Give the Gift of Whiskey

Sometimes the meat of an article – or in this case the booze – warrants nothing more than a short introduction. We’re talking Whiskey Picks for the holiday/winter season with resident expert Ben Terry of New Harvest Coffee & Spirits. Let’s get to it.

Laura Kanzler: Tell us about your top whiskeys for the Christmas/holiday season.

Ben Terry: There are quite a few I like for this time of year. Let’s start with Evan Williams Single Barrel – this classic tastes like what bourbon should taste like, especially at the price point.

Another one I like for value and classic bourbon characteristics is Four Roses Small Batch. This bottle makes a nice gift. The great thing about it is that it’s a blend of their higher rye mashbill and the standard Four Roses mashbill, which means it’s not as spicy as their single barrel, but does hold more spice than many bourbons at that level. It also provides that sweet, vanilla, classic bourbon appeal with a spicy backbone. In my opinion, it’s one of the most well-balanced bourbons for the price. A best everyday sipper.

LK: That’s great. We’re noticing more and more American whiskeys that fall outside of typical bourbon offerings. What’s your take?

BT: For American whiskeys, I really like High West Campfire, which is a perfect wintertime whiskey because it blends the interesting parts of bourbon — sweetness of bourbon, spice of rye, and the smoke of Scottish whisky — it builds in layers, and you can taste each comp in the layers.

LK: What about local options?

BT: I love some of the local whiskey coming out right now. They’re doing tremendous things here in Rhode Island. Take the Sons of Liberty – the sherry finishes of their Uprising and Battle Cry. If you can even find a bottle, grab it. The sweet fruity notes of the Pedro Ximinez and Olorosso casks complement the chocolate tones of the Uprising and the fruitiness of Battle Cry.

The Sea Fog American Whiskey from Newport Distilling Company is a tremendous whiskey. I hope they keep making it. I love it.

LK: Okay, Ben, what about something to offer St. Nick instead of tepid 2% milk?

BT: Hibiki Harmony is the perfect Christmas whiskey. A nice baked sweet blend and the fruity jam from the wine casks adds the flavor of sugar plums. So good.

LK: Anything else we should try this time of year?

BT: I like a bit of smoke around the holidays. Laphroaig Lore is an Islay Blend that’s got classic Laphroaig peat-i-ness, but quite a bit of sweetness with its sherry finish. Lots of layers of complexity. Not something you often find from that region.

Red Breast 15 is another great present. It’s best after dinner because it’s got lots of chocolate, layers of vanilla and cinnamon and clove. Like a hot chocolate for grownups after playing in the snow.

LK: How many whiskeys do you have here and have you tasted them all?

BT: We’ve got approximately 140 different whiskeys from every major region. I’ve tasted each one – it’s my job! I should note we also have a quite a few special releases like High West Midwinter’s Night Dram, this year’s Pappi, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and Parker’s Heritage as well as some amazing overproof whiskeys sure to warm you up on a cold day.

New Harvest does flights of three to four whiskeys; there’s a handful of pre-selected flights or you can customize your own flight. Why not start from Ben’s holiday picks and decide who is naughty and nice on your gift list?

Note: Check your local libation stores for these whiskeys and more. We’ve got great purveyors in this state.