New Expert Spirit Reviews - October 11, 2023

This is the first ever state-wide bourbon release from Copper & Kings. It's made from a blend of 5, 10, and 15 year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys which were then finished in American apple brandy barrels for 12 months. The final blend was created by Head Distiller Brandon O'Daniel and bottled at 111 proof. Available October 2023 at the distillery and at select retailers in Kentucky. (SRP $65)

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the third release in the brand's Iberian Series. This limited edition single pot still release was crafted by Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe. Initially it was matured in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry barrels. Then a portion of these whiskeys were recasked into Tawny Port casks. Finally, the whiskeys were married and received a final maturation into freshly seasoned Tawny Port hogsheads for 14-25 months. Available in the US as of September 2023. (SRP $99.99)

Cellar Aged is a new limited edition Kentucky straight bourbon release from Maker's Mark. Its creation begins with fully-matured Maker's Mark aged in traditional bourbon warehouses. Then the barrels are moved to a limestone whisky cellar for a further 5-6 years of aging. Mature barrels are selected, blended and bottled at cask strength. For this 2023 release, the bottling is a marriage of 11-12 year-old bourbon whiskeys. This annual limited edition release will be available in select markets around the world. The US gets its allocation September 2023. Then London, Munich, and select global travel retailers follow in October 2023. Tokyo & Singapore get their allocations in early 2024. (SRP $150)

This Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon is a permanent addition to the Frey Ranch portfolio. This farm-to-glass small batch straight bourbon is made from the same recipe as the brand's flagship bourbon, all grown, harvested, milled, and distilled on the Frey Ranch: 66.6% dent corn, 10% winter wheat, 11.4% winter rye, and 12% two-row malted barley. The bourbon is an average of around 5 years and is bottled without chill-filtration at cask strength. Available in California, Nevada, and the Frey Ranch Tasting Room as of June 2023 with an expansion to Arizona, Ohio, and Georgia later in 2023. (SRP $79.99)

Widow Jane Paradigm Rye is the first nationally released bottling made with whiskey distilled at the brand's facility in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The NYC rye was married with rye whiskeys from Kentucky and Indiana in five barrel batches. Like all Widow Jane whiskeys, this is non-chill-filtered and proofed with pure limestone water from Rosendale Mines of New York just 100 miles north of the distillery. Nationwide availability begins summer 2023. (SRP $49.99)