New Expert Spirit Reviews - October 4, 2023

Founder Trey Zoeller continues unique maturations in his Jefferson's Bourbon portfolio with this Tropics Aged in Humidity expression. Nine containers filled with a total of 720 fully-matured Kentucky straight bourbon barrels were shipped to Singapore via an ocean ship in July 2019. The barrels then spent 18 months in the hot, humid climate of Singapore before making a return trip to Kentucky in March 2023. Zoeller then evaluated, selected, and blended the bourbon bottling it at 52% ABV. Available in the US beginning September 2023. (SRP $99.99)

Signature Edition is the flagship rye whiskey from the Hemingway Whiskey Co. This first batch is made from a blend of straight rye whiskeys: 90% 6 year-old Indiana rye whiskey and 10% 4 year-old Kentucky rye whiskey. The Kentucky rye portion was crafted by Master Distiller Jacob Call at Western Kentucky Distilling Co., home for Hemingway Whiskey Co. Both ryes were finished in rum-seasoned oloroso sherry casks — casks which were sourced from Jacob's father, Papa's Pilar Master Distiller Ron Call. Available online and in-store in selected states in the US beginning August 2023. (SRP $79.99)

Released in July 2023, Heaven's Door Ascension is the latest addition to the brand's core portfolio. This bottling also marks the first Kentucky straight bourbon release for the whiskey brand founded by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Ascension is a blend of two Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys — one is the brand's own distillate produced at Heaven's Door with a mash bill of 76% corn, 15% rye, 9% malted barley and the other has a mash bill of 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley. The bourbons were aged 5+ years. It is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV. (SRP $54.99)

As bourbon is required to be made with at least 51% corn, Remus Highest Rye Straight Bourbon is aptly named. Here, the brand uses the most rye in its mash bill recipe allowed: 39% rye and 10% malted rye in addition to the 51% corn requisite. The high-rye bourbon is aged for a minimum of 6 years and is offered at 109 proof (54.5% ABV). Released nationwide in July 2023, this is a permanent, year-round addition to the brand's core portfolio. (SRP $54.99)

Distilled in Indiana at Ross & Squibb Distillery, Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye is made using a high malt mash bill (51% rye, 49% barley malt). This 2023 Release was distilled in March 2017 and it was allowed to age for a minimum of 6 years in new, charred oak barrels. The barrels used for this bottling were hand-selected by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman. It was bottled at 50% ABV in 700ml sized bottles. Only 3,000 6-pack cases were produced. Availability begins August 2023. (SRP $49.99)