Latest news with #OldForester
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kentucky hosts Bourbon and Belonging event to welcome LGBTQ+ revelers
Kentucky hosts Bourbon and Belonging event to welcome LGBTQ+ revelers The image of a bourbon drinker has too often been that of a white cis male and his friends hanging out in rugged environments. But for a week in October 2024 at more than 60 locations in Kentucky, where 95% of the world's bourbon is produced, white cis males were in the and Belonging was a first-of-its-kind event aimed at making Kentucky's signature product a more inclusive experience. From small, curated dinners featuring bourbon pairings to large celebrations of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle, Bourbon and Belonging opened the doors and the bottles to a new audience. Some of the gatherings were free, and some came with a small price Forester, located on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row, hosted four separate events, including a garden party on the rooftop of the company headquarters where Simone the DJ emceed the event. 'It was wonderful, what we call an unwind moment,' Melissa Rift, a master taster at Old Forester and member of the LGBTQ+ community, says. 'There is a lot of stress in our community, and this was certainly a laid-back event with music and food and connections. It felt good.' About 85 people attended Old Forester's free rooftop garden party. Their other events included an intimate 10-person tour and tasting, and co-hosted events with other bourbon brands in northern Kentucky. In addition to visitors from nearly every state, Rift talked with couples from Canada, Brazil and several Caribbean the western Kentucky city of Paducah, Landee Bryant was among the merchants who immediately embraced the idea of Bourbon and Belonging in her city. She owns Bricolage Art Collective on the Market House Square, a place she describes as liberal-leaning and queer friendly. Paducah's event became a block party with more than 14 businesses participating. Bryant invited author Clint Waters to her shop for a reading of his science fiction and poetry, which feature LGBTQ+ themes. She created a fruity little cocktail for the occasion that highlighted Green River bourbon, although there were also nonalcoholic drinks on offer.'It was immediately clear that we had created a safe, collaborative community space for this celebration, and we look forward to participating again,' says Liz Hammonds with Paducah's Convention and Visitors for announcements regarding Bourbon and Belonging, Oct. 3-5, 2025 or
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Brown-Forman's gloomy forecasts send shares of Jack Daniel's maker tumbling
June 5 (Reuters) - Brown-Forman (BFb.N), opens new tab forecast a decline in annual revenue and profit on Thursday, as the Jack Daniel's maker navigates soft consumer spending amid tariff-related uncertainties, sending its shares plunging about 15%. Worries of a possible recession and product price increases brought on by international trade wars have dented consumer sentiment in the U.S. and pushed people to cut back on discretionary products such as high-end alcohol. "We anticipate the operating environment for fiscal 2026 will be challenging, with low visibility due to macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility as we face headwinds from consumer uncertainty, the potential impact from currently unknown tariffs," the company said. The U.S. has doubled the tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 50%, posing a risk for the company that also makes canned ready-to-drink products. The liquor maker had said in March Canadian provinces taking American liquor off store shelves was "worse than a tariff", but noted that it can withstand the impact as Canada accounted for only 1% of its total sales. Brown-Forman, however, benefited from the European Union dropping its planned retaliatory tariff on American whiskey. The owner of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve brands expects both organic net sales and organic operating income for fiscal 2026 to decline in the low single-digit range. It reported an increase of 1% and 3% in organic net sales and organic operating income, respectively, during fiscal 2025. The company's results were indicative of pressure on consumers and their stretched discretionary budgets rather than a decline in premium American spirits, Consumer Edge analyst Connor Rattigan said. Brown-Forman's sales during the quarter ended April 30 fell 7% to $894 million, compared with analysts' average estimate of $967.4 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. Its earnings per share of 31 cents also missed the estimate of 34 cents.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Old Forester President's Choice: First National Release Of Bourbon & New Rye
The latest release of Old Forester President's Choice Bourbon and the first ever President's Choice Rye will be offered in a nation wide sale. In a move set to electrify the American whiskey landscape, Old Forester has just announced the national debut of its highly coveted and historically rare expression, President's Choice Bourbon. Previously, this gem was primarily confined to the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, and a few Kentucky retailers. Now, for the first time, President's Choice Bourbon will be offered at select retailers nationwide, albeit in limited quantities, opening a new chapter for this exceptional spirit. But the news for whiskey enthusiasts gets even better. Alongside the expanded reach of the bourbon, Old Forester is, for the very first time, introducing President's Choice Rye. This marks a significant expansion of the President's Choice line, which sees its limited-release bottles quickly disappear into the hands of bourbon collectors and whiskey enthusiasts. By offering a line extension and an expanded release opportunity, Old Forester is signaling that it has no intention of dialing back its highly popular limited-release lineups that bourbon aficionados crave. This latest strategic move ensures that more discerning consumers will have the chance to experience these hand-selected, high-proof treasures. Master Taster Melissa Rift underscored the significance of this moment, noting, "President's Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky. We are honored to bring it to a wider audience." Old Forester President's Choice Bourbon. What fundamentally elevates any spirit bearing the President's Choice name is its unwavering commitment to the single-barrel expression. Unlike standard blends that marry multiple barrels for consistency, each bottle of President's Choice originates from an individual barrel, hand-selected by its President for its truly exceptional character. This meticulous practice isn't a new innovation for Old Forester; it began in 1890 and sporadically continued for decades. In 1964, then-president George Garvin Brown II introduced The President's Choice bottles, which were given to VIPs, executives, and other dignitaries. It was first offered to the public in 2018, coinciding with the opening of the Old Forrester Distillery on Louisville's Whiskey Row. Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks. This rigorous selection process ensures that only barrels displaying remarkable quality and a distinct flavor profile—those that rise above even Old Forester's already high standards—earn the coveted "President's Choice" label. It's a testament to a philosophy that values unique excellence over uniform consistency. "Every barrel selected for President's Choice tells a story,' says Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. 'These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it's the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester's craftsmanship." Because different barrels are selected and not blended for every President's Choice, it is possible to get several different expressions in one release. This inherent variability is both its defining characteristic and its profound allure. Each barrel, whether bourbon or rye, is aged between seven and nine years. They are bottled at robust proof points, ranging from 110 to 125 proof, designed to showcase the liquid at its finest. Old Forester President's Choice Rye. Both the President's Choice Bourbon and the inaugural Rye (from Rye Barrel #1) will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $225, reflecting their premium status and rarity. However, they will likely command a far higher price on the secondary market. For those who want a bottle, Old Forester Distillery will also be releasing a limited number for in-person purchase at the distillery and through their online store at This online release, scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 14th, will allow shipping to states where it is legal (D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only). This date holds special significance, as it coincides with National Bourbon Day and marks the 7th anniversary of the opening of the Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
USA Today
02-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Kentucky's $9 billion bourbon industry caught in the crossfire of Trump trade war
Kentucky's $9 billion bourbon industry caught in the crossfire of Trump trade war Show Caption Hide Caption Brough Brothers Distillery CEO talks looming tariffs With a 50% tariff set to hit U.S. whiskey by March 31, distillers like Brough Brothers in Louisville, Ky., look to minimize the impact. President Trump's trade wars have negatively impacted American whiskey exports, including Kentucky bourbon. Kentucky bourbon distillers and industry groups are advocating for a return to zero-for-zero tariffs between the U.S. and its trade partners. The bourbon industry is a significant contributor to the Kentucky economy, employing thousands of workers and generating billions of dollars in revenue. Kentucky bourbon has become a key pawn in the trade war raging across the globe, as President Donald Trump continues his on-again, off-again tariff roll out. As the trade war escalates with U.S. trade partners ranging from Canada and Mexico to China and the European Union, some retaliatory tariffs still hanging around from Trump's first administration remain a threat to the bourbon industry. A 50% tariff on American whiskey products, which include bourbon, rye and Tennessee whiskey, was set to return April 1, but was delayed by the EU until April 13, providing a slight reprieve for the industry. The March 20 announcement delaying the whiskey tariff followed a March 13 threat by Trump of a 200% tariff on alcohol from the EU if it were to go forward with its planned tariff on American whiskey. "This is a very positive development and gives U.S. distillers a glimmer of hope that a devastating 50% tariff on American whiskey can be averted," Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, DISCUS, said in a statement March 20. "We urge the EU and U.S. to reach an agreement that will return and safeguard zero-for-zero tariffs for spirits trade, benefitting the spirits and hospitality sectors." The tariff threat is leading to economic volatility for American whiskey, which, in turn, is rippling through Kentucky as the state's marquee product works to maintain momentum. "It's obviously bigger than Brown-Forman, and it's bigger than our industry, and every day seems to unfold a different twist on the story," Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting said during the company's earnings call in March. "We're ... shooting to try to get reciprocal zero-for-zero tariffs. That is our key ask. Maybe that's obvious, but to try to keep this industry out of these trade wars." In Kentucky, Louisville-based Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, is one of the leading exporters of U.S. spirits globally, with 55% of its net sales coming from outside the U.S. Other major Kentucky bourbon companies that are big exporters include Heaven Hill, the maker of Evan Williams; Beam Suntory, which produces Jim Beam and Maker's Mark products; and Diageo, the owner of Bulleit Bourbon. Trump's alcohol tariffs: Barley farmers face economic strain with tariffs as beer consumption hits 40-year low "The EU's 50% retaliatory tariffs on Kentucky's signature bourbon industry will devastate distilleries across our commonwealth, which employ over 20,000 hardworking Kentuckians and generate billions for our economy," U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., said in a March 12 statement. 'We've done this before' For Kentucky, where bourbon is a $9 billion industry, the impacts of the tariffs extend beyond the bottles on the shelves. "Trump's trade war is hurting the farmers who grow corn, coopers who char and fit our white oak barrels, the men and women who work the line in distilleries, and truckers who deliver the finished product," McGarvey said March 20. In 2018, during Trump's first presidential term, tariffs he levied against the EU on steel and aluminum led to a retaliatory tariff against U.S. products, including American whiskey. Former President Joe Biden was able to negotiate a pause in these tariffs with the EU, but as the deadline on that pause nears, distillers and Kentucky are bracing. "So, we're going to continue to prepare. We've unfortunately, we've done this before," Whiting said during the earnings call. "If it rolls out where they're coming after American whiskey again, and we don't have a situation of reciprocity, then the market for spirits, once again, gets very distorted. That is a big disadvantage for us." From 1997 until the 2018 tariffs, the U.S. and the EU benefited from zero-for-zero tariffs, which industry groups such as DISCUS and the Kentucky Distillers' Association, along with major distillers, want to see returned. With the imposition of the EU tariffs in 2018, American whiskey exports to the region plummeted 20%, losing roughly $112 million for the U.S. spirits industry, according to DISCUS. And during the tariff pause negotiated by the Biden administration, the sector saw a bounce back, with exports to the EU surging roughly 60% and drawing in $699 million in 2024 exports. "Over the past three years that these EU tariffs have been suspended, American whiskey exports to the EU have soared, supporting jobs at U.S. distilleries, as well as local farms," Swonger said March 20. Canadian response Most recently, Trump announced he will share a "reciprocal tariff" plan on April 2, giving countries a proposed tariff rate based on their own rates, non-tariff trade barriers and other factors while also providing an opportunity to negotiate around the "tariff wall," USA TODAY previously reported. In early March, Trump reinstated 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Canada was quick to respond to this trade threat and ushered in its own multi-round set of tariffs, with the first being issued March 5 and subsequent rounds set to follow in late March and again in April. Part of the initial response from Canada included an immediate halt to purchases and the removal of U.S. beverage products, including Kentucky bourbon. "That's worse than a tariff, because it's literally taking your sales away, completely removing our products from the shelves ... that's a very disproportionate response," Whiting with Brown-Forman said. For now, the watch-and-wait game for distillers and Kentucky continues. "It's not just that bottle of bourbon, it's all that it takes to make that bottle of bourbon, to get it to where it needs to go, and everybody that touches it in between, including bottlers, distributors, and you name it," state Sen. Gerald Neal said on CNN News Central on March 17. "Everybody gets affected; it's a big deal in Kentucky." Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @oliviamevans_.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking for a new bourbon? Here are 6 new Kentucky bourbon, whiskies to try this month
Kentucky's distilleries are constantly launching new products and April is no different. Buzzard's Roost Whiskey has released its latest batch of Toasted French Oak Bourbon, Old Forester launched its new expression in the 117 Series, PGA Tour pro Max Homa teams up with Elijah Craig to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon and more. Here are six new bourbon products to try this month: Buzzard's Roost Whiskey has released its newest batch of Toasted French Bourbon, Batch 2. Batch 2 of Toasted French Oak Bourbon takes a slightly different approach than Batch 1, using French oak staves that were precision-toasted to coax out the most appealing flavor. 'We think Batch 2 is even more delicious than our first batch,' Buzzard's Roost co-founder and CEO Judy Hollis Jones said in a news release. 'Batch 1 was a favorite of many of Buzzard's Roost customers, but with a brand mantra of 'Innovation Within the Bounds of Tradition, we always look for new ways to create outstanding flavors." Three important differentiators between French oak staves and whole barrels were considered before creating this new release: While French oak barrels can only be toasted for very short periods of time, French oak staves can be toasted for as much as 18 hours, allowing the heat to tame extra tannins that are present in French oak. French oak has a greater concentration of hemicellulose than other types of oak, resulting in more sugar molecules for caramelization. The ability to toast French oak for a longer time leads to greater concentrations of flavor producers. More: Kentucky bourbon industry braces for European Union tariff. Where things stand Batch 2 of Toasted French Oak Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. The secondary maturation with French oak staves resulted in flavors of vanilla cupcake with light caramel frosting, dried apples, powdered cinnamon and a touch of sweet oak. It is 100 proof with a suggested retail price of $85. For more information visit, PGA Tour pro Max Homa has teamed up with Elijah Craig to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon expression. Homa has said Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is his 'hands-down favorite.' So when the opportunity arose to collaborate on a private barrel pick, he jumped at the chance. The process begins with Elijah Craig's Small Batch Bourbon, which is then elevated by a second, custom toasted barrel. This step gives the bourbon an additional layer of sweet oak complexity, creating a rich, full-bodied profile. For Max's signature sip, the team followed the same finishing process, but with a unique twist, working with single barrels that were uncut and bottled at barrel proof. After sampling four carefully curated options alongside Elijah Craig Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll, Homa selected a standout 8-year-old bourbon, which begins with the aroma of toasted oak and sweet caramel. The finish is warm, with lingering hints of chocolate and baking spices. "Since the beginning of my partnership with Elijah Craig, fans have been asking for a barrel pick," said Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner. "All of the barrels I sampled were delicious which made the decision very difficult, but in the end my Toasted Barrel pick ultimately stood out with its rich creamy notes of butterscotch and vanilla alongside the classic oak smokiness and spice Elijah Craig is known for.' This Bourbon is 126.6 proof and will be released in limited quantities, with less than 200 bottles available. Sign up to be the first to know when the release will be available by visiting the Elijah Craig website and providing contact information to receive an exclusive email with limited opportunity to purchase the product. Joining the list is not a guarantee of purchase and product will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Kentucky Senator Bourbon released its sixth small batch of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, The John Edwards. Named after John Edwards, Kentucky's second-ever U.S. Senator and a resident of Bourbon County, this exclusive release continues the brand's legacy of honoring distinguished statesmen while delivering an exceptional bourbon experience. The small batch bourbon is aged for seven and a half years and bottled at the signature 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, offering a rich and balanced flavor profile that bourbon enthusiasts have come to expect from the brand. More: Smoking will be allowed again inside some Louisville businesses. Here's what to know Kentucky Senator Bourbon co-founder Andre Regard expressed his enthusiasm: "Damon [Thayer] and I continue our journey of celebrating Kentucky's native spirit with another outstanding release. Each batch tells a story, and the John Edwards Release is no exception — steeped in history and bottled with precision.' Suggested retail price of $119.99 and is available at select Kentucky retailers, bars and restaurants and online at Maker's Mark has announced the next release in its Wood Finishing Series, The Keepers Release 2025, inspired by the warehouse team who ensure every barrel of Maker's Mark matures consistently to the founders' taste vision. Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand's iconic bourbon. The Keepers Release 2025 showcases rich, oak-forward aromas of seasoned wood, brûléd sugar, and tobacco, leading to a long, enveloping finish characterized by dried dark fruit and a lingering roasted sweetness. 'The Keepers Release was born from our close collaboration with the Maker's Mark warehouse team, the guardians of our barrels,' Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller for Maker's Mark said in a news release. "Their sensory experience of Maker's Mark is unlike anyone else's, the aromatic oak at different times of the day, evolving tasting notes of our whisky as it ages over multiple seasons, which provided inspiration and helped us shape the flavors of this release." At 109.2 proof, the release will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99. For more information, visit Milam & Greene Whiskey released Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon, a blend of two six-year-old, cask-strength collector's edition bourbon casks. Gray Wolf is the first release in the Milam & Greene 2025 Wildlife Collection, which explores how climate impacts the final flavor of aging bourbon. This limited cask-strength bourbon was distilled at the Green River Distilling Company, in Kentucky, with a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. It was barreled on May 18, 2018, and aged in Owensboro, Kentucky for three years, eight months, and 25 days before being transported to Blanco, Texas, and aged for an additional three years and one month. Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon has rich aromas of maple bar, coffee cake, creamed corn, fresh mint, and baking spices. It is full-bodied and silky loaded with butterscotch candy, black tea flavors with dill and fresh herbs, peppercorn, and nicely balanced oak. This bourbon has a lengthy, cool finish with notes of German chocolate cake, herbal lozenge, and loads of fresh mint. It is 125.5 proof and available exclusively on the Milam & Greene Whiskey website for $149.99. For more information, Old Forester released its latest expression in the 117 Series: Bottled in Bond Rye. This release marks the first Bottled in Bond Rye Whisky handcrafted by Old Forester. The 1897 Bottled in Bond Act required that each bottling be composed of barrels filled during a single distillation season. This small batch of Rye Whisky reflects the unique flavor of the unusually cool and wet spring of 2015. "This 117 Series release is unique because it holds a tie to our 1897 Bottled in Bond, our tribute to the Bottled in Bond Act," Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said in a news release. "This release is a first for Old Forester, and stays true to our historical promise of quality, consistency and balance." Tasting notes: Color: Ripe tangerine Aroma: Sweet honeysuckle and candied lemon with hints of ginger root and thick molasses Flavor: Intense spice immediately hits followed by charred oak, freshly cracked pepper and cooked pear Finish: Quick and dry finish with notes of bright citrus, lemongrass and coriander The 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye is bottled at 100 proof with a suggested retail price of $64.99. Available at Old Forester Distillery Company retail shop and in the online store at Reach News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@ This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky bourbon releases Old Forester, Elijah Craig, Maker's Mark
