Every month, we're tasting a huge amount of beer, whiskey and other beverages. In some cases, we're taste-testing the industry's best new products, and in others, we're coming across hidden gems in the wild. Our favorites from the last four weeks are gathered here, in the best things we drank this month.
Jefferson's Tropics Aged in Humidity
While I am certainly a big fan of whiskey — whether it be bourbon, rye, Scotch or other varieties — I'm an even bigger fan of rum. The sugarcane-based spirit can be wonderfully complex and is woefully underrated, so when I saw that Jefferson's Bourbon was releasing a whiskey that had been aged in Singapore — where the extreme heat and humidity promised the type of accelerated aging long seen in the Caribbean rum industry — I knew I had to try it.
And I'm glad I did. Jefferson's Tropics is definitely a bourbon for rum drinkers. Rum and bourbon are both sweet spirits to begin with, so toss some of rum's tropical flavors bourbon's way, and it turns out to be a natural fit. Don't get me wrong, this still clearly tastes like a bourbon, but it's got just a bit of that estery funk you get from Jamaican rum with notes of overripe banana, molasses and a touch of coconut. Vacation starts now. — Johnny Brayson, Associate Editor
Athletic Brewing Wit's Peak
Athletic Brewing has become one of, if not the best-known non-alcoholic breweries around, and for good reason. Its seasonal releases of sours, ales and light brews are a welcomed accompaniment to the brand's classic lineup of lagers and IPAs — and its Witbier is no different. Wit's Peak is an NA Belgian-style white that has limited availability throughout the year and can be found directly on Athletic's site. It's unique enough to be interesting to the palate while still being light and savory enough to make it incredibly drinkable. From post-ride hangouts to weekend home projects, its refreshing nature makes this buzz-free Belgian brew a perfect companion for nearly every occasion. — Jeni Arbuckle, Director of Brand Partnerships
Anchor Steam Beer
America’s longest-running craft beer is (sadly) well into its twilight. Since the last batch came off the production line earlier this summer, Anchor Steam Beer is difficult to get your hands on — especially if you’re not on the West Coast. I tried searching for it here in New Jersey in the weeks after the shutdown of America’s oldest craft brewery was announced, but to no avail. Thankfully, my cousin was able to find a six-pack a little further north in Jersey and he held onto it for the explicit reason of sharing it amongst family. It was an underappreciated beer that blended the best of lager and ale and is one I wish I had made more of an effort to drink in recent years given that it’s now come to an end. If you can find any, I advise you snap it up and hold onto it to be enjoyed with friends who will appreciate it. I imagine my family will be doing the same with the Anchor Christmas beers we’ve been aging this winter. — Ryan Brower, Senior Commerce Editor
Wynk
If you're looking for a sessionable late-summer beverage that'll give you a chill buzz without the headache, Wynk has you covered. These subtly flavored seltzers come with 2.5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD — just enough to let you sink comfortably into relaxation. You can get them in black cherry, mango and lime flavors, or a variety pack that includes all three. (It's tough to pick a favorite, but the mango flavor is especially refreshing on sweltering weekend afternoons.) They're also calorie-free, won't give you a hangover like alcohol and are small enough (and low-dose enough) that you won't feel guilty having a few in a sitting. — Sean Tirman, Commerce Writer
Pennsylvania Distilling American Single Malt Whiskey
Though escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante was lurking somewhere in the woods nearby at the time, I recently had the opportunity to visit Highland Orchards in SE Pennsylvania (try their hoagies). There, alongside Amish and other stands in a weekend fair-like atmosphere, was a table for Pennsylvania Distilling. Unfamiliar with the local distillery (there are a good number of them), I sampled several of their spirits.
While I was also tempted to buy the rye, I’m generally still a big Scotch fan and really enjoyed the brand's American Single Malt — which like single-malt Scotch is distilled from 100 percent malted barley. Made with Pennsylvania-grown barley and smoked over local cherrywood, it’s smooth but offers plenty of the complexity that I love in my favorite whiskies. The smokiness is subtle but present and, though it might be my imagination, I feel like it’s got some of the character of my native state. — Zen Love, Associate Editor
