New releases in the American whiskey and bourbon market include a Vino de Naranja finished whiskey from Middle West Spirits, and a French Oak expression from 2XO. Castle & Key partners with GiantMouse Knives for a limited edition offering.
Middle West Spirits Double Cask Vino de Naranja Whiskey
Middle West Spirits has unveiled a new single barrel release, finished in Vino de Naranja casks.
The new double cask expression is made up of a combination of Middle West Dark Pumpernickel Rye and Middle West Wheat Whiskeys. Both whiskeys were aged for four years in new American white oak before being finished for two years in Vino de Naranja casks from Spain.
The resulting whiskey has aromas of “Seville oranges, buttercream and toasted oak.” The palate has “candied orange, honey and baking spice, and finishes with the subtle sweetness of candied orange.”
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Bottled from a single cask at cask strength (ranging from 119.7 to 123.1 proof), the Middle West Double Cask Vino de Naranja Whiskey is available exclusively at the Middle West Spirits Distillery for an RRP of $129.99.
Founding distiller and CEO of Middle West, Ryan Lang, said: “Our Double Cask Collection gives us the chance to seek out and experiment with many different kinds of casks to see which ones can complement and enhance the flavors, aromas and color of matured whiskey. The harmony of soft notes from the Orange Sherry wine with our Wheat and Dark Pumpernickel Rye whiskeys was even better than we anticipated, so we are excited to release this limited production at cask strength for fall.”
Castle & Key Distiller’s Blade
Castle & Key Distillery has partnered with GiantMouse Knives to produce a limited edition box set: Castle & Key Distiller’s Blade. The box set will contain an individually numbered bottle of Castle & Key Single Barrel Bourbon and a premium pocket knife from GiantMouse.
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One hundred sets will contain a GiantMouse knife with a black handle a PVD-finished blade, and copper detailing. These sets will be available to purchase at the Castle & Key Distillery shop ($400). An additional 100 sets will contain a knife with a blue anodized titanium handle, a stonewashed blade, and copper accents will be available exclusively at CastleandKey.com.
In celebration of the collaboration, Castle & Key will host a “Meet the Maker” event on Saturday 23rd August from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm at the distillery shop. Attendees (first come, first served) will get the chance to meet with GiantMouse CEO, Jim Wirth, Co-Designer Jesper Voxnaes, and Castle & Key Lead Blender, Brett Connors.
Speaking about the collaboration, Jim Wirth said: “The Castle & Key Distillers Blade is our modern take on the gentleman’s folder. GiantMouse took a classic concept and designed a contemporary version using modern materials. Titanium, steel, and elegant copper accents pay homage to the Castle & Key distillery’s craft and the beauty of bourbon. Production proceeds only after the entire GiantMouse team conducts a thorough review and testing of prototypes and production samples, and this finished knife is one we would proudly carry and use ourselves.”
Brett Connors added: “At Castle & Key, craftsmanship and community is at the core of everything we do. The creative minds behind GiantMouse never disappoint with their knives that are pieces of art and also tell a story. Our collaboration reinforces our dedication to research, development, production, and high-quality design that is reflective in the Kentucky spirits we produce. The Castle & Key Distillers Blade is a bourbon-inspired knife that is personal, functional, and truly one we will be proud to carry and use ourselves.”
2XO French Oak
2XO (“Two Times Oak”) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has unveiled the new 2XO French Oak, created by renowned whiskey blender, Dixon Dedman. This is the second release in 2XO’s Oak Series, following the launch of the well-received American Oak expression.
The whiskey is distilled from a mash bill containing 18% rye, and double matured. The first maturation is in virgin American white oak, and the second involves the insertion of charred French oak staves into the barrel.
According to a brand press release, “ French Oak moves from sweet rich caramel on the front palate, to savory notes of coffee and cinnamon on the mid-palate, finishing with a mild peppery spice.”
2XO French Oak is now available nationwide and online at ReserveBar for an RRP of $49.99.
Dixon Dedman said: “Adding a French Oak version of the Oak Series is a natural progression. It is a great compliment to the traditional vanilla to peppery notes found in American Oak because French Oak lends itself to more baking spices and richer, savory, and caramel notes. The addition of French Oak further builds out the 2XO offerings and shows how the emphasis on additional oak during maturation can impart and build unique profiles while starting with the same base. I love the response we’ve received on French Oak and am excited to continue to explore additional opportunities in the future to grow the Oak Series.”
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