239: Diageo Master Blender and Orphan Barrel's New 'Scarlet Shade' Rye

We’re joined by Samantha Johnson, Master Blender for Diageo and their most recent Orphan Barrel Series release, Scarlet Shade Rye Whiskey.  For those unfamiliar, Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. is a project to save nearly forgotten barrels of well-aged whiskey and share them with the world. We talk about this release as well as Samantha’s process for crafting unique and thoughtful whiskey blends from extraordinary casks. Thanks to our good friends, Courtney (@PicsAndPours) and Jaron (@Bourbon_In_Indiana) for connecting us with their friend Samantha for this episode.

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Bourbon Lens

 

About Scarlet Shade 14-Year Rye:

This is the first ever Rye release to the Orphan Barrel collection of premium whiskies – Scarlet Shade – distilled in Indiana, aged in Kentucky and bottled in Tennessee.  This 14-year-old rye is heralded by sweet vanilla butter cream and lightly toasted oak aromas, tasting of warm baking spices, rye toast and orchard fruits, before warming into sweet orange marmalade and lingering as a dark chocolate finish. At 90 proof (45%). It is a limited release which dropped in May with a suggested retail price of $199.99. Scarlet Shade can be purchased on ReserveBar, Drizly.com or the Drizly app where shipping and delivery are available.

About Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co.

The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. is an endeavor to rescue nearly forgotten barrels of delicious whiskey and share them with discerning adult consumers. We are inspired by creativity, delicious whiskey, good times and great stories. The project is owned and run by DIAGEO and headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn. However, we like to think the project is founded in dark, quiet corners of rickhouses around the world where great whiskeys are just waiting to be discovered.

About Samantha Johnson:

Since joining Diageo as a Quality Technician in 2018 and being named a Master Blender in 2020, Samantha has blended a number of fan-favorite, high-quality whiskies including I.W. Harper 15 Year-Old and Bulleit Rye. In fact, her very first blend—I.W. Harper 15 Year-Old—won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition that same year.

Samantha initially uncovered her passion for working with whiskey while completing her senior thesis at Hanover College where she sped up the maturation process by rapidly aging the liquid to mimic a 4-year-old aged whiskey. After graduation, she received her Master’s in agriculture (with a focus in food science and management) from Washington State University and landed a position as a Quality Technician at Bulleit Bourbon Distillery.

The release of Scarlet Shade marks her first offering under the Orphan Barrel brand.

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. Releases Its First Rye Whiskey, Scarlet Shade 14-Year-Old | Bourbon Lens
• Orphan Barrel
• Instagram.com/OrphanBarrel