News Notes: Slane Irish Whiskey Halts Production, Frey Ranch Looks to Expand Its Footprint & More

This week, confirmation came that Ireland's Slane Distillery has closed its doors, at least for the next few years. The gleaming new distillery and visitor center opened in 2017 and had been using sourced whiskey for its bottlings, but it was unable to gain forward traction on its own-make releases. Elsewhere, Frey Ranch Distillery has teamed up with Hotaling for its sales and marketing as it looks to go national, while esteemed blender Nancy Fraley has stepped away from her role at Joseph Magnus Distillery, while still pursuing whiskey projects elsewhere.

J. Rieger & Co. Is Celebrating the FIFA World Cup with Local “Raise the Cup” Campaign

Kansas City-based J. Rieger & Co. is launching its “Raise the Cup” campaign, featuring events throughout its hometown this summer as it hosts the FIFA World Cup.

The label’s signature Kansas City whiskey gets a makeover in a limited Raise the Cup edition World Cup bottle. The bottle design was created by local artist Jadie Arnett, who also designed the official FIFA “Host City” poster for Kansas City. Bottles are priced at $40 and are available for pre-order online. A citywide Raise the Cup Cocktail Trail, wherein patrons can earn points by “checking in” online at any of the 40 or more restaurants and bars across the city. Accumulated points can be redeemed for branded merchandise and a complimentary distillery tour.

Between June 11 and July 11th, Rieger will also host an exclusive bar at the historic multi-use Union Station building in downtown Kansas City. Old Fashioneds will be served alongside a popular regional cocktail, the Horsefeather, which is akin to a Moscow Mule but made with whiskey. Finally, the label is partnering with Cezanne Art Gallery to host pop-ups on June 20th, 27th, and July 3rd along the KC Streetcar Corridor. Music, art, a soccer simulator, and food and cocktails by local creators will be available.

Brown-Forman Halts Production at Slane Distillery

Brown-Forman confirmed that it has halted production at Slane Distillery in County Meath, Ireland, known for Slane Irish whiskey. It's located on the Slane Castle estate, which is famous for its legendary outdoor rock concerts. Slane Distillery was Brown-Forman's major move into Irish whiskey, a decision taken amid the still-rising wave of the Irish whiskey renaissance, which has since stalled. The company invested $50m into building a distillery and visitor center, which opened in 2017. Operations at the distillery will pause for at least the next few years, Brown-Forman said. Last year, Brown-Forman reduced its overall workforce by 12%, pausing production at Glenglassaugh and closing its Brown-Forman cooperage in Louisville. Earlier this month, Brown-Forman rejected acquisition and merger deals from Sazerac and Pernod Ricard.

Penelope Launches Blackberry Old Fashioned

MGP’s Penelope whiskey is expanding its ready-to-pour line with a new Blackberry Old Fashioned expression. This one is a split-base cocktail, blending bourbon and rye with orange bitters and blackberry simple syrup. It’s bottled at 38% ABV (76 proof). Blackberry is making its way out to retailers this month, with a suggested price of $30.

Nancy Fraley To Step Down as Joseph Magnus Master Blender

Renowned blending and spirits consultant Nancy Fraley confirmed that she is stepping away from her role as master blender for Jos. A. Magnus at year-end. Fraley, who assumed the role in 2014 and played a pivotal role in resurrecting the storied Joseph Magnus bourbon brand, will transition into an emerita role with the flexibility to consult on higher-end projects from the brand in the future. Ahead of her departure, Fraley is working on a new Cigar Blend batch and Murray Hill Club Special Release No. 5. Beyond Joseph Magnus, she will continue working as a consultant and blender with other brands—notably serving as master blender for Texas-based Still Austin.

Now stepping into the role of master blender is current head blender Will Fabry, whose background is in the culinary world. Fabry has been working closely under Fraley for seven years, having previously worked as the executive chef and restaurant manager for Magnus’s sister brand Coppercraft Distillery before making the jump to production. In the meantime, he will work with Fraley on those two aforementioned expressions.

Hotaling To Handle Frey Ranch’s National Sales and Marketing

Fallon, Nevada grain-to-glass pioneer Frey Ranch announced that Hotaling & Co.—whose portfolio includes Old Potrero, Nikka, Hine Cognac, and Hirsch among other brands—will take over Frey Ranch’s U.S. sales and marketing, effective July 1st. The Freys will retain ownership and operation of the distillery. “Most importantly, this alliance allows us to stay focused on what we do best: growing our grains and producing exceptional whiskey,” said co-founder Colby Frey. “Rest assured, every sip of Frey Ranch whiskey will continue to be produced with the grains we grow 100% on our Nevada farm, as it has been since day one.”

Frey Ranch has been growing at a fairly rapid rate since its foundation in 2006. When we sat down with Colby Frey in 2022, his whiskey was only available in three states: Nevada, California, and Georgia. Today Frey Ranch is available in 20. With the Hotaling agreement, it’s a safe bet that its distribution footprint will continue to grow.

Four Walls Partners With Drinks Incubator LPG

Lily Pond Group (LPG), the drinks incubator created by Hampton Water Rosé co-founder Jesse Bongiovi (son of singer Jon Bon Jovi), has added Four Walls to its portfolio. Four Walls is an Irish/American whiskey blend founded by “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” co-stars Rob Mac, Charlie Day, and Glen Howerton. The brand was designed with mixologists in mind, targeting the on-premise. LPG offers assistance in areas including sales, marketing, finance, and market launches. Its portfolio includes Hampton Water Wine Co, Mezcal Mezul, and Five Springs infused bourbon.