Awesome Spirits

Non-alcoholic drinks are booming thanks to modern spirits that deliver complex flavors and healthy ingredients. Distilled in the Pacific Northwest, zero-calorie, gluten-free Wilderton is made from globally-sourced botanicals in two flavor profiles: smoky Earthen, and citrusy Lustre. Tasty, guilt-free bases to mix, sip, and savor.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Standard Proof’s specialty rye whiskeys are infused with natural ingredients for a big and bold taste. Flavors include an eye-opening Arabica coffee, a sweet honeysuckle wildflower, a zesty ginger root, along with pecan, mint, and pineapple. Sold in 750ml bottles and great for making cocktails.

The producer of America’s highest-rated Single Malt, Westward, introduces an elegant ode to Oregon’s premier grape varietal. Finished for two years in Pinot Noir barrels from Willamette Valley wineries, Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask Whiskey joins their Single Malt and Single Malt Stout Cask on the top shelf.

One of the world’s finest gins comes from Germany, not London. Rated a near-perfect 99 by Distiller.com, Monkey 47 Dry Gin is a delicious juniper concoction with prominent herbal, fruity, and peppery notes, and a sweet finish. The 47 in the name comes from the 47 botanicals used and the 47% ABV.

Vermouth is an unsung hero, vital to the bartender arsenal when they need the good stuff like 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso for top-shelf Negronis and Americanos. Nearly 300 years of experience go into 1757, the plum-red aperitif that salutes Casa Cinzano’s founding year. Rated 94 by Wine Spectator for its mature aromatics.

Part of Flint Candle Co.’s Halloween 2020 collection is this scent inspired by the famously-strong green spirit, Absinthe. The candle’s intoxicating fragrance incorporates notes of anise, fennel, oakmoss, amber, oak, and cherry wood. Available in 3oz., 7oz., and 11oz. sizes.

This corn whiskey blend introduces natural coffee flavor into the mix. The regular brew is fragrant and nutty, while the dark roast has delicious caramel notes. It’s sweet enough to sip over ice and also tastes great in a cup of unsweetened coffee for a warm-up with a kick any time of day. Find it online at Sip Whiskey or Del Mesa Liquor.

Cinco de Mayo is one of America’s favorite holidays, but contrary to common belief, it is not Mexican Independence Day. That treaty was signed August 24, 1821, a date commemorated by Tequila Corralejo. Their Extra Añejo 1821 honors valiant heroes with 100% blue agave, double-distilled in copper, and matured in oak for 36 months.

A newborn rum is here, pa rum pum pum pum. Crafted by Trinidadian entrepreneur Marc Farrell – a former Starbucks VP and a Harvard, Cambridge, and MIT grad – his Ten to One rums challenge perceptions of tropical spirits. Light and dark expressions blend premium rums from the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados.

“World’s Best Martini” award-winning AK’s Gin is by Master Distiller Kirsty Black, named Scotland’s Young Scientist of the Year for her part in making GMO-free “field-to-bottle” Arbikie the world’s first climate-positive distillery. Founded by the Stirling brothers on their family’s farm, the Highlands distillery honors their father, AK.

Heavensake sake is a Franco-Japanese marriage made in heaven. Award-winning sparkling wine maker Régis Camus teamed with Japanese brew-masters to artfully blend sake for Western palates with three elegant expressions: Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo, and Junmai 12. Like delicious revenge, they’re best served cold.

Winner of the Double Gold, Best of Show at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Guild Gin is just one of the stars in Watershed Distillery’s collection. Made in Ohio from local apples and corn, Guild mellows the usual juniper jolt with infused chamomile, and a botanical mélange of citrus, nutmeg, and rose petal.

Bertoux gives new life to an old spirit from the Golden Age of the cocktail. This Solera-style blend of pot-distilled California fine brandies is aged 3-7 years in French and American oak. Cheers to Bertoux’s master blenders: ace bartender Jeff Bell (P.D.T. and Legacy Records) and NoMad’s sommelier-winemaker Thomas Pastuszak.

A very special, limited-edition Hennessy V.S cognac, designed in collaboration with pop artist Filipe Pantone. Its white carafe stands in its center, nestled among a grid of multicolored rods which can be moved and interchanged by the observer to camouflage or reveal its spirit for sipping.

Washington state’s Bad Dog Distillery crafts this bright and flavorful 90-proof bourbon whiskey, which offers up a light and spicy body, toasty oak notes, and a fragrant aroma reminiscent of a good añejo tequila. Good for sipping or cocktails. Available from BigFish.

In the spirit of full-flavored old-world rums, Hotaling & Co. has added Denizen Vatted Dark Rum to its tasty line-up. The floral blended rum is blended in the old vatted style originally made for the British Navy in the 18th century. Distilled from antique stills, 80% is produced in Guyana, with 20% unaged rhum agricole from Martinique.