Diageo Unveils Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company

Diageo has officially unveils the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company – a new project determined to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world and share them with discerning adult fans.

The first two variants to be released from the company will include the 20-year-old Barterhouse Whiskey and the 26-year-aged Old Blowhard Whiskey. Barterhouse Whiskey (SRP: $75) stocks were discovered in old warehouses at the famed Stitzel-Weller facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Rumor has it warehouse workers have already begun lining up for the first taste of this beautiful whiskey with a soft nose reminiscent of warm spice, biscuit and buttercream. The whiskey’s mellow taste includes notes of roasted grain, charred oak and a brown sugar finish.

Old Blowhard Whiskey (SRP: $150) was also found at Stitzel-Weller. At 26-years-old, the whiskey contains exuberant, rich flavors with undertones of smoke and honey followed by a gentle finish – dry and spicy with a hint of orange peel. Old Blowhard Whiskey is meant to be sipped slowly and best enjoyed among gregarious friends and unyielding debates.

“The whiskey 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.”

Both whiskies are hand-bottled with love in Tullahoma, Tenn., and are expected to begin appearing on select shelved throughout the U.S. in March 2014 under strict allocation due to limited supply.