Best New Englander Alcoholic Beverage Types
The hazy New England IPA is a modern beer style that originated in 2011. The examples of the style will usually have less hop bitterness than standard American IPA and a character dominated by intense and juicy tropical hop aromas and flavors, typically reminiscent of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and citrus.
They are always hazy, with a full body and a creamier mouthfeel. Heady Topper, brewed by The Alchemist in 2011, is considered a prototype. The beer influenced the emergence of an entirely new style and was used as inspiration for many varieties that came afterward.
THE BEST New England IPA Ales
Brasserie Artisanale de La Divatte - Trompe Souris
En Eaux Très Très Troubles
Concours International de Lyon - Gold 2024
Black IPA or American Black Ale is a versatile craft beer style that combines fruity hop character and moderate dark malts. The examples are typically medium-bodied and may be clear or hazy, while their color varies from dark brown to black.
They are packed with hop aromas and flavors that range from fruity, citrusy, piney, and floral. Their hop character is well-balanced with moderate amounts of dark caramel malt aroma and flavors reminiscent of chocolate and coffee. Alcohol content typically falls between 6 to 9% ABV.
THE BEST Black IPA Ales
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Cape Codder is an American cocktail originating from Cape Cod peninsula, hence the name. It is made with a combination of vodka and cranberry juice. To prepare it, the ingredients are mixed with ice in a highball glass, and the cocktail is then garnished with a lime wedge.
It is believed that the drink was invented in 1945 by the cranberry grower’s cooperative called Ocean Spray. The original name of the cocktail was Red Devil, but the name Cape Codder has been used since the early 1960s.
Seagram's 7 is an American blended whiskey that was first produced in 1933. This blend was especially popular in the 1970s, and it still remains one of the best-selling brands in the United States. Although Seagram is a Canadian company, Seagram's 7 is marketed as an American blend, and it is probably produced in Connecticut.
The exact content of the blend is not known, but the character is mostly dominated by corn. The final profile typically has nutty and caramel-like aromas, while the flavor is sweet and reminiscent of vanilla and brown sugar. Seagram's can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but due to its character, it is mostly used in cocktails and long drinks.
New England cider is a cider style known for its acidity and high alcohol content. It is usually made from traditional New England apples, and it is distinguished for the use of additional ingredients, such as sugar, molasses, honey, or raisins, which are mainly used to increase alcohol content and impart flavor.
New England Cider is usually full-bodied and dry, with a strong flavor and aroma. The color can range from yellow to amber, and it can be sparkling or still. The acidity is usually high, and the alcohol content falls between 7 and 13%. It is often barrel-aged, adding flavor elements such as oak, spice, or caramel.
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Brass Monkey is an American cocktail made with a combination of rum, vodka, and orange juice. To prepare it, rum and vodka are poured into a highball glass filled with ice and stirred. The cocktail is topped with orange juice, then stirred again.
If desired, Brass Monkey can be garnished with an orange slice or a cherry. It is believed that the drink was created and named by ad executives from the Heublein Company (pre-mixed cocktail producers) in the 1970s.
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Often called Aperol Negroni, Contessa is a Negroni variation made with a combination of Aperol, dry vermouth, gin, and orange bitters. The ingredients are poured into an ice-filled shaker, shaken, and strained into an old-fashioned glass.
The cocktail is usually garnished with a lemon twist. This lighter, less bitter variation on the classic Negroni was created by John Gertsen, a bartender at Boston's Drink. Due to its pleasantly bitter flavors and the color of a sunset, Contessa makes for a great aperitif or a refreshing summer drink.
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Boston Sour is essentially a Whiskey Sour with the addition of egg whites. It is prepared with a combination of bourbon, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg whites. In order to prepare it, all ingredients should be shaken with ice, then strained into an ice-filled rocks glass.
The egg whites give an appealing frothy head to the cocktail, resulting in smoother flavor. If desired, the cocktail can be garnished with lemon zest.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Ritz Fizz is a sparkling cocktail consisting of amaretto, blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and Champagne. To make it, equal amounts of amaretto, Curaçao, and lemon juice are added to a flute glass, and the drink is topped with Champagne.
The cocktail is stirred and usually garnished with a lemon twist. Ritz Fizz was allegedly created at Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Boston. It is believed that it was introduced in 1934, just after Prohibition ended. The most common variation comes from Montreal, where amaretto and Curaçao are replaced with apple liqueur.
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Boston is an American cocktail made with a combination of dry gin, apricot brandy, grenadine, and lemon juice. In order to prepare it, all ingredients should be shaken with ice, then strained into a chilled cocktail glass which can be garnished with an apricot slice or a cherry, if desired.
Best New Englander Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Bhakta Spirits is a luxury craft spirits brand offering a portfolio of rare, vintage whiskeys, brandies, rums, and more. Founded in 2020, Bhakta became known for its exclusive selections, including historic Armagnac collections. The brand prides itself on offering spirits aged for decades, creating a refined and exceptional experience for connoisseurs.
Their headquarters, Bhakta - Griswold, provides an immersive destination for lovers of vintage spirits.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
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The American Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023
BEST Bhakta Spirits Spirits
Whistlepig is a renowned whiskey producer based in Vermont, USA, known for its dedication to crafting premium rye whiskeys. Founded in 2007, Whistlepig set out to revive the tradition of rye whiskey in America. Their products, such as Whistlepig 10 Year and the Whistlepig Boss Hog series, are celebrated for their rich flavor profiles and complex aromas.
The brand stands out not only for the quality of its whiskeys but also for its sustainable approach, growing its own rye and utilizing resources from its farm in Shoreham, Vermont. Today, Whistlepig is a symbol of luxury and innovation in the whiskey world, attracting enthusiasts globally.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023, 2021
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Hotel California Tequila Spirits
Hill Farmstead Brewery is a highly regarded craft brewery located in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, USA. It is considered one of the best and most influential craft breweries in the world, particularly known for its artisanal, small-batch beers that often focus on traditional brewing methods and experimental styles.
Founded by Shawn Hill in 2010, the brewery has earned a reputation for producing a wide range of exceptional beers, from pale ales to complex, barrel-aged brews.
AWARDS
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Untappd - 4.5
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Untappd - 4.56
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Untappd - 4.6
BEST Tree House Brewing Company Beers
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023
BEST Crown Royal Spirits
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Tipplemill Spirits
AWARDS
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Melbourne International Beer Competition - Gold
2023, 2022
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
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World Beer Awards - World’s Best IPA
2021
BEST Whalers Brewing Company Beers
AWARDS
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2021
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2021
BEST St. Elder Liqueurs
Best New Englander Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Redemption 10 YO Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is a premium rye whiskey with a 95% rye and 5% malted barley blend. Bottled at a high proof of 116.2, it delivers an intense flavor profile with oak, leather, and subtle vanilla aromas. The palate features floral notes like jasmine and honeysuckle, layered with caramel and baking spices.
The finish is medium-long with lingering caramel and warm spices. This award-winning whiskey is celebrated for its complexity and robust flavor.
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy
2022
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Bourbon Gold Trophy
2021
AWARDS
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Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023
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World Beer Cup - Gold
2018
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Boss Hog IX: Siren’s Song Straight Rye is the ninth release in Whistlepig’s highly regarded "Boss Hog" series, known for its exceptional and innovative expressions of rye whiskey. Released in 2021, this limited-edition rye whiskey features a unique aging process, blending Whistlepig’s 100% rye whiskey with barrels that were finished in a variety of wine casks, including those used for producing French wine and other rich, flavorful liquids.
The whiskey is named after the mythological siren, drawing inspiration from the siren's allure and the complex, captivating flavor profile it imparts. Siren's Song Straight Rye is known for its bold yet elegant character, with layers of deep fruit, floral notes, and spice.
AWARDS
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2021
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2021
The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu's Pacific Straight Rye Whiskey is the eighth release in WhistlePig's prestigious "Boss Hog" series, which is known for pushing the boundaries of whiskey craftsmanship. Released in 2020, this limited-edition rye whiskey is named after LapuLapu, a legendary Filipino warrior, and the spirit draws inspiration from the Pacific Islands' rich cultural heritage.
The whiskey is a blend of WhistlePig's 100% rye aged for 12 years and finished in a combination of Mizunara oak barrels (a rare Japanese oak) and barrels that previously held rum from the Pacific Islands. This unique aging process gives it a distinctive flavor profile with rich tropical fruit notes, hints of spice, and a touch of vanilla and coconut, all intertwined with the signature complexity of rye.
AWARDS
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022
AWARDS
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World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
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World Beer Awards - Country Winner
2023
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
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World Beer Awards - World’s Best IPA
2021
AWARDS
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Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.