The Find: July 2012 Edition

Casa Noble, a boutique distillery that recently partnered with legendary musician Carlos Santana, has created two new collector boxes for their Crystal and Reposado tequilas. The sets celebrate Santana’s first four albums, released from 1969 to 1972. Each showcases the album artwork and includes two tulip glasses with a bottle of either Casa Noble’s Crystal (SRP $39.99) or Reposado ($49.99) tequila. Casa Noble represents more than 200 years and seven generations of distilling; their tequilas are known for their delicate balance of spiciness and sweetness.

casanoble.com

The deliberately peculiar Hendrick’s Gin has kicked off a series of “Voyages Into the Unusual.” For three nights in five cities, a cast of characters is creating an Explorer’s Lounge, a Botanist’s den and an Apothecary. A signature “Hendrick’s Traveling Punch” will be modified to fit the best local seasonal ingredients in each port of call. The first two stops were Houston and San Francisco in June; Next up Chicago (Sept. 25th), Philadelphia (Oct. 16th) and New York City just in time for Halloween.

hendricksgin.com

Hot on the heels of blockbuster The Avengers, Highland Park has launched Thor. Only 1,500 will reach the U.S., housed in a wooden frame echoing a Viking long ship and clocking in at an appropriately powerful 104 proof. Notes of ginger, stewed plums, fresh mango and cinnamon add complexity. Thor is the first of a planned series of four unique whiskies. No, the next will not be Hulk; the others, like Thor, will take inspiration from legendary Nordic gods.

SRP: $199

highlandpark.co.uk

Five years ago, Viridian Spirits and historian T. A. Breaux helped lift the U.S. ban on absinthe, and Viridian’s Lucid became the first brand legally available here since 1912. Viridian is now releasing three limited-quantity, ultra-premium replications of absinthes made with historically accurate ingredients. Jade C. F. Berger originally produced Switzerland, is characterized by a bold bouquet, full body and distinct herbal notes. Jade 1901 is a tribute to the best known pre-ban absinthe with an appetizing herbal aroma and a smooth, lingering aftertaste. Jade Esprit Edouard is a faithful reproduction of one of the most famous and highly regarded Belle Époque absinthes.

SRP: $99.99 each

viridianspirits.com

Building on its music legacy and commitment to our nation’s troops, Jim Beam is staging a string of six live concerts this summer, featuring Kid Rock, Daughtry, David Gray, Darius Rucker, Bush and Train. Extending beyond the concerts, Jim Beam is also offering cover songs recorded by its Live Music Series artists. Songs being covered come from Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and are being offered as downloads exclusively via JimBeam.com/LiveMusicSeries. Specially marked bottles of Jim Beam, Jim Beam Black, Red Stag and Devil’s Cut bourbons have all the details.