Everyone is talking about the anticipated Rum River Festival.

The Executive Director of Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Kim Young, states that rubber ducks are a common sight at the event. However, this year will stand out due to a big surprise.

“The Duck, declared as the ‘World’s Largest Rubber’, stands at an impressive six stories high, approximately 61 feet tall. It’ll overshadow any building we have here in Princeton, making it a sight worth seeing.”

Young expressed her astonishment over the successful booking of this colossal attraction. She reflects that locking it down for 2024 was perceived as a far-fetched, possibly even silly, concept.

“I thought, ‘Oh! Well, this would be kind of fun to bring the world’s largest rubber duck.’ And, so, they have a form on their website, I filled out the form, sent it off, and didn’t really think much of it. They called me back a couple of weeks later, and he was really excited that it would be a really good fit.”

She believes this is the first time the giant rubber duck has been at an event south of Duluth, so move over Duck Dodgers and Howard the Duck, Princeton is mallard for the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, on display June 7th to the 9th. The more traditional variety of rubber ducks race down the Rum River on that Friday night, with the winners claiming cash prizes.

A full list of Rum River Festival activities is here.

___

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This month, Bushmills‘ Rare Casks series comes to a conclusion with the release of a new 31-year-old Irish single malt whiskey. This is the oldest one in the series, and it was matured unlike any of the other releases—this whiskey spent more than half its time aging inside virgin oak barrels, the same type that are used to mature bourbon.

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All of the whiskeys in the Rare Casks series are older single malts that got lengthy maturation periods in different types of barrels: The first release was a 28-year-old single malt that spent 17 years in Cognac casks sourced from France; the second was a 29-year-old single malt which spent that same amount of time in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks from Spain; and the third was a 30-year-old whiskey that spent 17 years in first-fill Madeira wine barrels. Rare Cask 04 is a 31-year-old single malt that spent 14 years maturing in ex-bourbon and sherry casks before being moved into new American oak barrels that were toasted to Bushmills‘ specifications, and over the past few years the whiskey was watched over by Alex Thomas, who was appointed master blender in 2021.

Buy Now on ReserveBar: $2,600

According to the brand, this secondary maturation was meant to mark “the deep-rooted connections between Ireland and the United States,” which makes sense given that bourbon must be aged in new charred oak, and after being used once those barrels are sent to Ireland, Scotland, and other countries to be refilled with whiskey (and whisky) as well as other spirits. We got an early sample of the new Rare Cask 04, and it’s an elegant and refined Irish single malt. Despite having spent so long in new oak, which can sometimes overwhelm a spirit, the palate is a spicy fruit bowl that is bursting with fresh red berries, orange, apple, vanilla, black pepper, and chocolate. There is a bit of tannic char present as well, but surely the more forgiving climate of Northern Ireland, as compared to Kentucky, allowed this whiskey to soak up flavor from virgin oak without going overboard.

There are just 780 bottles available of Bushmills Rare Cask 04, which has a price tag of $2,600. You can currently find it for sale via ReserveBar, along with the entire Bushmills catalog of blended whiskeys and single malts.

Buy Now on ReserveBar: $2,600

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Uncle Nearest’s rise in the spirits industry continues to accelerate.

The whiskey brand, founded in 2016 by Fawn Weaver to pay tribute to Nathan “Nearest” Green, a former slave who taught Jack Daniel whiskey distillation techniques, is now available in 30,000 establishments, including bars, hotels, and restaurants across 12 countries, as previously reported by AFROTECH™.

Bloomberg’s latest report indicates Weaver’s aspirations for a larger stake in the spirits market. This attitude has led the company to acquire organic vodka maker Square One Organic Spirits.

Weaver also refers to a resolved legal conflict between Diageo Plc and Sean “Diddy” Combs over his vodka brand as an influencing factor in her latest acquisition, emphasizing a gap in the market and the significance of black-owned vodka brands taking up space. Major companies like Diageo PLC and LVMH, whose valuations total around $79 billion and $423 billion respectively, heavily dominate the market, the report says.

Uncle Nearest is gaining significantly in the industry, with its valuation close to unicorn status, as it’s worth is over $900 million after the recent acquisition, as Weaver mentions. The details of how much Uncle Nearest paid for Square One Organic Spirits are not shared, but the acquisition was financed through the company’s Series E funding round.

“There are a lot of requests coming in for brands that are authentically owned and culturally relevant,” stated Weaver in the news release provided to AFROTECH™. “Customers are becoming more particular and are looking for products that deliver high quality and also showcase real ties with the cultures they reflect.”

Further, she added, “This move towards authenticity has developed an important opportunity for a firm like ours. Uncle Nearest’s extensive country-wide distribution network combined with our serious commitment to heritage and authenticity place us as a perfect fit to cater to this rising demand. By introducing to the vodka market, we are not only diversifying our portfolio, but also answering a consumer demand for transparent and culturally connected brands.”

In the coming future, Square One Organic Spirits will rebrand under the guidance of The Formulation Group, with fresh gluten-free vodka choices and scale to all states in the country. Allison Evanow, the founder of the company, will still have a leadership role.

“While we have really loved being an independent brand so that we could focus on quality organic ingredients and unique flavor profiles, the intense demands of handling nearly all sales personally underscored the need for stronger backing,” Evanow said in the news release. “Uncle Nearest will not only preserve our independent spirit and world class quality, but also bring the robust sales and distribution capabilities we need to reach our full potential.”

World Whisky Day has arrived! This international festivity seeks to celebrate some of the finest spirits on earth, and our excitement to partake in the merriment cannot be understated. Be it bourbon, single malt or rye, there are remarkably superior and distinctive whiskies being crafted worldwide. To assist you in discerning among the highlighted whisky/whiskey-producing nations and partake in the revelry, we compiled this list celebrating the most under-estimated, as well as some of the topmost from each area.

A quick pointer for those less familiar – The spelling “whiskey” is mainly adopted in the United States while “whisky” is generally used worldwide. There are folkways that deviate from this norm, but for clear understanding, we’ll apply both spellings where relevant throughout the compilation.

With that clarified, let us proceed to the main course. Presenting the top and most overlooked whiskies from the ten leading whisky-producing countries globally!

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $70

Morris of Rutherglen, established in the mid-1800s, has long been ingrained in the alcohol production industry. Their latest release is a whisky aged for a minimum of 3 years, which then undergoes a finishing process in the winery’s fortified wine barrels. This wholly Australian product embodies a fusion of family tradition and local heritage.

Flavour Profile:

Aroma: The aroma unfolds an enchanting bouquet of red fruits, chiefly vibrant cherries, delivered by the fortified wine finish. Undertones of leather and grain add complexity.

Taste: Upon tasting, the grain proudly asserts itself, reminiscent of the comforting taste of Honey Nut Cheerios, augmented by nuances of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red fruits.

Finish: The finish is refreshingly simple yet captivating, characterised by a delicate spice of black pepper that enhances the grainy profile, and sealed with a final hint of red berries.

Final Thoughts:

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With Morris Australian Signature Single Malt Whisky, you may not find layers of complexity, but you will definitely enjoy its simple and delightful taste, enticing you to explore more of the region’s unique wines.

ABV: 48%

Average Price:

$160

Established in 2007, Starward holds the title of Australia’s leading whisky producer, and their latest offing easily ranks among the finest in the region. They have coordinated a collaboration with Lagavulin that has eventuated in an exclusive release in the United States. The unique touch to this release is its 18-month finish in the brand’s peated Islay whisky barrels.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The whisky’s aroma is dominated by vibrant cherries and roasted pineapples, along with a subtle touch of smoke. Swirling the drink around reveals a sharper note of white pepper and allspice, complemented by a hint of sweet honey.

Palate: These notes carry forward onto the palate, where the influence of the Islay whisky casks becomes unmissable. A smoke-laden gust swathes the tongue, lavishing it with the same tangy fruit flavors. Once the initial surprise fades, the palate is graced with the flavors of black tea and honey-coated baklava.

Finish: The finish carries a soft undertone of leather, coupled with recurring notes of roasted pineapple and a delicate peaty touch. This makes for an agreeable experience from the beginning to the end.

In Conclusion:

This pour is conspicuously indulgent. It presents a multitude of flavors, thanks to the combined attributes of the base whisky and the finishing cask. This amalgamation of flavors not only exhibits equilibrium, but it also serves as a testament to the prowess of the top distillery in Australia.

ABV: 50.35%

Average Price: $195

Rare Perfection is a label produced by Preservation Distillery, located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Although the whisky is distilled and aged in Canada, it utilizes a “bourbon mash bill.” The mash bill is primarily corn-based with wheat, rye, and malted barley serving as flavoring grains.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The inaugural aroma is uniquely rich, layered with butterscotch, shredded coconut, clove, and warm brioche — it strikes a remarkable resemblance to traditional bourbon notes as opposed to Canadian whisky.

Palate: Palate-wise, the creamy butterscotch flavor is profound, mingling well with accents of coconut against a backdrop of woodchips, nectarines, and graham crackers.

Finish: The finale note carries slight essence of cracked black pepper and a uniquely sweet maple candy profile. It benefits from having a long-lasting yet moderately viscous texture.

Bottom Line:

Canadian whisky is excellent when it showcases sweetness without being treacly and delivers flavor without scorching your palate with proof. That’s exactly what Rare Perfection 14 Year achieves, and that’s why it’s one of the most underrated Canadian whiskies on the market.

ABV: 78.9%

Average Price: $200

Obtainium Canadian Whisky from Cats Eye Distillery is a range of sourced corn whisky that hits some truly eye-popping proof points. For their Obtainium range they utilize all sourced whisky and this particular offering is 100% corn whisky distilled at about 160 proof and then aged in used rye barrels from Palliser Distillery.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Initial high heat gives way to notes of corn pudding, vanilla extract, hints of rye spice, and mild oak tannins.

Palate: Intense white heat hits the palate first, causing a sensory shock before blooming into rich flavors of butterscotch, honey, sweet corn, and vanilla candy.

Finish: The finish brings forth the taste of freshly ground black pepper and the impact of oak tannins, which are mellowed out by additional corn pudding and sweet sticky toffee.

Bottom Line:

Obtainium by Cats Eye Distillery is not a drink for the meek, but is a worthwhile exploration for those curious about what makes the extreme ABV of some Canadian whiskies irresistible. It’s not merely the high heat that makes this drink worth trying, but also the blend of smooth flavors contrasting with the daring proof point.

ABV: 48%

Average Price: $116

As a richer version of Brenne’s flagship French Single Malt Whiskey, Brenne Ten encompasses four specially chosen barrels of self-distilled whiskey by Brenne which has aged through the blend of new French Limousin oak and Cognac casks.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The light sensation of Brenne’s single malt distillate undergoes a transformation, incorporating more herb flavor, a significant aroma of golden raisins, and the pleasant addition of baking spices such as tarragon.

Palate: The taste brings forth a lush mix of dried red fruits and apricots, accompanied by hints of cinnamon, cake frosting, and diluted maple syrup.

Finish: Leaving a subtly sweet aftertaste, the finish introduces leading notes of black tea, vanilla, and butterscotch.

Bottom Line:

Brenne Ten showcases a richness and depth in its flavors that truly reflect the exceptional skill of the distillery’s blending team. The drink’s full-bodied texture, paired with the unmistakable differentiation between each flavor, defines the drinking experience.

ABV: 55%

Average Price: $185

The Blavier 2003 from Version Françes, which was distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2023, is distinctive for its blend of whiskies produced using both pot and column stills. These single malt whiskies undergo additional maturing in ex-red wine casks sourced from Jura.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: On the nose this whisky is bursting with varied notes like rancio walnut shell, brioche buns, and the strong fruity influence of sherry that all comes together magnificently.

Palate: On the palate those sherry notes definitely shine and take the lead but they’re buttressed by cocoa powder, tomato paste, and cardamom.

Finish: The finish sees an uptick in citrus notes with some orange blossom and black pepper joining the fray along with some faint leather aspects that seemingly last forever.

Bottom Line:

The Blavier 2003 expression from Version Françes is not only the pinnacle of their recent releases, but it’s also among the very best French whiskies available on the market. By exploring a depth of flavors and displaying them with refinement, Version Françes succeeds in every way with their Blavier 2003 release.

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $75

Introduced in 2004, Amrut Single Malt Indian Whisky is a definitive representation of whiskies from India. This spirit is produced from 100% 6-row malted barley, distilled using twin pot stills in Bengaluru, India, and fermented over a span of five days.

Flavor Profile:

Description: The aroma of this whisky immediately reminds one of Scottish single malt whiskies, featuring prominent citrus hints embodied in orange peel and lemon custard. This initial scent gradually gives way to more nuanced undertones of toasted malt, vanilla pods, dried apricots, and a doughy, bread-like note.
Upon the palate, Amrut Single Malt extends the nose’s features, but enhances them with a smoother texture, richer vanilla essence, and the well-blended trace of dark chocolate.
The finish, of medium length, brings out the doughy notes detected in the scent, accompanied by gentle hints of oak and a sweet, creamy custard.

Final Thoughts:

Considering the accomplished status of one of India’s premier whiskies, it’s somewhat unjust to label Amrut Single Malt as “underrated”. It remarkably combines a blend of flavors that appeases the masses while subtly embracing a complex formulation.

ABV: 60.5%

Average Price: $800

This peated, pot-distilled Indian Single Malt Whiskey incorporates locally harvested 6-row barley. The brew is matured in ex-PX sherry casks, resulting in a robust 121 proof spirit at bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A grand festival of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate bits teases the senses initially. It graduates to a broader palette of smoke, saffron, and hazelnut to enhance the aromatic landscape.

Palate: The flavor indulges in the sweetness of candied ginger and roasted plums, preceded by a hint of mocha and malt chocolate that complements the nose notes perfectly.

Finish: As the journey ends, the smoky leather essence catches the trail, but is pleasantly overpowered by nutty and dried fruity undertones, creating an enduring aftertaste.

Bottom Line:

As with the other ‘bests’ on this compilation, the 2023 Diwali Collector’s Edition from Indri hits an ace in delivering a flavorful depth that is uniquely rare. Its multitude of defined flavors spices up the experience, earning it a spot amongst the world’s best whiskies.

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $120

The 16-year expression from Bushmills undergoes a triple distillation process before being matured for more than 15 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Following this maturation process, the whisky is rested for another 9 months in port pipes.

Tasting Profile:

Aromas: The primary aromas are of ripe red apples and juicy orange rind. Backing these fruity notes are subtle hints of leather and mulling spices, rounded off with the scent of fresh pecans.

Tastes: The initial fruity aromas evolve into a vibrant mix on the palate, with the addition of velvety butterscotch, tobacco leaf, cinnamon bark, and a surprising hint of marzipan making their presence felt.

Aftertaste: The medium-length farewell is pleasantly warming, with the dominance of cinnamon and leather providing a soothing, spice-filled goodbye.

Final Verdict:

Bushmills is famous for making whiskies of superb quality with a high age statement; the epitome of their craftsmanship is the Bushmills Aged 25 Years. This impeccable pour remains somewhat unknown, but it shouldn’t be passed over.

ABV: 53.1%

Average Price: $20,000

Midleton’s Very Rare collection, introduced in 1984, is among the most costly Irish distillers’ yearly expressions. Every release is unique, and the 40th-anniversary tribute to distilling expertise, completed in port barrels, is Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman’s third.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The scent of red berries melds with the blissful notes of malted chocolate, honeycomb, sandalwood, and mellow oak from its rest in the port barrels.

Palate: The palate reveals the delightful paring of chocolate and red berries, like tasting chocolate wafers and fresh raspberries. At mid-taste, a hint of honey and graham cracker emerges, completing the taste journey.

Finish: The finish introduces a dash of white pepper along with a rich, viscous texture that clings to your palate long after you’ve swallowed.

Bottom Line:

In their 40th ode to the art of distillation, Midleton Very Rare’s Ruby Edition takes you on a historical and flavorful ride. The blend of three unique casks further enhanced by ruby port finishing results in an elevated taste profile.

ABV: 42%

Average Price: $83

Hakata 10-Year Sherry Cask Whisky is an introductory brew from the Hakata collection, produced in Fukuoka, Japan from completely malted barley. A fraction of the barley undergoes koji-fermentation and the complete whisky is matured in former sherry casks.

Tasting Annotations:

Smell: Instantly, you can identify notes of umami, clove, lemon cream, cinnamon, and sage. Each of these flavors blend perfectly yet keeping their individual essence intact.

Taste: When you taste this whisky, it’s brimming with flavors like raisin, orange zest, more umami, accompanied by a slight hint of nuttiness. All these flavors come together in harmony providing good balance, solid mouthfeel that cling onto your taste buds allowing each flavor to unfurl.

Aftertaste: The aftertaste is dominated by umami flavor, a hint of nuttiness, and predominantly — the fruity notes imparted by the sherry cask. Additionally, traces of freshly ground pepper spice contribute to the medium-lasting finish.

Final Verdict: A bottle bursting with flavors and overflowing with inventiveness is what makes this a standout.

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $8,500

This blend of malt and grain whiskies, hand-selected and mingled by Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo and his team, marks the first time in Hibiki’s storied history that they’ve utilized Mizunara oak for an expression. Created to honor the 100th anniversary of the House of Suntory, this limited-time offering was released in 2023.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this whisky is utterly impressive with a delicate balance between star fruit, jasmine blooms, and kumquat. The aroma of Japanese sandalwood is also prominent, and likely brought forth by the Mizunara casks.

Palate: On the palate there’s a strong floral aspect with sandalwood and even acacia bark blooming across the roof of the mouth, and clover honey finding root along the periphery of the tongue.

Finish: The floral notes continue to blossom on the lengthy finish that’s only reigned in by the delight in parsing the differences between them. Sometimes jasmine, at other times lavender or dried coriander, they all have something to contribute.

Bottom Line:

Hibiki is a prominent whisky worldwide, and for their centennial bottling, they daringly included one of Japan’s prevalent oak types for the first. The results are extraordinary and genuinely demonstrate the magnificence of what Japanese whisky can achieve globally.

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $60

Gran Maizal Corn Whiskey utilizes nal t’eel, acknowledged as one of the oldest grains discovered in the Yucatan Peninsula, paying respect to tradition in an unheralded manner. The whiskey is subsequently rested with vanilla pods and cacao nibs.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: You will encounter floral fragrances once you pour this whiskey, a contribution from the vanilla pods. The scent of nixtamalized maize fills the air, accompanied by clover honey, paprika hints, and a dash of cocoa powder.

Palate: The most noticeable flavors on the palate are responsible to vanilla extract, corn chips, and maple candy. The subtlety of cacao nibs introduces the taste of wet tobacco leaf and a hazelnut element that completes the flavor profile.

Finish: As for the finish, the cacao nibs stand out as they create a lingering taste of cocoa in the medium-length finish.

Bottom Line:

Cesar Ayala, the founder of Gran Maizal, deserves recognition for leading nal t’eel. Apart from simply acknowledging this ancient grain, Gran Maizal is crafting a deeply captivating whiskey. A tribute to regional history and a flavor-packed path into the future.

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $47

Abasolo Whisky is arguably the most recognized variant in the segment. This NAS whisky originated from the first farm-to-whisky distillery in Mexico, and is brewed from non-GMO Cacahuazintle corn, a heritage of 200 generations of Mexican farmers.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The dominating smell of corn nuts, characteristic of Mexican whiskies, is undeniably present, punctuated by a slight sweet tinge. The overt note of buttercream frosting follows, accompanied by subtle undercurrents of stone fruits, chocolate, and a hint of an elusive herbaceous note, making for a delightful experience.

Palate: This herbaceous factor metamorphoses into mint leaves and nopales on the palate, complemented by hints of charred green pepper, cane sugar, and the quintessential field corn that round out the party.

Finish: The finish is remembered by the charred green pepper, cake frosting, and corn hints. The texture of the spirit is quite minimalist, which translates to a lean texture and a curt but pleasurable finish to the drink.

Final Verdict:

Mexican whiskey, similar to several others on our list, tends to highlight the premium characteristics of its homegrown grains. Abasolo is a prime example. Its grain-rich profile pays respect to the deep-rooted history of the area, making it an exquisite choice for the World Whisky Day celebration.

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $200

Oloroso, PX, and Moscatel casks lend their distinct uniqueness to this “Triple Sherry Cask” whiskey of Taiwan brewed by Kavalan. Although it doesn’t have a specified age statement and the mash bill remains uncertain, it’s widely believed to contain at least 51% malted barley and aged for a minimum of 4 years.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The distinct sweet sherry notes provide the primary characteristic for the aromas in this whisky. Accompanying these are light indications of Brazil nuts, freshly cracked black pepper, nutmeg, and floral elements that resemble perfume.

Palate: The taste is filled with lavish red berries, emphasizing on raisins, fresh raspberries, and dried cherries. As the experience continues, enjoy hints of milk chocolate and espresso with a substantial, not excessively thick, texture on the tongue.

Finish: A fairly long finish where vibrant berries and cherries take the lead, supported by flavors of milk chocolate, and oak tannins.

Bottom Line:

This whisky is indeed a “sherry bomb”, yet the mastery lies in its balance of the various sherry varieties, while allowing room for the base whisky notes to come forward. This finely crafted expression from Kavalan deserves more recognition.

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $160

The Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak Single Malt is a lesser concentrated version of the highly praised Kavalan Solist expression, it uses Taiwanese spring water to bring it down to an ABV of 46%.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The fragrance of this whisky is heavily influenced by the Oloroso Sherry, with the dominant scent of dates, figs, and red berries. This fruity aroma is supported by a hint of nuttiness akin to cashews, and amplified by mixed spices, pound cake and dust from chocolate truffles.

Palate: Every sip showcases ripe parts of red berries along with marzipan, vanilla pastry impressions, and candied orange wheel flavors that uplift the whole experience. The whisky’s smooth texture adds to its allure, making it an absolute joy to uncover each of those flavors as they are exquisitely presented and highly refined.

Finish: The finish uncovers the mixed spices, vanilla extract, and a slight hint of cracked pepper, providing a balance to the sweeter, fruitier notes detected at the front and middle of the palate.

Bottom Line:

Although the Triple Sherry Cask release from Kavalan may not have the same recognition, demonstrating their blending prowess, the Oloroso Sherry Oak expression narrows their focus on the utilization of finishing casks to propel their base spirit forward. It’s true that in their product line, more impressive options may exist, but the masterful balance in this one surely warrants significant praise.

ABV: 45.3%

Average Price: $6,000

The Gordon family, who own Willliam Grant & Sons, originated the product line of House of Hazelwood with the idea of distributing their large inventory of unique whisky. The whisky in focus here was distilled back in 1972 and aged in casks of European and American oak. This was followed by a fifteen-year secondary aging process in active ex-bourbon barrels. The final product comes with a 50-year age statement.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: At the first whiff, one can sense the complexity with waves of thick toffee sweetness paired with a subtle floral hint, rich malted chocolate, and faint whiffs of hazelnut spread.

Palate: The richness of this whisky is most notable in the palate. The promise of toffee from the nose comes through, mingling with orange marmalade, chocolate truffle powder, and lemon buttercream. The texture is noteworthy, transmitting a sensation from the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth.

Finish: As the whisky finishes, malted chocolate reappears on the flavor wheel, and rich toffee adheres to the back of your teeth, providing a long-lasting and extremely satisfying experience.

Bottom Line:

Despite its recent appearance on the scene in 2022, House of Hazelwood boasts a rich history in the industry and an exquisitely curated collection of well-aged Scotch whisky. In their top-of-the-line Charles Gordon Collection, only “A Singular Blend” carries a higher age statement, but none can surpass the overarching quality.

ABV: 53.6%

Average Price: $50,000

The Port Ellen Gemini Remnant Cask is the second sibling in a set of whiskies from the Port Ellen distillery. The distillery was rekindled to life by Diageo in March 2024 after it had been shuttered for 40 years. In 1983, this whisky expression was distilled and saved. Since then, it has spent the remaining period of its 44-year maturation developing in what is commonly referred to as a remnant cask, originally from the Port Ellen distillery, that was re-seasoned.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The scent of the whiskey is potent with vivacious raspberries, belying the time it spent maturing. Along with these come the aromas of sugary ginger, restrained smokiness, marzipan, and a dash of tantalizing salinity. Complementing these notes are the subtle hints of leather, coconut flakes, and clove.

Palate: Upon tasting, the raspberries and candied ginger truly stand out. The smoky influence that was subtly hinted at in the scent, becomes more pronounced on the palate. It comes accompanied by dried apricot and poached pear flavors that lend a subtle sweetness that is worth the discovery.

Finish: The whiskey leaves behind a lingering delight of toasted coconut flakes, pleasing raspberry sweetness, and leather. To close off the experience is a gentle smoky blanket that extends throughout the lengthy finish.

Bottom Line:

In a delightful two-for-one arrangement, we have the Remnant Cask and its twin, the Port Ellen Gemini Original. The Gemini Original gives you a delightful taste of Port Ellen’s history, while the Remnant Cask boasts of a stronger flavor and a thicker texture, reminiscent of the significant past it carries. Amongst the Scotch whiskies in today’s world, this stands out as one of the best.

ABV: 47%

Average Price: $130 (Exclusive to the distillery)

Nameed Stranahan’s Snowflake, this limited annual expression is known to have varieties that differ with each release. Past expressions have seen flavors like reposado tequila and chocolate stour. However, the jaw-dropping 2023 release had a mix of several finishing casks including sherry, ruby port, rum, Islay quarter-casks, and mezcal. It’s worth noting that the base liquids utilized in this blend aged for 6-8 years, even before reaching these finishing casks.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma of this whisky is characterized by subtle smokiness reminiscent of a distant brush fire, evoking notes of pine, stewed fruits- think along the lines of peaches and red cherries- and candied blood orange rinds. Faint traces of agave syrup waft out of the glass, with an overarching subtle smoky scent enriching all of these elements.

Palate: On tasting, the delightful amalgamation of fruity flavors is discernible, evolving on a gentle smoky layer while being balanced by agave syrup, candied ginger and a slight earthiness. The texture is sturdy yet restrained, showing the deft dexterity commonly associated with agile athletes.

Finish: The finale sees the elements of herbaceousness, smokiness, and ripeness of the fruit flavors coming together in a pleasing symphony. The velvety texture helps in this process, providing ample opportunity for these flavors to merge during the lingering aftermath.

Bottom Line:

ABV: 50.7%

Average Price: $300

Old Cassidy signifies the newest creation from one of the most sought-after bourbon brands of this year — Rare Character. This particular single barrel selection was chosen by no other than the chief whiskey critic at UPROXX, Frank Dobbins III (myself), in September of the year 2023. The source of this bourbon has been kept undisclosed but it originates from Kentucky and has been aged for almost 11 years, with the final product being bottled in March of 2024.

Tasting Overview:

Smell: The inaugural scent of this rich and indulgent bourbon is that of cherry strudel, baked phyllo dough and toasted almonds. This is soon followed by notes of clove, nutmeg, peanut brittle, and a smooth scent of milk chocolate.

Taste: Tasting this bourbon reveals the generously sweet flavors of cherry syrup and milk chocolate, reminiscent of cherry cordials, supported by the presence of allspice, soft buttercream and peanut brittle. Further tasting brings out subtle notes of sage and glossy leather that lend a well-rounded balance to the overwhelmingly sweet flavor profile.

Aftertaste: The lingering flavor is distinguished by a hint of tobacco leaf and the persistence of the milk chocolate and cherry tastes. The aftertaste lasts for a medium-to-long duration and ends on a pleasantly sweet note, inviting continuous drinking to reinstate the experience.

Final Thoughts:

It is with utmost reverence that I acknowledge the delectable whiskeys crafted across the length and breadth of the U.S. Yet, amongst them all, for me, the Old Cassidy label unmistakably stands out. It is why it has been selected. This specific label is slated to be a unique, single-release expression for 2024, and there is a chance that it may even be the only release from the brand. This fact accentuates the distinctiveness of the bottle. Keeping its rarity aside, this bourbon truly deserves its place at the top tier of the Rare Character portfolio, and amongst the world’s best whiskies.

Meili Vodka, originating from Montana, has been awarded Best in Show vodka scoring an impressive 95 points.

The third annual TAG Global Spirits Awards in Las Vegas just concluded, and over the coming days, I’m looking forward to sharing notable highlights with you, starting with the top-rated vodka featured above. But first, let’s brief you on what precisely TAG is and why their evaluations matter.

Marking its presence in the crowded domain of spirits award shows is TAG, an acronym for Tony Abou-Ganim, who penned the work The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails & Vodka Distilled. He invested years on the esteemed panels of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, often considered the grail of all, before launching this one together with Julio Bermejo, an expert on tequila and currently the beverage manager of the iconic Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, and David Graphsi, a significant figure in international spirits supplies and distribution. They’re joined by around a dozen more industry stalwarts, among them Dale DeGroff and Charlotte Voisey.

Sean Ludford, the executive director, says that “TAG is unlike others”. This year’s panel dedicated specific time to taste and identify those unique attributes that distinguish one product from others. Ultimately, they appraise each product based on a five-point scale of Sapidity — a Latin term meaning to possess and manifest flavour, taste, and savouriness.

That metric was applied to hundreds of bottlings to narrow all entries down to 56 “Best In Shows,” 99 “Finalists,” and 86 “Best Buys.” The Finalist and Best Buy classifications were both introduced in the 2024 awards.

When the time came to taste all the vodka, one bottle was conspicuously superior. The champion (scoring 95 out of 100 possible points) was Meili, a boutique brand that originates from the rugged mountains of Western Montana. The 80-proof spirit, pronounced (MAY-lee), was launched in early 2023 by actor Jason Momoa and his longtime friend and craftsman Blaine Halvorson. The brand creates uniqueness by sourcing farm fresh grains as close to the distillery as possible, and by using one of the “purest water sources on earth” — as determined by EPA standards.

Momoa, who is actually a considerable scotch enthusiast himself, was persuaded to join the venture after Halvorson convinced him that a well-crafted vodka can indeed be sippable—and flavorful—alone, even without adding ice. It’s all about the excellence of the base ingredients. While Meili doesn’t disclose the precise grains used, it’s suspected that some corn is in the distillate due to the subtle sweetness it has (and because it identifies as gluten-free). It has a lovely hint of vanilla on the nose, and there’s a delightful hint of candied citrus zest on the palate.

What you won’t detect here are any traces of ethanol burn. This is an enjoyable pour from the aroma to the finish. It’s easy to understand how it captivated the professional palates at TAG. You can form your own opinion, by purchasing a bottle of the spirit for $30. Recognizable on shelves due to its shiny, slightly iridescent packaging, made entirely from post-consumer recycled glass.

Stay tuned for more Best In Show outcomes from the TAG Global Spirits Awards in the upcoming days!

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: A sighting of Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa at Total Wine & More. They are promoting Meili Vodka at Grove Central on January 19, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photographed by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images)

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