Just when we thought whiskey couldn't get any more innovative, a product comes along and blows our minds.
BHAKTA 1928 is one such product. This ultra-premium spirit takes a modern straight rye whiskey and marries it with ancient French liquors, one of which dates back to the roaring 20s.
The result is truly exceptional and one of a kind.
If you're looking to break away from traditional bourbon whiskey and hit your palate with something incredible, this might just be the one you're looking for.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about BHAKTA Spirits, 1928, what it tastes like, how to drink it, and everything in between.
BHAKTA Spirits: A Quick History
To understand why BHAKTA 1928 is so special, you first have to know a bit about the man and the company behind the blend.
Who Is Raj Peter Bhakta?
Raj Peter Bhakta is as lively as the spirits he produces. As the founder of the highly successful Whistlepig Whiskey, he certainly knows a thing or two about the amber nectar.
After establishing the company in 2008, Raj focused intently on building the luxury rye whiskey market, a category that was (at the time) somewhat neglected. After achieving enormous success, Raj sold his stake in Whistlepig and took an extended break.
How BHAKTA Spirits came to be
During his travels, Raj found himself in Condom, a small commune in the Armagnac region of France. Here, he stumbled upon an enormous collection of ancient and forgotten Armagnac brandy barrels dating back as far as 1868, many still aging silently in dusty cellars.
Inspired by the rarity and history of what he’d discovered, he acquired this liquid treasure trove with a mission to revive and celebrate the world's most overlooked spirits.
BHAKTA Spirits was officially established in 2020 and now features an extensive collection of single-vintage brandies, specialty whiskey blends, and limited-edition releases that bridge old-world craftsmanship with bold innovation.
What Is BHAKTA 1928?
Raj describes his 1928 release as a "truly one-of-a-kind, unique product".
And he's right.
While blended whiskey isn't anything new, blending whiskey with Armagnac and Calvados certainly is. The blend features over 20 single-vintage spirits with differing origins and ages. However, as the name suggests, the oldest vintage Armagnac dates back to 1928.
Overall, the liquor has an average age of 15 years by weighted volume, balanced by the young rye whiskey and the ancient Armagnacs.
Bottled in Vermont at 100 proof, the fusion was designed to embody the spirit of the Roaring 20s, Boom Times, and Big American Dreams.
The whiskey is as much a conversation piece as it is a fine drink, representing Raj's passion for reviving forgotten and neglected liquors.
What goes into BHAKTA 1928?
-
60% base rye whiskey: A straight rye whiskey distilled in 2018 and aged in new charred oak barrels.
-
30% XO Calvados: A distinguished French apple and pear brandy from Normandy. Raj's Calvados is well-aged (approximately 30 years in Calvados casks) and brings orchard fruit flavors to the table.
-
10% vintage Armagnac: From his ancient collection, Raj has incorporated ultra-rare brandies from the years 1928, 1941, 1962, 1973, and 1996.
How are these spirits aged?
By law, straight rye whiskey has to be aged in new charred American oak barrels. The charring releases the vanilla, caramel, and spice notes present in 1928's flavor profile.
The XO Calvados casks were likely made from Limousin or Tronçais oak. These large, old barrels bring a slow and steady flavor development and gentle oxidation. The process imparts a subtle spice along with the fruity notes.
Since BHAKTA 1928 features a 30-year aged Calvados, the barrels used were likely refill Calvados casks, which provide a mellow aging environment without overpowering the fruit.
Lastly, Armagnac casks are typically made from black Gascon oak. The liquor is aged in these first before being transferred to older French oak Armagnac casks for extended aging. Gascon oak is native to the Armagnac region and gives the spirit its spicy, tannic influence.
Although we don't know for sure, it's likely that some of the more vintage Armagnacs will have been transferred to glass containers to preserve their character.
What Does BHAKTA 1928 Taste Like?
BHAKTA 1928 is a layered taste sensation.
The golden, orange hue invites you to pour a glass. As you do, notes of custard, vanilla, and caramel apple meet your nose, accompanied by the aromas of powdered sugar, assertive spice and pepper, and a hint of mint.
The aroma is described as having incredible depth. You'll also discover earthy notes, black liquorice, mocha, dark chocolate, and tobacco.
On the palate, you'll discover the rye whiskey's classic spices and peppery notes.
The Calvados provides beautiful fruity tones of apple orchards, orange peel, caramel, custard, vanilla, red fruit, and even subtle dark cherry. The ancient Armagnac influence brings bittersweet dark chocolate and tannic flavors.
These layers of fruit and citrus, coupled with confectionery sweetness, complement the rye’s spice, making for a multi-dimensional tasting experience.
How Much Does BHAKTA 1928 Cost?
Given the exquisite blend of rare vintage spirits, the cost may surprise you.
BHAKTA 1928 costs around $79.99 per 750 ml bottle and is readily available online.
Why is it so cheap?
There are several reasons why such a premium bottle can command such a low price point:
-
Since BHAKTA owns an extensive collection of vintage Armagnac, it allows them to incorporate and fuse these aged liquors without the high acquisition costs that typically accompany such rare components.
-
The blend consists of 60%, 5-year rye whiskey. This younger spirit is less expensive to produce and helps balance the overall cost of the drink.
-
Raj Bhakta wants to revive interest in forgotten liquor. By offering them at a lower price, he can attract a broader audience and encourage consumers to explore.
BHAKTA 1928: An Award-Winning Blend
BHAKTA Spirits has won several notable awards for its 1928 blend:
-
Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave 1928 an outstanding 96/100 points. The bottle proudly displays the "96 Wine Enthusiast" medallion on its label.
-
In 2023, the Beverage Tasting Institute gave a Platinum award to the rye whiskey blend and also named it one of “The World’s Top Brandies."
-
BHAKTA 1928 won "Best in Show" at the TAG Global Spirits Awards in 2024.
-
It was named the "Rye Whiskey of the Year" at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards.
-
The 2024 LA Spirits Awards gave the whiskey Platinum status.
-
The 2024 ASCOT Awards gave it a Double Platinum status, an elite distinction reserved only for the very best.
How To Drink BHAKTA 1928
The best way to drink BHAKTA 1928 is to sip it neat. However, drinking it on the rocks is also recommended if you prefer your whiskey to be softer on the palate.
BHAKTA 1928 also goes very well in cocktails. Try these for size:
Old Fashioned
-
2 oz BHAKTA 1928
-
1 oz demerara syrup
-
Dash Angostura bitters
-
Dash orange bitters
-
Lemon and orange twist
Add the syrup and bitters into a rocks glass and stir. Drop in an ice cube and add the BHAKTA 1928. Garnish with the citrus twists.
Crazy Sunday
-
2 oz BHAKTA 1928
-
0.5 oz honey, ginger syrup
-
7 mint leaves
Add all ingredients to a highball glass and muddle the mint. Add some crushed ice and stir to combine.
Beautiful Fool
-
1.5 oz BHAKTA 1928
-
5 oz Campari
-
0.75 oz lemon juice
-
0.75 oz raspberry syrup
-
1 egg white
Add all ingredients to a shaker, add ice, and shake away! Strain into a cocktail glass and add a raspberry or two to garnish.
What Else Is In The BHAKTA Range?
BHAKTA Spirits features a huge range of liquors, including:
-
Single vintage bourbons, malt whiskey, and rum
-
Almost 40 types of single vintage Armagnac spanning several decades
-
Specialty blends (including the 1928)
-
50-year collection: Single-barrel Armagnac blends with expressions dating back as far as 1868
FAQs
Who makes BHAKTA Bourbon?
BHAKTA Bourbon is produced by BHAKTA Spirits, a company founded by Raj Peter Bhakta.
The company has several bourbon releases, including the 2013 and 2014 expressions, both finished in Armagnac casks. Another notable release is the 2005 bourbon whiskey, a triple barrel finish, including Armagnac casks.
What type of liquor is BHAKTA?
BHAKTA offers a diverse range of vintage and modern liquors, including Armagnacs, single malt whiskies, rye whiskies, and bourbon whiskey. The range also features exquisite fusions of young whiskey and ancient brandies.
How much is BHAKTA 2012?
BHAKTA 2012 Indian single malt whiskey is priced at $149 per bottle. A two-bottle collector's pack is also available for $298 directly from the producer.
Where is BHAKTA Spirits located?
The headquarters of BHAKTA Spirits is located in Poultney, Vermont, on the former campus of Green Mountain College. The company owner, Raj Bhakta, also owns a historic Armagnac estate in Condom, France, where the extensive cellars house his collection of rare Armagnac vintages.
Is BHAKTA, Weller, Benchmark, or Blackened Whiskey more exclusive?
In terms of exclusivity, here's how these four popular brands compare:
-
BHAKTA: Ultra-rare components, limited batches, vintage armagnac/whiskey fusions.
-
Weller: Very high demand, limited allocation. Weller Bourbon also has high secondary market hype.
-
Blackened: Unique process and branding, but more accessible.
-
Benchmark: Widely available and budget-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Raj Bhakta is a true innovator, and his ability to blend the modern with the vintage in a single bottle is something to be revered.
We are so happy to add this extremely special whiskey to our collection. And since it's so reasonably priced, there's no reason not to try a bottle (or two!).
