Although the calendar says we’re firmly in the throes of summer, craft spirit fans can be forgiven for thinking it’s Christmas. That’s because this time of year they’re typically saddled with all sorts of new liquids crowding the shelves of their local liquor stores. And 2019 is no different. In fact, this time around the embarrassment of riches is especially notable in that it doesn’t favor any one particular category. Lovers of bourbon, gin, cognac, scotch, rye and Irish (to name but a few) all have ample reason to celebrate. Uncork any of these new releases and you’ll be delighted at what pours into the glass. You’ll be even happier once you’re drinking it.
Jim Beam Little Book Version 3 — $125
The newest expression from Freddie Noe, 8th generation distiller of the Beam family, is a blend of the brand’s celebrated Small Batch bourbon series. Barrel strength Knob Creek, Booker’s, Baker’s and Basil Hayden’s all converge in a 122.6-proof liquid brimming with notes of cinnamon spice, caramelized sugar and brûléed vanilla. In its third incarnation, the Little Book series is elevating the stature of the American Blended Whiskey category and expanding its footprint within the ultra premium landscape. This one, entitled ‘The Road Home’ is an homage to Noe’s legendary grandfather Booker. It’s boozy heat is tamed by the addition of several drops of water, sussing out floral notes that are certain to appeal to the seasoned sippers out there.
El Tesoro Extra Añejo — $99
Arriving this fall on American shelves is this XA from noted master distiller Carlos Camarena. His dedication to precise technique is on full display in a seven-year-old spirit, built from estate-grown agave, distilled to proof and matured exclusively in ex-bourbon cooperage. Unlike most extra añejos on the market today, El Tesoro’s never leans too heavy on its cooperage. The straw-hued liquid demonstrates an extraordinary lightness—not just in color, but in flavor and body—showcasing the earthy vegetation at its core. Familiar barrel notes of caramel and vanilla round out the ages while a mineral-forward earthiness assumes centerstage.
Kentucky Owl Rye 3 — $200
The latest release from this cult label out of Bardstown— a 10-year-old rye—is sure to fly off the shelves. Master Blender Dixon Dedman, the soul behind the brand describes the 114-proof rye as a monster from start to finish. The namesake grain at its core shines big and bright, but is ultimately more complex then it seems. A lengthy finish yields the warming familiarity of freshly baked apple pie.
Speyburn 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky — $125
Arriving on shelves this summer is this stunning 18-year-old scotch out of the legendary Speyside region. Only 9,000 bottles of the limited release were produced, and just a small fraction of that was allocated to the States. Those lucky enough to procure a flagon can look forward to a girthy malt, exhibiting tendencies of dark chocolate and slow-roasted caramel. The Spanish oak used in its maturation is evident in the dry spice and nutty richness sustained through every sip. A sturdy dram bottled at 46% alcohol, you won’t want to add anything more to this beauty aside from quiet contemplation — and perhaps a drop or two of water, at room temperature.
The Tyrconnell 16 Year Old Oloroso & Moscatel Cask Finish — $100
Irish whiskey continues to tear up the modern spirits scene, holding on to its title as the fastest growing category in the United States for more than two years now. Now we’re starting to see more premiumization in the ranks, and this $100 bottle from Tyrconnell is a fine example. Aged for 16 years in ex-bourbon barrels, it was finished in Spanish wine casks that held both Oloroso sherry and Moscatel in close succession. The resulting liquid demonstrates the sublime subtleties of each. Its a round, gently sweet dram emanating fresh flower petals in the nose, nuttiness in the mouthfeel, and a dash of dates on the palate.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey — $35
American Whiskey has long been dominated by bourbon and rye. That’s not changing anytime soon, of course. But Woodford Reserve is making a strong case for their lesser-known alternatives. Last year the Kentucky producer released its Straight Malt Whiskey to high acclaim. This summer they follow it up with this elegant sipper built primarily from wheat. The top-billed grain hoists orchard fruit front and center upon the tasting notes. It remains reminiscent of the brand’s flagship bourbon, but the wheat here adds a softness, backed by hints of apple, cherry and cranberry. Traditionally, wheated whiskies incorporate just three ingredients into the mash bill. This one leans on malt, corn, and a touch of rye, marking its recipe as unique as it is delicious.
Jameson Triple Triple — $36
A Global Travel Retail exclusive, this is one to grab the next time you’re passing through an international airport on your way back to the States. Its name refers to triple distillation (the traditional production method for flagship Jameson as well as most other Irish whiskies) and triple maturation. In addition to the ex-bourbon and sherry barrels already familiar to fans of the brand, this one introduces casks of Malaga fortified wine into the fray. With it comes a slight citrus twinge and an added degree of drinkability that might make this 1 liter bottle irresistible to jet-setting Irish whiskey lovers.
Fords Gin Officers Reserve No. 01 — $35
An overproof spirit rested in casks of Amontillado sherry, the latest label from Fords is hardly your typical London Dry Gin. It required just three weeks in the 64-liter barrels to take on complex undertones of marzipan, prunes and candied plums. These notes mingle effortlessly with the distillate’s nine base botanicals, delivering a gin especially suited to sipping neat. With hints of fortified wine in the background, it’s pretty much a martini onto itself. The fact that it’s billed as ‘Limited Release No. 01′ holds the promise of more exciting experimentation in the imminent future.
