Don Julio Tequila Rosado spritz
A rose-hued tequila, biodynamic Irish whisky, sustainable barrel aged gin, and a 30-year single malt hit the shelves this spring, making this a very nice time to freshen the bar cart and update the cocktail repertoire.
Oregon-based Ransom Spirits offers a portfolio of organically farmed spirits, but the tastiest option is their barrel aged Old Tom Gin—which started as a passion project from founder Tad Seestedt, who retired from corporate life to farm and distill. He maxed out his credit cards in pursuit of his dream of reviving 19th century style “Old Tom” barrel aged gin. Aged in Ransom Pinot Noir wine barrels and toasted French oak barrels, and distilled in hand-hammered direct-fired French alembic, hand-operated stills, the gin is both a classic and refreshing alternative. It’s ideal for crafting a beguiling cocktail that your friends will keep asking “What is IN this?” Ransom also grows its own botanicals and has a walnut orchard for vermouth production—pretty cool. $38.95
O’Shaughnessy’s Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey is the most-awarded new whiskey of 2022. In this first-ever release you get Irish grain and distilling techniques blended with American grain. Master Distiller Brian Nation, former Master Distiller at Jameson, Redbreast and Midleton, brings Irish grain & pot still whiskeys together with the bold, flavorful richness of American Rye to deliver a completely unique and uncommon taste—one that has garnered dozens of gold medals. Think toffee, caramel, baking spice and charred oak and you get the idea. At the civilized price of $29.99, buy two bottles one to spare, one to share.
Tequila Don Julio Rosado brings some wine-aging to the flavor profile with four months of aging in ruby port wine casks sourced from Portugal’s Douro region. The extra time on port casks imparts a rosy hue and delicate notes of red fruit. It is best sipped on the rocks or with a splash of sparkling water and lemon garnish. $125.99.
If you want something truly special and rare, look to the reserves of legendary malt stock that represents over 400 years of whiskey-making experience at Bushmills. The brand releases two rare (and expensive) expressions this year, Bushmills 25 Year Old ($900) and Bushmills 30 Year Old ($2,200). Buy them when you see them—-they’ll be gone in a flash.
Cierto Tequila lands in the US this spring with a multi-award-winning splash—600+ international medals across the entire portfolio, which gives them the title of most-awarded tequila brand in history. Handcrafted by Master Distillers Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, each expression focuses on purity. Working exclusively with estate-grown agave, Cierto is blended with aged tequilas from the Fonseca family’s private library, containing some of the oldest and rarest tequilas in existence. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth—on both reposado and blanco—making them ideal for sipping or crafting a cocktail with impressive depth of flavor. $89
Waterford Whisky Biodynamic Luna: Edition 1.1 ($119.99) This is the world’s first whisky made from biodynamic barley—farmed according to moon cycles and treated only with all-natural preparations. It’s worth noting that Waterford is the largest producer of organic malt whisky in the world, so they’ve had a bit of practice at this. The Luna is ripe with notes of mint, dark chocolate and warm spice. Lovely for sipping.
Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whisky: Aged in both American Bourbon barrels and in Spanish Oloroso Sherry barrels, this expression is a globally awarded, single grain whiskey that has been aged twice. The palate brims with notes of vanilla, toasted marshmallow, fig and spice.
