Skip to main content

Amber & Opal whiskey boasts flavors of honey and fig

A flavorful rye whiskey from co-owners including Ja Rule

amber opal whiskey
Amber & Opal Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whiskey is in many ways a spirit of tradition. Because of its long aging process, it has to be distilled years or even decades before it is ready to be released, so it’s often put forward by well-established names who have a firm idea of what whiskey should be based on their prior experience. But there can be flexibility and unusual approaches within the whiskey industry, and a new honey botanical whiskey attempts to demonstrate that.

Amber & Opal is a rye-based whiskey from Maryland which is aged for two years in medium-charred, American oak barrels and boasts flavors of honey, black tea, and botanicals like fig and ginger. It has an abv of 40% and is suitable for sipping neat or for combining with mixers, which could be a good way for newer whiskey drinkers to get into the spirit in a more accessible way.

Recommended Videos

As a Black-owned brand, including stakes from rapper Ja Rule, the creators say they are looking to bring diverse people together through a love of whiskey.

“The name Amber & Opal reflects the richness and diversity of our whiskey and community,” said Herb Rice, co-founder of Amber & Opal. “The rich Amber hue symbolizes warmth, tradition and the golden moments we share with loved ones. Opal represents the beautiful diversity and inclusivity we celebrate. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Amber & Opal promises to deliver a rich and unique experience that will elevate any occasion.”

The whiskey has just been announced and will be available from winter this year.

Georgina Torbet
Georgina Torbet is a cocktail enthusiast based in Berlin, with an ever-growing gin collection and a love for trying out new…
How to drink rum like a pro: Tips for savoring every sip
Your guide on how to taste rum like a professional
Rum in a glass

It might seem self-explanatory, but the way you drink your spirits is actually important. That is, if you actually want to get the most out of them. In my almost two decades of writing about alcohol, I’ve had my fair share of shots of whiskey, vodka, tequila, and even Brennivín (after choking down fermented shark in Iceland). And while there’s no disputing the fact that a shot helps you ingest alcohol at a remarkably fast rate of speed, there’s not much taste involved. That’s why, to truly enjoy hard liquor, you have to take your time with it.

And while I could write an article detailing the aspects of sampling bourbon, single malt Scotch whisky, mezcal, and any number of spirits, today it’s rum’s turn. I’m going to get to the bottom of how to drink rum and taste it. Keep reading to learn the tips and tricks you’ll need to get the most out of your favorite rum in terms of aroma and flavor.
What is rum?

Read more
Bucked Up Whiskey is releasing the perfect expression for fans of churros
Bucked Up Whiskey is releasing the cinnamon and sugar-filled whiskey of your deep-friend dreams
Whiskey in a glass by a fire

Bucked Up Whiskey is a whiskey brand that got its name because it's a brand committed to supporting organizations like the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, California, which supports the protection and preservation of horses. It's known for its Bucked Up Bourbon, Bucked Up White Whiskey, and Bucked Up Bourbon Gold.

All of which are adorned with a cowboy in the process of being knocked off bucking bronco. Its latest whiskey release doesn't really have much to do with horses, but it should appeal to anyone who enjoys deep-fried, cinnamon-covered treats.
Bucked Up Churro Flavored Whiskey

Read more
BHAKTA Spirits is launching the newest release in its vintage bourbon series
BHAKTA Spirits is adding to its vintage bourbon series
BHAKTA Spirits

Founder by Raj Peter Bhakta (who also founded WhistlePig Whiskey), BHAKTA Spirits is well-known for its limited-released single vintage whiskeys, brandies, rums, and other spirits. Recently, the popular brand announced that it was adding to its lineup of long-matured bourbons with BHAKTA 2011.
BHAKTA 2011 Bourbon

The third edition of the brand’s annual single vintage bourbon series (joining BHAKTA 2005 and BHAKTA 2014), BHAKTA 2011 is the oldest and most innovative release to date. Distilled in Tennessee, this whiskey began with a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It matured for twelve years and ten months before being finished in various unique barrels, including vintages of BHAKTA 1973 Armagnac and BHAKTA 1984 Armagnac.

Read more