Ampersand Debuts with Three Small-Batch Blends from Master Distiller Chip Tate

Foley Family Wines & Spirits Launches New Barrel-Driven Spirits Line.

Foley Family Wines & Spirits announced the release of Ampersand, a new line of small-batch spirits crafted by Master Distiller for Innovation Chip Tate. This marks Tate’s first release with the company since joining in January 2024. Designed around Tate’s extensive expertise with barrels, aging, and finishing, the Ampersand lineup features three expressions—Malus, Vinea, and Opimus—each created by blending complementary spirits to produce layered, category-challenging profiles.

Three Distinct Blends Target Premium Spirits Enthusiasts

Ampersand Malus, Vinea, and Opimus were developed for connoisseurs seeking complexity and unconventional combinations. The lineup includes:

Ampersand Malus: 51% American rye whiskey, 49% Calvados (SRP $59)
Ampersand Vinea: 75% American rye whiskey, 25% grain spirit aged in XO Cognac casks (SRP $59)
Ampersand Opimus: 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon finished in Tokaji barrels (SRP $150)

“The Ampersand collection includes unexpected combinations that create something far more intriguing than their individual parts. The result for each distinct expression is a complex yet harmonious flavor,” said Tate.

Detailed Profiles Showcase Barrel Influence and Blending Approach

Ampersand Malus blends 8-year rye whiskey with 8-year Calvados, inspired by early American distilling traditions. The Calvados component—made from more than 40 varieties of apples and pears—adds fruit-forward depth and a long, dry finish. The initial release includes 6,000 bottles.

Ampersand Vinea combines 8-year rye whiskey with more than 9-year grain spirit aged in XO Cognac casks. Tate selected the components to balance tannin, sweetness, and oak structure, producing a blend influenced by traditional grape-and-grain styles. A total of 8,500 bottles were produced.

Ampersand Opimus, a cask-strength whiskey at 117 proof, features 15-year Kentucky bourbon finished in Tokaji casks from Hungary’s Tokaj region. The expression delivers layered notes of caramel, fig, orchard fruit, honey, and citrus. Production totaled 11,500 bottles.

Category Trends and Early Awards Highlight Market Potential

“Chip is a visionary talent, and his reputation for flavor and whiskey innovation manifests in Ampersand Spirits,” said Jason Daniel, CMO of FFWS. He added that American rye whiskey above $35 continues to experience strong growth, and the U.S. has become the second-largest export market for Calvados.

The Ampersand lineup has already secured multiple awards, including Double Gold Medals for Malus, a Platinum Award for Vinea, and a Best in Show/97 Points for Opimus across top global competitions.

Future Innovation and Availability

Tate noted his continued focus on blending, barrel selection, and technical distillation, with additional projects underway. “We’re just getting started, as I am also spending time in Mexico working on developing new distillation techniques for my agave projects.”

Ampersand is now available at retailers nationwide and online where permitted at ampersandspirits.com.

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