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GSN Review: Ardbeg Spectacular

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year, festivities will take a show-stopping turn at the Distillery and around the world on Saturday 1st June, as Ardbeg marks the occasion with one of its most eclectic experiments to date – Ardbeg Spectacular.

The Distillery’s first whisky aged in port casks, this limited edition showcases flavors never before tasted at Ardbeg. Taking inspiration from the whisky’s dark cavalcade of flavors, the Islay single malt is inviting fans to join its very own “Dark Circus” on Ardbeg Day. For one day only, at the Distillery and at local events across the globe, whisky fans can delve into an offbeat and smoky Ardbeggian take on the circus, through intriguing tastings, outlandish games and an extravaganza of peaty delights.

Ardbeg Spectacular will be available to buy worldwide from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers, and from the Distillery Visitor Centre.

For more news on Ardbeg Day 2024 and all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

GSN’s Remarks: Heavy creosote nose with an intensity of smoked peat, reminiscent of a freshly lit cigar. There is also an underlying sweetness from the malt which adds body and warmth. Flavorwise, the initial tasting leans sweet and malty, with caramel and brickle and a slight port wine joviality. The haze of smokiness carries over on the tongue as well, giving it a luxurious elegance and refined attitude. It’s definitely in the vein of classic Ardbeg, but the port shines through here, making this a welcome sideshow to the portfolio. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Ardbeg

#Ardbeg

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GSN Review: Revivalist Garden Gin

Created by Botanery Barn Distilling, Revivalist Garden Gin (SRP $34.99) is an expression infused with unique ethnobotanicals inspired by ethnobotanical traditions, the practice of using plants for functional, spiritual and culinary purposes. Ashwagandha brings earthy, herbaceous notes that mingle with a hint of bright lemon from verbena. Rose hips and rose petals add delicate floral notes with undertones of stone fruit sweetness from plum and nuttiness from hemp seed. Woody, savory and fruity notes linger on the palate for a nearly endless finish. This is a gin that appeals to both traditional gin aficionados and new-world spirits explorers. GSN’s Remarks: An intertwining of sharp juniper, warming citrus and evocative floral notes create a welcoming nose reminiscent of walking into a florist shop. On the tongue, the juniper does a sprightly dance with a wintery cooling effect, while the citrus lends a summery brightness. The other additions to the gin basket add milder characters of dark fruit, tangy herbs and a slight “hoppy” bitterness from the hemp seed. All in all, it works very well and although is a new world style gin, makes for a fine “London Dry” style martini quite well. The stopper on the bottle is remarkable as well, crafted in the form of a metal sillcock. A fun and lively gin to show off at your next outdoor party! GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Revivalist Gin

#RevivalistGin
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GSN Review: Nikaido Shochu

NIKAIDO, the shochu brand credited with inventing 100% barley koji shochu recently announced that for the first time, its two core expressions, NIKAIDO Oita Mugi Shochu, and NIKAIDO Kitchom (Aged Oita Mugi Shochu), will be available in the United States. NIKAIDO is poised to open American consumers’ eyes to the elegance and versatility of this beloved Japanese spirit.

The Nikaido family has been brewing and distilling in Oita prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, for eight generations. Founded in Hiji-Machi in 1866 as a nihon-shu brewery, it has remained in the ownership of the Nikaido family ever since. In 1949, NIKAIDO began to switch production from nihon-shu to shochu, drawing on the family’s generations of experience working with koji, the essential component in the making of nihon-shu and shochu.

8th generation Nikaido President, Yuichi Nikaido says, “I want the world outside of Japan to know Shochu culture which is still kept in Japan today. I have always felt that this is the mission of Nikaido Shuzou, just as the 6th generation of the Nikaido family did, to create easy-drinking barley Shochu in the ‘70s. I have a dream that one day I will see people enjoying their time with their Shochu glass in their hands, no matter their culture.”

Shochu is Japan’s oldest distilled alcoholic beverage, with the earliest documented mentions of shochu dating from the 1500s. It is also Japan’s most popular spirit, outselling both nihon-shu (sake), and whiskey. With its low ABV (typically under 30%), shochu makes an excellent neat aperitif. It can also be mixed as a cocktail, served with cool water to dilute, or with hot water, to release its complex bouquet, or as chu-hi, a low ABV (typically 3%) refreshing carbonated drink made with shochu, soda water, and lemon, or other fruit juices.

NIKAIDO Oita Mugi Shochu (ABV: 24%) is the first ever 100% barley shochu, using barley koji. The original ‘new style’ shochu that made Oita Mugi Shochu famous throughout Japan. GSN’s Remarks: Almost effervescent nose with a heady barley scent of bright distillate. Very soft and easy entry, with a gentle approach that has a slight peppery warmth. After a minute, the flavors open up with a dry, crisp and somewhat woody tonality. There is a mild heat that gives a long finish. Very easy going and a perfect shochu to enjoy with a meal. GSN Rating: A-

NIKAIDO Kitchom (Aged Oita Mugi Shochu ABV: 24%) is the original aged barley shochu from Oita prefecture. NIKAIDO Kitchom is aged for one year in steel tanks, before being bottled in handmade, hand painted glazed clay flasks. GSN’s Remarks: A softer nose than the unaged shochu, this has a slighter darker sensibility, with a slight floral edge. The rougher edges have been smoothed out, giving a rounder, slightly chalkier mouthfeel. The pepperiness is also ramped up a bit, with more apparent heat on the palate. Long finish ending on a distinct barley note. An extra fine sipping shochu that also makes for killer cocktails. Also, the clay bottle makes for a very stylish conversation piece on your back bar. GSN Rating: A++

For more information go to: Nikaido Shuzou

To order go to: Hi-Time Wine

#NikaidoShochu

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GSN Review: Chinola Mango Liqueur

Chinola Fresh Fruit Liqueurs announced the release of Chinola Mango Liqueur. The artisanal fresh fruit liqueur is crafted from a distinct blend of mangoes that only grow once a year, plus a touch of passion fruit. ChinolaMango Liqueur will launch in 22 United States markets and will be available for purchase nationally on chinola.com starting this month.

Chinola Mango Liqueur is made with eco-friendly practices and contains 100% fresh mango and a hint of passion fruit, with no artificial colors or flavors. The liqueur is made from a custom blend of mangoes grown in the Dominican Republic which includes Banilejo, Keitt, and Kent varieties. This blend of mangoes offers a well-balanced combination of sweetness and tanginess with a smooth texture that helps give the liqueur its distinctive taste. 

Chinola Mango Liqueur is a versatile drink option. It can be appreciated on its own and mixes well with many spirits, including tequila, vodka, sparkling wine, and more. It is the perfect addition to classic cocktails and a versatile tool for crafting original serves. 

Chinola Fresh Fruit Liqueurs has been instrumental in supporting the infrastructural growth of the Samaná community on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. From building a road that makes the area more accessible, to creating small bridges, electric poles, and water wells that help boost tourism and the local economy. 

GSN’s Remarks: A thick, freshly blended mango flavor that has just enough of a kick to let you know that this is a liqueur. Tart, somewhat sweet and tropical, the flavor lends itself to faux-tropical libations. Try this with rum, tequila, vodka or even gin to create a liquid dessert in a glass. Overall, this is an interesting and useful product for those who are seeking to expand their tiki bar options. GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Chinola

#Chinola #ChinolaMangoLiqueur

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GSN Review: High & Wicked Cask Strength Bourbon and Rye

High n’ Wicked has released its first cask strength rye and its newest cask strength bourbon offering of its flagship rye and bourbon whiskeys.

High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey uses a five-year aged sour mash and a mash bill of 91% rye and 9% malted barley. Although rye whiskeys only require a minimum of 51% rye and can be difficult to work with especially at such a high percentage, the team found that a 91% rye mash bill best showcased the characteristics they desired in a rye whiskey. The expression is distilled by New Riff Distilling and bottled without chill filtration at cask strength (62% ABV or 124 proof) in Kentucky.

High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey features a five-year aged sweet mash, (unlike most whiskeys that use a sour mash), which allows for greater complexity of flavor (especially with this high rye content mash bill) that is further accentuated in the cask strength edition. The expression has a mash bill of 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted barley and is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky at cask strength (61.6% ABV or 123.2 proof) without chill filtration to retain maximum flavor and character.

Both cask strength expressions have a suggested retail price of $90, which may vary by market. All High n’ Wicked offerings are regularly available in 41 U.S. states and Washington DC as well as online via the brand website, and Curiada.

High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – GSN’s Remarks: Prickly rye spice on the nose with a hearty and grain forward oakiness. In spite of the cask strength, this goes down remarkably smoothly with little sips. Somewhat chewy mouthfeel, with a nice blend of rye spice and sweet corn, the oak aging ties everything together in a compact and tasty expression. A long finish which ends with a slight tannic note. Well done and a testament to the craft. GSN Rating: A

High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – GSN’s Remarks: Sweet, baked bread and sweet roll scent with a patina of sugar glaze. The sweetness is apparent from the get go, but quickly evaporates into a muscley oak flavor which at times can be a bit intense. The front of the palate ends up having some woody bitterness, while the back has more of the maple suagr and hot cross bun character. The mouthfeel is light and mostly comprised of high top notes, while the finish is extended and somewhat walnut-like. GSN Rating: B

For more information go to: High n’ Wicked

#HighnWicked

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GSN Alert: New Spirits Releases 4.19.24

ARDBEG SPECTACULAR
This 2024 release from Ardbeg is matured in port wine casks and then married with bourbon cask matured Ardbeg— a first for the distillery! Released in celebration of Ardbeg Day 2024 which is held on the last day of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), this year theme is “Dark Circus.” Available globally with the US getting its allotment beginning May 1, 2024. (SRP $129.99)

BALCONES MIRADOR ECLIPSE TEXAS SINGLE MALT
Released to coincide with the 2024 Great North American Eclipse, this American single malt is an extension of the brand’s Mirador portfolio. Here, two strains of yeast — red wine & rosé — are added to their house malt whisky yeast. It’s matured in a selection of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-fill Kentucky bourbon casks for 4-5 years and bottled at 55% ABV. Available at select US retailers beginning May 2024. (SRP $100)

CASAMIGAS JALAPEÑO TEQUILA
This jalapeño tequila was made in collaboration with supermodel and entrepreneur Cindy Crawford, inspired by her drink of choice — a skinny, spicy Casamigos margarita. Made with 100% blue weber agave Casamigos Blanco Tequila, it’s naturally flavored with jalapeños. The label features Cindy’s trademark lips and beauty mark and the “O” in Casamigos is crossed out and replaced with an “A.” Available nationwide beginning April 2024 in two formats, 750ml for $49.99 and 1L for $60.99.

CHATTANOOGA WHISKEY FOUNDER’S 12TH ANNIVERSARY BLEND
Formulated each year by CEO & Founder Tim Piersant, Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 12th Anniversary Blend is made from a blend of three solera whiskeys — each representing the past, present, and future. Representing the past, the brand’s high-rye bourbon 1816 makes up 12% of the blend. The present is represented by Barrel 91 which is the brand’s signature Tennessee high malt recipe and is 60% of the blend. Meanwhile, the future is featured with their Infinity Barrel with is a blend of malt and rye malt whiskeys including a cherrywood smoked “Danko” rye malt whiskey. Bottled at 100 proof without chill-filtration, it’s available in limited quantities beginning May 2024. (SRP $59.99)

HATOZAKI OMAKASE RYE MIZUNARA CASK FINISH
Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery, this bottling is made with at least 51% rye and is produced in small batches of no more than 10 casks which are hand-selected by Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa. Initial maturation is done in new charred oak barrels before a finishing in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. This limited edition release is the 3rd edition in the brand’s Omakase Series and is exclusive to the US. Just 3,000 bottles are available beginning April 2024. (SRP $95)

HIGH N’ WICKED 5 YEAR CASK STRENGTH KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
High n’ Wicked, an importer and specialty whiskey brand founded in 2019, releases their flagship cask strength expressions on a bi-annual basis. Distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, this cask strength straight bourbon release features their sweet mash bourbon recipe (51% corn, 39% rye, 10% malted barley) which is aged for a minimum of five years. The ABV will vary with each release, as is the nature of such bottlings. Available regularly nationally in 41 states and the D.C. market. (SRP $90)

HIGH N’ WICKED 5 YEAR CASK STRENGTH KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE
High n’ Wicked, an importer and specialty whiskey brand founded in 2019, releases their flagship cask strength expressions on a bi-annual basis. Distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky, this cask strength straight rye release features their sour mash rye recipe (91% rye, 9% malted barley) which is aged for a minimum of five years. The ABV will vary with each release, as is the nature of such bottlings. Available nationally in 41 states and the D.C. market. (SRP $90)

Information courtesy of Distiller.com

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GSN Review: El Negocio Tequila

El Negocio, which means “The Business” in Spanish, was founded by Napa Valley vintner Adam Craun and entrepreneur Nicholas Lutz. Craun, a classically trained artist, philanthropist and co-founder of the cult wine powerhouse Memento Mori, is now focused on bridging the two worlds of fine wine and tequila. Though the flavor profiles could hardly be more different, El Negocio underscores the unbridled edge of tequila with a nuanced restraint and deference to terroir more commonly associated with collector-worthy wine.

“El Negocio represents the apex of our three most defining passions — pure, authentic, additive-free tequila, benchmark wine, and sleek, modern design,” said Lutz. 

For Craun and Lutz, there was only one Jalisco Valley partner they ever wanted to work with Master Distiller Salvador Rosales Trejo, better known as “Chava.” His grandfather was the tequilero who founded Fabrica de Tequila El Cascahuín in the town of El Arenal, and today Chava is among a very small handful of producers making tequila with traditional methods to protect the rich heritage around it.

While most mass-produced tequilas are made using the sweeter Jalisco highlands agave, Chava, Craun and Lutz chose the more traditional Zona Valles terroir in the Jalisco lowlands. This region produces extremely limited quantities of Blue Weber Agave, and its mineral-rich volcanic soil, known as tierra negra, imparts more sophisticated, savory notes to the tequila. Known as the Tequilana Weber, the Blue Weber is smaller than its highland cousins. It is this very agave that is responsible for El Negocio’s more vivid concentration of flavor.

The founders are as concerned with El Negocio’s sustainability as they are with its origins and purity. Nodding to Cascahuín’s use of deep well water, the label has partnered with Charity Water, committing $1 from every bottle of El Negocio that is sold to the international organization’s commitment to building clean and safe wells for drinking water around the world.

El Negocio’s deep connection to wine and its Memento Mori sister label are more visible starting this spring, when El Negocio’s first two French oak-aged expressions arrived. Also certified additive-free, both the Reposado ($125) and Joven ($125) benefit from time spent aging in barrels previously used to age Memento Mori, imparting the nuanced sophistication that has helped earn the Napa Valley label’s $300+ wines a cult following and 100-point critical acclaim.

El Negocio Blanco Rosa, Añejo and Extra Añejo releases are also on the horizon once they complete their barrel-aging process.

Note: GSN was sent the joven and the reposado for review.

El Negocio Reposado – GSN’s Remarks: Deep and rich oak driven nose with plenty of agave and caramel to go around. Sweet and honeyed entry on the palate with a warm, lazy and welcoming mellow personality. A well rounded mouthfeel with a semi-creamy feel on the tongue. Light peppery spice, loads of caramel and a keening agave flavor that leads to an extra long finish. At the finale, things end on a woody tannic note. A true standout of a reposado. GSN Rating: A+

El Negocio Joven – GSN’s Remarks: Rainwater, chalky mineral and fresh agave make for a clean and bright nose. Lightly sweet, with a ethereal mouthfeel that delicately caresses the tongue. Some light pepper, fresh mint, nutmeg and soft caramel make this a complex and appealing spirit. The finish is medium long, with a gently softening sweet fade. A remarkably sophisticated expression for a young tequila. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: El Negochio Tequila

#ElNegocioTequila

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GSN Partner: Wildkale Farmers Market

Wildkale Online Farmers Market, an online farmers market that connects farms directly with customers, has launched a new hyper-local New York state small farm collective at wildkale.market.  Offering grass-fed grass-finished beef, pastured chicken and pork raised on organic micro family farms, Wildkale brings the highest quality protein directly shipped by the farmers to customer’s home doorsteps anywhere in New York state within one business day. 

“Coming from North Macedonia, I grew up on healthy flavorful homemade food that my grandmother would cook from scratch daily with local ingredients from small farms,” says Wildkale Online Farmers Market founder Ana Jakimovska.  “Now, as a New Yorker and a mom of two children, I’ve strived to offer my children the same nutrition and rich flavors of my childhood. When I finally found the wholesome, organic ingredients it takes to replicate those flavors at a handful of small Central New York farms, I realized more New Yorkers needed better access to these quality products. I started Wildkale to help to bring these farm-fresh proteins and ingredients directly to the doorsteps of New Yorkers in the city and all over the state.” 

Jakimovska has visited hundreds of farms across New York state in search of the highest quality beef, pork, and chicken available.  She found the fresh, flavorful proteins she was seeking in Central New York, an area of fertile volcanic fields where small family farms raise their animals in a respectful and humane manner.  Now, with the help of Wildkale technology, these Central New York farmers can deliver to customers anywhere in New York State nutritious, high-quality proteins raised on their farms, package them with dry ice, and within one business day. Shipping is free. 

Wildkale Farmers Market is an online market allowing New Yorkers to order their food directly from local farmers, without any middlemen.  Wildkale.market selects New York State-based farming partners committed to growing food the right way on their small family farms. Wildkale enables direct connection in the true sense since there are no middlemen, and the food is packaged on the farms by the people who took care of the animals and delivered at the customer’s door overnight.  For more information, please visit wildkale.market.

For $40 off of your first order, use code GOODSPIRITS40OFF at check out.

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GSN Alert: New Spirits Releases 4.12.24

A. OVERHOLT STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY
This release uses the same mash bill as the one Abraham Overholt used when he founded the brand in Pennsylvania in 1810 — 80% rye and 20% soft malted barley. Today, the Overholt brand is made in Clermont, Kentucky at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. with other Overholt Rye bottlings incorporating some corn in the recipe unlike this release. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, A. Overholt Straight Rye is available nationwide beginning April 2024. (SRP $39.99)

BLACKENED RYE THE LIGHTNING (2024 RELEASE)
Like the first limited edition Rye the Lightning bottling released in 2022, this release was inspired by Metallica’s 6x platinum sophomore album Ride the Lightning. Here, a selection of straight rye whiskeys were chosen by Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich and then vatted together. Then the blend was finished in Madeira wine and Caribbean rum casks for 2-14 weeks each while the barrels underwent the brand’s proprietary BLACK NOISE sonic enhancement process. Bottled at 92 proof without chill-filtration, it’s available nationwide beginning April 2024. (SRP $69.99)

BULLEIT 12 YEAR RYE (2024 RELEASE)
This is the second 12 year-old rye whiskey release from the brand after a five-year hiatus. The 95 on the label is referencing the 95% rye in the mash bill recipe, which is the same as the brand’s flagship rye whiskey bottling. While this is aged for at least 12 years, this 2024 release contains barrels in the blend which are aged up to 17 years. Bottled at 92 proof, this limited edition release is available nationwide (excluding Maine) beginning April 2024. (SRP $54.99)

COMPASS BOX CELESTIAL
This is the fourth and final release in the Extinct Blends Quartet a series which pays homage to Scotch whisky from the past. In addition to grain whiskies, malt whiskies from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Glen Elgin and Pulteney are used in this peated blend. It is bottled at 50% ABV (700 ml bottle), limited to 5,532 bottles released worldwide as of April 5, 2024. (SRP $375)

EZRA BROOKS 99 PORT WINE CASK FINISH
This is the first in an expected series of annual finishes for the Ezra Brooks 99 portfolio. Here, the brand begins with their Kentucky straight bourbon (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) and finishes it in port wine casks for six months. Bottled at the signature 99 proof (49.5% ABV), this is being shipped to retailers nationwide in April 2024. (SRP $34.99)

GARRISON BROTHERS LADY BIRD (2024 RELEASE)
The second release of Lady Bird begins with the brand’s flagship Small Batch Bourbon which is aged in new white American oak for four years. Next, it’s infused with Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey for 8-9 months before the bourbon is transferred to French oak Cognac XO barrels for 3 more years. The bourbon is named for Lady Bird Johnson, former First Lady from 1962-1969. Like the previous edition, Garrison Brothers will be donating $5 for each bottle sold to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in her honor. Garrison Brothers Lady Bird will launch 1,000 bottles at the distillery on May 11, 2024 before a nationwide launch in mid-May 2024 of the remaining 6,002 bottles. (SRP $179.99)

RABBIT HOLE FOUNDER’S COLLECTION MIZUNARA (2024 RELEASE)
This 2024 Founder’s Collection bottling is the rarest whiskey from the brand to date. Here, Rabbit Hole founder & whiskey maker Kaveh Zamanian selected 15 year-old Kentucky straight bourbon barrels from his personal collection. He then used Japanese Mizunara oak barrels for finishing for 11+ months. Bottled at 103.8 proof (51.9% ABV), it’s available at the Rabbit Hole Distillery and select markets nationwide beginning April 2024. (SRP $1,500)

Information courtesy of Distiller.com

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GSN Review: Flecha Azul Tequila

Co-founded in 2016 and launched in 2020 by Mexican PGA golfer Abraham Ancer and Mexican entrepreneur Aron Marquez, Flecha Azul Tequila was authentically crafted to taste like home. Backed by Mark Wahlberg, the premium, additive-free tequila is available in five expressions – Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Añejo Cristalino and Extra Añejo. As one of the only new world tequila brands with authentic Mexican roots and offerings, Flecha Azul Tequila is hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, from fully-matured 100% single estate-grown Blue Weber Agave and produced by a multi-generational, family-owned and operated distillery with practices dating back to 1840.

Note: GSN was sent samples of the blanco and reposado for review

Flecha Azul Blanco – GSN’s Remarks: Heavy vanilla and agave nose with some peppery vegetal coloration. Nice entry with a crisp and peppery essence that has some salinity and light oak tannin. Medium-light body with a bit of heat towards the back of the palate. The finish is medium long, ending with a cracker-like note. GSN Rating: A-

Flecha Azul Reposado – GSN’s Remarks: Buttery vanilla and toffee perfume in the tasting glass. Quite smooth while hitting a lot of mid-range flavors. Somewhat more dessert-like and sweet than the blanco, the reposado has a warm, round sensation which works towards the top of the palate. Some bright high notes of white pepper come out after a minute adding some liveliness. The body is medium, with a long finish ending on a woody note. GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Flecha Azul Tequila

#FlechaAzulTequila

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GSN Review: Club Kokomo Spirits Rum

Club Kokomo Spirits, the company founded by Mike Love, singer, songwriter and co-founder of the Beach Boys, introduces a line of premium rums. The rum collection includes Artisanal White Rum, Barrel Finished Rum and Tahitian Vanilla Rum. The all new line is distilled in San Diego featuring a blend of demerara cane sugar rum and traditional Jamaican pot still rum.
 
Love’s aspirations started years ago when he was enjoying a perfect mojito while humming the chorus of his co-authored hit song, “Kokomo.” His penchant for wordplay took over as he uttered the word “Kokomojito,” and, ever since, Mike’s vision has been to share the spirit of Kokomo with the world. 
 
With the three new craft rums, blended and bottled by hand, people across the US can experience the Kokomo spirit for themselves. The three new expressions include:
 
Artisanal White Rum A blend of Demerara cane sugar rum and Jamican Pot Still rum. 90 proof, 45% ABV (MSRP: $29.99) – GSN’s Remarks: Clean rum distillate nose with light vanilla and marshmallow. Entry is clean, refreshing and has a slightly creamy mouthfeel. As it opens up, more sweetness kicks in with notes of pastry sugar, a touch of vanilla and a minerality that adds a sense of terroir. This is a solid, slightly higher proof rum perfect for your next Daiquiri, Missionary’s Downfall or Pina Colada. GSN Rating: A-
 
Tahitian Vanilla Rum Hints of vanilla achieved using fragrant, ripe, whole Tahitian vanilla beans. 80 proof, 40% ABV (MSRP: $31.99) – GSN’s Remarks: Light vanilla bean perfume with a dark and introspective character. On the tongue, there is very little sweetness, only a round and somewhat woody tone of vanilla. The mouthfeel is light, with a somewhat tannic quality. The finish is medium-long and ends on a slightly bitter note on the back of the palate. GSN Rating: B
 
Barrel Finished Rum Featuring a proprietary blend of eight and 10-year-old Jamaican, Barbadian and Dominican rums, the Barrel Finished Rum is aged in new oak and ex-whiskey casks. It is blended exclusively by master distiller, Geoff Longenecker, and finished in hand-selected bourbon barrels. 92 proof, 46% ABV (MSRP: $59.99) – GSN’s Remarks: Lovely aromatic nose of tropic spice, oak char, caramel and new tobacco leaf. The first sip greets the tongue with a sunny warming friendliness. Medium body with flavors that hit all areas of the mouth with a rum cake and raisin toast evocation. Extra-long finish, ending with just a touch of wood. Really the standout rum in the Kokomo portfoilo. The kind of rum you would want on a desert isle, if you happened to end up there. GSN Rating: A+
 
Bottles are available for purchase online at https://shop.clubkokomospirits.com/ and in select local retailers. To find out more, please visit www.clubkokomospirits.com. 

For more information go to: Club Kokomo Spirits

#KokomoRum

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GSN Alert: New Spirits Releases 4.5.24

1800 GUACHIMONTON
1800 GuachiMonton is a 100% blue weber agave añejo tequila made with single estate-grown agave from the Tequila Valley. It was aged in American & French oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months and then finished in orange tequila liqueur casks. Inspired by the pyramids and red clay found throughout Los Guachimontones in Jalisco, this tequila is presented in a red ceramic trapezoidal-shaped bottle. Availability begins in California and Texas markets beginning April 2024. (SRP $159.99)

2XO THE KIAWAH BLEND
The Kiawah Blend is the fourth release for the 2XO’s Icon Series. Like the others, this one was blended by American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman using a double-barrel process. For this bottling, two bourbon mash bills were used — one with a high-rye 35% recipe and another with a moderate 18% rye recipe. Dedman double-barreled the high-rye recipe into new, charred oak barrels (#4 and #4 char levels) for 9 months to a year. Available nationwide beginning April 2024. (SRP $99.99)

BOOKER’S BOURBON BATCH 2024-01 “SPRINGFIELD BATCH”
This is the first bourbon batch release from Booker’s for 2024. Named after the small town in central Kentucky where Booker Noe was born and raised, the Springfield Batch was comprised of bourbon made on five different production dates and stored in four different warehouses. Aged for 7 years, 7 months, and 8 days, this was bottled at 124.5 proof (62.25% ABV). Available nationwide beginning April 2024. (SRP $89.99)

BSB WHISKEY
Made in collaboration with WES Brands and actor/entrepreneur Jamie Foxx, BSB Whiskey — aka Brown Sugar Blend — is a flavored whiskey made with cinnamon and brown sugar. After 2 years spent on the redesign and development of the product, BSB has been revamped into this new 70-proof version replacing all other BSB bottlings. Notably, the new bottle label glows in the dark. Available nationwide beginning April 2024. (SRP $24.99)

HIGH WEST BOURYE (2024 RELEASE)
The 2024 Bourye release from High West features a mix of straight rye and straight bourbon whiskeys aged a minimum of 10 years. The blend includes two straight rye whiskeys — one from MGP (95% rye, 5% barley malt) and another from High West Distillery (80% rye, 20% malted rye) — and a straight bourbon whiskey from MGP (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt). It’s bottled without chill-filtration at 46% ABV. Availability is exclusive to the distillery. (SRP $124.99)

INDIGO’S HOUR 18 YEAR BOURBON
This release from Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. portfolio features a straight bourbon which was distilled in Indiana, aged in Kentucky, and bottled at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in Tullahoma, Tennessee. It was made using a high-rye bourbon mash bill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley and was aged a minimum of 18 years in new, charred white oak barrels. This limited edition release is a one-time only batch with availability beginning April 1, 2024 at select retailers nationwide. (SRP $225)

KAVALAN TRIPLE SHERRY CASK
Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask is the first release from the brand to feature three different types of sherry casks for maturation — oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel sherry. The brand fully matures new make spirit in each individual cask and then blends them in a marrying vat to allow the whiskies to rest and interact. Oloroso sherry is the main character of the whisky. This whisky makes its debut in the US beginning April 2024. (SRP $99.99)

OLD FITZGERALD BOTTLED IN BOND 13 YEAR 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (VVS 2024)
This release commemorates the 25th anniversary of Heaven Hill acquiring both the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, KY and the Old Fitzgerald brand that came along with it in April 1999. The barrels used for this bottled in bond decanter series release were distilled in September 1999 and emptied in March 2013 making the age of the bourbon 13 years-old. The bourbon was bottled in February 2024. This is an exclusive Kentucky release which launched in April 2024. (SRP $229.99)

PATRÓN XO CAFE
Patrón XO Cafe is a coffee liqueur made with Patrón Silver, a 100% blue agave tequila, and Arabica coffee beans sourced from Veracruz and Chiapas. Typically, neutral spirits or rum are used when making coffee liqueurs. It is bottled at 35% ABV. Note: In October 2021, Patrón announced it was discontinuing this product to focus on its core tequila line and other super and ultra-premium offerings. However, the brand has re-released the product for a one-time limited nationwide release as of April 2024. (SRP $42.99)

TEMPLETON BOURBON FORTITUDE
This straight bourbon release from Templeton Distillery is not only the first bourbon released by the brand, but it’s the first bottling from the brand that was distilled onsite at its facility in Iowa. Templeton used a high-rye mash bill (55% locally-sourced corn, 40% rye, 5% malted barley). After maturation, it was bottled at 46% ABV without chill-filtration. Availability begins April 2024 nationwide and in select international markets. (SRP $39.99)

WHISKEY JYPSI EXPLORER
The inaugural release in the brand’s Explorer Series features a blend of two 6 year-old bourbon whiskeys: a low-rye bourbon from Kentucky, and a high-rye bourbon from Indiana. Together, the mash bill recipe in the bottling was 66% corn, 30% rye and 4% malted barley. After reducing the blend to 103 proof, it was then finished with oak staves from France’s Tronçais Forest and American white oak staves from the Appalachian Mountains. Availability begins April 2, 2024 at select Tennessee retailers with more markets to follow. (SRP $69.99)

All information courtesy of Distiller.com

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GSN Review: Whiskey JYPSI Explorer

From the makers of award-winning Legacy Batch 001, Outsiders Spirits has announced the release of its all-new Whiskey JYPSI Explorer Series. The Explorer Series continues the brand’s focus on sourcing quality whiskeys and ingredients while finishing these spirits with combinations of distinctive and exceptional woods from around the globe. The series features well-aged, mature whiskeys never younger than six years old and ranging between 100-107 proof.

“Our first launch was an ultra-premium product. This next one is going to be more accessible. It’s unique because it’s going to be finished using woods from across the globe. That’s why we called it Explorer,” said Outsiders co-founder Raj Alva.

Explorer’s inaugural release is a blend of two six-year-old bourbons – a low rye distilled in Kentucky and selected for its sweetness, and an Indiana high rye chosen for its spice. The combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye and 4% malted barley is then slowly reduced to 103 proof and finished using two oak varietals – French Oak (Quercus robur} from France’s famed Forest of Tronçais and American Oak (Quercus alba) from the Appalachian Mountains. 

Outsiders Spirits chose oak staves from France’s Forest of Tronçais for the first release of Explorer because of its accentuated notes of spice and leather. The oak trees from this forest have been used to make barrels for centuries and have housed some of the finest Bordeaux wines ever made. The Forest of Tronçais was originally overseen by the Duke of Bourbon (foreshadowing its use in Explorer) and was later planted with oak trees by Louis XIV to supply timber for the French navy. The Tronçais region was also home to early European troubadours whose musical traditions of merging melodies and poetry ultimately migrated to the Appalachian Mountains – – which became the heart of America’s singer-songwriter tradition. The American Oak staves used in the first Explorer release come from those same Appalachian Mountains, where cooler conditions lead to slower growth and a tighter grain. This results in a specific mix of sweetness, richness, depth, and viscosity the Outsiders team wanted to pair with the spice of the French Oak as a key finishing component in their new release. 

Whiskey JYPSI’s Explorer is priced at $69.99 and will be available in late March in select liquor stores across Tennessee with more markets to follow and online at Whiskeyjypsi.com. “We only want to make incredible whiskey, and do it our way” said Outsiders Spirits whiskey maker Ari Sussman. “Part of that is making sure it’s not just a whiskey – it’s a story highlighting the places, cultures and agricultures that are part of our explorations.”

GSN’s Remarks: The rye is apparent on the nose, with a tight perfume of oak char. Mildly sweet with notes of honey and heather. Lovely entry with a sweet corn forward flavor profile, quickly offset by the perfect balance of rye spiciness. Medium body, with a long lasting toffee and molasses bent. Sits nicely in the middle of the palate with no hot or sharp notes. The finish is medium long, ending with a touch of cinnamon. GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: Whiskey JYPSI 

#WhiskeyJYPSI

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GSN Review: Bushwacker Coconut Rum Cream

Bushwacker Spirits Bottle ImageIn the Spring of 1975, Tom Brokamp was working as the manager of the Ship’s Store in Sapphire Village on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and Angie Conigliaro as the bartender.

“The concoction was originally thrown together by Angie at my suggestion as a tropical variation on the White Russian. Had it not been for Angie’s single-handed efforts, the drink would have soon been forgotten in a blurry hangover. Not yet earning a name, Angie pushed it on anyone and everyone for weeks as a creamy, kick-butt sort of Pina Colada drink.

After she finalized the recipe a few weeks later and during a particularly slow evening, two gentlemen wandered into the bar with their large dog. At least one of the men was a flight attendant based in N.Y. They were very proud of their pet which I believe was an Afghan Hound. These two fellows immediately fell in love with Angie’s concoction, and the few people in Sapphire Village at the time fell in love with the dog. The dog’s name was Bushwack, and Angie suggested that the new drink share his name.”

By the end of 1975, the popular drink had spread throughout the islands and had also made its way to Florida via visiting bartenders who fell in love with it. Over the next 45 years, the drink exploded in popularity throughout the Southeastern United States (and particularly in the panhandle of Florida) with many bars coming up with new recipes of their own. When asked what he thought of the different recipes, Tom replied “I know the drink has been tweaked continually over the years and that is just fine. How you enjoy it is what is most important.”

In 2020, Bushwacker Spirits put Bushwacker in a ready to drink bottle for the first time in its long history. GSN’s Remarks: A simple, but tasty modern classic, the Bushwacker cocktail is now ready to pour in a 750ml bottle. This tropical tinted drink conjurs up a southeastern coastal vacation in a glass. Impressively creamy with just the right smount of rum, we’ve kept going back for more. We also love the fact that this is self stable and stays blended in the bottle. Serve over plenty of ice, and you’re ready to go. Summer is here! GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Bushwacker Spirits

#BushwackerCoconutRumCream