Outsiders Spirits from Eric Church unveils new whiskey, first release
Outsiders Spirits from co-founder Eric Church and Raj Alva unveiled its premiere release recently —Whiskey JYPSI, which is a contemporary interpretation of the “JYPSI Spirit” in all of us that seeks adventure and deeper meaning.
The first release, Whiskey JYPSI’s Legacy Batch 001, recently won the Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and is based on a traditional bourbon mash bill. However, instead of blending the grains before fermentation, or sourcing from the usual geographies, Whiskey JYPSI lived up to its name — sourcing individual aged whiskey components from various origins, then scientifically blending them to recreate the mash bill.
The Outsiders partners took a hands-on approach to every aspect of their new whiskey, creating and curating everything from inception to release — from taste, packaging and marketing to point of view. With Whiskey JYPSI, the brand has set out to not only create the finest whiskey, but also to inspire.
“Whiskey JYPSI celebrates doing things the unconventional way. It’s the commitment to the creative spirit, the process and the journey that excite me the most” says Church. “It’s meant to inspire others to take chances like we have – follow a different path and enjoy and experience life at its fullest.”
Whiskey JYPSI has partnered with ReserveBar to make Legacy Batch 001 available in 38 states and with an SRP of $199.99. Due to state legalities, alcohol cannot be shipped to the following states: TN, AL, AK, GA, HI, KS, MA, MI, MS, OR, UT, VT. Retailers in TN will carry product while supplies last. For more information visit www.whiskeyjypsi.com.
As serious whiskey enthusiasts but not yet experts in making it, Outsiders sought the help of experienced masters in the art and science of the spirit who could reimagine the traditional whiskey industry conventions – and bring a series of rich, complex blends of whiskey and bourbon to life in a variety of releases over time. After meetings with various master distillers and blenders, they chose Ari Sussman for their first release.
“I was excited to work with these guys because it all centered on quality and creativity,” Sussman notes.
“There were no rules or parameters. It just had to be the finest whiskey possible. Period.”
Sussman is the former head of Spirits Development at the Artisan Distilling Program at Michigan State University, and an award-winning whiskey maker. He also has a bit of the JYPSI Spirit in him. Before he entered the whiskey world, Ari worked in the vineyards of Bordeaux, raised ostriches and grew almonds with Bedouin tribes, and lived in an Israeli kibbutz.
El Mayor Tequila celebrates 25 years with its
limited-edition Extra Añejo Bourbon Barrel Aged offering
To celebrate and honor El Mayor’s 25th anniversary, Master Distiller Rodolfo Gonzalez selected 25 barrels of the distillery’s oldest stock to create a unique, limited-edition tequila: El Mayor Extra Añejo Bourbon Barrel Aged. The ultra-premium tequila is aged for 39 months in American Oak bourbon barrels and distilled from Blue Weber agave from the valley area of Jalisco, Mexico. A limited allocation of approximately 6,000 bottles will be available at a suggested retail price of $129.99 per 750-ml. bottle. Distilled and produced at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux in Arandas, Mexico, the limited-edition tequila will be available nationwide in July.
“This limited-edition Extra Añejo tequila is the culmination of 25 years of knowledge, expertise and innovation,” said Graciela Gonzalez, fourth-generation distiller and daughter of Rodolfo Gonzalez. “The result is an extraordinarily smooth, well-balanced tequila with elegant oak hints, baking spices and dried fruit on the nose and palate. It’s a gorgeous expression worthy of marking such a significant milestone.”
For recipes and more information about El Mayor and the limited-edition 25th Anniversary Extra Añejo Bourbon Barrel Aged tequila, or to find a retailer, visit elmayor.com.
B.R. Distilling Company opens Memphis tasting room
B.R. Distilling Company, Memphis’ oldest licensed distillery, recently announced it is now offering tours at the distillery as well as tastings in a newly opened 550-square-foot tasting room. Fans of the award-winning bourbon line-up will now have the opportunity to learn about the brand as well as sample the three Blue Note Bourbons: Blue Note Juke Joint, Blue Note Crossroads, and Blue Note Uncut.
The personal tours of the 27,000-square-foot production facility will be led by the Blue Note team sharing their extensive knowledge of the brand and industry. The experience will offer guests an intimate understanding of what goes on behind the scenes, giving visitors a fascinating look into the history of bourbon and the art of crafting it. Having recently landed on both Whisky Advocate and Food & Wine’s lists of “must buys” with Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut and Blue Note Crossroads, B.R. Distilling offers an unparalleled experience like no other.
“We were looking to capture the feel of Blue Note Bourbon along with the essence of Memphis, all while providing an authentic visitor experience,” said President and COO Logan Welk. “As awareness of our brand has increased over the past few years, we viewed this opening as a beneficial way for our fans and customers to get to know more about us.”
Founded in 2013, the business was originally operated as a vodka distillery but later shifted its focus to aged spirits. Welk personally designed and renovated the space with the assistance of local plumbers and electricians. The wooden interiors were constructed from recycled oak pallets that were used to store barrels. What was originally named Big River Distilling became B.R. Distilling. Today, the distillery is known as a Memphis classic, and bourbon lovers from around the country have flocked to the location to attend the personal tasting tours.
The tours are set to run weekly on Thursday and Friday afternoons, from 1:30-2:30 and 3:30-4:30 p.m. CST.
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