Here are some recent whiskey tidbits that hit my inbox:

ZOMBIE WHISKY? – The Lost Distillery Company launched three new Scotch whiskies in the U.S. market – Benachie, Towiemore, and Lossit.  These blended malts are the company’s attempt to resurrect flavors of how whiskies tasted about 100 years ago.  After months of historical research and analysis of old distilleries, they blended single malts to recreate what they conclude whiskies tasted like a century ago.  I’ll have tasting notes and more information for each of these in the coming days.

JOHNNIE WALKER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM – Johnnie Walker’s collaborated with Amazon to help educate customers about the history of Johnnie Walker, as well as personalized tastings, and cocktail ideas.  Customers can use the Amazon’s Alexa to ask about the brand.  Not an Amazon customer?  No worries.  You can use Facebook Messenger.  Johnnie Walker has created a bot for the messenger app, allowing the same brand education and information mentioned above.

A SHOT OF SAZERAC AND AN ABITA AMBER – Sazerac has launched a new campaign with Louisiana’s Abita Brewery and New Orleans male dance troupe the 610 Stompers.  The fun filled campaign promotes a shot/beer program around area bars that gives customers a shot of Sazerac Rye whiskey and an Abita Amber for a low price.  Friends of mine know Abita Amber is my favorite beer, and I’ve ordered this exact combo a while back.  The two spirits work together nicely.

2016 YELLOWSTONE LE BOURBON – The next iteration of Yellowstone Limited Edition bourbon hits stores this month.  This year’s is a blend of 7-year and 12-year old rye mashed bourbons.  Only 7,000 bottles of the 101 proof bourbon are being produced for a retail price of $99.99.

A. SMITH BOWMAN RELEASES GINGERBREAD COCOA FINISHED BOURBON – By the time you read this, the whiskey will most likely be sold out.  The distillery took a 9-year-old bourbon and finished it in barrels that held two Hardywood Park Brewery beers: Gingerbread Stout and Foolery Imperial Milk Stout.  It is available via the distillery starting October 1st in 375ml bottles for $39.99.

THE LAUNCH OF BOONDOCKS  – Industry veteran (we’re talking 40+ years) and former Woodford Reserve General Manager and Distiller AND Whisky Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dave Scheurich launched Boondocks, a new American whiskey.  Two expressions of the 11-year-old whiskies are hitting the market: a 95 proof and a cask strength 127 proof.  I hope to have tasting notes for these soon.