We compile the best new spirits and liquor news so you don’t have to.
This week features an historic whiskey auction, one exciting new gin from Citadelle, and a flamboyant whiskey collaboration with a metal band called GWAR. And that’s just for starters.
Maison Ferrand Introduces Citadelle Jardin d’été
Citadelle Gin, a Maison Ferrand brand located in the Cognac region of France, has introduced its latest extension to its core lineup, Citadelle Jardin d’été. Melon flesh, lemon, and yuzu zest has been added to the gin’s signature 19 botanical recipe to arrive at this latest expression that’s bottled at 83 proof. The result is a citrus-forward but juniper grounded sip that Maison Ferrand founder Alexandre Gabriel say’s was inspired by his wife’s summer garden in France.
“As evening falls after the heat of the day, it’s a delight to linger among the greenery and breathe in the scents of Debbie’s garden where she plants flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs that blossom and thrive in the summertime. We captured that essence here.”
Citadelle’s Jardin d’été was released in April in the US with a $25 MSP.
WhistlePig To Auction Its First Drops Of FarmStock ‘Beyond Bonded’ Rye
Each release of Vermont-based WhisltePig’s FarmStock Rye has been a blend of house distilled and sourced whiskey, until now. The company is finally releasing FarmStock ‘Beyond Bonded’ a batch of 40 barrels of its first 100% Vermont-made rye this spring. This local-centric expression is made from WhistlePig Farm-grown grain and matured on-site in Vermont oak. But before hitting the market, the first barrel of this much anticipated release will be sold for charity. In a partnership with Mecum Auctions, barrel 001 of Beyond Bonded Rye will be sold to the highest bidder in an online auction to benefit Farm Aid. The auction takes place live on Saturday, May 15th, at Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis. Portions of the bidding war will be broadcast on NBC Sports nationwide, but you can catch the action and bid on the whiskey here.
Paul John Unveils Mithuna, Its Second Zodiac Series Release
Mithuna by Goa-based Paul John distillery is a Non-chill-filtered, unpeated single malt that’s matured in American virgin oak casks before undergoing an ex-bourbon cask finish and bottled at 58% ABV. According to its makers, expect a “liquorice and beeswax nose with coffee mocha, orange peel, and delicate spice flavors with a long, multi-toned sugar and honey finish.” Sounds good to us. Mithuna by Paul John, named after the 3rd sign of India’s zodiac, is available in limited markets with an MSP of $300.
GWAR And Catoctin Creek Collaborate On Ragnarök Rye
Metalheads rejoice! Catoctin Creek Distilling Company’s Scott and Becky Harris has teamed up with iconic thrash band GWAR for their latest limited rye release of its The Virginia Rye Whisky line, Ragnarök Rye. What’s in the bottle is 92-proof “intergalactic whisky” that’s been finished in sugar maple and cherrywood casks after aging in charred white oak. Only 200 cases of Ragnarök Rye will be available beginning Friday, May 28th, but the company promises more juice will soon be on the way. As for taste, Gwar lead singer Blóthar the Berserker explains it this way: “If whisky is liquid sunshine, this rye is a scorching alien sun.” Whiskey expert Fred Minnick seems to agree in his review here. Pre-sale orders can be purchased through Seelbachs.com for $99.
New Riff Introduces Malted Rye, the Distillery's Most Mature Whiskey to Date
New Riff Distilling announced the launch of Malted Rye, a permanent addition to the company’s growing whiskey portfolio. Rare Style is made from 100% malted rye, aged six years, and bottled-in-bond sans chill filtration. Before you hit up your local liquor store, this New Riff expression is currently available only at the distillery and select retailers in Kentucky, but will roll out in 14 states by winter 2021.
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