News Briefs for February 7, 2023

•Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill Distillery has launched a barrel proof expression of Bernheim Wheat Whiskey to retailers across the U.S. The first batch of the whiskey—A223—comes in at 59.4% abv and is blended from barrels aged between seven and nine years. Bernheim Barrel Proof carries a suggested price of $65 a bottle and is rolling out now in limited quantities across the U.S. Going forward, Heaven Hill will release two batches of Bernheim Barrel Proof each year.

•Australian wine exports to the U.S. declined by 3% to A$390 million ($268m) last year despite a volume increase of 13% to 140 million liters (15.6 million cases), according to Wine Australia. As volume growth outpaced value, the average value dropped by 14% to A$2.78 per liter ($1.91). The volume growth was driven by a rise in unpackaged wine shipments, which increased in volume by 67% to 76 million liters (8.4m cases). The U.S. remains the largest export destination for Australian wine in value terms. Globally, Australian wine exports increased by 1% in volume to 623 million liters (69.2m cases) and declined 4% in value to A$1.94 billion ($1.34b) in 2022.

•Brown-Forman has promoted Elizabeth McCall to be Woodford Reserve’s master distiller, stepping into the role previously held by Chris Morris, who is now the brand’s master distiller emeritus. McCall has been with Woodford since 2015, when she started as master taster. In 2018, she was named assistant master distiller. In her new role, McCall will take the lead on Woodford’s limited and special edition releases, in addition to shepherding the overall Woodford family of whiskies.

•Diageo is extending the Buchanan’s Scotch whisky brand with a Pineapple flavored offering. Retailing at $30 a bottle, Buchanan’s Pineapple is made with Scotch whisky, pineapple, citrus, and other natural flavors and is bottled at 70 proof. Rolling out nationally this month, it’s recommended to be served in a shot glass with Chamoy and Tajin, or in cocktails like the Bucha Colada, a whisky-based take on the Piña Colada.

•Whisky Advocate has revealed the 20 highest hammer prices for single bottles of whisky at auction during January 2023. The list has a combined value of $782,115 and includes 15 bottles of single malt Scotch, 7 of which were distilled at Macallan, 3 bottles of Japanese whisky, and 2 bottles of Irish whiskey. Whisky Advocate has the full story.

Tagged : Australian exports, Bernheim, Brown-Forman, Buchanan's, Diageo, Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve

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