Irish Distillers have released the 38th iteration of its annual renowned and highly collectible whiskey, the Midleton Very Rare expression

Normally released in the autumn each year, the whiskey release was pushed forward to February to honour its recently appointed master distiller Kevin O’Gorman. Taking over from Brian Nation last June, O’Gorman spent several months exploring the finest casks at his disposal as he sought to put his own stamp on the range.

Midleton Very Rare is designed to represent the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. It features a blend of fine and rare single pot still and single grain whiskeys from the Midleton inventory.

The Irish whiskey is a blend of single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys aged between 15 and 36 years, and matured in lightly charred ex-Bourbon American oak barrels.

“It is a great honour to become the custodian of this extraordinary Irish whiskey family and to have my signature adorn our 2021 vintage,” said O’Gorman. “The journey to launching this vintage began almost 40 years ago. Continuing the work of my predecessors was both a daunting and extremely enjoyable process that allowed me to explore some of our rarest casks and create an exceptional blend that sits seamlessly within the family.

“I am particularly proud to have been able to include distillate that was laid down in 1984, the year the collection was first conceived by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have learned so much.

Bottled at 40% abv, the 2021 expression includes tasting notes of baked orchard fruits, lime zest, kiwi, mild pot still spices, and vanilla. O’Gorman chose both first-fill and second-fill casks to create the 2021 whiskey and used a higher amount of grain whiskeys for the blend.

Midleton Very Rare 2021 will be rolled out to the UK, the US, global travel retail, Australia, Germany, France, and Canada in the next few months.

For more information, go to midletonveryrare.com

A new Texas-based venture, Round 2 Spirits, has launched Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, exclusively distilled from 100% Blue Weber Agave.

“By volume, vodka is the largest spirits category in the U.S., but let’s be honest, it’s been a long time since there was any meaningful innovation or true disruption in this space,” explained Lee Applbaum, President and COO of Round 2 Spirits.

“Weber Ranch Vodka is one of the most groundbreaking new products created in this category, and delivers a smooth, clean flavor profile unlike our competitors, largely because of the superior-quality Blue Weber Agave. Better ingredients are key to making a better product, and that’s absolutely true in our case.”

Weber Ranch Vodka marks a significant departure for a spirit commonly made from wheat, corn, or potatoes that take just a few months to harvest, compared to Blue Weber Agave which takes up to seven years to mature and is hand-harvested in Jalisco, Mexico.

Beginning its journey in Jalisco, Mexico, the agave is hand-harvested and distilled in Jalisco, before being transported to the Weber Ranch Distillery in Muenster, Texas. Once there, the liquid is further distilled in proprietary copper pot and column stills, filtered, and bottled.

The Vodka’s unique character is created through this second distillation and filtration with the addition of water from the local Trinity Aquifer.

The Vodka is naturally 100% gluten, carb, and additive free from garden to glass, and is said to exhibit an extraordinarily unique and clean taste profile that retains all the bright citrus notes from the agave, yet creates a velvety smooth mouthfeel unlike any other vodka.

“Blue Weber Agave is truly a special plant that creates a superior spirit, and that’s not just limited to tequila,” says Antonio Rodriguez, Weber Ranch’s master distiller, and the former production director at Patrón Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico.

“Weber Ranch Vodka is unmistakably a vodka, but because we’re using agave, we’re able to develop subtle, smooth flavour notes of tropical fruit and citrus that make this spirit not only better for classic vodka cocktails, but it works equally well in traditional agave-based drinks like a ranch water or Paloma. The tremendous versatility is the real magic of this spirit.”

Weber Ranch Vodka (80 proof) marks the first product release by Round 2 Spirits and will be available throughout the USA

For more information, go to weberranch.com.

Canadian Gin brand Empress 1908 announces the U.S. launch of its new premium, handcrafted, small batch expression, Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin.

Crafted with eight unique botanicals, including juniper berries, lemon, jasmine, star anise, cucumber and fresh lemon zest, the Cucumber Lemon Gin is inspired by traditional afternoon tea, with lively citrus notes and bursts with extraordinary flavour.

Complementing the juniper, the fusion of vibrant lemon zest and crisp garden cucumber offers a subtle hint of cardamom spice and the delicate aroma of jasmine.

“We always strive to create balanced, high-quality blends that inspire creativity and offer inviting flavours,” explained Eric Dopkins, CEO and Chairman of Milestone Brands.

“Following the overwhelmingly positive reception of our Elderflower Rose Gin last year, we leveraged our Master Distillers’ extensive botanical expertise to introduce our next innovative flavour: Cucumber Lemon.

We are excited to see Empress Cucumber Lemon Gin support Empress Gin’s mission of creating the most distinctive cocktails,” Dopkins continued.

Bottled at 42.5% ABV, Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin is best enjoyed in the signature Cucumber & Tonic cocktail, served with premium tonic water and garnished with a fresh cucumber slice and a lemon wheel to enhance the botanicals in the gin.

For more information, go to empressgin.com and follow the brand on social media via @Empress1908Gin.

US family-owned wine company Jackson Family Wines announces the launch of its first spirit, Stonestreet Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Founder’s Edition.’

Born out of the family’s success in horse racing and their establishment of Stonestreet Farms in Kentucky, the Founder’s Edition Bourbon is handcrafted and small batch, with only 131 barrels produced. The high-wheat mash bill bourbon is aged for a minimum of 5 years to create a distinctively smooth profile

Stonestreet, the bourbon’s emblematic name, is the middle name of company founder Jess Jackson, which has been passed down through generations. It graces their horse farm, estate vineyards, and their foray into the bourbon category.

“My family’s passion for excellence underpins everything we do. From racing our first thoroughbred in 2005 to the release of our inaugural bourbon, we will never stop pursuing what is possible while respecting those who have ventured before us,” explains Jackson, who will also serve as the brand’s Master Blender.

The nose boasts aromas of toasted caramel with sweet corn and a touch of lemon oil, while the palate has a rounded approach, a silky texture, and flavours of baked peach, vanilla, and toffee. It is best served neat, over ice, or as a beautiful addition to a classic cocktail.

Stonestreet Founder’s Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available in Kentucky and most major markets across the United States. 

For more information, go to stonestreetwhiskey.com

Tennessee Whisky brand George Dickel has released the latest in its award-winning Bottled in Bond series with George Dickel Bottled in Bond Spring 2011, Aged 12 Years.

This fifth release, with notes of overripe cherries, macadamia nut cookies, and toasted oak, was awarded Double Gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition with a score of 96.

“Something that makes this series so special is that whisky fans have the rare opportunity to try expertly crafted Bottled in Bond offerings at a great price,” explained Nicole Austin, Director of George Dickel & Luxury Whiskey.

“If you’re a fan of the category, you know the designation requires the liquid to be from just one distillation season, among other regulations. Our Bottled in Bond offerings are a testament to the quality of our inventory and the commitment at Cascade Hollow to consistently produce outstanding whisky.

“I can’t wait for both old and new fans of the series to try it,” Austin continued.

At 100 proof, this edition has a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley. It is chill charcoal mellowed like the rest of the George Dickel portfolio, creating a smooth and creamy mouthfeel for which the brand is best known.

For more information, go to georgedickel.com

Condesa, the fastest-growing Super Premium Gin in Mexico, will launch two expressions, Clásica and Prickly Pear & Orange Blossom, in the US.

Created to reflect a younger and more cosmopolitan vision of the country that reaches beyond Agave, Condesa Gin showcases the endless possibilities of Mexico’s rich and diverse botanicals and distilling talent.

“The gin category is evolving, as consumers trade up to premium brands from interesting places with compelling stories,” said Britt West, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Spirit of Gallo, the American Spirits Company that imports the brand.

“We know Condesa will appeal to consumers who want a truly unique and creative experience, and we look forward to working with the founders and ownership team to help Condesa reach its full potential.”

Named after one of Mexico City’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Condesa is artisanally made by a team led by award-winning master distiller Hillhamn Salome in a micro-distillery in the heart of the city. Her chosen botanicals nod to local rituals for cleansing the body and mind and amplification of consciousness.

Once a secret of Mexico’s culinary royalty, both expressions have been adopted by some of the best bars in the world from Mexico City to New York, Los Angeles and Rome.

For more information, go to condesagin.com