Welcome to Clubhouse Eats, where we celebrate the game’s most delectable food and drink. Hope you brought your appetite.
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With Thanksgiving right around the corner — and the winter holidays in close pursuit — ‘tis the season to both give and to entertain. In both regards, artfully crafted whiskey acts as the ideal holiday accessory. Here, we shine a spotlight on 10 new releases that are certain to elevate your holiday parties and thrill whiskey lovers on your shopping list.
E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, $150
Though not made from the same recipe as EH Taylor’s small batch bourbon, this new addition to Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection delivers on many of the same expectations that that entry-level whiskey has ingrained. Crafted from a sour mash recipe, EH Taylor Bottled-in-Bond spent more than 15 years in charred new American oak and is bottled at 100 proof. Characterized by notes of warm vanilla, oak spice, and subtle maple sweetness, the whiskey isn’t significantly complex, but that’s no slight. It’s approachable, elegant, and delectably smooth. (It just won’t be easy to find, especially at its suggested retail price.)
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye, $150
In comparing the two rye whiskies that are included in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac impresses most for the second year in a row. If you’ve had the opportunity to taste this expression over the last few years, you’ll notice a continued progression and subtle evolution in how its flavors are presented. More specifically, those flavors have deepened, leaning more in the direction of stewed fruits with dried figs and honey. Comprised of uncut whiskies that have aged for more than six years, Thomas H. Handy delivers lively oak character and plenty of the rye grain’s signature spiciness, though it’s well balanced. This is the spice lover’s rye whiskey in this year’s Antique Collection.
Fuji Single Malt Japanese Whisky, $100
The popularity of Japanese whisky continues to steadily climb, which partially explains why Fuji Whisky recently introduced a new single malt as part of its core lineup in the United States. Delicate and fruity on the nose, with pronounced aromas of apples and apricots lightly glazed in floral-scented honey, this single malt delivers similar fruit notes on the palate, though they’re juxtaposed by a creamy mouthfeel, which adds a unique layer.
Tamdhu 21-Year Single Malt Scotch, $400
This Speyside distillery may not be a household name, but it’s certain to please all those who discover it. Like many of the producers in that northern region of Scotland, Tamdhu relies on sherry casks for its maturation, which imparts a savory sweetness (think sundried tomatoes). New to the American market, the distillery’s 21-year-old single malt is pleasingly heavy and rich, and it’s teeming with spice. Unlike some Speyside Scotch whiskies, which can sometimes lean a little too sweet, this well-aged expression is equally balanced by a savory character that distinguishes it from the masses.
Wolfcraig 35-Year Blended Grain Whisky, $600
If you’re not familiar with the Wolfcraig name, here’s all you need to know: the brand was founded by two of Scotland’s most respected master blenders, Richard Patterson (of Dalmore fame) and Ian Macmillan (known for his work with Burn Stewart Distillers for almost 25 years). One of the duo’s more intriguing new products, a 35-year blended grain whisky, is perplexing in the best way possible. Soft on the palate but unctuous in flavor, this elegant spirit introduces lots of baking spice character — specifically dark brown sugar and cardamom — though aromas of toasted cereal sneak in from time to time. It’s a whisky that reveals itself slowly over time.
Compass Box Brulee Royale Blended Scotch, $160
To craft a whisky that echoes all of the distinctive character of an expertly made crème brulee, Compass Box — one of Scotland’s leading blended Scotch whisky producers — worked closely with Independent Stave Co., a Missouri-based cooperage, to produce toasted and charred white oak barrels that draw out those specific flavors and aromas. Luscious and buttery, with underlying hints of vanilla and burnt honey, Brulee Royale is aptly named. A touch of pepper on the back of the palate prevents the spirit from being too cloyingly sweet, while faint fruit notes — roasted peaches and banana — add extra layers of complexity.
Eagle Rare 12 Year, $50
It wasn’t too long ago when threats of a looming bourbon shortage had Kentucky distilleries increasing their production and laying down as much fresh stock as possible. Now, years later, consumer demand has finally softened — at least a little — and with more mature bourbon to work with, some brands are introducing new products. Case in point: Buffalo Trace has just released Eagle Rare 12 Year. Those familiar with the flavors and aromas of the brand’s flagship 10 Year will delight in the way they’ve matured after two additional years in the cask. The prominent cherry cola and caramel notes are softer around the edges; and while there’s still a present spice note, that too has mellowed — all despite the fact that the bourbon has actually grown stronger by 2.5 percent ABV.
Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix, $100
Independent bottler Lost Lantern has just launched its new collection of limited releases, one aimed at Scotch lovers. The headlining star of the collection is a “remix” of the brand’s original vatted American whiskey — the widest-ranging blend of American single malts ever created (the recipe includes whiskies from 11 distilleries located across eight states). Dark chocolate and toasted cereal notes shine on the nose, while similar chocolate character (more cocoa like) dances on the palate. Indulgent and almost creamy, this second installment of the brands American Vatted Malt is a unique take on single malt whiskey, one that emphasizes the grain over the barrel’s influence.
Westland Garryana 10 Year, $150
Ten years ago, Westland in Seattle released its first single malt partially aged in Quercus garryana, a rare species of American oak native only to the Pacific Northwest. Since then, the distillery has annually released new expressions of this experimental whiskey, with the most recent example boasting an age statement for the first time. The resulting spirit, Garryanna 10 Year, is made from a complex recipe of numerous varietals of malted barley and features a blend of whiskies matured in first- and second-fill garryana oak barrels, as well as ex-sherry, rum, and bourbon casks. All of that creates a whiskey that smells boldly of baking spices and ripe fruit, yet is lighter in body and blends those fruit and spice flavors with a touch of floral sweetness.
WhistlePig 30 Year Single Malt, $5,000
Continuing WhistlePig’s trend of crafting American whiskies finished in unique casks, the Vermont brand’s latest creation, The BigSheBang, is a 30-year-old single malt finished in barrels that once held Vin Santo, a rare Italian dessert wine that’s made in notably small batches. Soft on the palate, the whiskey showcases a prominent oaky spice, which is somewhat covered up by the red fruit notes instilled by those wine casks. This is a unique pour, one that fans of the unusual will like, but it’s unlikely to be a universal crowd-pleaser. Especially given its price point, The BigSheBang is destined to satisfy those who want something unique and are willing to pay a premium for it.
