Brand Introduction 

A mission-driven, social impact-driven company, Erstwhile is a boutique agave spirits importer based in Brooklyn, New York.  Our mission: advocate for small, independent, family-owned producers who lack representation outside their local communities in Mexico; and bring their craft to mezcal lovers in international markets for the first time. We work closely with our partner producers and set them up for success.  No haggling.  No exclusivity contracts.  We guide producers through the complicated steps to export in their own names for the first time and cover necessary expenses including local attorneys, accountants, license fees, and more.  We absorb our producers’ marketing and supply chain costs as our own.  We believe in autonomy for producers, be it hiring their own workers or using their own bottling facility. We only step in if they want our help. We connect with our partner producers to share knowledge and help each other in production. Revenue from every Erstwhile bottle sold creates jobs in our partner producers’ and vendors’ local communities in Mexico.  Our producers hire their own team of local men and women, on their own terms. Erstwhile is a woman-owned, women-led business.  Our team is multicultural and multilingual.  We are outspoken about elevating underrepresented voices in Mezcal and our industry. 

Erstwhile Tobala Mezcal

Tropical fruit notes, with a round mouthfeel.  Banana, cooked maguey, and adobo on the nose. Quince and vanilla on the tongue, with the lingering lovely round sweetness of caramel. The slightest hint of spiciness and hot smoke.  This mezcal always makes us think of dessert and would make a fabulous after-dinner digestif with dessert or on its own. Banana foster, creme brûlée, banana pudding … The possibilities are endless.

Maker Notes

Founded by entrepreneur Amy Holmwood and actor and environmentalist, Woody Harrelson, the Holistic Spirits Co. combines science, nature, and artisanal distillation to create innovative spirits that elevate the palate and the planet. Infused with a scientifically-patent pending blend of artichoke leaf, elderberry, muscadine grape, and green tea leaf extract, our spirits are designed for a better way to drink and created with transparency around ingredients and sustainable manufacturing in mind.

The culmination of 4 years of scientific research, Origen Holistic Spirits is a speciality vodka made with the natural, botanical extracts of elderberry, muscadine grape, green tea, and artichoke.

The patent-pending formulation method of this infused alcohol means it is truly a first-to-market enlightened spirit containing no artificial flavors, colors or additives, or GMOs.

We like to think of this naturally rose-hued spirit as the best botanical vodka you’ll ever try.

Tepozán is one of the few estate-grown tequilas that is fully grown, processed, and hand-bottled at the source.

ALL NATURAL 100% ADDITIVE FREE

Pared down to the essential ingredients of mature blue agave, natural yeast, and volcanic-filtered well water from our estate, we are proud to pour a tequila with absolutely no additives of any kind—just incredible flavor.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: freshly harvested herbs, cooked agave, cinnamon, wet earth

Palate: both green and cooked agave, cracked pepper, balanced minerality, touches of sweet cream butter

Finish: medium bodied, sweet to spicy

Maker Notes

The snake river winds through the 310,000-acre park as the Tetons quickly rise above the valley floor. The indomitable 13,770 Grand Teton towers over one of the most important and inspiring natural environments on earth. This limited edition whiskey honors Grand Teton National Park and helps support the Grand Teton National Park Foundation in their continued efforts to preserve natural and cultural resources and enhance the national park experience for generations to come. The Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No.3 – Snake River, Grand Teton National Park bottle is the third collectible limited edition release in an Annual National Series. This year subdues the more floral Notes of last year’s edition and plays to the granite ruggedness of the Tetons.

STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY: 68% CORN I 20% WHEAT l 12% MALT BARLEY

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Deep copper to mahogany

NOSE: Orange honey, brown sugar, white icing, toffee pudding, butter, tea leaves

PALATE: Hazelnut creamer, orange blossom, flan, brown butter, monkey bread

MOUTHFEEL: medium viscosity with lots of caramelized wood sugars together with gentle rye spiciness

FINISH: Black tea with cream and candied pecan and molasses

Compoveda Reposado Tequila is a premium tequila that is produced in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, which is grown in the rich volcanic soil of the region. The name "Compoveda" means "vault" in Spanish, a fitting name for a tequila that is aged in oak barrels in a secure cellar.

To create this unique tequila, the agave is harvested by hand and then roasted in traditional brick ovens. After the roasting process, the agave is crushed and the juice is fermented with natural yeasts. The resulting liquid is then distilled twice in copper stills to create a smooth and flavorful tequila.

What sets Compoveda Reposado Tequila apart from other tequilas is its aging process. After the distillation process is complete, the tequila is aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of six months. This aging process gives the tequila its distinct golden color and adds a complex depth of flavor.

When you taste Compoveda Reposado Tequila, you'll notice a smooth and slightly sweet flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a balanced and refined taste with a long finish that lingers on the palate.

This tequila is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to savor its complex flavors. It can also be used as the base for a delicious cocktail, such as a margarita or a tequila sunrise.

Overall, Compoveda Reposado Tequila is a premium tequila that is crafted with care and attention to detail. Its unique aging process and smooth flavor make it a favorite among tequila connoisseurs and a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good tequila.

Our 3-year-old rum is a product of collaboration - conceived in California, aged in Florida, rested in Minnesota. Left in ex- rye barrels, our aged rum embraces the American whiskey tradition, adding a slight dryness to our caramel and vanilla notes.

Distilled in a pot still from molasses produced from Floridian sugar cane. Aged in ex-rye barrels and bottled at 44% abv. Free of any additives or artificial colors. Excellent neat or in classic cocktails.

Easily evident flavors including banana and mango. Hints of vanilla and cocoa can be detected in a lingering taste. Spicy and smoky tones derived from our unique Rye wash.

Maker Notes

Our Floral Gin is a marriage of vast deltas and remote mountains. With heirloom fruits and a range of signature flowers, it captures the fresh flavors of Việt Nam in bloom.

Capturing bright and fresh flavors of the season’s first bloom. Our Floral Gin is a marriage of vast deltas and remote mountains of Việt Nam. Deltas are central to Việt Nam’s agricultural life, and culture. This riparian landscape lives according to the rhythm of flood and drought, of planting and harvest. The 1st and 15th of every lunar month is marked by a signature blossom often used to perfume local households, decorate family altars, or use in cooking.

Sông Cái traveled throughout Việt Nam’s lush deltas, gathering ingredients to combine with our highland botanicals. Paired with five distinct flowers, the result is a truly unique floral gin.

TASTING NOTES: 

NOSE: Fresh pine, black cherry, and ripe jack fruit

PALATE: A touch of ripe berry green pepper ylang ylang and bee pollen

FINISH: Gentle dried spice, and lingering citrus blossom notes

Summertime in a Bottle!

Late in the afternoon, as the vibrant colors of the setting sun paint the horizon, those lucky enough to visit the breathtaking beaches of Rocky Point, Mexico relax and toast another long, lazy day. And their cocktail of choice has become the local favorite, Sunora Cream De Bacanora Pineapple Colada.

Enjoy it chilled over ice, mixed into your favorite cream cocktail or simply straight from the bottle. One sip brings to mind piña coladas under the Mexican sun, pineapple daiquiris in the local cantinas and relaxing, endless summers in paradise!

A delicious 30-proof bacanora cream with a blend of rich dairy cream,  pineapple flavors and sweet tropical coconut.

• 2020 Beverage Testing Institute : GOLD
• 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition : BRONZE
• 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Awards : GOLD
• 2019 USA Spirits Rating : SILVER
• 2019 Bartenders Spirits Awards : BRONZE
• 2019 Denver International Spirits Competition : SILVER
• 2019 Tequila Afficionado Brands of Promise: GOLD

Maker Notes

Welcome to the Northern Highlands

It is a sacred and rugged place of jungles filled with botanicals that grow nowhere else, lush cascading rice terraces, and limestone peaks, and is home to indigenous communities, among them the Red Dzao and Hmong. We came to live with our partners, and participated deeply in everyday life in remote villages, foraging botanicals, eating local foods, and drinking local spirits. We learned about terroir, botany, spiritual animism, local culture, and gained knowledge of the unique seasonal flavors. We formed lifelong partnerships with communities, finding ways to collect and restore native and heirloom varieties of botanicals, grains, and fruits. We believe heirloom seeds and native varietals are implicated in culture and tradition. They give us insight into history, culture, politics, and the daily lives of people.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Sweet citrus peel, fresh pine, lychee, and hint of spice

PALATE: Spiced citrus, honey, lychee, and juniper berries

FINISH: Black pepper, and sweet yellow liquorice

Maker Notes

Having made their long journey across the Atlantic ocean to Ireland, the ex-Pinot Noir casks from Quails’ Gate were filled with Green Spot. These were left to mature further for approximately 16 months in Midleton Distillery’s famous warehouses. The whiskey was tasted monthly to ensure that the perfect marriage of Still Pot whiskey, wine notes and wood was achieved.

Celebrating Irish heritage, the collaboration between Green Spot and Quails’ Gate is not just the coming together of two unique stories, it is the fusion of two fascinating histories that as one deliver an exceptional whiskey.

Green Spot Quails' Gate is the third edition in the Wine Geese series. Matured in American oak and ex-sherry casks, the liquid was then finished for 16 months in Pinot Noir casks to impart a delicate red wine bouquet to the nose, with notes of ripe cherry and juicy raspberries.

Nose
Vibrant oak fused with notes of ripe cherry and fresh, juicy raspberry, elevated by the wine seasoning. These aromas are in balance with Green Spot’s signature orchard fruits of apple and sweet pear. The earthy, woodland spices lend themselves to the deep and complex characteristics found interwoven amongst the sweet vanilla and red wine bouquet.

Taste
It begins with a silky and sweet mouthcoating texture, with the wine`s soft tannins gradually showing their presence. Notes of dried cranberries and red apple follow, adding to the ever expanding array of fruits in this wonderfully complex whiskey. Clove spice and grated nutmeg work in balance with the succulent fruits, seasoned oak and crisp barley.

Finish
The toasted wood and pot still spices gently fade, with the fruits and red wine seasoning taking the final bow.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 years old forms part of our Sherry Oak range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. This special single malt delivers an intensely rich and full flavor character, citrus, dried fruits and wood smoke.

THE EXPERIENCE

COLOUR: Rich mahogany.

NOSE: Citrus, balanced with cinnamon, sherry and wood smoke.

PALATE: Full and rich, with dried fruits and a hint of wood smoke.

FINISH: Long, with dried fruit, wood smoke and spice.

RICH DRIED FRUITS. GINGER SPICE. WOOD SMOKE.
This distinguished single malt is matured exclusively for twenty-five years in Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain. Laying undisturbed in the same casks for a quarter of a century, the maturing spirit transforms to create this luxurious single malt whisky characterized by its rich flavors of vanilla, dried fruits and ginger spice with a long finish and rich mahogany color.

Marks of Distinction - FROM THE CASK

Every Macallan single malt reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824. It is an expression of our enduring desire to go beyond ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts.

With an unflinching commitment to put sherry casks at the heart of The Macallan single malt, our reputation for the extraordinary is testament to the exceptional oak casks in which we mature our spirit. Sourced, crafted, toasted and seasoned under the watchful eye of The Macallan Master of Wood, these hand-picked casks are delivered to the demanding specifications of The Macallan Master Distiller and his team.

Once filled, the maturing spirit remains undisturbed in the same casks for the necessary number of years it needs to be worthy of its destined Macallan expression. It is these oak casks that make the greatest contribution to the quality, natural color and distinctive aromas and flavors which lie at the heart of The Macallan single malt.

The first batch of Beluga Noble Russian Vodka was produced in 2002. It was the first and the dearest to our hearts! This was the result of the meticulous hard work of the Mariinsk Distillery masters. The refined, rich taste of Beluga Noble Russian Vodka results from its unique composition, mainly due to the malt spirit and the purest water of the Siberian artesian wells. This helps to smoothen the taste of vodka.

These carefully selected natural components pass through a triple filtering system. Afterwards, Beluga Noble is left to «rest» for thirty days. Such method helps to neutralize the harsh smell of the spirit and to enhance the rich taste and soft flavor of Beluga Russian Noble Vodka.

Inspired by the farmers' markets in Marin County, California, Allison Evanow set out to create a new vodka from scratch, or rather, square one. Evanow had previously been Head of Marketing at a Napa Valley winery, and then became a brand ambassador at Jose Cuervo, which rekindled her love of spirits and mixology. "The creativity of spirits,"she says "is at so many levels. How you make the spirit itself How you create a cocktail using your spirit of choice How do you serve the cocktail How fun is that" Square One Basil Vodka is made by infusing Square One Organic Vodka with the essence of four organic varieties of basil: Genovese, Thai, Lemon, and Sweet, together with a touch of coriander, honeysuckle and lemongrass. The vodka has the sweet and spicy flavors of basil, along with hints of lemongrass, pepper and leafy herbs. The finish is slightly warming and incredibly well-balanced. Don't be a square.

Inspired by the farmers' markets in Marin County, California, Allison Evanow set out to create a new vodka from scratch, or rather, square one. Evanow had previously been Head of Marketing at a Napa Valley winery, and then became a brand ambassador at Jose Cuervo, which rekindled her love of spirits and mixology. "The creativity of spirits,"she says "is at so many levels. How you make the spirit itself How you create a cocktail using your spirit of choice How do you serve the cocktail How fun is that" Square One Organic Vodka is a vodka distilled entirely from organic rye grains harvested from North Dakota. The state's alpine climate and dry environment North Dakota experiences an average of only 17 inches of rainfall each year and temperatures as low as 60 F result in grains that are exceptionally flavorful and plump. After the rye grains are harvested, they are milled and mashed before being organically fermented (Square One's proprietary fermentation process took nearly two years to develop). By using only natural yeasts during the fermentation process (no genetically-modified yeasts, phosphates or anti-foaming agents of any kind are introduced), the vodka is able to retain its unusually soft and delicate taste. Once the grains have been fermented, they are distilled in a single pass through a four-column continuous distillation still. Following distillation, Square One Organic Vodka is filtered and brought to proof with pure spring water sourced from the Snake River. It has notes of nutty dough, white pepper and spicy rye that are balanced by a subtle vanilla undertone, and lead to a clean, smooth finish. Square One Organic Vodka was named one of the of "Best Ever"vodkas by Trump Magazine, and earned a score of 94 points from the Beverage Testing Institute. Square One Cucumber Vodka is made by infusing Square One Organic Vodka with organic cucumbers. The vodka has an aroma of fresh herbs and nutty rye that give way to bold notes of cucumber and salt on the palate. The finish is cool and refreshing, with touches of black pepper, cucumber and spices. As a result of its fresh, cucumber flavor infused in an incredible vodka base, Square One Cucumber Vodka was called "the best of both worlds"by Drink Spirits. Square One Basil Vodka is made by infusing Square One Organic Vodka with the essence of four organic varieties of basil: Genovese, Thai, Lemon, and Sweet, together with a touch of coriander, honeysuckle and lemongrass. The vodka has the sweet and spicy flavors of basil, along with hints of lemongrass, pepper and leafy herbs. The finish is slightly warming and incredibly well-balanced.

A creamy blend of rum, natural dairy cream, and natural flavor, Peaches & Cream has the taste of yellow ripe peach, peach jam, custardy cream, and sweet, summer fruit with a smooth finish.

Rare Marriages: For this range, Kelsey McKechnie has made a small selection of our rarest casks, each of exceptional quality and unique individual flavour to bring together in a tun marriage.

The Balvenie Twenty Five Layers Of Depth And Complexity: Extraordinary depth; the perfect balance to create the most elegantly fruity whisky expression.

Twenty Five Rare Marriage: In a flawless whisky marriage, Honorary Ambassador and Former Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE brings together individual casks that have matured in traditional American and European Oak to craft an incredibly intricate and balanced expression; exemplifying the art and skill of Single Malt tun marriages.

The result: A whisky of exceptional character, Twenty-Five hints at our most sought-after Balvenie flavours – bold vanilla oak, crystallised ginger and sweet runny honey.

After serving in World War II as a Radar Bombardier, Elmer T. Lee returned to his home in Kentucky and earned his engineering degree from the University of Kentucky.  He joined the distillery in the late 1940’s as a maintenance engineer.  He first interviewed with Colonel Blanton who famously rejected him by saying, “Son, we’re not hiring any hands today”. Fortunately, Colonel Blanton changed his mind and Elmer T. Lee started working the following week.

His genius for bourbon production propelled his rise from Maintenance Engineer to Plant Engineer, where he was eventually promoted to Plant Superintendent.  From there he earned the shared title of Plant Manager and Master Distiller where he oversaw much of the distillery’s modernization and growth until he retired in 1985.  

After retiring Mr. Lee served as Master Distiller Emeritus and Ambassador for Buffalo Trace Distillery. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2002 he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Whisky Advocate, and again from Whisky Magazine in 2012. In 2013 Elmer passed away, leaving behind a prolific legacy of creativity and exploration that helped shape the Bourbon Industry into what it is today.