As the weather begins to cool down, a wide array of spirits makers are rolling out new products for fall. In this gallery, Hennessy teams up with Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, Milagro Tequila unveils its first launch in ten years and Planteray Rum introduces its oldest bottling to date.
Tequila Volteo
What celebrities are left who haven’t yet launched a tequila brand? We found one: Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who’s backing new “ultra-premium” brand Tequila Volteo in partnership with the U.S. division of Spanish spirits company Zamora. The NFL star will be hoping consumers connect with the initial three expressions — Blanco ($70), Reposado ($90) and Cristalino ($100), all of which are organic and additive-free — with a portion sales proceeds going towards his charitable organization, Faith Fight Finish Foundation. For more information, visit TequilaVOLTEO.com.
Hennessy
LeBron James isn’t just a wine and tequila guy, at least not anymore. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has teamed with Hennessy on a limited edition V.S. bottle that “represents a shared sense of dedication and discovery coming to life for everyone to enjoy.” That means a design with nods to LBJ’s life and career (Lakers’ purple and orange), and a commemorative gift box, too. For more information, visit hennessy.com.
Nearest Green
Uncle Nearest, the country’s largest Black-owned distillery, is aiming its newest release at your cocktail. Distilled using the same premium methods as Uncle Nearest, Nearest Green is the most approachable expression from the distillery priced at $28. The 84 proof whiskey promises approachability without compromising on flavor, and comes in a standout taller, slimmer bottle for an easier pour. For more information visit unclenearest.com.
Fernet-Branca The Record Label
Bartender cult favorite, Fernet-Branca has launched its first-ever limited edition offering in the U.S. market. The Record Label celebrates the grand finale of Fernet-Branca’s five-month Secret Handshake concert tour and the bottle features a new, music-inspired label fitted with AR experiences, unlocking the brand’s own video content starring their crocodile mascot. For more information visit us.fernetbranca.com.
Paramour Aperitif
Who said the spritz only comes in orange? New distilled aperitif line, Paramour Aperitifs, offers three colorful flavors: Cara Cara Orange, Elderflower and Lavender Yuzu at 14% ABV and 60 calories. The aperitifs are crafted using local botanicals and fresh ingredients. Meant to be served over ice, with soda or mixed into cocktails, bottles retail for $39.99. For more information visit thehouseofparamour.com
Astraeus
You’ve heard of single malt whiskey, but single malt gin? Seattle-based Astraea Gin has come up with a one-of-a-kind American single malt gin made from malted barley, the same ingredient used in Scotch. The small-batch gin was made in collaboration with Matt Greif, head distiller at Atlanta’s Distillery of Modern Art and was rectified to 160-proof to keep the whisky-like flavors and let them mingle with herbs and botanicals. For more information visit astraeaspirits.com
Milagro Cristalino Añejo
Milagro Tequila’s first launch in ten years is clearly trying to get in on a trending category: the 100% blue agave Tequila aged in both American and French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months is then filtered through charcoal to obtain a crystal-clear spirit. The ultra-premium tequila is bottled at 40% ABV and costs $59.99. For more visit MilagroTequila.com
Planteray Rum
Planteray Rum has introduced its oldest bottling to date. The 40-year-old Planteray Jamaica 1984 Rum is distilled in a double retort pot still and carries the Monymusk Wedderburn (MMW) mark. The craft rum is bottled at 57.2% ABV and carries an SRP of $1,900. For more information, visit https://planterayrum.com.
Westward Whiskey
Portland, Ore.-based Westward Whiskey is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the release of Westward Whiskey Milestone Edition No. 2 – A Discovery of Spice. As its name suggests, the second iteration of the spirit promises “an unrivaled expression of spice that highlights Westward’s journey thus far.” Milestone is made from whiskey drawn from a 21-barrel Solera system created exclusively for the annual offering. Westward Whiskey Milestone (48.5% ABV) costs $249.95 per bottle. For more information, visit westwardwhiskey.com.
Hudson Whiskey
Seeking to capture the essence of Autumn in New York, Hudson Whiskey has unveiled its limited edition Hudson New York Rye Whiskey Calvados Cask Finish. The new expression is crafted with a blend of 95% rye and 5% malted barley sourced locally from Hudson Valley Farms. The release builds on Hudson Whiskey’s legacy and its growing focus on portfolio premiumization. Hudson New York Rye Whiskey Calvados Cask Finish is now available at local retailers for a SRP of $69.99. For more information, visit hudsonwhiskey.com/en-US.
Two Trees Beverage Company
Apparently, Moonshiners drink more than just moonshine. Two Trees Beverage Company has joined forces with Discovery Network’s “Moonshiners” star Tim Smith to debut Climax Honey Raspberry Flavored Whiskey. In this expression, Smith adds a nuanced twist of raspberry and honey to his family’s century-old moonshine recipe, which integrates a mix of corn, rye and barley malt. The full Tim Smith brand portfolio also includes Climax Moonshine, Climax Wood Fired Whiskey, Climax Fire No. 32, Tim Smith Southern Reserve Whiskey, Tim Smith Southern Reserve Bourbon and Tim Smith Southern Reserve Rye. For more information, visit twotreesdistilling.com.