•Canada’s Eau Claire Distillery is boosting its U.S. footprint this year, securing distribution deals across a dozen markets with more on the way. Eau Claire’s brands are with Empire Distributors across Colorado, Georgia, and Tennessee, and as of the first quarter of this year they’re also entering Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as control states Montana and Wyoming. By this summer, Eau Claire brands will be distributed in almost half of all U.S. states, with a concentration on the Midwest and Upper Midwest regions, the company says. Its flagship Rupert’s Exceptional Whisky retails at $40, while its Stampede Rye Whisky is positioned at $30.

•Old Forester 1924, Heaven’s Door, and newcomers from Cedar Ridge and Wheel Horse are among the offerings featured in Whisky Advocate’s latest weekly roundup. The website has all the details.

•Blended whisky specialist Compass Box has appointed industry veteran Neil Everitt as chairman, effective April 1. Everitt’s long career in the business includes key roles with Allied Domecq and Stock Spirits. Most recently he founded the Brockmans Gin brand. Everitt succeeds Alan Rutherford, who has served as Compass Box’s chairman for 18 years and is retiring. Credited with guiding the company to significant growth during his tenure, Rutherford will remain an advisor to the business.

•World Whiskey Society has released Family Reserve, a limited edition 20-year-old whiskey with proceeds supporting the Lustgarten Foundation’s work to fight pancreatic cancer. The whisky was distilled in Kentucky from a mash of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley, before aging for 20 years and bottling at cask strength. The release celebrates the 20th anniversary of importer Aiko Brands, WWS’ parent company, and pays tribute to founder Igor Kogan. The whiskey carries a suggested price of $1,500 a bottle and is available in select retailers across the U.S. and through World Whiskey Society’s website.