Latest news with #Sazerac
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Buffalo Trace Releases New 100-Proof Sazerac Rye
Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, Sazerac Rye's first line extension in years is a nod to the rising demand for more intense, cocktail-ready whiskeys. Courtesy: Sazerac In the ever-evolving world of American whiskey, proof is more than just a number on a label—it's a signal. For bartenders, it's about structure. For collectors, it's about character. And for everyday drinkers, it's increasingly about intensity. With the debut of Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof, Buffalo Trace is responding to all three groups in one move, offering a stronger expression of a rye that already occupies a storied place behind the bar. The July 2025 announcement from Frankfort, KY marks the first major evolution of the core Sazerac Rye in years, and while a ten-point bump in proof might seem incremental, the implications are not. This release isn't just a higher-octane version of the familiar 90-proof rye. It represents a clear acknowledgment that the market has shifted—toward bigger flavors, bolder builds, and the rising expectations of bartenders crafting serious cocktails. 'Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide,' said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery, in a statement. 'Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar.' For cocktail professionals building multi-ingredient drinks where a number of flavors jockey for position, 100 proof is fast becoming the sweet spot. It's a signal to bartenders that a whiskey can handle mixing without getting lost, especially in classics like the Manhattan or, naturally, the Sazerac. It's no coincidence that this new expression joins the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program, offering bars the opportunity to put their own stamp on a single barrel of this higher-proof rye. The original Sazerac Rye has long had a loyal following, thanks to its spicy, dry profile and value-driven pricing. It's a gateway rye for many, and a workhorse for bars that want a reliable, flavorful base spirit. But in recent years, demand has swelled for rye whiskeys that offer more power and presence. With Sazerac Rye 100 Proof, Buffalo Trace is effectively acknowledging that the training wheels can come off. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley describes the new release as being built with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind. 'We focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile,' he said in a statement. That promise seems to hold up on the palate: candied spice, citrus, and the signature rye pepper come through with more clarity and weight. The result is a bottle that feels calibrated for the realities of the modern bar, while still able to hold up to being tasted neat. At $29.99 for a 1-liter bottle, this release also speaks to access, which has always been an important aspect of Buffalo Trace's marketing plays. From releases like their new Eagle Rare 12, to their line of George T. Stagg, to one-offs like the new E.H. Taylor, Buffalo Trace has always kept a close eye on keeping supply tight. The sense of rarity consistently sparks customer intrigue and keeps prices high—so the fact that the new Sazerac Rye 100 Proof is being put out at this price point speaks to the brand's confidence in the demand for a bar-ready, budget-conscious whiskey for consumers looking for high-proof spirits. It's an interest that shows no sign of slowing.
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Icons Of Whiskey: George T. Stagg— Bourbon's Visionary
George T Stagg is an Icon of Whiskey Photo, courtesy Sazerac/Buffalo Trace George T. Stagg is a legendary and influential figure in American whiskey history—a towering presence, both literally and figuratively, in the 19th-century bourbon industry. Stagg's name, now linked with quality and innovation, also serves as the brand for one of America's premium whiskeys. From humble beginnings to his transformative role in one of Kentucky's most iconic industries, Stagg's influence continues to resonate today, making him an Icon of Whiskey. George Thomas Stagg was born in 1835 in Garrard County, near Lancaster, Kentucky. Little is known about his early years. He married Elizabeth Doolan in 1858. The couple settled in Richmond, Kentucky, where George was employed as a traveling shoe salesman. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, George enlisted in the Union Army, serving in the 21st Kentucky Infantry Regiment. He rose from enlisted man to the rank of Captain. In 1863, he was appointed an Aide-de-Camp to General Ambrose Burnside. In 1865, following the end of the war, he relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, and began his career in the whiskey industry. Stagg formed a partnership with James Gregory, creating Gregory & Stagg, Commercial Merchants & Distillers' Agents. A bottle of George T Stagg, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery In the late 1860s, Stagg's growing interest in the bourbon business led him to Frankfort, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country where he forged a relationship with E.H. Taylor, Jr. Taylor was a key figure in the bourbon industry and founder of the O.F.C. Distillery (Old Fire Copper) and the adjacent Carlisle Distillery. Taylor was a brilliant distiller but had recurring financial difficulties due to the capital-intensive nature of whiskey production. His financial problems were aggravated by a nationwide economic downturn in 1873. In 1877, Taylor declared bankruptcy, prompting Stagg and Gregory to step in as financiers and partners. When Taylor was forced to sell the two distilleries in 1878, Stagg organized the E.H. Taylor Jr company to acquire them. He retained approximately 70% of the stock in the new company and distributed the remaining balance to Taylor. Stagg was appointed president, and Taylor vice president and head distiller. Under Stagg's ownership, the distillery flourished, experiencing significant growth. He modernized operations, expanding production capacity and implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as steam heating of the warehouses. Stagg's warehouses were the first climate-controlled facilities for aging bourbon in the US. He also developed an efficient and scalable aging process, improved record-keeping and quality control standards, thereby creating the consistency that consumers expected in premium bourbon. He continued producing the O.F.C. Bourbon brand. After Prohibition, the brand name was changed to Old Stagg. Taylor had a contentious relationship with Stagg. In 1886, Taylor left the company, trading his shares for ownership of another distillery that Stagg had acquired. That distillery would become the Old Taylor Distillery. In 1890, the company's name was changed to George T. Stagg & Company. In 1904, it was changed again to The George T Stagg Distillery. Stagg was a key player in shaping the post-Civil War bourbon industry. He helped transform bourbon from a regional product into a nationally recognized spirit by establishing an extensive distribution network, particularly in the Midwest and South. His knack for sales and logistics, paired with Kentucky's reputation for quality whiskey, proved an unbeatable combination. The Stagg Distillery's Legacy The George T. Stagg Distillery was one of the most modern and well-regarded whiskey operations in Kentucky by the late 19th century. Though Stagg died in 1893, at the relatively young age of 58, his name remained closely associated with the distillery. In the early 20th century, the distillery overcame significant financial challenges. They survived Prohibition by obtaining one of only six licenses in the U.S. to sell 'medicinal whiskey.' In the decades following Stagg's death, the distillery changed hands and names several times. By the mid-20th century, it became part of the Ancient Age Distillery. Then, in 1992, it was purchased by Buffalo Trace Distillery, a subsidiary of the Sazerac Company. Recognizing the rich history of the site and its historical figures, Buffalo Trace would go on to revitalize its legacy brands, including one that would cement George T. Stagg's name in whiskey lore. The Buffalo Trace Distillery was once known as the George T Stagg distillery. Photo, courtesy Buffalo Trace Distillery The George T. Stagg Brand and Buffalo Trace Distillery In 2002, the Buffalo Trace Distillery released a high-proof, unfiltered bourbon named George T. Stagg. It was part of its Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). This release was meant to honor Stagg's enduring impact on the industry and his contributions to the success of the historic distillery. Each fall, the George T. Stagg bourbon is released in limited quantities, aged for 15 to 19 years, and bottled at barrel proof (often above 120 proof). It quickly gained a cult following among whiskey enthusiasts, winning numerous awards, including 'World's Best North American Whiskey' and frequent placements in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible . It has also been a consistent medalist at international spirit competitions. Buffalo Trace's Stagg bourbon is robust, with a layered complexity that features dark cherry, leather, molasses, and charred oak. It's bold and rich on the palate, with layers of vanilla, brown sugar, dark chocolate, and baking spice. The finish is long and intense with a smoky sweetness. Its limited availability and high quality have made it a sought-after bottle on the secondary market, often fetching prices many times above its official retail cost. Today, the distillery once known as the George T. Stagg Distillery operates as Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is one of the oldest continually operating distilleries in the United States and has received countless accolades for its production excellence and preservation of bourbon heritage. The distillery is owned by the Sazerac Company, a privately held American alcoholic beverage company headquartered in New Orleans. Sazerac has embraced the history of its properties, including honoring figures like George T. Stagg and E.H. Taylor Jr. with dedicated labels in its prestigious lineup. Buffalo Trace produces a range of other highly regarded whiskies, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Blanton's, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, and Stagg Jr. The latter, now called Stagg, is a more accessible companion to George T. Stagg bourbon. Legacy and Influence George T. Stagg may have lived in the 19th century, but his influence continues to shape the bourbon industry in the 21st century. He exemplified the importance of marrying sound business management with a commitment to quality. That professionalism is now a trademark of the American whiskey industry. His name, once affixed to a Kentucky distillery, now stands for bold, uncompromising bourbon that has helped usher American whiskey's modern revival. The annual release of George T. Stagg bourbon remains a benchmark event for collectors and connoisseurs alike. It pays homage to a man whose vision transformed a regional spirit into a national treasure. Though not well known outside whiskey circles, George Stagg's legacy is monumental. Without his foresight and investment, one of Kentucky's most storied distilleries might never have survived the 19th century. Thanks to him and the modern revival of his name as a whiskey brand, Stagg remains an enduring symbol of American whiskey excellence and a true Icon of Whiskey. More From Forbes Forbes Icons Of Whiskey: Elijah Craig — The Father Of Bourbon By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Icons Of Whiskey: Jacob Beam's Bourbon Dynasty By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Buffalo Trace Is Going to Start Selling Its Rare Whiskeys on Sazerac's New Online Shop
Whiskey fans know how hard some of Buffalo Trace's most allocated bourbons are to get, and how expensive these bottles are if you do find them. We're talking about names like Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, and the Last Drop. However, these bottles are going to be slightly easier to get your hands on starting tomorrow, because the distillery's parent company, Sazarac, just announced the launch of a new online e-commerce platform called Legacy de Forge. Given that this is a partnership with BlockBar, there is, of course, a blockchain element to this new endeavor. These days, that concept often causes people's eyes to glaze over, but the gist is as follows: You can buy bottles from the Legacy de Forge website using a credit card, wire transfer, or Ethereum, and each purchase comes with a digital token to verify its authenticity. If you're looking to flip a bottle, that means that BlockBar can store it in its secure physical facility, and the new buyer will also have reassurance that what they are buying is legitimate. More from Robb Report An Oscar-Winning Film Producer Has Sold His Glitzy Miami Beach Penthouse for $4 Million Tom Cruise Is Reportedly Buying a New Multimillion-Dollar Nautor Swan Sailing Yacht Charlie Chaplin Once Parked His Fire Trucks Where This $12.5 Million L.A. Home Now Stands But let's skip to the juicy part. The website had a soft opening that started on May 28, featuring some extremely rare bottles from the Last Drop—including the 27 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery that we favorably reviewed recently. Other Last Drop expressions that are currently available to bid on are the 32 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey and 22 Year Old Mizunara Cask Blended Japanese Whisky. There is also a bottle of Sazerac de Forge Grande Champagne Cognac Vintage 200, Mister Sam Canadian whisky, and the new Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt from Sazerac's recently acquired Hawk's Rock distillery in Ireland. There will be more to come in the future, and presumably that will include some of Buffalo Trace's most collectible Kentucky bourbons and rye whiskeys, like the aforementioned Pappy and Stagg, as well as Weller, Eagle Rare, and Blanton's. Sales will be divided up into three sections on the website: The most rare spirits will be available via auction that you will be notified of when you sign up for the newsletter; the less exclusive but still collectible bottles will be available to purchase outright during a certain window; and the more widely available bottles will be for sale at any time (while supplies last). And to celebrate the launch of Legacy de Forge, there will be an online auction starting tomorrow where you can purchase a single barrel of Blanton's Gold that includes a VIP tour and one-night stay at Buffalo Trace Distillery's Stagg Lodge. Bidding opens tomorrow, June 6, at 10 a.m. and lasts until June 20 at 10 a.m. (EST). You can visit the website now to find out more. Best of Robb Report Why a Heritage Turkey Is the Best Thanksgiving Bird—and How to Get One 9 Stellar West Coast Pinot Noirs to Drink Right Now The 10 Best Wines to Pair With Steak, From Cabernet to Malbec Click here to read the full article.
Forbes
04-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How America's Richest Female Farmer Became The Fourth-Richest Self-Made Woman In America
Lynda and Stewart Resnick arrive for a State Dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the Booksellers Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 10, 2024. It's one of my favorite times of year, and no, I'm not talking about the start of strawberry season. This week Forbes unveiled its annual issue dedicated to America's Richest Self-Made Women. And it's a big one—the 10-year anniversary. It hits particularly home for me since this June also marks a full decade for me on Forbes' staff. A major milestone for a journalist! I've worked on the Self-Made list, as our newsroom calls it, since its inception, and over the years I have had a hand in celebrating listmakers from BET cofounder Sheila Johnson to United Therapeutics founder Martine Rothblatt through the issues' pages. From the food world, this year's ranking features Lynda Resnick, America's richest female farmer, as No. 4. I've been writing about Resnick since my earliest days at Forbes and continue to find the vastness of her ventures through the Wonderful Company—from Fiji Water to Wonderful pistachios to seedless lemons and the country's largest bee colony—fascinating. The spread also features Panda Express cofounder Peggy Cherng as well as Merrilee Kick, the former public school teacher in Texas who landed a massive deal for her booze brand BuzzBallz last year when it was acquired by billionaire-owned spirits conglomerate Sazerac. Other names you might be excited to see in the issue include Selena Gomez, Sara Blakeley (of Spanx fame) and Serena Williams. It's an exceptional group of 100 entrepreneurs and industry game-changers. Enjoy perusing it all! — Chloe Sorvino This is Forbes' Fresh Take newsletter, which every Wednesday brings you the latest on the big ideas changing the future of food. Want to get it in your inbox every week? Sign up here. From left: Daniela Amodei, Selena Gomez, Gwynne Shotwell Bigger fortunes. More billionaires. Increasing impact. We mark the 10th anniversary of our annual list of America's most successful self-made women by celebrating how far these 100 entrepreneurs have come: There are 38 billionaires this year, with fortunes originating in everything from cars to cosmetics to chardonnay. ORLANDO KISSNER/AFP via Getty Images Big Ag Spying: Don't miss this Wired investigation about a powerful agricultural lobby that for years 'led a persistent and often covert campaign to surveil, discredit and suppress animal rights organizations,' and then hand-delivered the opposition research to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The network of informants relayed information to FBI agents within its department of Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate in an effort to convince the government that animal activists are 'the preeminent bioterrorism threat to the United States.' Chef Sean Sherman, owner and chef at Owamni prepares cricket to be served in his restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 3, 2023. Decolonizing The Food System: Chef Sean Sherman—who is behind the award-winning Minneapolis restaurant Owamni (where I had one of the most mind-blowing meals of my life, as previously covered in this newsletter) as well as his Native-owned pantry staples marketplace Indigenous Food Lab—is expanding his vision, Civil Eats reports. I got an early taste of some of his plans myself when I moderated a keynote fireside chat with Sherman at Expo West 2024 and I'm thrilled to see some concrete news that will bring that all to life. Along with a forthcoming second cookbook called Turtle Island, Sherman is opening his second outpost of Indigenous Food Lab later this year in Bozeman, Montana and is also starting a venture called Meals For Native Institutions, which will address the lack of culturally appropriate meals at institutions like schools, hospitals, prisons and community centers. Boxes of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers are stacked at a Costco Wholesale store on April 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Cooking At Home Is Back: Or so Campbell's chief executive says. As the Wall Street Journal reports, the beleaguered soup company reported earnings this week that left its stock struggling. And while on first blush it may seem like Campbell's iconic soup cans might do well with more Americans tightening their budgets and less eating out, well, turns out, that's not the case for all its products. Cambell's snacking portfolio of brands like Cape Cod chips, Pepperidge Farms and Goldfish, for example, have not been performing as well as corporate leadership would like. The Price Of Milk The documentary series The Price of Milk, is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival this Sunday, June 8, with an additional screening on Thursday, June 12. I'd love to see you there! (Full disclosure: I hear Sunday is down to standby-only tickets.) It's my Tribeca Film Festival debut and I'm excited to see this important topic brought to life! FRANCK FERVILLE/AGENCE VU/REDUX 1 It was fun to podcast about my recent article on Chobani and its billionaire founder Hamdi Ulukaya. Check out the full interview here. Chloe Sorvino Maybe the best strawberry shortcake I've ever tasted, after a luxuriously drawn-out lunch at the New York City outpost of Venice Beach-famed restaurant Gjelina. Thanks for reading the 145th edition of Forbes Fresh Take! Let me know what you think. Subscribe to Forbes Fresh Take here.
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo based Hawk's Rock Distillery announces first release since recent re-brand
The Sazerac Company, one of the world's largest distilled spirits companies, is celebrating the release of its inaugural Irish whiskey from Hawk's Rock Distillery: Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Crafted by Master Blender Helen Mulholland, the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, this new-to-world whiskey brand embodies Sazerac's dedication to world class distillation, aging and blending. Named after the Garavogue River that flows through Sligo town, Garavogue Whiskey is a bridge between past and present, honouring the rich traditions of Irish whiskey while embracing innovation and discovery. Every small-batch release under the Garavogue name will be limited and experimental in nature, exploring different ages, maturation techniques and possibly even different types of Irish whiskey. For its inaugural and limited release expression, Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey offers a rare take on traditional Irish Whiskey with both unexpected and familiar flavours due to its unique maturation involving multiple types of casks. Double-distilled and initially aged for a minimum of 14 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks, the whiskey was then transferred into a variety of unique finishing casks including French Muscat, French Sauternes, Spanish Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Barbadian Rum casks for further maturation. The result is a 94-proof whiskey with aromas of vanilla, warm peach, and spun sugar from the Sauternes cask influence, while floral and raisin notes from the Muscat and Sherry casks emerge on the nose. On the palate, vanilla and citrus sweetness complement buttery ripe apples, while fresh fruit flavours from the rum cask create a prominent sweet finish. 'The current trend is for whiskey to have a rich sherry finish, but Garavogue is purposefully different,' says Master Blender Helen Mulholland. 'We believe that complexity and subtlety can work hand in hand. ADVERTISEMENT 'It is unusual for a whiskey to be blended with this number and variety of casks, but just as the river ebbs and flows, the flavours create a wonderful blend as they weave together in this 20-year-old single malt.' Release #1 is housed in a distinctive reversed crescent shape bottle with a blue label reflecting the Garavogue River's influence including subtle wave patterns that mirror the motion of water. The label also features imagery and coordinates for the Hazelwood House Windmill – an enduring landmark on the grounds of Hawk's Rock – in tribute to the historical figures who lived and worked along the Garavogue's banks. 'We hope that Garavogue Whiskey invites Irish Whiskey fans to linger, explore and uncover the hidden stories of Sligo,' remarks Jess Scheerhorn, Vice President at Sazerac. 'The Garavogue River shaped this beautiful landscape for millenniums, and Garavogue Irish Whiskey aims to shape new experiences, connections and traditions – one sip at a time.' Garavogue Whiskey will be available at a suggested retail price of €199 (700ML) in limited quantities through Sazerac's distributor networks across the United States, Ireland, United Kingdom and Duty-Free. A limited supply will also be available for purchase directly via Legacy de Forge, a new Sazerac branded global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world's most coveted bottles. Please visit for more information. Garavogue Whiskey is the first release from Sazerac's recently rebranded Hawk's Rock Distillery, which is named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains known for inspiring Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler (W.B.) Yeats, who called Sligo his 'spiritual home.' In April 2025, Hawk's Rock owner, Sazerac Company, announced the renaming of Hawk's Rock Distillery from Lough Gill Distillery, referring to the name change as a reflection of the company vision for the future – blending curiosity, innovation and respect for Sligo's heritage. For more information, please visit
