Basil Hayden’s has partnered with artisans in 6 different cities across the U.S. They have created a limited edition collection – Basil Hayden’s Sipping Companions. These items will enhance the sipping experience and encourage people to share a glass of bourbon with both family and friends.

Basil Hayden’s Sipping Companions make a perfect gift for the 2016 holiday season. Christmas is getting close so consider this luxury spirit offering for that fine bourbon connoisseur in your life.

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is a super-premium bourbon that’s loved by bourbon lovers around the world. Basil Hayden’s Sipping Companions was artfully crafted by a distinct partner who shares the same passion for and dedication to quality and craftsmanship that Basil Hayden’s prides itself in.

This luxury bourbon offering promises a truly one of a kind experience for those bourbon lovers lucky enough to be gifted a Sipping Companion this season.

Here is a summary of the Basil Hayden’s Sipping Companions with pricing:
• The After Five Bar Cart ($400) – Greta de Parry, Chicago
• The Whiskey Wheel ($469) – Reclamation Etchworks, San Francisco
• The Sidekick Blanket & Holster ($250) – Railcar Fine Goods, Los Angeles
• The Generous Traveler ($349) – Stanley & Sons Apron and Bag Co., New York City
•​ The Barman’s Candle Set ($75) – Slow North, Austin
• The Warm Reception Coaster Set ($40) – Paper Plates Press, Denver

The After Five Bar Cart – Quantity: 10
Equally at home when tucked into a tidy corner or displayed for all to see, The After Five Bar Cart provides the perfect perch for an evening’s entertaining wares. With space for glassware and a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to be stored below, the top shelf separates to create a handy tray for serving whiskey drinks to your guests. Designed and produced by Chicago’s Greta De Parry.

The Whiskey Wheel – Quantity: 15
Bringing new meaning to pouring a round, The Whiskey Wheel features a revolving tray of six rocks glasses encircling a fitting home for a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. A beautiful display that affords a theatric serve it harkens back to a golden era of home entertainment. Produced by the skilled hands at Reclamation Etchworks in San Francisco.

The Sidekick Blanket & Holster – Quantity: 25
The Sidekick Blanket & Holster neatly packs two essentials for an afternoon or evening outdoors. The blanket is made using hand-chosen fabrics and a century-old stitch style, and cleverly rolls into a set of leather carrying straps. There’s even space for a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to hitch a ride in its purpose-built holster. Created by the talented sewers and leatherworkers at Los Angeles’ Railcar Fine Goods.

The Generous Traveler – Quantity: 50
The Generous Traveler is a canvas and leather weekender bag designed to hold all the components of a great weekend getaway with friends: clothes, personal items and of course, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Thoughtfully designed and assembled by Stanley & Sons Apron & Bag Co. of New York City.

The Barman’s Candle Set – Quantity: 100
A pleasing accompaniment to a relaxing evening of bourbon sipping. The Barman’s Candle Set fills the room with scents that echo the nose and profile of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. A simple way to deepen the appreciation while sipping. Hand poured in Austin by Slow North into copper tins.

The Warm Reception Coaster Set – Quantity: 100
Protecting your coffee table is just the start. These coasters set the tone for an evening of sharing bourbon with good friends. Eight wooden coasters are letterpressed with expressions inspired by the generous, hospitable spirit of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Hand-crafted by Paper Plates Press in Denver, Colorado.

You can find the Basil Hayden’s Sipping Companions Collection exclusively on the Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop at – www.Huckberry.com/basilhaydensholidayshop

The Life of Luxury enjoys sharing great spirit gift ideas like the Basil Hayden’s Sipping Companions Collection. Return again soon and follow our luxury blog and read about new product launches.

Photo: Basil Hayden’s / Knox Photography

If you are looking for a unique, luxury gift for the holidays, consider the new Basil Hayden’s Bourbon + Quoddy Holiday premium gift set. This limited edition gift set was created after Basil Hayden’s Bourbon approached both Quoddy and Huckberry.

The limited edition gift set includes a pair of made-to-order Quoddy “drinking shoes” that are co-branded by Basil Hayden’s. The shoes are crafted with the highest quality Horween® leather and come in a rich looking, whiskey color.

Basil Hayden’s is a handcrafted, Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Its bourbon is well known for a spicy finish and going down smooth. It is also the lightest bodied bourbon whiskey in the Jim Beam family.

Quaddy is a luxury footwear brand based in Maine. Their manufacturing methods go back centuries and their fine products are made with just a few tools, wooden benches with leather, plus a needle and thread. Careful attention to detail and a wonderful final product are the perfect combination.

The”drinking shoes” were inspired by the legendary Quaddy’s moccasins. These are very exclusive and oh so comfortable. Ideal for lounging around the house and sipping a glass of bourbon whiskey. Experience a VIP lifestyle and look classy while doing it.

Also part of the gift set are four leather-wrapped rocks glasses. Both items are enclosed in a custom co-branded gift box. Surprisingly what is not included is a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

This luxury, holiday season gift pack is now available for purchase and has a suggested retail price of $399.98. But there will only be 100 gift sets available for purchase, so don’t delay if want to buy a set.

The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set is perfect for someone in your life who appreciates the finer things in life.

You can purchase the set on Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop at – https://huckberry.com/store/shop/basil-haydens-r-bourbon-holiday-shop.

Don’t delay if you want the new, Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy  luxury gift set. Please come back again to read more holiday gift ideas and new product releases. The Life of Luxury can help you locate and procure that perfect gift.

Maker’s Mark

March 27 is designated as World Whisky Day and there’s no better to celebrate than with a bottle of fine Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Maker’s Mark is handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world, at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky.

In recognition of World Whisky Day 2013, enjoy Maker’s Mark which is one of America’s favorite bourbons. It’s the perfect occasion to highlight and celebrate this premium spirit that forever changed the industry back in 1953.

Maker’s Mark

Here are several fun facts about both Maker’s Mark and whisky:

– Whisky sales have sky rocketed in the past year in the U.S. and abroad! In the U.S., American whiskies including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were at the forefront of this growth, with a combined volume rising 5.2% – that’s 16.9 million cases in 2012 alone! American whiskies also accounted for 70% of the total U.S. spirits exports for 2012.

– Did you know whisky can be spelled with or without an E? The difference in the spelling depends on the style or country of origin. Whisky is generally used in Scotland, Wales, Canada and Japan, while whiskey is mostly used in Ireland and the U.S. While Maker’s Mark is distilled in Kentucky, the Samuels’ family has Scottish roots – therefore no “e.”

– Whisky comes from all over the world. Each type varies by region, distillation, aging and grain mash recipe. For instance, Irish whiskies are normally distilled three times while Scottish whiskies are distilled twice. Maker’s Mark whisky is made from mash that consists of at least 51% corn, red winter wheat and barley malt and is distilled twice.

– Bourbon is both good behind the bar and in the kitchen. Maker’s Mark has become a favorite among bartenders and chefs alike, as it offers great dimension when added to sauces for meats and in sweets like ice creams and cakes. Go ahead-take a stab at adding some whisky to your favorite recipes!

In addition, we wanted to share two classic cocktail recipes to enjoy.

Maker’s Mark Manhattan
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part sweet vermouth
* 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
* 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice).

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part club soda
* 2 orange slices
* 2 maraschino cherries
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry and the sugar in an Old Fashioned glass. Fill glass 3/4 full of ice. Add Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon and splash of club soda. Garnish with additional orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Beam Inc. – Small Batch Collection

September is Bourbon Heritage Month and Beam Inc. is offering its Small Batch Collection to help honor and celebrate the great taste of bourbon.

Beam’s Small Batch Collection is handcrafted in limited quantities. The great tasting bourbon was carefully matured for exceptional quality and flavor. The bourbon collection from Beam Inc. includes the following distinctive super-premium bourbons – Booker’s, Baker’s, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden’s.

Bourbons will love that Beam’s bourbon is aged from six to nine years in new, charred American white oak barrels. Each barrel is characteristic of pre-Prohibition whiskey, providing strong, rich flavors and aromas.

A small batch bourbon is a complex balance of taste and flavor fit only for a true connoisseur. Beam’s has created sipping recommendations in addition to sharing delicious cocktail recipes.

BOOKER’S – Booker’s Bourbon delivers a range of intense flavors from oak tannin and smoky vanilla to lighter tones of mocha and coffee. Add spring water to customize the taste and finish to your palate.

BAKER’S – The mix of grains, yeast, and seven soothing years in new oak combine to give this bourbon a deeply mellow, richly flavorful, medium-bodied taste with a delicious aroma full of fruit and vanilla. Baker’s is best served in a snifter with a splash of spring water.

KNOB CREEK – The World’s #1 selling Super-Premium Bourbon is aged for nine years and bottled at 100 proof creating a rich and hearty, pre-prohibiton style bourbon. Knob Creek Perfect Manhattan is indeed the perfect way to commemorate the holiday.

BASIL HAYDEN’S – A Super-Premium Bourbon that is incredibly approachable and ideal for mixing into cocktail due to the fact that it’s made with twice as much rye as ordinary bourbons and bottled at a mild 80 proof.  Basil Hayden’s has partnered with renowned NYC mixologist Julie Reiner to create the Basil Hayden’s September Sour – a twist on the classic New York Sour its sure to please fans of both classic and contemporary cocktails.

The Knob Creek® Perfect Manhattan
INGREDIENTS:
2 parts Knob Creek® Bourbon
½ part Sweet Vermouth
½ part Dry Vermouth
1 dash Bitters
Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

METHOD:
Fill a mixing glass with ice
Add Knob Creek, vermouth, and bitters
Stir and pour into a cocktail glass
Garnish with a maraschino cherry

Basil Hayden’s® September Sour
INGREDIENTS:
2 parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
3/4 parts Lemon Juice
1 bar spoon Benedictine Liqueur
3/4 parts Simple Syrup
1 dash Orange BItters
1/2 part Medium Bodied Red Wine

METHOD:
Combine all ingredients into a mixing tin and shake well
Strain the liquid into a coup glass
Float red wine on top of cocktail

Maker’s Mark

It swings from politeness to ruthless personal attacks. Strategic direction effecting our country’s future to bumbling mistakes and missteps.

Yes, we’re talking abut the 2012 Presidential Race in the U.S. There’s a lot at stake but why do we all have to take this so serious?

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest bourbons. The company’s great tasting bourbon is made from soft red winter wheat, rather than of rye.

<h3>Maker’s Mark has created two political themed cocktails to enjoy at any social gathering. Kick off the election season some light-hearted political intrigue.

Maker’s Mark bourbon features a smooth flavor that makes it ideal for mixing delicious cocktails. Enjoy!</h3>

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Romney Hood
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* Fresh mint
* 2 tablespoons simple syrup muddled with mint
* Squeeze juice of two lime wedges
* Splash of triple sec

Mix all together and top off with a splash of soda. Serve on the rocks in a tall glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lime wedge

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The Obamacare
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part sweet vermouth
* 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
* 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice)

This year’s Kentucky Derby will be held on May 5th. Time to press your seersucker suit and unpack your fanciest hat because the big race is almost here.

The famous Kentucky Derby has been called the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Derby is more than just a sporting event. It’s as much about fashion and sipping mint juleps, as it is about horse racing.

In case you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying a mint julep cocktail, it’s a simple drink – bourbon, sugar, mint and ice. But to make a mint julep correctly, there’s a lot of prep that goes into making this iconic drink.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. Rob Samuels is an eighth generation distiller and grandson of Maker’s Mark Founder Bill Samuels Sr. Rob has happily offered up his family’s personal recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep.

“The Perfect Mint Julep”
(Serves 14-16)

Ingredients:
– 1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
– Lots of fresh spearmint
– Distilled water
– Granulated sugar
– Powdered sugar

To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

When you think its right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice and serve.

For other great tasting cocktail recipes using Maker’s Mark Bourbon, please visit www.makersmark.com

The Kentucky Derby is known around the world as the “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

This year’s Kentucky Derby horse race will be held on May 7th, so it’s time to prepare for that Derby party and celebrate just like you were there yourself.

Kentuckians have a lot of time-honored race day traditions, such as over-the-top bonnets and colorful dresses for the ladies, seersucker suits and straw hats for the guys, and of course sipping on Mint Juleps made with Kentucky Bourbon is a must.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world.

Maker’s Mark has always been handcrafted by the Samuels Family. Eighth generation distiller and COO Rob Samuels has provided their delicious family recipe to make the perfect Mint Julep.

“The Perfect Mint Julep”

Ingredients:
1 liter Maker’s Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

3. To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

4. Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

5. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

6. To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

7. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Then serve.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc has recently introduced its first-ever single barrel bourbon – Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is carefully hand-selected, barrel-by-barrel, to be a unique expression of Knob Creek’s rich, mature flavor.

To achieve that great taste that Jim beam is well known for, the new Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is naturally aged for a full 9 years and bottled at 120 proof (60% alcohol by volume).

The bourbon is naturally aged in new, charred American Oak barrels and then bottled at near barrel proof to maintain its strong, rich flavors and aromas.

Fred Noe, who is a seventh-generation Beam family distiller and son of Booker Noe was quoted, “We pay close attention to the barrels we select for Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve as we want to ensure that we’re bottling an extraordinary bourbon with a complex balance of aroma and taste. I recommend enjoying this new bourbon neat, on the rocks or cut with a bit of water in order to best appreciate its depth and fullness of flavor.”

The new Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve bourbon is incredibly smooth and nuanced, featuring more of the rich wood and signature vanilla, caramel and smoky notes that bourbon lovers have come to expect from Knob Creek, the world’s number one selling Super-Premium bourbon.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is now available in limited quantities. The suggested retail price is $39.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For additional information about Knob Creek and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, go to http://www.knobcreek.com

Courtesy of: Maker’s Mark

Bringing innovation to the Bourbon industry, Maker’s Mark recently released the company’s first ever new Bourbon, Maker’s 46.

In celebration, Maker’s Mark President Bill Samuels, Jr., continuing in the tradition his father began, hand-dipped and sealed ceremonial bottles of Maker’s 46(tm) Bourbon in the brand’s iconic red wax with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear at the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery.

Maker’s 46 is a handcrafted, full-bodied Bourbon whisky that begins as original Maker’s Mark. The transformation into Maker’s 46 begins when fully matured Maker’s Mark is emptied from the barrel so that 10 seared French oak staves can be affixed to the sides.

Then, Maker’s Mark, which is made with red winter wheat for a smooth taste, is placed back in the barrel and aged for several more months, allowing the natural caramel, vanilla and spice flavors released by the staves to enhance the end product.

“This new expression is a breakthrough in the contemporary craft of bourbon,” stated Mr. Samuels. “We have used innovative techniques never before employed by the Bourbon industry to create a full-bodied bourbon without any bitterness.”

The name Maker’s 46 comes from the profile number Boswell assigned to this winning “wood recipe.”

Kevin Smith adds, “Maker’s 46 is spicier and has a more intense aroma than Maker’s Mark. It has rich caramel and vanilla flavors, and even at 94 proof it’s soft enough to hold on the tongue. You can drink it on its own or mix it into a cocktail.”

Initial reactions from Bourbon experts to Maker’s 46 have been positive. Malt Advocate Publisher and Editor, John Hansell has noted in his review, “The French Oak staves in ’46′ add firm, complex, dry spices (lead by warming cinnamon, followed by nutmeg and clove)…which dovetails well with Maker’s trademark layered sweetness.”

Only 25,000 cases of Maker’s 46 will be shipped by the distillery this year, making bottles of this first batch a rare commodity. The new Kentucky straight bourbon whisky will be sold in 750ml bottles and retail for approximately $10 more than Maker’s Mark (prices vary state to state).

For additional information about Maker’s 46 and Maker’s Mark, please visit www.makersmark.com

Every September the small town of Bardstown comes alive, hosting the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The state is known for its bourbon whiskey, but this event is grand in scale and offers everything for a lover of fine bourbons. Full article