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Cask finishing can take many forms; its ultimate purpose is to imbue a whisky with layered flavors that elevate its character after initial maturation in a different type of barrel. Rum cask-finished whiskies generally present notes of juicy tropical fruits. Casks that previously held light rums might lend more clean, vegetal sweetness, while richer, molasses notes can shine through in a whisky finished in casks that held dark rum. The flavors imparted by a rum cask can enhance a whisky, from mirroring bourbon’s inherent sweetness, balancing out spice in a rye, or adding layers of flavor to a grain or single malt scotch.
The use of rum casks to finish whisky is an idea that goes way back among makers of scotch and Irish whiskey. In American whiskey, Angel’s Envy was one of the pioneers, coming out with a Caribbean rum cask-finished rye 12 years ago. Producers use rum casks in different ways: as a solo finishing cask, in combination with other casks, or as the sole...

As we move full-on into fall, we are loaded up with high-profile whiskies this week. King of Kentucky is out with its eighth annual release, while Widow Jane drops its seventh annual bottling of The Vaults, the series highlighting ultra-aged bourbons made with unusual cask finishes. Woodford Reserve has a new barrel strength rye, while Baltimore rye specialist Sagamore Spirit has released its first bourbon, a high-rye expression made entirely at the distillery. Among other whiskies, scotch whisky blender Compass Box has tapped into the dessert lover’s palate with a new expression called Crème Brulée Royale, while India’s Rampur Distillery has a new single malt. Meanwhile, college football is in the air: Teeling is back with another expression honoring the legacy of Notre Dame's legendary team, and former Rutgers University football star Eric LeGrand toasts his alma mater with a new bourbon saluting its mascot, the...

What a week for new releases! There’s no shortage of new whiskies as we transition from summer into fall, and they range from highly allocated collectible single malts and experimental limited editions to widely available permanent expressions.
Scotch lovers have plenty to be excited about, with new malts and blends coming from all over the country. Laphroaig has debuted the third edition of its experimental Elements series; Single Cask Nation has bottled three new single malts; Buchanan’s has added a luxurious new blend; and Johnnie Walker has launched a limited-edition Blue Label bottle and box that celebrates the Indian festive season. In bourbon, there’s cask finishes galore. Both Barton 1792 and Hirsch have introduced cognac-finished bourbons, while Widow Jane is back with its maple syrup-finished Decadence, and Steph Curry’s Gentleman’s Cut has a Pedro Ximénez sherry-finished bourbon, made in collaboration with chef José...

Heaven Hill’s recently released Artist Series Collection is a collection of five bottles that chronicle the Kentucky distiller’s history through the eyes of Louisville artist Bri Bowers, depicting the distillery’s landmarks and its people in celebration of its long legacy of craftsmanship.
Each bottle in the collection is labeled with its own unique watercolor design. Bower’s whimsical style, rich colors, and floral details depict Heaven Hill’s distilling culture through its Bardstown rickhouses and new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, and its Bernheim rickhouses located across the street from the Bernheim distillery in Louisville. The other two labels depict the distillery’s barrel rolling team and its visitor center. The first three are available in limited quantities nationwide, while the latter two are sold at both visitor experience locations at the label's Bardstown main campus and now Springs Distillery.
Fans can also...

Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS), Sazerac’s members-only single barrel program, is holding a sweepstakes to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Elmer T. Lee Charity Sweepstakes has an alluring draw for single barrel fans, with the opportunity for the public to participate, not just members, to select a barrel of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel bourbon.
The prized bourbon gets its name from Elmer T. Lee, master distiller of what was once called George T. Stagg distillery, now the modern-day Buffalo Trace. Touted as the father of the single barrel, he was the first to bring single barrels onto the whiskey scene with the release of Blanton’s in 1984. Lee had a revered reputation and was given emeritus status following his retirement in 1985. Two years later, he was honored with his own namesake release. It's made from one of Buffalo Trace’s four key mashbills–No. 2–which is high in rye. It's the same recipe for several of the...

New whiskies are coming from all over the world this week. Glenmorangie has its latest Tale Of limited-edition single malt, this one a spotlight on spices. Elsewhere across the pond, Torabhaig has the fourth installment in its Legacy Series, Port Ellen celebrates its 200th anniversary with a 42 year old single malt, and Teeling debuts another release in its multi-year partnership with the University of Notre Dame. In American whiskey, there’s plenty to enjoy, with new ryes from Sagamore Spirit, Wigle Whiskey, and Blue Note, and bourbons from Yellowstone, 15 Stars, and Jackson Purchase. And for the single North American single malt fans, WhistlePig has brought out a 30 year old bottling finished in Italian dessert wine casks.
 
Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices Single Malt Scotch
ABV: 46%
SRP: $92
Availability: Limited; imported by Moët Hennessy USA
The sixth installment in Glenmorangie’s annual A Tale Of limited-edition series, A Tale...

It's a big week of new releases for bourbon and other American whiskeys, with announcements from major stars including Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch (covered earlier this week), as well as Maker's Mark Cellar Aged, Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Sour Mash,  Baker's 13 year old, and numerous others detailed below. In scotch, Glenfiddich has a new 16 year old in partnership with Aston Martin's Formula One racing team, while the Tormore single malt brand has a trio of new whiskies as it prepares for a broader U.S. introduction in 2026.
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged (2025 Edition) Bourbon
ABV: 56.45%
SRP: $175
Availability: Limited
Since its debut in 2023, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged has represented a dramatic departure from the distillery’s standard bourbon, which is ready at around 7 to 8 years old. While Cellar Aged, like the flagship Maker’s, bears no age statement, it has featured whiskey 11 years or older. The barrels used...

Inspired by the classic summertime cocktail, the Whiskey Smash, this meringue-based dessert is a showstopper that’s simple to pull together. Like the cocktail, it highlights summer’s bounty of fresh strawberries married with a slightly dry, oaky whiskey and enhanced by mint’s brightness.
Mint and whiskey have a special affinity, likely thanks to the mint-forward compounds whiskey picks up from barrels during maturation. Hard Truth sweet mash rye is a solid addition to the recipe, thanks to a minty punch in the form of what our tasting panel found to be peppermint patties, Moroccan mint tea, and Andes chocolate. It’s the backbone of a boozy syrup, made with fresh mint, tossed with strawberries and strewn atop a free-form meringue shell alongside dollops of fresh whipped cream. 
Like the Smash, this three-part recipe is marked by a key technique: “muddling” or “smashing” so the flavors are evenly incorporated. Here it’s...

French oak, traditionally used to age wine and cognac, is also a popular choice for finishing bourbon and scotch. Its value is due to its tighter grain, which makes it less porous than American oak and thus able to impart flavor at a slower rate, creating delicate flavors like baking spices, honey, and caramel. We’ve rounded up 10 expressions across several styles that explore the nuances of French oak finishing, whether as a sole finishing method or in combination with other casks.
94 Points - Balvenie 16 year old French Oak Pineau Cask Finished scotch single malt, 47.6%, $175
This Speyside scotch was initially matured in bourbon barrels for 16 years before being finished for several months in French oak that formerly held fortified wine from France’s Pineau des Charentes region. A complex, creamy, and smooth mouthfeel with flavors of brown sugar, chocolate, and golden raisins, all cloaked in vanilla and sprinkled with savory spice.
93 Points - Barrel 33 year...

Bourbons, blends, and compelling finishes set the tone for this week's new whiskies. The year's second batch of Booker's is here, blending whiskeys from seven different production dates that aged in eight separate warehouses. Peerless has debuted the second iteration of its Toasted Rye, which aged first in new oak before being finished in barrels with a medium toast. From Bardstown Bourbon Co. comes the latest Distillery Reserve Series release, this one a blend of bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey finished in mizunara oak; World Whiskey Society has gone with a different Japanese finish for its new bourbon, putting it in shochu casks. Castle & Key, Wheel Horse, and Rebel each have new bourbons, while Uncle Nearest unveils its newest Master Blend. Rounding out the U.S. contingent are an imperial stout cask-finished straight rye from Old Potrero, a new single cask American single malt from Copperworks, and a Kentucky whiskey aged in Scotland from...

With the warmth and beauty of summer now upon us, there aren’t many good excuses to stay indoors. For some of us, however, baking is one of them. These three breezy dessert recipes are good for a summertime indulgence and made even better by a carefully chosen accompanying bourbon. Two of the desserts offer a double dose of whiskey, both infused into the core components of the desserts and alongside.
Mississippi Mud Pie with Woodford Reserve Chocolate Custard and Woodford Double Double Oaked

Recipe and pairing courtesy of executive chef, DJ Jackson at The Southern Gentleman, Atlanta.
Mississippi Mud pie is a Deep South delight made popular in the 1970s, likely gaining its name from a resemblance to the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. This one features a fudgy custard enrobed in a fluffy whipped cream sitting atop a nostalgic and sweet crumbled Oreo crust. It’s ideal enjoyed alongside Woodford Double Double Oaked bourbon, available nationwide since...

Updated 9/30/25: Wyoming Whiskey's Buffalo Bill Cody (see details below), originally released as a Wyoming exclusive, is now available nationwide. The ABV is 48%, compared to the Wyoming-only release's 48.5%.
A mixture of bourbons, ryes, and American blends leads the week’s new releases. High West brings back its The Prisoner Wine Co. red wine-finished blend of bourbon and rye, while Penelope has a blend that includes straight bourbon, American single malt, and American light whiskey. Woodinville has upped the age on its flagship rye, while 15 Stars introduces its oldest blend of rye yet; new bourbons include the fourth chapter of Castle & Key’s Untold Story series, a wheater from Great Jones, and a tribute to Buffalo Bill Cody from Wyoming Whiskey. Overseas, Tomatin, Loch Lomond, and Gordon & MacPhail all have new single malt scotch whiskies.
 
High West The Prisoner’s Share (2025 Edition) American blend
ABV: 51%
SRP: $175

This week's new release round-up features American whiskeys, led by a port cask finished blend from Woodford Reserve and a California red wine cask finish from Rebel. Elijah Craig has dropped the second barrel proof batch of the year, while Nashville pitmaster Carey Bringle is offering a 15 year old rye. Elsewhere, Cedar Ridge has a new single malt finished in a multiplicity of casks, while other new offerings are from Frank August, Spirit Hound, Milam & Greene, and World Whiskey Society. And in a separate story, we cover two distillers who've announced releases honoring the U.S. military.
 
Woodford Reserve Distillery Series: Tawny Port Finish Blend
ABV: 45.2%
SRP: $65/375 ml
Availability: Limited
Master distiller Elizabeth McCall’s newest Woodford Distillery Series release first combined rye and bourbon together. From there, McCall added a tawny port-finished bourbon to the blend; once that was married, she balanced the...

Things at the Buffalo Trace Distillery aren't fully back to normal, with production at limited capacity until restoration is complete. Ongoing ventilation efforts in a few warehouses and electrical repairs are also in the works. Tours will also remain modified, but reservations aren’t required anymore to visit, and walk-ins are once again welcome.
Buffalo Trace is, for the most part, back on its feet after the massive flooding that inundated the distillery in early April. Now, over six weeks later, restoration efforts are nearly complete, and the distillery is looking to bolster support for communities across the state that were also impacted by the same severe storms. The distillery has partnered with BlockBar, an e-commerce marketplace for wine and spirits, to host an online charity fundraiser called “Pour It Forward for Kentucky.” Every dollar made from the fundraiser will directly benefit the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund held...

Heaven Hill’s Grain-to-Glass bourbon returns after its successful debut last year, which also featured a rye and wheated bourbon. Thus far, the 2025 edition includes only the bourbon, with the other two labels in the trio due out later in the year. Elsewhere in bourbon, Old Fitzgerald’s Spring Edition is right on time this year, in contrast with some previous years where this seasonal release was delayed by a few months, and Chattanooga Whiskey has a 2021 vintage bottled in bond expression. In scotch, Speyside distiller Glenrothes has a new 15 year old, which joins the permanent portfolio, while Dalmore is out with a new Luminary expression. From the Lowlands, the innovative InchDairnie Distillery has two new expressions, both flying under the  KinGlassie name.
Heaven Hill Grain-to-Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2025 Edition)
ABV: 52.5%
SRP: $100
Availability: Limited
The second edition of Heaven Hill’s grain-to-glass bourbon—a...

At times, whisky aficionados can sound like pastry chefs with their tasting descriptors—using notes like apple pie, plum tart, blackberry jam, strawberry compote, candied orange peel, and citrus. That’s because whisky and desserts so often share similarly layered, sweet flavors, and both, after all, are built upon a foundation of grain. Pinpointing these flavors can be a fun exercise, but The Singleton scotch whisky has gone all in with its Gourmand Collection, which explores the harmony between whisky and dessert. Launched in April, the collection comprises three 42 year old single malt scotches alongside a high-end pastry pairing from London-based chef Nicolas Rouzaud.
Though bourbon typically comes to mind as a “sweet” dessert-like whiskey, scotch has also harnessed the flavor of desserts over the past several years. Back in 2013, Richard Paterson created a Dalmore bottling in collaboration with chef Daniel Boulud, and in 2019, Paterson tapped...

It’s another plentiful week in new whisky, especially for American craft distillers. Frey Ranch is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an American whiskey made from five different grains, while Chicken Cock has upped the age on its Double Oak whiskey by two years. Filmland Spirits has similarly released an older iteration of its flagship Moonlight Mayhem! bourbon, and North Carolina’s Oaklore Distilling has made its four-grain bourbon available nationwide. In Washington, Heritage Distilling Co. has debuted another bourbon commemorating the stories and veterans of the U.S. Special Operations Forces. Outside the U.S., Crown Royal has introduced a Canadian blend finished in Caribbean rum casks, Hatozaki has a new blend of malt whiskies finished in umeshu plum liqueur casks, and Japanese whisky bar Club Qing is making its U.S. debut with two single casks from Speyside.
Chicken Cock 10 year old Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey
ABV: 46%
SRP: $80

The 151st annual Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 3rd, bringing all of its usual fanfare for the “most exciting two minutes in sports” as the race is famously known, and accompanying traditions of fashionable hats, dresses, and suits, special events, and the ever-present Mint Julep. Those who aren’t heading to Churchill Downs with a golden ticket can still capture the Derby spirit at celebratory events across Kentucky’s distilleries.
The Mint Julep, queen of Derby Day cocktails, is the focus for many distillery events where guests can mix, muddle, and tailor variations of the infamous Derby Day Julep at Bulleit and Angel Envy. Craft distillers such as J. Mattingly and Larrikin Bourbon Co. are hosting casual Derby Day celebrations with specialty food and the spotlight on their exclusive bottlings; no ticket required. Whether for a day of fun or a quick visit, Bourbon Country has plenty to offer.

Bulleit Bourbon: The Frontier Julep Cocktail...

Among the American whiskey releases this week, Angel's Envy, which rose to fame on its barrel-finished expressions, now has a new tequila cask-finished rye, and Washington State's Woodinville Whiskey has a new tequila cask-finished bourbon. Barrell has unveiled its first full-proof bourbon, bottled at 61.5%, while Maryland rye specialist Sagamore Spirit is out with the annual edition of its Cask Strength rye. New Riff, best known for its bottled in bond bourbons and ryes, is back with another release of its American single malt. This is New Riff's first single malt release since 2023, and it contains liquid that's 10 years old, dating back to its founding days. There's also new whiskey from Chicken Cock and Calumet Farm, as well as an unaged expression from California's Sespe Creek, where ex-Laphroaig master distiller John Campbell now creates the whiskeys since joining the company last year.
Angel’s Envy Cellar...

Next month, Kentucky’s RD1 Distillery is set to open the doors of its new home at The Commons in Lexington, a mixed-use development that includes other businesses, a park, restaurants, and amenities. The move initially was expected to take place last August, but weather factors and permit delays pushed it until May 14 of this year.
Located one mile north of the brand's previous home on Manchester Street, now permanently closed, RD1’s new 10,215 square foot, two-story location will have a visitor experience centering around wood finishing, the brand’s calling card since its inception in 2020. Three times larger than the previous location, the new venue offers outdoor seating on both levels, with views of the town’s historic water tower. Inside are multiple bourbon-tasting spaces, including a speakeasy and bourbon bar, four private tasting rooms, private event spaces, and a gift shop with RD1 merch and the label’s bourbon available for purchase...

Among the more interesting news items this week was the introduction of Old Forester’s first bottled in bond rye, released as part of the distillery’s 117 Series. We have deeper coverage on that here, including an interview with assistant master distiller Caleb Trigo. Elsewhere in the whiskey world, there are new releases from Barrel Craft Spirits, 15 Stars, Elijah Craig, Kentucky Senator, and Old Potrero, as well as the latest Gentleman’s Cut expression from NBA superstar Stephen Curry, and a new addition to the Wildlife Collection from Milam & Greene.
 
Elijah Craig Limited Edition Toasted Barrel Small Batch Bourbon
 
ABV: 63.3%
Price: $100
Availability: California Exclusive; less than 200 bottles; presale signup available here
Bourbon and golf fans should enjoy Heaven Hill’s new Elijah Craig limited-edition private barrel bourbon, selected in partnership with golf pro and six-time PGA Tour winner Max Homa. This...

Whiskey and chocolate share a special synergy, similar to classic pairings like vodka and caviar, wine and cheese, and champagne and oysters. This recipe showcases the harmony achieved between whisky and chocolate in a simple bundt cake. The whiskey and coffee ingredients create a moist, slightly dense crumb with a boozy heft, enrobed in a whiskey caramel glaze, for a comforting, bittersweet flavor.
Because this recipe uses a large amount of melted chocolate, aim to use a quality brand such as Guittard, Valrhona, and Ghirardelli. A semi-sweet chocolate (60-65% cocoa solids) can work well with the mocha, coffee, and chocolate flavors associated with a stout-cask finished whiskey, like New Holland's Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel bourbon. It has stout-like malted notes that work beautifully with the bittersweet complexity of the cake’s chocolate backbone and coffee flavors.
Though most bourbons or even a rye on the sweeter side would also be suitable, the stout...

Heritage Distilling Co. (HDC) is based in Gig Harbor, Washington, at the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, just across the bay from Tacoma. The distillery has been expanding from its home base through a series of tasting rooms and entertainment centers in partnership with Native American tribes. Its latest partner is the Coquille tribe and its The Mill Casino-Hotel & RV Park in North Bend, Oregon.
Slated to open by year-end, this site will be Oregon’s first Tribal-owned distillery, and one of only a few in the nation, joining a Heritage-backed site in Arizona, Apache Corners, that broke ground last year with the Tonto Apache Tribe. Elsewhere, Talking Cedar Distillery, based in Rochester, Washington, opened its doors in 2020.
Although billed as a distillery, Heritage’s Oregon venture won’t distill until a second-phase add-on is built. Heritage has several distillery tasting rooms across Oregon and Washington, but the Coos Bay site will be the third...

Woodford Reserve this week released its annual Derby bottle ahead of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which takes place on May 3. This year’s label was created by Cuban-American artist Humberto Lahera, who’s based in Louisville. The one-liter bottle retails at $50 and can be purchased on Reservebar, on Woodford’s online store, at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, and selected retailers nationwide.
Among other new releases, Orphan Barrel is out with a 17 year old, while Old Elk has a new flagship bourbon called Slow Cut. Penelope Rio, the amburana cask-finished bourbon, is back with its third iteration, while High West returns with the annual release of Bourye, its rye-bourbon blend. There's plenty more, with new offerings from Buzzard's Roost, Remus, and Westward, among others, including a noteworthy release from Bushmills, which has unveiled the oldest Irish single malt ever—a 46 year old with a limited global release of just 300 bottles, priced at a cool...

Higher proof whiskeys have been expanding their presence these days—indeed, among the latest releases, it almost seems like a rare thing to find a whisky with an ABV in the 40% bracket. These new expressions are nearly all in the high 50% or low 60% range, with only two bottlings in the mid-40s. It seems to be what whisky drinkers want as they seek intense, amped up flavors, and, so distillers are delivering. This lineup spans most of the major styles, including bourbon, rye, single malt, and Irish, nearly all pushing up the needle on proof.
Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye
ABV: 55.25%
SRP: $120
Availability: Limited
While your favorite Michter’s releases can sometimes go on hiatus due to a combination of limited supply and the judgment of master distiller Dan McKee and master of maturation Andrea Wilson, the distillery has made concerted efforts in recent years to make sure that its whiskeys are on shelves. That effort has paid...

This week's new releases see several whisky makers take familiar concepts and flip them on their heads. First up is Woodford, which has reinvented its Chocolate Malt Whisper bourbon into a whiskey that, at 69.7% ABV, is the highest-proof expression it has ever released. Elsewhere in Kentucky, Peerless has taken two whiskeys it’s executed well in the past—rye and toasted barrel—and combined them for its first toasted barrel-finished rye. Frey Ranch is also bringing something fresh to the table with the introduction of a whiskey made entirely from unmalted barley. Overseas, Bushmills has had its hands full with cask finishes, while Macallan has debuted the 8th release in its nostalgia-evoking Archival Series. 
Woodford Reserve Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4 Bourbon
ABV: 69.7%
SRP: $100/375 ml
Availability: Limited; woodfordreserve.com, distillery tasting room, and KY
To understand this new Woodford whiskey, we must first look back to 2021...

A compact but very interesting array of whiskies populate this round of new releases. Larceny Barrel Proof is out with its first batch of the year, while Memphis, Tennessee-based B. R. Distilling has unveiled the 2025 edition of its Special Reserve bourbon blend. Single malt maker Virginia Distillery Co. (VDC) has another stout cask-finished expression, this one timed especially for Valentine’s Day. From Scotland, blended scotch house Compass Box has announced the 2025 edition of its Hedonism label. And if Derby Day is in your sights, consider the Evan Williams Kentucky Derby Festival single barrel annual release, though it’s only on sale at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Louisville and at some Kentucky retailers. 
Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A125)
ABV: 62.5%
SRP: $65
Availability: Nationwide
Just a few weeks ago, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill Distillery unveiled the newest version of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Now it’s...

Bruce Joseph, the master distiller who spent 45 years at San Francisco-based Hotaling & Co. (formerly Anchor Spirits) and was among the pioneers of the U.S. craft distilling movement, has retired, the company announced. He’s best known as the creator of Old Potrero, the country’s first 100% malted rye made on copper pot stills since before Prohibition.
Joseph’s career at Hotaling & Co. began under founder Fritz Maytag, who became famous in craft beer circles for revitalizing Anchor Brewing Co. and its flagship brand, Anchor Steam, after purchasing the company in 1965. Anchor Steam’s rise was considered the early dawn of the craft beer movement. Anchor Spirits was founded in 1993 as an outgrowth of the brewing operation.
 “As I reflect on my career over the last 45 years, beginning as a young brewer at Anchor, I realize how fortunate I was to have a ringside seat for not only the craft brewing revolution, but the rebirth...

The latest addition to Heaven Hill’s Heritage Collection is a 19 year old straight wheat whiskey, which uses the same mashbill recipe as the one for its Bernheim label. From out west, Utah’s  High West has a new single malt whiskey, comprised of 4 and 8 year old whisks entirely at the Utah distillery, though unfortunately, its distribution is in-state only. From Texas, Garrison Bros. has a single barrel version of its Balmorhea bourbon, and it also is limited, at just 1,000 bottles. Ardbeg is out with its annual Ardbeg Committee Exclusive, Ardbeg Eureka! which blends malt selected by 100 fans who were invited to the Islay distillery to taste five “extreme” Ardbeg samples.
Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19 year old Kentucky Straight Wheat 
ABV: 50%
SRP: $300
Availability: Limited
This is the latest release in Heaven Hill’s Heritage Collection, a series of aged releases launched in 2022 that showcases some of...

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, it's easy to fall on reliable standbys like a dozen roses and a candlelit dinner, or for the whisky lover, a favorite bottle. While all are fitting, this year, go the extra mile for that special someone who enjoys a dram with one of these whisky-centric gifts. Step out of the hours-long florist line and opt for a flower-adorned bourbon cocktail kit, or treat the whiskey lover in your life to a customized bottle with a special message on the label. Single malt scotch lovers will be head over heels with a truffle assortment infused with their favorite whiskies. 
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Bourbon Experience 
Kentucky-based J. Mattingly 1845 is offering a choice of their signature double staved bourbon or rye in a customized 750ml bottle for $99.00. Send a sweet message with a fully customized label, followed by a selection from three different bottle shape options...

Making whiskey from heirloom grains has been among the many pursuits of Newport, Kentucky-based New Riff Distilling since its launch in 2014. Now it's offering a new iteration of its Balboa rye label, which returns for the first time since its inaugural release in 2019. Meanwhile, Old Forester is bringing back its 1910 Extra Old label, and Westland returns with the third edition of its peated expression Solum, this time with significantly more bottles available. Elsewhere, terroir-drive Colorado distiller Laws is out with a new wheated whiskey, while the World Whiskey Society has expanded its Doc Holliday franchise with a bottled in bond bourbon.
 
Old Forester 1910 Extra Old Bourbon
ABV: 46.5%
SRP: $65
Availability: Limited
Earlier this month, Old Forester reintroduced its 1924 bourbon. Now, the distillery is bringing back another whiskey: 1910 Extra Old, which returns to shelves after a nearly three-year hiatus. The...

Jim Beam has unveiled a new campaign aimed at football fans, which is a humorous take on the woes of post-game defeat. It’s a partnership with comedian, writer, and producer Keegan-Michael Key, who’s best known as a co-star in the comedy series “Key & Peele.” His involvement isn’t a straightforward name-on-a-bottle partnership, but is centered around a humorous play on the seven stages of grief dubbed the “7 Stages of Defeat.”
Key, a longtime Detroit Lions fan, summons his comedic talents to address each of those stages through a series of sketch comedy skits. The aim is to turn the bitterness of defeat into an opportunity to laugh it off and enjoy a dram. The biggest draw is a tangible Jim Beam branded “care package,” a sleek all-black box, which when opened reveals items directly tied to each of the seven stages of defeat defined as: Shock, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Woe, Rebuilding, and Acceptance.
Missing from the...

Popular theory often commits only the older set to be admirers of rum-raisin, but in reality, it's a classic for a reason and is the unsung spiced up hero for everyone, not just your grandmother. Every classic needs a twist, and this one is for whiskey lovers. 
Swap out the chill of ice cream for the warmth of a cookie, and whiskey for rum and you’ll be rewarded with vanilla and spice notes that feel comforting but sophisticated. This recipe taps into the art of cask-finishing, specifically with a rum cask-finished whiskey—which offers all the robust whiskey flavor with a subtle kiss of tropical fruit notes. The raisins are soaked in whiskey anywhere from 24 hours up to a week before baking, becoming plump and hydrated. The alcohol evaporates, leaving a chewy (and boozy) flavor in every bite.
Though there is no shortage of delectable rum-finished whiskies on the market, some shine through in this recipe. Moderately priced at around $30, Teeling Small Batch is...

The Fall release from Old Fitzgerald is out: it's just a week before the start of winter, but these Old Fitz releases are nearly always worth the wait. Woodford Reserve, meanwhile, offers a second Batch Proof release this year, while Penelope has a new rum barrel finished expression. Still Austin, fresh off being named the No. 7 whisky of the year in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 rankings for 2024, joins an increasingly crowded cigar blend market with its new Still Austin Tanager. Hidden Barn, the work of former Old Forester master taster Jackie Zykan, has a new expression, while Chattanooga offers the 2024 edition of its Vault Series. And in the spirit of the holidays, Good Deed Spirits is back with a new blended whiskey whose proceeds will all be donated.
Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bourbon (2024 Edition)
ABV: 59.75%
SRP: $150
Availability: Limited
Thanks to Woodford Reserve’s fiscal calendar, which ends in May, we’re being treated...

Single barrel whiskeys from Four Roses and 2XO are just two of the week’s highlights among the new releases on the North American side, which also feature Barrell's oldest age statement whiskey to date—a Canadian expression—as well as new creations from Remus, Pinhook, and Milam & Greene. On the scotch side, Compass Box has a new peated offering that aims to showcase the sweeter side of peat, particularly in comparison to its sibling label Peat Monster, a long-beloved mainstay of the Compass Box portfolio. Elsewhere in scotch, Dalmore weighs in with two new vintage expressions—one distilled in 2006 and the other 2009.
Four Roses Single Barrel Collection
Price: $50
ABV: 50%
Availability: Four Roses Distillery, Cox’s Creek facility
Every year since 2004, Four Roses has released a single barrel bourbon. While the single barrels have varied—some have had age statements, and the proof jumps...

Over the past decade or so, single malt whisky has expanded beyond Scotland, led by American single malt but also by world whisky producers, most notably India. The top Indian single malts have long proven they can excel on the world stage, the starring roles played by Rampur, Amrut, Paul John, and a more recent arrival, Indri. With few exceptions, their releases have all scored well into the 90-point range with our tasting panel, and  Rampur and Indri both have made our Top 20 rankings over the years. Rampur focuses on wine cask-finished single malts, and it has now added two such expressions to its list—one finished in tokaji casks, and the other in madeira casks. Elsewhere in the whisky world, Crown Royal has a 12 year old expression, which falls into line behind the 18 year old as this Canadian whisky maker continues to bolster its aged-stated portfolio, while Seattle's 2Bar Spirits has a new single barrel bourbon. Finally, there is Catador...

Barrell is back with two releases in its ultra-aged Grey Label series, a bourbon and a rye, the latter being a blend of two whiskies with 100% rye mashbills from an undisclosed Canadian distiller (most likely Alberta Distillers, which is known for its high rye mashbills.) That Canadian entry is the only non-U.S. whiskey on today’s list, which also includes a new 7 year old, high-rye expression from Baker’s—a welcome new addition for Baker's fans, who always want more from this somewhat sparsely available label. Louisville distiller Rabbit Hole, meanwhile, has a limited edition 8 year old rye from its Boxergrail label.
Elsewhere, Blue Note is offering a new honey barrel expression, while Log Still Distillery has a new rye, and Lost Lantern is out with a new collection of 10 year old single cask whiskeys.  Although Halloween and Thanksgiving still await, some whiskey makers are already unveiling their holiday whiskeys. Old Potrero...

Texas does a lot of things bigger; this sheet cake is no exception. Classically, a one-bowl cake baked in a sheet tray, this mellow but morish cake comes together easily. This sweet corn-based sponge has a texture akin to a moist chocolate cake with a hint of fudginess that’s reminiscent of a blondie. It’s underscored with caramelized vanilla flavors thanks to a technique of slow-roasting white chocolate—a pastry chef’s trick, that lends a luxuriant note reminiscent of dulce de leche, perfect for pairing with a honey and whiskey glaze.
Any quality bourbon on the sweeter side will work well with this recipe, like Knob Creek 9 year old, but in keeping with the Lone Star State theme, a Texas whiskey is fitting. Go one step further and highlight the cake’s corn base with a bourbon that showcases some out-of-the-ordinary corn strains.
Still Austin’s Blue Corn bourbon is a stellar option. It’s made from Texas-grown blue and white corn and...

Blended scotch giant Johnnie Walker has unveiled a new, limited edition collaborative whisky package with the popular Netflix show “Squid Games” in celebration of the series' upcoming second season.  Johnnie Walker, a sponsor of the 76th Emmy Awards last month, is increasingly seeking so-called "branded sponsorship" content like many big players, but Squid Games is certainly a new and different departure.
This “Squid Games” involvement for Johnnie Walker isn’t about a new whisky, as the brand in focus is the classic Black Label but with some special packaging. The slanted label features the familiar Johnnie Walker Striding Man logo, but here he’s had a slight change of attire—into something closely akin to the green tracksuit worn by the show’s characters. The effort also includes an expansive launch event list, that began with a “takeover” in Times Square to mark its launch on October 1st and extends to...

After working with renowned blending expert Nancy Fraley as its master blender since 2014, Wyoming Whiskey has promoted Brendan Cook to that role. Cook, who joined Wyoming late last year, previously was with Driftwood Distillery in Victoria, Canada, as head of spirits creation. Prior to that, he was with Brown-Forman, where he served as assistant blender for scotch whiskies Glendronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh. He started as a brewer, working at Driftwood Brewery, a sister operation to Driftwood Spirits.
Thus far at Wyoming Whiskey, Cook has released two whiskeys—Independence Rock bourbon, an annual Wyoming release that celebrates the West’s pioneers and National Parks No. 4, released on September 9th. With Cook at the helm, Wyoming is doubling down on its commitment to the state’s terroir. The corn, winter wheat, winter rye, and barley used to make Wyoming’s expressions are grown in the Bighorn Basin, and distilled and matured on-site at the...

Glen Scotia is out with the second release in its Icons of Campbeltown series, but the rest of the scotch whisky world is somewhat quiet, although Glenmorangie will soon hit our shores with another installment in its “Tale” series—this one called A Tale of Ice Cream, matured in bourbon barrels as well as “high vanillin” casks that received a special heat treatment to bring our as much vanillin as possible in the wood. We’ll have more next week, but pricing is at around $100 and it’s expected to hit the market on October 1.
On the bourbon front, we have news that Basil Hayden is offering its 10 year old as a permanent member of the lineup—graduating from its previous role as a limited annual release. We’ve been seeing many more aged whiskies lately, a far cry from a decade ago, when the good stuff was in very short supply—indeed, greater age seems to be the message far more than it used to be. Pinhook has a...

As the summer sun fades and cooler evenings arrive, so does our appetite for lighter, fruitier desserts. The arrival of autumn calls for more full-bodied comfort food, and this layered chocolate tart fits the bill: A wonderfully easy, rich, and no-frills treat that will likely win over even a staunch no-dessert crowd, thanks to its savory salty and smoky finish. It’s also the perfect excuse to reach for something beyond that go-to bottle of bourbon. This dessert harnesses the uniquely robust expressions of a scotch—specifically a peated scotch that lends a distinct smokiness reinforced by the smoked almonds in the crust, and holds up perfectly to the rich chocolate atop a sweet and salty butterscotch. 
A peated or otherwise smoky single malt scotch is a stellar accompaniment for those who love intense desserts with a savory edge. Talisker Storm delivers smoke and a distinctly briny bite, and is a surprisingly welcome addition to the luxurious butterscotch...

Balmy languid summer days aren’t ideal for slaving away in the kitchen. Surrendering to summer’s bounty, these three informal and oven-free recipes are the perfect coda to a long day in the sun. From a gentle kiss to a punchy blast, the recipes utilize whiskey in different ways to propel juicy seasonal fruit to its full dessert potential. And for ultimate summer refreshment, there’s a recipe for a frozen treat that harnesses whiskey’s rich toffee and chocolaty notes against a backdrop of abundant coffee and coconut.
Poached Whiskey Peaches With Vanilla and Pink Peppercorn
Sweet, sappy peaches become summer’s elegant post-dinner darling when gently poached in liquid gold composed of vanilla, peppercorns, and whiskey. A modestly priced rye whiskey such as Rittenhouse or a rye-heavy bourbon, like Old Forester 100 or Wild Turkey 101 add a pleasant spice to fragrant fruit-leaning pink peppercorns. Leftover peaches stored in the poaching liquid can be...

Whiskey isn’t just for drinking—it’s a perfect ingredient for a tasty snack especially when it’s immersed in a creamy chocolate ganache that’s nestled between two buttery sable cookies. The ideal anytime treat, the sable is the French’s answer to shortbread. This version gets an upgrade with ganache, an easy pastry staple of emulsified chocolate and cream that is elevated with a punch of whiskey and the moreish sweetness of malted milk powder. A high-malt whisky, such as the sweet, chocolate-forward Westward American single malt is the natural choice for complementing the signature caramelized and toasted notes of the malted milk powder. Old Pulteney single malt scotch is a less expensive option, bringing a distinctly salty note to the ganache. A toasted barrel or port barrel-finished bourbon would be fitting for this recipe as well.
Delicate in texture, but sturdy enough for transport, these cookies are a great picnic dessert or adult lunch box...

Custard desserts resonate with the soul, free of the fuss or frills of an elaborate dessert. Like whiskey, custard, whether nestled in a chess pie, poured out as a crème anglaise, or stirred into a classic pudding is comforting and straightforward. The strong vanilla notes with a tinge of spice found in a mid-shelf bourbon like Maker’s Mark work well in this spring-forward tart by complementing the mellow toastiness of the almond crust and the sweet but bright notes of the Meyer lemon in the custard. Canadian whiskies with a smooth sweet finish such as Crown Royal would also work well here. Avoid using high-proof, bold, or peated whiskies as the strong flavors might overwhelm the sweetness of the custard.
What’s a Flip?
This recipe pays homage to the creamy cocktail known as a Flip. A frothy sip with a rich mouthfeel, a whiskey version typically includes beaten eggs, sugar, and spices. Composed of these basic elements with the addition of Meyer lemon, this...

Walk into a trendy bar and you’re bound to find a cocktail touting “fat-washed” as a seductive descriptor, and for a good reason. Fat-washing, popular with mixologists, yields incredibly rich flavors in cocktails. Infusing fats such as coconut oil, bacon, or butter into a liquor lends incredible depth and mouthfeel and can do the same for desserts.
This recipe incorporates both the fat-washed bourbon and the residual bourbon-infused browned butter in a moist almond-based cake. Enrobed in a silky bourbon-vanilla bean buttercream, this richly flavored but lightly textured dessert exhibits subtle toffee and caramel notes. It also acts as a blank canvas for other flavor combinations to highlight fat-washing as an approachable method to elevate the humble layer cake. This cake is a great backdrop for a variety of fall flavors and fillings: Homemade or store-bought pumpkin butter marries beautifully with the toffee notes of browned butter and brown sugar and mellows...

A beautiful thing happens when whiskey meets a teaspoon (or mountain) of sugar. The bold flavors of a neat pour are eased into a delectable saccharine hug—all of its warmth and unique flavors left to be enjoyed. Whiskey desserts aren’t anything new, but there’s a lot more on the roster than the classic Irish coffee cake. Though whiskey’s rich and buttery mouthfeel holds up against other ingredients that have a bitter edge, like chocolate and coffee, it also is a natural pair for less acerbic, but equally rich flavors such as stone fruits, berries, vanilla, and caramel. All of this offers a platform for whiskey to take the stage in sweet treats. 
When it comes to your choice of whiskey, a few general tips prevail. Vanilla-tinged spirits like bourbon, Tennessee, and American rye whiskeys make a great addition, bringing out the round, soft flavors of the dessert’s sweetness while adding some punch to keep it interesting. Corn and Canadian whisky, on...