New Expert Spirit Reviews - August 2, 2023

Teeling Wonders of Wood is a series of innovative limited edition bottlings using unique styles of wood for its maturation. This second edition Virgin Portuguese Oak bottling features a single pot still whiskey made with 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barely, triple distilled at their Dublin-based distillery. Maturation is done entirely in virgin Portuguese oak casks. Like previous WoW editions, this bottling will facilitate work with the Tree Council of Ireland in the reforestation of designated woodlands with native Irish trees. Available June 2023. (SRP $99.99)

This 25 year-old single malt will be available globally beginning October 2017. It matured in two types of barrels. The first 22 years were spent in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. The single malt then was transferred into Spanish oak ex-oloroso sherry butts. Bottled at 46% ABV the whisky is non chill-filtered and has no color added.

The Origin Series is the brand's first estate-distilled collection with 100% of production from distilling to bottling handled at Bardstown Bourbon Co. This Kentucky straight rye is one of three core releases in the series. It was made a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. After its initial maturation, it was then finished in custom barrels with alternating toasted American oak and toasted cherry wood staves for up to 6 months. Bottled at 96 proof, it's available as of December 2022 at select US retailers. (SRP $69.99)

Old Forester's The 117 Series first launched in spring 2021 and focuses on innovation and experimentation. As in accordance with the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, this Kentucky straight bourbon is the product of one distilling season — spring 2014. Additionally, it has been aged in a US bonded warehouse for at least 4 years and is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). This limited edition release is available beginning July 18, 2023 at the Old Forester Distilling Co. retail shop, in select states for direct-to-consumer sales and at select Kentucky retailers. It's sold in 375ml bottles. (SRP $59.99)

Hudson Whiskey New York Straight Bourbon is pot-distilled with a mash bill recipe of 95% corn and 5% malted barley. Notably, the grains were sourced from local farmers in the Hudson Valley and the bourbon is Kosher certified. It's aged for a minimum of 5 years in American oak barrels and is bottled at 46% ABV. This limited edition release is just the second age stated whiskey from Hudson Whiskey. Available in the US beginning June 2023. (SRP $49.99)