Liquor-articles 2020

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Chris Stapleton has gained fame in the country music scene over the past ten years. In addition, he also enjoys a significant following among whiskey aficionados. In recent times, Stapleton collaborated with Buffalo Trace Distillery on E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bourbon single-barrel picks, selling them to raise charitable funds. The whiskey received excellent reviews. This week, the partnership between Buffalo Trace and Stapleton evolved further with the introduction of a new whiskey brand, Traveller Whiskey.

Plenty is happening here. Firstly, every new product from Buffalo Trace, the manufacturer of esteemed brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and many more, generates buzz among whiskey enthusiasts. Secondly, Stapleton’s unique appeal extends to both music lovers and whiskey consumers. The collaboration takes full advantage of this dual appeal by introducing an American Blended Whiskey with a friendly price tag.

To sum up, Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller, and Stapleton evaluated 50 various blends before selecting the one for Traveller Whiskey. The most noteworthy point is that the whiskey is priced at just $39. The price, as of now, remains the same at retail stores, which is somewhat surprising considering that the distillery’s whiskeys typically have price tags several hundred times higher than the company’s suggested retail prices.

So, what is contained in this bottle of Traveller Whiskey? Let’s explore to find out!

ABV: 45%

Average Price:

$39

The newest whiskey offering from Buffalo Trace is the result of a lengthy collaboration between Country music legend Chris Stapleton and Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. After sampling 50 distinct varieties, they settled on this specific blend. The beverage inside the bottle is a unique blend of Buffalo Trace rye and bourbons that superbly fit Stapleton’s whiskey likings.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose is gently invited into rich Buffalo Trace bourbon, featuring a profound vanilla buttercream atop mildly spiced brandied cherries subtly touched with dark chocolate and aged oak staves, accompanied by a hint of salted caramel.

Palate: The caramel on the palate reveals an undertone of sweet corn before the vanilla makes a comeback, presenting a creamy delightfulness and myriad of winter spices, orchard barks, and musty barrel houses typical of Buffalo Trace.

Finish: It concludes with a pleasing warmth highlighted with plenty of woody winter spice and a dash of grassy rye notes before the lush vanilla, cherry, and oak finish persists for the perfect duration.

Final Thoughts:

This is a solid new utility whiskey. It works well as a sipper over some rocks or in a cocktail. Think of it as a sturdy table whiskey to have around for everyday pours after a strenuous day of work.

Ranking:

88/100: Solid B+!

Currently, this whiskey is easily accessible online at most retailers for its actual MSRP. That was the intent for Stapleton and the brand. This is intended to be an everyday sipper for his fans – and for that to happen, his fans need to be able to purchase it.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy a single measure of good rum. You can have it straight, mix it with water or cocktails, or savor it on the rocks with ice. The latter option is perfect for newcomers or those seeking a milder taste, as it tempers the sharpness while letting you relish the sweet, nectar-like flavor without an overwhelming alcohol punch.

However, there’s a reason why lots of folks recommend using whiskey stones instead of regular ice when enjoying rum on the rocks. Accidentally adding too much water can dilute the unique flavors and nuances within the rum (especially the pricy kinds,) and it’s hard to get the balance just right when you’re dealing with varying-size ice cubes. But instead of whiskey stones, here’s an idea: coconut water ice cubes!

Made from coconut water instead of plain water, these ice cubes won’t dilute the rum’s flavors as they melt. Instead, they’ll enhance the taste of the liquor with a hint of coconut, giving neat rum a rather tasty and tropical coconut twist. They’re incredibly easy to make. Simply get some fresh coconut water — the fresher, the better — and pour it into a large whiskey ice cube mold. Pop them in the freezer, and in a couple of hours, you’ll get a trayful of coconut water ice cubes ready to go. Drop one into a neat measure of rum, sit back, and enjoy your rum on the rocks!

Read more: 23 Cocktails To Try If You Like Drinking Gin

These special ice cubes aren’t limited to just rum on the rocks; they’re a perfect addition to a wide range of tropical cocktails! Let’s start with the classic daiquiri. It’s a simple blend of rum, lime, and sugar, but you can elevate it by incorporating coconut cream and a few coconut water ice cubes while blending. The result is a sweet, nutty, and undeniably tropical creation that evokes the essence of a Caribbean sunset. It’s perfect for sipping whether you’re lounging on a palm-lined beach or enjoying it at your kitchen island.

These versatile ice cubes can also enhance a variety of chilled or blended tropical cocktails that feature rum. Take the Caribeño, for example, which already includes coconut water as a core ingredient. Adding coconut water ice cubes doesn’t dilute the taste; instead, it’ll amplify the drink’s signature equatorial flavor and give you a drink with a far more pronounced taste.

But while these coconut ice cubes work best in rum-based drinks, they can work with other liquors, too. If you’re a tequila enthusiast, consider fortifying a coconut margarita with these cubes. They’ll introduce a smooth, robust coconut essence that will bring this classic cocktail to a whole new level. And for an extra creamy touch, try adding coconut cream to the coconut water before freezing the cubes.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (FOX 2) – Paczki, meet beer.

A Metro Detroit brewery’s Fat Tuesday tradition, “Sin Repent Repeat,” is back. This 8% ABV stout is made with dozens of paczki.

The beer is flowing at Griffin Claw’s taprooms in Birmingham and Rochester Hills. It’s also available in four packs to go.

Read more Michigan beer news here.

Griffin Claw also carries out distillation of spirits and has released a vodka named “Sin Repent Repeat”. These vodka bottles can be purchased at both taprooms until Fat Tuesday, falling on Feb. 13, or till the stock lasts.

Pouring vodka shots

Without vodka we wouldn’t have the

Dirty Shirley,

the trendy espresso Martini

or the legendary massive comopolitan cocktail

Ina Garten shared on her Instagram in April 2020. The clear spirit with the neutral flavor is a popular booze for cocktails because it plays well with many mixers,

but not all vodkas are the same, which is why you’ll see many different vodka brands at your local bar.

There isn’t just one singular type of vodka, but different ones based on location and ingredients and which one you prefer depends on what you like and

how you’re using the spirit.

“It’s all about creating a match made in *your* cocktail heaven,” says

Ashley Eldefri,

brand ambassador for

The Community Spirit Vodka.

“Price is only sometimes an indicator of quality: Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better regarding vodka. It’s always worth trying different brands and price ranges to find one you enjoy.”

To help you narrow down your choices and make your next trip to the liquor store a bit easier,

we chatted with drink experts to break down 9 of the most popular types of vodka based on their ingredients,

country of origin, flavor profile and more.

Related: 5 Different Types of Tequila, Explained

Making vodka has plenty of nuance, but for the purposes of this discussion, we’ll try to distill (pun intended) it down for you. Vodka starts with your base ingredient (often a grain, though it could be potatoes or molasses), water and yeast. That mixture is fermented for a couple of weeks, then strained. The liquid from the fermentation process is distilled, filtered, diluted with water and bottled. 

Related: 9 Popular Costco Liquors, Ranked From the Bottom(s) Up

Eldefri states that vodkas made from grains such as rye exhibit a spicier character with robust, earthy undertones. He goes on to say that in contrast to other types of vodka, this sort is typically more lean and dry.

In terms of cocktail orders, rye vodka is particularly well-suited to certain drinks. Alissa Marinello, a bartender at the Vivamee Hospitality properties of Renault Winery & Resort and LBI National in New Jersey, suggests that a dirty vodka martini is a prime example. In this instance, the subtle and dry rye vodka complements the tangy hint of olive juice exceptionally well.

Contrary to what some may expect, the vodka itself is not derived from fruit. The fruity flavor is introduced after the distillation process. Eldefri notes that many contemporary brands offer flavored varieties with the add-ons of fruits or herbs infused post-distillation. Common fruit vodka flavors incorporate melon, strawberry, blueberry, lemon, raspberry, lime, and orange.

Marinello advises against using artificial ingredients and coloring and suggests creating a homemade flavored vodka. She says, “Rather, empty any standard vodka into a jar with your preferred fruit.” She also suggests allowing the vodka to soak for at least three days, and up to seven. After infusing the vodka with fruit, strain it into a jar or bottle and start concocting cocktails!

While corn is a widely enjoyed dinner item for many, this sweet vegetable is also a well-liked component in vodka. Eldefri describes, “Corn-based vodkas are acclaimed for their calm and slightly sweet taste, which pairs well with a silky mouthfeel and hints of vanilla or buttery nuances.”

If you’re in the mood for a martini, Eldefri suggests using a corn-based vodka for a timeless cocktail like the martini, allowing the drink to truly shine.

As you may wonder, no, potato vodka doesn’t taste like fries or mashed potatoes. Eldefri states, “Potato-based vodkas are valued for their creamy, heavy texture, contributing a subtly earthy and nutty flavor.”

Potato vodka is a perfect match for savory foods, which includes certain types of cheeses and meats. So consider this pairing the next time you’re dining out or throwing a dinner party.

If looking for a smooth vodka experience, you could consider trying a spirit made from molasses. Molasses-based vodkas, often seen in rum production, deliver a slightly sweeter and more layered taste. It features hints of molasses and caramel, and these caramel notes make this vodka variety pleasant in a creamy cocktail, like a white Russian.

According to expert opinion, flavored vodka can be fun to experiment with since you can come up with more complex cocktails using fewer ingredients. However, it’s advisable to avoid this vodka type if you suffer from gluten allergy as it often has artificial flavorings added after distillation, which can include this common allergen.

As for the variety of flavors, there’s a wide range, but several fit into the citrusy (such as lemonade, grapefruit) or fruity (like strawberry, blueberry) categories.

In addition to the base ingredients, vodkas can vary based on where they’re made because different areas are known for specific styles of the spirit. “Russian vodkas, traditionally crafted from wheat or rye and subjected to multiple distillations, are celebrated for their pure and smooth qualities,” says Eldefri. Some of the most popular Russian vodka brands include Beluga Noble, Husky, Marmot Siberian and Smirnoff.

Eldefri says that American vodkas span from smooth neutrality to a focus on unique flavors driven by various base ingredients. American vodka is generally made with rye, wheat, potato or corn to create a unique flavor profile with a velvety texture and earthy, warm taste. This will vary based on the bottle, but the best way to think about it is the best of both worlds made from different types of ingredients.

According to Marinello, Poland and Russia both claim ownership of introducing the first spirit. That said, Polish vodkas, made from potatoes or grains, offer a slightly more robust flavor with hints of earthiness or sweetness.

Up next: Celebrity Chef Pati Jinich’s Simple Formula for Making the Perfect Cocktail

As Daley proclaims, “Irish is the future of whiskey.””

Mike Daley has a large personality. And he’s got one of the largest private collections of whiskey in the United States to match.

Despite owning a sprawling estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the boisterous multi-millionaire is running out of bar space to display his liquid bounty, which currently amounts to several thousand bottles of scotch, American, and Irish whiskies. So he squirrels some of it away in filing cabinets, office drawers, and his beach house in coastal Delaware.

“Some of that effort is just to hide it from my wife,” he admits. “She seems to think I have a hoarding problem.”

Related: 21 Whiskey Cocktail Recipes for Every Enthusiast

Nevertheless, his latest outsized purchase is one he’ll want to keep prominently displayed for all visitors to see. It’s a walnut-ensconced treasure chest featuring a solitary ovular decanter of the Emerald Isle from The Craft Irish Whiskey Company. Alongside the 30-year-old juice in the box is a bespoke Fabergé egg — containing an actual emerald gem — a custom timepiece, and even a couple of Cohiba cigars. Only seven such sets are in existence. Daley just paid a whopping $2.8 million to call one his own.

Last month, a 1926 vintage expression from The Macallan grabbed international headlines as the world’s most expensive whisky ever. It nabbed $2.7 million at auction. Daley outspent that unknown buyer by $100,000, which would mean that he is, in fact, in possession of the priciest aged spirit of all time. Critics argue, however, that The Emerald Isle doesn’t qualify for the title because it comes packaged with all those other not-so-insignificant luxury trinkets.

Whether it’s the most expensive or just one of the most expensive alcohols of all time, what compels a collector to pay such an exorbitant price for a single bottle of whiskey?

“I was on a luxury yacht during the Monaco Grand Prix, surrounded by billionaires engaged in poker,” Daley reminisces about the instance he chose to make the purchase. “They continually wagered on hands, even if they were well aware they weren’t going to win. It wasn’t about losing, but losing face was the critical aspect they aimed to avoid. This level of people will always crave what others can’t possess. Hence, there will always be a market for something as extravagant and rare as this whiskey.”

Courtesy

By chance, a brand ambassador from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was on that identical yacht and happily ensured the passionate collector left Monaco with something exceptionally extravagant and rare.

Daley, who labels himself as an opportunistic collector, sees Irish whiskey, in particular, as the category of spirit with the greatest potential upside. It’s no coincidence that the majority of his stockpile consists of limited edition releases from Teeling, Midleton, Redbreast, and various other expressions from Craft Irish.

“The rebirth of Irish whiskey is relatively new, so I feel like I’m getting in on the ground floor,” he explains. “Luxury scotch, to me, is already a crowded type of market. But we’re only just starting to see luxury Irish make a name for itself. I guarantee you that in the years to come, it will get to where scotch is today.”

His powers of prediction have already reaped remarkable dividends. Daley made his fortune in the pharmaceutical space by investing heavily in hyaluronic acid in the previous decade, before it became a hot trend. His big bet in the spirits sector isn’t a shot in the dark, either. It’s supported by prolonged movement observed on Irish whiskey shelves. Data from the Distilled Spirits Council shows that some super premium spirits within the category have soared by nearly 2,800% in price over the past twenty years.

He sees Craft Irish leading that charge in the next twenty years, hence why he’s spent millions on their products. Thankfully, for those with more limited budgets, that brand has been veering into more accessibly-priced offerings. Earlier this year, it released The Donn, a dynamically aged single malt brimming with dark chocolate, prune, and cinnamon notes. The bottle, which is expected to retail in the U.S. for around $200, recently won double gold at the John Barleycorn Awards, an international spirits competition. It even inspired one judge to say, “I literally have to stop tasting now because following this pour would be like following Hendrix at Woodstock.”

And that might serve as even loftier praise than someone spending $2.8 million on a luxury set piece. Because, ultimately, it all ought to come down to how the whiskey tastes, not how much it costs. And not how it looks displayed on a countertop — or in a filing cabinet, as the case may be.

“Irish is the future of whiskey,” Daley proclaims. “And I’m excited to be part of it, as a collector, but most importantly as a drinker.”

For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Food & Wine.

After the holiday excitement, we all seek something to brighten those dreary, cold winter days. Equiano Rum offers a 100 percent natural rum with no added sugars or colorants, and void of spices. It also holds the unique distinction as the very first African and Caribbean rum. A hot chocolate spiked with this authentic rum seems just fitting to warm one on a cold evening.

The Equiano Holiday Gift Box is the perfect antidote to a freezing winter.

Founders Aaisha Dadra and Amanda Kakembo explain, “Being dubbed the world’s premier African & Caribbean rum, the unique liquors from each location play a significant function in our mixture. In Equiano Original, the African element from Mauritius, tropically aged in former Cognac barrels, gives a naturally sweet flavor to the blend. Equiano Light introduces a freshness with sugar cane juice rum from Africa, adding a grassy touch to the mixture. And considering Barbados is a producer of some of the world’s best rums, we feel privileged that it’s a vital component in both Equiano Original and Equiano Light.”

Are you prepared to concoct Equiano Spiked Chocolate? Here’s what you require:

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 2 cups 2% milk

• 3 tablespoons soft muscovado sugar

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 pinch cinnamon

• ¼ cup (1 ½ ounces) semisweet or dark chocolate chips

• 2 ounces (¼ cup) Equiano Original Rum

• Whipped Cream (Optional)

Method:

The Equiano holiday gift box is available for purchase online – for both the Equiano Original and the Equiano Light. Looking into 2024, Equiano is looking forward to more exceptional rum being enjoyed around the world, more unique blends from Africa and the Caribbean, more limited-edition blends and more support of emerging African distilleries as they venture beyond the 30 countries they are in today.

Buffalo Trace is recognized for being the origin of high-end unicorn bottles from brands like Pappy Van Winkle and the Antique Collection, in addition to creating its cost-effective and reliable namesake bourbon. Presently, the Kentucky distillery is debuting a new blend, Traveller Whiskey, backed up by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton.

It’s not the first time Buffalo Trace has collaborated with Stapleton. He chose a few single barrels of E.H. Taylor Jr. in the previous years for the benefit of his charity, Outlaw State of Kind. The real architect behind this whiskey is Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley. Traveller is a blended whiskey, meaning it’s combined from spirits from a variety of “award-winning distilleries” owned by Sazerac, according to the brand. Possible sources include Buffalo Trace itself, A. Smith Bowman, Barton 1792, and maybe some overseas sites. More than 50 blends were trialed before Wheatley decided on the 40th, which is what you will find in this bottle. Unlike Pappy, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, or W.L. Weller, this whiskey will be easily available and unallocated.

More from Robb Report

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“In creating Traveller, we tried over 50 different recipes, experimenting, testing, and adjusting until we found a complex and approachable flavor profile worthy of the whiskey drinker who will enjoy it,” Wheatley said in a statement. “In the end, there was one clear winner—Blend No. 40—that everyone agreed was worthy to be Traveller Whiskey.” In other words, this is meant to be an accessible, everyday drinker that is more along the lines of Buffalo Trace Bourbon than a limited special release like E.H. Taylor or something from the Experimental Collection.

We got an early taste of Traveller Whiskey, and it’s an appealing sipper that should please both novice and expert whiskey drinkers, with notes of brown sugar, caramel, maple, vanilla, oak, and baked apple on the palate. Thankfully, it’s bottled at 90 instead of 80 proof, and that higher ABV goes a long way in helping to elevate the flavor. You can find Traveller Whiskey starting this month (SRP $40), although it’s not readily available online at the moment. Will Traveller go the way of Weller or Pappy and balloon in price on the secondary market? It seems like that might not be the case, but only time will tell.

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Click here to read the full article.

Now that the excitement of the holidays is over, we’re all in need of something to make those cold, dark days of winter a little more fun. Equiano Rum is 100 percent natural rum with no added sugars, colourants or spices. It’s also the world’s first African and Caribbean rum. A spiked hot chocolate made with this true rum is just the thing to warm you up on a cold night.

The Equiano Holiday Gift Box will brighten up a cold winter.

“As the world’s first African & Caribbean rum, the uniqueness in liquids from each location plays an important role in our blend,” say founders Aaisha Dadra and Amanda Kakembo. “In Equiano Original the African component, from Mauritius, is tropically aged in ex-Cognac barrels which offers a natural sweetness to the blend. In Equiano Light, we’ve introduced fresh sugar cane juice rum from Africa which adds a grassiness to the blend. And Barbados produces some of the best rums in the world, so we feel honoured that it’s a key component in both Equiano Original and Equiano Light.”

Ready to make Equiano Spiked Chocolate? Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 2 cups 2% milk

• 3 tablespoons soft muscovado sugar

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pinch cinnamon

¼ cup (1 ½ ounces) semisweet or dark chocolate chips

2 ounces (¼ cup) Equiano Original Rum

Whipped Cream (Optional)

Method:

The Equiano holiday gift box is available for purchase online – for both the Equiano Original and the Equiano Light. Looking into 2024, Equiano is looking forward to more exceptional rum being enjoyed around the world, more unique blends from Africa and the Caribbean, more limited-edition blends, and more support of emerging African distilleries as they venture beyond the 30 countries they are in today.

The Bloody Mary ranks alongside margaritas and martinis as one of the most recognized cocktails. Noted for its distinctive bold, spicy flavors and a stunning red color, the making of this renowned cocktail begins with a vodka and tomato juice base, with the flavor intrigue brought in by a selection of spices and condiments. Ingredients can vary from common items like hot sauce and lemon juice to more daring choices such as Worcestershire sauce and horseradish.

While the complex and spicy flavor of Bloody Mary garners much attention, vodka plays a pivotal part. Vodka’s clean, neutral taste creates a backdrop for the cocktail’s spices and seasonings to come to the forefront. Precisely because the vodka is not intended to steal the show, there’s no need to opt for high-end brands when making a Bloody Mary. With so many flavors and spices at play, the nuances offered by top-shelf vodkas are likely to get washed out and wasted.

It would be more judicious to go for a more budget-friendly vodka and invest the savings into superior mix ingredients. Consider top-quality tomato juice, fresh lemon or lime juice, gourmet hot sauces, and fresh spices. These are more likely to boost the quality of your Bloody Mary than even the finest vodkas!

Read more: 23 Cocktails To Try If You Like Drinking Gin

The best vodka for your Bloody Mary is one that complements the spices and flavors without stealing the show. Look for mid-range vodkas like Smirnoff, Absolut, or Stolichnaya; they’re well-distilled, providing the needed smoothness and neutrality without breaking the bank.

It’s worth noting that when we say “bottom-shelf vodka,” we don’t mean you should scrape the shelves’ bottoms and buy the absolute cheapest bottles available. Ultra-cheap vodkas often undergo minimal distillation and prioritize cost savings over flavor in their production, resulting in a sharper, more “ethanol-like” taste due to higher levels of fermentation byproducts called congeners. That’s not what you want in your Bloody Mary! A handy rule of thumb is to choose a vodka that you’d enjoy sipping on its own. If it’s smooth when sipped neat, it’s likely to work well in your Bloody Mary.

In case you want to get creative, some bartenders suggest trying flavored vodkas like pepper or citrus-infused types to add an extra flavor kick. But remember, this is entirely up to your taste. Plus, adding flavored vodka to a Bloody Mary can be a bit tricky, as it will affect the balance of flavors. So, it’s a good idea to have a recipe on hand (like this Kimchi Bloody Mary recipe!) to make sure everything tastes just right when you give it a go!

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

2023 was year of eye-popping luxury whisky releases.

This year has been one of crazy whiskey releases as distilleries released rare, old and incredibly special liquid as demand for these luxury bottles rose. These are some of the most impressive whiskeys I’ve seen this year above the $500 mark, while most of them cost much, much more.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, during the five years between 2017 and 2022, all spirits categories included in the luxury index (bottles priced at more than $50) increased at an average rate of 21 percent. But anecdotally, it appears that high-end whiskey collection is hotter than ever, with companies like Diageo and Edrington offering bespoke client experiences and American bottles going for prices that were once thought only possible for Scotch [note: prices in this article are release prices, not what they are going for on the secondary market].

And while you should try a dram of one of these if you can get your hands on it, it portends very well for what we’ll be seeing in 2024.

The Dalmore Cask Curation Series The Sherry Collection

The Dalmore Cask Curation Series, The Sherry Edition, $37,000

The Dalmore launched the first set in a four-year program of rare whisky collections this year with The Sherry Edition. Each of the 150 sets come in a leather travel case holding the three expressions: A 26 Year Old finished in a rare Gonzalez Byass 2002 vintage, a 28 Year Old finished in a Gonzalez Byass 30 Year Old Matusalem Sherry Cask and a 43 Year Old, finished in very rare Gonzalez 30 year old Apostoles Sherry Cask. The collection highlights The Dalmore’s century-old exclusive partnership with Gonalez Byass, sherry winemakers in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

The Dalmore is known for being a pioneer in multi-cask maturation since 1868. These three expressions highlight that practice — they were primarily aged in ex-bourbon casks, and finished in each of the rare, old casks. The set gives a window not only into how the malt itself ages, but the impact finishing barrels can have. The 26 Year Old is a bright whisky, with berry, orange and honey notes. The 28 Year Old is a darker whisky with more tannins, dried fruit and baking spices. The 43 Year Old has almond and molasses notes, along with tropical fruit.

Next year the series will feature Port finishes.

Dewar’s Double Double 37

Dewars Double Double 37, $1,800

While single malts are often in the spotlight, luxe blended whiskies have made a lot of noise this year. This one is a blended malt (malted barley) and no grain whiskies (usually corn) in this blend. Master Blender Stephanie Macleod oversaw the four-stage aging process. Malt whiskies are aged in casks for 37 years and then blended in casks to marry for a month. That malt is then blended with Double Double 36 which was finished in madeira barrels for a year. That blend is combined for a month in Oloroso sherry casks which previously held Aultmore single malt whisky. The madeira and sherry aging impart chocolate and spices to the whisky, but there are still delicate honey, floral and citrus notes that are typical to the Speyside region. Honoring the region is what this new series is about — it’s the first of four in a Collector’s Series highlighting what makes the Scottish region so special. The set comes with two Baccarat Massena crystal tumblers.

Aberfeldy 25 Year Old

Aberfeldy 25 Year Old, $550

To celebrate the distillery’s 125^th anniversary, Aberfeldy, considered the heart malt of Dewar’s, released this 25-year-old limited edition in a gilded commemorative pack. It was aged in a combination of refill hogsheads and butts, and then finished for more than a year in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks. Aberfeldy is known for its floral, honey, citrus and vanilla notes because it has a long fermentation, before going through long, slender stills which create a more delicate single malt.

Teeling 33 Year Old

Teeling 33 Year Old, $3,700

Teeling, the first distillery to open back up in Dublin in 125 years, is known for innovation, and its older special releases are prized. The latest in a range of single cask bottlings, this one uses Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine made with unfermented grape juice and Cognac eau-de-vie. It’s usually drunk as an aperitif and is only produced in a small region in western France, and is mostly consumed locally. Despite Pineau being a dessert wine, the resulting dram is a bit savory and dry, with tropical and stone fruit notes and a long finish with some ginger spice and cherry.

Talisker Glacial Edge

Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old, $5,000

This is the third and final release in the Xpedition Series, a line of experimental whiskies from Talisker. The release is both a nod to the whisky’s adventurous past: The founders were the MacAskill brothers who sailed from the Isle of Eigg to found the distillery on the Isle of Skye, as well as the brand’s current conservation efforts, especially regarding oceans, marine life, and oysters.

The latest release was aged for more than 40 years before being finished in ice-fractured oak casks. Twelve casks were taken to Canada’s ice fields, where a specialized cooper removed the ends of the casks, exposing them to sub-zero temperatures and arctic winds for 96 hours. The cold fractured the wood, which allowed for more surface area in the casks for the liquid to interact with during the final finishing period back in Scotland. It’s still got a lot of smoke and chili for a whisky this old, and evokes a salty, smoky toffee. If you add water, it gets even brinier, and mellows out the pepper.

Talisker made the journey with partner Parley For the Oceans and glacier scientist Dr. Alison Criscitiello. A portion of proceeds will go towards Parley’s conservation efforts.

Laphroaig Ian Hunter Book 5: Enduring Spirit $1,400

Book 5 commemorates the last of a series of annual Laphroaig editions that pay tribute to Ian Hunter, the past proprietor known for his pivotal role at the distillery from 1908 to 1944. Each book sheds light on different aspects of Hunter’s influential contributions. For instance, Book 3 celebrated his water conservation initiatives. This particular release underlines the lasting impact of Hunter’s decisions at Laphroaig in defining its fundamental character. He pioneered the use of American oak ex-bourbon barrels for maturation, a practice as alive and prevalent today as the malting floors at the distillery. Laphroaig’s signature peat quality matures distinctively with age, hitting a stride in its third decade, unfolding exotic tropical fruit undertones like mango and pineapple, reminiscent of dipping into the world’s most opulent barbecue spread. The whisky undergoes a final phase of maturation in European oak ex-Pedro Ximenez barrels, imparting a hint of red berry and dried fruit nuances that culminate in a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Barry MacAllfer, the Distillery Manager, commented, “It’s more than just a beverage, it’s a portal to a yesteryear.” Buying a bottle serves as a ticket to a competition where the lucky winner gets a chance to partake in a tasting session with him.

Below is a selection of the 100th Anniversary releases from Suntory.

Suntory 100th Anniversary Releases, multiple

Suntory celebrated their 100th anniversary with a video campaign featuring Keanu Reeves and directed by Sophia Coppola. They also marked the occasion with several limited release whiskies. Among these were three premium options: the Mizunara matured Yamazaki 18 Year Old ($1,500), the gently peated Hakushu 18 Year Old Malt ($1,200), and the Mizunara influenced 21 Year Old Hibiki 21 ($5,000) re-blended limited edition whisky.

Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whisky

FUJI 30-Year-Old Single Grain Whiskey, $3,000

In celebration of Mt. Fuji Distillery’s 50th anniversary, FUJI introduced a 30-year-old single grain whiskey to the U.S. market. It’s a blend of several Canadian-style grain whiskies, aged 30 to 40 years. The product was made on a mix of kettle and column stills, and aged in first and second fill white oak American barrels. Its tasting notes are of honey and dark chocolate. The Mt. Fuji Distillery is distinct for creating whiskies in four international styles: Japanese, American, Canadian, and Scotch. A 50th Anniversary Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky is slated for release in spring 2024.

Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years

Dickel 18 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey, $510

This year, Dickel released its oldest whiskey to date, and it’s a stunner. Master Distiller Nicole Austin has done several things to innovate at the Tennessee-based brand, and one was to add some whiskeys categorized as bourbon in addition to the Tennessee whiskey, which tends to be a bit mellower in style. Austin felt these barrels, which were aged in single-story rick houses, had stone fruit and vanilla crème brûlée notes that kept it more in line with a bourbon.

“I’m excited for people to try Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years because it’s a rare and beautifully aged whisky, but still exhibits a surprising brightness and wide range of complexity that is not often found in American Whiskies of this age,” Austin said in a press release.

Eagle Rare 25

Eagle Rare 25, $10,000

Another record breaker, this bourbon is the oldest Eagle Rare ever released. This release was the result of an innovation program and the first release from Warehouse P, which was specifically built to extend the aging and maturation process for American whiskey and bourbon, which, due to the hot aging climate and use of virgin barrels traditionally take on too much oak flavor and become too bitter and tannic. This was avoided by moving barrels in 2018 to Warehouse P, which was temperature and humidity controlled.

“We closely monitored Eagle Rare 25 throughout the aging process and discovered that the impact over time due to controlled, extended aging was optimally mature whiskey – by that, I mean whiskey that is uniquely smooth and complex with deep, mature flavors around every corner,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley in a statement. “Eagle Rare 25 is unlike any other extra-aged bourbon on the market today. We are quite proud of this bourbon.”

The dram still will appeal to ultra-aged bourbon fans, and is somewhat tannic with notes of leather and oak, but there’s also traditional bourbon notes of vanilla and caramel with cherry overtones.