Securing new products to delight customers truly motivates A.J. Bathena as president of the Super Buy-Rite Wines & Liquor New Jersey franchise.
With the desire for Father's Day gifts right around the corner, A.J. recommends dynamic domestic options such as American bourbons and whiskies to meet this year's nod toward bold and flavorful sippers.
In 1964, U.S. Congressmen, through Concurrent Resolution 19, formally recognized bourbon whiskey as a "distinctive product of the United States." This declaration, passed by both the House and Senate, aimed to protect bourbon's unique character and American origins, similar to how other spirits, such Scotch whiskey and French champagne, are protected.
To be considered bourbon, whiskey must adhere to five key rules: it must be made in the United States; have at least 51% corn in its mash; be distilled to a maximum of 160 proof (80% ABV); aged in new, charred oak barrels; and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
A.J. says his store at 1 Washington Crossing Pennington Road carries private barrel bourbon, also known as a private barrel pick or private selection. He adds he and his team sample private inventory at distilleries and choose the unique ones they resell, allowing them to showcase bourbons that match their taste preferences or to support limited-edition bottlings.
His suggestions for this summer are:
Angels Envy Port Cask Finish Single Barrel:
A wonderfully balanced, high-proof bourbon. Despite coming in at 110 proof, it offers a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and oak without the high proof taking over the whole profile. Stewed plums and dark fruits on the nose followed by a sweet palate countered by cloves and allspice. Everything's working in harmony, leading to a clean finish that lingers just long enough for the next sip. $89.99.
Angels Envy Sherry Cask Finish Single Barrel:
With only three barrels of this initially available for all of New Jersey, A.J. says they had the privilege of getting to sample some of the tastiest Angels Envy available. Classic Angels Envy is then further aged in Oloroso Sherry casks helping impart honeycomb and other matured sugar notes drinkers can only get from Sherry. This drink's sweeter, closer to a Pedro Ximenez than an Oloroso. Rich heavy body, oily and viscous on the tongue, caramel, molasses and a nice dry sherry finish. $149.99
Whistlepig PiggyBack 6yr Rye Single Barrel:
Sweet nose with notes of creme brulee, honeysuckle and stewed fruits, followed up with a rich sweet palate but a maltier, more butterscotch sensation than the honey and fruits on the nose. This is wonderful from start to finish, across an array of flavor profiles that prompts wanting another sip to see what else comes out of it. Incredible depth on a 6yr whiskey. $59.99.
PInhook Vertical War Series 9yr Single Barrel:
When Pinhook left its original source for their bourbon, they purchased hundreds of barrels from Indiana and continue to age them at their new location in Kentucky, releasing a small amount each year starting with a 4yr and eventually ending with a 12yr. Starting with year five, they allowed a limited number of single barrels out into the market; A,J. confirms they were fortunate to be a part of this program since its inception. The 9yr is just the newest release from this series; while every year has been outstanding, it's amazing to see just how much better this series is getting as it approaches double digits. Sweet cream and butterscotch on the nose, honey and maple on the palate, rich body and incredibly long finish with peanuts finding their way in at the end. $84.99.
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Additional American-produced bourbons:
- Maker's Mark: Wheated mash bill, signature red wax seal.
- Bulleit Bourbon: Bold, smoky flavor.
- Woodford Reserve: Complex flavor, smooth finish.
- Jim Beam: Known for accessibility, value.
- Basil Hayden's: Premium, subtle spice notes.
- Four Roses: Complex, nuanced flavor.
- Blanton's: Limited availability, rich flavor.
- Evan Williams: Smooth, approachable flavor.