Whiskey Roots Revival: Tradition Reimagined

This is whiskey with a past and a future. Each of these American-made bottles draws from deep-rooted traditions while redefining what great whiskey can be.

Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon starts with a rare mash bill of corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley—aged for more than 6 years. The result is a soft, flavorful bourbon that balances spice, grain, and sweetness. Expect layers of caramel, cinnamon, and dried fruit with a soft and lingering finish, showcasing how the Piedmont region of North Carolina shapes a climate perfectly suited for aging exceptional whiskey.

BHAKTA 1928 “Golden Age” Blend is a whiskey unlike any other. It begins with bold straight rye, then is blended with vintage Calvados and Armagnac from France. The outcome is a vibrant mix of American rye spice, orchard fruit, and silky French refinement. One sip, and it’s clear this is a liquid time capsule.

New Riff Malted Rye is made from 100% malted rye grain and aged for six years in new oak. It’s one of the few of its kind, offering an elegant and sophisticated pour with refined character. On the nose, it’s herbal and chocolatey. On the palate, it offers warming rye spice, leather, and roasted malt. Crafted with bottled-in-bond discipline, it’s both rare and remarkable.

SMARTASS CORNER

1. Oaklore Distilling was founded by two friends who set out to craft story-driven whiskey using classic techniques and a touch of creativity.

2. The four grain bourbon mash bill delivers complexity by blending corn’s sweetness, rye’s spice, wheat’s softness, and the depth of malted barley.

3. The Piedmont region of North Carolina, where Oaklore is produced, is ideal for whiskey aging because it avoids prolonged extreme heat or cold while offering consistent daily temperature swings that enhance barrel interaction throughout most of the year.

4. BHAKTA Spirits was founded by Raj Peter Bhakta, who also founded WhistlePig before launching his namesake brand in 2020.

5. The BHAKTA 1928 blend features Calvados and Armagnac from vintages as early as 1928, making it one of the most historic blends on the market.

6. BHAKTA’s library includes French spirits aged for nearly a century, sourced from long-shuttered châteaux and aging cellars.

7. New Riff launched in 2014 with a mission to honor Kentucky whiskey traditions while exploring bold new techniques.

8. Their 100% malted rye is a rare style in American whiskey and was one of the first of its kind when released in 2023.

9. Many of New Riff products follow Bottled-in-Bond standards, reflecting their commitment to high quality spirits and is one of the few craft distilleries who make, bottle, and age all of their own products.