The Mistake is a whiskey that was accidentally created.

The folks at Natterjack Irish Whiskey made a mistake, but they decided to roll with it. They also decided that, since it was made in error, to call it The Mistake.

A serendipitous production mishap, the new whiskey is the result of taking their regular whiskey, which marries both Irish and American aging techniques, and accidentally leaving it in 46 of the producer’s Virgin American oak casks for an additional year.

Natterjack traditionally finishes its Irish Whiskey for just one year. Featured in three different bottle label designs, The Mistake will be available at select Total Wine & More stores and other fine wine & spirit retailers. A limited number will also be available for purchase online at shop.natterjack.com. The Mistake has 46 percent alcohol by volume, and the suggested retail price is $58.99. Like other Natterjack whiskeys, The Mistake is distributed in 14 states including New York, Florida, Illinois, Texas, California and more.

“This was a very happy accident,” said Aidan Mehigan, founder and CEO of Natterjack Irish Whiskey. “After discovering the barrels, we opened one of them and there was this burst of hickory barbecue and toasted walnut aromas.”

“At first taste, we could tell right away there was double the flavor and extract, and powerful oak,” he says. “That’s when we knew we had something special.”

The Mistake is aged first in former bourbon barrels for three and a half years. The liquid is then finished in a Virgin American oak cask for two years using a char level of 4.

Mehigan’s whiskeys marry both Irish and American whiskey making heritage. “I absolutely love bourbon so to me the thought of producing a whiskey using both Irish and American techniques just made sense,” Mehigan says, explaining that his whiskeys are aged first in barrels were used to make bourbon before being finished in virgin American oak casks.

On the nose, The Mistake releases those aromas of hickory barbecue and toasted walnut, followed by singed cinnamon and seared orange zest. Sweet almond then gives way to leather and grain, or saddle and feed. Upon the first sip, there is vanilla bean on the front palate giving way to a blast of anise or licorice. Notes of powerful oak come with warm molasses, toffee and a touch of Granny Smith apple, with a long hug of a finish.

The three different labels for it all feature a special toad, the natterjack, which is the only toad found in Ireland. Mehigan suggests enjoying The Mistake in booze-forward cocktails like the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, or the Mint Julep. Two recipes featured for The Mistake are the Natterjack Irish Coffee Martini, which is made with 1.4 ounces The Mistake, 1 oz. coffee liqueur, 1 ounce espresso and one quarter ounce simple syrup, and One for the Toad, which is made with equal parts The Mistake and pineapple juice.

The Mistake is Mehigan’s third release. Natterjack debuted with Natterjack Irish Whiskey, which retails for $39.99 and has a 40 percent ABV, and Natterjack Cask Strength, which retails for $89.99 and has a 63 percent ABV.

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Rum can be produced through the fermentation and distillation of either molasses or sugarcane juice.

While Puerto Rico is renowned for its ultra-flavorful cuisine spanning from mofongo to arroz con gandules, it’s not just the food that keeps tourists coming to the island time and time again. Over the years, Puerto Rico has also established itself as one of the Caribbean’s most notable rum producers, with both world-renowned and small-scale operations found all across the island. Whether you’re a fan of boozy cocktails or prefer your spirits neat, the perfect Puerto Rican rum is just a flight away, with no shortage of surf, sand and sun to enjoy along the way.

Ron del Barrilito is produced in Bayamón, a municipality located west of San Juan.

Puerto Rico’s legacy of rum-making dates back centuries, and for those in search of a prestigious distillery that blends old-school sophistication with modern charm, there’s no beating Ron del Barrilito. This storied company serves as the oldest rum brand on the island, with the original recipe and aging method going unchanged since 1880—and today, rum aficionados are welcome to book a trip to the Ron del Barrilito visitor center for a glimpse into the spirit’s legacy. Opened in 2019, this facility provides an opportunity for guests to marvel at the preserved estate home, enroll in a mixology class, and—of course—sample Ron del Barrilito straight from the source. While the sherry barrel-aged 3 Stars is a particularly popular sipping rum thanks to its bold notes of chocolate and nougat, those hoping to craft the perfect piña colada should be sure to snag a bottle of 2 Stars, with the product’s vanilla-reminiscent flavor profile pairing perfectly with the sweet notes of tropical fruit.

For visitors that don’t want to stray too far from Viejo San Juan, Scryer Rum offers an idyllic escape in the form of their open-air rooftop patio—and to sweeten the deal, the venue also excels at the art of cocktails. While drinks range from banana-infused Spanish Harlems to classic Paper Planes, each one comes loaded with Scryer’s very own pot-distilled rum, with each pour offering complex notes imbued from the sherry and port barrel aging process. After a day spent exploring Viejo San Juan, ambitious visitors can make their way roughly ninety minutes southwest to discover Ponce, the home of the iconic Don Q. The best-selling rum on the island, this spirit made its official debut in 1934, and currently boasts flavors ranging from pineapple to coconut to key lime—all of which can be experienced firsthand during a rum tour at the dazzling Museo Castillo Serrallés.

Viejo San Juan was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark District in 1972.

After exploring the island’s most beloved distilleries, you may want to discover how Puerto Rican rum performs in a cocktail—and fortunately, Viejo San Juan is brimming with top-tier bars all within walking distance from each other. To kick off the visit, Antiguo 26 is a particularly sophisticated space that’s brimming with high-end craft cocktails, with options spanning from the Monchito 2020—a refreshing blend of citrus, rum and clarified pineapple punch—to the tropical fruit-loaded Not So Mai Tai. Further south, La Casita de Rones is certain to wow guests with its flower-clad waterfront patio, offering the perfect opportunity to snag a signature Coffee Old Fashioned and enjoy the breeze. And of course, no cocktail lover’s trip to Puerto Rico is complete with paying a visit to La Factoría. Equipped with six separate bars in one historic space, this vibrant venue has made regular appearances on the World’s 50 Best Bars list thanks to its exceptional craft cocktails, many of which come loaded with high-end rum.

Of course, there’s a wealth of can’t-miss cocktail bars to explore outside of Viejo San Juan limits as well. In the city’s Miramar district, Machete has earned abundant local acclaim for its laid-back atmosphere and flavorful cocktails, with rum-heavy options ranging from passion fruit-infused daiquiris to the Jibaro All-Star, a rich concoction that’s brimming with notes of mavi. Beyond city limits, those willing to venture into Bayamón will be richly rewarded with CaféStudio—a downtown venue that crafts top-tier coffee and cocktails—while those in need of one last drink before heading to the airport can make their way to Patio de las Flores, a colorful venue in the district of Parque Isla Verde. Upon arrival, guests can admire its dazzling murals before grabbing a craft cocktail from the bar, with the tropical fruit-forward C.R.E.A.M being a particularly suitable option for rum lovers.

The name “piña colada” translates to “strained pineapple” in English.

While there’s no shortage of flavorful cocktails to sample across the island, few can match the worldwide recognition enjoyed by the piña colada. This sugary blend of rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice first made its debut on San Juan soil, with most sources pointing to two venues in particular as its birthplace—and fortunately, both can still be visited today. On Viejo San Juan’s scenic Calle de la Fortaleza, Barrachina comes equipped with hearty seafood dishes and a plaque claiming to have first crafted the drink in 1963, while those in search of a second contender can make their way east to the Caribe Hilton hotel. First opened in 1949, this landmark venue claims to have crafted the first piña colada in 1954—and today, the on-property Caribar is perfect for sampling the cocktail after a day spent lounging by the hotel’s massive outdoor pool complex.

Puerto Rico’s year-round balmy climate makes the piña colada a perfect drink no matter what the season, but for December visitors in particular, no trip is complete without enjoying a glass of coquito. Often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog,” this decadent beverage is a rich blend of cream of coconut, condensed milk, rum, and a variety of winter spices, with each ingredient coming together to form a beloved Christmastime tradition in liquid form. Aforementioned venues like La Factoría and the Ron del Barrilito visitor center offer an opportunity to sample the drink, but for best results, you’ll need to befriend a local. Rather than purchase the drink from a store, many residents prefer to reach out to a friend or colleague that’s well-versed in the art of crafting coquito, with each individual producer adding their own unique blend of spices to the mix.

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Appleton Estate has announced the launch of Hearts Collection 1998, the latest release from the… [+] prestigious annual series.

A luxurious 25-year-old rum is being rolled out next month by the oldest, continuously operated rum distillery in Jamaica.

Appleton Estate is releasing the next installation in its Hearts Collection, the Hearts Collection 1998. This is the fourth release in the series, says Dr. Joy Spence, master blender, who collaborated with noted rum collector Luca Gargano to select the barrels.

“We decided on the name Heart Collection because the rum is aged in the heart of Jamaica, the pot still is the heart of all our rums, and it combines the hearts of two persons who are passionate about rum,” Spence says. “We selected 19 casks of this 1998 rum, and we created 2,700 bottles.”

The first Hearts Collection vintages were released in 2020, and the collection vintages tend to sell out in a matter of minutes at several locations around the world. The latest release, Hearts Collection 1998, will start rolling out in select, premium United States spirits retailers at the end of August, with a suggested retail price of $650 and an ABV of 63 percent.

“This rum has a very special place for me, as it was the heart of the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary blend, which celebrated my tenure at the estate,” says Spence, who began working at Appleton Estate 43 years ago as the chief chemist before she became the master blender.

“Hearts Collection 1998 closely replicates one of the rare marques used in the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend,” she says. “Its striking vanilla notes and silky finish make this an ideal rum for sipping and savoring.”

Each bottle also boasts a drawing of a heart, which is a replica of the hearts that Spence draw on bottles that she signs. The bottle also lists the exact numbers of each of the casks used to create this rum.

“When we did the 1994, the 1995, and the 1999, it sold out within five minutes,” she says. “Since then, everyone has been clamoring ‘When is the next one going to be released, when is the next one going to be released?’ And here we are with the 1998.”

The first sniff, Spence says, will reveal the top note of the rum, which is very herbal, fruity note. “That is very distinctive of our pot stills,” she says. Then, comes the sweetness from the molasses.

Spence recommends opening up the spirit with a little bit of water in a tasting glass, as that will better assist in the opening of the rum because of its 63 percent ABV. “Release that surface tension, and swirl the glass,” she says. “Now, we’re releasing ginger, smoked coffee, warm vanilla and subtle oak. The finish has nice fruity molasses, with that coffee and vanilla. Although it is at 63 percent, this complex rum doesn’t have that bite of alcohol that people would expect.”

This special rum, Spence says, is part of Appleton Estate’s “aggressive, innovation strategy.” “Every year, we are releasing new, limited time offerings to entice the tastebuds and elevate the Appleton Estate image,” she says. “We are well positioned to become a Jamaican leader in the premium aged category.”

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Pluto Vodka takes home the top prize at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition.

The Singapore World Spirits Competition has just compiled its annual list of top tipples across all major categories of adult beverage. And we’ve landed the exclusive results before anyone else. Last week we revealed what bottle of bourbon the prestigious panel of judges selected as the best on the planet. Now it’s time to see what the “Lion City” had to say about the ultimate vodka.

But first a little refresh on the contest itself. Founded in 2019 by the Tasting Alliance, the Singapore World Spirits Competition initially focused on booze produced and consumed in the Asia Pacific region. In the subsequent years it has expanded to envelop a more global perspective. Though virtually all of its judges—and a large percentage of the thousands of entries they sip through—do hail from this general corner of the globe. Nowadays, it’s counted among the top spirit tastings therein.

Which brings us to the Best In Show Vodka, as ordained by the 2024 Singapore panelists. While they didn’t opt for an expression from Asia, the winner does come from Oceania. It’s Pluto Vodka, from the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. The 80-proof liquid is crafted by its eponymous distiller out of 100% organic Australian sugarcane. That unique ingredient is also cool-fermented, allowing for a more expressive type of liquid after a 10x distillation process.

What pours from the bottle holds a subtle sweetness, as you might suspect. But an equally alluring component of the sip is a rich body that almost evokes coconut cream. It noses with more of the same. These characteristics undoubtedly curried favor with the judges in Singapore. And they’re not the only ones to be wooed accordingly. Just last year alone, Pluto Spirits collected a Master Medal at the Global. Vodka Masters to go along with a Best Vodka accolade at the Tasting Australia Spirit Awards 2023.

Pluto batch distills its vodka with zero additives and sells it for around $68 AUD (about $46 USD). For $10 more, they’ll ship it anywhere across Australia. The only hitch is that they’re not distributing in the United States—yet. Given the brand’s recent run of success, you might soon see Pluto products gracing American shelves. In addition to the vodka, the distillery also makes a gin and a pair of tasty rums. So keep an eye out for all of that.

In the meantime, we’ll be back in the days ahead with a few more newly-crowned champions out of Singapore. Keep it parked here to be the first to know.

Seagulls, Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, Australia.

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In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service.  We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

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The Mistake is a whiskey that was accidentally created.

The folks at Natterjack Irish Whiskey made a mistake, but they decided to roll with it. They also decided that, since it was made in error, to call it The Mistake.

A serendipitous production mishap, the new whiskey is the result of taking their regular whiskey, which marries both Irish and American aging techniques, and accidentally leaving it in 46 of the producer’s Virgin American oak casks for an additional year.

Natterjack traditionally finishes its Irish Whiskey for just one year. Featured in three different bottle label designs, The Mistake will be available at select Total Wine & More stores and other fine wine & spirit retailers. A limited number will also be available for purchase online at shop.natterjack.com. The Mistake has 46 percent alcohol by volume, and the suggested retail price is $58.99. Like other Natterjack whiskeys, The Mistake is distributed in 14 states including New York, Florida, Illinois, Texas, California and more.

“This was a very happy accident,” said Aidan Mehigan, founder and CEO of Natterjack Irish Whiskey. “After discovering the barrels, we opened one of them and there was this burst of hickory barbecue and toasted walnut aromas.”

“At first taste, we could tell right away there was double the flavor and extract, and powerful oak,” he says. “That’s when we knew we had something special.”

The Mistake is aged first in former bourbon barrels for three and a half years. The liquid is then finished in a Virgin American oak cask for two years using a char level of 4.

Mehigan’s whiskeys marry both Irish and American whiskey making heritage. “I absolutely love bourbon so to me the thought of producing a whiskey using both Irish and American techniques just made sense,” Mehigan says, explaining that his whiskeys are aged first in barrels were used to make bourbon before being finished in virgin American oak casks.

On the nose, The Mistake releases those aromas of hickory barbecue and toasted walnut, followed by singed cinnamon and seared orange zest. Sweet almond then gives way to leather and grain, or saddle and feed. Upon the first sip, there is vanilla bean on the front palate giving way to a blast of anise or licorice. Notes of powerful oak come with warm molasses, toffee and a touch of Granny Smith apple, with a long hug of a finish.

The three different labels for it all feature a special toad, the natterjack, which is the only toad found in Ireland. Mehigan suggests enjoying The Mistake in booze-forward cocktails like the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, or the Mint Julep. Two recipes featured for The Mistake are the Natterjack Irish Coffee Martini, which is made with 1.4 ounces The Mistake, 1 oz. coffee liqueur, 1 ounce espresso and one quarter ounce simple syrup, and One for the Toad, which is made with equal parts The Mistake and pineapple juice.

The Mistake is Mehigan’s third release. Natterjack debuted with Natterjack Irish Whiskey, which retails for $39.99 and has a 40 percent ABV, and Natterjack Cask Strength, which retails for $89.99 and has a 63 percent ABV.

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User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

So, how can you be a power user?

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