Review: Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Whiskey

Amber & Opal whiskey is an excellent addition to the flavored whiskey category. Founded by music artist Ja Rule and several close friends, Amber & Opal hit the scene last year, hoping to bring new whiskey drinkers to the whiskey category. Amber & Opal is an invitation to experience new flavors in whiskey, making the beloved brown spirit more approachable to novices.

Made with Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey aged two years in medium-charred, American oak barrels in cooperation with the Baltimore Spirits Distillery in Baltimore, Maryland. Finished with raw honey and lapsang souchong (a smoky tea), Amber & Opal delivers an approachable and elegant blend of flavors.

Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Whiskey Review

On the nose, expect a rich and inviting aroma that combines notes of caramel with hints of fruit, gentle spices, and honey.

On the palate, the texture is silky with a lovely viscosity that coats the palate nicely. The initial bursts of flavor are sweet, spicy, and fruity with fig, ginger, and earthy honey coming forward. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and tropical fruits, namely pineapple, emerge on the finish, with the light smoke from the tea becoming more pronounced. The smokiness is sweet and vibrant, but it does not overpower the other flavors, leaving you with cozy vibes.

This whiskey is also perfect for sipping over ice. As I have said in the past, with most flavored whiskeys, I am happy to save time crafting an Old Fashioned when I can pour from a single bottle over ice without compromising quality. Add a few splashes of club soda, and you have a heavenly highball with the salinity from the soda lofting the smoke and spice flavors.

Go into tasting this whiskey with an open mind; it’s not a straight rye, but a showcase of how to elevate the flavors found in exceptional whiskey, offering a new perspective. I highly suggest this bottle for fans of the Old Fashioned cocktail and for new whiskey drinkers who enjoy cocktails but are not yet ready for whiskey neat.

80 proof.

A- / $70

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