They say you can’t find love at the bottom of a bottle, but there’s a lot to like about the recent slate of spirit releases that have appeared in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. In this gallery, we highlight some of the most notable and eye-catching new releases from January and February, including a Portuguese cask-finished Scotch from Dewar’s, a special charity themed expression from New Riff, and three new ultra-premium offerings from Benriach.
Woodford Reserve
In late January, Woodford Reserve released its annual expression of Double Double Oaked Bourbon, which has become a fan favorite thanks to its distinctly spicy profile. Double Double Oaked (90.4 proof) is available in 375ml bottles (SRP $49.99) in limited quantities at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky and at select retailers across the state.
Spirit Hound
The Colorado-based distillery has released Four-Year Rye Whisky as part of its Spirit Hound Barrel Program. Boasting a grain bill made up of 70% rye and 30% Colorado-sourced malted barley, this expression features notes of black cherry and stone fruit. A limited quantity of 750ml bottles are available for pre-purchase ahead of an event at the distillery on Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21. It will also be sold onsite for $64.
New Riff
In an effort to support bar, restaurant and service industry workers in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, New Riff Distilling is set to release close to 900 bottles of Relief 15 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $200) later this spring. The project, anchored by the Cincinnati Bourbon Society, aims to raise $120,000 in direct relief. All profits will go towards the Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which together will distribute to those in need.
Hendrick's
You’ve heard of seasonal releases, but how about one tied to the lunar cycle? Hendrick’s Lunar is exactly that: released in late January to coincide with the first full moon of 2021, this limited edition expression, the second release from Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities series, is instilled with botanicals that “flourish” when bathed in moonlight. Originally released in the UK in 2019, Hendrick’s Lunar (43.4% ABV) is now available for a limited in the U.S. through select e-commerce partners for delivery on-demand to states where legal. The suggested retail price is $39.99.
Dewar's
Featuring the label’s 8-year old double-aged blended Scotch, finished in ruby port casks for a richer, full-bodied blend, Dewar’s Portuguese Smooth is the latest release in the famed Scotch maker’s Cask Series. This special release is available in 750ml bottles with an SRP of $21.99 at all fine wine and spirits retailers nationwide.
Catoctin Creek
In response to high demand, Virginia’s Catoctin Creek is now offering over 100 cases nationwide for its annual Rabble Rouser Bottled in Bond Rye Whisky, which is double what was available last year. The expression (100 proof/50% ABV) is available in 750mL bottles in a limited number of select fine retailers for a suggested retail price of $99.
Benriach
Scotland’s Benriach is releasing three new ultra premium offerings in 750ml bottles this month: Benriach Twenty One (46% ABV, $199.99), Twenty Five (46% ABV, $359.99) and Thirty Year Old Single Malts (46% ABV, $739.99), each meticulously composed for aroma, richness, and maturity.
Industrious Spirits Co.
Providence, Rhode Island-based Industrious Spirit Co. has just introduced its third release: Blue Velvet Bourbon, a unique blend of two very special and distinct blue corns—an organic strain of indigo developed in Kentucky, and a landrace blue variety from Oaxaca, Mexico. Bottled at 100 proof, Blue Velvet features big notes of caramel, chocolate and vanilla and its signature blue corn tortillas.