News Briefs for March 12, 2024

•Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, part of the MGP-owned Luxco portfolio, is debuting the second release in its Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection: Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish. Retailing at $50 a 750-ml., the 50% abv newcomer is the latest offering from Limestone Branch master distiller Stephen Beam and is currently hitting retailers nationwide. Rum Cask Finish is aged four years. It starts with Yellowstone’s traditional Bourbon mashbill and then is aged for nine weeks in casks that previously held rum. It joins Limestone Brand Distillery offerings that also include Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey, Yellowstone Limited Edition, Minor Case Rye Whiskey, and Bowling & Burch Gin.

•Piper-Heidsieck Champagne has struck an exclusive three-year alliance with the Miami Open tennis tournament, presented by Itaú. During the two-week tournament, which begins March 20, the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Garden will be pouring the brand’s signature Cuvée Brut, Rosé, and Riviera bottlings, alongside bites from renowned local restaurants. Additionally, Piper-Heidsieck aerial gondolas will transport guests across the grounds and offer sweeping views of the entire Miami Open campus.

•Thomas Keller is set to open a new restaurant in Palm Beach, Fla. When is still unclear. What we do know is that it will be located at 221 Worth Ave., the former address of the locally beloved restaurant Ta-boo. Based on documents filed by the property owners, we also know that there are plans for interior remodeling, but, outside of repairs, no plans for any major exterior changes—including the signage. Wine Spectator has more.

•Cobblestone Brands is launching Star & Key rum, its second spirit offering, following Four Corners American Gin. The single estate rum from Mauritius is made by Nick Wiehe, one of Cobblestone’s owners, on the 8th-generation Wiehe family estate, Labourdonnais. The brand initially includes a Star & Key Passion Fruit Rum retailing at $35 a bottle, and a Star & Key VSOP Rum positioned at $45. Star & Key is currently debuting in the Florida and Boston markets as well as online.

Tagged : Cobblestone Brands, Limestone Branch Distillery, Luxco, MGP, Piper-Heidsieck, Star & Key, Thomas Keller, Yellowstone

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