Your Perfect New Year's Eve Tequila

Christmas may be over, but 2023 is still the year that keeps on giving for spirits fans. With so much competition in the market at the moment, we’ve been able to snag some unbelievable deals right before New Year’s Eve and we’re back to share another one with you today.

Still listed for well over $100 on most retail websites, the limited edition Don Julio Primavera brings the smooth-sipping character we love about fine Tequila in an exquisitely elegant bottle.

In 1942, Don Julio González decided to establish his roots in Atotonilco El Alto where he acquired his Distillery “La Primavera.” Don Julio’s Primavera is an homage to the late founder's legacy as he believed reposado was Tequila at its finest. 

This deliciously smooth expression takes Tequila Don Julio's traditional Reposado and finishes it in a highly coveted European oak cask, previously used for a wine infused with macerated orange peel. The result is a silky, sophisticated, light citrus taste with all the baking spices we love. 

If you need a last minute bottle for your New Year’s Eve party, this one’s a sure-fire winner.

Don Julio Primavera Reposado Tequila (Elsewhere $100+) $59.95

Mission's 15 Year Old Single Barrel Dickel Finally Arrives!

George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey can be a controversial subject with Bourbon drinkers in the modern age, but there’s no denying that brands like Barrell and countless other independent bottlers have made a killing over the last few years, selling Dickel 15 year old whiskey as 15 year old “Bourbon” to a starving market. 

Much like Jack Daniels, Dickel Tennessee whiskey can legally call itself Bourbon (and many brands selling Dickel under a different label choose to do so), but the brand has historically identified itself under the moniker of Tennessee whiskey. Cascade Hollow’s pride and joy, the Dickel 15 year old has continued to be one of the best deals in all of American whiskey when you buy it straight from the source. The only issue is the nature of the barrel itself. 

Because of the wild fluctuation of Dickel 15 year old casks, it’s important to know what to look for when selecting a private barrel for Mission. You want big vanilla, oak, and richness that speak to the 15 years of maturation, along with the mellow butterscotch notes that make the whiskey such pleasure to drink. What you don’t want is the Flintstones vitamins profile.

We tasted through more than two dozen samples before finding the barrel we wanted here at Mission. We think you’re going to be very, very happy.

If you need a last minute gift for the “Bourbon” lover in your life, this is it. 

George Dickel Single Barrel 15 Year Old "Mission Exclusive" Barrel #06C31-14103 52.3% ABV 750ml $59.99

If you’re looking for flavors of vanilla bean, sweet oak, maraschino cherry, and creme brulée with butterscotch, this is the George Dickel 15 year old single barrel of your dreams. We tasted through two dozen barrels to find the one we wanted and we knew it immediately once we tasted it. Bottled at 52.3% ABV, it’s the best deal in American whiskey right now, by far. 

Save $35 PER BOTTLE on Laphroaig 10 Year Sherry Oak

You read that headline correctly! There are no typos here. The incredible 10 year old Laphroaig Sherry Oak edition is available today for just $54.99 instead of the normal $89.99 price. 

Instantly, it’s one of the best deals we’ve seen all December and we’re backing up the truck.

The fact that the standard 10 year old Laphroaig can still be had for around $50 in today’s market is a minor miracle in itself. Aged in ex-Bourbon casks, the iconic Islay label is one of the great whiskies of the world—period. If we were using the Bordeaux system, Laphroaig would be a first growth producer alongside Macallan and Springbank. 

The opportunity to taste Sherry-matured Laphroaig isn’t one that comes around too often. Whether you’re purchasing from the distillery, or via an independent bottler, most of the Laphroaig out there has been aged in Bourbon hogsheads or ex-Bourbon barrels. The flavor explosion that comes with Sherry-matured Laphroaig—a roasted and meaty concoction that overwhelms the taste buds—is truly a special thing.

That’s why Laphroaig has historically charged $89.99 for its 10 year old Sherry Oak expression, and just $50 for its 10 year old classic edition aged entirely in Bourbon casks. The former is not only a more expensive process, it’s also a rare occurrence. 

Hence, you can imagine our excitement when this deal came through earlier in the week. Laphroaig Sherry Oak for just $54.99??! 

The question now is: how long can we keep it in stock?

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky (Elsewhere $89.99+) $54.95

Offer good through Sunday 12/17/2023. While supplies last.

Imagine the peaty, smoky, briny goodness of the standard Laphroaig 10 year old single edition, combined with the richness of Oloroso Sherry? Sweet peat is something we rarely tire of here at Mission and Laphroaig knocked this edition out of the park, bringing roasted meats, campfire smoke, and rich, robust flavor for all the Islay lovers out there. It’s a big step up from the standard 10 year old and one of our favorite Islay whiskies in the store, bar none.

Starward’s New Single Malts Solidify Its Status As Top World Producer

World whisky—defined by its production outside the classic and traditional production regions—is once again having a moment, and Australia’s Starward is leading much of that growth.

Just this week the Spirits Business reported that sales of world whisky were up 12% at UK retailers, driven almost entirely by Starward’s growth in that market. There’s a reason more and more drinkers are gravitating towards the Melbourne-based brand. Younger, more diverse, more adventurous whisky consumers are moving beyond the standard, stereotypical selections and opening their minds to what lies beyond.

What makes Starward such a superstar, you ask? Much of it has to do with wood selection. With its close proximity to Australia’s famed Yarra Valley wine region, Starward sources high quality casks from the area’s top producers, many of them French oak. It’s an expensive investment in quality of maturation that few young distilleries can afford. 

But as Starward founder David Vitale says in our above tasting video, “the proof is in the pudding.”

It only takes one sip of just about any Starward expression to understand both its immense global draw and the impact of those wine casks. The Nova, as an example, is loaded with unctuous red fruits with a chewy suppleness that is far more precocious than its peers. The Solera uses Australian fortified wine casks to mimic the influence of Madeira maturation with candied fruits and viscosity. 

While we’ve long been impressed with Starward’s quality, its newest releases have moved the bar even higher for the world whisky standard. Both the Peated and Stout expressions are remarkable achievements for the young distillery, taking Double Gold at last year’s San Francisco Spirits Competition. 

In fact, we think they’re so delicious we’re giving newcomers to Starward an incentive to sample the portfolio. While supplies last, buy two of any standard Starward expressions and receive $15 off your choice of the new Peated or Stout edition. Simply add all three to your cart and use the coupon code STARWARD to see the discount.

Check out the details…

Starward Peated Finish Single Malt Whisky $99.99 

The new Peated Finish is Starward’s new world take on a classic style, using Starward single malt whisky aged in red wine barrels, then finishing that whisky in peated whisky barrels from Islay. Melded with Starward's quintessential tropical notes and the smoky, earthy flavors from Islay’s coastal peat, the texture of this whisky is utterly remarkable and the peat works beautifully with that sweetness. Think of Laphroaig’s Cairdeas series as a comparison. That’s how delicious this whisky is, and that's why it won a Gold medal at the recent 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Bottled at 48%, it is truly special.

Starward Stout Cask Single Malt Whisky $99.99

Already long sold out from the distillery, Starward’s Stout Cask features its standard wine-matured single malt aged further in coveted imperial stout barrels sourced from a favorite Melbourne neighborhood brewery. This first-of-its-kind single malt whisky is a unique marriage of craft distilling and craft brewing, bringing you a result that's rich, dark, and delicious. Bottled at 52%, the proof is punchy, reinforced by coffee and dark chocolate notes that meld beautifully with the thickness of the malt itself. This whisky was an utter phenomenon down under, and we expect it to sell out just as quickly here in the states.

For a look at our entire Starward selection, click here.

Our Best Holiday Deal in Bubbles: Just $19.99

The outstanding Alsatian sparkling rosé from Allimant-Laugnier has been a Mission staff favorite for almost a decade.

Few non-Champagne sparklers have offered this much finesse, fruit, and overall elegance for less than $20, which is why it’s been the preferred holiday choice for those of us on a budget. Sometimes $40 for Champagne just doesn’t work when you’ve got a dozen or more family members drinking your cellar dry during December!

But at $19.99, this 100% Pinot Noir-based Cremant d’Alsace tastes like real Champagne, for about half the price. The Allimant-Laugnier domaine dates back to 1724 and is still family-run today. Hubert Laugnier has taken his family’s three centuries of savoir-faire and continued to create what is, in our opinion, the best deal in bubbles—bar none. 

We’re thrilled to have kept the pricing just under $20 despite the economic challenges facing both the logistical and wine side of our business. If you’re looking for a secret this holiday season, that secret is about to be Parkerized thanks to this new review. Non-vintage sparkling wines rarely get reviewed these days because they’re not vintage-specific, so this is truly a rare occurrence and speaks to the quality of the wine itself. 

Allimant-Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Rose $19.99

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE: The salmon-colored NV Crémant d'Alsace Rosé Brut is a pure limestone Pinot Noir that opens with a very attractive brioche and fruit aroma on the pure yet intense and elegant nose that is reminiscent of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate. Round and supple on the palate, this is a mouth-filling and charming sparkling wine with 4.1 grams per liter of residual sugar and a clear, well-structured finish. The wine ages sur lattes between 12 and 18 months and drinks well as aperitif but also with certain desserts. 12.4% alcohol. Diam cork stopper. Tasted in February 2023.

A Very Rare Vermouth Comes to Mission

San Francisco’s Bar Agricole has been a pioneer in the world of spirits since its inception by Thad Vogler and Eric Johnson nearly a decade ago. Sourcing their own base spirits from around the world—including bespoke rums, gins, mezcals, and brandies—these two bartending veterans have set the bar high for what’s possible in the world of cocktail curation.

Recently, they embarked on a new adventure in the world of Italian vermouth, setting out to source the cleanest, most additive-free version in existence. Since their idea of perfection didn’t exist, they teamed up with Piedmont powerhouse Bordiga to bring their vision to life. 

As Thad told us: “We were tired of vermouths that were cloyingly sweet, sweetened with beet sugar which gives a contextless boring saccharine quality, as well as the ubiquitous caramel. Using less sugar and having it be an organic cane sugar makes the sweet aspect of the vermouth less industrial and overwhelming. I think it's no accident that we're watching more people turn from cocktails to natural wines recently. We wanted a vermouth that had the natural simplicity and transparency of a natural wine. Obviously, using organically farmed Nebbiolo was an aspect of that.”

While the vermouth has only ever been available directly from Bar Agricole as part of its cocktail program, a limited number of cases were recently made available to select retailers. As longtime fans of both Bordiga and Bar Agricole, we grabbed as many as we could purchase.

Limited to just 60 bottles, this Nebbiolo-based vermouth will give your Negronis the grip and full flavor they deserve. Try it in a Manhattan as well for the best Bourbon cocktail you’ll drink this year. For a more detailed look, check out the above video and prepare to get thirsty!

Bar Agricole x Bordiga Vermouth No. 1 $38.99

Made with organic Nebbiolo wine and enhanced with real cane sugar rather than industrial sweeteners and caramel coloring, this vermouth was bottled for Bar Agricole by Bordiga, who has been producing vermouth since the 19th century. Featuring more than thirty different macerations as opposed to the usual extracts or essences, this vermouth celebrates the aperitivo culture of Turin and is the Italian vermouth we’ve always dreamed of for making drinks.

This 91 Point Primitivo from Puglia is Your Winter Vacation Bottle

It seems like everyone and their mother was vacationing in Puglia this year—that Southern strip along the Adriatic that makes up the heel on Italy’s boot. Whether it’s the beautiful beaches or the flavorful food, there’s no question as to Puglia’s attraction when it comes to value. That same bang-for-your-buck bargain applies to the wines of Puglia as well. If you need proof, look no further than the highly-rated 2019 Vervaglione Primitivo di Manduria Papale.

If you’ve never heard of Italian Primitivo, you’re not alone. But if you’ve ever tasted California Zinfandel, then you’re closer than you think. Back in 1996, a team at UC Davis used DNA profiling to prove Primitivo and Zinfandel were genetically identical. The difference is in their growing conditions. In Manduria, where the weather is warm and the altitude is low, iron-rich clay soils yield rich and jammy expressions of Primitivo—thrilling wines that inspire the taste buds and fill the palate with richness.

Primitivo is a staple of Puglian life for many wine lovers. All you need is a plate of salami, some olives, a bit of cheese, and an open bottle of the Papale to feel as if you’re vacationing in Puglia. Our price on the highly-rated 2019 is fantastic and we think fans of Ridge or Runquist will feel right at home with this selection. 

2019 Vervaglione Primitivo di Manduria Papale $26.99

91 POINTS: VINOUS - Dark and imposing, the 2019 Primitivo di Manduria Papale opens with an earthy blend of wild herbs, black olives and wet stones, all lifted by a mint hint. It’s velvety in feel yet not weighty. A juicy acidity energizes its ripe wild berry fruits as cinnamon and clove nuances evolve toward the close. This finishes long, staining the senses in primary concentration. Mildly edgy tannins tug at the cheeks. I find myself enamored by this rich and complex Primitivo, which also does a marvelous job of remaining balanced despite its large-scale persona.

90 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Wild-strawberry and raspberry character. Medium to full body, slightly firm tannins and a clean, fruity finish with red licorice and vanilla. Drink now.

Mid-Range Burgundies That Deliver For The Dollar

Few wines oscillate between the incredibly exciting highs and the utterly depressing lows like Burgundy does. Even knowing the vintage, the vineyard, and the producer is no guarantee of enjoyment when it comes to the wine industry’s most addictive crapshoot. Even bottles in the $200+ range can fall short unless you know exactly what you’re purchasing, and few of us have $200 to throw away on a bottle of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir these days. 

Luckily, the team at Mission has screened dozens and dozens of both red and white Burgundies over the last few weeks in preparation of the biggest food day of the year: THANKSGIVING! Nothing pairs better with turkey and stuffing than Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which is why we slimmed down our selection to these top two picks. Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, both of these wines deliver the goods and the typicity of flavor that Burghounds crave. 

Imported by our friend Charles Neal, we think you’ll be very pleased to pour either or both of these wines around your Thanksgiving Day table.

Ragot Givry Vieilles Vignes 2020 $34.99

The village of Givry located in Burgundy’s Côte de Chalonnaise is known primarily for its Pinot Noir, making up 80% of its production. The Ragot family have traced their wine growing history back to 1760 when Gabriel Ragot tended vines in Mercurey. About a century later, Louis Ragot established a property in Givry. There he not only grew grapes, but also a number of different crops, as well as raising livestock. The Vieilles Vignes comes from a tiny 1.25 hectare vineyard of Pinot Noir vines averaging 50 years in age. The wine has notes of black fruits, cassis, blackberry, and raspberry along with some vanilla and spice. A nice match for grilled steaks, pork roast or chicken stew, or hard cheeses like aged gouda or parmesan.

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE: Nicolas Ragot took the helm at this eight-hectare Givry estate in 2003, modernizing the bottling line and cuverie to work in a more precise, less interventionist manner. Working the soils, harvesting by hand and classical winemaking with destemmed fruit and macerations of some 10-15 days are the rudiments of the approach. The result is supple, flavorful reds and whites that still fly somewhat under the radar and merit consumer attention.

VINOUS: The 2020 Givry Vieilles Vignes has plenty of red berry fruit on the nose, though it just misses a little complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with candied red cherries and strawberry, gentle grip, fleshy and ripe with a touch of brown sugar on the finish.

Domaine Brintet Mercurey Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2021 $42.99

Also located in the Côte de Chalonnaise, Mercurey is renowned for both its reds and its whites, the latter of which are Chardonnays known for their hazelnut and almond notes with just a touch of flint. The Brintet history in Mercurey begins with the arrival of Jéhan Briétat from Italy in 1340, when he gained employment as a page at the Chateau de Montaigu. At the end of the 15th century, the name was transformed to Brintet and 100 years later, the family became owners of some vines in Mercurey. Flash forward several centuries and we find Luc Brintet and his wife Veronique heading their own 11.5-hectare domaine since 1984. The majority of their production is Pinot Noir, although they do make small amounts of excellent Chardonnay. The Vieilles Vignes wine comes from 65-year old vines grown on clay and limestone soils. The nose is full of golden fruits while additional notes of vanilla and spice coat the palate. The wine is approachable at a young age and with its finely tannic finish, will certainly age gracefully.

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE: The Mercurey Vieilles Vignes from the Domaine Brintet is an excellent example of white Mercurey. It displays an attractive nose of spices and star anise and a mouth filled with spices intermingled with touches of coconut and oak. This silky textured, medium-to-full-bodied wine has a nice long finish and will last for 4-5 years