It’s been a “very busy” while since I last posted. If you’ve been following me on social media, you already have a clue as to what I’ve been up to. Regardless, here are some highlights for you. My recent trip to Down Under has been very fruitful. I brought seven delicious Australian Single Malt samples back with me and I’m trying to decide which ones will play nice together for a future blending project. One sample in particular stands out as a single barrel pick for Canterbury Liquors and the only hint I can give you right now is that there are hints of smoke.

On the US front, in NYC, Kings Code Batch 2 “Touch of Bessie” has been blended and is patiently vatting at Kings County Distillery. We will be launching it Sunday April 21, 2024 at the distillery. There will be tours of the distillery at 1 pm if you’re interested. This blend comprises of Irish Whiskey, Single Malt Scotch from Islay and American Single Malt from Virginia Distillery and Kings County. My pocket whisky sample of this blend was well received overseas. Kings Code Batch 1 “Riona” is getting low on stock. If you can’t make it out here to buy a bottle you can buy it online at Kings County Distillery website soon.

Blanco, Texas, another American Single Malt, Stryker from Andalusia, will be getting bottled up soon. I just got a sample and I’m calling it QS01 “Brisket”. This whisky was finished in a twice used port barrel. Forney, Texas, sad news that there won’t be a Flambeaux 2 because the distillery is currently closed. I’ve already formulated the blend as of late December but who knows, if and when they do reopen, it’ll be a different tasting whiskey.

Denver, Colorado on April 4th, 2024 I’ll be launching the first of the Landmark Series “Pikes Peak” for Locke+ Co Aspen aged rye. This is a blend of three MGP 95/5 rye, two Aspen aged barrels and one Barolo wine cask finish. This blend has been vatting for more than a year and the result is spectacular. Details of location and time will be posted soon.

Early spring in Kentucky, visits to Buzzards Roost, Puncher’s Chance (Wolf Spirit) and a couple of other TBD spots should turn up some good tasting bourbons/ryes for the summer.

When mud season is over in VT, a visit to Mad River Distillery to make a very special Rum 44 for you. If you enjoyed Rum Cake, you are going to want this next one. It’ will be aged in an ex-American Single Malt STR cask.

Also, dropping any day now is our first Japanese single barrel pick from Kaiyo and a small batch Pechuga mezcal.

If you’re around this Saturday, don’t forget to stop in and taste some Clonakilty Irish Whiskies with us. Cheers!