Diageo's Orphan Barrel business is under way

Diageo has announced that The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company, developed to locate and bottle "lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world", is now officially operational.

The first two variants to be released from the company include a 20-year-old Barterhouse Whiskey and a 26-year-aged Old Blowhard Whiskey.  Both brands are expected to begin appearing on select shelves throughout the US in March 2014 under strict allocation due to limited supply. 

Barterhouse Whiskey stocks were discovered in old warehouses at the Stitzel-Weller facility in Louisville, Ky.  Barterhouse Whiskey is bottled in Tullahoma, Tenn. and will be expected to sell for a RRP of US$75.

Old Blowhard Whiskey, RRP US$150, was also found at Stitzel-Weller and is hand bottled in Tullahoma. 

“The whisky warehouses and rickhouses these spirits come from are special places filled with the incredible smells of seasoned oak, rough textures of weathered wood and amazing tastes of precious liquid,” said Ewan Morgan, master of whiskey for Diageo.  “It’s every worker’s dream of finding that forgotten barrel of delicious whiskey and sharing it with their friends.  That’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Orphan Barrel Whiskies have distinctive personalities in taste and packaging.  Barterhouse Whiskey packaging nods to the inspiration behind the whiskey’s name.  A vintage khaki and brown label features a sly fox front and center after he’s made a smooth deal at the local trading post.  Because when there’s no money on the table, Barterhouse Whiskey turns give and take into an adventure in provocation and persuasion. 

Based in a beautiful nautical blue, the Old Blowhard Whiskey label features a powerful whale exhaling through its blowhole before launching into another opinionated debate.  Powerful fonts rooted in swagger proclaim the spirit’s impressive age statement and status as a Kentucky Bourbon.

As new and interesting whiskies are discovered, they will be added to the family to provide adult consumers a great selection of rare whiskies.

The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company is headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn. where the whiskies are bottled and owned and operated by Diageo. 

17 February 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor