Bethany Blues unveils $100 Barrel whiskey
Bethany Blues is known for its premium whiskey selections, and Blues is now unveiling its private select barrel, dubbed the $100 Barrel.
Just two weeks before everything closed because of the global pandemic, Steve “Monty” Montgomery and Jim Weisgerber took their staff, and staff from the Coastal Taproom in Rehoboth, on their annual trip to the bourbon capital of the world, Louisville, Ky.
The yearly pilgrimage to Kentucky is where they make the rounds of distilleries and collectively choose their select barrel for the upcoming whiskey season. This year’s distillery was Maker’s Mark.
Zach Warner, director of operations for the Bethany Beach location, said, “The story of how we chose the barrel and why it’s called the $100 barrel is a great glimpse into our special blend of competition and camaraderie that has always defined our teams at our different locations.”
As the group sat at a local dive in Loretto called the Cozy Corner, getting the rundown of their day and eating lunch, Montgomery and Weisgerber decided to formulate a bet. The two quickly started divvying up the group into two teams of tasters, and wagered $100 that their respective teams could reign victorious in a barrel selection showdown.
As the two teams entered the darkened tasting room, which was filled with beakers and other distilling equipment, they were given a plethora of bourbons to sample. The tastings are subtly different, because they include various types of oak finishing staves. These staves have been charred a certain way, or cut another, changing the flavor of the spirits, which can then be blended to create a specific profile.
Once everyone had tasted and concocted all these blends, Montgomery’s team was ultimately the champion. Thus was created what is now known as the $100 Barrel. Weisgerber, being now $100 poorer and no worse for wear, was forced to concede defeat.
Warner, who was on the winning team, said, “Our selection is warm and has smooth fall spices like cardamom, allspice, and a slight vanilla note to it. These elements are ideal for the upcoming season.”
Both Bethany Blues locations are pouring the exclusive $100 Barrel selection, and using it in cocktails as well as for sipping. They will be pouring the barrel while supplies last, but Blues will also offer a limited number of bottles for sale. The 112.4 proof Maker’s Mark select whiskey makes a great holiday gift.
The bars are currently open with limited seating. Reservations are required, and to sit at the bar, patrons must order food. For more information, go to bethanyblues.com.
