Limited Edition Releases For the Holiday Season
photo by Amanda Schuster
When I worked as a wine and spirits buyer, one of my favorite things about this time of year was unpacking the limited editions. It’s always exciting for me to see the creative side of booze brands. One of the best things about working in the beverage industry is the opportunities to constantly learn something new. Sure, these items play into what I call “fatalistic marketing” - the old “Get it while supplies last!” scenario. However, they’re also a treat for the nerd in us. This is when brands finally release treasures from the warehouse or celebrate an important milestone while sharing some new tidbits about their history, or maybe play to an experimental side. Sometimes it’s just an excuse to don festive packaging to appeal to collectors, but I like seeing a good costume as much as the next gal.
Here’s a handpicked list of some of the limited edition releases to look out for this season:
photo by Amanda Schuster
Negronis are already a pretty drink, but this season they’re even more aesthetically pleasing to make! For a short time, three collectible bottles of Campari will feature a colorful “reimagining” of sketches by Italian Futurist artist Fortunato Depero, who originally etched these designs for the main pavilion of the 1933 international EXPO held that year in Milan. To celebrate the 2015 International Year of Light, the original black and white sketches have been brought to life in vivid colors, in stunning contrast against the bright red hue of the original Campari liquid in the bottle. These particular designs were chosen since Milan once again hosted the EXPO in 2015, and large scale replicas of Depero’s sketches now live at Campari HQ in Sesto San Giovanni. Cin! Cin! $29.99
Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Only 6000 bottles have been released of this bourbon from Limestone Branch Distillery brought to you by Luxco brands. This special blend unites a 7 year old high rye mash, a 7 year old wheated and a 12 year old high rye - three tastes that taste great together. Some fun shifting of the barrels also took place in the process, switching out some of the 7 and 12 year olds within the barrels while they aged to impart more mature flavors to the younger bourbons and vice versa. Not only did I enjoy sipping this whiskey, the color scheme on its festive canister container just happens to perfectly match my cat Jasper. $105
milagro sbr repo
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve
Milagro has been one of my go-to tequilas for years, but this line of barrel finishes is truly something special. Each is aged in a combination of American and French oak that manages to impart toasty flavors that compliment, not mask, the inherent agave-ness of the spirits. Even the silver is rested 30 days in oak. I’m especially fond of the reposado, which to me, hits the Goldilocks spot on the taste meter straight on. Silver: $52.99, Reposado: $56.99, Añejo: $98.99.
Booker’s 2015-06 “Noe Secret”
booker's
We’ve been reporting throughout the year on Booker’s 2015 special batches, and here’s the last batch for now. Each of these batch releases is the work of Jim Beam 7th generation Master Distiller Fred Noe in honor of his dad, the late distiller Booker Noe.The nickname for this batch is a play on words. Booker was known for telling it like it is, and this expression stays true to his original recipe with big sweet flavors bottled at cask strength. This is also the third of the batches that was selected by a roundtable of writers, enthusiasts and experts - F. Paul Paccult, Geoff Kleinman, Jack Robertiello, Johh McCarthy, Tony Sachs, Kevin Sintumuang and G. Clay Whitaker. (Hmmm, maybe next time some of the ladies can get involved? Just sayin’, in the spirit of honesty and all...) $59.99.
anchor christmas
Anchor Distilling Christmas Spirit
In light of recent world events, we could all use some peace and harmony this season, and here’s the perfect way to celebrate that sentiment. It’s where beer and spirits happily meet for a delicious annual summit! Anchor Brewing’s yummy Christmas Ale is distilled into a white spirit with rich flavors of baking spice and gingerbread. Add this liqueur to your holiday punch, flips, nogs and other boozy treats for an extra measure of comfort and joy. $54.99.
urban bourbon
The hat and cape have been a distinctive design element in Sandeman’s branding since 1928. This 2000 vintage port, bottled in 2002, celebrates Sandeman’s 225th anniversary of port-making while giving props to that iconic image. It is high port-drinking season, after all. It’s a fine excuse to bring the decanter down from the shelf, put another log on the fire and relax with this deep, rich, chocolatey and spicy nectar. $100
Urban Bourbon Glass
Though technically not a limited edition per se, this glass is nonetheless unique and made in small quantities, plus it’s the perfect vessel with which to enjoy some of your boozy treasures! Last month I had the rare opportunity to make my own whisky glass at Urban Glass as an exercise with The Art of Auchentoshan (#artofauchentoshan). This one for sale is far more meticulously crafted and delicate than anything I could make myself. It was designed by Kings County Master Distiller Nicole Austin for optimal sipping pleasure with glassmaker William Couig of Furthurdesign, who makes fine glassware for establishments such as Eleven Madison Park. $40, order online here.
Holiday cheers to one and all!