Spirits Selections in a New York Minute

Greetings from Midtown Manhattan, where my brother and I are the third generation in our family to work in the NY wine business—starting when our grandfather purchased the current shop when it was still on Park Avenue. Since our alliance with K&L, our roles have changed: my brother Eric is now a private client advisor and I am joining the Spirits team as a buyer. Combined, Eric and I have over 50 years of experience (not counting our days ‘helping out’ while still in high school). We have stories not suitable for this venue—as our grandmother (who also worked in the business) would say, “If I could write a book…”. A bit about myself: I’m a husband of over 30 years and father to 3 kids; a longtime suffering Mets fan and a Keeper of the Quaich (look it up) for over 20 years. I’d say I grew up with spirits in my blood, but some people would take that the wrong way.

As the warm-weather holidays start to arrive, I thought I would highlight a few festive items that should be on everyone’s radar. Here are 10 bottles to consider for Earth Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Father's Day, Flag Day, graduations—you name it!

Madre Ensamble Mezcal (700ml) $49.99 What could possibly warm mom’s heart more than that macaroni artwork you made in grade school? Try this multi-layered mezcal with tempered smoke notes along with copious spice and fruit. It checks off all the right boxes for mom… Just don’t try to hang it on the fridge.

Yamazaki "Distiller's Reserve" Japanese Single Malt Whisky $99.99 This non-age statement Japanese Malt has just as much going for it as its older (age-stated) siblings. Plenty of red fruit notes along with subtle wood make it a great way to introduce that special someone to the amazing things happening with whisky in Japan.

Auchentoshan 18 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $164.99 92WE A lowland malt that has oodles of body; it’s often been described as meaty or viscous. Not a shy flower at all, this underrated malt holds its own again other 18-year-olds such as Glenmorangie and Oban.

Alma Del Jaguar Blanco Tequila (750ml) $39.99 Coming out of Nom 1414 (again look it up) which makes a number of well-respected agave products, this tequila is produced in both traditional and untraditional ways—let’s just say there’s classical music involved.

ArteNOM "Seleccion 1146" Añejo Tequila (750ml) $89.99 We city folk have been fans of this Anejo and everything about it for close to 20 years. It seems we are not alone—it gets accolades galore. This is a bottle that punches well above its weight class. It is definitely not the type of bottle that needs to have a celebrity involved or and artsy bottle to impress you.

Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila (700ml) $54.99 95WE If you’ve ever wanted to convert a whiskey lover to the fine art of tequila, this is the bottle to serve. In the glass, you get notes of vanilla, oak, chocolate, and maple. Soft, subtle, and lingering on the finish, this is definitely a crowd pleaser.

Kastra Elion Premium Sipping Vodka Distilled from Olives (750ml) $44.99 Here in NYC, we’ve begun to see a trend with olive-centered spirits. The majority have come from Greece, and we’ve seen a few gins and vodkas. This brand (and yes, it’s got a very fancy bottle, which helps) was extremely eye-opening. This wonderfully crafted spirit is made with unbrined olives—just the plain olive fruit—along with neutral grain, and nothing else.

Isle of Harris Sugar Kelp Infused Gin (750ml) (Previously $55) $44.99 This is a product one of our clients told us about. It looks great on a bar cart, and the gin itself is very easy-drinking. Hailing from the tiny Isle of Harris in Scotland, this sugar-kelp-infused gin over delivers in every aspect.

El Dorado 15 Year Old Demerara Guyana Rum (750ml) $55.99 90-95WE This historic rum producer has long been a staff favorite here in NY (and in CA as well!) for good reasons. The rum features notes of pear, toasted chestnuts, vanilla, papaya and pineapple and is made via old-school technique. It is rum that never disappoints!

Noah's Mill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey $69.99 Aficionados who know the Willett distillery and its many products will only have good things to say about Noah’s Mill. We have carried this for many years, and it is consistently a go-to for people who want a great, straight-forward bourbon with aromas of ginger, plums, cinnamon, fresh-baked cornbread, and fresh-squeezed cherries.

Hope these suggestions help you to decide on your next purchase this season of drinking.

- Jonathan Goldstein, K&L Spirits Buyer, New York