Rossville debuts bottled-in-bond rye whiskey

Luxco has added a bottled-in-bond expression to its Rossville rye whiskey range and secured an Ocado listing for Ezra Brooks Bourbon in the UK.

Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery has released Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey (50% ABV).

Limited to 3,000 cases, the new whiskey has been launched in time for National Rye Month (August), priced at RRP £59/€69 (US$75) per 700ml bottle.

Distilled in March 2017, the six-year-old whiskey has a mash bill consisting of 51% rye and 49% barley malt.

Ross & Squibb master distiller Ian Stirsman said: “For our Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey we combined our industry-leading rye expertise with a new high-malt mash bill to create something truly special.

“We then let the barrels mature for a minimum of six years, resulting in aromas of sweet malt, dark chocolate, raisin and saddle leather with tasting notes highlighted by caramel and mocha with a rich, candied-fruit body, followed by a slight green apple, malted chocolate and cinnamon finish.”

Greg Mefford, international sales director at Luxco, said bottled-in-bond whiskeys have been “held in high regard in the US” and were “gaining traction” across the globe.

He expects the new expression to perform well in the UK, Germany and Australia.

“There’s already strong demand in these markets for rye whiskeys with higher proofs and age statements, and the new expression is unlikely to be around on shelves for long,” Mefford continued.

Ocado listing

Luxco has also gained a listing for Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon in British online supermarket Ocado.

Distributed by Lightbox Brands in the UK, Ezra Brooks 99 (49.5% ABV) is priced at £43 (US$55) for a 700ml bottle.

It joins two other Luxco products available on Ocado – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40% ABV) and Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5% ABV).

Distilled by Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, Ezra Brooks 99 Proof is charcoal filtered and offers hints of caramel, vanilla, chocolate and spice.

Patrick O’Reilly, managing director at Lightbox Brands, added: “The higher proof, combined with the spicy, high-rye mash bill of Ezra Brooks 99 appeals to UK consumers who are perhaps more familiar with Scotch and starting to discover American whiskey.

“It has sold particularly well through other channels and we’re looking forward to it continuing the success of Luxco brands in Ocado.”

Last month, Ross & Squibb extended its Remus whiskey range in the US with the addition of Highest Rye Bourbon.