3 minute read
Industry Trends
Each year since 2015, Stephen Beam, Limestone Branch Distillery’s master distiller, has produced a limited edition bourbon under the Yellowstone brand, which was established in 1872 by his greatgreat-grandfather and early bourbon pioneer, J.W. Dant. Beam and his brother, Paul, opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting fine spirits in small batches. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family — Beam and Dant — the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family.
This year, Limestone Branch Distillery is releasing its 2021 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Beam hand-selected mature and flavorful seven- and 15-year-old bourbons, including seven-year-old barrels finished in Amarone casks, for the latest expression of Yellowstone Limited Edition.
“Amarone is a rich, red wine that — much like bourbon — takes time and patience to craft, and requires at least two years in oak casks to age. Finishing select barrels in these Amarone casks brings notes of fresh cracked pepper and tobacco, as well as hints of black cherry, fig and dark chocolate to the classic bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla and hints of citrus,” explains Beam. “With a finish of oxidized fruit, cherry and black currant, this bourbon is reminiscent of pre-Prohibition whiskeys.”
The 2021 Limited Edition will be bottled at 101 proof (50.5% alcohol by volume). Beginning in July, 7,500 cases (at three bottles per case) will be available at retail locations nationwide — a 50% increase in production over 2020. “Domestic straight bourbon sales saw 21% growth vs. last year, with ultra-premium bourbons experiencing 38% growth. The Yellowstone brand has experienced nearly five times that level of growth,” notes Caitlin Palmieri Jackson, brand manager for Limestone Branch Distillery.
Classic Cocktails in a Can
Launched in 2012, Clubtails began with four original malt beverage flavors of classic cocktails in a can, each offering 10% alcohol by volume. Clubtails has since expanded and now includes many more cocktail favorites. The product appeals to consumers who enjoy traditional cocktail flavors that offer a spirit-like finish in the convenience of a can. Flavors include: • Sex on the Beach • Sunny Margarita • Bahama Mama • Screwdriver • Long Island Iced Tea • Watermelon Margarita • Blueberry Mojito • Lemonade Margarita • Strawberry Daiquiri • Peach Breeze • Mango Margarita • Alabama Slammer • Peach Margarita • Screwdriver Hard
Seltzer • Strawberry Daiquiri Hard Seltzer • Black Cherry Margarita Hard Seltzer • Peach Cosmo Hard Seltzer
The Sunset Boocharita
Kombucha has been steadily rising in popularity in recent years. Sales for the category have increased from $1 billion in 2014 to $1.8 billion in 2019 and some in the industry even project that kombucha is poised to become the next carbonated beverage that consumers reach for instead of soda.
As consumers are returning to bars and looking to drink healthier, bartenders should consider how to incorporate kombucha into their cocktail and mocktail offerings. Below is an example — the Sunset Boocharita — from NessAlla Kombucha to incorporate into your drink menu.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz. of NessAlla Lemongrass Ginger Kombucha • 1 oz. of Simple Syrup • 1-1/2 oz. of Triple Sec • 1-1/2 oz. of Butterfly Pea Flower-Infused Tequila • Crushed Lemon Ice and Magic Ice • Lemon Peel Garnish • Lime Wedge
RECIPE
Rub lime around the edge of the glass and salt the rim. Fill the glass half-full with crushed lemon ice. Then pour NessAlla Lemongrass Ginger Kombucha (or your favorite flavor), simple syrup and triple sec into the glass. Stir to mix. Float the butterfly pea flower-infused tequila by slowing pouring it over the back of a spoon. Top with the crushed magic ice. Garnish with a lemon peel and lime wedge. TLW
