🥃 UFC Superstar's $600M Whiskey Payday
Plus: Bourbon’s Near Extinction, A Whiskey You Can Only Sip Mid-Flight, and More.
Hey folks, today we have a UFC superstar's golden touch with whiskey, the US government's bourbon rescue mission in the '60s, a high-flying exclusive blend, the return of a rare gem from an iconic distillery, and much more We hope you enjoy it. Cheers!
Our Picks
(Highlights if you only got 2 minutes.)
1. Conor McGregor's Golden Touch in the Spirits Realm
Conor McGregor, the charismatic UFC superstar, launched Proper No. Twelve, his signature whiskey brand, in September 2018. With a meticulous approach and a deep connection to his Irish roots, McGregor's involvement in every aspect of the brand's development contributed to its rapid global recognition. Proper No. Twelve quickly became a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts, and McGregor expanded the brand by introducing Proper Twelve Irish Apple. The brand's success led to a strategic move, with McGregor selling the majority stake for an impressive $600 million while retaining 49% ownership. McGregor's involvement and star power play a significant role in Proper No. Twelve's success further solidified his position as a prominent figure in the whiskey industry.
2. How the Government Saved Bourbon Whiskey from Extinction
In the 1960s, American whiskey producers wanted to make their products more like vodka. They petitioned the government to change the definition of bourbon whiskey so they could produce lighter-tasting spirits. If they had succeeded, traditional bourbon whiskey could have disappeared altogether. But the government said no. They saw that changing the definition of bourbon would be a slippery slope. If they allowed producers to water down their products, it would only be a matter of time before they started cutting corners in other areas.
3. Emirates' Exclusive Woodford Reserve Bourbon Experience
Woodford Reserve and Emirates are shaking things up in the sky. They've created a unique, limited-edition bourbon for Emirates' first and business-class passengers. This isn't your usual blend - it's a carefully crafted result of just two barrels, unlike the typical 120-barrel blend. The tasting notes? Imagine dried fruits, honey, vanilla buttercream, cherry, chocolate, and a satisfying, creamy finish. And it's exclusively for Emirates, making your flight a tad more special.
Product Launches, Collectibles, and More
1. Playboy's Whiskey Venture Continues with Limited-Edition Lucky Bastard
Playboy's Rare Hare Spirits have unleashed its latest whiskey creation. Aptly named "Lucky Bastard," this Canadian whiskey results from a compelling journey through Pineau Des Charentes barrels and boasts an audacious 89 proof.
Prepare your taste buds and your wallets for this limited-edition elixir, with a price tag demanding attention: $599 on Rare Hare's website during the pre-sale period. The first lucky folks to secure a bottle will see their prized possession ship in mid-July.
The name "Lucky Bastard" is a playful nod to Playboy's endeavors in the gaming realm. And the whiskey-making process? It draws inspiration from the legendary Cognac production, infusing the spirit with a touch of enchantment.
To create Lucky Bastard, the liquid embarked on a 120-day voyage within Pineau Des Charentes casks, engaging in a collaborative dance between expert blenders, cooperages, and winemakers. Weekly tastings, careful consideration of weather conditions, and meticulous aging techniques were employed to ensure perfection. This is not a whiskey you toss into a barrel and forget about—it demands artistry and devotion.
Playboy's venture into the spirits world began 2022 with a tequila collaboration. Rare Hare Spirits, in turn, waltzed into the spotlight with the release of two other distinguished whiskeys, 1953 and Lapine. These gems command prices ranging from $600 to $1,000, a testament to their extraordinary nature.
2. The Return of a Classic: Talisker 30-Year-Old Scotch
Talisker Distillery has brought back its 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a limited-edition expression that celebrates the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye.
The whisky is aged for 30 years in American oak casks, which gives it a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of orchard fruits, fragrant white pepper, and ocean breezes. The palate is warm and smoky with hints of chili pepper, salinity, and apple. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of pepper, cinnamon, ripe fruit, and hazelnut.
"The three decades spent in oak allow Talisker's distillery character to develop refined and exquisite qualities," said Stuart Morrison, Master Blender, and whisky specialist at Diageo. "As the spirit ages through its twenties, the fruit flavors become even more complex, giving us fragrant tropical notes and the peppery smokiness that moves from coal-tar to a warming, smoldering bonfire."
To celebrate the release of the 30-Year-Old Scotch, Talisker has partnered with Real Oyster Cult, a company that delivers an oyster bar experience to homes across North America. The partnership offers curated oysters from farms across the continent paired with Talisker whisky.
The distillery has also partnered with British actor and writer Peter Gadiot, who is known for roles in "Yellowjackets" and "Queen of the South." "I couldn't be more excited to join forces with Talisker, a brand that resonates deeply with my love for the untamed beauty of nature," said Gadiot. "It's a privilege for me to commemorate the Talisker 30-Year-Old launch, a whisky that embodies the essence of time-honored craftsmanship. Together, we embark on a remarkable journey of exploration and appreciation, toasting the wonders of the outdoors."
3. Port Ellen 1970 - A Rare Gem from Islay's Iconic Distillery
Picture this: you find yourself in the heart of Islay, surrounded by rugged landscapes and the salty breeze of the Atlantic. It's here, nestled on the southeastern coast, that the legendary Port Ellen Distillery once thrived. Today, we explore Port Ellen 1970, a scotch whisky embodying timelessness and unrivaled craftsmanship.
Let's travel back to the year 1970, a time when bell bottoms were in fashion and disco ruled the airwaves. Amidst this vibrant era, a unique batch of whisky was distilled at Port Ellen, destined to become a legend in its own right. Aged for over four decades, this extraordinary whisky captures the spirit of its surroundings, infusing the smoky character for which Islay is renowned.
As you pour a dram of Port Ellen 1970, time seems to stand still. The rich amber hue dances in your glass, teasing your senses with promises of complexity and depth. With the first sip, a symphony of flavors unfolds on your palate. Notes of peat smoke mingle with hints of sea salt, interwoven with a gentle sweetness that lingers long after each sip.
What sets Port Ellen 1970 apart is its impeccable taste and scarcity. The distillery closed its doors in 1983, making each bottle of this vintage expression a rare gem. Owning a piece of Port Ellen's history is like capturing a fleeting moment of Islay's whisky legacy.
Miscellaneous
Here are a few interesting questions being asked in the world of whiskey.
2. Who tried infusing marshmallows in whiskey before roasting before?
3. What whiskeys are available in Kentucky that aren’t easily available elsewhere?
4. Best recipe and technique for egg white whiskey sours?
5. Can someone explain Proof to me?
Whiskey + AI Image of the Week
We’re using Midjourney to develop these images. It doesn’t disappoint. The captions show the prompts we used.
Midjourney just introduced a new update. You can now zoom out on images, and it re-creates the rest of the image.
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