February 2026 79

Winter provides an excellent opportunity for whiskey lovers to enjoy warm, comforting beverages. Hot buttered whiskey is a delightful alternative to hot buttered rum, offering a rich, buttery flavor that complements whiskey beautifully. This drink is created by melting butter into whiskey, combined with hot water and a flavorful spiced brown sugar syrup made from ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Ingredients for Hot Buttered Whiskey Spiced Cocktail

• Brown Sugar Syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
• Cocktail
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter
  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 4 ounces very hot water

Directions

1. Prepare the Syrup: Combine brown sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Steep Spices: Once dissolved, remove from heat and add the cloves, allspice, star anise, and the cinnamon stick. Let steep for 20 minutes before straining to remove solids.
3. Create the Cocktail: In a mug, combine 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 ounce of the prepared syrup.
4. Add Whiskey and Water: Pour in the whiskey and hot water, stirring to melt the butter into the mixture.
5. Serve: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon.

Additional Uses for Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup

This spiced syrup can enhance various cocktails such as old fashioneds or espresso martinis. Its warm, sweet-spiced flavor can also be integrated into desserts or used to glaze fruits for added sweetness.

For variations, consider making a spiced compound butter instead of using syrup. Simply mix softened butter with spices and brown sugar, then chill, allowing you to slice and use it directly in drinks.

Hot buttered whiskey not only provides warmth but also a complex flavor experience, making it a perfect drink for colder months.

Since its inception in 2018, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey has introduced a variety of expressions, including its flagship blended Irish whiskey, an apple-flavored option, and a limited-edition 13-year-old single malt. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the brand is set to release Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve Irish Whiskey, a blend that combines single malt and grain whiskey.

The Black Reserve is matured for a minimum of four years in heavily charred American oak barrels that previously contained bourbon. This distinct aging process enhances the whiskey’s flavor profile, contributing intense notes of toasted wood and rich caramel.

Produced at the historic Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland, which has been operational since 1784, the whiskey is bottled at 80-proof (40 percent ABV). Bushmills holds the distinction of being one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, having received its distilling license in 1608.

Lander Otegui, the executive vice president of marketing and innovation at Proximo Spirits, stated, "We want Black Reserve to reinforce what Proper No. Twelve has been about from the start: expert craftsmanship, approachability, and more than 400 years of whiskey production and blending expertise." He added that the balance of toasted wood and heartier caramel notes against gentle vanilla sweetness is a testament to the brand’s heritage.

Although Proper No. Twelve was founded by Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor, it is now owned by Proximo Spirits, which also owns the Bushmills brand and Jose Cuervo Tequila.

Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve is available for purchase at a suggested retail price of $33 for a 750 ml bottle. The brand recommends enjoying this whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, such as an old-fashioned sweetened with a bit of honey.

Bad Bunny’s electrifying Super Bowl LX halftime show has sparked a significant surge in interest surrounding Puerto Rican rum. Data from Total Wine shows a staggering 261% increase in online searches for Puerto Rican rum following the performance. Additionally, searches for coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican beverage, skyrocketed by 504%.

Claudia Balanta, a bartender in Brooklyn, highlighted Puerto Rico’s rich rum culture, noting the island’s exceptional variety ranging from light and delicate to aged, complex styles. The performance featured Bad Bunny walking among towering sugarcane, symbolizing rum’s deep-rooted connection to Puerto Rican identity.

Jeremy Ortiz, a bartender from San Juan, echoed this sentiment by stating, "Rum has always been an established part of our cultural identity,” referencing the Piña Colada’s origins in Puerto Rico. Ortiz also pointed out the historical context of rum production associated with colonialism, which adds layers of pride and resilience to the beverage’s significance for Puerto Ricans.

The halftime show, coinciding with Bad Bunny’s Grammy win for Album of the Year, showcased elements of Puerto Rican culture and left many viewers, including Ortiz, feeling tears of pride. "It felt like a moment of reflection and a reminder that we need to love more," said Balanta.

Puerto Rican rum serves not only as a delightful drink but also as a source of cultural pride. On this note, expert bartenders shared their favorite rum recommendations, emphasizing the diversity and unique qualities of Puerto Rican rums.

1. Bacardí Reserva Ocho: This rum, aged for eight years, delivers smooth hazelnut notes and serves as an excellent introduction to aged rum.

2. Ron del Barrilito Three Star: Often regarded as a point of pride, this rum is characterized by rich flavors of caramel, almonds, and vanilla, representing the bartender’s connection to his roots.

3. Ron Pepón Agricola: Made purely from sugarcane, this rum offers distinct vegetal notes that stand out among others, appealing to those interested in unique flavor profiles.

4. Don Q PX Aged Cask: This rum distilled in PX sherry casks offers a rich, raisin-like sweetness that blends well for those who prefer whiskey.

5. Palo Viejo: Despite being considered a value brand, this white rum is notable for its unique flavor and is commonly used in traditional Puerto Rican drinks like Chichaito.

6. Rincón Rum: Blended from both molasses and sugarcane, this rum is known for its fresh, bright flavors that reflect the island’s essence.

7. Ron Artesano White Rum: This handcrafted white rum, which is yet to be available on the mainland, showcases a distinct taste reminiscent of Agricole rum.

With Bad Bunny’s impactful performance at the Super Bowl and the subsequent celebration of Puerto Rican culture, now is an ideal time to explore the island’s remarkable rums. For those eager to dive deeper, a visit to Puerto Rico may be the perfect opportunity.

After Bad Bunny’s recent Grammy wins and impressive halftime show, interest in Puerto Rican rum has surged. Search data from Total Wine shows a 261% increase in searches for Puerto Rican rum following the Super Bowl. The creamy national beverage, coquito, also saw a staggering 504% rise in searches.

Claudia Balanta, a bartender at Milly’s in Brooklyn, notes that Puerto Rico’s diverse rum styles—from light and clean to aged, complex varieties—highlight the island’s status as the rum capital of the world. Rum reflects Puerto Rican culture, symbolizing both pride and a rich history, including the sorrowful aspects associated with colonialism. LyAnna Sanabria, co-founder and beverage director at Papi Portland, emphasizes that rum is a point of pride amid Puerto Rico’s complex past.

Bad Bunny’s halftime show resonated deeply with Puerto Ricans, showcasing cultural elements that incited a sense of communal pride. Jeremy Ortiz from La Factoría shared his emotional response to the performance, expressing gratitude for the representation of Puerto Rico’s identity.

As Puerto Rican rum serves as a vehicle for connection and celebration, bartending experts recommend several notable varieties for those looking to explore this vibrant spirit:

1. Bacardí Reserva Ocho
   An eight-year-aged rum known for its light, smooth qualities and hazelnut notes, making it a great introduction to aged rum.

2. Ron del Barrilito Three Star
   Celebrated for its rich flavors of caramelized sugarcane and almonds, this rum symbolizes both personal journeys and deep cultural significance.

3. Ron Pepón Agricola
   This unique sugarcane-based rum offers herbaceous funk and sweet vanilla essence, presenting a fresh twist that’s garnered attention for its distinct flavor profile.

4. Don Q PX Aged Cask
   Aged in PX sherry casks, this rum boasts raisin and orange flavors, offering complexity suitable for both beginners and seasoned rum enthusiasts.

5. Palo Viejo
   Although considered a value brand, this white rum plays an essential role in cocktails like Chichaito, embodying Puerto Rican drinking culture.

6. Rincón Rum
   A representation of Puerto Rican craft rum, Rincón offers bright, fresh flavors which are perfect for those seeking an uncomplicated spirit.

7. Ron Artesano White Rum
   Known for its handcrafted distilling process, this rum presents a unique profile that combines characteristics of traditional rums with a fresh finish.

The surge in interest for Puerto Rican rum highlights its importance in cultural identity and community bonding, encouraging both locals and newcomers to engage with these unique expressions of the island’s rich heritage.

Colorado has been experiencing a whiskey renaissance in recent years, gaining accolades and recognition for its craft spirits. Among the latest to make waves in the scene is Onyx & Amber, a company that diverges from the traditional distillery model. Instead of producing its own spirits, Onyx & Amber sources whiskey from established distillers, ages it, and skillfully blends it to create unique offerings.

In December, they launched a special release that has caught the attention of whiskey enthusiasts. Named the Guest Blender Series Blend No. 1, the blend was crafted in collaboration with Ryan Negley, a respected figure in Colorado’s whiskey community, known for his work at Peach Street Distillers and Deerhammer. His prior blends have garnered awards from prestigious competitions, enhancing the excitement around this new release.

This particular whiskey has a robust 111.6 proof, but it surprises with its smoothness, featuring delicate notes of anise, violet, and maple on the nose, while the palate presents rich flavors of leather, caramelized sugar, and a hint of tobacco. The blend is designed to engage both seasoned connoisseurs and casual whiskey drinkers alike.

Ryan Negley expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that this project marked his first independent venture outside of established brands. He founded his consulting service, Will Whiskey for Work, last summer, aiming to assist craft distillers facing challenges in the post-distillation process.

Onyx & Amber’s founders—Ben Rosen, Brian Vaught, Matt Krumholz, Kenneth Bunn, and Cascade LeSage—view their brand as a passion project. They aim to democratize whiskey, enabling consumers to choose from a wider selection than what has become customary in today’s competitive market. Rosen, who has been building a whiskey community since he took over the Colorado Bourbon and Rye Collectors club, emphasized the importance of allowing stores to sample from multiple barrels for their selections.

The company has been proactively building its inventory, acquiring barrels from the renowned MGP Ingredients and aging them in Colorado to leverage the state’s distinct climatic conditions. This strategy has resulted in a diverse storage of over 260 barrels among various locations.

In April, Onyx & Amber debuted a tasting room near Empower Field, allowing whiskey fans to explore their offerings firsthand. The first release from the Guest Blender Series is priced at $87.99 and is available for purchase online and at local establishments.

This initiative celebrates both established and emerging blenders, giving them a chance to shine by creating expressions that reflect their unique identities while also putting the blender’s expertise front and center, rather than obscured by branding.