US Briefs

27 August, 2008
Page 11 
  • Old Forester's 2007 Birthday Bourbon honours George Garvin Brown, the founder of Old Forester, born 161 years ago on Sept 2. The Birthday Bourbon was bottled at 94 per cent proof and barreled in 1994. It retails at between US$35 and US$40. Brown is said to be the first distiller to bottle Bourbon rather than shipping in barrel. Old Forester is owned and distributed by Brown-Forman.
  • Firestone Vineyard and winery in Santa Barbara County on California's Central Coast has been sold to the Foley Wine Group. The Foley group, owned by William Foley, owns a number of small estate wineries, including Lincourt Vineyards, Foley Estates Winery and J Carey Cellars, all on the Central Coast. Foley said other acquisitions were in the works, including wineries in Sonoma, Napa and Oregon and Washington state.
  • Just in time for Halloween, a vodka with pumpkin pie flavouring has arrived. Pumpkin Pie Artisan vodka from Modern Spirits, Los Angeles, is said to be based on a secret pumpkin pie recipe and is described as "ideal" for dessert cocktails. It is believed to be the only pumpkin-flavoured vodka on the market. Suggested retail price is US$43.99 for a 75cl bottle.