New Expert Spirit Reviews - July 5, 2023

Daniel Weller is an experimental line of bourbon whiskeys from Buffalo Trace Distillery which will be exploring the impact of different strains of wheat on its mash bill recipe. Here, the brand is using Emmer wheat, an ancient Egyptian grain which is typically used in beer and bread making. Additionally, this bourbon is distilled on the E.H. Taylor, Jr. micro-still, a combination pot and column still designed by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. After fighting in the Revolutionary War, Daniel Weller settled in Kentucky in 1794 and soon after began producing whiskey like his father before him. Daniel is the grandfather of William Larue Weller, one of the first to sell a wheated bourbon in Kentucky. One limited edition expression is expected every other year. Available in select retailers, bars, and restaurants beginning June 2023. (SRP $499.99)

Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura 29 Year is a limited release from The Glenfiddich and is part of the brand's Grand Series, a collection of single malt whiskies which feature experimental cask finishing. The whisky was matured for 29 years followed by a finishing for six months in Awamori rice spirit casks from Okinawa, Japan — this is the first-ever single malt Scotch whisky to be finished in these rare Japanese oak casks. This release is meant to coincide with Hanami, the cherry blossom festival which begins in late March and continues through early May. Yozakura translates to 'cherry blossoms at night.' Available in limited quantities at select retailers and on-premise accounts in the US beginning March 28, 2023. (SRP $1,999)

Announced in April 2023, this Yoichi 10 Year marks Nikka's first age statement release in several years. Yoichi Distillery is Nikka Whisky's first distillery built in 1934 on the coast of Hokkaido on the northernmost island of Japan. This bottling is a new expression created by Nikka's current blenders and it commemorates 10 buildings at Yoichi which were designated as Japan's "important cultural properties" in February 2022 by Japan's Agency of Cultural Affairs. This 10 year-old single malt is expected to be an ongoing release with limited quantities released annually. (SRP $175)

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 bourbon release is one of three core releases in the series and it was made with a high rye mash bill (60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley). Aged for 6 years, it is bottled at 96 proof. Available as of December 2022 at select US retailers.(SRP $44.99)

Jacob's Pardon is an American whiskey brand founded by Marc D. Taub & his son Jake who also own Palm Bay International, a wine & spirits import business. The Taubs' together with the brand's Master Blender F. Paul Pacult crafted the brand's third small batch American whiskey release. It's an American light whiskey (distilled in Indiana by MGP) made with 99% corn, and 1% malted barley. Aged for 18 years, this small batch whiskey was made from 211 uncharred new barrels. Bottled at a cask strength of 71.25% ABV, it's available at select retailers nationwide beginning June 2023. (SRP $ 195)