New American whiskey and bourbon releases this week include BHAKTA’s long-awaited 2014 bourbon, a 99 proof expression from Ezra Brooks, an anniversary blend from Chattanooga, and an inaugural rye from Old Line.
Let’s take a look at the newest American whiskey and bourbon releases to hit the shelves.
BHAKTA 2014 Bourbon
Award-winning spirits brand, BHAKTA, has released its hotly-anticipated 2014 bourbon.
The 2013 expression won numerous awards, including ‘Best of Show 2nd Place’ in the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition and a Gold medal at the American Whiskey Masters.
The new whiskey is distilled from a mash bill comprising 99% corn and 1% malted barley. Like its predecessor, the BHAKTA 2014 Bourbon was finished in French Oak barrels from Château BHAKTA for 125 days. It was aged, in total, for 9 years and bottled at 105.4 proof.
BHAKTA’s 2014 Bourbon features aromas of herbs, toasted oak, and caramel on the nose. The palate is defined by charred oak, maraschino, and maple syrup. Sweet almonds and rum & raisin cake round out the finish.
The new bourbon retails for $149 on BHAKTA’s website. We will have to wait and see if this expression wins as many awards as its older sibling.
Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 12th Anniversary Blend
Tennessee-based Chattanooga Whiskey has unveiled the new Founder’s 12th Anniversary Blend. Chattanooga founder, Tim Piersant, creates the blend annually, showcasing the best experimental whiskey blends.
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The whiskey will be released at the distillery on April 26th, 2024. The previous evening will see the distillery host a ticketed event. By the end of May, the whiskey will also be available at Seelbachs.com with an RRP of $59.99.
The Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 12th Anniversary Blend is comprised of three whiskeys from Chattanooga’s famous Solera Room. Inside the room are three oak solera barrels that contain different distillates that vary in profile. The three barrels represent the brand’s past (1816), present (Barrel 91), and future (Infinity Barrel).
Each year, Piersant samples the barrels and puts together a blend that emulates the best features of each component spirit. Then, the barrels are refilled with mature whiskey that finishes in the solera.
This process is unique to Chattanooga and ensures that each whiskey produced in the Anniversary Blend series is completely unique, never to be replicated. This years blend is comprised of 12% 1816, 60% Barrel 91, and 28% Infinity Barrel.
Found Distiller and CPO, Grant McCracken, said: “Tasted on their own, the whiskey from each solera barrel is wildly different from the other. From the traditional essence of ‘1816,’ to the high-malt heritage of ‘91,’ to the expressive and ever-changing ‘Infinity,’ each barrel not only showcases the range of styles inherent to whiskey making, but also provides a range of options for blending.”
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Port Wine Cask Finish
Lux Row Distillers has unveiled a new expression in the Ezra Brooks range: a 99 proof bourbon finished in port wine casks.
Distilled from a mash bill comprising 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malt, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was bottled at 49.5% ABV and carries an RRP of $34.99.
Ezra Brooks brand manager, Eric Winter, said: “We created Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish for bourbon fans looking for an elevated taste profile and unique flavor option. Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe was intrigued by the juxtaposition of ryed bourbon’s spicy flavor profile and the sweeter, dark fruit notes often found in port wines.”
Rempe added: “This special finish brings notes of vanilla, tobacco and leather together on the nose, and sweet fruitiness and dark chocolate on the palate,” said Rempe. “We’re excited to share this special new variety with consumers as the first in a planned series of annual finishes for the Ezra Brooks 99 family.”
The Port Wine Cask Finish expression joins the Ezra 99 and the Ezra 99 Rye in the 99 proof range. This is alongside two 7 year old expressions and a bourbon cream.
Old Line 51 Rye Whiskey
Baltimore-based Old Line Spirits has released its inaugural rye whiskey. The brand was founded by two navy aviators, Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins, in 2017. Beginning by distilling American single malt whiskey, the brand has now expanded its range to include the Old Line 51 Rye Whiskey.
The new rye “pays homage to Maryland’s time-honored state spirit”. It was distilled from the same grains used by a local brewery, Monument City Brewing Co., for the 51 Rye IPA.
According to co-founder Mark McLaughlin: “Working with Monument City Brewing Co. allowed us to blend tradition with creativity, resulting in a whiskey that is both unique and respectful of Maryland’s rye heritage.”
Bottled at 51% ABV, the 51 Rye Whiskey has aromas of “cinnamon, warm sugar cookies, faint ripe plum, dark chocolate and light, dry tobacco.”
Old Line 51 Rye Whiskey will be locally available in Maryland for an RRP of $39.99 and through e-commerce stores in an additional 40 states. Click here to find a bottle near you.
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