​Spirit of America: A Journey Through Bourbon's Heritage and Future

​In this edition of "Whiskey On Tap," we embark on a sensory and spirited journey through bourbon's past, present, and future. 🥃🔥

We start with a toast to innovation and community with Eastern Light Distilling, where co-founders Caleb Kilburn and Cordell Lawrence bring their deep roots from Kentucky Peerless Distilling to their new venture in Eastern Kentucky. Here, they pledge to innovate and support a bourgeoning community of craft bourbon makers, promising to illuminate Eastern Kentucky with a new legacy steeped in tradition. 🌅🛠️

Transitioning from the birth of a brand to the survival of a legacy, we delve into the riveting tale of Heaven Hill's blaze, a conflagration that consumed 2% of the world's whiskey. This story isn't just about loss; it's about resilience and unity as the bourbon community comes together, exemplifying the indomitable American spirit in the face of adversity. 🔥🚒

Our odyssey then leads us to the intricate lexicon of bourbon, unraveling the true essence of "straight bourbon." We demystify this term, revealing how it signifies a rich tapestry of vanilla, caramel, and oak, matured over years to perfection. This segment isn't just about semantics; it's a narrative of quality and tradition that every bourbon lover should savor. 📖🌾

Bourbon is American.  It's history a reflects the country's evolution from Fire to Glass. From the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Eastern Light Distilling to the communal bonds tested and strengthened by Heaven Hill's historic fire, to the appreciation of bourbon's craft through its terminology—this is a testament to the heritage that bourbon embodies and the future it promises.

Here's a bonus:  Check into this podcast by my good friends over at Whiskey For the Ages.  I like what this team does with whiskey, the varied and enlightened reflections from three generations is priceless.  This week they talk about whiskey in American history, taxes and high proof drams.  Good Stuff!!

It's more than whiskey; it's a narrative distilled through time, shared in every glass poured, and every story told.🥃
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Cheers to that! 🎉📜

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​🔍 What you will know after reading this:​

1. The passion and vision driving the founders of Eastern Light Distilling, and their commitment to fostering a craft bourbon community in Eastern Kentucky.
2. The historical significance and community response to the Heaven Hill distillery fire, which became a symbol of resilience in the bourbon industry.
3. The intricate details that distinguish "straight bourbon" and the importance of understanding bourbon terminology to fully appreciate the spirit's quality and heritage.

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​"It’s about the love of the game, creating something exceptional, and offering us humble whiskey drinkers something beautiful to enjoy."

​Michter's Master

They say love goes into every bottle, but it's the Magliocco family's devotion to Kentucky whiskey heritage that makes Michter's a generational treasure.

​With legends like Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson at the helm, every sip is a testament to their whiskey wisdom. Read More
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• What you will know after reading:
  • The passion behind Michter's acclaimed whiskey range.
  • How Michter's maintains its high-quality standards.
  • The unique tasting notes that set Michter's whiskeys apart.

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"2% of the world's whiskey simply evaporates. Ultimately, we lost about 100,000 barrels of whiskey."​

Blaze of Glory

When the flames rose high at Heaven Hill, it wasn't just bourbon that burned - it was history.

​This isn't just a story of destruction; it's a tale of spirit, solidarity, and the unquenchable essence of American bourbon. Read More
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• What you will know after reading:
  • The historical significance of the Heaven Hill distillery fire.
  • The impact of the disaster on the global whiskey supply.
  • The response of the bourbon community to the tragedy.

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"Now they are looking east and focusing on a new mission—creating a community of craft bourbon makers and delivering Eastern Kentucky a tangible piece of the state’s signature bourbon industry."

​Eastern Promise

​With the dawn of Eastern Light Distilling, founders Caleb Kilburn and Cordell Lawrence are pouring their souls into Eastern Kentucky's craft bourbon scene, crafting a legacy that's more than just whiskey.

​It's an invitation to innovation, community, and the art of distillation. Read More
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• What you will know after reading:
  • The vision and mission of Eastern Light Distilling in Eastern Kentucky.
  • The background and experience founders Kilburn and Lawrence bring from Kentucky Peerless Distilling.
  • The significance of community and innovation in the craft bourbon industry.

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 "Straight whiskeys have spent long enough aging to guarantee a more nuanced flavor profile of vanilla, caramel, spices, and oak."

Straight Talk

 Navigating the bourbon lexicon can be as complex as the spirit itself. Uncover the truth behind "straight bourbon" and why it's more than just a label - it's a promise of quality, tradition, and time-honored maturation.

​Read More
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• What you will know after reading:
  • The definition and regulations surrounding "straight bourbon."
  • The differences between bourbon, straight bourbon, and the implications for aging.
  • The nuances of bourbon terminology and its impact on your whiskey experience.

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LinkedIn Post Intro:

Embark on a journey through the heart of American tradition with this week's "Whiskey On Tap" 🌄🥃. Unravel the threads of Eastern Kentucky's burgeoning craft scene with Eastern Light Distilling, feel the heat of history with the tale of Heaven Hill's inferno, and demystify the term "straight bourbon" with a shot of knowledge. This is more than a newsletter; it's a legacy poured into words. #BourbonBeliever #CraftSpirit #WhiskeyWisdom
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Quiz Questions:

1. What is the mission of Eastern Light Distilling in Eastern Kentucky? A. To produce mass-market bourbon B. To create a community of craft bourbon makers C. To import international spirits
2. What was the aftermath of the Heaven Hill distillery fire? A. A negligible impact on bourbon supply B. The loss of 2% of the world's whiskey C. The end of Heaven Hill's operations
3. What qualifies bourbon as "straight"? A. It is served without ice B. It is matured for at least two years and has no additives C. It is made with 100% corn

Answers:

1. B. To create a community of craft bourbon makers
2. B. The loss of 2% of the world's whiskey
3. B. It is matured for at least two years and has no additives