In new releases this week, Westward Whiskey unveils Milestone No.2 and Nearest Green prioritizes inclusivity. Old Overholt releases the 2024 Extra Aged rye, and Hudson Whiskey finishes in Calvados Casks.
Let’s take a closer look at some notable new whiskey releases in the USA this week.
Westward Whiskey Milestone Edition No.2 – A Discovery of Spice
Westward Whiskey has launched Milestone Edition No.2 – A Discovery of Spice, in celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary. This second annual release is produced through a Solera system, just like those used to produce sherry in Spanish bodegas.
Master Blender Miles Munroe drew the American single malt whiskey from a 21-barrel Solera system, a method used for centuries to mature sherry. The process involves the continuous aging and blending of Westward Whiskey spirit. According to a brand press release: “Each year, Westward draws just a small fraction of the whiskey for the Milestone release, replacing it with another unique whiskey from the barrel house. Much like the coveted idea of an Infinity Bottle, introducing new, exceptional whiskies into the Solera system while continuously blending small amounts of whiskey from one barrel into another creates an always evolving yet infinite palette of deep, complex Westward flavors.”
A Discovery of Spice was inspired by Miles Munroe’s trip to Taiwan and the food that he tasted there. He set out to embolden the spice notes in Westward Whiskey using finishing casks such as Stout, Pinot Noir, and Rum.
“With Milestone, we have selected our most distinctive whiskeys and crafted a 21-barrel Solera system of slow-proofed spirit that will continue to evolve over time to ensure our story and vision will also progress into the future,” says Munroe. “Pulling from the archives, we have integrated some of our oldest whiskeys with a selection of beautiful wine and wood finishes, both from our home near Willamette Valley and from coveted winemaking regions around the world.”
The tasting notes for the new release are as follows (provided by Westward Whiskey):
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“Aroma: Honeysuckle, dried cherry, mocha & rich raisin, toasted almond
Palate: Peach streusel, rum raisin, coconut flake, apple pie
Finish: Fig jam, vanilla bean, stewed orchard fruit, cinnamon roll”
Presented in a limited edition glass bottle and box that echoes Westward Whiskey’s rugged surroundings, the whiskey is bottled at 48.5% ABV and is available now via westwardwhiskey.com for $249.95. Limited retail partners will also be offering the expression.
Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey
Uncle Nearest, Inc., the maker of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has announced the launch of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey. Bottled at 84 proof and at an approachable price point of $29.99, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey demonstrates the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy Nearest Green Whiskey.
Crafted by award-winning Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is billed as being the perfect neat pour, yet its versatility makes it perfect for use in cocktails. Butler recommends putting a twist on a Sidecar.
“Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey captures the spirit of my great-great-grandfather, Nearest Green, while still upholding our pillars of excellence and unmatched quality,” said Butler. “With this new brand, we’re not just expanding our offerings — we’re expanding the Uncle Nearest family, reaching new consumers who may not consider spending more than $50 on a bottle. Our goal is simple: To make Nearest Green a household name, bringing people together to honor our past while embracing the future of Tennessee Whiskey.”
Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is now available for purchase via the Uncle Nearest Website via ReserveBar. From this Saturday, October 5th, the whiskey will also be stocked at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
The launch of this new whiskey comes just months after Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO, Fawn Weaver, published her new book Love & Whiskey, a history of Nearest Green’s life and his lasting impact on the spirits world. The book also chronicles the establishment of Uncle Nearest, and how the company works to protect the legacy of the first African American Master Distiller.
In celebration of the launch of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, Uncle Nearest is offering those who purchase the new expression a chance to win one of just 40 signed copies of Love & Whiskey. Simply purchase a bottle online then email [email protected] to enter the raffle. Entries close on October 30th at 11:59 PM ET.
Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11 Year Old
Overholt has unveiled the 2024 edition of Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11 Year Old. The American rye was distilled in the autumn of 2012 and then matured in four different warehouses in Clermont, Kentucky. This slow and gentle maturation in the Kentucky heat has ensured a layered and complex expression.
Tasting notes have been provided by Overholt:
“Color – Golden Tawny
Aroma – Bold, vanilla underpinned with hints of tobacco spice
Taste – Allspice, sweet vanilla and caramel, charred oak
Finish – Pleasant, Full bodied with lingering notes of rye”
The rye was bottled at 107.4 proof and is now available with an SRP of $99.99.
Hudson New York Rye Whiskey Calvados Cask Finish
New York-based Hudson Whiskey has released its newest, limited-edition whisky, a New York rye finished in Calvados Casks. Distilled from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, the whiskey was aged for 3.5 years in virgin American oak barrels, and then aged for 3.5 more years in Calvados (a refined apple brandy) casks from Normandy, France.
“When we had the chance to acquire casks that once held Calvados, we saw an opportunity to craft a whiskey that embodies the bold, innovative spirit of Hudson Whiskey and New York itself,” said Brian Kinsman, Master Blender. “This new rye pays homage to the state, from the orchards of the Hudson Valley to the iconic Big Apple. As the Hudson Whiskey portfolio continues to grow, we’re committed to expanding its offerings with aged expressions that reflect its proud, bold New York heritage.”
The finishing in Calvados casks imparted “subtle notes of crisp apple, harmonizing beautifully with notes of vanilla, citrus, and cornbread. On the palate, it unfolds into smooth notes of cashew butter and caramel, leading to a full-bodied, subtle fruit finish.”
Hudson New York Rye Whiskey Calvados Cask Finish is available nationwide at local retail outlets for an MSRP of $69.99. Find out more on the Hudson Whiskey website.