I can’t let the year close without adding my voice to the chorus of delight that greeted arguably the most original whisky of the year. The Leopold brothers’ recreation of a pre-Prohibition style still has produced something quite unlike any other modern rye or bourbon. The nose is a sun-kissed garden of honey, jasmine, lavender and ginger, accompanied by warm lemon tea mixed with (more) honey. The mouth flavors begin with brown bread and butter, then burst like a firework into ginger and black tea, with a delicate floral undertone. I’ve tried this a few times now and each taste surprises anew, so while it’s a very expensive whisky it delivers a unique flavor profile that justifies buying a bottle to share with friends.