Drinkhacker Reads – 02.25.2013 – New Russell’s Reserve, Angel’s Envy and Jim Beam
Drinkhacker Reads – 02.25.2013 – New Russell’s Reserve, Angel’s Envy and Jim Beam
Master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell are readying the latest expression to the Russell’s Reserve line, and reports are in from various sources that shipping has already begun. This edition is curiously absent an age statement, but is brought to you at 110 proof and is non-chill filtered. It also boasts of being small batch single barrel, which sounds confusingly redundant to us. [Russell’s Reserve]
In other bourbon news, Angel’s Envy hit a home run with its cask strength offering a few months ago, and it is looking to follow up that success with its inaugural rye. Shanken reports that the Angel’s Envy Rye was aged for six years and then finished in Caribbean rum casks for an additional 18 months. Look for it to ship to select states around May at a price tag of $79.99 [Shanken News Daily]
Recently Drinkhacker was the recipient of good fortune with an invite to Beam Global world headquarters, where we received a sneak preview of several new spirits the company plans to launch in the upcoming year. One of these gems was the announcement of a new member of the Jim Beam family, arriving later this August. The Jim Beam Signature Craft Bourbon is a 12 year expression, the oldest in the Beam stable, and will come in at about 86 proof and retail for $39.99. According to master distiller Fred Noe, several other unique finishes and variations will be announced in the series from time to time, but when pressed he would not reveal further details. Look for a proper review of the inaugural edition shortly. [Jim Beam]
The Spirits Business reports that Glenfarclas will be straying from its traditional sherry-heavy finishes and releasing a 31-year old expression finished in a port casks. A limited run of 480 bottles will available and limited to the UK and France exclusively. Book your plane ticket and renew your passport ASAP, Yanks. [Spirits Business]
Finally today, in an effort to keep up with the Kardashians, the iconic Malibu Rum is undergoing the knife and getting a redesign. Similar to the Kardashian matriarch, Pernod Ricard is giving the mainstay an overhaul in hopes of keeping the brand fresh and alive in the minds of consumers. The new bottle, slated to start shipping this year, features new typography and is slimmer; featuring a slightly curvier shape. [Malibu Rum]
Thanks for the mention of the upcoming Angel’s Envy Rye! Please let me know if you haven’t received a review sample…..
Wes Henderson
Louisville Distilling Company