United States Spirits

Expert Review

F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal rating: 5 Stars/Highest Recommendation - "Extraordinary whiskey by any measure." - F. Paul Pacult

Sweet baby Jesus what is this? An extraordinary aromatic nose. The alcohol will sear your taste buds so add some ice. Spicy. Wild at heart – David Broom

Producer Description 

The 2024 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery continues the legacy of unfiltered, barrel-proof rye whiskey. Aged over six years and bottled at a bold 127.2 proof, this release builds on the historic recipe inspired by Thomas H. Handy, the bartender credited with popularizing rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail.

Hand-bottled without dilution, it captures the raw essence of the rye, honoring traditional methods dating back over a century. Last year’s expression earned a prestigious Double Gold at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class rye.

Producer Description

Tito's Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin at Texas' first and oldest legal distillery.

It's made in small batches in an old fashioned pot still by Tito Beveridge (actual name), a 45-year-old Geologist, and distilled six times. Tito's Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by spirit connoisseurs. It is micro-distilled in an old-fashioned pot still, just like fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs. 

This time-honored method of distillation requires more skill and effort than modern column stills, but it's well worth it. Our handcrafted technique offers more control over the distillation process, resulting in a spectacularly clean product of incomparable excellence. Only the heart of the run, "the nectar" is taken. The vodka is cleansed of phenols, esters, congenersand organic acids by filtering it through the finest activated carbon available. Critics call Tito's "a homegrown symphonic spirt to applaud!" and say "it can go head to head with any of the worlds' greats and not break a sweat."

Tito's Handmade Vodka won the prestigious Double Gold Medal having prevailed over 70 of the world's best premium vodkas, as the judges' unanimous Gold Medal choice, at The World Spirits Competition in San Francisco California.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 92 points | The initial nosing passes find subtle traces of charcoal and roasted grain which are followed by sweeter aromas of sweet grain mash and pipe tobacco. Entry is smoky and charred; the midpalate is oily, moderately viscous, semisweet and robust. Ends on a delicious oily, bacon-like notes.

Producer Description

Tito's Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin at Texas' first and oldest legal distillery.

It's made in small batches in an old fashioned pot still by Tito Beveridge (actual name), a 45-year-old Geologist, and distilled six times. Tito's Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by spirit connoisseurs. It is micro-distilled in an old-fashioned pot still, just like fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs. 

This time-honored method of distillation requires more skill and effort than modern column stills, but it's well worth it. Our handcrafted technique offers more control over the distillation process, resulting in a spectacularly clean product of incomparable excellence. Only the heart of the run, "the nectar" is taken. The vodka is cleansed of phenols, esters, congenersand organic acids by filtering it through the finest activated carbon available. Critics call Tito's "a homegrown symphonic spirt to applaud!" and say "it can go head to head with any of the worlds' greats and not break a sweat."

Tito's Handmade Vodka won the prestigious Double Gold Medal having prevailed over 70 of the world's best premium vodkas, as the judges' unanimous Gold Medal choice, at The World Spirits Competition in San Francisco California.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 92 points |  The initial nosing passes find subtle traces of charcoal and roasted grain which are followed by sweeter aromas of sweet grain mash and pipe tobacco. Entry is smoky and charred; the midpalate is oily, moderately viscous, semisweet and robust. Ends on a delicious oily, bacon-like notes.

Distillery Notes

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by both spirit connoisseurs and those who enjoy a simple cocktail. this gluten-free vodka is distilled from corn using old-fashioned copper pot stills, inspired by the distillation methods of fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs. Over 25 years later, the process remains the same; Tito’s is made in batches, with each batch taste-tested, and goes down smooth with an impeccably clean finish. Let’s raise a glass to 25 more years of sharing the Tito’s spirit.

Critic Notes

92 Points Tasting Panel | For those who dream in vanilla, marshmallow, and red licorice, the aromas from Tito's Handmade Vodka will surely lure you in. The palate, however, will wake up the senses with black pepper underlying the sweeter notes. Texturally round and silky, this 80-proof pot-still spirit is elegant and refined.

Producer Description 

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by both spirit connoisseurs and those who enjoy a simple cocktail. this gluten-free vodka is distilled from corn using old-fashioned copper pot stills, inspired by the distillation methods of fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs. Over 25 years later, the process remains the same; Tito’s is made in batches, with each batch taste-tested, and goes down smooth with an impeccably clean finish. Let’s raise a glass to 25 more years of sharing the Tito’s spirit.

Expert Review

92 Points Tasting Panel | For those who dream in vanilla, marshmallow, and red licorice, the aromas from Tito's Handmade Vodka will surely lure you in. The palate, however, will wake up the senses with black pepper underlying the sweeter notes. Texturally round and silky, this 80-proof pot-still spirit is elegant and refined.

Producer Description 

The distinctive herbal flavor and aroma of dry vermouth is an essential ingredient in cocktails, from the Martini to in a Bronx or Gibson. Dry vermouth is also excellent for cooking.

The perfect balanced Manhattan. Charred oak-aged, four-year rye whiskey is enhanced with sweet vermouth and a blend of bitters. A nose of dark red fruit, vanilla, and warming spices compliments a rich mouth feel and long finish redolent of cinnamon, burnt orange, tobacco, and cherry.

Cocktails that are inspired by Via Carota, the award-winning west village restaurant inspired from Jodi Williams and Rita Sodi. The Via Carota Cocktails team tells us it took two years to develop the six styles of ready-to-drink cocktails. The styles are broken into three families: custom-blend White Negroni and Classic Negroni, bourbon-based Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails, and Signature Martini and Espresso Martini. Each ready-made cocktail comes with four-to-six servings per 375-milliliter glass bottle. Williams calls the design the "icing on the cake."

The creators described the Via Carota cocktails as a replacement for bringing a bottle of wine for a dinner party; each bottle contains about four servings. We found comparing Via Carota Craft Cocktails to other pre-made cocktails in the market a bit tricky. The adherence to straightforward spirits instead of a version of seltzer is rare. Even if brands like Cutwater and High Noon use real spirits (most hard seltzers contain cheaper malt liquor), they're all carbonated. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

Made in homage to one of bourbon's original aristocrats, W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted using Weller's wheated bourbon recipe. Aged for a minimum of 12 years, far longer than most wheated bourbons. This whiskey features aromas of creamy vanilla, caramel and molasses that gives way to notes of candied corn, ripe fruits, cocoa powder and dried fruits on the palate. With a finish, which is elegant and soft, has hints of mint, fruit and vanilla this wheated bourbon is not to be overlooked. W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019.

TASTING NOTES:

Aromas of lanolin, almond, creamed corn and toasty vanilla. The mid-palate flavor is heavily wheated, layered and moderately sweet. Long, oaky, and intensely smooth finish.
AWARDS:

2019 Silver Medal - New York World Spirits Competition

2019 Gold Medal - Whiskies of the World

2019 Double Gold Medal - North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition

2019 Silver Medal - Los Angeles International Spirits Competition

2019 Silver Medal - American Whiskey Masters

2019 Double Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

Producer Description 

Bottled at the same 114 proof the spirit was when it entered into the barrel, this non-chill filtered wheated bourbon forgoes chill filtration to preserve all the naturally occurring residual oils and flavors that occur during the distillation and aging process (potentially making it appear cloudy at cold temperatures).

This bourbon  filtered whiskey enthusiasts, honoring William Larue Weller.

Producer Description 

The spirit of entrepreneurship. Fortune, superb taste, and hustle lead us to the discovery of an aged Rye Whiskey stock in Alberta, Canada. We rescued the stock from misuse as a blending whiskey, aged it in new American Oak with a bourbon barrel finish, then hand-bottled this rye on its own. We’re honored to present the most awarded Rye Whiskey in the world.

In 2010, WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey was released to great critical acclaim. Though the whiskey is new, the WhistlePig farm has a long history. Revolutionary War veterans cleared much of the surrounding forest to settle and farm following the war. The land was nearly continuously in cultivation until a dairy farm shuttered its windows in the early 2000s. In 2007, Raj Peter Bhakta purchased the farm, which is certified organic, and now raises cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. The fields yield alfalfa, rye, barley and oats. WhistlePig is 100 proof, 100 percent rye whiskey and aged for at least ten years in new American oak and Bourbon barrels. Additionally, WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, VT is America’s first single estate whiskey distillery. Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, has over 20 years of experience in building distilleries and over 14 years as Master Distiller of Maker’s Mark - Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

WhistlePig PiggyBank is the latest release from WhistlePig Distillery. Aged for 10 Years, WhistlePig PiggyBank is a limited edition blend of straight rye whiskey bottled at 100 proof. 

Producer Description 

Whistle Pig The Boss Hog IX Sirens Song Straight Rye Whiskey is finished in Greek fig nectar and scratch Ventura barrels. Hand bottled on the WhistlePig Farm. Brand new and extremely limited. 

Winemaker Description 

We’re Flipping Bourbon on Its Head WhistlePig’s Snout-to-Tail Bourbon challenges tradition with bold innovation. Aged 10 years and crafted with a double-barrel-head aging process, it’s infused with rich caramel, vanilla, and smoky maple notes thanks to Vermont oak and smoked maple wood.

Each barrel is flipped 180 degrees during aging for unmatched complexity. Bottled at 88 proof, it’s smooth, bold, and perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. Pair it with our 10-Year Rye for the ultimate duo. Ready to taste Bourbon reimagined? Grab a bottle and experience WhistlePig’s fearless craft.

Producer Description 

WhistlePig The Beholden 21 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey, a distinguished and exquisite expression from the esteemed WhistlePig Distillery. Crafted with precision and aged to perfection for 21 years, this single malt whiskey is a testament to the distillery's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

The Beholden boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, honey, oak, and subtle spice. Its smooth and velvety texture delivers a drinking experience that is both luxurious and indulgent, making it a true delight for whiskey connoisseurs.

Presented in a sophisticated bottle adorned with the iconic WhistlePig branding, The Beholden is a true collector's item. Whether enjoyed neat or as the foundation for classic cocktails, this single malt whiskey promises an unparalleled drinking experience that is sure to impress.

Raise a glass to tradition, excellence, and the enduring legacy of WhistlePig with The Beholden 21 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey. Cheers to great taste and unforgettable moments! 

Expert Review 

Whiskey Advocate | The Samurai Scientist officially denoted not as The Boss Hog 6 but rather The Boss Hog is wholly unlike anything else in the WhistlePig stable. The trick? The whiskey was distilled in Canada using koji fermentation techniques and, after spending 16 years in oak, it is finished in barrels seasoned with umeshu, Japanese plum wine.

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. 

Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company. 

Amaretto Cookie, Fig Leaf, Cherry Blossom, Honey Graham Cracker, Cinnamon Bark
Taste

Rosemary, Cinnamon Raison, Olive Oil, Sencha Green Tea, Roasted Yam
Finish

Black Licorice, Honeysuckle, Coconut Macaroon, Caramelized Carrots, Satsuma

Producer Description 

Released in 2023, the Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the latest edition to the coveted Master's Keep series. This premium 106-proof (53% ABV) iteration is a collaborative bottling between two Campari powerhouses - Master Distiller Eddie Russel and Appleton Estate Master Blender Joy Spence.

Master's Keep Voyage is said to be a 10 year old Kentucky bourbon whiskey finished for at least five weeks in hand-selected Appleton Estate ex-rum casks - casks which previously housed 14 year old pot still Jamaican rum. Offered in curated quantities, expect a nose of island fruits, citrus, and oak coated in molasses. The palate explores hints of caramel, brown sugar, and trails of warm spice. A beautifully crafted whiskey full of exotic flavors weaving into a sweet, medium-long finish, Master's Keep Voyage Bourbon is a tropical island in a bottle!

Producer Description 

What if Kentucky took a roadtrip to Texas and introduced its very own small batch bourbon to some Texas mesquite. What if those two became best friends in a bottle – an 8-year-old, small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon, refined with American Oak and mesquite charcoals. You might think that’s a long way from home for a Kentucky straight bourbon, and you’d be right. But turning a ‘what if’ into a ‘that’s it’ can be pretty tasty.

AROMA

Vanilla

TASTE

Floral, honeysuckle, caramel, prunes and pear with slight citrus hints.

FINISH

Caramel and spice

PROCESS

Small batch aged 8 years 

Producer Description 

Our small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys are offered as a Small Batch, up to 12 barrels per batch, which was the result of one fermenter. The goal of the Small Batch is to capture the total essence of more complex notes from multiple barrels from distillate of the same fermenter. Weve decided to release the Small Batch Bourbon as a Bottled in Bond so fans of our Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon can do a side-by-side comparison.

Our Small Batch release mash bill is 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye and 12 percent malted barley using our yeast strains. We entered the cooper select, toasted and #4 char barrel at 110 proof after coming off the still around 137 proof. All of our whiskeys are aged and matured on our 168-acre campus inside any one of our six rickhouses. We have more than 100,000 barrels aging onsite.

Producer Description 

Limited release wheated bourbon whiskey produced by Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky • Mash bill of 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% barley • Aged 8 years in char #4 American oak barrels • Twice distilled using an unspecified still regimen; Willett employs a column still made of copper and stainless steel and a Vendome copper pot still modeled after Willett’s original, patented pot still • Non-chill filtered; 54% ABV

Willett’s eight-year wheated is the most recent addition to the distillery’s lineup, introduced in 2022 and conceived entirely by master distiller Drew Kulsveen. Including older stocks than the Willett Pot Still Reserve and bottled at seven more percentage points of proof, this expression introduces new facets of the distillery’s wheated mash bill.

Producer Description 

For the Willett family, distilling craft whiskey is a family tradition. During Reconstruction, John David Willett — the family patriarch — began distilling whiskey at the Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery, which was situated just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1898, his son, A. Lambert Willett — who was 15 years old at the time — began following in his father's footsteps. Three decades later, Lambert, together with his son, Thompson purchased a farm on the outskirts of Bardstown, Kentucky, and began construction of the Willett Distilling Company. While the Willett Distilling Company eventually changed its name to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, the family tradition lives on — Even Kulsveen, the current owner of KBD, is Thompson Willett's son-in-law.

In keeping with family tradition, Willett Pot Still Reserve is a mean single-barrel Kentucky straight bourbon. Aged for between eight and ten years, Willett Pot Still Reserve earned the Gold Medal for taste at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2008, and the Double Gold Medal for design. Its unique shape and design are meant to resemble the pot still that was used for generations at the Willett Distilling Company. Soft and elegant on the nose, this bourbon has slight notes of vanilla, coconut and cinnamon.

Each bottle is sealed with a label identifying the individual aging barrel, the number of the bottle within the series of bottles for that barrel, and the total number of bottles from the barrel.

The Willett family legacy lives on in Willett Pot Still Reserve.

Producer Description 

Uncut and unfiltered, this hand-bottled bourbon is barrel proof. Weller substitutes wheat for the traditional rye grain, a production method pioneered by W.L. Weller.

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. The previous release of this wheated bourbon was honored with a Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

The 2022 release was distilled in the spring of 2010 and barrels were aged in warehouses C, K and N. This bourbon registers at 124.7 proof. A nose of toasted coconut, butterscotch and caramel, followed by a touch of mint, dark cherry and molasses on the palate and a full–bodied finish with hints of leather, nutmeg, toffee and vanilla can be found in this year’s offering. 

Producer Description 

William Larue Weller Bourbon 2023: A Symphony of Islay Mastery at 133.6 Proof Step into the world of premium bourbons with the William Larue Weller 2023 release, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and tradition. Bottled at a robust 133.6 proof, this bourbon surpasses its predecessors, offering a sensory experience like no other. The nose is graced with candied notes of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean, leading to a warm and full palate that boasts flavors of stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble.

The finish is robust and dense, enveloped with baking spice and a hint of maple syrup. This release, part of the esteemed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, captures the essence of Kentucky's rich bourbon heritage. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or exploring the world of premium whiskies, the William Larue Weller 2023 promises a tasting journey that's both profound and memorable.

Producer Description 

The William Larue Weller 2024 Release from the esteemed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a true collector’s bourbon, embodying the rich tradition of wheated bourbons with an uncut, unfiltered presentation. Bottled at a robust 125.8 Proof (62.9% ABV), this bourbon is aged for 12 years and 6 months, allowing it to develop a smooth, complex profile that brings out the sweetness and depth of its wheated mash bill. Known for its balance of bold flavors and refined character, the 2024 release of William Larue Weller is a remarkable addition to any serious whiskey collection.

William Larue Weller is celebrated for its full-bodied and rounded profile, showcasing flavors of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices with a smooth finish that highlights its well-aged complexity.

Producer Description 

Gin flavored with handpicked juniper berries from its Hamptons estate, cardamom, cumin, coriander, fennel and anise. The most eye-catching detail about this spirit is definitely its trendy pink color, which winemaker and partner Roman Roth gets by using the vineyard's rosé wine as the base for the gin. Once the rosé is distilled, Roth adds a small amount of grape skin extract to get that subtle pink color.

Producer Description 

94 Points Tasting Panel | Offers deep amber color; toasty caramel nose; lush and buttery with flavors of toasted oak, caramel and chocolate. Smooth, elegant and complex.

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | After the usual aging time, this Bourbon is then moved to a heavily-toasted, lightly-charred barrel to extract additional oak flavor. The end result is deep amber in the glass, with bright spice cake and baked apple fragrance. On the palate, it's lightly sweet at first, showing creamy caramel, but finishes dry, with touches of espresso, oak and baking chocolate. Overall, a bold, flavorful sipper.

Producer Notes

Deep amber in color. Rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate and marzipan on the nose. A full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices on the palate. The finish is long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple. 

Cocktail by Oscar Garcia

The Manhattanite

This is my own variation on the Classic Manhattan Cocktail.

• 2oz Woodford Reserve

• 1oz La Copa Sweet Vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 1 dash of Reagan's Orange Bitters

• Woodford Reserve Bourbon Preserve Cherries (for garnish)

Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a skewer of  Brandied Cherries. This cocktail can be served up or on the rocks (your preference)

Producer Description 

Clean, brilliant honey amber. Heavy with rich dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges covered with a dusting of cocoa. Faint vanilla and tobacco spice. Rich, chewy, rounded and smooth, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Toffee, caramel, chocolate and spice notes abound. Silky smooth, almost creamy at first with a long, warm satisfying tail.

Producer Description 

Our most indulgent double-barreled expression. This bourbon undergoes an extended slumber in a second, custom-crafted barrel. Deeply toasted and lightly charred, it unlocks an unparalleled depth of flavor – a richness and complexity rarely encountered in American whiskey.

A robust medley of rich maple syrup, dark butterscotch, brittle caramel, bittersweet chocolate, burnt marshmallow and sweet hickory smoke notes dominate the nose.
Taste

Rich dried cherry and cranberry fruit swim in a blackberry jam brightened with hints of ripe apple. Chai tea and warming clove notes develop to spice up the palate.
Finish

Warm and drying with a lingering clove character.