BHAKTA SPIRITS DRINK VINTAGE GIFT SET
VERMONT
Why Buy: Raj Peter Bhakta founded WhistlePig Whiskey, and we've been blown away by what we've tasted from the maverick's eponymous follow-up act, BHAKTA Spirits. For those who've yet to discover what's so special about this shooting star of a company — and with the holidays just around the corner — we're excited to bring you this great BHAKTA Vintage Sampler set, which includes four 50 ml bottles of each of the inaugural, limited-edition, highly-aged releases we've brought you over the past year: a 9-year aged bourbon, a 10-year aged rye, a 26-year-old, 98-point rum awarded "Rum of the Year," and the crowning glory: a 50-year 1973 Armagnac that last year took home 99 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the coveted distinction of #1 Spirit of the Year. A great opportunity to experience the core portfolio of this superstar of a producer, and a fabulous gift, besides — whether for a friend, a loved one, or even just for yourself.
What They're Saying: Wine Enthusiast has extolled BHAKTA's purist approach, noting, "Their commitment to vintage-dated releases brings a wine collector's sensibility to the spirits world."
Our Tasting Notes:
* The 2013 Bourbon announces itself right off with a burst of vivid aromatics — vanilla and caramel intertwine with subtle notes of dried fruit, a nod to its Armagnac cask finish. On the palate, balance is the operative word: this is a robust yet refined expression, with layers of flavor unfolding like a well-crafted novel.
* The 2013 Rye offers a spicier overture. Pepper and cinnamon dance with undertones of apple and pear, a testament to its Calvados cask finish. It's a rye that demands contemplation, rewarding the slow, patient sipper with new discoveries and insights in every glass.
* The 1990 Jamaican Rum is bold and revelatory, rich and robust with caramel notes and exotic spices and an intense and funky backbeat. The Armagnac finish adds a layer of sophistication, creating a rum that defies easy categorization.
* Finally, the 1973 Armagnac; this is, simply put, a masterpiece. Five decades of aging have imbued it with extraordinary depth. Dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of tobacco create a complex bouquet that evolves in the glass. The finish seems to stretch into infinity.
The Story: BHAKTA Spirits is the brainchild of Raj Peter Bhakta, a man who seems to have the Midas touch when it comes to spirits. After revolutionizing the rye whiskey market with WhistlePig, Bhakta set his sights on creating something truly unique: a spirits house dedicated to the concept of vintage. Drawing inspiration from the world of fine wine, BHAKTA treats each release as a singular expression of time and place. This approach flies in the face of conventional spirits production, where consistency across batches is prized above all else. At BHAKTA, variation isn't just accepted — it's celebrated. The company's portfolio reads like a globetrotter's diary. From the rolling hills of the Midwest to the lush plantations of Jamaica, and finally to the sun-drenched vineyards of Armagnac, each spirit tells a story of its origins and journey. Perhaps most intriguing is BHAKTA's use of finish aging. By giving their bourbons and rums a final rest in Armagnac casks — some dating back to the 19th century — they're creating a dialogue between New World and Old World spirits traditions. It's a bold move that has raised eyebrows and glasses in equal measure.
The Specs:
* 2013 Bourbon: 99% corn, 1% barley; aged 9 years, 5 months; secondary finish in French oak Armagnac casks
* 2013 Rye: 95% rye, 5% malted barley; aged 10 years, 8 months; secondary finish in Calvados casks for 10 months
* 1990 Jamaican Rum: a blend of 1985 25-year column still rum (Clarendon/Monymusk) and 1990 23-year pot still rum (Appleton Estates); an additional 3 years in second-fill bourbon and rye barrels, followed by Armagnac cask finish
* 1973 Armagnac: aged 50 years in French oak
Fun Fact: The BHAKTA Chateau in Condom, France, is home to what is believed to be the world's largest collection of vintage Armagnac, with barrels that date back to 1868. It's said that tasting through their cellars is like taking a trip back in time, with each vintage inviting you to ruminate upon a corresponding moment in history.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the distiller, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Act today to secure yours!