Widow Jane’s Black Opal: A 20-Year-Old Bourbon Masterpiece

Widow Jane Distillery, located in the heart of Red Hook, Brooklyn, has unveiled a remarkable limited-edition bourbon: Black Opal. This unique blend of rare bourbons, aged for a minimum of 20 years, highlights Widow Jane’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.

Key Highlights:

Distillery: Widow Jane, Red Hook, Brooklyn, under Heaven Hill whiskey umbrella.
Age: Minimum 20 years.
Finishing: Aged in rare Mizunara casks from Japan, valued at up to $6,000 each.
Markets: Only 5,000 bottles available in select regions.

The Craftsmanship Behind Black Opal

Described as a “study in the art of patience,” Black Opal is the result of meticulous blending and aging. Over 100 individual barrels were tested at Widow Jane’s century-old rickhouse along the Red Hook waterfront to craft this distinct whiskey. The bourbon’s finishing in Mizunara casks, known for imparting bold and distinct flavors, adds a further layer of rarity and complexity to the blend.

Head Distiller Sienna Jeremov shared her insights on the process, calling it a “hefty tome of an epic tale.” She noted the bourbon’s sweetness, baking spice, and stone fruit flavors, which are enriched by the Mizunara wood’s unique properties.

Exceptional Ingredients

One of the key components contributing to Black Opal’s rich mouthfeel is the limestone water sourced from the Rosendale Mines in upstate New York. Known for its mineral-rich composition, this water enhances the bourbon’s 49.5% ABV profile, delivering a full, round, and lavish experience with a long finish.

Flavor Profile

Nose:
Aromas of walnut and brown butter, with a hint of ginger snap.
Palate:
Rich caramelized notes blend with bourbon’s natural sweetness, complemented by layers of baking spices and stone fruit.
Finish:
A long and smooth finish, thanks to the mineral-rich water and the bourbon’s complex aging process.

Luxurious Packaging

Widow Jane has designed Black Opal to be more than just a whiskey—it’s an experience. The bourbon comes in a rugged black steel box, a nod to the distillery’s Red Hook roots. Each box also includes a limited-edition fine art print that accompanies the sleek, elegant bottle, making Black Opal a collector’s item to be cherished.