In the pursuit of rarer and more intense bourbons, and in a study of the art of patience, Red Hook, Brooklyn’s Widow Jane Distillery unearths Black Opal, the oldest whiskey in the brand’s history. A limited release on strict allocation, it is an artful blend of rare bourbons, each aged for a minimum of 20 years.
Beneath the oak-beamed ceilings, deep within the century-old brick walls of the Widow Jane rick house, Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov painstakingly tasted through more than 100 individual barrels, a multi-week process that yielded an initial sketch of what would become Black Opal.
The barrels selected, Jevremov painstakingly married the liquids – test after test – until she was satisfied with the blend. Finally, the liquid took on an extended finish in casks raised from prized, old-growth Mizunara oak (Quercus crispula). A single Mizunara cask can fetch up to $6,000 on the open market. Mizunara trees, which occur naturally in Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island, are harvested, air-seasoned for 12 months, and crafted into casks that receive medium toast plus a light char. The casks are highly porous and low in tannins, imparting an intense and distinctive flavor on the bourbon.
Says Jevremov, “The 20-year-old whiskey found in this project is like a hefty tome of an epic tale, at first it is daunting in its immensity but the rich characters and surprising unseen twists pull you in. I chose one thread I found alluring and followed it to a whiskey that toys with bourbon’s sweetness, baking spice, and stone fruit. It has complex flavors of burnt sugar, smokey incense, herbal teas, and salted fruit. The Mizunara finish was a clear choice to achieve another layer that beautifully binds it all together. I advise you to take your time with each drop.”
Aroma: Tahitian Vanilla, Frankincense Smoke, Dried Apricot, Rose Hip
Taste: Walnut, Black Strap Molasses, Crème Brulé, Poached Plum, Burnt Sage, Brown Butter
Finish: Beeswax, Ginger Snap, Chocolate Ganache, Nutmeg, Caramelized Sugar
As is a signature of Widow Jane whiskeys, Black Opal is proofed with limestone water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of upstate New York. This mineral-rich, yet sweet water delivers a full, round, lavish mouthfeel and long finish, fitting for a bourbon 20 years in the making.
Widow Jane Black Opal by the numbers:
- Aged 20 years
- 49.5% ABV (99 proof)
- SRP: $500/750 ml
- Allocation: 5,000 bottles/1,700 physical cases (3 packs)
- Availability: In select markets beginning in October
Packaging:
Inspired by Widow Jane’s roots in historically industrial Red Hook, the bold, black steel box that houses each bottle of Black Opal features metal stamped branding and rivets that recall the neighborhood’s shipping and warehouse history. Enclosed within, the subtle and elegant bottle presents a contrast to the rugged outer packaging. Crafted to be cherished, the bottle boasts details like an internal jeweled texture that is revealed as Black Opal is consumed. Every bottle of Black Opal also comes with a limited edition, numbered fine art print featuring one of seven ‘insider’ views of Widow Jane Distillery, giving consumers a first-hand look at the art of making Black Opal.
Widow Jane recommends experiencing Black Opal neat, patiently allowing the precious liquid to breathe in the glass. Sip slowly and discover the expanding notes that are revealed as the bourbon opens up.