Hotaling & Co., the owner of the iconic Hirsch Selected Whiskeys brand, has announced the release of two exciting new bourbon expressions: the third edition of The Single Barrel Double Oak and the fourth edition of The Single Barrel Silver. These highly anticipated releases are sure to capture the attention of whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike, as both expressions are part of a small batch release and showcase the brand’s continued dedication to quality and innovation.
A Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship
Hirsch Selected Whiskeys, known for its adventurous spirit, is rooted in the legacy of the A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16-Year-Old Whiskey. This whiskey, originally commissioned in 1974 by Adolph Hirsch, set a high standard for the brand with its unique approach to partnerships with top distilleries. Hirsch whiskeys are not bound to a single distillery or mash bill, allowing for creative freedom and exploration in every release.
These new expressions, like their predecessors, continue to reflect that legacy while catering to the modern whiskey drinker. The goal is not only to honor the rich history of American bourbon but also to offer new, exciting experiences for today’s whiskey connoisseurs.
The Single Barrel Double Oak – Third Edition
Image credit: Hirsch
The third edition of Hirsch The Single Barrel Double Oak offers a refined and complex flavor profile that distinguishes itself in the world of bourbon. With only 21 barrels in this release, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon has two different age statements to choose from: one at 10 years old and another at 9 years and 8 months. Both options share a mash bill of 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley, and a proof range of 110 to 115.
The aging process for The Single Barrel Double Oak is what truly sets it apart. After spending eight years in 12-month air-dried, new American oak barrels with a char #3, 19 of the barrels are transferred to custom American oak barrels with a char #1 for an additional two years. The remaining two barrels are finished in the same char #1 barrels for one year and eight months. The secondary aging in custom barrels gives the whiskey its signature layer of toasted caramel, making it a unique entry in the double oak category.
The result is a bourbon with a sweet, maple-vanilla aroma, complemented by layers of caramel, fig, and tobacco, all balanced by a soft oak presence. On the palate, drinkers will experience rich notes of leather, baking spices, vanilla, and caramel, offering a luxurious and memorable sipping experience.
The Single Barrel Silver – Fourth Edition
Image credit: Hirsch
The fourth edition of Hirsch The Single Barrel Silver is just as captivating, offering two distinct mash bills to choose from. This small batch release consists of 42 barrels, with each whiskey aged for over six years in 12-month air-dried, new American oak barrels. The proof range for these barrels varies from 105 to 126, providing a variety of strengths for whiskey lovers to explore.
The first mash bill is made up of 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley, and is aged for 6 years and 4 months. It features aromas of caramel, toffee, allspice, and oak, while the palate is marked by honey, hot cinnamon, and a lingering sweetness from the corn.
The second mash bill is slightly different, with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. Aged for 6 years and 8 months, this variation offers aromas of buttered cornbread, maple, and burnt oak. The flavor profile delivers a delightful combination of fresh cinnamon sugar, toasted marshmallow, pear, cherry, and a hint of dusty grain.
Both mash bills provide a rich and varied drinking experience, perfect for those who enjoy exploring different flavor profiles within the world of bourbon.
A Unique Experience for the Modern Whiskey Drinker
According to Kevin Aslan, Head Blender for Hirsch, these new releases are aimed at modern whiskey drinkers who appreciate the art of discovering unique and exceptional spirits. Aslan notes that the Double Oak stands out for its toasted caramel flavor, unlike any other double oaked bourbon on the market. Meanwhile, the Single Barrel Silver offers whiskey lovers the opportunity to explore two different mash bills, each with its own distinct characteristics.
For those looking to personalize their whiskey experience, these single barrel selections offer a chance to find a hidden gem, whether it's a bottle that aligns with their preferred flavor profile or a cask that offers something entirely new.
Limited Availability and Where to Find Them
With only 21 barrels of The Single Barrel Double Oak and 42 barrels of The Single Barrel Silver being released, these expressions are truly limited editions. Whiskey enthusiasts will be able to find these new releases in select states, including Alaska, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
For those eager to explore these new bourbons, more details can be found at Hirsch’s website, along with information on where to purchase a bottle. Given the limited number of barrels, these expressions are expected to sell quickly.
Conclusion
The release of the third edition of The Single Barrel Double Oak and the fourth edition of The Single Barrel Silver further cements Hirsch Selected Whiskeys as a brand that continues to push the boundaries of bourbon craftsmanship. With a focus on creating unique and memorable whiskey experiences, these limited edition releases offer something truly special for collectors and whiskey enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich caramel notes of the Double Oak or the distinctive mash bills of the Single Barrel Silver, these new expressions are a testament to Hirsch’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and the art of whiskey-making.
About Hirsch Whiskey
Hirsch is a storied American whiskey brand known for its focus on crafting high-quality, small-batch bourbons and ryes with a rich heritage dating back several decades. The brand originally gained fame with the release of the highly sought-after A.H. Hirsch Reserve, which was distilled in the 1970s at the Michter’s Distillery in Pennsylvania. That particular release, often hailed as one of the greatest bourbons ever produced, set the tone for the Hirsch name to be synonymous with excellence, rarity, and heritage within the whiskey community.
Today, Hirsch continues its legacy, albeit under new ownership and production methods, but it remains committed to producing exceptional whiskey. The modern Hirsch brand, owned by Hotaling & Co., sources and blends its whiskeys, focusing on quality over quantity. While it no longer comes from the original Michter’s Distillery, Hirsch maintains its reputation by releasing carefully selected small batches that showcase the nuances and craftsmanship of bourbon and rye whiskey.
One of Hirsch’s hallmark offerings is Hirsch “The Horizon” Straight Bourbon, which has become a staple in their lineup. The Horizon is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys that are aged between 4 and 6 years, with the blend composed of two different mash bills: one with a high-rye content and the other with a more traditional corn-heavy base. This gives the whiskey a well-rounded character, balancing sweetness from the corn with a slight spiciness from the rye. It features rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, making it a versatile and accessible bourbon for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
Another notable offering from Hirsch is the Hirsch “The Cask Strength”, which is bottled at a higher proof and provides a more robust and intense drinking experience. This expression is aimed at whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate the full depth and power of a cask-strength whiskey, with pronounced flavors of dark fruit, baking spices, and oak, delivering a long and warming finish.
Hirsch’s commitment to small-batch production ensures that each release is treated with care and attention, making every bottle a unique expression of the brand’s dedication to quality. The brand’s modern approach combines traditional bourbon-making techniques with the flexibility of blending and sourcing from different distilleries, which allows Hirsch to maintain high standards in every bottle while also offering a range of different flavor profiles across its portfolio.
In summary, Hirsch is a brand with a deep history that has evolved into a modern whiskey producer, recognized for its high-quality, small-batch bourbons and ryes. While its legacy is rooted in the legendary A.H. Hirsch Reserve, the brand today continues to honor that heritage through carefully curated expressions that showcase the best of American whiskey craftsmanship. Each release reflects a commitment to blending tradition with innovation, making Hirsch a respected name in the whiskey world.
About Hotaling & Co.
Hotaling & Co. is a San Francisco-based spirits company with a rich history and a reputation for producing and importing premium, craft spirits. Originally founded in 1993 as the Anchor Distilling Company, it began as a branch of the iconic Anchor Brewing Company, one of America’s first craft breweries. The distilling arm was born out of a desire to explore high-quality craft distillation, and over the years, it evolved into a respected player in the spirits industry. In 2018, the company rebranded as Hotaling & Co., paying homage to A.P. Hotaling, a legendary figure in the San Francisco whiskey scene during the 19th century.
A.P. Hotaling became famous for saving a vast supply of whiskey during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when his warehouse survived the disaster. This historical connection reflects Hotaling & Co.’s deep ties to San Francisco’s storied past and its commitment to upholding the legacy of premium American whiskey.
Hotaling & Co. is renowned for its diverse portfolio, which includes both domestic craft spirits and internationally recognized brands. One of its most notable contributions to American craft distilling is Old Potrero, a pioneering rye whiskey made from 100% malted rye, which helped to revive interest in rye whiskey during the 1990s, long before it became the trendy spirit it is today. Old Potrero remains a flagship product for the company, reflecting its dedication to innovation and quality.
In addition to Old Potrero, Hotaling & Co. has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of spirits. It owns Junipero Gin, a bold and juniper-forward gin that was one of the first craft gins to be produced in the United States. The company is also known for its collaborations with other distillers, bringing in a variety of highly regarded international spirits to the U.S. market. This includes their long-standing partnership with the Scottish distillery The GlenDronach, as well as The Glenrothes and Kavalan, a Taiwanese whiskey that has gained global acclaim.
Hotaling & Co. also manages the Hirsch whiskey brand, which has become well-known for its small-batch bourbon and rye releases, blending traditional bourbon-making practices with a modern sensibility. Hirsch, like many of Hotaling’s offerings, reflects the company’s balance of honoring whiskey’s heritage while embracing contemporary trends and consumer tastes.
Beyond its own brands, Hotaling & Co. has distinguished itself as a key importer and distributor of high-quality international spirits, helping to introduce U.S. consumers to diverse products like Nikka Whisky from Japan and Luxardo, the famed Italian liqueur. These partnerships underscore the company’s commitment to curating a global portfolio of top-tier craft spirits.
In summary, Hotaling & Co. is a forward-thinking spirits company rooted in San Francisco’s craft and whiskey heritage. Through its dedication to producing and importing premium spirits, Hotaling has earned a respected place in the industry, blending tradition with innovation across its whiskey, gin, and international spirit offerings.
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