by kirk miller

by kirk miller

Best New Whiskeys to Drink This December

WhistlePig 10 Limited Edition PiggyBank

 After 10 years of “fearless attempts” (including “fermenting yeast foraged from a ham’s hind”), WhistlePig’s latest experiment piggy experiment is a rye bottled at 110 proof in a porcine decanter (which is based on a 19th-century Berkshire Bitter Pig). The bottle is a showstopper, while the rye is just what you’d expect from this Vermont distillery.

Flavor:

Description:

A lot of oak spice, brown sugar, candied fruit and a hint of dill and mint

Maker’s Mark BRT-01 and BRT-02

The two latest releases in the distillery’s Wood Finishing Series (an annual release of limited-edition bottles that emphasize various elements in the bourbon production process) focus on barrel rotation with the distillery’s warehouses.

Flavor:

Description:

A lot of oak, plus notes of caramel popcorn, dark fruit, a hint of anise and a toasty warm finish

Rye & Sons 2022 Straight Rye Whiskey

How does a winemaker approach rye? This approachable and affordable (under $30) debut from former Per Se sommelier André Hueston Mack will offer up different vintages every year. The inaugural bottle is spicy and youthful (which isn’t a bad thing for a rye). 

Flavor:

Description:

Notes of mint, oak, brown sugar, anise and orange peel

Arcane Imperial

This Bushwick brewery utilizes vacuum distillation to make unique beer-based spirits. Their second release, crafted and aged in just a matter of weeks, is a whiskey built from an Imperial Stout. This one leans more toward beer flavors than whiskey, but it seems ideal for a new take on an Old Fashioned.

Flavor:

Description:

It’s heavy on the chocolate notes, albeit more in a bitter than a sweet way

Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey

I was able to try two of three new permanent expressions (pictured above) for this award-winning Tennessee whiskey distillery. This rye (100% rye mashbill and 100 proof) is sourced from Canada, aged in New York and then rested in used Uncle Nearest barrels.

Flavor:

Description:

A lot of bready dough on the nose and a delectable balance of sweet and spicy on the palate, with notes of vanilla, anise and mint.

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old and 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

The Speyside single malt purveyor has “reimagined” their 21 and 25 Year Old expressions via new cask finishes and packaging. The 21 is finished in first-fill Oloroso sherry, Troncais oak Cognac and Vintage Colheita port casks, the 25, meanwhile, is finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry and Troncais oak Cognac casks.

Flavor:

Description:

The 21 offers hints of ginger, caramelized pears and nutmeg. The 25 offers notes of orange, fig, oak and even a bit of charred pineapple.

Thanksgiving Wines

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