Gold Bar Whisky Year of the Snake Edition

Gold Bar Whisky Year of the Snake Edition is a limited bottling from San Francisco's Gold Bar Whiskey, prepared for 2025, the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar; it contains the brand's 40% ABV blended American whiskey, Gold Bar Original.

What is the bottle design like?

The Year of the Snake pattern was designed by Deyi (Robin) Zhao, a Chinese-born artist who grew up in San Francisco. Zhao's grandmother, Yumei Hou, worked for around 30 years as the chief carver of the sculptures for the city's Chinese New Year celebrations. The design features plum blossoms and peonies, symbolising luck and abundance, along with traditional gold coins and elements from ancient Chinese architecture. The bottle is presented in a red velvet gift pouch.

What kind of whiskey is inside?

The whiskey is Gold Bar Original, made from a mash bill of 88% corn, 9% rye and 3% barley, and given a final maturation in Napa Valley wine casks. The producer states that this whiskey is soft and easy-drinking, with honey, fruit and light spice notes; Original has won a Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

How should it be served, and what food does it pair with?

It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a mule-style cocktail made with ginger ale and lime. Its gift bottle suits special occasions. Its soft, lightly sweet character pairs well with barbecued food, grilled chicken and a nut platter.