GSN Backbar Review: September 29-October 3, 2014

Glenmorangie has released a new single malt, Taghta, which it says is the world’s first crowdsourced whisky. Created over the past 18 months with input from whisky enthusiasts in more than 30 countries, Taghta—which is Scots Gaelic for “The Chosen One”—will be available globally in a supply of 12,000 bottles, retailing at £70 ($114) apiece. The new malt was developed by—and will be sold through— Glenmorangie’s Cask Masters program, led by Dr. Bill Lumsden, the brand’s director of distilling and whisky creation. Through the Cask Masters program, consumers helped decide in which casks the spirit was matured and assisted with packaging design and imagery associated with the finished malt.

Phillips Distilling’s UV vodka has launched UV Salty Caramel Apple, the brand’s first limited edition seasonal flavor. Featuring notes of apple, caramel and salt, the fall-inspired offering will be available nationwide, retailing for $11.99 a 750-ml. and $12.99 a 1-liter. Salty Caramel Apple joins UV’s existing range of more than 20 flavored vodkas, including its recently released UV Sugar Crush and UV Sriracha entries.

The Edrington Group has officially unveiled Macallan Rare Cask, a new expression within the luxury malt’s core range. Aged in handpicked Spanish oak Sherry seasoned casks, Rare Cask is presented in a sculpted, heavy glass decanter and retails at $300 a 750-ml. The ruby red-hued single malt carries an alcohol-by-volume of 43%.

Louisville, Kentucky’s Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. is releasing a new offering, Absinthe Blanche, a 130-proof clear absinthe that retails at $55 a 750-ml. bottle.

Beam Suntory’s Pinnacle vodka has re-introduced its Pumpkin Pie and Peppermint Bark flavors ahead of the holiday season. The pair, which are priced at around $12.99 a 750-ml., will be available nationwide for a limited time. Pumpkin Pie and Peppermint Bark join Pinnacle’s existing 40-plus portfolio.

Fishbowl Spirits’ Blue Chair Bay rum brand has released Coconut Spiced Rum Cream, a new limited edition extension. Featuring vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove notes, Coconut Spiced Rum Cream is targeted toward the holiday gift-giving occasion and, according to the company, can serve as a lower-calorie egg nog alternative. The 30%-abv offering joins Blue Chair Bay’s existing White, Coconut, Coconut Spiced and Banana entries. The brand, created and owned by singer Kenny Chesney, retails for around $19 a bottle.

California-based Congenial Spirits is launching a new small-batch whiskey, Twelve Five Rye, to select on- and off-premise outlets in Los Angeles, San Diego and Arizona. Retailing at $50 a 750-ml. bottle, Twelve Five is distilled at Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery in Swisher, Iowa, and aged for a minimum of two years in charred American oak barrels. The mashbill of the 95-proof whiskey—which is named for the day Prohibition was lifted in 1933—is 70% rye, 15% malted barley and 15% corn. Initially, Twelve Five is being released in a limited quantity of 2,500 cases.