15 Interesting Alcohol-Related Discoveries For Fall 2020
Fall 2020 is now well underway as we are now almost at the end of October. While 2020 has already proven to be the most difficult year in recent memory, it has produced plenty of interesting new spirits and alcohol industry developments. In turn, below are 15 product recommendations and/or interesting news items that are keeping things interesting in Fall 2020 for everyday consumers.
GlenDronach Announces Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage
Established in 1826 as one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, The GlenDronach Distillery is revered by whisky connoisseurs for its dedication to exceptional craft and fine sherry casks, a commitment carried forth for nearly two hundred years. The GlenDronach’s rich, robust Highland spirit is slowly matured in Spanish oak casks which once housed rich, fruity Pedro Ximénez or dry, nutty Oloroso sherry. These patient endeavours create The GlenDronach’s signature style; deeply sherried, characterful and full-bodied to the last.
Back in August 2020, it was announced that the GlenDronach Distillery would release the GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage, the second expression created in collaboration with director Matthew Vaughn; this would done to mark the upcoming release of The King’s Man by 20th Century Studios and MARV. The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage was been expertly crafted by Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, in collaboration with Vaughn, from a selection of just 6 of the finest casks from this rare vintage year. Matured in Oloroso sherry casks with a final maturation in Pedro Ximénez casks from Spain, this 29-year-old Single Malt has an exceptional depth of character, truly befitting a “Kingsman.” Thankfully I had the pleasure of experiencing this fine GlenDronach creation firsthand, and one should believe the hype.
King Of Kentucky Bourbon’s 14-Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
For 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers’ Craft, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Slane, and Fords Gin. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by approximately 4,800 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide.
Speaking of Brown-Forman brands, King Of Kentucky was established in 1881 as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Brown-Forman acquired the brand in 1936 from Selected Kentucky Distillers and by 1940 had converted it to a blended whiskey until it was discontinued in 1968. In 2018, Brown-Forman revived the lapsed label paying homage to the brand’s past. With the majority of the brand’s volume being only available in Kentucky, this year the expression is also available in limited quantities in select markets in Illinois and Ohio. Its 2020 expression is be a 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and of which 1,900 bottles were produced with a suggested retail of $249.99.
ROOT Crafted Organic Cocktail Mixers
ROOT Crafted Organic Cocktail Mixers is a woman-owned, East Coast-based company that makes all-natural and organic cocktail mixers, as conceived by moms and entrepreneurs Trish Lauden and Diane Aemisegeo. In an effort to be able to enjoy cocktails at home without having to deal with syrupy, high fructose cocktail mixers, its bounders set out to create their own all-natural, organic mixer with healthy ingredients that help you feel good and taste delicious. ROOT’s The Lemongrass was awarded the 2020 Double Gold SIP Award, while ROOT’s Au Pear was awarded the 2020 Bronze.
Sōmrus is the world’s fastest growing line of India inspired liqueurs, and the brand recently announced Sōmrus Coffee Cream Liqueur, as based on South India’s “kaapi.” Sōmrus Coffee Cream is made from coffee and chicory, together with real dairy cream from Wisconsin and quintuple distilled Caribbean rum. The end result is silky and creamy, with rich roasted coffee notes, a hint of sweetness, and notable depth of flavor. Packaged in an eye-catching rose gold bottle, 13.5% ABV Sōmrus Coffee is gluten-free and proudly made in the United States with all-natural ingredients.
All Sōmrus cream liqueurs have a shelf life of 2 years, with no refrigeration required. All of its flavors can be enjoyed over ice, over ice cream, in coffee or tea, or mixed into a variety of cocktails. Sōmrus-enhanced recipes can be found online at www.somrus.com/recipes. And for the record, maybe my favorite new spirit discovery of 2020.
Glenmorangie A Tale Of Cake began when Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, found himself musing over how some of his most joyful memories involved cake. Dreaming of encapsulating cake’s magic in a single malt whisky, he experimented by finishing Glenmorangie in Tokaji dessert wine casks. Skilfully-layering their sweet, honeyed notes with Glenmorangie’s smooth, fruity character, Lumsden created Glenmorangie A Tale Of Cake. Paired with a pineapple Old Fashioned cocktail by expert mixologist Jeremy Le Blanche, it makes a deliciously-indulgent CakeTail. In turn, its lingering aftertaste ought to remind you of a delicious combination of honeycomb, chocolate almond and pecan nuts.
Belvedere, which helped establish the “luxury vodka” category, recently unveiled a new expression called Heritage 176. As Belvedere’s products are made solely with Polska rye and purified water, and distilled by fire and nothing else. Heritage 176 delivers a unique taste experience by emphasizing the rye from which Belvedere is made. Using a centuries-old technique of malting, the rye is heated to 176 degrees, revealing its unexpectedly rich and complex flavors. The brand has added a small amount of this malted rye spirit to its classic vodka, showcasing the grain like no other vodka on the market. In turn, Heritage 176 is an extension of the brand’s natural philosophy and a prime example of its mastery in vodka-distilling.
Van Gogh Vodka’s Limited-Edition #GoghGirl Bottle
Award-winning Van Gogh Vodka is crafted in small batches by third-generation Master Distiller Tim Vos at Distillery Cooymans International in Tilburg, Holland. The brand’s portfolio consists of 15 signature expressions: Van Gogh Vodka, Açai-Blueberry, Citroen, Cool Peach, Dutch Caramel, Dutch Chocolate, Double Espresso, Espresso, Mango, Melon, Oranje, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Vanilla, and Wild Appel. The Spirits Journal dubbed Van Gogh Vodka creations as “the best in the flavored vodka business, period,” all of which you can enjoy straight up and chilled, on the rocks or as — in the spirit of artist Vincent Van Vogh — the perfect blank canvas for your next cocktail creation.
Van Gogh Vodka released its first limited edition #GoghGirl bottle to 31 markets across the U.S., just in time to toast National Girlfriends Day. Created by artist Kate Worum, a recognized print and pattern designer, the #GoghGirl label pays homage to the brand’s namesake artist by featuring similar flowers shown in his painting “Oleanders.” This offering will also be available on ReserveBar.com while supplies last.
Cincoro Tequila’s “The Number Series”
Launched in September 2019, the Cincoro family portfolio offers 4 award-winning tequila expressions: Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged 8 to 10 months), Añejo (aged 24 to 28 months) and Extra Añejo (aged 40 to 44 months), all of which are uniquely made with 100 percent Weber Blue agave from both the highland and lowland regions of Jalisco, Mexico, and represent the gold standard for their category and new modern standard of taste. The agave is hand-selected and slow-cooked in a small batch process, distilling the highland and lowland tequilas separately, before blending them together to create the Cincoro signature taste profile. Cincoro has been awarded with over 12 gold medals from prestiogous spirit competitions, while its amazingly-purposeful bottle — as designed by former Nike designer Mark Smith and basketball legend Michael Jordan — looks sleek, contemporary, and unique.
Per “The Number Series” from Cincoro, a limited number of the brand’s award-winning Añejo offerings are available in a larger-than-life 1.75.liter offering. Every bottle is engraved with a unique number, making each bottle a one-of-a-kind item. Over twice the size of existing Cincoro offerings, these Cincoro bottles will be available only as long as supplies last.
Launched in September 2020, Off Hours’ bourbon is authentically-crafted for today’s modern bourbon drinker. It is made for the moments in between. Crafted with aromas of creamy vanilla, hints of nutmeg and a silky finish of lingering honey, this is bourbon intended for creating memories, for celebrating each other, and for building real-life connections alike. It is not about preconceived notions of artisanal cocktails and dimly-lit bars, rather it is intended to be for everyone, everywhere. Founded by Jake Ireland, Off Hours is aged in American white oak barrels for over 4 years at MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, IN.
In the words of Jake Ireland himself: ““I started Off Hours to redefine the antiquated perspective of bourbon and create a modern, more relatable, all-inclusive spirit that is respectful of its heritage, but forward-looking… I’m a long-time bourbon drinker, and have been looking for a brand that captured my lifestyle and felt inspiring in the modern age. I wanted a bourbon that could be enjoyed out on a boat with friends, but also at a family BBQ that didn’t evoke the traditional stereotypes, such as dimly-lit bars, suits and cigars.”
Castle & Key’s Restoration Release Vodka & Gin
Based just outside Lexington in Frankfort, Kentucky, Castle & Key isn’t just a distillery, but rathers an experience and a destination. Since 1887, the property housing Castle & Key has been not only producing revolutionary spirits and making history, it has also stood out from the crowd with its distinctive architectural charm, which has made it a must-see place to visit.
The story of Castle and Key’s resurrection was started by 2 industry outsiders, Will Arvin and Wesley Murray, who are inspired to “reimagine the way Kentucky spirits are presented.” Castle & Key’s commitment to using native Kentucky botanicals and identifying the best barrels for production each year leads to producing quality spirits that have a different flavor profile each year on site, setting it apart from competitors. Thus, Castle & Key is known for its Restoration Release Vodka and Gin, with botanical-driven seasonal releases expected to be announced this fall.
Tequila Don Julio 1942’s “Mr. Flower Fantastic” Bottle
Don Julio González knew better than anyone the value of strong roots and the importance of devotion to not only craft but community values that remain guiding principles of Tequila Don Julio today. During a challenging moment in our country, professional basketball players have led their own charge and striving to make a difference both on and off the court. Tequila Don Julio 1942 recently teamed up with artist Mr. Flower Fantastic to celebrate and commemorate the 2020 basketball season with a timeless tribute, as made exclusively available via the NTWRK app. “Rooted in Devotion” is a limited-edition, handmade planter produced from cast marble, specially-designed to grow succulents, that comes in a custom case inspired by the iconic Tequila Don Julio 1942 design packaging.
Rooted In Devotion celebrates the aforementioned basketball players’ devotion to social justice and is also giving back with portion of the proceeds being donated to Seeds The City Needs, a charity that supports social issues that impact inner cities. The limited-edition collectible is priced at $375, as released through the NTWRK app on October 2nd.
Famous around the world as “the real Downton Abbey,” Highclere Castle introduced an award-winning London Dry Gin to the U.S. market in 2019. Its exceptionally smooth taste begins with botanicals grown on the estate and refined over centuries of harvests, including lavender planted by the Bishops of Winchester in the 9th century, citrus from the Victorian-era orangery and juniper that has grown wild at Highclere since Roman times. Tradition and also top-quality ingredients.
In the words of Highclere Castle founder Adam von Gootkin: “In a world where 95 percent of spirit brands are created in marketing boardrooms, I set out to craft a spirit that was the absolute best gin in the world. Highclere’s incredibly rich heritage, pedigree and reputation for entertainment, in addition to its readily available botanical gardens for ingredients have merged to create the finest gin that’s ever been made. Our clothes are poorly-made in China, our foods are packed with chemicals and unhealthy ingredients. Our mission is to bring elegance and beauty to people by capturing the “spirit” of Highclere Castle to consumers seeking authentic high quality products. By our brand joining in people’s life journey, we help them elevate the moment.”
Earlier this month Molson Coors announced the official launch of Coors Seltzer, a hard seltzer with a mission. Rooted in Coors’ long history of sustainability, Coors Seltzer was crafted with a mission to help save America’s rivers, with every 12-pack sold restoring 500 gallons of water, including a commitment to restoring at least one billion gallons during the first year. In order to accomplish this goal, the brand is partnering with Change The Course, a program of the national nonprofit the Bonneville Environmental Foundation that specializes in helping its partners implement water restoration and conservation programs and is the leading national corporate water restoration and engagement campaign. The Change The Course partnership works by scoping, vetting and funding a portfolio of on-the-ground water projects that help sustain healthy, flowing river.
Fans 21 and up to get their volunteer journey started through the Coors Seltzer Volunteer Social Sweepstakes. By following Coors Seltzer on Instagram or Twitter and composing an Instagram post or new tweet which includes a photograph of the entrant engaged in a volunteer activity, entrants must include the hashtag #CoorsSeltzerSweeps for Instagram entries. Drinkers have the chance to win free Coors Seltzer for a year — in the form of $500 — along with a $1,000 donation that will be made to one of Coors Seltzer’s river conservation partners based on the winner’s choice of river basin to support from an identified list. Per the drink itself, Coors Seltzer is currently available nationwide and comes in 4 flavors: Black Cherry, Mango, Grapefruit, and Lemon Lime.
AfterGlow Hard Kombucha’s New Flavors
AfterGlow is an organic hard kombucha beverage created by Aqua ViTea, a functional beverage company and the largest producer of kombucha on the East Coast. With more than a decade of kombucha brewing expertise, Aqua ViTea launched AfterGlow Hard Kombucha in 2019 with the goal of giving consumers a well-balanced drinking experience. Its Cherry Sour and Apricot Dream AfterGlow flavors are its latest offerings, as made with clean ingredients while also gluten-free, non-GMO, lower calorie, lower sugar, lower carb, paleo, vegan-friendly, and full of antioxidants, b-vitamins and detoxifying acids.
Made from the naturally-occurring alcohol in kombucha and with clean and organic ingredients, AfterGlow is a smooth, tasty alternative to beer and cider, and a more natural option than spiked seltzers. Each bottle of AfterGlow contains 5 percent ABV and all of the brand’s 3 flavors are gluten-free, low calorie, low sugar, and both paleo and vegan-friendly. AfterGlow retails for $12.99 per 6-pack and is available for purchase at liquor stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, as well as at select bars and restaurants across the Northeastern United States.
Woodford Reserve’s Baccarat Edition
Earlier this montg Woodford Reserve announced what many have called “the ultimate expression of American Whiskey”: Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition. This offering marries the world’s finest bourbon with the world’s finest crystal. The exclusive whiskey is Woodford Reserve Bourbon that has been aged an additional 3 years in XO cognac casks from France, and the result is a balance of crisp American and French oak notes, complex fruit character, subtle spiciness, and a creamy confectionary finish.
Said bourbon is then bottled in a handmade crystal decanter that took five days to create in Baccarat, France. Baccarat, now celebrating more than 250 years of existence, was founded in 1764 by King Louis XV. Meanwhile, Woodford Reserve is located in Versailles, Kentucky, and named after the French city where generations of royalty lived and ruled. The spectacular bottle design is meant to evoke the iconic Woodford Reserve bottle silhouette and is engraved in gold with Woodford Reserve’s and Baccarat’s iconic logos. It is presented in a signature Baccarat red box and includes a crystal stopper adorned with Woodford Reserve’s initials. Woodford Baccarat is 90.4 proof and retails for $2,000.
Last but definitely not least, Cinzano is a brand of vermouths and sparkling wines that originated in Piedmont, Italy over 260 years ago. The brand represents a perfect blend of Italian passion and expertise, Cinzano vermouths embody a rich drink and aperitif heritage which many around the world have come to know and love. Cinzano Rosso Vermouth is the original of Cinzano’s vermouth portfolio. Its amber colour reflects the product’s rich infusion of herbs and spices, while representing its prestige and quality. It is an ideal ingredient for cocktails thanks to its delicate, yet persistent aftertaste and can be served neat or with a splash of soda.
And here’s how to make the “Ferroviario” mixed drink, using Cinzano:
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz. / 5 cl Cinzano Rosso
– 1 oz. / 2 cl Cynar 70
– 1 oz. / 3 cl Soda
– Garnish: Slice of lemon
Method:
– Pour the ingredients directly in a glass filled with fresh ice.
– Add soda, stir and complete with a slice of lemon.
– Enjoy!
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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