News Notes: New Johnnie Walker Film, 2Bar To Stay Open During Bankruptcy & More

Sabrina Carpenter Stuns in New Johnnie Walker Video

Singer, songwriter, and actress Sabrina Carpenter has landed her latest role: starring in a short video released in partnership with Johnnie Walker. The film, directed by Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”, “La La Land” and others), shows Carpenter ordering a Johnnie Walker Black cocktail while walking through a chic bar. “Working with Johnnie Walker and Damien was such a creative adventure,” she said in a statement. “We wanted to create a true cinematic experience that was playful, unexpected, and full of personality.”

2Bar Spirits Declares Bankruptcy, But Stays Open

2Bar Spirits, the Seattle producer of the 2Bar whiskey label, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Nathan Kaiser founded the outpost in 2010, inspired by stories he heard about his family’s moonshining business during Prohibition. 2Bar was touted as Seattle’s first modern bourbon distillery, while many of its neighbors, like Copperworks and Westland, focus on American single malt instead. The portfolio included a straight bourbon, bonded bourbon, and two finished bourbons that tapped wine barrels and amaretto casks. The tasting room is expected to remain open, and production is expected to continue throughout the restructuring process.

Breckenridge Distillery Launches Membership Program

Colorado-based Breckenridge Distillery has introduced a new members platform named the 2 Mile High Whiskey Club. Membership costs $199 per quarter and includes two bottles from a list of seasonal releases, virtual cocktail and tasting events, early updates on upcoming releases and projects at the distillery, preferred access at in-person events, and discounts at both the on-site restaurant and gift shops. The first lineup of membership bottles will include a holiday blend, Merlot Cask Finish, Master Distiller’s Pick, and Powder Hound whiskey. The distillery is already looking into expanding membership perks, with future plans to potentially hold private tastings, educational sessions, and a say in selecting a club-exclusive single barrel.

Hogsworth Unveils Its Oldest Bourbon and Armagnac Blend Yet

Hogsworth, the bourbon-armagnac blending brand founded by Raj Peter Bhakta, has unveiled its oldest expression yet, Whole Hogsworth The 18. The limited-edition release combines two American bourbons, aged 5 and 9 years, with three vintage French Armagnacs aged 13, 43, and 52 years. Composed of 66% bourbon and 34% Armagnac, the resulting blend has an average age of 18 years. Selected by Bhakta and master blender Giles Garnham, the expression is bottled at cask strength of 52.4% ABV and is available for $100. Just slightly over 8 barrels were produced for this one-off release, available nationwide.