Olivia Taylor
A Spirited Journey: Discover the Top 12 New Spirits of the Year
Hold on to your shot glasses, folks. A brand-new wave of different spirits – from tequila and bourbon to rum – is making a splash in the marketplace. In this article, we’re taking you on an exhilarating journey to explore the 12 most exceptional new spirits that have hit the shelves this year. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
The Majesty of Tequila
Once seen only as a party drink, tequila has been steadily gaining a reputation for sophistication and complexity. Here are the standout bottles for the year:
1. Tequila Patrón Extra Añejo 10 Años
This sophisticated spirit is a unique blend of premium tequilas aged for at least 10 years in American oak and hybrid barrels. It has a rich, dark and robust flavor profile, highlighted by notes of dried fruit and honey.
2. Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo
Selected from individual barrels, this luxurious tequila offers a beautiful savor of ripe fruit, spices, and toasted oak. It’s a testament to Casa Noble’s commitment to using traditional production methods.
The Boldness of Bourbon
What list of spirits would be complete without a nod to bourbon? Here are the expressions that left us impressed this year:
3. Four Roses Small Batch Select
A blend of six of Four Roses’ 10 unique bourbon recipes, this small-batch select is smooth and rich with notes of sweet fruits, balanced perfectly by notes of oak and spice. It’s non-chill filtered for added depth and character.
4. Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon
This highly sought-after bourbon pays tribute to the brand’s rich heritage. It’s a complex mix of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and dried fruits – a rare treat that’s definitely worth every sip.
The Radiance of Rum
Rum, with all its Caribbean flair, has always stood apart from other spirits. Here are the standout bottles for this year:
5. Ten To One Caribbean White Rum
This light and crisp rum features an alluring blend of Dominican column still rum and Jamaican pot still rum. Delicate tropical notes with a touch of spice make this an excellent choice for refreshing cocktails.
6. Bumbu XO
Aged up to 18 years in bourbon barrels and finished in Spanish white oak sherry casks, Bumbu XO is a triumph in rum-making. It delivers rich and complex flavors of toffee, toasted oak, and vanilla with a wonderfully smooth finish.
A medley of other spirits
Welcome to the diverse world of spirits, where the smaller categories – from cognac and vodka to gin and single malts – also produced notable entries this year:
7. Martell Blue Swift
This unique spirit is a cognac finished in bourbon casks, thus marrying the smoothness of cognac with the boldness of bourbon. Expect unforgettable hints of candied fruit and plum, topped with notes of ginger and nutmeg.
8. Absolut Elyx Vodka
Single-estate wheat, copper-crafted still, and water drawn from a dedicated well – that’s Absolut Elyx for you. This highly refined vodka delivers an exceptionally silky texture and clean, fresh taste.
9. Plymouth Navy Strength Gin
Plymouth Navy Strength Gin is intensely aromatic and robust. Intense juniper, orange peel and cardamom notes make this an exciting choice for gin enthusiasts looking for a bit of a challenge.
10. Yamazaki 18 Mizunara Cask 2020
This limited-edition single malt has been matured in rare Mizunara casks, delivering a distinctive Eastern flavor. It is a beautifully complex whisky with notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and oriental spices.
Something for Everyone
Lastly, we couldn’t leave out those innovative spirits that are rewriting the rules. These include:
11. Dos Hombres Mezcal
This spirit created by ‘Breaking Bad’ stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul promises a unique combination of smokiness, sweetness, and smoothness. Dos Hombres Mezcal is definitely one to watch.
12. Empirical Spirits
These experimental spirits made from wild ingredients offer a thrilling taste adventure. Whether it’s Fall of Man’s honey-infused spice or Ø’s fruity elegance, they challenge and delight in equal measure.
There you have it, folks. An enlightening exploration of the 12 best new spirits of the year. These game-changers are sure to delight your palate and possibly even inspire you to start your own spirit-infused journey. Here’s to discovering, tasting, and above all, enjoying.
