As a whiskey enthusiast, few experiences have excited me as much as Holland America Line’s recent announcement of their major expansion of the exclusive Single Barrel Whiskey Program for 2025. After previously sailing aboard Rotterdam alongside Sazerac Master Blender Drew Maryville, my appreciation for finely curated whiskey experiences at sea has deepened.
An Unmatched Whiskey Selection at Sea
Starting this spring, Holland America Line is transforming their already impressive beverage program by growing from a single barrel of Buffalo Trace bourbon to an outstanding lineup of nine unique single barrels. As a whiskey fan, this is an enticing reason to book another cruise—I can hardly wait to experience the collection onboard!
Discovering the Exceptional Single Barrels
Each whiskey in the expanded program, available at the Ocean Bar fleetwide, offers its own fascinating backstory and unique tasting notes.
Weller Bourbon: Double the Delight
I’m particularly thrilled about Holland America Line securing two distinct expressions from the acclaimed Buffalo Trace Distillery:
- Weller Full Proof: Bold with rich vanilla and oak, promising a balanced yet intense flavor.
- Weller Antique 107: Dark cherry and vanilla dominate, offering a memorable heat upfront and a luxuriously smooth finish—ideal whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just exploring.
Angel’s Envy: A Trio of Unique Expressions
The three single barrels from Angel’s Envy in Louisville, Kentucky, have caught my eye:
- Port barrel-finished: Elegant notes of anise, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Madeira barrel-finished: Intriguing flavors of ginger, leather, and caramel with a lasting, smooth finish.
- Second Port barrel-finished: Rich with butterscotch, malt, hickory, and maple nuances.
Uncle Nearest 1884 Single Barrel
I’m excited to explore Uncle Nearest’s rising whiskey reputation firsthand aboard Holland America. The single barrel selection offers a balanced warmth, highlighted by toffee, caramel, and sarsaparilla notes.
Woodford Reserve’s Bold Flagship Bourbon
Woodford Reserve’s single barrel bourbon features a robust, flavorful experience with distinctive notes of stone fruit, biscuit, toffee, caramel, and a hint of peppery spice.
WhistlePig’s Remarkable 15-Year Rye
At 100 proof, WhistlePig 15-Year Rye promises a sophisticated profile with rich earthy tones complemented by subtle floral hints—perfectly balanced yet remarkably intricate.
Celebrating American Single Malt with Westland
Seattle’s Westland Distillery brings an exciting port-finished American Single Malt to the fleet, showcasing notes of toffee, stone fruit, toasted marshmallow, and finishing with delightful smoke and peat. Additionally, their peated single barrel whiskey forms the base of the “PNW Penicillin” cocktail, created by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross.
Exclusive Whiskey Experiences Await
This carefully curated collection of single barrels significantly enhances the onboard whiskey experience, offering passengers an exclusive taste of some of America’s best distilleries right at sea. Available across the fleet by May 2025, these whiskeys are sure to delight whiskey fans and casual drinkers alike.
