BourbonVille apparel

Let’s ditch ‘River City’ for ‘BourbonVille,’ shall we? Also, a bourbon roundup for your Friday morning

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BourbonVille apparel

The staff of the KDF love showing off the BourbonVille gear!

The folks at the Kentucky Derby Festival might be on to something. A few years back, they created the BourbonVille event — which offers bourbon tastings, food pairings and more — to their lineup of actives that begin three weeks before the Kentucky Derby. It’s one of my favorite Derby Fest events, second only to the Great Steamboat Race, of course (as long as I’m riding on the Belle!).

Anyway, they’ve decided to launch a line of merchandise with the BourbonVille theme, because why limit the cool name to just one day? I believe it would make a fine nickname for Louisville, definitely better than River City. BourbonVille or Bourbon City — I’m cool with either one.

From T-shirts to glasses to bags, the line of apparel went live this morning, so check out the full array. They’d make great holiday gifts, just sayin’. Instead of a rock in my stocking, how about a BourbonVille rocks glass, Santa?

“Like the Derby Festival, bourbon is part of our city’s history and tradition, and we wanted to help celebrate that,” said Matt Gibson, KDF President and CEO, in a news release. KDF is partnering with local company 12/13 Apparel by Synergism for the products.

Check out BourbonVilleUSA for all the details. Also, notice how much fun the KDF staff is having modeling the products!

Michter’s drops a $5,000 bottle of bourbon!
Michter's Celebration bourbon

I’ll also take this in my stocking, Santa.

OK, so hopefully nobody will EVER actually drop a bottle of the new Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey, because if they do, they’ll be out an instant $5,000!

After a three-year break, Michter’s is releasing the blended whiskey, which was carefully selected by Master Distiller Dan McKee.

“Working on my first Celebration release was a labor of love for me,” he said in a news release. “Ultimately, I chose to take whiskey from two Kentucky straight bourbon barrels and four Kentucky straight rye barrels in our stocks. Each Celebration release is special and unique, and this year’s release differs from the 2016 one, where the whiskey came from three bourbon barrels and three rye barrels.”

In other words, this is what happens when a master distiller is let loose in a rick house and challenged to pick his or her very favorite honey barrels.

So why is it so expensive? Because there are only 277 bottles of the 2019 edition. And it’s in a fancy box!

Yeah, you’re right. Me and you will never get a sip of this, but a girl can dream.

Meet the makers of Maker’s Mark … and drink with them!

It’s rare to catch both Bill Samuels Jr. and Rob Samuels in the same spot, and it’s even rarer to get a chance to drink bourbon with them — unless you’re invited to their Thanksgiving or something. But in a partnership with Liquor Barn, the father and son team behind Maker’s Mark are inviting folks to come out and learn, sip and mingle with them this holiday season.

Called a “Taste of Heritage,” the sessions will be held at both Lexington and Louisville Liquor Barns and cost $25 — but they sound well worth the money, because you’ll be sampling all sorts of Private Select bottles and even some rare vintage MM bottles.

Here’s the schedule, and here’s the link for more info.

  • Liquor Barn Beaumont (Lexington) — Friday, Nov. 22 — 5:30 & 8 p.m.
  • Liquor Barn Springhurst (Louisville) — Friday, Dec. 6 — 5:30 & 8 p.m.
  • Liquor Barn Hamburg (Lexington) — Thursday, Dec. 19 — 5 & 8 p.m.
Other end-of-year releases 

So the Pappy line should be rolling out as we speak. Good luck finding or winning one! Other new releases include the Knob Creek Quarter Oak (which I received a sample of and will be part of my next Tasteless Tastings — hint: it’s yummy!); the last Booker’s Bourbon of the year, called “Beaten Biscuits” after the small, cracker-like biscuits Booker liked to make; and another Four Gate Whiskey release that goes by the name of Foundation. That one is a nearly 10-year-old bourbon that is bottled at barrel-strength — a whopping 119.4 proof!

Stay tuned for more bourbon news today …

Heaven Hill rooftop rendering

A sneak peek of Phase 1 of Heaven Hill’s newly renovated Bourbon Heritage Center

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Heaven Hill rooftop rendering

This is a rendering of what the rooftop bar and restaurant will look like. | Courtesy of Heaven Hill

Big things are ahead for the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, and Tuesday night I got to see firsthand just what they’re up to over there — and enjoy a few handfuls of cheese.

If you haven’t been in a few months, you likely didn’t realize the gift shop and tasting rooms were under construction. But because of my bottle-hunting ways, I had been by the Heritage Center a few times looking for some one-eyed whiskey unicorns. The staff always greeted me with a smile and would say, “Pardon the construction, and no, we just sold our last unicorn of the day.” Just my luck.

But Tuesday night, the plywood came down and the dust was swept up to unveil a brand spanking new expanded retail space and three quaint and cool tasting rooms that all have a different theme tied to Heaven Hill’s brands of bourbon.

You can expect the Fitzgerald Room, inspired by Old Fitzgerald Bourbon and referencing the man who often “sampled” from the barrels he was paid to protect. This is also where Larceny Bourbon got its inspiration from — Fitzgerald, larceny, stolen bourbon … you get the idea!

Another new room is The Library, a tasting room that honors the Father of Bourbon, Elijah Craig. There’s a 26-foot-long table with cozy chairs and nuanced decor that all relates back to Craig’s life and legacy.

The other rooms is The Founders Room, inspired by the Shapira family behind Heaven Hill.

These new renovations are part of Heaven Hill’s $17.5 million investment in the expanded Heritage Center, and the staff also showed us a few sneak peeks of what’s to come in Phase 2. What might that include? How about a gorgeous second-floor outdoor balcony attached to a rooftop restaurant and bar. Or a “You Do Bourbon” interactive experience where you get to choose and then fill your own bottle of bourbon. Or about about two installations: the Elijah Craig Exhibit and the Larceny Exhibit.

They promised there is much more up their sleeves, and I’m looking forward to watching these Phases roll out … like a barrel of Elijah Craig rolling into my living room come Christmas Day. Hey, a girl can dream!

All the phases should be complete by spring of 2021.

So next time you’re in Bardstown, stop by Heaven Hill and check things out! The expanded gift shop is worth the 40-minute drive from Louisville alone.

Here’s a look at some photos I took and some renderings:

Fancy! | Photo by Sara Havens
The expanded retail center offers much more than just bourbon. | Photo by Sara Havens
I need this! | | Photo by Sara Havens
I spy a grenade unicorn! | Photo by Sara Havens
Look at all the cheese! | Photo by Sara Havens
Truth. | Photo by Sara Havens
Heaven Hill GM Jeff Crowe shows off the new bar. | Photo by Sara Havens
Fill your own bourbon at the You Do Bourbon exhibit. | Courtesy of Heaven Hill
Barrel Roll text

The Barrel Roll goes down Saturday, Nov. 9, in Paristown

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Barrel Roll text

Expect lots of tastings!

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Paristown will be the place to be as the annual Barrel Roll rolls into the neighborhood, offering attendees with a smattering of beer, bourbon, beer aged in bourbon barrels, wine, gin, brandy, tequila, cocktails, food, local music and much more!

I haven’t been to a Barrel Roll, but that will change this year, because the lineup looks so enticing! The event is a fundraiser of sorts hosted by the folks who put on the annual Tailspin Ale Fest.

They set out to honor the humble barrel and all it does for spirits, and it sounds like everyone will have a great time getting acquainted with that concept. In fact, I may need many samples to truly learn how the barrel departs those wonderful flavors to various liquids.

This year, proceeds go to The Paristown Salon, a nonprofit influenced by the French Salons formed throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Live music includes performances by the infamous Carly Johnson and Small Batch Brass.

The Barrel Roll will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, from 2-6 p.m. at Christy’s Garden in Paristown, which is located on Brent Street near the Old Forester Paristown Hall. Tickets are now on sale, and you may even get lucky and score an early bird special! Click on this link to go grab some! They start at $65.

Also related, the Bourbon City Cruisers tuk tuk will be there, and you might spot me on the news Tuesday morning driving one around, maybe taking a reporter or two for a ride. Tune in to WLKY and WDRB! Woot!

Michter's 20 Year Bourbon

Make way for Michter’s 20!

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Michter's 20 Year Bourbon

Well hello there!

You think Pappy is hard to get … try finding a Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon! It was just announced, however, that the Louisville distillery is releasing the Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon in early November.

Last year, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020 named Michter’s 20 as the winner of its 16-20-year-old bourbon category. I was lucky once — OK, maybe twice — to get to try the 20, and it is absolutely butter! Worth all the hassle trying to track one down, although most of us will never get lucky.

This year’s release was selected by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

So what do they have to say about their beautiful bourbon?

McKee says (in the news release), “By paying such careful attention to maturation, we wind up with 20-year plus barrels that can be really special and complex without being overly woody.”

And Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco adds, “It’s an elegant bourbon with lots of depth and cascading flavors.”

The 2019 release will be bottled at 114.2 proof and will retail for a whopping $700!

If you find a bottle, invite me over, please!

People at Bourbon & Benevolence

Bourbon & Benevolence to be held Dec. 12, and a few early-bird tickets remain!

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People at Bourbon & Benevolence

The second annual Bourbon & Benevolence will be held Thursday, Dec. 12. | Courtesy of KOBBE

I was fortunate to meet KOBBE founder Jamar Mack in 2017 as he was just starting his bourbon-centered group, which is an acronym for Kentucky’s Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts. Since then, KOBBE has grown in membership and outreach. And yes, anyone who loves bourbon as much as Mack — or even if you just want to learn more about the spirit — can join.

One of the key components of KOBBE is giving back to the community, and its second annual Bourbon & Benevolence fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Ice House. I was fortunate to attend the first event and can attest to its quality. There are many bourbon events held in town throughout the year, but Bourbon & Benevolence was one of my favorites because it was intimate but included numerous samples from Kentucky distilleries.

This year, Mack promises the offerings will be even bigger and better, as 14 distilleries have come aboard to partner with KOBBE, including Wild Turkey, Michter’s, Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, Uncle Nearest, Old Forester and many more.

Plus, there will be a buffet and dessert bar to go along with the bourbon, and a pretty legit silent auction. All proceeds will go to the Chestnut Street Family YMCA, which is near and dear to KOBBE’s heart and mission.

And because you’re reading this now, you get a reward! Discounted tickets for Bourbon & Benevolence are on sale RIGHT NOW until Friday, Nov. 1 — or until they sell out. So click here and go grab your early-bird tickets for $65. After Friday, they go up to $100.

samples with pumpkin

Tasteless Tastings: Halloween 2019 Edition

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samples with pumpkin

Let’s all gather round for this here Tasteless Tasting …

Welcome to another edition of Tasteless Tastings, which is exactly what it sounds like: tasting notes from the riffraff. If you follow the liquor industry to any capacity, you probably have come across snooty tasting notes from classy people who make the new spirit sound more like a science experiment than something you consume for fun or to forget the world around you. I want to shoot gayly forward from the hip and tell you how it really tastes. So each time the nice mailman brings me a sample to try, I’ll gather up some friends and we’ll have a candid, lively and unpolitically correct discussion about said sample. So let’s do it …

What are we drinking today?:
Mount Gay Rum

The Wizard!

Mount Gay Rum Master Blender Collection: Pot Still Rum

What the hell is it?:

This is the second edition of the Mount Gay Rum Master Blender Collection, created by Master Blender and Badass Trudiann Branker. This small batch of rum was matured in American oak barrels for 10 years and then placed into used whiskey barrels for six months prior to bottling. The pot still process honors the original method of rum-making, as Mount Gay dates back to 1703.

Give me the nerdy numbers:

96 proof, $170, only 1,002 bottles available in the U.S.

What do we think?:

Anna G.: This is the twister taking us to Oz! That scary lady is riding by trying to take our dog, and then we land in world of Mount Gay color!

Bar Belle: Wow, those woody, oaky are crazy! It’s like we’re in that forest where the trees are throwing apples at us.

Anna G: We’re not in Kentucky anymore.

Bar Belle: Indeed, we are not. We’re in Barbados!

We add a cube of ice to our samples.

Anna G.: Holy hell! We’ve just gone to Munchkin Town with Glenda the Good Witch!

Bar Belle: Ice changed this thing’s life!

Anna G.: This is the world of sweet, sweet color.

 

Halloween Costume:

The Man Behind the Curtain … The Oz Himself

 ———————————— 

What are we drinking today?:
Yellowstone Bourbon

Cajun Sasquatch!

Yellowstone Limited Edition 2019

What the hell is it?:

Straight from the Limestone Branch Distillery, this hand-picked batch includes barrels of extra-aged 9-year and 12-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It’s the oldest barrels yet used in a Limited Edition.

Give me the nerdy numbers:

101 proof, $99.99, 12,500 bottles available in the U.S.

What do we think?:

Bar Belle: This is like a warm embrace from a vampire. Definitely a cinnamon bomb, with a little Heath Bar at the end — toffee, brown sugar and that lovely caramel, of course.

Anna G.: Do Heath Bars have caramel?

Bar Belle: No, but they should!

Anna G.: Vampires are sterile — this is a warm hug from a sasquatch! The after taste comes from his backwoods muskiness.

Bar Belle: I don’t want to think about sasquatch musk, because in my mind I’m unwrapping those cubed caramels for caramel apples. Good stuff!

 

Halloween Costume:

Cajun Sasquatch

———————————— 

What are we drinking today?:
Maker's Mark RC6

Han Solo!

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: RC6

What the hell is it?:

This cask-strength Maker’s Mark has been finished with proprietary wood staves that go by the name of R2D2 … er, I mean RC6. These unique staves are American oak that was first “seasoned” for an extended 18 months outside and then toasted in a convection oven. Since Maker’s Mark technically only makes one type of bourbon, the stave process — adding different staves to fully matured Maker’s Mark — allows them to experiment and release one-offs like this one. And not all will be one-offs, as Maker’s 46 is technically part of this new Wood Finishing Series.

Give me the nerdy numbers:

108.2 proof, $59.99, this limited-edition small batch was made from only 255 barrels

What do we think?:

Anna G.: This is delicious!

Bar Belle: I swear it reminds me of a backyard barbecue … on the Millennium Falcon!

Anna G.: It’s Han Solo after being frozen in carbonite, then being delivered to Jabba the Hut, and then saving the day!

Bar Belle: Princess Leia looked hot in that scene, when she was strapped to that fat blob.

Anna G.: Remember before Han gets all froze, she runs to him and says, “I love you,” and he responds, “I know.”

Bar Belle: Typical man. But man, this stuff is legit! Quite smooth for 108 proof.

Anna G.: I want to say “I love you” to this sample, but I’m afraid it’s just going to say, “I know.”

 

Halloween Costume:

Han Solo

———————————— 

What are we drinking today?:
Booker's Bourbon

Jaws!

Booker’s “Country Ham” Batch 2019-03

What the hell is it?:

They say Booker enjoyed curing ham almost as much as he did making bourbon. Almost. This batch pays tribute to his proclivity for pork, and like his bourbon, he kept it simple — pairing the pork with only a cracker or biscuit.

Give me the nerdy numbers:

124 proof, $79.99, 6 years, 4 months and 2 days old

What do we think?:

Bar Belle: Wow, this bites without being provoked. Like Jaws let loose in Sea World!

Anna G.: The flavor is really nice, but the after effect is chaos! It’s making my nose run and it’s burning my mouth! Dammit!

Bar Belle: You better get your mouth out of that Kentucky water! This warms my palate like it warms my heart when I stumble across “Jaws 3-D” on TV on a lazy Sunday morning.

 

Halloween Costume: 

Chief Brody (or shall we say Chief Booker?) from “Jaws”: “You’re gonna need a bigger glass!”

Woodford Master's Collection

Say what? New Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection is Chocolate Malted Rye Bourbon

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Woodford Master's Collection

I knew you were trouble when you walked in. | Courtesy of Woodford Reserve

There’s gotta be someone looking down on me, because this new release from Woodford Reserve has my name all over it! The latest in the brand’s Master’s Collection is a concoction called Chocolate Malted Rye Bourbon, and it comes out THIS MONTH!

You had me at chocolate. You had me even more at chocolate malt. The fact that it’s a high-rye bourbon just seals the deal. And you thought I was hard to get?

Tell me more, Chris Morris!

“The rye malt was roasted to a level that its natural sugars caramelized into a dark chocolate note,” Morris said in a news release. “This special bourbon even surprised me as it matured in our warehouses. Each time I tasted it, the chocolate notes became even more pronounced.”

It must be something if the master distiller is enticed!

The Master’s Collections come out twice a year — in the spring and in the fall. This bourbon is proofed at the Woodford standard of 90.4 and retails for $129.99. Of course it is highly limited, as it is a one-time-only release.

According to Morris’ tasting notes, the flavor notes include roasted rye grain, dry cocoa nibs, a dark chocolate spice, and a soft mocha character atop a layer of cherry fruit and toasted oak.

I can’t wait to try it!

• • •

Coming soon: A Halloween edition of Tasteless Tastings … I promise! Keep your eyes peeled this week, girls and ghouls!

Pappy Van Winkle

2019 Pappy huntin’ season begins in November!

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Pappy Van Winkle

O Pappy my Pappy!

Oh happy Pappy day!

Word is out — the 2019 Pappy Van Winkle line of bourbons and whiskeys are coming soon to … well, technically liquor stores and bar shelves, but don’t ask me how to score one! Hunting season begins soon.

According to a news release that was issued Thursday morning, these Pappy products will be available in November:

  • Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof — ($69.99)
  • Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old — ($79.99)
  • Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old — ($119.99)
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old — ($119.99)
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old — ($199.99)
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old — ($299.90)

Of course, these are the suggested prices, but you’re not likely to find them for those prices — let alone find them at all.

“Unfortunately we cannot control the price retailers charge, so some retailers mark it up beyond our MSRP, even though we ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, in the release. “We are committed to releasing a quality product and hope retailers will honor what we suggest as a fair retail price.”

We hope so, too.

Pappy, as you probably know, is a wheated bourbon (except for the Family Reserve Rye) that is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Technically, only the latter three — 15, 20 and 23 Year Olds — are called “Pappy,” so if you’re trying to impress people at a party, don’t be all loosy-goosy with the term. Just call the others Van Winkles or Old Rips.

I’ve been fortunate to sample all the Pappys over time — see, there I go using that incorrect umbrella word — and I tend to enjoy the 10, 12 and 15 the best. Now, I won’t turn down a bottle of 20 or 23 should I win one, but for drinking purposes, give me a 15 and a straw, and I’ll be set!

You’re likely not going to find these at a liquor store, so your best bet is to hope your favorite corner cocktail bar gets a set. Sip slowly. Do not add mixers. Enjoy. Buy one for me.

Hillcrest Tavern

Two new bars you should check out … and a fancy-pants market!

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Hillcrest Tavern

It’s all chill in Crescent Hill …

I love it when my nightlife family gets bigger, especially if the new specimens are places I could actually see myself hanging out at. Since my days are now full of learning a new gig, it takes me a bit to get to a new place, but recently I’ve been to two newbies and one grand market that has options for wine, bourbon, beer, coffee and cheese.

You know, everything a girl needs.

Hillcrest Tavern

3212 Frankfort Ave.

This friendly neighborhood bar is new to the Crescent Hill/St. Matthews area, but it’s actually related to the Old Louisville Tavern, which has been around for years. I didn’t eat the night I stopped in, but the menu looks amazing, so I’ll be back for the grub.

I found the bar to be chill, offering a wide variety of bourbons and bourbon cocktails at affordable prices.

I sipped on a Weller Special Reserve while guzzling back a Bud Light, and I don’t think I spent over $10. St. Matthews can sometimes feel like a homecoming weekend frat party, but this bar offers a mellow place for those of us who have never been invited. They also have an Old Fashioned I need to further investigate.

After all, I’m still helping the mayor find the city’s best Old Fashioneds, and that’s a job I take seriously.

Trouble Bar

1149 S. Shelby St.

Trouble Bar

This will be written on my gravestone.

The buzz was loud surrounding the opening of this Shelby Park bar, and for good reason. The drinks are solid, the owners are experienced and the vibe is delightful. Plus, I live pretty damn close to Trouble, so I might very well be in trouble.

Last time I stopped in, I only had time for one quick cocktail, so I ordered an Old Fashioned with Weller Special Reserve.

I liked that the bourbon list included options and prices to upgrade to a cocktail, making it a simple process to substitute any given bourbon. Not that it’s difficult elsewhere, but I like to know the cost before I order — unless someone else is buying, then who the hell cares?

The environment here also is pretty laidback, like the Hillcrest Tavern, and sometimes if you’re lucky there’s a food truck out front.

I need to spend more time with the cocktail menu and less time on Tinder, so I’ll be swiping right on Trouble and hope it messages me back.

(One nitpick: They don’t offer shitty domestic beer options like Bud Light, which I often enjoy along with my high-end bourbon. I think they had Coors Banquet, but that’s not my cup of brew.)

Logan Street Market

1001 Logan St.

Logan Street Market

2 Legit 2 Quit!

Well, well, well. Louisville is getting pretty cool these days. Not that it ever wasn’t … it’s just that more and more people are finding out our little secret. If that leads to more traffic, I’m gonna be pissed!

Anyway, this Logan Street Market has just about anything you’d want, except Julia Roberts riding an ostrich. Cheese? Check. Bourbon? Check. Beer? Check. Coffee? Check. You get the idea … it’s a one-stop-shop for all things fun, local, different and familiar.

Yes, there is a wine store inside, and I enjoyed a glass of Beaujolais as I sauntered around the two-level market. Plus, there’s a full bar, a bar that has cocktail-making demonstrations, a coffee shop that serves you a shot of liquor with a shot of espresso (I had that, too), a cheese shop and even an ice cream parlor!

It’s like the mall of my dreams sans Tiffany and Spencer Gifts.

Bar Belle takes bronze-bronze in Best Blog category!

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Woot!

I’m honored to receive the bronze-bronze medal for Best Blog in the LEO Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. Not only did I come in third place, but I came in third in a tie for third. Bronze squared?

I’d like to thank everyone who has ever bought me a beer, and that one dude who bought me a shot of Birthday Bourbon once. I’ll never forget that dude — what was his name?

And I haven’t disappeared or ran off to an Irish pub. Going from journalism to marketing makes me feel like I’m a Walmart greeter working for NASA.

So I’ve just been busy learning the ins and outs of SEO, DIVI, WPBakery, hashtags and #yourmom.

I’ve got lots of Tasteless Tastings to get to — bourbon is literally piling up on my home office bar. Plus lots of other new bars to mention, and I might even have some news about the future of Bar Belle. Hint: It’s good!

So in the meantime, just comment here on your favorite White Claw flavor and why.

And again, thanks for voting for me! Maybe next time I’ll get some upper-case action.

Now thank you for shopping at Walmart.