoke and alcohol warmth. A full body. Finishes with sweetness, vanilla, some Rye Whiskey, 64.1% oak and alcohol warmth. When water was KO Distilling, Manassas, Va., ~$66 added, some comments were: “Gorgeous, 100% rye; double-distilled; aged for at least two years in single charred new luscious and delicious.” American white oak barrels Amber with an aroma of oak, cedar, sweetness, caramel and spices. In the taste The Modern Distillery Age Tasting are spices, licorice, oak, vanilla, cinnamon Panel meets once or twice a month. and alcohol warmth. Finishes spicy with Samples are sent by distillers and pepper and alcohol warmth. importers and are tasted blind. Samples can be sent to: Modern Distillery Age 228 Silvermine Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850

8 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Tasting Events & Competitions

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2019

New York City — June 2019 New Orleans — July 2019 Chicago — October 2019 FULL DETAILS AND ENTRY FORM

14 Cities — March-November each year www.singlemaltextravaganza.com

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9 FEBRUARY 1, 2019 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE