Whisky News: Yellowstone's Patriotic Barrels, Willett Shifts Distribution, Sugarlands Boosts Flavor Line

Fresh off the new release of its Small Batch expression in January, Willett Distillery has announced plans to expand its distribution partnership with Skurnik Wines & Spirits. Meanwhile, Tennessee whiskey maker Sugarlands Distilling Co. is going national with its Broken Antler flavored whiskey label. Also in Tennessee, Jack Daniel's is upsizing its packaging size for the Jack & Coke line, while back in Kentucky, Yellowstone Distillery is honoring the nation's big birthday year with its latest barrel pick offering.

Yellowstone Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary With New Barrel Pick Program

Yellowstone, the whiskey brand made by Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, has unveiled a barrel pick program to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. Every aspect pays homage to the semiquincentennial: 250 barrels are available, representing each year of the nation’s history; each a 7 year old bourbon, a nod to the seven key founding fathers; and all are 50% ABV, a tribute to the 50 states. Each barrel pick will be bottled in patriotic packaging, with the Yellowstone label, age statement, and bottled in bond designation, threaded with graphics honoring the special occasion. Bottles will be packaged in corrugated tubes with a replica of the Declaration of Independence.

Master distiller Stephen Beam, a descendant of Kentucky’s historic Dant and Beam families, notes the special bottling reinforces Yellowstone’s commitment to both Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and the eponymous label named after America’s first national park. To buy a barrel, licensed participants (mainly trade customers) can inquire here. Retailers are encouraged to price the bottles at $70 or higher.

Jack & Coke Ready-To-Drink Cocktails Debut Bigger Cans

Jack Daniel’s premixed Jack & Coke cocktail label—made with Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey and soda—is adding larger 16 oz. cans for both its flagship Jack & Coca-Cola and Jack & Coca-Cola Zero flavors. The new cans have a slightly lower proof than their 12 oz. counterparts (canned at 5% ABV rather than 7%) and are designed for sessionable drinking occasions on-the-go and at on-premise accounts. Each has a suggested retail price of $4 a can.—Danny Brandon

Broken Antler Expands Nationwide, Adding Two New Flavors

Broken Antler, the flavored whiskey label produced by Tennessee-based Sugarlands Distilling Co., has begun rolling out its products nationwide. The announcement coincides with the introduction of two new flavors: Salted Caramel, which is currently available, and Spiced Apple, which is launching in a few weeks. These new expressions join Broken Antler’s other flavors, including Blackberry, Cold Brew Coffee, and Hot Honey. Each has a suggested retail price of $20, and nearly all of them are bottled at 35% ABV. (Blackberry is the sole exception, bottled slightly higher at 40%.)—Danny Brandon

Willett Inks Distribution Deal With Skurnik In Kentucky and Ohio

Kentucky-based Willett Distillery has expanded its partnership with importer and distributor Skurnik Wines & Spirits, which handles its distribution in both New York and Pennsylvania. As part of the new deal, Skurnik will exclusively distribute Willett’s products in Kentucky effective immediately, and in Ohio starting March 1st. Skurnik will also lead trade education and market development for on and off-premise operators in both markets.

The announcement comes just a few months after the debut of Willett Family Estate Small Batch bourbon, which was a momentous event for the distillery. It was the first new whiskey to be released following the death of Willett’s longtime leader Even Kulsveen, who passed away in September. The bourbon, which comprises only Willett’s own distillate, was positioned as a new entry-level bottling with wider availability than the other whiskeys in the Willett Family Estate line.—Danny Brandon