As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to reflect on the year’s spirit tastings and release Cocktails & Bars’ annual top 10 new spirits 2019.
Running for the third consecutive year, the Top 10 New Spirits 2019 is not a sponsored post nor is it influenced by any partner or advertiser relationship. These are simply the best new spirits we have tasted in 2019, though we are aware that some may not be so new in certain parts of the world.
Here they are, the top 10 new spirits 2019, presented in no particular order:
Top 10 New Spirits 2019
1. Never Never Black Juniper Amaro
Never Never Black Juniper Amaro (29%) is made from roasted juniper berries that impart an earthy profile when gently toasted. Three juniper components (roasted juniper, spent basket juniper from the Never Never gin production run, and fresh juniper) are steeped in neutral spirit and then hand-pressed using a hydro press to extract maximum flavour. Bittering agents such as wormwood, gentian and quinine along with one or two other non-disclosed ingredients are added to give it an all-round bitter note. As we said in a previous article, this is truly a unique Amaro and a fine example of innovation by Australian distillers.
2. Isle of Harris Gin
Isle of Harris Gin (45% ABV) captured the palate from the first sip with its maritime and savoury note with an almost flinty taste on the finish. A stunning bottle design, and botanicals that include hand-harvested Sugar Kelp, English Coriander Seed, Cubebs / Javan Pepper and Bitter Orange Peel make it a well rounded savoury gin that shines in a Martini.
3. Method & Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut
From Midleton distillery, Method & Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut (46% ABV) has been matured in a combination of ex-oloroso Sherry and ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred to chestnut casks sourced from the Isére region in France. Rich on the palate with Christmas spices, sweet fruit and lingering finish balanced with a delicate oak influence.
4. Bass & Flinders Maritime Gin
At a recent tasting, Bass & Flinders Maritime Gin (40% ABV) was described, “like inhaling the ocean but you don’t drown”. Head Distiller Holly Klintworth has created a unique gin wth maritime influences using locally foraged kelp and samphire, coastal saltbush, lemon myrtle and currant bush to bring the coastal taste of the Mornington Peninsula in a take on a London Dry Gin.
5. Bruichladdich Octomore 10.1
It was a tough decision between Octomore 10.1 and 10.3 Islay Barley. In the end, Octomore 10.1 (59.8% ABV) was the favourite, a 5 year old expression, 107 ppm, distilled in 2013 from the 2012 harvest, fully matured in first fill American whiskey casks.
6. Husk Pure Cane 50
Husk Pure Cane 50 is a limited release agricole rum from Husk Distillers on the North Coast of NSW. Dubbed as Caribbean Strength Agricole, at 50% ABV, Pure Cane 50 delivers complexity in a vibrant, grassy and punchy spirit that can be enjoyed on its own, over ice or in a Ti’ Punch.
7. Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky
When Archie Rose released their first core range whisky, it was nearly five years since the Sydney based distillery first began making spirits, and it’s been well worth the wait. Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky uses malted rye which gives the whisky its point of difference. Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky is complex and layered, with notes of stone fruit and baked apple pie and ginger and lingering herbal and creamy finish on the palate.
8. The Gospel Solera Australian Rye Whisky
From Melbourne-based distillers, The Gospel Distillers comes The Gospel Solera Australian Rye Whisky (42.5% ABV), the first of its kind to use 100% Australian ingredients. The spirit is made from 100% Australian Mallee Rye, using 100% rye mash, double distilled and then matured in Melbourne in a two-story bespoke Solera system; a combination of New American oak and Australian Wine Barrels. The Gospel Solera has notes of caramel and spice combines with a creamy mouthfeel and long finish.
9. Sullivans Cove XO Double Cask Brandy
Sullivans Cove XO Double Cask Brandy (47.7% ABV) is a marriage of brandies aged from eight to ten years in various European and American oak casks. Big on flavour yet remaining vibrant, it brings together a balance of of dark chocolate, fruit cake, caramel, dates, raisins, cinnamon spice and subtle oak.
10. Nardini Grappa Extrafina
Nardini Grappa Extrafina (42% ABV) is a white unaged grappa made from a special blend of the smoothest, most fragrant grappas from multiple vineyards. Extrafina is rested in steel tanks for six months before blending and then rested for a further six months before undergoing another selection process. Smooth, elegant, well-rounded with floral and fruity notes make it well rounded grappa for after dinner sipping.
