New Booze News: BenRiach 21, Laphroaig Cairdeas, Casa Noble and More!

We have a pretty varied batch of spirits this week—all exciting and new! The releases include a four-cask Scotch whisky from BenRiach aged for 21 years. There’s also an unusual rye whiskey created by Barrell Craft Spirits which includes whiskey distilled in Poland. In the tequila department, there’s a new release from Casa Noble—a limited edition extra añejo with only 300 bottles produced. We have the details on these bottles and more in the booze news for the week of December 4, 2017!

SCOTLAND

BenRiach 21 Year

Blended by master blender Rachel Barrie, this single malt was aged for 21 years. It consists of non-peated whiskies aged in four different types of casks: bourbon, virgin American oak, Pedro Ximenez sherry and red wine. Released December 2017, this whisky is one of two 21 year releases from BenRiach. Expect a heavily-peated version in early 2018.

Commenting on its flavor profile, Barrie says, “This new unpeated expression is likely to both surprise and delight, as it opens with fresh summer fruit compote, soft vanilla and vibrant candied peel, developing into tangy red fruits, barley sugar and the warmth of chocolate ginger. I look forward to sharing this enigmatic malt with all intrigued to discover more.”

Suggested retail price £125 ($168).

BenRiach 21 Year / Photo Credit: BenRiach

Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year

Crafted and distilled in 2002 by distillery manager John Campbell, this Laphroaig bottling aged for 15 years in first-fill bourbon casks. Cairdeas is an annual release made first available to the Friends of Laphroaig members. Available beginning December 2017 to FOL members at the distillery or through the brand’s website (check your country’s availability). Expect a wider release in 2018.

“Our friends are very important to us at Laphroaig,” said Campbell. “It’s a polarising whisky, so it means a great deal that our fans remain loyal to us. Friends of Laphroaig gives us a great opportunity to engage with our supporters and give back to them with these exclusive Cairdeas whiskies.”

Suggested retail price £80.

Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year / Photo Credit: Laphroaig

Big Peat 25 Year The Gold Edition

This bottling marks the first in an annual limited edition trilogy from the Big Peat brand, owned by Douglas Laing & Co. Big Peat, a peated blended malt brand, uses Islay single malts in its makeup. This 25 Year Gold Edition is the first age statement release for the brand. Bottled at a cask strength of 52.1% ABV, 3000 bottles will be available globally beginning December 2017.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky at Douglas Laing comments, “With this specialist series in mind, we’ve been sampling certain casks over the years and feel now that Big Peat’s aged vatting is ripe for release. Our very special marriage of Islay single malts is bursting with rich, deep, phenolic and typically Islay flavors, clearly showing Big Peat’s signature sweet smokiness at its heart. It will be fascinating to see how the spirit develops as the trilogy progresses.”

Big Peat 25 Year The Gold Edition / Photo Credit: Big Peat

USA

Barrell Bourbon New Year 2018

Comprised of straight bourbons from seven different distilleries and five different states, this limited edition release is available beginning December 2017. The bourbons range in age from 5 years to 14 years and hail from Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee and Texas. Blended and bottled in Kentucky at a cask strength of 111.2 proof.

Suggested retail $89.99.

Barrell Bourbon New Year 2018 / Photo Credit: Barrell Bourbon

Barrell Rye Batch 002

This rye whiskey is comprised of whiskeys distilled in Poland and Indiana. The Polish whiskey is made from 100% malted rye which aged for 5 years in new charred #3 oak barrels. The other whiskey was distilled in Indiana with a high-malted-barley rye mash bill. It aged in both Indiana and Kentucky for over 5 years in new charred oak barrels. Bottled at cask strength of 117.6 proof.

Suggested retail $89.99.

Barrell Rye Batch 002 / Photo Credit: Barrell Bourbon

TEQUILA

Casa Noble Selección del Fundador Volume II

Released in December 2017, this limited edition tequila is an extra añejo release. As is always the case with this brand, the tequila is produced from 100% certified organic agave, but the agaves used here were planted in 1997 to commemorate the founding of Casa Noble. The tequila aged for 8 years in 114-liter, new Taransaud French white oak barrels. Only 300 bottles are available worldwide.

“My desire is to take tequila to the next level, to see what it can be,” adds Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo, founder and maestro tequilero. “Selección del Fundador Volume II is an exquisite spirit showcasing our philosophy that making exceptional tequila is truly a noble pursuit. This tequila has been 20 years in the making, I hope people can enjoy sharing this treasured creation with us.”

Suggested retail price $1499.

Casa Noble Selección del Fundador Volume II / Photo Credit: Casa Noble

With Distiller, you’ll always know what’s in the bottle before you spend a cent. Rate, Review and Discover spirits! Head on over to Distiller, or download the app for iOS and Android today!