Narrowing 2008's new distilled spirits down to 10 was an extremely difficult task. There are so many great liquors out there now and I had to make some very tough decisions, leaving out some of my other favorites. The way this list ended was to display some of the best of the best in the competitive markets and I attempted to give examples of the major categories being explored by distilleries this year. Trends of the year seem to be leaning toward organic, "green" production, special aging, and those controversial caffeinated spirits. If 2008 was this good, 2009 should hold some equally intriguing newbies.
1. Tru2 Organic Gin
Photo Courtesy of Tru 2 Organic Gin
This is my favorite new gin, perfect for everything from the classic Martini to an English Rose. Tru2 is not only one of the most aromatic gins available to date, but it's 100% organic. That's the reason it retains the beautiful amber colorof its 14 botanicals, which are left whole and unfiltered - it doesn't need filtering because it is so clean and smooth naturally. If you have not tried Tru2's gin (or their vodkas for that matter) you are missing out on a great experience.
2. Cape North Vodka
Photo Courtesy of: © Cape North Vodka
There have been many vodkas released this year and Cape North made the top of my list because of its exceptional smoothness. Made from French golden wheat and Swedish spring water, this vodka is perfect for all vodka cocktails, especially those that accent its citrus and vanilla notes. To show off this spectacular vodka, signature cocktails like the Basil North and Beautiful Boat are ideal.
3. Prairie Organic Vodka
Photo Courtesy of Prairie Organic Vodka
Back to the organic spirits, Prairie Organic Vodka is my favorite of its type to be released this year. This vodka is distilled from corn in Minnesota and is certified both organic and kosher. The rich, creamy character of Prairie Organic is a fantastic base for a variety of cocktails including the popular Cosmopolitan and Flirtini, and the lesser known Blushing Lady.
4. Jett Vodka
Photo Courtesy of Jett Vodka
Covering the gamut of new styles of vodka, I had to include one of the caffeinated brands and my choice is Jett Vodka. This one is distilled five times from French grain, filtered three times, then infused with caffeine, guarana and ginseng. Jett packs a punch on the energy aspect and will keep you going for awhile but it's also very smooth and holds an earthy palate. With any of these "energy" vodkas I like to stay away from caffeinated mixers and prefer to stick with subtle drinks like a Vodka Collins or Hairy Navel.
5. Compass Box Hedonism Maximus Scotch
Photo Courtesy of: © Compass Box
It has been a good year for whiskey lovers, especially those willing to spend a little extra cash for the special releases. There are only 1500 bottles of Hedonism Maximus available and the trouble of finding one and the $300 you'll have to fork out is worth every last sip. This is a perfect example of the ideal Scotch and is another great addition to Compass Box's line up, however fleeting its appearance may be. No mixing here, sip it straight and enjoy.
6. Canadian Club 30 Year Old Canadian Whisky
Photo Courtesy of Canadian Club Whisky
If you like the smooth taste of a blended Canadian whisky you will want to keep an eye out for Canadian Club's 30 Year Old. This special release comes just in time to celebrate the distillery's 150th year in operation and it is a fantastic way to enjoy the festivities and the holidays. Again, I hate to mix a whiskey of this caliber, but if you must, try it in a Manhattan, maybe a Waldorf, but not much else.
7. (ri)1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Photo Courtesy of Beam Global Spirits
From the distilleries of Kentucky we have a new rye whiskey to delight our palates. While the name (rī)1 is slightly confusing (pronounced Rye One) it's a nice, rich whiskey with softer rye characteristics than most and is an excellent mixer in almost any whiskey cocktail. Some of my favorite drinks for (rī)1 are the Whiskey Sour, Ward Eight and New York Cocktail.
8. Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila
Photo Courtesy of: © Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila
As great a year as it was for whiskey, it was an equally great year for tequila and the most outstanding of its kind has to be Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila, without a doubt. The beauty of this tequila lies in its not-so-secret blend of a reposado, an anejo and an extra-anejo. All that aging and you would think it would have a golden hue, but this one is crystal clear thanks to a special filtering system. Maestro Dobel has redefined aged tequila and at only $75 a bottle, it is a superb find worth discovering as both a sipper and a mixer in the best tequila cocktails.
9. Siembra Azul Anejo Tequila
Photo Courtesy of: © Siembra Azul Tequila
Siembra Azul released their blanco and reposado tequilas in 2005, but this year they introduced a very fine anejo. This is a bright, almost heavenly aged tequila distilled twice from pesticide-free agave baked in the cool winters of Jalisco, Mexico and is sold in limited markets at a remarkable $45 a bottle. Great anejo tequilas rarely go for that price and that also makes this one worthy of mixing, as it is an outstanding base for Margaritas, Tequinis, Envys and the like.
10. 1800 Silver Select Tequila
Photo Courtesy of: © 1800 Tequila
Over-proof spirits can be too much for most people and while I would not personally order a round of 1800 Select Tequila shots, this one is an exceptionally smooth 100 proof tequila. Double distilled from the same 100% blue agave as 1800's other tequilas, this blanco is bottled at that higher proof and has an interesting profile of a warm bouquet, a bit of citrus and sweet, sweet agave. This tequila is ideal for the tall drinks, and there are many favorites to choose from including the Paloma, Cantarito and Tequila Sunrise.
