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Redwood Empire Whiskey has recently launched its latest creation, Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon, showcasing a blend of modern American whiskey techniques and Northern California craftsmanship. This unique four-grain bourbon, designed for a smooth and complex experience, incorporates a substantial 30% wheat in its mash bill, which is notably higher than that of many typical wheated bourbons.

The whiskey is a crafted blend of Redwood Empire’s own distillate and select high-wheat bourbons aged four to fourteen years from Kentucky and Indiana. Master Blender Lauren Patz notes that each ingredient is chosen strategically to enhance the whiskey’s complexity, adding layers of flavor that create a rich and balanced profile. Tasting notes include ripe stone fruit, honeyed grain, vanilla, and a hint of strawberry jam, complemented by gentle baking spices and oak.

The bourbon draws its name and inspiration from Colonel James Armstrong, who played a pivotal role in preserving California’s redwood forests in the 1870s. In an act of love and stewardship, he transferred land that would eventually become Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to his daughter, Kate. This connection to conservation continues to resonate with Redwood Empire, as they also promote initiatives for planting trees.

Fans of great whiskey can find Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon available for purchase online and at retailers across the nation, with a suggested price of $39.99. This release further emphasizes Redwood Empire’s commitment to connecting their products with the unique culture and land of California, including coordinates on the bottle that lead consumers to the Colonel Armstrong Tree, a notable 1,400-year-old redwood.

For more information, visit RedwoodEmpireWhiskey.com.

Vodka sauce has long been a beloved choice, known for its creamy texture and rich flavors that elevate a simple tomato sauce by incorporating cream and vodka to create a luxurious consistency. To simplify dinner preparation, several manufacturers provide ready-made vodka sauces. After testing 16 different options, the winner was Botticelli organic creamy vodka sauce, recognized for its exceptional quality.

Botticelli stood out in a variety of criteria including flavor, texture, ingredient quality, nutritional value, price, and availability. The sauce is made from high-quality, organic ingredients that reflect a homemade taste. It features chunky, juicy Italian tomatoes, complemented by savory herbs, earthiness from olive oil, and thick cream. The addition of vodka enhances the sauce’s aroma, resulting in a heavenly scent when heated. It also includes Parmigiano Reggiano and pecorino Romano, contributing further richness. The sauce is not only smooth but also contains delightful chunks of tomatoes that burst with flavor. Priced at $6.99 per jar, it offers good value compared to lower-ranked competitors.

Botticelli’s creamy vodka sauce has earned high praise from users on platforms like Instagram and Amazon, with many reviewers calling it their favorite due to its flavor and texture, asserting that it requires no additional seasoning.

Typically served over penne, the sauce fits perfectly into the grooves of the pasta. However, it’s also versatile and can be used over cavatappi, fusilli, or rigatoni. For those looking for alternatives to traditional pasta dishes, the vodka sauce can replace standard pizza sauce or serve as a flavorful topping for chicken or meatball sandwiches. Additionally, it pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches or as a sauce for chicken Milanese.

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Whiskey enthusiasts will find a unique celebration in Lost Lantern’s latest bourbon creation, The United States Of Bourbon, which serves as a tribute to America’s 250th birthday. This exceptional blend showcases the evolution of bourbon across the entire nation, incorporating flavors from distilleries in each of the fifty states — from Kentucky to Alaska.

Bourbon is deeply ingrained in American culture, and its definition has been federally recognized since Congress declared it the country’s only native spirit in 1964. Traditionally associated with Kentucky, the bourbon landscape has expanded significantly since the early 2000s when craft distilleries began to flourish nationwide. Tuthilltown Spirits, the first legal craft distillery in New York post-Prohibition, is a prime example of this rising trend, sparking interest and innovation in bourbon production across the U.S.

As of 2025, over 2,200 craft distilleries are operating in the country, all producing a range of artisan spirits, including bourbon. Among these innovators are Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, the founders of Lost Lantern. Their mission to travel the country, sourcing exceptional whiskeys, has culminated in their ambitious project to create a blend from all fifty states.

Completed in 2025, The United States Of Bourbon is presented in both 100 proof and cask strength versions (61.5% ABV), signifying the diverse profiles of bourbon available today. These bourbons are crafted to reflect the distinct characteristics of their regions, resulting in flavors that come from both local grains and unique aging conditions.

The 100 proof bottles are offered at $79.99, while the cask strength variant retails for $99.99. Each bottle features a two-year age statement, with the blend comprising bourbons aged up to ten years, and the flavors reveal burnt caramel, candied orange peel, creamy vanilla, and a hint of oak spice. The cask strength iteration presents a richer mouthfeel and additional notes of dark chocolate, inviting drinkers to explore its depths with or without water.

Lost Lantern’s creation not only highlights the distinctiveness of American bourbon but also cultivates a sense of unity and celebration. Perfect for a July 4th gathering, both expressions are designed to be enjoyed and shared, making for a memorable experience centered around the stories and flavors of America’s diverse bourbon heritage.

Breckenridge Distillery has achieved remarkable success at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, garnering the highest honor for its Rum Cask Finish expression, which was awarded a Double Gold medal with a score of 97 points. This coveted accolade signifies unanimous recognition from the judging panel, placing the Rum Cask Finish among the elite spirits globally. Alongside this honor, Breckenridge’s Honey Whiskey also received a gold medal, further solidifying the distillery’s reputation for excellence.

Bryan Nolt, the Founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery, expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to high standards across every aspect of production—from blending to innovative finishing techniques. The double honor reflects their dedication to quality and craftsmanship in the competitive spirits market.

Among the two award-winning products, the Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish is a unique bourbon that incorporates aged Colorado rum casks, delivering rich flavors of candied apple, dark chocolate, and allspice. Priced at $59.99 and bottled at 90 proof, it aims to captivate whiskey enthusiasts.

Similarly, the Breckenridge Honey Whiskey, infused with uncommon rainforest honey from Nigeria, provides a distinctively smooth taste complemented by layers of molasses, oak, and holiday spices. This blended whiskey is offered at an MSRP of $38.00, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of consumers.

Both expressions are available through select retail outlets nationwide and can also be purchased for home delivery where permitted. Breckenridge Distillery, known as the “World’s Highest Distillery,” has received numerous accolades, including three Icons of Whisky titles and multiple Best American Blended awards from industry competitions. Their dedication to creating exceptional spirits is reflected not only in their awards but also in their efforts to provide visitors with immersive experiences at their distillery in Colorado.

For more details, you can visit Breckenridge Distillery.

Bulleit Distilling Co. has announced the release of its newest offering, the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey, a limited edition crafted to celebrate the heritage of rye whiskey in America. With a production limit of only 1,776 individually numbered bottles, this release is a nod not only to the rich history of rye as a foundational grain in whiskey-making but also to a significant moment in American history.

Rye whiskey has long been a crucial component of the American distilling landscape, and Bulleit has been at the forefront of its resurgence. The new 20-Year-Old Rye is made from Bulleit’s signature 95% rye mash bill and showcases the work of Nicole Austin, the Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo, who oversaw the blending process. The whiskey’s maturation spanned two decades in carefully selected barrels that preserved the distinct rye notes while adding depth and complexity.

"With a rye this mature, the challenge is finding barrels where age adds depth without overwhelming the grain," Austin explained. "We wanted to maintain the spice and structure that characterize Bulleit Rye while revealing new layers of flavor through twenty years of maturation."

The whiskey presents a nose filled with aromas of seasoned oak, baking spices, and dried fruit. On the palate, it unfolds into a rich blend of caramelized sweetness, dark fruits, and spicy notes, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

Bulleit 20-Year-Old Rye Whiskey will be available starting July 2026, and it can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $299 for a 750mL bottle. Consumers interested in reserving this exclusive whiskey can do so through AnyRoad.

For more details about Bulleit Whiskey products, visit bulleit.com or follow their updates on social platforms.

Bulleit Distilling Company has announced the release of its oldest rye whiskey to date: the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey. Limited to just 1,776 bottles, this cask-strength offering boasts an impressive 137 proof. Crafted from a 95% rye mashbill and aged for two decades, this whiskey promises to deliver the rich spice and complexity that fans have come to expect from the Bulleit brand.

Historically, rye whiskey has played a significant role in American drinking culture. It was a dominant spirit before bourbon gained popularity. Its distinct flavor profile—spicy and robust—was enjoyed in colonial taverns across the northeastern U.S. However, following Prohibition, rye whiskey’s presence diminished until distilleries like Bulleit revived interest in this storied spirit in the early 21st century.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the revival of rye whiskey serves as a reminder of the country’s deep-rooted distilling history. In the early 2010s, Bulleit contributed significantly to the resurgence of rye, introducing bartenders to a spicier, more structured whiskey for cocktails.

Nicole Austin, the director of liquid development at Bulleit’s parent company Diageo, meticulously selected the barrels for this whiskey to ensure they preserved the essence of rye even after lengthy aging. During her search, she focused on finding barrels that maintained the grain’s brightness and spice, avoiding excessive oak influence that could dull the whiskey’s character.

Tasting notes for the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey reveal a nose rich with fruit and cream layered over polished leather, clove, maple spice, and soft vanilla. On the palate, it is semisweet, with clove at its core surrounded by ripe fruit, leather, and warm spices, finishing with a lasting complexity shaped by its two decades in barrel.

Bulleit’s latest offering will be available starting in July at their distillery and select cities, with a suggested retail price of $299. This whiskey not only showcases the intricate flavors of rye but also acknowledges the historical importance of this spirit in American culture.

Mount Gay Rum, renowned as the world’s oldest distillery founded in 1703, is introducing its first-ever age-stated products: the Exceptionally Aged 15 and 25 Year Rums. This marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has been producing rum for over 300 years without labeling any of its offerings with an age.

These inaugural releases, set to hit the market in limited quantities (with fewer than 5,000 bottles for each), are part of Mount Gay’s Exceptionally Aged Collection. Recent premium releases have been successful for the brand, especially the Single Estate Series and the Master Blender Collection, leading to the development of these new age-stated rums.

Crafted in St. Lucy, Barbados, both rums were completely distilled, aged, blended, and bottled at the distillery. They matured in 100% ex-bourbon barrels, with an emphasis on how the spirits evolve within that cask.

• Exceptionally Aged 15: This rum is distilled from a blend created by former Master Blender Jerry Edwards, matured under the watch of Allen Smith and current Master Blender Trudiann Branker, who curated the final blend in 2025. Bottled at 43% ABV and non-chill filtered, it presents flavors of caramelized orchard fruits, vanilla, and sticky toffee pudding with hints of plantains and grapefruit candy, finishing with crème caramel and black tea notes.

• Exceptionally Aged 25: Also distilled by Jerry Edwards in 1999, it is aged similarly under the stewardship of both Smith and Branker, culminating in a robust 47% ABV offering. Tasting notes reveal aromas of leather and dark caramel, with complex flavors such as brandy-soaked raisins, burnt orange, and a finish reminiscent of vintage high-rye bourbons.

The Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15 will be available globally, totaling 4,942 bottles at an MSRP of $90. The 25-year version will be limited to 2,376 bottles, priced at $199. Master Blender Branker emphasizes that these creations honor the distillery’s long heritage and the craftsmanship of the generations of blenders before her.

The Tasting Alliance has announced the Batch 1 finalists for the Best of Class American Whiskey at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The competition highlights standout products across various whiskey categories, including Rye, Tennessee, American Blended, and American Single Malt whiskeys. Each finalist has been awarded a Double Gold Medal based on their exceptional quality, scoring between 97 and 99 points out of 100.

About the Competition

The SFWSC is an esteemed global event where industry professionals gather to evaluate a wide range of distilled spirits through blind tastings. This methodology ensures that judges assess the essence of each liquid without bias related to branding or packaging.

Finalists Highlight

Here are some of the Best of Class finalists in their respective categories:

Rye Whiskey

1. Baltimore Spirits Company

   • Product: Epoch Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey 6 Year Old Cask Strength
   • Tasting Notes: Bold, oak-forward with a lively flavor and a minty finish.

2. O.K.I.

   • Product: Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Dominated by oak and clove with a sweet rye spice backbone.

3. WhistlePig

   • Product: Boss Hog Collection – Boss XII Feather & Flame Rye Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Warm with brown butter notes and a savory finish.

4. James B. Beam Distilling Co.

   • Product: Old Overholt 12 Year Old Extra Aged Cask Strength
   • Tasting Notes: Oak-forward with layers of gingerbread, stone fruit and cinnamon.

5. Art of the Spirits

   • Product: Mogadishu Hazmat Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Savory with notes of baked apple and balanced spicing.

Tennessee Whiskey

1. Uncle Nearest

   • Product: 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Sweet with spiced caramel and a warm finish.

2. Jack Daniel’s

   • Product: Batch 2 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Rich in burnt caramel and cacao with a smoky touch.

3. Leiper’s Fork Distillery

   • Product: Bottled-In-Bond Tennessee Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Features maple syrup sweetness balanced with black pepper spice.

American Blended Whiskey

1. High Bank Distillery

   • Product: Whiskey War Double Double Oaked American Blended Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Playful notes of bubblegum and honey.

2. High Bank Distillery

   • Product: Whiskey War American Blended Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Gentle honey flavor with a bright, balanced character.

American Single Malt Whiskey

1. Dark Arts Whiskey House

   • Product: American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Rich in butterscotch and molasses depth.

2. Lost Woods

   • Product: 110 American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Decadent with flavors of dates and clove.

3. Stranahan’s

   • Product: Original American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Clean with rustic notes and brown sugar sweetness.

4. Stranahan’s

   • Product: Mountain Angel 12 Year Old American Single Malt Whiskey
   • Tasting Notes: Nutty with a complex finish.

5. The Notch Nantucket Single Malt Whisky

   • Product: 15 Year Old
   • Tasting Notes: Bright and lively, balancing fresh woods with fruity notes.

The winners for each category will be revealed during the Top Shelf 2026 Awards Gala in November. For more details on the SFWSC, visit the official Tasting Alliance website.

Rum has long been a key component in tropical beverages, particularly from the Caribbean, but selecting quality rum can initially be challenging due to the variety available, including light, gold, dark, and spiced rums. Tasting Table sought the advice of Katie Stryjewski, a cocktail blogger and author, for guidance on identifying good rum, especially for beginners.

Stryjewski cautions against overly sweet and artificially flavored rums, which often contain additives. She also highlights that rum labeled as "gold" can be a red flag; this color might derive from caramel coloring added for appearance rather than indicating aging in oak casks. When choosing a rum, Stryjewski recommends looking for an age statement and the place of origin, as these factors typically suggest adherence to higher production standards. Rums distilled in regions like Jamaica, Barbados, and Puerto Rico often meet stricter guidelines that could indicate better quality.

Another essential indicator is price; higher costs often correlate with quality, unlike tequila, which has seen a celebrity-driven surge in popularity, making premium rums less common in affordable price ranges.

There is no singular flavor profile for quality rum, as preferences can vary widely. Light rum tends to have a more subtle flavor, while dark rum can be bold and complex. Jamaican rum often features a unique flavor termed ‘hogo’—a complex taste reminiscent of overripe fruit and various spices. Rhum agricole offers a lighter, more vegetal taste.

For beginners, Stryjewski suggests starting with Appleton Estate Reserve or Bacardi Reserva Ocho, each priced around $30. These choices feature familiar notes of oak, spice, and vanilla, making them accessible for those not used to sipping spirits straight. If looking for aged rums, Kaniche XO and Plantation OFTD are also recommended.

In summary, when selecting quality rum, pay attention to the label, the price, and explore a range of flavors to discover what suits your palate best. For more details, you can read the full article on Tasting Table here.

Another entry in the realm of celebrity-affiliated spirits has emerged, this time featuring the iconic James Dean. Although he passed away decades ago, a new rye whiskey—named Lasso Motel x James Dean 13-Year Rye Whiskey—has been introduced in collaboration with the James Dean Estate. Distilled at MGP in Indiana, this rye whiskey boasts a mashbill of 95% rye grain and 5% malted barley, making it a compelling choice for both sipping and cocktails.

The whiskey, aged for thirteen years and bottled at a robust 112 proof, delivers a complex flavor profile. Initial tasting notes reveal oak, vanilla, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, followed by hints of ripe pear, dried orange, and maple syrup. The finish is characterized by a warming sensation, accented by lingering flavors of caramel and Red Hots.

Lasso Motel, founded by Devin Odell in 2024, has been steadily building its portfolio with a focus on high-quality sourced spirits. Their offerings already include a celebrated 18-year-old American straight whiskey. While the partnership with Dean adds a storied element to the brand, the quality and enjoyment of the whiskey remain paramount.

Despite the whiskey’s $150 price point, it stands out as a noteworthy option for cocktails like the Manhattan. This 13-year rye is a testament to the tradition of fine whiskey-making—proving that whether or not a celebrity name is attached, quality is what truly matters in the world of spirits.

Score: 91

• 100: Worth trading your firstborn for
• 95 – 99: In the Pantheon: A trophy for the cabinet
• 90 – 94: Great: An excited nod from friends when you pour them a dram
• 85 – 89: Very Good: Delicious enough to buy but not quite special enough for the secondary market
• 80 – 84: Good: More of your everyday drinker, solid and reliable
• Below 80: It’s Alright: Probably not worth your time or theirs

For those interested in exploring more about this release, you can read the full review here.