New American Whiskies

A slew of Bourbons, ryes and craft whiskies hit the market.

Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon
Diageo North America is rolling out a barrel-strength extension to its Bulleit Bourbon brand this spring. Made from the same high-rye mash bill as the original Bulleit, Bulleit Barrel Strength ($49.99 a 750-ml. bottle) has notes of gentle spice, maple and oak, with a long finish. The offering (abv varies) is available initially in Kentucky. For more information, visit Bulleit.com.

The Hilhaven Lodge
Diageo has also partnered with Hollywood director Brett Ratner for the launch of a new whiskey brand. The Hilhaven Lodge ($50 a 750-ml. bottle) is a blend of Bourbon from the 2000s, Tennessee whiskey from the 1990s and rye whiskey from the 1980s. Named for the famed Hilhaven Lodge in Beverly Hills, California, the 40-percent abv spirit was bottled at Stitzel-Weller distillery and is available in California and Florida. For more information, visit Diageo.com.

Coopers’ Craft Bourbon
Brown-Forman Corp. launched its first new Bourbon brand in two decades this spring. Coopers’ Craft (around $29 a 750-ml. bottle) is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon whose name refers to the barrel-making process and its importance to Bourbon production. The 41.1-percent abv spirit (around $29 a 750-ml. bottle) is available in eight markets in the Southeast. For more information, visit Brown-forman.com.

Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey
Louisville, Kentucky–based Michter’s Distillery is bringing back its barrel-strength Kentucky straight rye whiskey on a limited basis this spring. Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength rye whiskey ($75 a 750-ml. bottle) ranges from 55.1-percent abv to 57.4-percent abv, compared to the 42.4-percent abv Michter’s Single Barrel rye. The offering is available in limited quantities nationwide. For more information, visit Michters.com.

Rogue Oregon Single Malt Whiskey
Newport, Oregon–based Rogue Ales & Spirits has unveiled its first straight whiskey. Made with Rogue Farms–sourced malted barley, Rogue Spirits’ Oregon Single Malt whiskey ($44.95 a 750-ml. bottle) was aged for at least two years in American oak and has honey on the nose and citrus, smoke and butterscotch on the palate. The 40-percent abv expression is available in select markets. For more information, visit Rogue.com.

Blood Oath Pact No. 2 Bourbon
Luxco has released the second offering in its limited-edition Blood Oath Bourbon range. Blood Oath Pact No. 2 ($99.99 a 750-ml. bottle) is a blend of three Bourbons: a 7-year-old high-rye Bourbon that was finished in Port barrels, an 11-year-old wheated Bourbon and an 11-year-old high-rye Bourbon. The 49.3-percent abv spirit is now available in limited quantities nationwide. For more information, visit Bloodoathbourbon.com.

Virginia Black Whiskey
Proximo Spirits is distributing a new American whiskey produced in collaboration with DeLeón Tequila founder Brent Hocking and the rapper Drake. Launched in May, Virginia Black Decadent American whiskey (around $35 a 750-ml. bottle) is composed of 2-, 3- and 4-year-old Bourbons with a high rye content. The 40-percent abv offering is initially available in California, New York and Nevada. A 42-percent abv Limited Reserve whiskey will follow the core Virginia Black expression. For more information, visit Virginiablackwhiskey.com.