I've Tried Hundreds of Whiskeys. This American Single Malt Is Sophisticated, Tasty, and a Surprisingly Good Value

The beauty of being an early fan of a burgeoning whiskey category is that you witness its growth and evolution. For example, I began covering the Texas whiskey scene nine years ago during its booming acceleration period in the mid-2000s,  and it’s been wonderful to see firsthand its blossoming popularity across the country. 

In December 2018, I experienced my first “whiskey tailgate” at Denver-based Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery in 25-degree weather to snag their rare annual American single malt (ASM) release, Snowflake. Since then, I’ve become an avid sipper of ASM expressions from many distilleries, especially Westward Whiskey (I’m obsessed with this year’s Milestone) and Balcones “1” Texas Single Malt Whisky.

As of 2022, over 200 distilleries in the U.S. produce American single malt whiskey, contributing to its fast growth. On November 11, 2024, the Beverly Spirits unveiled their debut ASM, The Beverly: The QuintEssential Edition. 

The limited-edition ASM is an exclusive collaboration between the Beverly Spirits founder Andrew Borenzweig and Cedar Ridge Distillery’s acclaimed master distiller Murphy Quint. Despite already loving Beverly Spirits High Rye, I initially hesitated to try The QuintEssential. Was it Beverly Spirits’ way of cashing in on ASM’s increasing popularity?

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Thankfully, I’m an open-minded imbiber, so I was game to shake my apprehension to be proven wrong. After my first pour of The QuintEssential, I realized I misjudged the motives. But I still had to ask Borenzweig why he wanted to release a debut ASM.

“The growing popularity of American single malt is exciting, but I was mainly inspired by Murphy’s passion for it and the incredible special releases of The QuintEssential he’s been putting out," Borenzweig tells Men’s Journal. "This expression was born from a desire to deliver a unique whiskey harnessing the best of both Beverly Spirits and Cedar Ridge.”

The QuintEssential is comprised of Cedar Ridge’s flagship ASM, aged for a minimum of six years and finished in first-fill Amontillado sherry and French oak casks, bottled at a cask strength of 116.9 proof (58.45 percent ABV). 

“From the start, Andy had a clear vision for Beverly Spirits and how to bring the brand to life. I admire his commitment to staying true to that vision while still being open to exploring something new, like American single malt,” says Quint. “In the end, this collaboration came together beautifully, doing justice to both the brand’s identity and the original vision.”

To Quint’s point, The QuintEssential is the sophisticated and delicious result of a partnership that came together beautifully. The alluring nose has a sweet, aromatic blend of butterscotch and cacao. Upon first sip, my palate is greeted with a power-packed punch of Raisinets—sun-ripened raisins covered in milk chocolate—and a subtle note of oak and dark cherry before a warm crescendo into a long, spicy finish.

Borenzweig and Quint’s idea for The QuintEssential Edition came to fruition in January 2024. Then, the duo aligned on the direction for the liquid. They strove for “something bold but with ... balance and fitness,” Borenzweig says.

“Murphy worked his magic and beautifully executed this vision with an Amontillado sherry and French oak finish,” Borenzweig says. “He constantly pushes boundaries with his craft yet remains incredibly generous in sharing his knowledge. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in bringing Beverly Spirits to life.”

The QuintEssential inaugural batch is limited to just 675 bottles. For a premium, bespoke whiskey in an exquisite bottle, I’m not mad at the $119 price tag. The QuintEssential is the perfect entry point for bourbon fans interested in stepping outside their comfort zone and into the unique world of American single malt. 

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