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Release Notes
In an effort to spur on the bourbon renaissance in this country, we named our bourbons after the ultimate Renaissance men, Thomas Jefferson and Sam Houston. These American originals stand for boldness, integrity and character - just like our whisky.
Jefferson's Reserve
This was either made at KBD or a mysterious distillery caleld McLain & Kyne which I have yet to investigate. Apparently there was a release under the Jefferson's brand of some of the old Stitzel-Weller stock (Van Winkle Family) that went out of business around 1991 or 1992. However, this is not that.
Yours Truly
The Bottler: Castle Brands Inc.
| Established: 1998 |
| Silent since: False |
| Address: 122 E 42nd St, Ste 4700, New York, NY 10168, USA |
| → website |
Castle Brands was formed in 1998 from Mark Andrews" Great Spirits Company which had marketed Knappogue Castle Whiskey. In 2004 Castle Brands merged with Roaring Water Bay Company, the owners of Clontarf Whiskey.
Castle Brands is a developer and marketer of premium branded spirits within four growing categories of the spirits industry: vodka, rum, Irish whiskey and liqueurs/cordials. Since their formation in 1998, they have invested over $60 million in capital to develop our operating platform, acquire and grow our branded portfolio of distinctive premium spirits and establish U.S. and international sales and distribution. Their premium spirits brands include, among others, Boru vodka, Gosling"s rum, Knappogue Castle Whiskey and Pallini liqueurs.
from
The Distillery: Kentucky Bourbon Distillers
| Established: 1935 |
| Silent since: False |
| Address: 1869 Loretto Road, P.O. Box 785, Bardstown, Kentucky 40004, USA |
In the beginning of 1936, the Willett Distilling Company produced its first batch of 300 bushels (~30 barrels) on March 17th, 1936.
Post Civil War
End of Prohibition
At the end of Prohibition, Lambert was the new superintendent of the newly renovated Max Selliger & Co. Distillery, and his son A.L. "Thompson" Willett joined him as assistant superintendent. Thompson Willett left the Max Selliger & Co. Distillery to build the Willett Distilling Company.
Prohibition Period
During Prohibition, Lambert raised hogs and cattle at his farm in Bardstown.
John David Willett, with his brother-in-law Thomas S. Moore of Bardstown, and Mr. Frenke of Louisville, formed the company Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery, located in Bardstown. In 1876, John D. Willett fell ill and sold his interest to Frenke and Moore.
Lambert Willett, son of John David, grew up in the shadow of his father, learning the art of distilling from some of the most respected men in the business at the time. Therefore, it was not unusual that Lambert Willett began his career in the Whiskey business at the early age of 15.
1935
Located just on the outskirts of Bardstown, Kentucky, the Willett Distilling Company began construction in the Spring of 1935. The distillery was erected on a farm, purchased by Lambert Willett, father of Thompson Willett, founder of the Willett Distilling Company.
Great efforts to restore the distillery to its original state have been ongoing for several years and are now in the final stages of completion. Upon completion of renovations, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers will welcome visitors from all over the world.
The newly barreled whiskey was stored in one of the eight warehouses, each capable of holding between 5,000-6,000 barrels (Total capacity 48,623 barrels). The warehouses were built on some of the highest ground in the county, assuring that a fresh breeze would aid in the maturation of the whiskey. Five years after the foundation of the Willett Distilling Company Lambert retired from the Max Selliger & Co. to manage his farm and oversee the distilling process.
The Willett Distilling Company continued to operate until the early 1980"s. The Willett"s had made their mark on the Bourbon industry and it was now time for them to retire. On July 1, 1984, Even G. Kulsveen (pronounced Evan), a native of Hamar, Norway, and son-in-law to Thompson Willett, purchased the property from the Willett"s and formed Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. Even Kulsveen continues to operate at the facility to this day.
Distillery Restorations
from KentuckBourbonWhiskey.com