Latest news with #KentuckyStraightBourbonWhiskey
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Industry Veteran Robert Hanson Joins Advisory Group at Game Changer Bourbon, Owner of Stephen Curry's Gentleman's Cut
NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty Ink/Game Changer Bourbon LLC, the team behind one of the country's fastest growing bourbon brands, and the producer of Stephen Curry's Gentleman's Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is proud to welcome veteran industry executive Robert Hanson to its advisory group. Robert's addition comes at a pivotal time for Gentleman's Cut and Game Changer Bourbon, which is rapidly scaling its U.S. presence through distribution with Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits and expanding globally in top travel retail markets across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The brand has doubled growth year-over-year and continues to establish itself as a serious player in the bourbon category. This next chapter reflects Gentleman Cut's commitment to premium positioning, strategic leadership, and continued category innovation. Hanson brings deep expertise in global brand building and premium beverage growth strategy, with more than 30 years of experience scaling iconic consumer brands. He is currently CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio, an Operating Partner at Butterfly Equity, and a Senior Advisor to Bain Consulting. His past leadership roles include EVP/President of Wine & Spirits at Constellation Brands, where he helped drive its premium portfolio expansion, CEO positions at John Hardy and American Eagle Outfitters, and Global Brand President at Levi's. For more on the Gentleman's Cut, visit and follow along on instagram @gentlemanscutbourbon. ABOUT GENTLEMAN'S CUTStephen Curry's Thirty Ink with John Schwartz formed Game Changer, LLC., a joint venture with Boone County Distilling Company in Northern Kentucky, to create Gentleman's Cut. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Stephen Curry is aged 5-7 years. The bourbon's complex mashbill of 75% Corn, 21% Rye and 4% Malted Barley delivers tasting notes of honey, fresh vanilla bean, and rich caramel on the palate. Our inaugural bottling is polished and smooth at 90 proof. We distill our whiskey the traditional way, in a 500-gallon Copper Pot still. Media ContactsMidnight DawnTom Dietz // Stephen BaruchGentlemansCut@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Gentleman's Cut Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Wild Turkey Releases Its Legendary 8 YO Bourbon In The US
Wild Turkey 101, 8 YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Wild Turkey has just announced that its legendary 8 YO bourbon will become available to US consumers. Recently, we sat down for an exclusive interview with Master Distiller Eddie Russell, Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell, and Managing Director of Campari America Melanie Batchelor to discuss Wild Turkey's latest US release. Wild Turkey, an American icon, has a history deeply intertwined with the evolution of American whiskey, particularly bourbon. The renowned American bourbon distillery, nestled in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, is celebrated for its bold flavor profile and steadfast commitment to traditional production methods. The distillery uses a high-rye mash bill and distills the whiskey at a lower proof to retain more natural flavors. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, one of the longest-tenured distillers in the industry, has helped shape Wild Turkey's identity over decades. The brand offers a range of expressions, emphasizing rich, robust bourbons aged in heavily charred American oak barrels. JM: WT has offered the 8 YO expression internationally, most notably in Japan, for quite a few years. Is the international version different from the domestic expressions? If so, how is it different? Bruce Russell (BT), Associate Master Blender: Rooted in a recipe that has stood the test of time, this age-stated bourbon pays homage to the original Wild Turkey 101, which was famously bottled after eight years of aging. This is the same bourbon fans in export markets have been enjoying for years, now in a 750ml bottle for the US. We're excited to bring this back to the US as a permanent part of our lineup – it will be hitting shelves alongside our classic 101 Bourbon, beginning at the end of April. JM: When distilleries issue commemorative editions, they typically use rare and ultra-aged, expensive expressions, often utilizing high-end packaging. The 8 YO bourbon expression is much more mainstream and, at $45/bottle, very reasonably priced. Why opt for this route? Is there a larger message about accessibility and price that you were trying to convey here? Melanie Batchelor (MB), Managing Director of Campari America: At Wild Turkey and within the wider industry, we're seeing increased excitement around age-stated whiskey in the US. We saw it firsthand last year when Wild Turkey released a limited run of age-stated bourbon in a commemorative bottle to celebrate Jimmy Russell's 70th anniversary at Wild Turkey. That was a separate, one-time offering that was blended by Eddie and Bruce Russell and tailored specifically to Jimmy's taste profile as a tribute to him – but the success of that release re-emphasized the demand for a permanent and approachable priced age-stated offering from the distillery here in the US. The 8-Year-Old 101 rounds out the Wild Turkey portfolio so that there is always an offering that suits any bourbon drinker and any occasion. Wild Turkey 101, 8 YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Eddie Russell (ER), Master Distiller: There is a time and place for high-end offerings where we can experiment with the rare whiskeys and blends that get us excited, and we love bringing those to our fans through our Master's Keep series, our limited edition Russell's Reserve releases and more. However, Wild Turkey 8-Year-Old takes us back to our roots – not only because of its ties to our brand's history but because it's truly a high-quality, age-stated, more widely available bourbon that any Wild Turkey fan or bourbon lover can enjoy at an approachable price point. JM: WT bourbons are known for being flavorful, heavily extracted expressions that show a profound cask wood influence. How is the 8 YO different from the regular WT lineup? BR: Like all Wild Turkey bourbon, the 8-Year-Old 101 whiskey uses our tried and true mash bill and distillation process. However, the extended maturation of 8-Year-Old 101 allows for the development of richer and darker flavors. Instead of the usual oak, vanilla, and bright fruit notes, you can expect toffee, clove, and dried fruit with a longer finish. These unique flavors make the 8 YO bourbon an ideal choice for savoring neat or on the rocks. JM: To what extent is the 8 YO bourbon expression driven by specific cask selections as opposed to a different maturation protocol and rickhouse siting strategy from other WT bourbons? BR: The 8-Year-Old 101 bourbon is meticulously blended in smaller batches than our classic 101. This precision in selecting the casks for the blend ensures that the bourbon delivers the richer and darker flavors that make it a standout, whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks. JM: WT has not released many ultra-aged bourbons except for the Russell's Reserve. Was there a reason for this? Can we expect more ultra-aged bourbon expressions from WT in the future? ER: At Wild Turkey, we hold our roots in high regard. Jimmy's unwavering focus on consistency is what has shaped Wild Turkey into the brand it is today, and we are committed to maintaining that legacy. We've released some older offerings within the Master's Keep series, but otherwise, we've maintained the recipe, pre-Prohibition style, and flavor profile that Jimmy learned from his mentor, Bill Hughes. On the other hand, the Russell's Reserve brand has allowed us to bring some older and interesting whiskeys to bourbon lovers looking for different flavors and styles. JM: Are there any significant differences in the maturation protocol used for the Russell's Reserve and the WT 8 YO bourbons? ER: We don't do anything to separate our bourbon as it matures. That said, we can hand-select the barrels to give each offering the taste we want. Generally, the main difference between Russell's Reserve and Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old is the location of the barrels within our traditional seven-floor warehouses. For Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old, we select from all floors to ensure that the bourbon has those iconic Wild Turkey 101 flavors, just a bit richer and darker, given the longer maturation. For Russell's Reserve, we mainly use barrels from the middle floors, where the temperature helps produce really nuanced and creamy notes. For other, new bourbon expressions from Wild Turkey, see also The Best New Bourbons To Try. The Wild Turkey Core Whiskey Range Below are tasting notes on Wild Turkey, 8 YO Kentucky Bourbon. The whiskey is powerful and aromatic on the nose. While the Wild Turkey DNA is unmistakable, the aromas are richer and more intense. It features pronounced vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel aromas. There's a deep, earthy note of leather and tobacco, followed by classic Wild Turkey spice of cinnamon, clove, and a touch of black pepper. Subtle hints of dried orange zest and dark cherry syrup add a layered complexity. It's full-bodied and robust on the palate, exactly how you would expect an 8 YO Wild Turkey bourbon to be. It features sweet and spicy notes, sweet corn and brown sugar, and a backbone of baking spices and charred oak. The rye influence becomes more pronounced as the whiskey opens up, presenting dried herbs, pepper, and a dry cinnamon heat. A layer of dark chocolate and roasted nuts adds more depth and complexity. The finish is long and layered, with seasoned oak, spice, and a lingering caramel sweetness leading to a dry ending accompanied by leather, toasted barrel, and faint citrus zest notes. The Wild Turkey 8 YO is an exceptional bourbon with an outstanding value at a $45 retail list price. It's a bold, flavorful, well-structured bourbon that punches well above its price point. Its age imparts a notable depth and complexity, which, while true to its Wild Turkey roots, also takes the whiskey to a new level. It's ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in an amazing Old Fashioned. Run, don't walk to get a bottle or two; this will be a very popular bourbon. For an in-depth look on how high rye mash bills shapes the aroma and flavor profile of bourbon, see The World's Best High Rye Bourbons.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Southeastern Wildlife Expo kicks off with three days of art, food, and wildlife demos
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a three-day festival that brings together wildlife experts, artists, and exhibitors, begins Friday in downtown Charleston. Over 500 vendors will be displayed at five locations including Marion Square, Charleston Place, the Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott, and Brittlebank Park through Sunday afternoon. The annual event, known as SEWE, began in February 1983 with about 100 artists and exhibitors, and 5,000 attendees. It has since grown into one of Charleston's most anticipated festivals – unofficially referred to as the kickoff to tourism season – bringing in roughly 500 exhibitors, artists, and wildlife experts and 40,000 attendees each year, generating an estimated $50 million in economic impact. The purpose of the festival is to promote wildlife and nature conservation and 'make positive contributions, through entertainment, to the genre of wildlife art, conservation, education, and the local, regional and state economies.' There is a lot to do at SEWE with fun for the entire family. Top events include the popular Dock Dog competitions, sheep and duck herding, fly fishing demonstrations at Brittlebank Park, enjoy chef demos and a bite to eat at Marion Square or browse the art gallery at Charleston Place. Renowned wildlife explorer and conservationist Forrest Galante will present live animal shots at the Gaillard Center with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Blade and Bow to showcase Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey during 2025 SEWE Handcrafted goods by artisans and craftsmen from around the country are put on display during the annual event, along with wildlife and nature paintings, carvings, and sculptures. Stop by the Charleston Marriott for the sporting showroom featuring sporting and adventure guides, outdoor outfitters, taxidermy, sporting gear, and clothing. In the 'Kids Zone' at Brittlebank Park, attendees will find pony and camel rides, an exotic petting zoo, inflatables, educational programs, and other activities. A small kids section will be available at Marion Square, too. For more information about SEWE and to view the schedule, please click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
