Widow Jane Distillery, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and high-end whiskey releases, has introduced its oldest and most exclusive bourbon to date: Black Opal. This 20-year-old blend marks a significant milestone for the Brooklyn-based distillery, not only for its age but also for its unique finishing process in rare Mizunara oak casks from Japan. The combination of these elements makes Black Opal a collector’s dream, boasting a rich and complex flavor profile that is meant to be savored slowly.
Image credit: Widow Jane
A Masterful Blend of Aged Bourbons
Black Opal is a result of an extensive process that began with Widow Jane's head distiller and blender, Sienna Jevremov, hand-selecting over 100 barrels of bourbon, each aged for a minimum of 20 years. This multi-week process was no small feat, as Jevremov meticulously tasted each barrel to ensure the highest quality and a cohesive flavor blend. After marrying the selected bourbons, the liquid underwent an extended finish in Mizunara oak casks, a rare and highly prized wood that’s native to Japan’s Hokkaido region.
The Mizunara Oak Influence
Mizunara oak is not just any oak—it’s known for its porous texture and lower tannin content, which allows for a more intense infusion of flavors. The wood imparts a distinct spiciness, often described as having incense-like qualities, which can transform the taste of any spirit it touches. This makes it a coveted choice for whiskey producers, though it comes at a steep price; a single Mizunara barrel can cost up to $6,000. The influence of this rare oak on Black Opal is one of the key factors that elevate it from being just another aged bourbon to a true luxury offering.
Jevremov likened the experience of creating Black Opal to reading an epic tale. She describes the bourbon’s 20-year journey as “daunting in its immensity” but full of “rich characters and surprising twists,” a reflection of the complexity of flavors achieved through the blend and the Mizunara finish. The decision to use this rare wood adds an extra layer of depth to the bourbon, binding together its already complex flavors of sweetness, baking spices, and stone fruit.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
Widow Jane’s Black Opal offers a luxurious and multi-layered tasting experience. The nose greets you with notes of Tahitian vanilla, frankincense smoke, dried apricot, and rose hip, setting the stage for an indulgent sip. On the palate, the bourbon reveals a medley of walnut, black strap molasses, crème brûlée, and poached plum, with hints of burnt sage and brown butter rounding out the flavor profile. The finish is long and satisfying, featuring elements of beeswax, ginger snap, chocolate ganache, nutmeg, and caramelized sugar.
The unique Mizunara oak finish plays a significant role in shaping these flavors, contributing to the whiskey’s incense-like spiciness and adding a refined complexity that evolves with each sip. The distillery recommends drinking Black Opal neat, allowing it to breathe and fully open up in the glass, revealing more nuanced flavors over time. Patience is key, as the bourbon’s profile continues to expand as it sits.
Limited Availability and Packaging
As with many of Widow Jane’s releases, Black Opal is extremely limited. Only 5,000 bottles have been produced, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. The suggested retail price for this release is $500, a reflection of the time, craftsmanship, and rare materials that went into its creation.
Each bottle of Black Opal is presented in packaging that pays homage to Widow Jane’s industrial roots in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The bourbon is housed in a bold black steel box, stamped with metal branding and adorned with rivets, reminiscent of the area’s shipping and warehouse history. Inside, the bottle itself is elegant and understated, featuring a subtle internal jeweled texture that becomes visible as the liquid is consumed. Every bottle also comes with a limited edition, numbered fine art print, showcasing one of seven insider views of the Widow Jane distillery, giving collectors a glimpse into the world behind this masterpiece.
A Reflection of Widow Jane’s Craftsmanship
Widow Jane has built a reputation for releasing high-quality, limited-edition bourbons, and Black Opal is no exception. The distillery’s previous release, The Vaults 2024, was also a blend of aged bourbons, but it was finished in Brazilian Amburana casks, offering a completely different flavor profile. Black Opal, with its Mizunara finish, stands apart as a testament to the distillery’s willingness to experiment with rare and unique woods to create one-of-a-kind whiskeys.
Another key factor in Widow Jane’s bourbon production is the use of limestone-filtered water from the Rosendale Mines in upstate New York. This mineral-rich water is a signature element in Widow Jane’s whiskeys, contributing to the full, rounded mouthfeel and long finish that the brand is known for.
Final Thoughts
Widow Jane’s Black Opal is more than just a bourbon; it’s a study in patience, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of rarity. The 20-year aging process, combined with the Mizunara oak finish, has resulted in a bourbon that is both complex and harmonious, a whiskey that invites the drinker to take their time with each sip. At $500 per bottle and with only 5,000 available, Black Opal is clearly intended for those who appreciate the finer things in life—and have the means to enjoy them.
For collectors, connoisseurs, and bourbon enthusiasts alike, Black Opal offers a rare opportunity to experience a whiskey that balances tradition with innovation, all wrapped in an elegant and thoughtfully crafted package. Whether savored slowly over time or saved as a prized addition to a whiskey collection, Black Opal stands as a crowning achievement in Widow Jane’s portfolio.
About Widow Jane Distillery
Widow Jane Distillery, located in Brooklyn, New York, is a unique and craft-focused distillery known for its distinctive approach to whiskey production. The name "Widow Jane" is inspired by a legendary, pristine limestone mine in Rosendale, New York, known for its pure and soft water source, a key ingredient in whiskey making.
The distillery's commitment to using this pure limestone water in their whiskey production is one of the brand's defining features. They source water from the Widow Jane Mine, renowned for its exceptional quality, to create their signature spirits. This water, rich in minerals, plays a significant role in shaping the flavor and character of Widow Jane whiskey.
Widow Jane is primarily known for its bourbon whiskey, which is made using a high corn mash bill, typically around 70% or more. Their bourbon is aged in American oak barrels and is known for its rich, smooth, and complex flavor profile. The combination of the high-quality limestone water and aging process gives Widow Jane whiskey a unique and sought-after taste.
In addition to their bourbon, Widow Jane offers various expressions and limited releases, showcasing their dedication to experimentation and craftsmanship. The distillery's commitment to producing small-batch, handcrafted whiskey reflects the broader trend in the craft spirits industry, where consumers increasingly appreciate unique and locally sourced products.
Widow Jane Distillery's creative approach to whiskey-making, their use of pristine limestone water, and their dedication to producing high-quality bourbon have earned them a reputation as a notable player in the American craft whiskey scene. Their unique flavor profile and commitment to quality make them a standout choice for whiskey enthusiasts.
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