Whiskey enthusiasts know there’s something ceremonious about a nightly dram; whether it’s an office pour with colleagues to mark the end of a long workday, or a solo nightcap to unwind. It has been a romanticized ritual in American culture since the spirit was first distilled on U.S. soil in the late 18th century, carried through prohibition, and given a renaissance in modern times thanks to pop culture.
For those seeking alternative potent potables, there is a growing market of premium aged spirits that offers an equally refined tipple with extraordinary tasting notes. There’s añejo tequila that may evade even the savviest whiskey drinker in a blind tasting. For distinctly different alternatives, rum produced using the solera method or barrel-aged gin are undeniable standouts. Highlighted below is a selection of masterful bottles leading the premium aged spirits category.
Barr Hill’s Tom Cat Gin
With its robust Tom Cat Gin, Vermont-based distillery Caledonia Spirits challenges the perceived practice of reserving gin exclusively for dry martinis or gin and tonics. Tom Cat is distilled with juniper and then finished with local raw honey before spending six to nine months in new American oak barrels. The final product is one with warm wooden aromas that carry a suggestion of slight oak through to the palate, with wildflower botanicals imparted from the honey, and a touch of sweetness — a spirit deserving of sipping neat. barrhill.com
Ron Zacapa XO
The solera aging technique systematically blends younger wines stored in the upper tier of casks with mature wines from the lower casks. The technique is most recognized in sherry and port production, but Ron Zacapa made a splash by using it to craft its complex rums in Guatemala.
Zacapa XO is a unique blend crafted exclusively from hand-selected reserve rums between 10 and 25 years old. To add further complexity, the blend is aged in a series of barrels that previously stored American whiskey, sherry, and Pedro Ximénez wines before the liquid is finished in French oak casks that once aged cognac. Aromas include toasted oak and caramel with marzipan; a palate of dark cherry, dates, and clove; and a light mango, raspberry, and ginger finish. zacaparum.com
Clase Azul Mexico Tequila Añejo
Clase Azul Mexico may be most recognized by its cobalt decanter housing its Tequila Reposado. Still, as the tequila craftspeople added to the celebrated collection over the years, Clase Azul’s full-body Tequila Añejo has emerged as a favorite among serious imbibers. The tequila spends more than two years in American whiskey casks for flavor development and emerges with tasting notes of orange marmalade, nutmeg, toasted oak, and clove. The mouthfeel is silky and sips sublimely, whether neat or on the rocks. claseazul.com
BHAKTA Armagnac
After entering the luxury rye whiskey category with WhistlePig Whiskey, founder Raj Peter Bhakta set his sights on vintage spirits, Armagnac among them. BHAKTA’s Armagnac portfolio spans the decades; the 50-year-old limited edition blended barrel series includes a distillate from 1868 and single vintages spanning 1946 to 2003. For immediate consumption or gifting to a special someone, the younger vintages have more approachable prices. The oldest single vintages come with a hefty price tag, but also the most nuanced and mature flavors, which beckon for cellaring until a future special occasion. bhaktaspirits.com
Rémy Martin XO Cognac
As the signature expression from Rémy Martin’s cellar master, this XO Cognac Fine Champagne is a classic for a reason. Crafted from Petit and Grande Champagne grapes in the designated origin of Cognac, the extra-old, mahogany-hued liquid exemplifies the premier standard of what fine cognac should be: pure and smooth with a full-body that offers a full progression on the palate. Flavors evolve from fruity plum and candied orange with spices and hazelnut, and a finish of roasted cocoa and honeyed gingerbread. remymartin.com
