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Success for Smooth Ambler at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Four Entries, Four Medals

For Immediate Release:

MAXWELLTON, W.V. (May 1, 2013) Smooth Ambler Spirits, West Virginia’s premier craft distillery, took home four medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one for each of its entries. The medals were awarded as follows: Greenbrier Gin earned bronze,  Barrel Aged Gin and Old Scout Bourbon each took Silver, and Old Scout Rye was awarded a gold.

The 13th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition took place in March and had a record number of entries. Distillers and importers submitted 1407 spirits from 63 countries into 85 different classifications. The 34 judges comprise some of the “finest palates” from around the world. As the first international spirits competition in the United States, participation is considered a rite of passage for top quality spirits and a great leading indicator for future market successes.

“This is the second time we’ve entered the San Francisco Spirits Competition, one of the most significant competitions in the country, and it is awesome to have our hard work recognized, for all of our entries, and to be ranked among the greatest spirits producers in the world,” said owner and head distiller, John Little.

About Smooth Ambler Spirits

Smooth Ambler Spirits proudly hails from West Virginia and uses age-old “Appalachian know-how” to inform their entire production from grain to glass. The love of the craft is apparent in every spirit produced and the results are darn delicious.

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Smooth Ambler Spirits Now in Georgia

This month, our complete lineup became available in the Georgia. Quality Wine and Spirits is our Atlanta-based distributor. Check out our “Where to Buy” page for specifics and if you’re down that way, let them know about us at your favorite watering hole.

2012: A Great Year for Smooth Ambler

Friends,

We are thrilled to say that 2012 was our best year yet! We’re still a young company working hard to spread the word about what we’re doing here in West Virginia and we are forever grateful to all of you who are helping us along. Here are a few of the highlights which have us remembering last year fondly and looking forward to things to come:

We proudly introduced three brand new products in 2012: Barrel Aged Gin, Old Scout Rye, and Very Old Scout. The response was astounding, especially when we sold out of Very Old Scout in two weeks! Many thanks to our awesome fans, distributors, and shop owners for that milestone.

Throughout the year, Smooth Ambler was honored to with some awesome accolades. First, at the American Distilling Institute’s conference, Old Scout won a Gold Medal for Whiskey, Best of Category: Artisan Merchant Bottled Whiskey (yes, that’s all one category), and Best of Class for Artisan Merchant Bottler.  Wine Enthusiast also gave Old Scout 95 points. Then, Greenbrier Gin went on to earn 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a coveted place on their “Top 50 for 2012”. In December we learned that Greenbrier Gin had also become a finalist at the Good Food Awards for being a food product that is both delicious and responsibly produced.

We traveled coast to coast pouring hooch, meeting folks, and collecting stories. It reminded us how much we love this country and our fans. Distribution expanded to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, California, Arizona, Washington, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. On top of that, we were able to navigate Virginia’s alcohol control laws to get Old Scout on the shelves – a big step since VA is our neighbor and we have so much great support there.

In 2013 we’ll continue our push into new states and even overseas as we will start exporting to the United Kingdom! This is really exciting for us since one of our goals when we started Smooth Ambler was to be able to sell internationally. On this side of the pond, new territories will include North Carolina (already happening as of this writing), South Carolina, and Georgia. Be sure to keep up with us on Facebook as well as checking our “Where to Buy” page to get the latest information.

Finally, we can’t wait to release Old Scout 10-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey which is shaping up to be something special. We expect our fans will welcome this newest family member with open arms and we look forward to taking her on tour.

Again, our sincerest thanks for an awesome 2012. With your continued support and feedback, we hope the rest of the world will get to enjoy the premium spirits produced with “Appalachian know-how”.

Cheers!

The Smooth Ambler Team

How to Order Smooth Ambler Products from Your State Run Liquor Store

There are about a dozen states that maintain a monopoly on the sale of alcohol products, which means you have to buy your liquor at the state run stores. This generally works out fine, but sometimes it may be difficult to find Smooth Ambler products stocked on the shelves of your local ‘ABC’ or ‘Package store’. To help you in your quest for superior, hand-crafted spirits, we’ve put together this quick guide with all the secret codes you need to special order Smooth Ambler products. Ok, they’re not really secret codes, but if you’ve got ‘em, it’s much more likely you’ll get what you’re looking for.

An added benefit with placing special orders is that when stores see product moving, they’re more likely to put it on the shelves. That’s good for us and more convenient for you!

If you live in Virginia, North Carolina, or Pennsylvania, pull this post up on your phone, or download a printable copy, so you’re ready next time you want to stock up on Smooth Ambler. *Note* The products listed below are the ones that are available in your state.

Virginia Special Order Codes
Yearling Bourbon Whiskey – 952772
Greenbrier Gin – 952530
Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 27590 (now a listed “stock” item)
Old Scout Rye – 952932
Barrel Aged Gin – 952933
Whitewater Vodka – 38009

North Carolina Special Order Codes
Whitewater Vodka– 44220
Greenbrier Gin – 41394
Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 25242

Pennsylvania Special Order Codes
Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 30757
Whitewater Vodka – 30748
Greenbrier Gin – 518812

Click here to download a printable that contains the codes listed above.

Greenbrier Gin from Smooth Ambler Spirits is a Finalist for 2012 Good Food Awards

For Immediate Release

Greenbrier Gin from Smooth Ambler Spirits is a Finalist for Good Food Awards

MAXWELLTON, W.V. (December 15, 2012) Greenbrier Gin from Smooth Ambler Spirits has been selected as a finalist for this year’s “Good Food Awards”. The awards go to foods that are produced using responsible methods and also exhibit superior taste.  Pointing to the increased demand for responsible food production, the number of entrees to the competition grew by 40% over last year for a total of 1366 entrees across nine categories, including spirits.

Smooth Ambler’s commitment to responsible food production is evident. Approximately 85% of the grains that go into Greenbrier Gin are grown organically and exclusively for Smooth Ambler by a farmer located less than 30 miles from the distillery. The botanicals used are also certified organic. Additionally, they incorporate recycled cardboard in their packaging material and the used grain mash is given to a local farmer for cattle and pig feed.

“We are doing our best to ‘practice what we preach’ in our own production as well as that of our suppliers. We take the production of our products very seriously and believe we have made the best choice for us and the consumer,” said owner and head distiller, John Little.

About Smooth Ambler Spirits

Smooth Ambler Spirits proudly hails from West Virginia and uses age-old “Appalachian know-how” to inform their entire production from grain to glass. The love of the craft is apparent in every spirit produced and the results are darn delicious.

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Smooth Ambler Gift Guide 2012

Since you’re clicking around on cyber Monday, we thought we’d do a little legwork and give you some gift ideas for the craft spirits fan in your life.

1. 101 Whiskeys to Try Before You Die – Whether hoping to inspire adventure or curiosity, your whiskey lover can enjoy the thrill of the hunt for years to come.

2. Distillery Scented Room Spray by Archer – Who doesn’t want their home or office smelling like a stillhouse?!

3. Pallet Coasters – These little guys are as hardworking as the real deal.

4. Gin Tonic Bath Salts – Sooth the soul with this “bathtub gin”. These tins are sold in limited quantity so get on it!

5. Moonshine Cologne – This manly scent sounds as awesome as its packaging, which is probably why it’s on back order.

6. Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic - Want a truly hand-crafted cocktail? Put together a package that includes this tonic syrup with your favorite small-batch gin and prepare to be crowned “Gift Giver of the Year”.

7. Etched Stag Highball Glasses, Set of 2 – You can not beat the price, nor the design clout these highball glasses bring to the table.
Bonus gift idea – it’s likely your spirits lover is a fan of craft beers as well. This wall mounted bottle opener is the perfect mix of function and form so we had to include it.

8. Bourbon Barrel Smoked Spices Gift Set – Raise the bar on do-it-yourself rubs for your favorite grill master. For kicks, throw in the barrel smoked sugar and try out this recipe.

9. Cuppow – Take your ‘shine on the go with this “why didn’t I think of that” device that transforms a mason jar into a spill free travel mug. (C.O. A. note: Smooth Ambler does not advocate drinking while driving. These lids can be used for many beverage types and in many situations where one may wish to avoid spilling on oneself  such as on a hike, sitting around a campfire, at a picnic, in class, etc.)

10. Smooth Ambler Spirits  - The fact is, if you’re reading this you know someone who enjoys hand crafted spirits – as my grandmother used to say, “It’s always the right size”. We can even put together awesome gift baskets for those looking to go the extra mile. If you know someone who’s already a fan, stuff his or her stocking with a t-shirt, hat, or hoodie (probably needs to be a really big stocking for the sweatshirt but we’ll let you worry about logistics).

Hand Crafted Gift Baskets from Smooth Ambler

Get a head start on your holiday giving with Smooth Ambler’s hand crafted gift baskets! It’s easy for you, yet thoughtful and sure to be appreciated by the spirits lover on the receiving end! Below,  you can see some of our recommended combinations but we are happy to wrap up any concoction of in-stock spirits, mixers, merchandise, and food items. Call the distillery to place your order and Nikki will beautify your basket. Then all you have to do is pick it up and make someone’s day!

Here are some suggested gift ideas:

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon Gift Box: $145.00

• 750ml Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6yr Old Bourbon
• 16pc Smooth Ambler/Holls Milk Chocolate Caramel Bourbon Balls
• 12 oz Smooth Ambler/Holls Caramel Bourbon Dessert Sauce
• 2 -8oz Smooth Ambler Logo Rock Glasses
• Smooth Ambler Logo Shot Glass

Smooth Ambler Whitewater Vodka Gift Box:$110.00

• 750ml Smooth Ambler Whitewater Vodka
• Powell & Mahoney, All Organic Cosmopolitan Mixer
• 16pc Smooth Ambler/Holls Blueberry Whitewater Vodka Dark Chocolate Cordials
• 2-8oz Smooth Ambler Logo Rock Glasses
• Smooth Ambler Logo Shot Glass

Smooth Ambler Greenbrier Gin Gift Box:$115.00

• 750ml Smooth Ambler Greenbrier Gin
• Powell & Mahoney, All Organic Ginger Mixer
• 2-8oz Smooth Ambler Logo Rock Glasses
• Smooth Ambler Logo Shot Glass
• 2 Smooth Ambler Logo Travel Mugs

Contact us for ordering assistance!

The Hooch Life Reviews Old Scout

The blurb:

THL: Why should you try it?

Old Scout Bourbon receives high marks from reviewers and competitions, in part because of its creamy flavor, combined with a little more rye spice that other bourbons have. The spirit is aged for 6 years. It is a blend of sourced spirits for now because the distillery’s own craft bourbon is aging until it’s old enough to make it into the bottle. That hasn’t dampened enthusiasm for Old Scout, though, it continues to wow bourbon drinkers.

Read the rest here: http://thehoochlife.com/spirits/smooth-ambler-old-scout-bourbon/

Thanks guys!

Announcing Old Scout Rye Whiskey from Smooth Ambler

We talk sometimes about bourbon being “America’s Whiskey,” and we generally mean it due to the usage of corn, but most enthusiasts knows that the real Grandaddy of indigenous, production whiskey in America is straight rye.  The Scotch-Irish immigrants landing in the Northeast US and then migrating to the Mid-Atlantic had no shortage of experience using rye in distillation.  And so when it came time to make happy juice (as it always does, doesn’t it?) here in America – out came the rye.  Distinct, grainy, and deliciously sharp in comparison to its corn-based counterpart, a good rye whiskey should be smooth yet retain that direct, spicy note that makes it stand out.

As with our Old Scout Bourbon, we searched month after month and tasted whiskey after whiskey to find a rye that was uncommon in age, character, and was both unlike anything we saw in the marketplace, and different from anything we make ourselves.  Old Scout Rye, a 7 year old, 95% rye in the mash (no corn) whiskey, gets shipped to many of our distributors and goes on sale here at the distillery today.  If you’re a rye fan, we think you’re gonna love it.  If you’re a rye novice, now’s the time to get your feet wet.

Speaking of us tasting whiskey, let me speak to that for a few lines.  We have almost 400 of our own barrels patiently aging in our rickhouse.  We continue to put back between 6 and 8 barrels a week, when we aren’t making the vodka and gin. Most of this whiskey is a wheated bourbon like Yearling, but there are 7 other mashbills out there as well.  Nik and I taste them regularly to judge their progress and check the flavors.  We will have more Yearling and more of our Barrel Aged Gin available in the Fall.

Lastly – come see us.  Let us show you around, show you what we do, how we do it, and taste some of our wares while you’re here.  It’s one of our favorite things to do, and that’s what we’re here for.

John Little

A Play on The Hemingway

1.5 oz Smooth Ambler Gin or White Whiskey
3/4 oz grapefruit
3/4 oz lime juice
3/4 oz simple syrup (2:1)
1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Shake, strain over cracked ice, add a mint leaf garnish.

This is a bit of a play on a traditional Hemingway created by Peter-John Paul Hanne at Maurepas Foods in New Orleans. It’ delicious.

A letter on our new (old) approach

Dear Friends, Fans, and Lovers of a Good Drink,
At the recent, annual spirits competition hosted and conducted in Louisville, KY by ADI, the American Distilling Institute, (an organization comprised of and devoted to the business of craft distillers), our Old Scout Bourbon took a Gold Medal and First Place in Class and Category for Artisan Merchant Bottled Whiskey. An extremely smooth, high-rye-content Bourbon aged 6 years, Old Scout is a “curated” or sourced whiskey procured by us to complement our own family of handmade spirits, many of which are set back to age, but not yet mature enough to bottle.

Some might think it’s counter-intuitive for a craft distiller like us to embrace the careful sourcing of unique and delicious whiskey, but Smooth Ambler proudly displays these painstakingly sourced barrels right alongside our own whiskeys, and includes discussion of this added direction during our distillery tours. The concept and practice of merchant bottling has a well-known, accepted, and honored place in the history of aged spirits in Scotland and Ireland. Often, to the Scotch and Irish Whisky aficionado, the skill it takes to discover and blend a great whiskey is a pretty close Second Place to the skill it takes in distilling it to begin with. We want to be a source for truly great spirits of rare quality and uncommon character. Most we’re going to make ourselves; and a few we won’t. And we’re very transparent about Old Scout. The label practically says, “Hey, we didn’t make this, but we struggled and took great care to find it, we think it’s magnificent, and we hope you do too.”

There are no plans to slow down production of our own spirits, and neither are there any plans to suspend the collection of curated, Old Scout whiskies. As long as we’re able to procure really delicious and interesting spirits alongside the great stuff we handcraft ourselves, we will.
JL

Smooth Ambler Wins!

Nik and John just got back from the ADI (American Distilling Institute) conference in Louisville. Part of the conference was a tasting competition of over 240 whiskies and brandies reviewed by a very esteemed panel including Harlan Wheatley, the Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace, and Lincoln Henderson, the previous Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve. I’m proud to let you know that in front of about 600 of our peers and industry professionals, Smooth Ambler Old Scout won a Gold Medal for Whiskey, Best of Category: Artisan Merchant Bottled Whiskey, and Best of Class for Artisan Merchant Bottler. Very, very impressive indeed.

Distillery Tour

Happy Hour Tasting at the Richwood Grill, Morgantown WV

Wednesday, July 20th, from 5PM to 8PM, Johnny will be doing tastings of Smooth Ambler products at the Richwood Grill in Morgantown, WV.

Martini Monday Tasting at Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg WV

Monday, July 18th, come join us for “Martini Monday” at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg WV. Johnny Foster will be there from 5Pm to 8Pm doing small samples of Smooth Ambler Whitewater Vodka and the bar will making Martinis from Smooth Ambler.

Gin Bottling

We will be bottling gin on Friday, 12/10 starting at 10am. We could use a few extra volunteers. But even if you have just a few minutes, come by, sign some bottles and give them away for Christmas presents.