Holland America Line expands single barrel whiskey programme

Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025 0

Holland America Line has announced it will expand its single barrel whiskey programme, starting from this spring.

The cruise line will now offer a collection of nine single barrels, sourced from distilleries across the US. This is an increase of eight, from the previous one single barrel of Buffalo Trace.

The new selection, which will be available in the Ocean Bar across the fleet by May 2025 while supplies last, comprises:

* Weller: Two barrels of Weller bourbon, from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This includes Weller Full Proof, a bourbon featuring strong vanilla and oak notes; and Weller Antique 107, a bourbon with notes of dark cherry and vanilla with bold heat up front and a smooth, rich finish.

* Angel’s Envy: Three barrels from Angel’s Envy in Louisville, Kentucky. These bourbons, aged five to six years, are known for their port cask finishes after initial maturation in new American oak. They include a Port barrel-finished with notes of anise, nutmeg and brown sugar; a Madeira barrel-finished with notes of ginger, leather and caramel; and a Port barrel-finished with notes of butterscotch, malt, hickory and maple.

* Uncle Nearest 1884 Single Barrel: A single barrel from Uncle Nearest, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This barrel offers a balanced heat, with toffee and caramel on the finish, and warming spices and notes of sarsaparilla.

* Woodford Reserve: A single barrel of the flagship bourbon from Woodford Reserve in Versailles, Kentucky. This single barrel has a bolder flavour than the more widely available flagship, with notes of stone fruit, biscuit, toffee and caramel, and a peppery spice on the finish.

* WhistlePig 15-Year Rye: Bottled at 100 proof, this 15-year-old whiskey features rich, earthy notes with floral undertones. This is a blend of straight and malted rye.

* Westland American Single Malt: A Port-finished American single malt whiskey, with notes of toffee, stone fruit, toasted marshmallow, and finishes with smoke and peat.

Additionally, Holland America Line will feature a peated single barrel from Westland for its ‘PNW Penicillin’ cocktail created by award-winning bartender Sam Ross. In 2024, Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that are featured in the bars on all Alaska ships.

Drew Foulk, senior manager, beverage and dining operations & innovation for Holland America Line, said: “Get ready for an exclusive whiskey experience crafted specifically for enthusiasts the next time you sail with us. With this collection of rare and unique spirits, we’re not only providing access to sought-after single barrel bourbons but also creating an experience that can’t easily be replicated anywhere else.”