2021, a year full of innovations. Distillers from the four corners of the globe have phosphorus to make their ranges more or less following the spirit of the times. If sustainable development is a concern, they have not forgotten to build on the legacy left by their predecessors, for example, pioneers of the finish in mind. All also showed freshness by stepping out of their categories. The time for compartmentalization is over, to the delight of the inhabitants of the spirits planet.
From the Scottish islands to that of Hokkaido, via Seattle and Bordeaux, a creative wind is blowing in distilleries and cellars.
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1/ Highland Park Viking Heart
The Orkney distillery is launching a new 15-year-old single malt. Aged in first fill European oak and American oak sherry casks, this creamy whiskey delivers superb smoky notes punctuated by refreshing lemon and bark notes. Its ceramic bottle is a nod to the 19th century, when customers came to fill them at the distillery. 129 €
2/ Torvaig Allt Glen
A single malt born in Skye, in the second distillery built on the island in two centuries, that never tires of surprising! Distilled in small copper pot stills, it comes from barely thirty barrels. Well peaty, Allt Glean also unfolds beautiful floral aromas and touches of spices before a delicately saline finish. 59 €
3/ Isle of Raasay R-02
Established for four years on an island near Skye, this distillery produces lightly peated single malts, which benefit from an original aging method in three types of barrels. The blend is spent in barrels having contained rye whisky, in chinkapin (a sub-variety of chestnut) and in old barrels of red Bordeaux wine. Salty notes of cinnamon and spices precede a smoky and woody finish. 52 €
4/ Aberlour Founding Scotland
Launched in 1998 by Aberlour, A’Bunadh has since federated a cohort of fans. They will be at the party with this new expression, aged only in old first fill bourbon casks. A single malt that stands out for its power and a captivating aromatic palette (vanilla, honey, caramel, fruit, etc.). 68 €
5/ Glen Turner Master Reserve Aged 12 ans
Its amber color and its golden brown reflections announce a power that is confirmed as soon as it is tasted. Aromas of orange then blend with hints of vanilla and liquorice. Aged exclusively in bourbon barrels, this single malt does not lack character. Very good value for money. €20.85
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6/ Whisky d’Arche
This blended malt from a distillery located in the southern Highlands was aged for five years in Scotland before joining Sauternes to be refined for several months in barrels of the Grand Cru Classé Château d’Arche. A subtlety that gives it a rare sweetness, despite a well-asserted personality with its marked notes of cereals, citrus fruits and honey. 59 €
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7/ Camus Castle
This blended is the fruit of the assembly of single malt distilled on the islands of Skye, Orkney and Islay. It was partially aged in virgin American oak barrels with European oak bottoms having contained sherry before passing into old bourbon barrels. A refinement that gives it a soft peat, ideal for those who want to learn about this style of whisky. 47 €
8/ Yoichi Single Malt Non Peated
Oldest distillery (1934) of the iconic Japanese house Nikka, Yoichi is located on the island of Hokkaido. Distilled with direct heating over a wood fire, a local speciality, its single malts are renowned for their delicate peat. For the first time, however, this limited edition of 20,000 copies is made from unpeated malts. On tasting, this whiskey is surprisingly lively, with touches of citrus and vegetal notes that explode in the mouth. 245 €
9/ Westland single malt
Owned by Rémy Cointreau since 2017, the Westland distillery, located in Seattle, Washington, campaigns for the recognition of American single malts. Not without success: one of its founders, Matt Hoffmann, received the title of American master distiller in 2018. Since then, three single malt whiskeys have been available: an American Oak, a Sherry Wood and a Peated. A taste to discover without delay. From 75 to 85 €
10/ Benriach Malting Season First Edition
The Speyside distillery, founded in 1898, has its own malting area. This reference is the first cuvée made with 100% malted barley on site. Hence a lot of roundness in this eau-de-vie, which nevertheless displays a nice temperament with shimmering spices and a mischievous sapidity. 88 €
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11/ Glen Grant 15 ans
A new single malt from the Rothes Distillery in Speyside, known for its double distillation process in tall, fine pot stills. Aged in first fill barrels of Wild Turkey bourbon, it delivers frank aromas of vanilla and citrus notes punctuated by caramelized touches of beautiful elegance. They vanish before a tasty and unctuous finish. €59.90
12/ Ninkasi Whiskey Chardonnay
After five ephemeral editions, since the end of 2018, the pioneering brewery of the craft movement, based in Tarare (Rhône), is finally launching its first permanent single malt, a whiskey aged in ex-barrels of Viognier and, above all, Chardonnay. The eau-de-vie therefore associates the wine in its refining process. Aromas of salted butter caramel melt into touches of stewed yellow fruits, which end in a sweet and suave finish. €49.90
13/ Roborel de Climens Finition Rolle
Aymeric Roborel de Climens turned to whiskey after twenty years of experience in the world of wine. Its editions have the particularity of being refined in casks selected from reference wine estates. Like this Rolle cuvée, finished in barrels from Château Sainte-Marguerite, a Provence classified growth. Lots of elegance with expressive notes of fruit and blond tobacco. 56 €
14/ Le Breuil Single Malt Origin
Thanks to its calvados, the reputation of the Château du Breuil, nestled in the heart of the Auge valley, is second to none. Whiskey production represents a new challenge for the estate’s master distillers, who have chosen Golden Promise barley to meet the challenge. On tasting, the nose immediately reveals pastry aromas boosted by hints of vanilla and dried fruit. A promising first attempt. 49 €
15/ Teeling Sommelier Selection
Six years after the inauguration of its distillery in the heart of Dublin, Teeling embodies the revival of Irish whisky. One of its latest expressions, a limited edition blend, stands out for its additional aging of sixteen months in Amarone barrels from Valpolicella. A real delicacy with its pastry finish marked by almonds. 56 €
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16/ Togouchi Single Malt
Renowned for its blends, the Sakurao distillery in Hiroshima presents for the first time a single malt with a color as pale as a white wine. Aged for three years in bourbon and sherry casks in an underground cellar at the foot of a mountain, it has a rare freshness accentuated by floral notes. For a first, it’s a masterstroke. 70 €
17 / Kornog Roc’h Hir
Created in 1997, Celtic Whiskey Distillery is located by the sea, in Pleubian (Côte-d’Armor), just opposite the island of Bréhat. Taken over by Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, the founder of Maison Villevert, it still produces its single malts in a completely artisanal way. This expression, aged in bourbon barrels and by the sea, presents a very peaty profile (40 ppm) which has nothing to envy to those of the island of Islay. A very balanced distillate between smoky flavors and aromas of fruit and spices. 72 €
18/ Waterford The Cuvée
Initiated by Mark Reynier, this new Irish label puts barley back at the center of the debate. This cuvée from the Single Farm Origin range is the result of a blend of barley from 25 farms! A single malt that stands out for its rare depth and complexity. €79.90
19/ Dream Islay Barley 2012
This new expression from the only distillery to age and bottle on the Isle of Islay is made from locally harvested Scottish barley. The cereal has been distilled very slowly in order to retain all its fat and organoleptic properties. Aged 75% in first-fill bourbon barrels and 25% in second-fill French wine barrels, this whiskey delivers bright citrus notes. 63 €
20 / Ardbeg 25 ans
Distilled in the 1990s, this new expression joins the permanent range of the distillery located in the south-east of the island of Islay. Sporting its smoky character, the brand’s flagship, this rare single malt presents an aromatic palette of incredible richness: spicy, peppery and fruity notes melt into touches of caramel and polish. Fascinating from start to finish. 750 €
Agricultural pure cane juice or made from molasses, these new expressions of rum sometimes reconnect with forgotten uses or are part of a suave modernity.
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1/ Appleton Estate 2003
In addition to a superb 1984 (€1,000), the Hearts Collection range is enriched with this small limited edition (1,280 bottles), which also comes from the exceptional stocks of Jamaican rums from Appleton Estate. Distilled in 2003 in pot still, aged in American oak barrels and bottled this year, this nectar reveals a balanced character, in which flamboyant notes of molasses, orange zest, vanilla and caramel are expressed. Long and silky finish. 250 €
2/ Saint-James Old XO
A distillery founded in 1765, Saint-James is now moving towards carbon neutrality and already ensures its energy autonomy. This XO comes from a blend of eaux-de-vie aged between six and ten years, aged for a long time in bourbon barrels, as evidenced by its dark mahogany color. A fine palette of roasted and fruity notes precedes a lingering finish with a spicy background. 55 €
3/ Rivière du Mât Cuvée 1886
A vintage tribute to the founding of one of the oldest distilleries in Reunion, whose cane fields are planted on volcanic soil. This blend of venerable eaux-de-vie (including the 2003, 2004 and 2006 vintages) immediately reveals an imposing power quickly attenuated by flavors of spices, exotic fruits and wood. 65 €
4/ Maison La Mauny 2005
From the distillation of the 2005 campaign, this eau-de-vie was then put in French oak barrels for fifteen years, a long period of maturation which gave it power and complexity, two characteristics appreciated by lovers of agricultural rum. . This vintage is distinguished by its aromas (spices, fruits and citrus zest) which respond to each other in beautiful harmony. Attention: series limited to… 2005 bottles. 150 €
5/ Mount Gay Andean Oak Cask
Established in Barbados, the cradle of rum, since 1703, Mount Gay is offering its fourth “Master Blender” edition this year. Limited to 2,760 numbered bottles, this eau-de-vie is distilled twice in pot stills before beginning a long aging of fourteen years in ex-bourbon barrels, then eleven months in oak barrels from the Andes. A beast of competition. 165 €
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6/ Eminent Reservation
The blend signed by the gifted maestro ronero (“master rum maker”) César Marti reconnects with the tradition of 19th century Cuban rums, which gave pride of place to aguardientes, very aromatic eaux-de-vie. This Reserva contains 70%, a guarantee of complexity and subtlety, which is expressed by a bouquet of melted notes of coffee, vanilla and spices. A real journey. 47 €
7/ Trois Rivières Triple vintage
The renowned Martinican distillery delivers an exclusive blend of a 2001, aged in American ex-bourbon barrels, and two vintages (2005 and 2011) which have matured in Limousin oak barrels, before a light finish in ex – barrels of cognac. This happy marriage gives an old rum of a pleasing opulence, with its scents of gingerbread and dried fruits raised by hints of spices. 61 €
8/ Flor de Cana 18 years old
Nestled at the foot of Nicaragua’s highest active volcano (San Cristobal), this distillery has been producing premium rums for one hundred and thirty years. In addition to a special edition to celebrate this anniversary, it is releasing a new eighteen-year-old reference. Its full-bodied profile is accompanied by aromas of vanilla, spice, vanilla and nuts. Long silky finish. 69 €
9/ Renegade Dunfermline
Mark Reynier, the creator of Irish whiskey Waterford, dreamed of making rum. It’s done with his Renegade from the island of Grenada. A rum that can be described as terroir, as it is distilled from sugar cane grown on local farms (Anderson, here). This expression also has the particularity of being distilled in a pot still, like a whisky. Simply delicious. 55 €
10 / Diplomatico Single Vintage 2007
The Venezuelan referent. Rums from a convincing blend of eaux-de-vie made from molasses and sugar cane honey. This vintage, aged in bourbon and whiskey barrels for twelve years, is then refined in oloroso sherry casks for a year. The notes of red fruits sublimate aromas of cocoa and tobacco. 109 €
Whether they are made from cereals or wine, translucent or with a color shaped by time, these eaux-de-vie are innovative while respecting tradition.
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1/ Armagnac Fine Blanche d’Arton
Patrick de Montal, owner of Château Arton, in Gascony, wants to breathe the spirit of wine into Armagnac. Proof of this is with its Fine Blanche vintage 2017, produced from the distillation of Colombard varietal wines in October of the same year. To be tasted frosted to discover all the aromatic potential of this eau-de-vie with seductive aromas of spices and white pepper. 37 € (on arton.fr)
2/ Vodka Cîroc Pomegranate
This vodka made from grapes is united, for the time of a limited edition, with pomegranate. The marriage between the smoothness of the vodka and the aromas of red fruits, cherries in particular Pomegranate is ultimately very happy. A good playground for budding or seasoned mixologists. 49 €
3/ Gin Engine
This London Dry Gin with its original packaging – a can of oil! -, is made in Italy, in the Alta Langa wine region. The recipe takes up the Piedmontese tradition of Rosolio, a type of cordial made with sage and lemon. Distilled from 100% Italian and organic botanicals, this juniper eau-de-vie is distinguished by a bright bouquet of lemon, sage and licorice. 38 €
4/ Excellia Rested Tequila
A link between Mexico and France. Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, from Maison Villevert, offers this agave eau-de-vie an average aging of nine months in barrels of cognac and Sauternes. Beautiful fusion between the vegetal side of the exotic plant, the aromas of orchard fruits of the sweet wine and the rancio of the cognac. Available at selected wine merchants. 59 €
5 / Vodka Mustard
Produced by the heirs of a line of bubble craftsmen in Aube, this vodka is 100% Champagne. After pressing, the grapes from their Côte des Bar vineyard ferment until mid-October before the marc obtained undergoes four distillations, the last of which is in a column. A distillate with a creamy texture where the grape holds its rank. €46.65
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6 / Cognac Frapin 1989
There is no doubt that the free-thinker and epicurean François Rabelais, who is one of the ancestors of the owners of this 240-hectare estate, one of the largest in the Grande Champagne appellation, would have enjoyed this vintage eau-de-vie. . The grapes were distilled on the lees before being exceptionally aged in a humid cellar. More than thirty years later, this cognac, with a deep yellow color, delivers fruity aromas, then smoky notes that flirt with the best of Cuban tobacco. 175 €
7/ Cognac Delamain 1991
Cellar master at Delamain for forty years, Dominique Touteau is offering a new opus from the Plénitude collection this year. Bottled in February 2021, this Pléiade shines with its sophisticated pastry flavors (almond paste, cashew nuts), its vanilla notes which unfold crescendo before a finish of rare length. 385 €
8 / Marc de Bourgogne Philippe Pacalet
Renowned for his wines from Premiers and Grands Crus of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, Philippe Pacalet embarked on the production of Marcs de Bourgogne in 2015. In homeopathic doses, only one piece is produced each year . This Pinot Noir distillate is remarkably complex with notes of yellow stone fruit (apricot, mirabelle plum) spurred on by delicate floral touches. (€69.50)
9/ Armagnac Tariquet Bear trainer
The Grassa family, famous for its wines, is also famous for its eaux-de-vie. This last reference marks the return of a forgotten grape variety, the fat plant. Reintroduced in 2001, it appears for the first time (at 70%) in this Bas-Armagnac, blended with Ugni Blanc and Baco, before aging in barrels for ten to twenty years. Beautiful aromatic complexity (liquorice, cocoa, prune…) and exceptional length in the mouth. 150 €
