San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Exciting new stars in the tipple universe
This year’s spirits trends move drinking habits into new realms. We’re still attracted to brands with celebrity backing; we remain loyal to single malts and whiskey finished in noble woods; and we’ve gained a new appreciation for blush-colored tequila that gains a rosy hue from resting in red wine barrels. Expand your appreciation with these fresh players. They can be found at liquor stores and big-box retailers such as Spec’s and Total Wine & More.
Hail to the king
Actress Kate Hudson is behind King St. Vodka, a seventimes distilled California-crafted spirit made with GMO-free corn. She named the vodka for her former home on King Street in New York City. $30,
kingstvodka.passionspirits.com.
High five
Five NBA owners, including Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan of the Charlotte Hornets, have created Cincoro Tequila, a small-batch line of tequila. The top-shelf brand includes the luscious sipping tequila Cincoro Anejo. $132, cincoro.comm. .
Barrel racing
American oak ex-Jamaican rum barrels were used for aging Ferrand Premier Cru de Cognac Vintage 2011, and the result is Maison Ferrand Renegade Barrel No. 3 Eau-De-Vie De Vin. Look for notes of tropical fruit and spice. $90, maison ferrand.com/en.
Strait shooter
Country superstar George Strait’s line of branded Código Tequila includes Código 1530 Rosa, a blanco tequila rested in Napa Valley cabernet French white oak barrels, resulting in bright, floral agave character with red wine notes and a soft pink hue. $65, codigo1530.com.
Malt shop
Glendalough Distillery is the first Irish whiskey brand to finish its single malts in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels. The release of the new Glendalough 7-Year-Old Single Malt Mizunara Finish offers a fruity, floral whiskey with notes of dark chocolate, orange and toasty, woody spices. $100, us.glendaloughdistillery.com .
At first blush
Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and his wife, model Behati Prinsloo, are behind the Jalisco, Mexico-produced Calirosa Tequila that includes a pink Rosa Blanco and Calirosa Añejo, aged in red wine barrels for 18 months, resulting in a rose-gold shade with notes of agave, chocolate, toffee and vanilla. $75, calirosatequila.com.
Tennessee waltz
Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon has been gaining fans for its smooth drinkability. Aged at least six years in oak barrels in Tennessee, it has hints of pecan pie and warm spices. $50, biband tuckerbourbon.com.