Acre Distilling Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky

 

We know every single day that we are blessed to taste spirits and wines from all over the world.  We have really grown to appreciate craft distilleries and the unique products they are producing while making their footprint in a behemoth market.  When we partnered with Acre Distilling out of Fort Worth, Texas, we knew they would wow us with some unique Texas whiskeys and they really delivered.  This is a limited edition expression, the Acre Distilling Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky.

The distillery will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary later this year and they have become not only a tourist destination, but a staple within the community.  They have embraced the neighborhood, offering an exquisite place to have a drink with friends and also offering different tasting experiences.  Vinepair has dubbed Acre Distilling Company as "One of the Ten Best Craft Distillery Tasting Rooms in America."  Do you need any more reason to visit?

We were really excited to try this limited edition bottle, comprised of barley that is smoked, malted and distilled in house.  Forty percent of the barley is smoked over Texas pecan and Texas peach woods, creating a very unique, although also familiar, flavor profile.  The whisky is aged in used bourbon barrels from the distillery.  Although an age statement isn't provided, it would appear by the color and mouth feel that this expression falls in the twenty four to forty eight (ish) months aging.  

Cinnamon stick color in a gorgeous bottle and beautiful label.  Aromas of sweet smoke, hay mount, and scorched earth dominate.  If you didn't know any better, you would almost swear that you were tasting a Scotch from the Isle of Islay.  The peaty flavors you know from Scotch is the star here, but is joined by sea air, vanilla and hints of citrus.  As Scotch drinkers ourselves, we are actually going to store this one in the bar with our Scotch selections and share it with some folks who are fans as well.  We will re-visit this bottle often.

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Acre Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $65.00

Drink The Bottles score:  88/100

Eagle Rare 12 Year Old Bourbon Added to Buffalo Trace Line

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REACHES HIGHER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF EAGLE RARE 12: A PERMANENT NEW ADDITION TO ITS AWARD-WINNING PORTFOLIO

Enabled by the Distillery's 10-year, $1.2 Billion Expansion Project, Eagle Rare embodies the heights reached when time-honored tradition and bold innovation merge together.

FRANKFORT, KY (June 5, 2025) - Buffalo Trace Distillery formally announces the introdution of Eagle Rare 12: a bold, aspirational, yet accessible bourbon and the latest result of the World's Most Winning Distillery's commitment to distilling and aging expertise.  The latest age-stated addition to the famed Eagel Rare lineup, Eagle Rare 12 debuts as the Distillery completes its 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion project, which played a pivotal role it its creation.

With the release of Eagle Rare 12, Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its endeavor to offer enthusiasts innovative new expressions on its journey to make the world's best whiskey.  The liquid - Buffalo Trace's iconic Mashbill #1 - is aged for a minimum of 12 years in meticulously-monitored warehouses, with each barrel hand-selected by the distillery's expert team.  In addition to aging a minimum of two years longer than Eagle Rare 10, this special expression is bottled at 95-proof (47.5% ABV) to deliver exceptional depth, character and distinction.

"This whiskey represents more than just time in the barrel - it's the result of years of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment from our entire team," says Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.  "The investments we've made - in time, resources and effort - have allowed us to explore new possibilities in aging and flavor, and this release is a proud reflection of that journey."

Eagle Rare 12 opens with a sweet, oaky aroma and delicate hints of almond.  On the palate, it delivers bold complexity, featuring subtle vanilla and toasted oak, leading to a rick, lingering finish with warm notes of toffee.

"At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we believe there are no shortcuts to create outstanding whiskey - there is no substitute of quality time spent in the barrel.  With Eagle Rare, we are always striving but never satisfied, constantly experimenting to enable better-tasting age stated bourbons," noted Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "When it was introduced, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey brought higher quality standards to whiskey around the world; now Eagle Rare pushes the bounds of age stating excellence in Bourbon."

Eagle Rare 12 will be released to select retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States beginning June 2024 at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750ml bottle (local taxes and fees dependent); additional international markets will follow in Fall 2025.  The expression joins the Eagle Rare lineup of Eagle Rare 10, Double Eagle Very Rare, Eagle Rare 25 as well as Eagle Rare 17, released each fall as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

 

Penelope Bourbon Creates First Ever Cigar Blend

 

Penelope Bourbon makes a big splash in the cigar scene with Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey 

Limited-edition release crafted for the ultimate medium-bodied cigar pairing is the first in a series of releases to enhance the complexity and enjoyment of cigar occasions

 

ST. LOUIS (June 3, 2025) – Whiskey and cigars have always been savored together, but never quite like this – Penelope Bourbon elevates the timeless pairing of whiskey and cigars with the debut of Cigar Sessions Chapter 1. Always innovating, the Penelope team struck a match for cigar lovers by crafting the first-of-its-kind cigar pairing. The first release in the annual Cigar Sessions, Chapter 1 is crafted to complement medium-bodied cigars, with future Chapters designed to explore a range of cigar pairings. 

The blend of unique American whiskeys featured in Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 – Straight Bourbon, 100% American Single Malt and American Light Whiskey – results in a one-of-a-kind rich and balanced profile developed specifically to enhance the enjoyment of medium-bodied cigar pairings. Made in small batches and aged six years with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye and 13% malt, Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). A limited allocation of 7,500 cases (6-in) is available in select markets starting this month for a minimum suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750mL bottle. 

The unique new addition to Penelope’s Limited Releases expressions was crafted in collaboration with renowned cigar blenders Cynn Coburn of Dissident Cigars and Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. The Penelope blending team worked closely with Coburn and Marsh, drawing on their deep knowledge of cigars to craft a whiskey blend meticulously designed to complement and enhance the medium-bodied cigar experience. 

“We wanted to create a truly authentic cigar blend – one that was created in partnership with a group of highly talented cigar master blenders,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and vice president of strategy for MGP Ingredients. “We are excited to release Chapter 1 of our Cigar Sessions – the perfect complementary pour for medium-bodied cigars.”

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 opens with notes of milk chocolate, vanilla and candied apple on the nose; with chocolate, dried peach, tobacco and warm caramel on the palate. The finish imparts flavors of toffee, dark fruit and light oak. 

“This is a very unique blend of American whiskeys that came together,” said Danny Polise, Penelope Bourbon founder and master blender. “We explored 19 various mash bills with the cigar blender team trying countless blend combinations. To our surprise, and delight, it was the balance of the American Single Malt together with the American Light Whiskey and the straight bourbon that resulted in a flavor profile that makes it the perfect choice for a cigar pairing.” 

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is part of Penelope’s annual Limited Releases – exclusive offerings featuring some of the rarest and more unique barrels, representing the pinnacle of blending innovation and barrel selection. Other Limited Releases include American Light Whiskey, F*ck Cancer and award-winning Toasted Rye. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here. 

Fans can follow @penelope on Instagram for more information about Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 including where and when fans can meet the cigar blenders for special tastings and events. 

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the fastest-growing award-winning premium whiskey brands. We offer a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and whiskey expressions known for their smoothness and rich flavor, and premium handcrafted ready-to-serve cocktails. Our Penelope Core Series expressions have won more than 40 spirits industry awards including double platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards and double gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength. We continue to innovate within our Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection to further establish our place among the top premium whiskey brands and prove that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible. For more information, visit PenelopeBourbon.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT LUXCO

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company’s extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including El Mayor and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.

Remus Reserve Brings Back Babe Ruth Reserve Bourbon for 2025

Remus Bourbon brings back Babe Ruth Reserve

The 2025 edition pays homage to the Sultan of Swat with a new

medley of three mash bills, inspired by Babe’s legendary #3

ST. LOUIS (June 9, 2025) – The Bambino is taking a curtain call. Remus Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey inspired by the roaring spirit of Prohibition, is proud to announce the next chapter of its official partnership with the Babe Ruth Family – the ultra-limited 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve. In tribute to the true legend from that era, a limited supply of 8,399 bottles, one for each of the Babe’s at-bats, will arrive at retail this month at a minimum suggested price of $149.99 per 750mL bottle.

“We’re honored to pay homage to one of baseball’s icons with our latest collector’s release of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve,” said Ian Stirsman, master distiller of Ross & Squibb Distillery. “Our 2025 edition is masterfully crafted and is sure to give baseball fans and high-rye bourbon lovers a unique and memorable way to celebrate America’s pastime and its most legendary player.”

The 2025 edition of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve features a medley of three high-rye bourbon mash bills – inspired by Ruth’s #3 – which include specially selected barrels distilled in 2016 and 2017, comprising 44% rye, 49% rye and 36% rye bourbons, respectively. The result underscores the expertise of the Ross & Squibb Distillery in distilling and blending rye bourbons. At 111 proof (55.5% ABV), the taste profile offers brown sugar, cinnamon and fig on the nose; hints of nutmeg and toasted marshmallow on the palate; and a warm finish of oak, leather and baking spices.  

“The estate of Babe Ruth is thrilled to once again collaborate with Ross & Squibb Distillery on the limited edition 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve,” said Tom Stevens, grandson of Babe Ruth. “Babe Ruth is synonymous with excellence, and Remus upholds this standard with each uniquely presented bottle. We are confident that collectors and baseball fans alike will conclude that Remus hit another home run with this special release. Babe would be proud.”

The 2025 edition of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve is packaged in an ornate rectangular art deco-inspired glass bottle featuring an embossed baseball-diamond pattern and unique baseball bat knob wooden-cork closure. The front and back labels incorporate Ruth’s iconic signature, pinstripes, and elements of a baseball diamond. A QR code on the back label allows consumers to scan and find out what Ruth did in the game of their bottle’s at bat.  

To learn more about Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and the rest of the Remus portfolio, visit RemusBourbon.com.

If you pick up a bottle of this release, drop us a line. We would love to hear your thoughts!

 

2021 Maxville Estate Oranos Red Blend and 2021 Merlot Wines

 

Huddled in the Vaca Mountains is an AVA that is sparesly planted compared to many others in Napa Valley, but it is one that is creating delicious fruit.  The Chiles Valley AVA is home to Maxville Winery's 1000-acre estate, proudly possessing some vines that are now over 50 years old!  While this is extremely impressive, what garners our attention more is the wines produced that are strangely both delicate and bold when they need to be.  The soil in the estate vineyard is well-drained and the dry farming style provides the perfect pressure on the vines, forcing them to produce berries that are flavorful, colorful and memorable.

Maxville Estate Vineyard - Chiles Valley AVA courtesy of Maxville Winery

Over the next few weeks we are going to taste and share a handful of wines from Maxville.  But today we are concentrating on two wines - the 2021 Maxville Estate Oranos Red Blend and the 2021 Maxville Estate Merlot.

While the specific details of the composotion for the 2021 Maxville Estate Oranos Red Blend wine are a mystery, we are picking up profiles from what we believe are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and possibly Malbec.  The rich and inticing color suggests there may be a sprinkling of Petite Siraha as well.  Gorgous dark ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents dark red fruits, rich cacao powder, sawn hickory and earthy herbs.  This wine gives you a sense of "place"; you can alsmost feel yourself walking the vines as you taste this and enjoy the flavors of ripe raspberry, plum, wisps of campfire smoke, vanilla and chocolate against the structured tannins.  It's quite lovely and we personally would consider this a non-food wine (don't hate!) to enjoy the layers of flavors.  

ABV:  14.8%

AVA:  Chiles Valley

Winery:  Maxville Winery

Suggested retail price:  $120.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

We need to start this by telling you that we are still thinking about this wine!  While 2004 saw "The Sideways Effect" on Merlot, resulting in tumbling sales and tons of product sitting in warehouses and on shelves for years, we're thrilled that vintners and winemakers have re-embraced this varietal as it is one of our absolute favorites.  This 2021 Maxville Estate Merlot is beaming with aromas of muddled raspberries, scorched earth, dark chocolate and dried spices.  It is immediately inviting with restrained flavors of blackberry pie, hints of blueberry compote, sweet tobacco and vanilla that lead to a finish that is determined and delicious.  This is Merlot that was made with a purpose and the type of Merlot that we absolutely adore!

ABV:  15.1%

AVA:  Chiles Valley

Winery:  Maxville Winery

Suggested retail price:  $90.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour Sparkling Wine

 

This is quite possibly the best Brut Rosé we have tasted in a number of years!  It is, without a doubt, outstanding.  If you're looking for a lovely sparkling wine for a celebration or to pair with lighter food, you've just learned what you need to know.  Go buy this wine!   Now, if you want some more detailed inforamtion, keep reading.

The Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour Sparkling Wine is a non-vintage stunner both in appearance and taste, born from estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.   Named in honor of Louis XV's great paramour, Madame de la Pompadour, this sparkling wine makes you feel regal and elegant from when you gently pop the cork until you take your final sip.  Pink and peach in color, micro bubbles prepare you for aromas of fresh, picked-from-the-garden strawberries, joined with sweet buttercream, ripe melon, rose and baking spices.  It is incredibly creamy with homemade biscuits making an appearance mid-palate and a hint of minerality on the finish. 

If you love the dryness of a traditional sparkling Brut, then this is your wine.  We were fortunate enough to taste two bottles of this gem - once solo and then accompanied with smoked Gouda with fig spread and this wine sang beautifully!  This is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.  The sur lie aging in the bottle really added to the creaminess and layers of flavor.  "Al Bacio"!

ABV:  12.0%

Carneros Appellation

Winery:  Domaine Carneros

Suggested retail price:  $45.00

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

2018 Ackerman Family Vineyards Memoir Red Blend

 

In a tucked away corner of Napa Valley sits it's 16th AVA, Coombsville, and a very welcoming winery that is producing small lot, huge taste wines!  The Certified Organic property produces the 2018 Ackerman Family Vineyards Memoir Red Blend, which they say reflects their legacy of creating wine in Napa Valley for nearly three decades.

This smartly-constructed wine is made up primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) but is also joined by some red favorites - Petit Verdot (5%), Malbec (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Merlot (10%).  The Petit Verdot fruit comes from Coombsville.  These grapes blend beautifully to create a medium-bodied, fruit-balanced and polished wine that would stand on its own accord or be enjoyed with some prime rib.

Dark red, juicy fruits in a medium garnet liquid are joined by book leather and dried spice on the nose.  The palate re-introduces the fruit but doesn't throw it in your face.  It's more of an introduction that presents plums, pomegranate and black cherry, joined with forest floor, signs of fresh mushrooms, vanilla and dried tea leaves.  The finish is silky smooth and memorable.  What a treat!

YouTube interview with Leo Tellez and Joe Hinde

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley

Winery:  Ackerman Family Vineyards

Production:  680 cases

Suggested retail price:  $50.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

 

Yes, folks.  Exceptional whiskey and bourbon isn't exclusive to eastern Kentucky.  And Redwood Empire is testament to to proving that point.  They are disrupting the spirits industry with their distinctive offerings and philanthropic efforts.  As of this writing, the iconic brand with the eye-catching labels has planted nearly 1.8 million trees - one for every bottle of Redwood Empire whiskey sold.  That statistic is endearing and showcases the social responsibility that this team believes in, all while making whiskey that is enjoyed across the US and beyond.

Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn and Master Blender Lauren Lauren Patz have spent most of their lives in the wine utopia of the world - Napa and Sonoma.  It only makes sense that the company calls this area its home and the duo is helping produce some world-class spirits.  Redwood Empire currently offers two bottled-in-bond bottes.  Today we are taking a look at the Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon.

The distillery recently released Batch 4 of this bottle.  We are working off of a recently received sample of Batch 2, so there will likely be some differences, albeit small.  The 5 year, BiB release showcases a mash bill of 66% Corn, 23% Rye, 7% Wheat and 4% Malted Barley.   Although we try not to anticipate what a bottle will taste like, admittedly we were expecting this to be sweeter initially.  Great honey color with a nose of forest floor, sage, oak, and bits of leather.   After some time in the glass and additional swirling, ripe dark cherries made an appearance as well.  We love the mouth-coating feel of this one and it was the perfect introuduction to flavors that included cinnamon, tanned leather, sweet cherry tobacco and spice cabinet.  The finish lingered and held on to those flavors, also hinting at milk chocolate on the end.  

We tasted this neat at first but introduced a single ice cube which brought out that sweeter, fruitier side that we knew was hiding.  This is absolutely a solid pour and we know this is one that you will enjoy!

Check out our first thoughts in this YouTube short

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Redwood Empire

Suggested retail price:  $89.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey

 

There's no doubt that we love trying new spirits.  But, lets face it, after awhile when you taste bottle after bottle, sometimes the true expression and spirit of the liquid can get lost in translation.  On the other hand, when soething like this bottle shows up at mail call, you immeditely take notice and can't wait to share it with every bourbon enthusiast you know.  And that's just what we did!

This is Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey (Batch 1), a 4 year bourbon finished for twelve months in Caribbean rum casks and then an additional finishing of one month in farm-sourced maple syrup barrels.  The outcome?  Deliciousness to the extreme!  The mash bill is 74% Corn, 7% Rye, 16% Wheat and 3% Malted Barley, creating a viscous golden-brown liquid that has aromas leaping from the glass.  Homemade oatmeal banana cookies, maple candy, and fresh-baked Amish friendship bread on the nose at first whiff.  This bottle takes you down so many twists and turns like the Cuban streets that share its namesake.  Light oak, pie crust, Wet Nuts ice cream topping and vanilla round out this sweet finish and we appropriately call this "dessert in a glass".  

Havana is the latest release in the Cooper Series of bottles released by Penelope.  The Cooper Series marries Penelope bourbon with unique finishing casks from around the world, creating uber-inviting and creating expressions that both enthusiasts and collectors seek.

Literally every person we have shared this bottle with (and that's been a LOT) have all concluded that this is one of the most unique pours they have tasted in a very long time.  Our biggest regret is not being able to find another bottle.  It's just simply wonderful and would pair with anything from chocolate covered strawberries to Rice Krispie treats to your favorite cigar.  Well done!

ABV:  46.5% (93 proof)

Distillery:  Ross & Squibb (MGP) 

Suggested retail price:  $79.99

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100

 

2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards The Traveler's Series Cabernet Sauvignon

 

We had the pleasusre of visiting Pine Ridge Vineyards towards the end of the Covid pandemic, so times were much different than they are currently.  Being fans of PRV for many years, we can attest that the property, the people, the wines and the overall tasting experience at Pine Ridge is absolutely stunning and  very welcoming.  It is a "must visit" destination on your next Napa Valley wine adventure.

Before we get into this wine, we have a confession to make and it might not be an easy one to hear.  We typically are NOT "wine with dinner" people.  Cue the moans, the eye rolls and horrible feedback.  We get it.  Wine accentuates your meal.  When paired properly, both the food and the vino compliment each other and the experience is beyond memorable.  In fact, one of our good friends who is a vintner in Napa Valley will talk your ear off about how lovely wine is with food and the importance of having quality in both.

We aren't going to dig into why wine isn't always served with food in our home.  That's a discussion for another day.  But we will tell you that the 2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards The Traveler's Series Cabernet Sauvignon has begun to change our thoughts on wine and food.  Why?  Because this wine is an excellent food wine.  It paired absolutely beautifully with chicken tettrazini, which honestly should not be an ideal pairing.  But the solid tannin and silky smooth feel from this wine made the marriage absolutely seemless.  What surprised us even more is that this is what we would call (for lack of better terminology), one of Pine Ridge's entry-level Cabernet.  But don't let that disuade you.

Indigo and raisin-colored in the glass, you're immediately greeted by blueberry, vanilla, lighty roasted coffee beans and really ripe strawberries.  Again, very silky smooth experience with loads of cherry and strawberry, sweet spice, brown sugar and vanilla bean blend effortlessly to provide you with an overall tasty and memorable wine.  While the finish is on the shorter side, this wine's versatility is the shining star here!

ABV:  15.5%

California (Solano, Sonoma, Napa Counties)

Winery:  Pine Ridge Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2020 O'Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

 

When Barb and Bart at a charity event a few decades ago, their love of wine was a bond that they shared that ultimlately led them to opening their owe winery in Napa.  A quarter of a century ago the duo purchased 33 acres of prime Napa real estate and eventually they began producing Bordeaux and Burdundian styles of wines that promote their sustainably farmed vineyard.  These "estate only" exclusive wines promote not only traditional styles, but also the passion that Barb and Bret share for each other after all of these years.

Today we are tasting the 2020 O'Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  As one would expect, it is memorable from cork pop to the finish with it's beautiful bottle and striking darker mulberry color in the glass.  Ripe berries, granite, wet stone, cigar paper and spice swim in the nose, creating a mouth-watering introduction that delivers.  Dark fruit, plum, spice cabinet, pencil shavings, cedar smoke and a hint of milk chocolate dance on the tongue, creating a persistent finish against sophisticated tannins.  This wine has only begun to show it's potential and we regret not decanting this prior to tasting.  It is a wine that you need to add to your cellar, not only to lay down for fifteen or more years, but to prove to yourself what a fine Napa Valley Cabernet should taste like.  It's beautiful!

ABV:  15.2%

AVA:  Napa Valley

Winery:  O'Brien Estate

Suggested retail price:  $120.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100