Olivia Taylor
Introduction
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to raise a glass and toast to the best new spirits that have graced our taste buds over the past year. From smooth tequilas to bold bourbons and tantalizing rums, there has been no shortage of exceptional options for spirit connoisseurs. So, let’s dive into the 12 best new spirits of the year that have captured our hearts and palates.
1. Tequila Sunrise
Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo by Jose Cuervo
This exceptional tequila is aged for a minimum of three years in French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels, resulting in a full-bodied and rich flavor profile. With notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, this tequila can be enjoyed neat or as the shining star in your favorite cocktail.
2. Bourbon Bliss
Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel
Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel is a bourbon lover’s dream come true. It is bottled at a high-proof strength, offering a robust and complex taste experience. Its caramel and vanilla notes, combined with a hint of smokiness, make it a standout choice for sipping neat or enhancing your favorite mixed drink.
3. Rum Rapture
Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum
This rum is a delightful blend of spirits from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica, aged for up to 20 years in bourbon casks. The result is a perfectly smooth and full-bodied rum, with flavors of tropical fruits, cocoa, and spices. Whether enjoyed on its own or used to craft a truly exquisite cocktail, this rum will transport you to the islands with every sip.
4. Vodka Vibes
Russian Standard Gold Vodka
This premium vodka is crafted using the finest Russian wheat and pure glacial water from Lake Ladoga. Its unique production process includes a special gold filtration system that adds a silky smoothness and unparalleled character to the spirit. With subtle hints of vanilla and a gentle sweetness, this vodka takes mixology to a whole new level.
5. Gin Genius
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
Comprising an impressive 47 botanicals, including cranberries from the Black Forest, this gin is a true work of art. Distilled in small batches in Germany, it offers a harmonious blend of fruity, floral, and herbal flavors. Sipped neat or mixed into your favorite gin-based concoction, Monkey 47 is a gin lover’s dream come true.
6. Whiskey Wonderland
Redbreast 27 Year Old Irish Whiskey
This Irish whiskey, aged for an incredible 27 years, is a testament to the mastery of the distillers behind it. Bursting with flavors of dried fruits, spices, and oak, it offers a remarkable depth that can only come from such extended aging. Whether savored neat or enjoyed in a classic Irish coffee, Redbreast 27 is sure to impress whiskey aficionados.
7. Liqueur Love
Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
Bringing back the forgotten art of Rosolio, this Italian liqueur combines Bergamot oranges from Calabria with a blend of botanicals to create a uniquely refreshing and aromatic experience. Perfect on its own or in a range of cocktails, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is a true treat for the senses.
8. Cognac Craze
Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection No. 4
This limited-edition Cognac from the esteemed Hennessy house showcases the skill and expertise of its master blenders. With a rich and complex flavor profile, featuring hints of fruit, vanilla, and spices, it stands as a testament to the art of Cognac craftsmanship. Savor it neat or use it as the base for an exquisite cocktail.
9. Mezcal Madness
Del Maguey Tobalá Mezcal
Made from wild Tobalá agave, this artisanal mezcal carries a unique and distinct flavor that is truly captivating. Handcrafted using traditional methods in Oaxaca, Mexico, its smoky, earthy, and floral notes provide a profound tasting experience. Sip it slowly and let the flavors transport you to the heart of mezcal country.
10. Brandy Bliss
Pierre Ferrand Abel Cognac
Blending together eaux-de-vie aged for over half a century, this extraordinary Cognac embodies elegance and complexity. With aromas of dried fruits, vanilla, and spices, it unfolds on the palate with a velvety smoothness and a long, satisfying finish. Savor this masterpiece neat to truly appreciate its splendor.
11. Aperitif Awakening
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Capturing the delicate essence of fresh elderflowers in the French Alps, this liqueur adds a touch of floral elegance to any cocktail creation. Its sweet and fragrant taste makes it a versatile addition to your home bar, perfect for adding a touch of je ne sais quoi to your favorite libations.
12. Scotch Sensation
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Last but certainly not least, this luxurious Scotch whisky is aged for a quarter of a century in Spanish sherry oak casks, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and indulgent liquid. With flavors of dried fruits, ginger, and chocolate, it is a sublime experience that every whisky enthusiast should savor at least once.
Conclusion
From the realms of tequila to bourbon to rum, and everything in between, the world of spirits has provided us with incredible new options this year. Whether you enjoy your spirits neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a creative concoction, there’s something on this list to satisfy every palate. So, as the year comes to an end, let’s raise a glass and toast to the 12 best new spirits that have made our taste buds sing throughout the year.
