New Rum from Cruzan
Cruzan Rum just unveiled the Cruzan Distiller’s Collection, a line of super-premium, blended aged rums. It’s comprised of Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark Rum and the new Cruzan Estate Diamond Light Rum, along with Cruzan Single Barrel Rum. Each rum is aged between five and 12 years, something that’s particularly noteworthy for the light rum. In that case, the rum is filtered to remove the majority of the color imparted from oak barrels. The result is an easy-drinking rum lush with vanilla, sugarcane and mild wood notes.
Here’s Wild Turkey Spiced
In a move to make their bourbon appeal to the rum-drinking crowd, Campari America is set to release Wild Turkey Spiced. The liquid’s sweet and spicy flavor profile likens it to more of a rum than a bourbon. The 86 proof whiskey will hit store shelves this fall, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Or anything involving a cardigan and a porch swing.
We Love Scotch
Premium scotch exports to the US have increased in the first half of 2013. Scotch exports surged 29% by value and 10% by volume. Credit the discerning American palates that are searching for the refined taste of a premium whisky. See, not everyone here is craving sorbet vodka.
Laphroaig Releases Càirdeas Port Wood
Our pals at Laphroaig have released the Càirdeas Port Wood Edition, which was produced in celebration of the island’s Feis Ile Festival. It’s now available stateside, so go forth and procure a bottle. It’s a creamy dram full of vanilla, chocolate and fruit. It clocks in at 102.6 proof and will set you back about $75.
R.I.P. Lincoln Henderson
Legendary bourbon distiller, Lincoln Henderson, has passed away at age 75. During his storied career, Lincoln developed spirits like Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack for Brown-Forman. He then pioneered Angel’s Envy bourbon and rye, which were finished in port and rum casks, respectively. His latest innovation, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, was named the “best spirit in the world” by Paul Pacult in the June 2013 edition of The Spirit Journal. We had the pleasure of meeting Lincoln a few years back. He was truly one of the nicest men in the business, and he’ll be missed.
