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For the casual drinker and collector alike, it's high time to visit one of Scotland's many distilleries. More than 70 Scotch whisky distilleries now offer visitor tours—some even give you a choice of four or five different experiences. So many tours, so little time! Don't panic: it may seem bewildering at first, but there are key strategies to making the most of your visit.If it's your first time touring a scotch distillery, let your favorite dram guide your choice of where to visit. Nothing beats that incredible feeling of standing in the place where the whisky you first fell in love with was made.Note that most distillery tours follow a similar formula, with a guide leading you through the steps of the whisky-making process (prepare ahead of time by brushing up on the basics of how whisky is made). You'll see the mill, mashtun, washbacks, stills, plus a warehouse if you're lucky—and then round off your trip with a tasting of the whisky.If you're a seasoned distillery visitor...

In planning out a wedding day, selecting a special location is the first big step. Once upon a time, a distillery wouldn’t have been on the menu of choices. But as whiskey has grown ever more popular, distilleries and matrimony have become an unlikely pair. Weddings, meet whiskey.
Distillers around the country have added event spaces to host weddings, creating distinct and memorable places where brides and grooms can celebrate their love—for each other, of course, but also for their favorite spirit. You can get married in the rickhouse, have your reception in the tasting room, and take photos next to stills. Your guests can sample the distillery’s whiskeys and tour areas that aren’t usually open to the public.

“From the barrels to the stills, distillery properties offer really unique elements that a traditional wedding venue won’t have,” says Becca George, owner and event planner at Nashville, Tennessee-based wedding firm Modern...

Shrouded in the woods in an unincorporated town outside of Frankfort, Kentucky, a 19th-century distillery rumbles back to life. Abandoned in 1972, the workers walked out, leaving coffee mugs and office memos on their desks, not knowing when or if they might return. In the passing decades, the Old Taylor Distillery, with its “Sleeping Beauty” castle, was crumbling, cloaked in ivy, an unintended casualty of an unloved spirit.Now the sprawling compound stands resurrected as Castle & Key, a massive and mercurial passion project of former Kentucky lawyer Will Arvin and hedge funder Wesley Murry. The reborn distillery began producing bourbon and gin in November under the energetic oversight of Marianne Barnes, the first female master distiller in bourbon country since Prohibition. “Since the first time I laid eyes on the historic site that would become Castle & Key, I knew that it was important,” she says. “It is a lost bourbon icon, built by a man who was not shy to say...

Of all Scotland's many islands, few serve up such a heady blend of heritage, romance, folklore, and dramatic beauty as Skye, “the Misty Isle,” or Eilean a' Cheo in Gaelic. Despite measuring only 50 miles across, Skye is actually the largest of the Inner Hebrides, boasting a spectacular coastline of sea lochs and peninsulas. Of most importance to whisky lovers, Skye is the gateway to three whisky distilleries. The most well-known distillery is Talisker, producer of rugged single malts recognized for the way it captures the spray of the sea and delivers a distinctive peppery spice.If there is a drawback to this beautiful island, it is that we are not alone in realizing its many charms. The intimate island now attracts an outsized 650,000 visitors annually, often resulting in overcrowding as narrow roads are blocked by large motorhomes and parking lots overflow. However, with thoughtful planning, a visit to Skye will still be a delight: a destination of meals, vistas, and whiskies...

With around 50 operating whiskey distilleries and thousands of traditional pubs, the Irish drinking scene has much to offer the whiskey lover. While the island is small enough to fit into California five times over, it packs in a huge amount of distilling power and whiskey history for its size. Our suggestions will help you tailor your itinerary to ensure you take in the very best distillery tours, bars, restaurants, whiskey shops, and visitor attractions the Emerald Isle has to offer.
DISTILLERIES

Midleton Distillery Experience
County Cork
At the recently revamped Midleton Distillery Experience, visitors enter the lobby to find a wall of 1,100 whiskey bottles before being ushered into the new auditorium to watch an immersive video as the tour begins. Midleton, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, is home to all the Irish Distillers labels—including Spot Whiskeys, Redbreast, Powers, and Method & Madness. It’s worth taking the extended...

Avisit to Islay and Jura is the ultimate adventure for the single malt scotch lover. Islay, Queen of the Hebrides, and her world-class whiskies have come to represent Scotch whisky for so many minds and palates. We love those assertive, uncompromising, smoky single malts bristling with machismo, and we revel in their unpeated drams that produce soft, rich Hebridean beauties bursting with personality. These whiskies ignite passionate dedication and near-religious fervor at times, leading some to commit spectacular acts of single-minded devotion that no other whisky producing area can rival. They are unmatched. No spirit distilled anywhere else in the world is a substitute for Ardbeg or can be taken as a proxy for Laphroaig. If you're the kind of person who likes to suck the marrow out of life, then simply nothing else will do.Both islands face the teeth of forceful Atlantic gales through the winter, and bask in the welcoming relief of the Gulf Stream climate in the summer months (well...

This article was originally published in December 2019. COVID-related restrictions may affect some of the opening times and offerings of these venues, so check in advance of a visit.Blessed with great weather and equally impressive scenery, Scottsdale anchors the “Valley of the Sun,” a sprawling jigsaw puzzle of Arizona municipalities including Tempe, Phoenix, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Mesa, and more. The region's heart and soul is Old Town Scottsdale, a walkable neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, shops, and Old West flair that is also home to one of baseball's top spring training facilities. Along with the adjacent Fashion Square mall area, it forms the regional downtown.Radiating out from this center in every direction is an impressive array of large resort hotels, including many that cater to golf, a key driver of tourism. Scottsdale is among the top warm-weather golf destinations in the world and the epicenter of the stunning course style known as desert golf. With...

For American whiskey lovers, there’s no place quite like Louisville, Kentucky. A true whiskey playground, it offers distilleries and tasting rooms galore along Whiskey Row, a historic 12-block stretch in the heart of the city that has been revived over recent years and has come to symbolize Louisville’s whiskey-led renaissance.
The area’s past is rooted in the 1840s, when distilleries, warehouses, distributors, and sales agents all operated right on Main Street until Prohibition fractured the area’s economy. By the mid-20th century all the distillers were gone, and the area was just a shell of its former self. In 2013, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience opened its doors and sparked the revival of Whiskey Row. Today the area has exploded with whiskey makers, and is back bigger than it ever was in terms of brand representation. At last count, some 11 whiskey makers are in residence on Whiskey Row.
Modern-day Whiskey Row is more vibrant than ever, and it...

We’ve entered a new year, and with it, a flurry of hotly anticipated distillery openings. Several distilleries are being built in Scotland, with a host of brand-new names joining the fray, and another re-opening after a decades-long closure. In the States, Kentucky bourbon remains a hotbed of investment opportunity. Beyond the Bluegrass State, a couple of craft brands that have made serious strides as non-distiller producers are taking the next step this year and opening their own distilleries. Read on for all the distilleries set to open, or have a groundbreaking, in 2024.
Scotland 
Openings
Port Ellen
Islay distillery Port Ellen shuttered in 1983 amid one of whisky’s great downturns. The whisky that remained in the warehouses gained a cult following in the decades after its closure and correspondingly high prices for the finite inventory of remaining bottles. Fast-forward to 2017, when Diageo announced an investment of $44 million to revive Port...

Since 1875, the first Saturday in May has been reserved for one of the world’s premier bucket list events, the Kentucky Derby. But while it is famously known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” the surrounding party stretches across the entire weekend, with plenty of pomp and circumstance, fancy dress, special events, and food and drink, both inside and outside Louisville’s Churchill Downs racetrack.
“The Derby lasts far longer than two minutes, and the city becomes a hive of activity,” said Brian Ruede, COO of Quint Events, which runs Derby Experiences, the official hospitality and ticket package provider for Churchill Downs and ticketed weekend events. “During the week leading up to the race, Louisville lights up with festivals, parades, sporting contests, and shows.”
Many locals attend every year and have the complex logistics dialed in, including renewable seat licenses that take many of the best seats out of play...

Just the name Miami evokes thoughts of sunny days with gentle trade winds and sultry nights filled with neon lights and the strains of salsa music.Miami's cityscape is constantly changing. Wynwood, now the city's art and brewing capital, was an industrial and warehouse district as recently as 10 years ago. The Design District was once a place for interior designers to shop for upholstery, and now it's home to designer shops like Gucci and Dior, and has some of the finest eateries in Miami.The entire city's food scene is thriving, and there are some things you absolutely cannot miss: a Cuban sandwich, a slice of key lime pie, and croquetas—fried bites filled with bechamel sauce and meat (usually ham, cod, or chicken)—Miami's official snack. If you visit between October and May—stone crab season—don't miss out on some crab claws. And Little Havana is a good place to find some of Miami's most authentic food and drink.
The Fontainebleau is Miami's most iconic hotel and puts...

Folks in Indiana are famous for their Midwestern friendliness—“Hoosier Hospitality”—but they also view themselves as tenacious underdogs, an aesthetic noted in just about every Hollywood depiction of the state, from "Hoosiers" to "Breaking Away" to "Rudy." Locals have taken the same approach to craft distilling—until 2014 it was illegal to operate on-site tasting and retail, the way many small distillers in other states make sales. This made Indiana an unfriendly place for indie spirits, but pioneers plunged ahead, while working to change the laws.“In 2014 the state said that if you had a license to distill spirits for three years you could open a tasting room,” recalls Blake Jones, co-owner and president of West Fork Whiskey Co. “That was still tough, but it sort of made distillery tasting rooms in Indiana a thing, and since then we've been able to get it reduced to eighteen months.” For this reason, the Indianapolis distillery boom is a very recent thing, and...

Tequila is made only in Mexico—and primarily in the state of Jalisco, which lies in the center of the country like a beating heart. Like so much of the Mexican countryside, Jalisco is remarkably scenic, offering views of high mountain ranges and scrubland, rolling fields of blue agave and Pacific Ocean beaches. While best known for tequila, Jalisco is also the birthplace of Mariachi music, whose singers will serenade you on many occasions during your visit.
Jalisco’s charming town of Tequila is to its namesake spirit what the town of Sonoma is to its surrounding wine country, and is the heart and soul of the region’s production. Located only 40 miles northwest of the cosmopolitan city of Guadalajara (population 1.5 million), Tequila is home to La Rojeña, Latin America’s oldest distillery (1798), and the only one of three distilleries owned by Mexico’s largest tequila maker, Jose Cuervo, that offers tours. With its hotels, restaurants, and...

Oregon has played a key role in making whiskey since the dawn of America’s craft distilling movement—one of its major contributions being the birthplace of American malt with McCarthy’s Oregon single malt, which debuted in 1996. The city of Portland is best known for its craft breweries, lively food scene, and whimsical reputation for weirdness. But it’s also a whiskey city, with a distilling culture that dovetails nicely with Oregon’s wine and beer background. This culture stretches far beyond Portland, spilling across the rest of the state, too. Here’s a sampling of prominent distilleries that have helped put Oregon on the whiskey map.
PORTLAND DISTILLERIES
Westward Whiskey
FOUNDED 2004
westwardwhiskey.com
Westward Whiskey wasn’t the first to brew an ale and then distill it, but the Portland distiller has certainly perfected the craft. “We have a rich brewing history in the Northwest, and a lot of us at Westward...

Maker’s Mark is known for its distinctive red wax seal; how do you maintain this iconic tradition while innovating?
To appreciate my grandparents' vision, it's essential to understand our family's whisky-making legacy in Kentucky, which spanned 160 years before Maker's Mark. They dreamed of breaking from tradition, ultimately reimagining what bourbon could be. Before Maker's Mark, elevated bourbon whisky didn't exist as a category. My grandfather, a craftsman with a vision for rich, creamy, balanced flavor, inspired my grandmother to honor his vision for handcrafted bourbon. He believed in full sensory engagement as the essence of handmade quality. My grandmother celebrated this vision with the Maker's Mark name and bottle design. The star SIV on the glass and label reflects their commitment. She insisted that every label be printed and torn by hand, finishing each bottle to celebrate the individuality and handmade essence of every drop.
Can you discuss the small-batch...

Your whisky club has likely purchased many bottles, but have you considered buying a whole barrel of whisky? It's easier than you may think and often includes benefits like selecting the barrel with the distillers, personalized labels, and the barrel itself for display.
“Selecting a private barrel of whiskey is one of the most exciting experiences that a person can have,” says Skip Young, who co-founded the Northern Kentucky-based Toasted Cooper Society with John Weigold and Greaham Niemer. The club has purchased three Buffalo Trace barrels to split among members over the past three years. Like most distillers, Buffalo Trace includes a full tour of their facilities and tastings from several different barrels when purchasing by the barrel. “We make a day of it. We charter a small bus to drive us down to the distillery, and then visit additional nearby distilleries on the way home,” Niemer says. “This makes it a safe, fun way for us to enjoy a day out...

When distillers sold their bourbon in New Orleans, they'd want to avoid pirates stealing their money on the way home,” says Steve Wilson, recounting a highly plausible legend behind the Bluegrass State's twin legacies. “So they'd ride back to Kentucky on the fastest horse they could buy." We're strolling the grounds of Hermitage Farm, owned by Steve and his wife, Laura Lee Brown—700 acres in the elite enclave of Goshen, Kentucky. Outside of a day at the races, Kentucky offers limited opportunities to experience both thoroughbreds and bourbon in one place, but Wilson and Brown aim to change that with Hermitage Farm, where visitors can get up close and personal with champion racehorses before sitting down to sip some of the state's best whiskeys.Ideal for day-trippers from Louisville, a 30-minute drive away, Hermitage Farm—which opens to the public in phases beginning May 22—offers no shortage of custom experiences. At its heart, it's still a working broodmare farm...

Many drinkers are quick to inspect the back label of a whiskey bottle to determine the origin of the liquid inside—whether it was actually distilled by the people who sell it or if it was sourced from elsewhere.Often, the answer is both.That's the approach taken by Smooth Ambler Spirits and its aptly named Contradiction bourbon—a blend of straight bourbons combining about one-third house-distilled whiskey with the balance sourced from another distiller.While a popular approach now, this was once a novel idea, says national sales and marketing director John Foster, who has been with Smooth Ambler since 2009. “At first there were two camps,” he says. “You either made everything from scratch and everybody else was a poser, or you sourced everything and pretended you made it.” Sourcing was not part of Smooth Ambler's original plan.How Open Should Brands Be About Sourcing? Our Editors DebateSometimes however, serendipity leads to success. “Contradiction is our most popular...

In the weeks following the killing of George Floyd, as protests against police brutality and structural racism toward African Americans roiled seemingly every aspect of American life, many businesses released statements expressing their intent to be more diverse and inclusive. Yet initially, American whiskey brands largely remained silent, prompting the Black Bourbon Society (BBS) to publish an open letter on June 7 to the bourbon and American whiskey industry, calling out whiskey brands for not publicly speaking out against racism; the letter also details the many ways that African Americans have played an important role in the industry's success, and continue to support it. Major distilleries and smaller companies alike are now reckoning with and confronting enduring forms of racial injustice—including within their own industry.Since the letter was made public, “We have received overwhelming support and response from the majority of the bourbon brands,” BBS founder and CEO...

Planning a trip to New York City—the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, museums, the Empire State Building, Central Park, shopping on Fifth Avenue, and world-class dining? Why not add distillery visits to your itinerary, and head to Brooklyn? The borough is home to a burgeoning whiskey scene, with innovative distillers making bourbon, rye, and malt whiskey, while others experiment with rice, apples, and wormwood. Making whiskey isn't easy, but distilling in an urban setting like New York is particularly challenging since distillers must navigate various building regulations and stringent laws governing manufacturing sites, all while working in a tight space and respecting the surrounding neighborhood. Yet a group of industrious distillers has surmounted these challenges and is making whiskey and other spirits in the city that never sleeps. These places began cropping up around a decade ago, and since then have multiplied.New York City's modern whiskey-making movement arguably began in...

With a scrunch of gravel, the snarling engine of the Morgan comes to life. With the roof buttoned down, I pull away from the sidewalk, short-shifting through the low gears to build up speed. Driving modern vehicles can be a passive experience, but a Morgan demands to be actively driven.With Freddie, my father-in-law, as co-driver, we're attempting something quite ambitious; some might call it foolhardy. I've set us the challenge of driving the entire length of the A9 and back again in 48 hours. It's Scotland's longest road, running 273 miles up the spine of the country. This is Scotland's answer to Route 66, with more than a dozen distilleries interspersed along its route. Forevermore, this two-day attempt to tackle the journey from Rosebank distillery in Falkirk to Wolfburn distillery in Thurso and back again will be known as my Whisky Cannonball Run.The car belongs to Alex Stewart of Caledonian Classic Cars, based near Dollar, Clackmannanshire. He runs the Kennels B&B, which has...

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In a perfect world, we'd all be well-equipped with a sterling silver cocktail shaker, a variety of premium mixers, and fresh fruit, prepared to transform our favorite whiskies into tasty cocktails at a moment's notice. However, life is often less than perfect.So we've delved into five classic whisky cocktails with the help of some top bartenders, asking a lot of questions that begin with “What if…?” Because sometimes you're low on limes, or can't find a cocktail strainer. If you're willing to put aside some of the pomp and pedantry, there's more than one way to make a cocktail. In fact, more than a few great cocktails have been invented out of necessity.With their relatively short ingredient lists and simple recipes, the whisky classics are well-suited for improvisation. If you're hankering for a cold cocktail at home, read on to learn how to construct a great drink while letting nothing stand in your way.Build Your Best ManhattanWhether you opt for bourbon or rye, this elegant...

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the new flagship home and visitor attraction of the world's best-selling whisky, opened September 6 in the heart of Edinburgh. The new high-design venue, built inside a former luxury department store, has eight levels and is staffed with 150 people. It's expected to attract over half a million visitors in its first year, as the centerpiece of Diageo's $250 million investment in scotch whisky tourism. Whisky Advocate gained a full-access tour ahead of opening day, and here is our report:The ToursJourney of Flavor - 1.5 hours for £25 (around $35)The main tour brings the story of Johnnie Walker to life, combining audio-visuals, 3D projection, and high definition LEDs, all with a soundtrack of movie theater-quality. Guests use a dedicated side entrance where a host will greet you, check you in for the tour, ascertain your flavor preferences with a quiz to personalize your experience, and hand you a wristband whose color comes into play later on. A...

Want to buy a whole barrel of whiskey? Read about how to do it, and consult this guide. Bear in mind:Due to high demand, some barrel purchase programs have been placed on hold, or have long waiting lists. Begin by setting up a selection session with a participating retailer. Unsure if your favorite whisky retailer participates? Look for “private selection” picks in their bourbon aisle or contact the distilleries below to assist with finding a retailer in your area.Updated 3/30/2020Whiskey Distilleries and Brands with Single Barrel ProgramsThe whiskeys offered for private barrels change frequently. Check with the distillery for current selections.Barrell Craft Spirits—Available for bourbon and Canadian rye, as well as occasionally whiskey and rumFor more information, contact Nic Christiansen: nic@barrellbourbon.comCascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel)For more information, contact DickelBarrel@diageo.comCatoctin CreekFor more information, email info@catoctincreek.com or...

Since 2012, Westland Distillery has plied its trade in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, named for its south of downtown location. It’s a former industrial part of town filled with warehouses and factories that have gradually given way to a new generation of distillers, brewers, restaurants, and retailers. Westland’s trendy urban feel stands in stark contrast to its whiskey creations, which lean toward a far different landscape—north in the Skagit Valley, where damp, spongy peat bogs proliferate and fields of tulips, cabbage, potatoes, and barley grow, then west to Washington’s forests of garryana oak. These are the places where you’ll find Westland’s inspiration for its whiskeys, which are part of a burgeoning style called American single malt.

But Westland’s whiskeys represent just one of many interpretations of the genre, as distillers around the country put their own stamp on this rapidly emerging style. The core unifying...

Any American of retirement age who has worked in beverage alcohol for most or all of his or her career has never experienced American whiskey, the pride and joy of the American distilled spirits industry, healthy and growing like it is today. For most of our working lives, American whiskey was quiescent. It sold. A few companies did well with it. Most didn't. Nothing seemed to move the needle. The customers kept getting older and many feared that when the last bourbon drinker went to that great brass rail in the sky, that would be it. It wasn't always so dismal. Bourbons, ryes, and blends sold as fast as distilleries could make them coming out of the privations of World War II in the mid-1940s. They were still going strong when we were in high school. Almost two million barrels were filled in 1967 and there were more than eight-and-a-half million in aging inventory. By the time we finished college and went to work, the bottom had fallen out. The industry was on its way to losing half...

Dick Stoll, the last of the old-time Pennsylvania distillers, passed away on Aug. 13 at the age of 86. Though his name may be unfamiliar to many, he made significant contributions to American whiskey history.I'm proud to have been a friend of Dick's; in fact, he was the man who sparked my love of whiskey. We first crossed paths on my last visit to the beautiful old Michter's Distillery in rural Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It was November 1989, and as I left the Jug House, the on-site whiskey store (the only one in the country at the time), I noticed an open warehouse door and walked inside. My first impression was how empty the building was, nearly bereft of barrels, with two men dumping them into a trough. I approached and we struck up a conversation. One of them offered me a taste straight from the cask, and I was hooked. For me it was the beginning of a life as a whiskey enthusiast. For the distillery, it was nearly over.Decades later, I learned that gracious man was Dick...

This article was originally published in March 2020. COVID-related restrictions may affect some of the opening times and offerings of these venues, so check in advance of a visit.No city shares a greater affinity with rye whiskey than Baltimore. Locals remained loyal to Maryland's Pikesville rye even long after the brand moved to Kentucky's Heaven Hill Distillery in 1982. The city is also the epicenter for the revival of Maryland-style rye, which is distinguished by a significant portion of corn, anywhere from 15% to 45% of the mashbill, giving it a lighter, sweeter taste. Its reemergence is a sign of Baltimore's, and Maryland's, return to the East Coast's whiskey-making vanguard.Like rye playing second fiddle to bourbon, there is an underdog quality to Baltimore, living in the shadow of Washington, D.C. “We're excited to show the world what sort of spirits Baltimore is creating, and return the city to its rightful place in the pantheon of world booze meccas,” says Max Lents...

Below is a list of the operational distilleries on Islay and Jura that run regular distillery tours. We strongly suggest that you check websites or call ahead to determine tour times, the days they are open for tours (some options are seasonal), and try your best to plan and book your tours in advance to avoid disappointment. It is worth remembering that the island is much quieter outside of the peak tourist weeks. Distilleries each have their own open day during Fèis Ìle, with a busy program of events, though they lay on extra tours throughout the week due to the volume of visitors.Ardbeg (established 1815, owner: LVMH, distillery manager: Michael Heads); 1496 302244; ardbeg.com. Open seven days a week, year-round. Admission: Ardbeg Tour (£5) is a one-hour tour of the distillery with a tasting of new make Ardbeg spirit and one dram of Ardbeg 10 year old, Uigeadail, or Corryvreckan. Ardbeg Full Range Tour (£20) is a 1.5-hour tour of the distillery with an in-depth tasting of three...

Online whisky auctions have had an indisputable impact on the world of whisky. Their phenomenal success has turned casual and serious whisky collectors into eager customers, radically altered the scale and accessibility of the secondary market, trumped the best liquor stores on choice and price, and in turn, compelled a reactive whisky industry to rethink the pricing and availability of every new limited-edition whisky. The ascendancy of this young, global, multi-million-dollar industry shows no signs of slowing. With the hegemony of UK-based websites dominating the scene, we interview four top industry leaders representing the country's largest online auction houses. Scotch Whisky Auctions (scotchwhiskyauctions.com) has moved to its third Glasgow location in five years to meet their ever-growing requirements for storage space. “Back in 2010, Tam Gardiner had a wee whisky shop called Tam's Drams,” explains Bill Mackintosh, co-founder of the business, as he tells the story of their...

The coronation of King Charles III takes place Saturday at Westminster Abbey in London, and while the ceremony plan is somewhat less extravagant than coronations past, there will be plenty of pomp and circumstance for royal watchers. Many of the whiskies being released in honor of the coronation are anything but pared down. Among the most kingly is Royal Salute's The Coronation of Kings Charles III Edition, a $25,000 blended scotch that's presented in a richly hued sapphire blue Dartington crystal decanter. While the majority of these coronation whiskies are scotches, an English single malt was also in the mix—from The English Distillery's The English Coronation single malt. That one, priced at $105 in U.S. dollars, sold out quickly. But the list offers numerous other celebratory bottles at a variety of prices.
Coronation whiskies aside, there are new releases galore this week. New Riff continues its...

Ireland’s spectacular west coast features some of the most stunning coastal scenery on earth. It’s a paradise for surfers, walkers, sailors, history buffs, food lovers, and whiskey fans—offering an epic coastline-hugging journey of 1,600 miles through ancient lands where towering cliffs have withstood the raw power of Atlantic waves for thousands of years. The route wends around the headlands of Cork in Ireland’s southwest, all the way up to Donegal in the northwest. Its shores fire the imagination with craggy islands, historic treasures, natural wonders, magnificent castles, quaint harbors, colorful towns, and deserted beaches. The entire route takes at least a week or two to cover, and more time will be required if you want to visit distilleries and sample the fine fare at the pubs along the way. But you don’t have to tackle it all, of course. The route can be started from either end, but since vehicles in Ireland drive on the left, go south to north if...

WhiskyFest made a joyful return to New York last week, as whisky lovers filled the Marriott Marquis Times Square ballroom for a night of memorable pours and educational seminars, while also getting to meet the master distillers for George Dickel, Heaven Hill, Blackened, Widow Jane, and many others. Read our recap from the night, and note that WhiskyFest will make its final stop in San Francisco on Dec. 3. Get your tickets today.WhiskyFest attendees had a chance to taste the newest release from Glenmorangie before it was officially unveiled. That sweater-inspired single malt highlights this week's new releases, along with single grain whiskies from Frey Ranch, and the latest single malt from St. George Spirits. Read on for full details.Glenmorangie 13 year old A Tale of WinterStyle: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Highlands)Age: 13 year oldABV: 46%Price: $100Release: November 2021Availability: Widely availableNeed to know:Glenmorangie’s director of whisky creation Dr. Bill Lumsden was...

When man created fire, he didn't realize the passions he'd inflamed. A few wisps of smoke from a bonfire or whiffs of barbecue on the grill is all it takes to draw a crowd to your backyard. It seems Homo sapiens are hardwired to love the smell of smoke—and perhaps we are.Since cooking with fire made food safer to eat, helped our bodies absorb more nutrients, and preserved food, “The use of fire to cook might have allowed our early ancestors to diverge from other primates and develop into modern humans, as the higher nutrient density allowed the development of our large brains,” explains Helene Hopfer, Ph.D., assistant professor of food science at Pennsylvania State University. Unlike other animals, humans often require cooked meat. And until relatively recently in our ancestral timeline—within the last 200 years—all cooked food would have tasted of smoke.In addition to this evolutionary benefit of a taste for smoke, some people develop personal memories around the smell of...

Worn leather cowboy boots, cream-colored Stetson hats, and wide-open desert space dappled with cacti—these are visions of Texas in the mind's eye. But there's much more to the Lone Star State, including a dynamic whiskey scene. The ties to whiskey are not deep, as distilling arrived here just over 15 years ago. Yet even as a newcomer, Texas is rapidly building its whiskey credentials as distilleries become firmly rooted across the state, creating a colorful patchwork of styles and flavors.A key part of the picture in Texas is its multifaceted climate. Roughly the same size as France, it has a landscape that's nearly as varied. In Texas Hill Country west of Austin, dense forests, wildflower fields, and sparkling blue lakes see extreme temperature swings—daily averages can vary from 42°F to 95°F over the course of a year. In the southern reaches of Texas, sweltering humidity creates tropical conditions all year, thanks to proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. By the northern borders...

Over the centuries, the distilling business has produced famous figures, legends, outright myths, and even ghosts—more than a few of them, in fact. Reports of spectral sightings and other phantom phenomena have occurred so often that they’re almost the rule rather than the exception. Some distilleries have conjured up so much spooky notoriety that paranormal experts have visited, often affirming suspicions that unseen forces are at play. To toast Halloween, we’ve rounded up a handful of distilleries around the world where spirits—the liquid and the otherworldly kind—are both part of the story.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Over the years, Buffalo Trace has received visits from a number of paranormal investigators, drawn by claims that ghosts roam the distillery’s halls. Chief among them are the spirits of Colonel E.H. Taylor and Colonel Albert B. Blanton—Taylor was the distillery’s founder, and Blanton ran the distillery in...

As autumn's cooler temperatures drift over New England, travel to the region heats up. Vacationers may have flocked to New England’s beaches and coastal destinations during the summer, but in fall they focus farther inland, where the vibrant display of autumn foliage blankets much of the region.
Vermont-based WhistlePig’s blender Meghan Ireland.
Yet there’s more reason to travel to New England in the fall than just those treebound pops of color—or for the apple and pumpkin festivals that inject a bit of revelry into many of the region’s quaint towns. Distilling in New England is back in a big way. Making spirits here can be traced back to the 17th century, and although rum was the primary product for centuries, whiskey production has come on strong over the past two decades, which means there’s no shortage of great whiskey distilleries to see and experience.
Here we spotlight eight New England distilleries that make carefully...

Let me take you to a land of volcanoes and glaciers, rugged coastlines and deep fjords, Viking legends and the aurora borealis. The Nordic region is admired for its contemporary interior design, inspiring architecture, and timber summer cabins tucked into forest clearings. Now, Nordic whisky can be included in that array. It's a vibrant time for distilleries from the Jutland Peninsula to the Arctic Circle and across to Iceland, the land of fire and ice. The spectrum of this region's whisky flavors is as diverse as the Nordic landscape itself. Over the past two decades, distillers throughout the region have built a culture of craftsmanship and innovation, turning this special place into one of the world's prime locations for making whisky.
Finland
Teerenpeli Distillery—Founded 2002Teerenpeli is located in Lahti, about 60 miles north of Helsinki, and operates a brewery, seven restaurants, and a downtown distillery with a new visitor center. The distillery draws water from...

When touring northern California, it's not grain that comes to mind, but grapes. A mere hour north of San Francisco lie Sonoma and Napa Counties—home to over 1,700 wineries and the crown jewel of American wine, Napa Valley. While picturesque wineries and verdant vineyards are the main draw, craft distillers have staked their claim in wine country too, and are offering up something different for the wine-loving masses.
Making your way to Sonoma, Napa, or beyond from San Francisco, the closest major transportation hub, is not too difficult—just hop in a car and hit Highway 101, wine country's main artery. In an hour's time, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush expanses of vineyards, and quick trips off the highway will also take you to a number of distilleries. One of the first is Sonoma Distilling Co. in Rohnert Park, a small city with redwoods, creeks, and distant mountain views located on the doorstep of Sonoma County. The distillery is housed in a modern...

This article was originally published in June 2020. COVID-related restrictions may affect some of the opening times and offerings of these venues, so check in advance of a visit.No city in the country has deeper roots in whiskey history than Pittsburgh. It was virtually the epicenter of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794, when farmer-distillers raised arms against federal agents. The area gave rise to our nation's first named whiskey style: Monongahela rye. It was famous long before Kentucky bourbon, and dominated the national market until after the Civil War.Pittsburgh's history is also entwined with the industrialization of the U.S., and it embraces its hard-working reputation decades after the decline of the steel industry. Once a shot-and-a-beer town, the Steel City's move into the 21st century has seen tremendous improvements in everything from air and water quality to food, drink, and entertainment. This heritage makes the city more a rye and bourbon mecca than a haven for other...

In Edinburgh, whisky is like the dampness in the air—part of the experience, lingering in your clothes, seeping down to the bone. They don't all drink whisky, but everyone here knows whisky. It's a £5.5 billion industry, after all—the water-of-lifeblood of Scotland's economy. So of course there's no shortage of spendy tourist traps and whisky kitsch (tartan shot glasses, anyone?) for the casual visitor, but true whisky lovers need not look hard for the special and unique. If you want to go deep into Scotch whisky, this is where to begin.“Edinburgh is the gateway to Scotland—mile marker zero on your journey,” says David Cutter, chairman of Diageo Scotland, which operates about a quarter of the country's distilleries, including Lagavulin, Talisker, and Oban. By Christmas 2020, the company aims to have a rooftop bar atop a seven-story visitor center—the Johnnie Walker Experience—sure to be Scotland's largest whisky tourist attraction when complete. Imbibers at the bar will...

A great vacation doesn't have to be all about whisky, but a wee dram or artisanal cocktail along the way certainly enhances the experience. The best getaways for whisky lovers combine cozy lodging with fun activities, delicious food, warm hospitality, and of course an excellent selection of whiskies. Such great escapes can be found all over the country and around the world—you can squeeze in a bit of fun on a long weekend or fly across the Atlantic to sojourn in the British Isles. Whether you a choose trip focused on skiing, fishing, hiking, golfing, or just relaxation with cooking classes and spa treatments, fabulous whisky-fueled adventures await. We've chosen 10 of the best such getaway options.

Sea Island Resort has not one, but two separate hotels, including The Lodge (pictured), where the main bar serves several hundred Old Fashioned cocktails a day.
Sea Island
Sea Island, Georgia
For nearly a century, Sea Island Resort has been one of America's...

Update 3/19/2020: This post has been updated with new information.The new coronavirus continues to wreak havoc around the world, and the whisky industry hasn't been spared. As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the United States and Western Europe, health experts and government leaders are urging social distancing to slow the spread of the disease and lessen stress on healthcare systems. Meanwhile, distilleries and whisky businesses are spearheading their own efforts to mitigate the crisis.That includes, in some cases, canceling or postponing whisky events, tours, and major festivals, like WhiskyFest Chicago, originally slated for March 27 and now rescheduled to December 11. Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest, which was set to take place April 3-4 in Hollywood, Florida, is also being postponed, with a new date coming soon. Several other U.S. whisky events have canceled or postponed.Fèis Ìle, Islay's beloved whisky and music festival that takes place in late May, draws thousands of...

The drumbeat of craft distillery acquisitions continues, as this week brought news of Maryland rye maker Sagamore Spirit being acquired by Illva Saronno, the Italian drinks company best known for its Disaronno amaretto liqueur brand. Sagamore's story is one that any whisky lover can appreciate: it was founded by the deep-pocketed Kevin Plank, famous for his Under Armour sportswear brand, who spared no expense in launching Sagamore's distillery on Baltimore's waterfront back in 2017. From the start, the company has been serious about its mission to restore Maryland rye's reputation, and its own-make whiskey is just now starting to come of age. In an interesting twist, yesterday Illva Saronno also unveiled a new amaro label called Sagamore Spirit Amaro, which includes Sagamore Spirit rye distillate.
Earlier this week, Diageo announced the fourth release of its coveted Prima & Ultima whiskies. This year's edition marks the first time this collection of...

Many American whiskeys tout their history and authenticity, but few can lay claim to their actual birthplace. Old Overholt can. First made in western Pennsylvania in the early 1800s by Abraham Overholt, one of the rye whiskey's earliest distilleries still stands at West Overton Museums in Scottsdale, a living history site that traces the area's evolution from agrarian to industrial, with a particular emphasis on the founding Overholt family. Now, Old Overholt parent company Beam Suntory is partnering with West Overton to ensure that the whiskey's role in that story continues to be highlighted and supported.“It always felt like a no-brainer to us,” says Jon Marks, brand director for small batch at Beam Suntory, explaining that Beam Suntory feels a duty to help maintain such an important piece of Old Overholt's history. “We are stewards of this brand. We own this brand today, and it's our responsibility to do right by it.”Jessica Kadie-Barclay, CEO of West Overton Museums, says...

Whisky distilling is set to return to Dallas Dhu, a closed scotch distillery that last operated in March 1983. Aceo Distillers Co. plans to restart production in the next 12–18 months on the site, located 40 minutes east of Inverness. Parent company Aceo Limited is a UK firm of scotch whisky brokers formed 25 years ago, that took over independent bottler Murray McDavid in 2013. This will be the first time the company has operated a distillery.
The resurrection of long-closed distilleries, such as Brora, Port Ellen, and Rosebank which have reopened this decade, usually requires years of extensive construction to erect suitable buildings and equip the site with functioning equipment. Dallas Dhu is quite different as it was kept intact. Situated near Benromach on the outskirts of Forres, the distillery has been operating as a heritage museum since 1988. When it closed, then-owners United Distillers Ltd., a forerunner of Diageo, handed custody over to the government, where it...

Your favorite bottle of whisky could soon carry a heftier price tag thanks to 25% tariffs the U.S. began imposing on Oct. 18 stemming from a 15-year international fight over the airplane industry. The tariffs target around $7.5 billion of European goods—including single malt scotch and whiskeys from Northern Ireland. “This is a really serious situation for the industry,” Scotch Whisky Association strategy and communications director Graeme Littlejohn tells Whisky Advocate. “And particularly for our small and mid-size member companies, who predominantly deal in single malt.”Littlejohn notes that after the EU imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on American whiskey in 2018 in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, exports to the EU dropped by 21%. “We would expect a similar, if not larger, market loss from the more recent U.S. tariffs— something around [a] $130 million [loss] in the first year,” he says. “That would obviously be a very damaging situation for the...

In the high desert country of northwest Nevada, about 75 miles from the California line, lies the city of Fallon. It’s an outpost along cross-country U.S. Route 50, on a stretch of highway known as The Loneliest Road in America for its endless reaches of dusty desert terrain. But Fallon is an oasis in this vast desert, with fertile farmland nurtured by snowmelt from the nearby Sierra Nevada range as well as Lake Tahoe on the California border. This bountiful land is most famous for its rich yields of alfalfa, which is prized by cattle ranchers and thoroughbred breeders around the world.
The Frey family has farmed here since 1854—a decade before Nevada even became a state. Frey Ranch spans about 1,500 acres and cultivates alfalfa as well as wheat, rye, barley, oats, and corn. Today the ranch is stewarded by Colby Frey, who represents the fifth generation of family ownership. Like his forebears, he devotes himself to the land. “I was just irrigating our rye...

Whisky lovers are a varied bunch—just take a glance at the different whisky clubs that have sprung up around the country. But whisky producers, even those with diverse employee makeup, don't necessarily reflect the same diversity at the ownership level.That doesn't mean there aren't any Black-owned whisky makers, though. They're out there, and they want to share their whisky with you! If you're looking for a Black-owned whisky distillery or company to support, check out the folks below.We plan to continuously update this list as we learn of Black-owned whisky producers. Are we missing someone? Send us an email.
California
Shadow Ridge Spirits Co.
Sean Hallman is a former Navy surface warfare officer, and currently a federal civilian employee for the department of Navy. An interest in homebrewing led Hallman to explore the world of distilling, and now he and his wife, Lisa Ireland, run Shadow Ridge Spirits Co., which is registered under Oceanside Distillers in...

Kentucky is bourbon country, and Louisville is the capital. Home to distilleries and brand experiences from the likes of Jim Beam, Old Forester, and Evan Williams—all part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—the birthplace of the Old Fashioned, and the setting for the most exciting two minutes in sports and a bonafide cocktail holiday, the Kentucky Derby. Whether it's a Mint Julep in your hand, a decadent Coffee & Donut cocktail from Whiskey Dry or simply a neat pour made down the block, Louisville is a bourbon drinker's paradise and one of the greatest whiskey cities in the world.
Getting Around
Uber or Lyft are your best bets. Taxis can be scarce and the municipal bus system, TARC, isn't conducive to a proper urban expedition. The major distillery visitor centers outside of town can require an hour's drive, so a car rental and non-drinking driver are necessary unless you utilize an organized tour company.
When to Go
Kentucky Derby Festival begins in April...

Driving south into Lexington, Kentucky on Interstate 75, you pass Kentucky Horse Park and International Museum of the Horse right at the city line. Enter from the west on Old Frankfort Pike, and you travel by the famous Secretariat statue. Fly into Blue Grass Airport and you’ll exit on Man O’ War Boulevard and drive past Keeneland racetrack. It’s pretty hard to miss the equine theme, which is why Lexington’s trademarked nickname is Horse Capital of the World. But the city also anchors the eastern end of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and it’s surrounded by distilleries, along with new experiences for whiskey lovers. You no longer need to leave the city to visit distilleries.
Lexington is only about half the size of Louisville, which lies around 80 miles to the west. But this vibrant city has been playing catch-up to its bigger rival in recent years, adding hotels, tours, attractions, and new distilleries. Resurgence is in the air, so...

Close your eyes and conjure up a trip to Switzerland. The imposing presence of the Swiss Alps looms in the distance. Maybe it’s wintertime and a fire is roaring beside you after a busy day on the slopes. Thick blankets of fresh snow drape the streets and the rooftops. Or perhaps it’s summer and grassy meadows are dotted with bright flowers as hikers take to the trails. A pot of fondue is on the table, and a glass of Swiss wine is in your hands. Wait a minute: How about a prized 25 year old single cask whisky in your glass, and a vintage Cuban cigar on the table? That sounds even better, doesn’t it?

While Switzerland is a premier destination for skiing and hiking, and the gorgeous Alpine views and lifestyle perks that come with it, and is noted for its cheese, chocolate, and fine dining, it’s also one of the world’s top destinations for whisky and cigar lovers. The country offers an unparalleled collection of bars and lounges, not to mention...

The most fun way to learn about whisky is to visit a distillery, particularly in a renowned place like Scotland or Kentucky. But whisky’s flavors also often take root in other parts of the world, notably the great wine regions that supply distillers with their casks. Fortified wines—wines to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added—in particular often play a starring role, with sherry being foremost, alongside port and madeira. All three offer their own distinctive flavors and have unique regions that are well worth exploring.
Plan a trip to Porto and the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, where the Douro River carves its way through rolling hills lined with terraced vineyards, making for a picturesque view that can be enjoyed from the river itself on scenic cruises, or from the winding roads above while driving through the region. The Douro Valley is such a beautiful spectacle that it’s been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage...

A great vacation doesn’t have to be all about whisky, but a wee dram or artisanal cocktail along the way certainly enhances the experience. The best getaways for whisky lovers combine cozy lodging with fun activities, delicious food, warm hospitality, and of course an excellent selection of whiskies. Such great escapes can be found all over the country and around the world—you can squeeze in a bit of fun on a long weekend or fly across the Atlantic to sojourn in the British Isles. Whether you a choose trip focused on skiing, fishing, hiking, golfing, or just relaxation with cooking classes and spa treatments, fabulous whisky-fueled adventures await. We’ve chosen 10 of the best such getaway options.

Sea Island Resort has not one, but two separate hotels, including The Lodge (pictured), where the main bar serves several hundred Old Fashioned cocktails a day.
Sea Island—Sea Island, Georgia
For nearly a century, Sea Island Resort has been one of...

Arriving on Orkney, with its massive Stone Age monuments that predate the Pyramids of Egypt, you are no longer among Scots, but Orcadians. Genetic studies support that these island dwellers are a breed apart, indicating that 60 percent of the Northern Isles' male population is of Scandinavian ancestry, some of the most concentrated Viking heritage in all of Britain. It's logical, given that a Viking longship from Norway could reach this archipelago of 70 islands north of the Scottish mainland in 24 hours, the equivalent of a day's drive for an intrepid seafaring Norseman.Making their independence even more apparent, when an Orcadian refers to ‘the mainland,' he almost certainly means mainland Orkney, the largest island, and home to the towns of Stromness and Kirkwall. The latter is the island's capital, with the 12th century red sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral at its heart. Mainland Scotland is just ‘Scotland.' And whatever you do, refrain from referring to “the Orkneys” if you...

Much of the world is reeling from the COVID-19 crisis as countries step gingerly toward reopening in the wake of lockdowns. Amid the uncertainty, some whisky distilleries are carefully moving forward with reopening plans of their own—in fact, some already are underway. But others are proceeding more cautiously.In Scotland, the whisky industry has significantly scaled back operations; nearly 90% of production sites are either operating at reduced capacity or have closed entirely, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). A number of major distilleries have shifted production capacity to making hand sanitizer or providing ethanol to other manufacturers. All sites that are still operating have implemented strict social distancing, and visitor centers remain closed since initially shuttering in March, in line with Scottish government recommendations. They would be allowed to reopen in the third phase of the country's four-phase reopening plan, but there's no specific date for...

Updated May 30, 2024: Effective May 28, 2024, Golden Moon Distillery ceased operations.
Denver began as a mining town in 1858 with a whisper that gold had been found in the Rocky Mountains. Prospectors and fortune-hunters set up tents and shacks on the banks of the Platte river, and in their wake came entrepreneurs—gamblers, prostitutes, and saloonkeepers—ready to help “mine” the miners of whatever they might find. Though not much gold was found, there was plenty of whiskey to help wash away their troubles.160 years later, Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and the residents have not lost their taste for whiskey and other spirits. Craft distilleries are opening at a remarkable rate; the recently launched Colorado Spirits Trail includes more than 50 distillers around the state creating a wide variety of spirits, from whiskey to brandy. Denver alone has nine distilleries as of August 2018, plus several more in the greater metro...

If you’re traveling to Kentucky as a whiskey tourist, chances are the state’s northern reaches aren’t first on your list of places to visit. That’s by no means a snub as much as a statement of fact—the vast majority of the state’s distilleries are dotted across the center of the commonwealth, in the “Amber Triangle” formed by Lexington, Louisville, and Bardstown. These days, however, there’s a hub of whiskey activity humming to the north, with Covington at the center of it all. Here's your guide to spending 48 hours in Covington.

The city of Covington (population 40,984) lies just across the river from Cincinnati, a travel hub with an airport bigger and more accessible than what you’ll find in Louisville or Lexington. Covington touts a rich, albeit lesser-known distilling history (one of its politicians, John G. Carlisle, was a co-creator of the Bottled in Bond Act, for starters) that’s resulted in a...

The single barrel selection process is a treat. Barrel hunters often take a private tour of the distillery and the warehouses, and sample from a number of barrels to decide what matches their palate. The process is wildly popular nowadays, and stock sells out every year. Some distilleries cope with demand by keeping a waiting list, while others use a lottery to determine who can participate.
At Four Roses, master distiller Brent Elliott and his team evaluate and select their prize barrels for the program, usually setting aside 40 to 80 total. After touring the Four Roses campus, barrel buyers taste the whiskey in one of the warehouses. “There’s a sense of ownership and pride when someone has control over the bourbon they’re purchasing,” Elliott says. “The program is more popular than ever. We’ve increased the barrel allocation, but demand is still greater than supply.”

For the typical whiskey lover looking to buy a single barrel...

2020 has pummeled businesses around the world, and the scotch whisky industry is no exception. Adding to the onslaught of challenges caused by COVID-19 are the Brexit negotiations, which are now entering their final stages. As the clock ticks toward the end of the transition period on Dec. 31, there's little certainty about what Britain's departure from the European Union will mean.For its part, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has made its position clear. “UK and EU negotiators should intensify discussions to deliver a deal that allows for zero tariffs on all goods, protects UK and EU geographical indications, and puts in place governance structures to limit any new barriers to trade from forming,” an SWA spokesperson said in a statement to Whisky Advocate. “It's a race against time for businesses to receive all the technical guidance they need.”While it remains to be seen whether the SWA will have its way, scotch producers do see one certainty: The transition will cost...

How does the philosophy of 'Monozukuri' influence your approach to whisky making?
“Monozukuri” is the spirit of craftsmanship, relentlessly pursuing precision and improvement day after day. It compels us to execute every step of production, from ingredient selection to blending and bottling, with meticulous attention and passion. We leverage both traditional and innovative techniques to achieve harmony with Japanese nature and culture.
Can you describe the unique characteristics of Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and how they contribute to your whisky’s flavor profile?
Nestled near Kyoto, Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, utilizes some of Japan's purest water. This water imparts a fruity, creamy character with a robust body to the distilled whisky. Maturation in a variety of casks, including American oak, Spanish oak, French oak, and Mizunara, alongside Japan's distinct four seasons, enriches Yamazaki with a complex and mature...

What inspired you to start Sipsmith Gin, and how do you differentiate your gin in a crowded market?
There is quite a significant history of gin in London. From the gin craze in the 1700s which prompted a series of laws, known as ‘Gin Acts’ to protect the public and regulate gin distilling; to the early 1800s when the London Dry style emerged and gin became refined again. Over the course of the century, many legacy distiller families left London for a more profitable gin business where they were not restricted by these laws. As a result, the only distillery left in London was Beefeater, which opened in 1820.
That is, of course, until 2009, after myself, Fairfax Hall and Jared Brown spent 2 years petitioning to parliament, and Sipsmith became London’s first copper pot still distillery in nearly 200 years.
We created Sipsmith to revive traditional gin-making in London, focusing on quality, craftsmanship and excellence, using a traditional recipe that would...

COVID-19 has battered the entire whisky industry but perhaps no one is struggling quite like the thousands of craft distillers in the U.S. The pandemic has shuttered tasting rooms and disrupted distribution, cutting off crucial revenue streams, prompting staff cuts, and potentially putting some on the brink of permanent closure. While most large companies forecast little impact from the current crisis—even as they suspend operations or shift production capacity to making hand sanitizer—some smaller distillers foresee whiskey supply shortages down the road, or worse.An April survey of over 150 distilleries by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) reveals that sales are down for almost 85% of respondents, as a majority have closed tasting rooms, laid off or furloughed employees, and are depleting remaining inventory as they allocate most of their production to hand sanitizer. Another survey, by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and American Distilling...

Auberge Resorts was born in the heart of Napa Valley wine country before growing into an international collection of more than 20 luxury properties, so it is only fitting that they return to their adult beverage roots. Their new Lodge at Blue Sky, outside Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, where guests enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, summer and winter, has whiskey on its grounds. The sprawling 3,500-acre dude ranch-style property is home to both the new Auberge Lodge at Blue Sky and highly awarded whiskey maker High West.Worldwide, lodging and distillery combos run the gamut from rooms above the stills to small inns to historic Scottish cottages. Others might throw world-class skiing or equestrian pursuits into the mix. In every case, they make great vacation options for those who enjoy blending two of life's finest pleasures: travel and whisky.
The Auberge Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah sits on a 3,500-acre dude ranch-style property that's also home to High West Distillery...

We all know and love Islay and its eight distilleries, but look around; Islay is only one of Scotland's distilling islands. A scan of a gazetteer reveals another eight whisky distilleries spread across seven islands, each with their own distinctive identities, some old, some very new. Both Tobermory on Mull and Highland Park on Orkney date back to 1798, whereas newcomer Isle of Harris Distillers opened in October 2015. And, where mighty Talisker and Caol Ila measure their annual production in millions of liters, the tiny stills at Abhainn Dearg trickle out just 10,000 liters a year. Such are the contrasts we find in island life. So let's start this tour with the only distillery on Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. Arran is a favorite of Glasgow vacationers for its easy access, benign climate, and, because of its varied topography, known as ‘Scotland in miniature'—except that until 1995 it lacked a distillery. Thankfully, this was remedied by Hal Currie, a former...

Burns Night, the annual celebration that marks the birthday of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, is toasted every January 25th with suppers, songs, drams, and readings around the world. A few years ago, the University of Glasgow built a Burns Night interactive map that showed more than 2,500 Burns Night celebrations taking place globally, leaving out the countless number of private Burns Night parties and suppers. You can celebrate Burns Night like a true Scot, but the occasion calls for any type of gathering you wish. The only de rigueur item for the evening is whisky, which was an integral part of Burn’s everyday life and is mentioned frequently in his poems and songs, including Tam O’Shanter, John Barleycorn, and many more.

All of which begs the question: What scotch whiskies are best for Burns Night? While any scotch will do, it’s fun to toast the bard with whiskies of his old stomping grounds.
Burns was a child of Lowland Scotland, and...

Whisky lovers thirsting for cocktail knowledge can head straight to the source at the newly opened Sazerac House in the heart of New Orleans, where the namesake drink originated. On Oct. 2, Sazerac Co. opened the interactive museum and spirits production facility, shining a light on New Orleans' massively influential cocktail culture, and producing the Sazerac cocktail's two most important ingredients—rye whiskey and Peychaud's bitters—in-house.Located on palm tree-lined Canal Street, just across from the French Quarter, Sazerac House sits just a few hundred yards from the original Sazerac Coffee House, where the Sazerac cocktail was served in the 19th century. The five-story building features three floors of interactive exhibits across 48,000 square feet that plunge guests into the area as it was in the 1800s. Different aspects of cocktail culture are up for exploration, from contemporary mixology (aided by “virtual bartenders,” visitors can explore cocktail recipes based on...

We cover new releases here every week, but we also like to ask distillers and blenders what they're working on that's yet to be announced. Case in point, we recently spoke to Owen Martin, the new master distiller at Angel's Envy, about what cask finishes excite him as he settles into his new role with the Louisville distiller. 
As for this week's new releases, we have a debut scotch and a number of American whiskeys. Lochlea Our Barley, the new flagship single malt scotch from Lochlea Distillery, hits shelves in the U.S., albeit in limited quantities. Lochlea, a Lowlands distillery that has been producing since only 2018, is run by former Laphroaig distillery manager John Campbell, who moved from Laphroaig last November after a 25 year career there.  Barrell Craft Spirits announces the latest additions to Stellum Black, its line of specialty blends, Jack Daniel adds a whiskey finished with toasted pecan wood chips to its Distillery...

Zuidam Distillery's Patrick van Zuidam is well aware of rye's reputation as a troublesome grain. “Basically, you end up with 10,000 liters of wallpaper paste,” says the Dutch master distiller, referring to rye's tendency toward ‘stuck mash' and frenetic foaming during fermentation. But van Zuidam and a rising number of global distillers refuse to let such challenges deter them from rye's irresistibly flavorful results. “Rye has that special earthy spiciness that connects you directly to the grain and to farming,” says van Zuidam, “If the end result wasn't so special, I wouldn't touch rye ever again.”As one of Europe's leading proponents of rye, van Zuidam notes that it is not so much a new grain as an old one. “There is heritage in the grain: rye has always been a major part of distilling in the Netherlands, though mostly for genever. Rye was cheap and easy to grow, even on very poor sandy soils. It doesn't need much to grow, apart from a bit of rain and sunshine at...

With much of the world practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus, many daily habits have changed, from commuting to childcare to mealtimes. Whisky lovers, too, are adapting to the new order by converting in-person tastings to virtual meetups, and visiting distilleries digitally rather than actually traveling there. The ongoing isolation is giving every drinker a chance to kick half-consumed bottles, revisit comforting old favorites, and even pull down the special stuff—because if not now, when?It's just the same with whisky professionals, many of whom—when not making hand sanitizer or high-proof ethanol to use in sanitizing products—are working from home or have found their schedules adjusted to reduce contact with colleagues. Ashok Chokalingam, master distiller at India's Amrut, has been trying to finish off bottles, including high-end releases like Greedy Angels and Spectrum, matured in a one-of-a-kind hybrid cask. But he's not limiting his drams to...

Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) has unveiled another major production expansion, and this one tops all its previous ones. The company has opened a second, entirely new distillery on its 400-acre campus in Bardstown, Kentucky. The site now houses three column stills and 48 fermentation tanks. Including BBC-owned  Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky, which it acquired in 2022, BBC now has an annual capacity of 18 million proof gallons. That’s not all that far behind James B. Beam Distilling Co., the biggest bourbon company in the world, which produces 25 million proof gallons annually.
Counting total output in barrel terms, BBC was producing 25,000 barrels annually when it opened its doors in 2014, and today it can produce 289,000 barrels.
Inevitably, such major expansion efforts raise the question of where all that bourbon will go. While Bardstown’s expansion story is remarkable, it isn’t the only distillery to ratchet up production over...

In the far reaches of northern Minnesota, just 40 miles south of the Canadian border, Michael Swanson’s family has been farming its 1,000 acres of land for over a century near the town of Hallock. A farm kid through and through, Swanson spent his childhood among fields of wheat, sugar beets, barley, canola, and sunflowers, and in a home surrounded by the sprawling Minnesota plains where his Swedish immigrant great-grandparents had settled. While both sides of Swanson’s family were in agriculture, neither had backgrounds in distilling, so it was a leap of faith when in 2013 he decided to devote some of his harvest toward something new: whiskey. “It made sense to me—to distill whiskey from grain that you grow just outside of the distillery itself. It gives you utmost control over the raw materials and their quality, as well as a story with an authentic feel,” he explains.

Before getting Far North Distillery off the ground, Swanson turned to...

If Japanese whisky is your pursuit, then Osaka is the land of the plenty. With over 3,000 bars and restaurants on offer, the birthplace of Japanese whisky has history, a bustling bar scene, and several great distilleries. Keep these destinations in mind when planning your visit, and you'll soon see what makes Osaka one of the greatest whisky cities in the world.Getting AroundThe subway makes it easy, but it shuts down between midnight and 5 a.m. Taxis are always available, and their unions have successfully blocked ride-sharing services. Uber has a cab-hailing app for licensed taxis. When hailing cabs, look for those with the 空車 (kuusha, literally “empty car”) in the windshield's lower left corner.When to GoThe Osaka Whisky Festival is held in early June and Whisky History Osaka typically occurs in September or October, both of which welcome thousands of eager whisky lovers to large-scale tastings. Late summer can make distillery visits unpredictable since they often close for...

Considering Chicago’s historical ties to notorious bootlegging mobsters, perhaps it’s not surprising that today the city has quite a robust—and nowadays legal—distilling scene. There’s plenty to explore throughout the city, especially for whisky lovers.
Koval Distillery was the first to open after Prohibition—in 2008—and offers a line of single barrel whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, four grain (oat, malted barley, rye, and wheat), millet, and oat; Chicago Distilling Co. and Judson and Moore Distillery both offer bourbons, ryes, and American single malts; Maplewood Brewery & Distillery makes single malts and ryes; Wolf Point Distilling makes bourbon and rye; and although CH Distillery specializes in vodka, it’s also home to Jeppson’s bourbon, plus Jeppson’s Malört, a traditional wormwood-based digestif that has achieved cult status with Chicagoans. And just outside the city, there’s FEW Spirits in...

That familiar scent—like sweet, tangy sourdough—fills the nostrils upon crossing the threshold of Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery on West Main Street. The interior features a fresh, white steel skeleton, designed to hold the aging brick building erect, and deep within lies the aroma's source: twin cypress tanks where a secret whiskey mash ferments. The tanks were reassembled on-site and, along with their companion copper stills, belonged to Pennsylvania's Michter's Distillery, closed since 1990. Originally manufactured by Louisville's Vendome Copper & Brass Works, this is a homecoming.The scent of bourbon permeates Kentucky's largest city—literally and figuratively—drifting along Louisville's wide sidewalks fronting historic buildings, then flowing into low-key, brick-backed bars. This is bourbon country, after all—where three-quarters of a million proud Louisvillians are eager to welcome visitors, divulge favorite sipping spots, and swap barstool stories.A Southern...

It was all going so well. Japanese whiskies winning prizes at every major competition, bartenders going crazy for them, consumers following suit, auction prices going stratospheric, Suntory buying Jim Beam. Everything spoke of an industry in robust health, ready to become a significant world force in volume and quality. Then the realization hit that the whiskies were on allocation, that Nikka was removing all age statements from its single malt range. What happened?To understand that, you need to go back in time. In order to sell, say, a 15 year old whisky, you have to have made the spirit 15 (or more) years ago. In order to sell increasing volumes of 15 year old whisky, you have to have anticipated that demand 15 or more years ago. The situation in Japan 15 and more years ago was very different from what it is today. Export had only just started, single malt was still a new concept, the once massive domestic market was flatlining (at best), and distilleries were essentially being...

For most of its existence, peat was one of the hallmarks of Scotch whisky. Whether wisps of smoke wafting from blends like Johnnie Walker, or the pure and punchy peat of Islay, many drinkers came to assume that scotch means peat. Peat is actually nothing more than a convenient fuel source that worked its way into whisky as the result of kiln-drying malted barley over fires fueled by the decomposing vegetation.Peat bogs are found in many parts of Great Britain, but they are widespread in the Scottish Highlands and islands, where for centuries they have provided a valuable source of domestic heat. In remote locations where coal was at a premium, it was hardly surprising that distillers turned to peat when heat was required.As the Scotch whisky industry expanded during the 1960s, however, traditional floor maltings, with their liberal use of peat for kiln drying, were unable to keep pace with increases in production. So centralized, mechanical maltings were adopted by many distillers...

These are turbulent times for the whisky world. In the U.S. and Europe, distilleries and visitor centers are just starting to reopen after sustained lockdowns due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, American whiskey companies are confronting enduring forms of racial injustice within their industry as part of the ongoing anti-racism movement. Now, distillers, importers, and retailers are facing another formidable hurdle as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is, once again, threatening increased and expanded tariffs on European whiskies and a litany of other wines and spirits. The proposed new tariffs would cover all whiskies from Europe, including single malt and blended scotch, Irish whiskey, and the many styles of innovative new whiskies coming from France, England, Germany, and elsewhere.The industry already is struggling due to the 25% tariffs the Trump administration imposed last October targeting around $7.5 billion of European goods, including single malt scotch and Northern Irish...

The future promises more Glenmorangie and less begging for Ardbeg, thanks to plans by The Glenmorangie Company and parent company Moët Hennessy to expand production of the popular single malts through investment in growing the facilities.Plans for Ardbeg include a new, larger still house on the existing site with the addition of two stills, bringing the Islay distillery to a total of four stills, effectively doubling its capacity. Glenmorangie Distillery will add two stills—one wash still and one spirit still—in a new structure adjacent to the existing still house. Scaling up production at Glenmorangie will also require additional mashing and fermentation facilities, to be accommodated by renovating an existing building. Both projects are slated for completion by 2019.Whisky lovers will be watching carefully for any change in the character of the distinctive single malts, and Moët Hennessy is committed to maintaining consistency throughout their growth. It's not an entirely new...

To quench the public thirst for visiting the places where whiskies are made, distilleries have transformed from merely production facilities to all-out tourist destinations. Many distilling regions have created dedicated whisky trails to help guide travelers along the way. Check out a few of our favoritesKentucky Bourbon TrailMany new places to eat, drink, and stay have blossomed along this trail since its debut in 1999. For those who want to travel by bicycle, the Bluegrass Cycling Club has mapped the safest routes.Bonus Trails: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour features twenty small distilleries including Willett and Kentucky Peerless, while the Urban Bourbon Trail covers bourbon bars, restaurants, and history in downtown Louisville.Recommended Touring Time: Four days.Distilleries: Angel's Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Co., Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Four Roses, Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center, Jim Beam, Lux Row, Maker's Mark, Michter's...

For the whisky lover, traveling to Scotland can seem daunting—there's so much ground to cover in scotch's homeland. Fortunately, the capital, Edinburgh, offers visitors a comprehensive whisky experience in the convenience of an urban setting. With its excellent access to over a dozen Highland and Lowland distilleries, countless pubs and bars, revitalized urban distilling, world-class cocktail culture, and immersive whisky education, Edinburgh serves as the gateway to Scotch whisky.Getting AroundCentral Edinburgh is divided into two sections: the Old Town, whose main artery is the Royal Mile, stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace, and the New Town, the neatly gridded area to the north of Princes Street Gardens. Buses and trams provide excellent transportation throughout most of the city, but within the Old Town, which has a lot of stairs and narrow alleys, getting around on foot is most efficient—just be prepared to huff and puff a bit. Taxis and Uber operate...

For all of Dublin's 21st-century buzz and bustle, and its burgeoning number of operating distilleries—more than ever in living memory—it's certain secluded spots that appeal to Carol Quinn.“I love a pub with a snug,” she says. “When people think of Dublin, they think of pubs, and the snug was always this private area in a public space where you could have those private little conversations.”Quinn knows Dublin—she's the archivist for Irish Distillers—and proceeds to share the history and charm of a snug, once used by ladies who preferred not to be seen drinking. “Women would have gone in and called for a cup of tea in a china cup,” Quinn says. “But it wasn't a cup of tea, it was a nice little shot of whiskey, which you could sip in a very refined manner out of your teacup. That's what was happening in the snug.”Such is the spell cast by Dublin—an alluring mix of companionship, conversation, history, a splash of humor, and a lot of fun. Dublin has the best...

Ian Macleod Distillers announced that it will reopen Rosebank Distillery after acquiring the trademark from Diageo and agreeing to acquire the site from Scottish Canals. The project—which includes a visitor center, along with production and warehousing—will cost £10 million to £12 million ($13.2 million to $15.9 million), and construction is projected to take about two years, with a goal to begin distillation by 2019. In the meantime, Ian Macleod has also acquired all Diageo's remaining stocks of Rosebank whisky—just "several dozen casks," according to Ian Macleod's operations director Gordon Doctor. The company will release that old whisky bit by bit until the modern liquid is mature.Located on the Forth & Clyde Canal that runs between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Rosebank was founded in 1840 and closed in 1993. Its owners, United Distillers (now Diageo), sold the site to British Waterways (also known as Scottish Canals) in 2002 while retaining the trademark for the Rosebank...

After four decades of silence, one of Speyside’s lost distilleries is poised to make a return. Coleburn Distillery, mothballed since 1985, will be reborn as The Distillery at Coleburn—a modern whisky production site with historic roots and a projected annual capacity of one million liters of pure alcohol. At the helm of the distillery’s revival will be Keith Cruickshank, former master distiller at Benromach. Cruickshank has particular experience in this field, as Benromach was also closed in the early 1980s and subsequently brought back into working order by Gordon & MacPhail in 1998. He left Benromach in January 2025 after more than 26 years, and will now serve as master distiller and head of whisky at Coleburn, overseeing spirit production and helping shape its future character.

The original Coleburn Distillery was established in 1897, designed by legendary distillery architect Charles Doig. Located between Elgin and Rothes, Coleburn was originally...

Constructed in the mid-1800s, the vast waterside building that houses Boston Harbor Distillery is a marvel in its own right, but your real reason to visit is to taste the 100% malted barley whiskey, a cocoa-tinged affair, and the exquisite whiskey-based coffee liqueur that they're turning out on their 150-gallon still that, coincidentally, has a serial number of 1776.Day OneMake Boston Harbor Distillery your first visit on your two-day spree through this small but lively capital city, whose history reaches far beyond the Freedom Trail. While George Washington was making rye whiskey at his Mount Vernon estate after his presidency, Colonial Bostonians were cranking out vast amounts of rum. Although the city has fallen into line with all the contemporary trends, boasting its share of whiskey bars and cocktail dens, it's a city that is ferociously true to itself, refusing to budge when it comes to putting its past on display.A short cab ride from Boston Harbor Distillery is one of the...

Craft distilleries, like most small businesses, have struggled to weather the devastating effects of COVID-19, though some are finding ways to tackle the onslaught of challenges and survive, if not grow. Overall, however, the craft distilling sector is suffering. Sales have fallen by around 41%—or approximately $700 million—and nearly a third of employees have been furloughed, according to a study published Aug. 20 by the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) and American Distilling Institute (ADI). The study—based on a June 2020 survey by ADI of nearly 300 distilleries—attributes a significant portion of the losses to the shutdown of on-site tasting rooms, which drive over half of the business for more than 40% of respondents.Among those affected is New Mexico's Santa Fe Spirits, which has a tasting room at the distillery as well as a second site downtown; together they accounted for 40% of the company's sales pre-COVID. That revenue is gone, as both venues have been closed...

Last summer, scotch whisky distillery Rosebank restarted production after being closed for 30 years. Now comes the opening of a new, state-of-the-art visitor experience. Based in the Lowlands town of Falkirk on the banks of the Forth & Clyde canal, Rosebank is midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow—less than an hour’s drive from each. Falkirk is home to the Falkirk Helix, an ecopark whose attractions include The Kelpies, and the Falkirk Wheel, a giant, wheel-like boat-lift connecting two canals that’s an engineering marvel. Now Rosebank Distillery can be added to the list of Falkirk’s attractions.
Although owner Ian Macleod Distillers filled the first cask of the new era with triple-distilled Rosebank new make on July 18th 2023, the distillery wasn’t open to the public until this month. Three levels of tours are offered and range from $32–$385, with the higher priced experiences including tastes of mature Rosebank whiskies bottled by...

The world of whisky is ever-expanding, extending into your medicine cabinet and onto the baseball field. That means there are more options and opportunities to educate and enjoy and if you are serious about either, a proper plan is best. Pursue your best whisky life with these 10 tips.1. Start a Tasting ClubStarting a regularly scheduled tasting club is a great way to form friendships and advance your whisky knowledge. It can be as formal or casual as you like, says Jim Holdsworth, who runs the Passen Cotty Scotch Club in western Massachusetts. “We'll have a theme, as many as 10 to 20 whiskies,” says Holdsworth. “Scotch, rye, a wood-finished theme, wounded soldiers—we'll take pictures of the empty bottles. It's an event.” Use these 5 tips to start your own vibrant whisky club.Scout for members: Start with your favorite specialty whisky retailer. “They already know the heavy hitters in the area, and are probably in touch with [them],” says Jim. They might post a flyer or...

Once bourbon is ready to move from barrel to bottle, that barrel is up for grabs—since under U.S. law bourbon can be aged only in new oak. There's a long tradition of distillers in Scotland, Japan, and Ireland buying used bourbon barrels to mature their whiskies, but more recently a bourbon barrel's life has expanded well beyond whisky. “The great thing about bourbon barrels is their versatility,” says national educator for Don Julio tequila Jorge Raptis. “They've become popular for aging a variety of products—even cooking sauces and chocolates—but most notably other spirits outside of whisky.”Indeed, oak-aged expressions can be found for nearly every spirits type. In rum, there's Don Papa from the Philippines, Santa Teresa 1796 from Venezuela, and Mount Gay from Barbados, to name just a few. Tequila is similarly abundant in oak-aged expressions from brands including Don Julio, Lunazul, Ocho, Espolòn, and more. Even typically unaged spirits are getting in the game...

Cedar Creek Quarry is a 420-acre parcel of land located at 2095 E. John Rowan Blvd. in Bardstown, Kentucky, just a few minutes drive from the town's most famous distilleries—Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Barton, Willett, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. The former quarry site has become a peaceful set of small lakes, all surrounded by wildlife. But springtime is expected to bring the sound of groundbreaking on a long-awaited new project—Kentucky Owl Park, which will feature a new distillery, rickhouses, and a variety of visitor amenities.The story began in 2014, when entrepreneur Dixon Dedman resurrected an old family recipe to create a luxury, limited quantity bourbon and rye under the Kentucky Owl name. The whiskeys won raves from critics, and Kentucky Owl became an overnight sensation. Enter Stoli Group—the distribution and marketing arm for Luxembourg-based drinks giant SPI Group—which acquired Kentucky Owl in 2017 and unveiled plans for this ambitious $150-million project in the heart...

The prolific percolation of craft distilleries shows no signs of slowing to a drip; more and more, “farm” distilleries—those purchasing some or all of their grain and grass from farms within a stone's throw—are becoming the bucolic norm nationwide. But a small, burgeoning faction of whiskey makers seeks to germinate an even more close-to-home methodology: growing their own grains and grass right outside their distillery doors.“When talking terroir in whiskey, it's probably something that hasn't existed in any real, meaningful way in a long time—and I'm talking in Scotland and Kentucky, too,” says distiller Christopher Williams of Coppersea Distilling of that Gaelic-grabbed, wine-centric term that implies an unmistakable, identifiable sense of detectable place in your glass. For Coppersea, which engages in thoroughly rooted 19th century methods, including fire-fueled alembic stills, hand-raking their malted grains, and using local oak for their barrels, that sense of...

As fast-moving fires incinerate swathes of the West Coast, killing dozens of people in multiple states and sending smoke across the U.S., whiskey makers too are feeling the heat. In a year that's already left the spirits industry reeling from economic setbacks brought on by a global pandemic, scores of distillers now face yet another obstacle as they set out on what looks to be an even steeper road to recovery. Yet even as they battle a double whammy of COVID-19 and wildfires, some are tackling relief efforts to support local first responders and evacuated residents.Westward is leading the charge in Oregon by donating $10 for every bottle sold in the state through the end of the month to American Red Cross wildfire relief efforts. As of Sept. 11, the distillery's warehouse in Clackamas—which houses the vast majority of the company's barrels—remained under a Level 2 evacuation warning. “The Riverside Fire got to within 12 miles of the site of our warehouse, so literally the...

Leaf peeping isn't just about the sheer beauty of fall foliage. It's a way of reconnecting with nature, the outdoors, and the flow of the seasons. Peak peeping season coincides with the fall harvest, making a farm distillery an enticing addition to any foliage hunt. Just 30 miles west of the Hudson River is the Black Dirt region, known for its fertile dark soil. Enjoy a tractor ride and go apple and pear picking in the orchards at Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, which has been making cider from its own orchards for decades. The on-site café hosts live music every weekend in the fall, weather permitting; some weekends are full music festivals and require special ticketing. The tasting room, which has an outdoor patio, offers ciders, wines, and fruit brandies, as well as bourbon and applejack from Warwick's nearby Black Dirt Distillery. Just a fifteen-minute drive away is Orange County Distillery, a fifth-generation family farm and estate distillery. The distillery offers...

It's the night of WhiskyFest Chicago. The ballroom is brimming with hundreds of whiskies for sampling and the excited whisky lovers who adore them. But one group of attendees seems to be having the most fun of all. Adorned in matching navy blazers embellished with their club patch, and sporting fur pelts draped around their shoulders, Illinois's own Whiskey Wolf Pack is chatting with distillers, clinking glasses with presenters, posing for photos, and generally owning the room.
Don't mistake this dashing whisky club's gregariousness for indiscriminate imbibing. These guys know good whisky. The Wolf Pack first came together in 2016 as a way to pool their cash and obtain the bottles they might not otherwise afford on their own, according to vice president and current treasurer Robert Pagel. (Lest you wonder where his whisky fondness lies, he gave his son the middle name “Macallan.”)
“When we were younger, dropping a hundred dollars on a bottle was a big thing...

Home to grand Gilded Age mansions and a historic yachting culture, Newport is the epitome of a centuries-old New England resort town. Beyond the opulent estates and shipyards lies a city begging to be explored for its arts, history, and culinary and drinks scene. Rhode Island’s first distillery since the 19th century, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., is based here, and the city has evolved from old-world tradition to a wide range of new dining, drinking, shopping, and entertainment options.
One of the benefits of vacationing in a state this small is that so many of its attractions are within walking distance or a short drive away. And at just three hours from New York City and about an hour south of Boston, Newport is a destination that everyone who loves to eat and drink should put on their must-visit list.
Day One

Newport offers many lodging options, from quaint bed & breakfasts to luxury resorts and everything in between. If you’re...

To say COVID-19 has shaken things up would be an understatement, and whisky makers are experiencing as many changes as everyone else. As different states in the U.S. attempt reopening—some more successfully than others—craft distilleries are grappling with how to handle the aspects of their business that are open to the public, such as tasting rooms, visitor centers, tours, and bars.“I think we're all experiencing a little whiplash from all the changing guidelines for businesses and how they can operate during this pandemic,” says Robin Christenson, co-owner of Blinking Owl Distillery in Santa Ana, California. Though the Golden State began to reopen starting in May, a new surge of COVID-19 cases forced it to re-impose some previous restrictions. In Orange County, where Santa Ana is located, outdoor dining is allowed, while indoor dining, indoor bars, and tasting rooms remain closed—which is tough for Blinking Owl.“We just don't know when people will feel 100% comfortable...

It's no secret that there's been an explosion of new craft distilleries across the United States in the past decade. The exact figures are difficult to pin down, with the Distilled Spirits Council reporting 750 “micro distilleries” in 2015, up from 92 in 2010, and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) tabbing a total of 1,280 “active craft spirits producers” in 2015. The American Distilling Institute (ADI) predicts an additional 1,000 net entrants in the craft distilling industry over the next five years. Perhaps even more intriguing is that certain geographic areas have become hot spots for craft distilling. As part of its Craft Spirits Data Project, the ACSA indicated that more than half of the country's craft distillers are located in just ten states. For whiskey that means its presence has been stretched far from the traditional home base of Kentucky. These new hot spots can be found in some cases around a particular city, such as Chicago and San Francisco; across...

Drinks giant Diageo has announced plans to build a massive distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, capable of churning out over 10 million proof gallons annually—equivalent to about 189,000 barrels, or 45.6 million bottles. That capacity compares closely to some of Kentucky's biggest whiskey makers, including Wild Turkey (11 million proof gallons), and well outpaces the capabilities of newly opened distilleries like Lux Row (1 million proof gallons) and Old Forester (190,202 proof gallons). The Lebanon distillery will be Diageo's second whiskey production facility in the state, joining the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville which opened in March 2017 with a maximum capacity of just 3 million proof gallons. Diageo also operates the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at the former Stitzel-Weller distillery in Louisville, which offers tours and tastings of the historic site but does not include a production distillery.Plans for the Lebanon project include an investment of $130 million...

When the COVID-19 pandemic first began taking shape in the U.S., Whisky Advocate responded by looking for ways to come together from a distance—and so #TasteWithSpace was born. Since the first Friday New York City went into lockdown, our editors have hosted whisky distillers, blenders, bartenders, and other experts for conversation and tasting on Instagram Live every week.Early on, #TasteWithSpace focused on the issues surrounding the pandemic and repercussions for whisky makers, bars, and restaurants. The conversation has since expanded and now encompasses a range of issues important to whisky lovers. In June, after Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel's debuted an education and mentorship program for Black whisky professionals, Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver joined #TasteWithSpace to talk more about it. Nicole Austin, the distiller behind our 2019 Whisky of the Year, George Dickel 13 year old Bottled in Bond, came on to debut the whiskey's 2020 release, comparing and contrasting the...

The District of Columbia might be best known for hard-nosed politics and massive protests, but the hard-working men and women of the nation's capital can at least agree on one thing: the need to unwind with a whiskey. Already home to one of the world's best whiskey bars, Jack Rose Dining Saloon, D.C. now offers a thriving craft distilling culture, with several making the good stuff right in the heart of the city.There are half a dozen whiskey-producing distilleries in the nation's capital, and that's just in D.C. proper—no need to hit the beltway or figure out the difference between the inner loop and outer loop. Even better, four of those six distilleries are within half a mile of each other in the bustling Ivy City neighborhood, making it a cinch to visit them all in a single day.Hit the craft whiskey trail in Washington, D.C. at these six distilleries.
The Magnus Room at Jos. A Magnus & Co. is used for tastings, cocktail classes, and private events.The Ivy City Quartet...

Like many single malt scotch fans, for Peter Grasso it was love at first sip. Of course, it wasn't just any sip. “A friend had a small party in 2015 for the Preakness [horse race] where we had several single malts,” including Glenlivet XXV 25 year old, Grasso says. “I had not had a single malt prior.” Grasso—who at the time was planning to visit his daughter, who was studying for her master's at Newcastle University in England—was so intrigued he wanted to visit the source of this elixir. “We decided to extend our family vacation to Scotland, where we visited numerous distilleries,” Grasso says. Upon his return to New Jersey, he was eager to continue his nascent whisky education, but was unable to find a suitable group. “I looked for a scotch club to join and could not locate anything in the area," he says. "I contacted several friends, organized the club, and never looked back.”Grasso wrangled about a dozen whisky-inclined pals to launch the Monmouth Whisky Club...

COVID-19 has hit the whisky industry hard, forcing distilleries of all sizes to adapt to social distancing protocols and other preventative measures. The effects of the virus are being felt worldwide, from Scotland to Kentucky. Most large distillers assert that, even when suspending operations or shifting production capacity to making ethanol for hand sanitizer, the supply of whisky won't be interrupted, and whisky lovers will still be able to find their favorite bottles on store shelves. But others, especially smaller companies, point to supply troubles down the road.In Scotland, many distilleries are still operational, but with new ways of working, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. “Companies are all applying the latest government guidance for those who work in production and operations, applying strict social distancing and comprehensive additional hygiene measures,” the organization wrote in a statement. “All employees who can work from home are doing so.”...

Bourbon lovers, set your DVRs: the 16th season of Bravo's flagship cooking competition show, Top Chef, is set in Kentucky, and it includes a trip to one of the state's most famous distilleries. Premiering Thursday, December 6, the new season will incorporate all that the Bluegrass State has to offer, including horse racing, college athletics, and, of course, bourbon—in particular, Maker's Mark.In the season's second episode, airing December 13, the cast visits Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto and creates their own Private Select bourbon, a custom whiskey finished in barrels made using proprietary oak staves. Bottled at 54.9% ABV, the Top Chef Private Select was finished in a barrel made with three baked American Pure staves, which impart notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel; three Maker's 46 French oak staves, which deliver dried fruit flavors; and four roasted French mocha staves, which are toasted at high heat in a convection oven, adding traces of char, maple, and cacao...

For the whisky drinker, few moments will ever rival that of tasting a 50 year old scotch. And right now, we are witnessing the release of the last bottles from casks laid down in the 1960s—a decade defined by tumultuous changes in the world: the Civil Rights protests, the Cuban missile crisis, the Vietnam War, the assassination of J.F.K., the Moon landings, and Hendrix playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock. Although blended scotch was king at the time, the 1960s also marked the inception of the single malt Scotch whisky revolution. And today, there are more 50 year old single malts to choose from than ever before.Only an infinitesimal number of special barrels have gone the distance of 50 years, and their rarity and longevity always command top dollar. Current offerings of 50 year old scotch, like Dalmore, can cost as much as $60,000 a bottle, making others, like Benromach, look like a veritable bargain at $14,500. Therefore, you will likely belong to one of two groups...

If whiskey lovers felt inclined to pour a dram last Friday—with much of the country on edge over the final stretch of a U.S. presidential election like no other—there's a good chance many reached for something high-quality, affordable, and widely available. Heaven Hill Distillery produces a remarkable range of whiskeys with those attributes, and on Nov. 6, master distiller Conor O'Driscoll joined Whisky Advocate's Instagram Live series #TasteWithSpace to talk about how they do it.O'Driscoll and Whisky Advocate digital assistant editor and tasting coordinator Ted Simmons kicked off the conversation by tasting Heaven Hill 7 year old Bottled in Bond. Earning the No. 4 spot among Whisky Advocate's Top 20 whiskies of 2019, it's just one example of how Heaven Hill's massive size works to its advantage when it comes to making great whiskey available at a fair price. “In almost any business, volume is your friend,” O'Driscoll explained, noting that Heaven Hill is “the world's...

To get to Toronto, start in Buffalo, New York and take the two-hour drive on Queen Elizabeth Way, skirting scenic Lake Ontario.Just north of Niagara Falls is Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery. While whisky distilled on-site by master distiller Joshua Beach is aging, the distillery offers No. 99 Red Cask whisky (named for the hockey legend's number), a sourced blend that's finished in the winery's red wine barrels, as well as whiskies finished in its ice wine and cabernet sauvignon barrels. In addition to an ice skating rink (open weather permitting), visitors can take advantage of multiple daily tours, a cocktail-making class, and the on-site Whisky Bar.Just half an hour to the west sits Forty Creek Distillery, founded in 1992 by one of Canada's trailblazing whisky makers, John Hall. Free tours are offered daily in the summer and early fall (weekends and holidays from October through mid-May), but the best time to visit is in late September when the distillery hosts its...

On June 24, 1889, on Main Street in Telluride, Colorado, Butch Cassidy robbed his very first bank. Skiing had not come to town yet, but whiskey certainly had, and the famed outlaw was known to partake. The story goes that he holed up in the tiny nearby mining hamlet of Dunton Hot Springs, where he carved his name into the bar of the town’s saloon. Dunton became a ghost town, but was purchased in 1994 and the entire town and its Old West buildings were transformed into one of the nation’s most luxurious all-inclusive boutique resorts. Today the saloon is the resort’s main bar, and Dunton Hot Springs has a nice selection of scotch and bourbon, and guests can sit at the bar etched with Cassidy’s signature for a dram. The house label is George Dickel, an old case of which was discovered beneath the floor during renovation. The owner took this as a sign and now leaves a bottle out in the library for guests to enjoy at their leisure. That’s taking après...

Fall is in full swing, and so are new whisky launches. In a burst of good news for Pappy fans, the 2022 Van Winkle lineup has been announced, and with it the word that more bottles than usual are available this year. Does that mean it'll be easier to get your hands on one ahead of the holiday season? Not necessarily, but here's to staying optimistic.The Van Winkle whiskeys aren't the only specialty releases making their debut this week. There are two new whiskies from Hibiki—a cherrywood-finished blend and a 30 year old whisky—both of which are highly limited. Knob Creek, meanwhile, has introduced a rarity of its own, an 18 year old bourbon that marks its oldest release to date, and High West has unveiled the 10th edition of A Midwinter Night's Dram, along with a distillery-exclusive special to commemorate the 10th anniversary. From Scotland, Glendronach has debuted Grandeur Batch 11—aged for 28 years—while Gordon & Macphail is offering three new...

Fall is in full swing, and so are distilleries, with all manner of releases coming out practically by the minute. In a burst of good news for Pappy fans, the 2022 Van Winkle lineup has been announced, and along with it the revelation that more bottles than usual are available this year. Does that mean it'll be easier to get your hands on one ahead of the holiday season, be it for yourself or a loved one? Not necessarily, but here's to staying optimistic.As mentioned, the Van Winkle whiskeys are hardly the only specialty releases to debut this week. There are two new whiskies from Hibiki—a cherrywood-finished blend and a 30 year old whisky—both of which are very limited in nature. Knob Creek, meanwhile, has introduced a rarity of its own, an 18 year old bourbon that marks its oldest release to date. From Scotland, Glendronach has debuted Grandeur Batch 11—aged for 28 years—and there are three new ultra-limited, ultra-aged bottlings from the Gordon &...

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...

In a converted Guinness brewery in the southern Irish seaport of Waterford, something remarkable is happening. Mark Reynier, formerly of Scotland's Bruichladdich Distillery and a barley provenance devotee, has created what he terms, “A cathedral of barley” in his Waterford Distillery, where spirit flowed for the first time in January 2016.Taking a page from his Islay playbook, Reynier enlists 46 Irish farms, some organic, growing barley on nineteen distinct soil types. Each farmer's crop is harvested, stored, malted, and distilled separately, one each week throughout the year. Reynier declares, “Thus we can capture in spirit each farm's terroir, that subtle character shaped by micro-climate and soil. I'm trying to make the most profound single malt whiskey possible.” In September, Reynier distilled the first organic Irish whiskey.Meanwhile, further north, in County Meath, whiskey making is about to return to the Boyne Valley, where the last of Drogheda's eighteen distilleries...

Bottled in bond bourbons have made a huge splash recently—take Whisky Advocate's 2019 Whisky of the Year George Dickel 13 year old Bottled in Bond, for example. Bottled in bond whiskeys aren't limited to just bourbon, though. As long as the whiskey—or any other spirit, like brandy—is produced according to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, it can be labeled as such.A bottled in bond whiskey must be produced in a single distilling season by a single distiller, aged in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of 4 years, and bottled at 50% ABV. Any style of whiskey can be bonded as long as it meets those regulations—and to that point, many bottled in bond ryes have emerged over the last few years. One of those ryes, New Riff Bottled in Bond, even made our 2019 Top 20, earning the No.-17 spot.While the whiskeys on this list share many qualities due to bottled in bond regulations, and the fact that most are rye, there's also rich variety represented. These bottles hail from several...

Change is in the air, and we aren't just talking about the seasons. Major brands are losing some of their top whiskey makers, as distillers and blenders are leaving corporate comforts to create a legacy of their own. We spoke to Jane Bowie and Denny Potter, formerly of Maker's Mark, and Jackie Zykan, formerly of Old Forester, about their decisions to forge their own paths and the whiskeys we can expect from them in the future.As for whiskies you can search for now, there are plenty to choose from this week. Wild Turkey adds to its Master's Keep line with Unforgotten, while Maker's Mark unveils the latest release in its stave finishing series, a pair of whiskeys labeled BRT-01 and 02. As for single malt scotch, Benriach is bringing back its limited Smoke and Malting Season whiskies. We also covered the 2022 Diageo Special Releases, dubbed the "Elusive Expressions," earlier this week. Read on for full details.

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Unforgotten
Style: Blend of...

Getting your hands on whiskeys from your favorite Kentucky distillers just became much simpler—at least for some Americans. A new state law now allows distilleries, along with wineries and breweries, to ship directly to in-state residents, as well as states with reciprocal agreements (currently Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Rhode Island, plus Washington, D.C.). That means that even if you can't get to a distillery for a special release, you could potentially have a bottle delivered to your doorstep.This is all thanks to Kentucky House Bill 415, which was passed in April 2020 and went into effect in December. Prior to that, Kentucky residents largely couldn't receive alcohol shipments from out of state, and there were heavy restrictions on beer, wine, and spirits shipments from Kentucky to other states. While limitations remain under HB 415, the bill is a significant step forward in opening access to Kentucky's...

One late August day, members of the heavy metal band GWAR were set to visit Catoctin Creek Distillery. The distillery's co-founder Scott Harris wasn't entirely sure what to expect. A fan of Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand, Harris says he likes easy-listening music, which is about as far away as one could get from the stage antics, graphic imagery, and demonic get-ups of GWAR. “They were like, ‘Yeah we'll bring our costumes, we'll take some pictures.'” Harris says. “And so we were like ‘Okay!' And not sure what that was going to be like. It was pretty fun.”
Three band members—Mike Derks (Balsac the Jaws of Death, rhythm guitar), Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha, drums), and Bob Gorman (Bonesnapper, backing vocals)—of the hard rocking, intergalactic artistic collective visited the Purcellville, Virginia distillery to taste whiskey samples for what would become Ragnarök Rye, a new collaborative release from the band and Catoctin...

A pub crawl may bring to mind stumbling bar-goers donning shamrock gear, but for a group of discriminating whisky fans, a well-organized bar tour can be a great outing.“Bar crawls are a way for our members to explore venues in a neighborhood they might not otherwise visit, especially considering how big Los Angeles is,” says Kim Ohanneson, president of the Los Angeles chapter of Women Who Whiskey. She adds that these events can offer a more casual and relaxed setting for members to get to know one another. “People tend to mingle and interact more freely if they're walking and regrouping at different venues.” Ohanneson focuses on bars that allow her to reserve a space for the group ahead of time, and finds they're generally accommodating if the crawl takes place before the evening rush.6 Unforgettable Excursions for Your Whisky ClubOrganizing a crawl of your town's best whisky-focused establishments is a simple and fun way to shake up your club's routine. “We like to...

Reminders of whisky are never far off in Scotland—swollen fresh rivers, pristine glens, rich peated earth, and the abundant rain that is destined to become tomorrow’s whisky. But so much of whisky’s culture in Scotland historically lay hidden, and was meant to be so. In earlier centuries, its distilleries were tucked away in remote corners of the Highlands and western isles, dodging the tax man. Even as scotch whisky grew to become big business, its prized malt distillers remained mostly unknown to the world at large.
Scotland’s malt whiskies were considered too rustic, too assertive, and too obscure for the world’s cosmopolitan drinkers in the 19th century—or so the thinking went. Blenders, often Scottish grocers who sold whisky in their shops, began mixing these malts with softer grain whiskies, giving rise to the blended scotch category. These palate-friendly blends, bearing names like Johnnie Walker, Dewar’s, Bell’s, and...

The capital of the Emerald Isle has long been known for having the best pints of Guinness in the world, but now it's earning a new reputation. Thanks to several new distilleries, Dublin has become the home of Irish whiskey's revival. From its new wealth of distillery tours to a rich and lively bar scene, Dublin is an ideal getaway for the whisky lover.Getting AroundBuses aren't necessary unless you're going out of town. But the Hop On Hop Offroutes will take you to Teeling. Bicycles can be rented via DublinBikes. Taxis are hailed on the street, or go to a taxi rank. Ridesharing hasn't taken hold; Uber is just a taxi-hailing service. Bicycle rickshaws are increasingly common in town, but settle on a fare first! Executive cars or limos are a possible option for out-of-town touring. Buy a Leap Cardfor travel on bus, tram, and local trains.When to GoNew York's Times Square has nothing on Dublin, which celebrates the ringing in of the New Year with a spectacular fireworks show and public...

The Scottish islands offer a picturesque getaway off the mainland, full of sites to see and spirits to drink. The Isle of Skye is no exception to that; thanks to Skye's breathtaking natural phenomena, shops and restaurants, and growing distillery scene, it makes an ideal whisky destination.When to goIdeally, avoid the peak summer vacation months of July and August. This is when Skye is at its busiest and most expensive.Spring and fall are quieter overall, and seasonal businesses that you may want to visit will be open. Accommodations will also be easier to find, and cheaper than during the most popular tourist period. These are prime periods for the average traveler looking for a well-rounded excursion.Winter is the off-season and the quietest time on the island, making it one of the few opportunities for more serene outdoor excursions. However, some degree of bravery is required with regard to weather: Winters can be cold and wet, and daylight hours are more limited. You are likely...

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...

Matthew Kelley would like to clarify that his son is not named Dingle. In April 2019, Kelley had plans to visit Ireland for the launch of Dingle's first single malt. An avid Irish whiskey fan, he couldn't wait for the trip. That same year, Kelley and his wife, Ashley, learned that they would be expecting their first child together, with the doctor's visit that revealed the baby's sex occurring on the same day his plane was to depart.The two agreed to wait until he returned to South Carolina to share the news with their family, but with a sonogram image tucked inside his passport, Kelley had to tell someone. “Being impatient and wanting to share the news, 10 hours later, I'm huddled up in a pub over in Dublin, sharing this information, this news that we're having a little boy, with some of my closest friends in Ireland,” he says. The trip turned into quite the celebration, and while he has a bottle stashed from that event to share with his son once he comes of age, the...

Undoubtedly, after an epic bull market, the whisky industry has been facing some major headwinds. Whisky sales fell in 2023, and then even more in 2024, marking the first consecutive declines in more than two decades. Further uncertainty looms, too, thanks to the threat of tariffs and a potentially prolonged trade war. The ongoing responses by the industry—production pauses, layoffs, and closures—have evoked echoes of previous whisky downturns, when sales slumped and distilleries shuttered. While we’re very far from the lows of the bad old days that took hold in the 1970s, there’s been a mounting turbulence that isn’t behind us quite yet. Below is a look at some of the biggest pauses, job cuts, and closures announced in the past calendar year. 
Irish Distillers
This month, Irish Distillers announced that its Midleton Distillery—producer of such big-name Irish whiskeys as Jameson, Midleton, Redbreast, the Spots, Powers, and...

Update 7/17: Another distillery that calls Texas Hill Country home, Milam & Greene, is contributing to relief efforts through bottle sales at its Blanco-based distillery, online, and at Texas-based retailer Spec’s Wine and Foods. Through July 31st, 15% of net bottle sales will be donated to the Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country. For patrons who purchase one or both of the label’s two rare, cask strength blended bourbons under the Unabridged Series, 50% of the proceeds will be donated. Additionally, the label has pledged $20.00 per bottle sold at Spec’s Wine and Foods to benefit Texas Pets Alive!, a non-profit that supports displaced pets and reunites them with loved ones during times of disaster.
The “once-in-a-century” flooding that struck Kerr County in Texas Hill Country this past weekend saw the waters of the Guadalupe River rise to nearly 30 feet within just 45 minutes in the predawn hours of July 4th, devastating the area and...

Brothers Wright Distilling Co., a bourbon brand that will eventually age its whiskeys in underground coal mines, has expanded its footprint in Pike County, Kentucky, with the acquisition of Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery in downtown Pikeville. The deal includes not just Dueling Barrels’ production facility—which houses three Vendome pot stills, a 350-gallon moonshine still, 19 stainless steel fermenters, two cypress fermenters, and equipment for brewing beer—but also an on-site 150-seat restaurant, tasting room, gift shop, and event space.
The expansion into downtown Pikeville marks a major shift for Brothers Wright, which has thus far operated in a more rural part of Pike County (Kentucky’s easternmost county, and home to around 55,000 people), and without a public-facing site. Brothers Kendall and Shannon Wright founded the brand in 2021 on a specific premise: coal mine maturation. They had tossed the idea around since 2009—and...

You spot a great value bottle of your favorite single malt on the shelf. The price seems right, but the label is strangely unfamiliar. Chances are it's from an “independent bottler” rather than the distillery itself—a third-party operator in the business of buying casks, either singly or in parcels, and bottling them under their name, even though for the most part the original distillery is clearly identified.But operations such as Cadenhead's, Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Adelphi, and others do much more than just bottle whisky. At their best, they are curators, brokers, and stewards during good times and bad who have given whisky lovers some remarkable drams at what now seems like incredible value. But as markets evolve around them, their continued survival has dictated a change in their commercial identity: today some are also blenders, while others have become distillery owners in their own right. A Brief Lesson in HistoryOnce upon a time—not...

The benefits of hosting your whisky club in a public space instead of your home are vast—and for the right establishment, it's a win-win situation for all involved. Whether you're just starting out and looking for a neutral meeting ground, or want to expand your club's reach, a whisky-focused bar is a prime spot to get together.Finding an appropriate meeting space was an early hurdle Los Angeles resident Andy Smith and his neighbor Scott Saikley faced when they decided to start a whisky club in 2006. The first was simply forming the group. “This was before Facebook was really big—it wasn't as easy to connect with people online,” Smith says. “We started a website with a sign-up form and for months waited to see if anyone would show interest.” It took some time, but people did sign up—about 15 to 20, in fact—but still, where were they all going to meet? “Everyone was pretty queasy about meeting at their home until they felt sure that...

If there’s one thing to learn from the Roy family in the hit television series “Succession,” it’s that blood relatives and business often don’t mix. But that adage doesn’t ring true in American whiskey, where many storied families have embraced distilling with enduring success. The oldest distilling families have been at it for centuries— most notably the Beams, where the tradition stretches back eight generations to 1795, when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of corn whiskey. Closely intertwined with that story is today’s Noe family, who are direct descendants.
Other families might not count eight generations back, but are nonetheless ingrained into the story of American distilling. Think the Van Winkles of Pappy fame, who are now into the fourth generation of whiskey makers, or the Hendersons with three generations of distillers, who created Angels Envy and recently launched True Story whiskey. Willett, too, has long remained a...

This summer, for the 10th time in its history, Royal Troon golf club on Scotland’s windswept west coast will host the British Open, formally known as the Open Championship. The surrounding area is one that can be described as a golfer’s dream: Prestwick Golf Club, where the Open Championship was first contested in 1860, is just five miles up the road, and a half-dozen other prominent courses lie within a 45-minute radius. Less well-known is the fact that this region is also a great corner of Scotland for whisky lovers to explore.

There are so many fun whisky experiences nearby this part of Scotland’s western shore that you could construct a multi-day whisky itinerary from Troon. Your main base of operations should be the Marine Troon Hotel, where Curtis McConnell, manager of the hotel’s The Seal Bar, likes to mix and shake with scotch. McConnell and his team will often research the origins of a scotch whisky, delving into the distillery’s...

Earlier this month, we were in County Sligo in northwest Ireland to visit Sazerac’s long-awaited Irish distillery project: a 100-acre campus formerly known as Lough Gill Distillery, which the company acquired in 2022. The immense, immaculately clean facility is relaunching as Hawk’s Rock Distillery, adding a potentially significant new asset to Sazerac’s whiskey portfolio. “We have an eagle [Eagle Rare], and now we have a hawk,” one company representative smiled during our site visit.
We’ve tasted the first whiskey that will emerge from Hawk’s Rock, which will be released this June. The particulars of that liquid are still under wraps, but we can reveal that all the Irish whiskeys being crafted here are being done under the watchful eye of master blender Helen Mulholland.

The list of accolades Mulholland has racked up over the years is lengthy. She spent 25 years work at Bushmills, most recently as its...

Once known as Marble City for the pink stone used to build the Lincoln Memorial, Grand Central Station, and New York Public Library's famous brace of stone lions, Knoxville has seen recognition as the Cradle of Country Music, the first Capital of Tennessee, and the Gateway to the South. It is also a growing whisky destination.While travel and entertainment as we once knew have changed due to the pandemic, we're looking forward to the days of resuming such activities. Thus, we share with you this guide to Knoxville while being mindful that distilleries, attractions, restaurants, and bars may have limited services and/or hours in order to comply with local mandates and social distancing. Whether for future planning or some armchair travel, join us as we tour the third most-populated city in Tennessee.Consisting of Market Square, the Old City, and several in-town neighborhoods, few cities can offer a concentrated collection of walkable pleasures to rival downtown Knoxville. Drink, food...

It was a typical year for Michter’s in 2022, as the Kentucky-based whiskey maker sold all the stock that its distilling and maturation team deemed ready for bottling. This year, Michter’s will continue to invest in making more whiskey, by adding new barrel houses and running additional distillation to make its perennially allocated whiskeys more widely available. Michter’s has also re-upped on efforts to attract fans to its Fort Nelson Distillery on Louisville’s Whiskey Row as the steady flow of visitors to Kentucky has returned.
“We’re making very significant capital expenditures to grow our production,” says Michter’s president Joe Magliocco. “We’ve made a conscious decision that we want to do everything we can to keep the quality as high as possible.” Recently, Michter’s brought back its 10 year old bourbon, after a hiatus in 2022. The hard-to-find whiskey retails for around $185 and comes in at 47.2% ABV...

On Monday, December 4, our countdown of the Top 20 Whiskies of 2023 begins! The reveal kicks off with whiskies 10, 9, and 8, followed by whiskies 7, 6, and 5 on Tuesday, December 5; whiskies 4, 3, and 2 on Wednesday, December 6; and the unveiling of our Whisky of the Year on Thursday, December 7. The entire Top 20 list, detailing the most exciting whiskies of the year, will be published on our site next Friday, December 8.
As for this week's new releases, perhaps a future Top 20 candidate is in their midst: Read on for full details of all the week has to offer, including the latest Diageo's Distillers Edition, Fuji Whisky's 30 year old Single Grain, Jack Daniel's Distillery Series Selection #12, and more.
SCOTCH
Diageo Distillers Edition 2023
Each year, Diageo releases its Distillers Edition versions of some of its most popular single malts. Generally speaking, they’re the same whiskies as the core expressions, but they all receive varying amounts of...

There are many ways to toast St. Patrick's Day with whiskey—whipping up cocktails like a Whiskey Ginger or Hot Toddy with your favorite Irish whiskey, creating your own Irish cream, indulging in some Irish Coffee, or keeping it simple by sipping your spirit neat. And to that end, there are lots of new Irish whiskeys to choose from this year and plenty of ways to celebrate.Just as it did last year, Jameson is teaming up with music artist Anderson .Paak to host a free St. Patrick's Day concert in California. For details on how to attend, sign up for updates from Jameson. Meanwhile, Tullamore D.E.W. is bringing back its O'Everyone campaign, which allows fans to order a commemorative shirt featuring their own last name transformed with an O-apostrophe to sound Irish. This year, O'Everyone will also feature Irish pub pop-ups close to St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Los Angeles. Update 3/16/2020: The Jameson x Meet Me At The Bar concert in Los Angeles, scheduled...

The fourth season of “Succession” reaches its climax this month as the final episode hits our screens. While we can’t wait to find out what happens, it hasn’t escaped our notice that the multi-Emmy-winning HBO Max series about power and politics includes a great deal of imbibing. To toast the last installment, here’s our guide to what to pour into your glass, whether you want to match the choices of the super-rich in key scenes or sip our whisky recommendations inspired by the show’s glamorous locations.
“Succession” follows the fortunes of octogenarian media tycoon Logan Roy as he fights to keep control of Waystar Royco, his global media and entertainment conglomerate. The darkly comic drama sees Roy, played by Brian Cox, negotiate the balance of power over a series of digital media merger and acquisition deals, amid a series of scandals, betrayals, and takeover bids as the next generation makes a play to succeed their father as the...

Less than a decade ago, a tour of Tennessee's whiskey distilleries would have taken you to Jack Daniel, George Dickel (now Cascade Hollow), and family-owned Prichard's, and that would have been it. Tennessee distilling remained within this small circle of three until the mid-2000s—despite the state being home to the world's biggest-selling American whiskey, Jack Daniel's, and laying claim to distilling roots dating back to 1771.
The reason for this oddity can be summed up in one word: temperance. Just prior to the Civil War, Tennessee was producing enough whiskey for the Confederate government to place a wartime ban on production in order to maintain grain supplies. In the post-war years, the temperance movement gathered steam, and by the time Prohibition was enacted in 1920, some 33 states already were enforcing their own alcohol bans. Tennessee was one of them, placing bans on consumption and production as early as 1838, but really ramping up efforts by the early 1900s...

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...

Japanese whisky’s reputation has come a long way over the arc of 25 years. Once an unglamorous local tipple, today it’s a globally revered spirit—with supply straining to meet demand. Along this path to glory, Japanese whisky has inspired some of the world’s great cocktail bars, created liquid magic with its use of mizunara oak, and achieved mastery in the art of blending. On the global auction market, Japan has produced some of the most coveted collectibles ever released. In short, the allure is undeniable.
Despite centuries-old traditions in sake and shochu, Japan’s history of whisky distilling is not a lengthy one. The country’s two most famous malt whisky distilleries are Yamazaki (owned by Suntory), which opened in 1923, and Yoichi (owned by Nikka), which began distilling in 1936. The seminal figure for whisky in Japan was Masataka Taketsuru, a scion of a sake brewing family who journeyed to Scotland from 1918-20 to study whisky making and...

One of the many joys of being part of a whisky club is tasting in the company of others who also enjoy the water of life, but acquiring whiskies can pose a challenge. Today's whisky world is highly competitive for buyers, and your quest for new and unusual whiskies can often feel like one space forward, two spaces back. However, with a dedicated team and a solid strategy, your whisky club will be well-rewarded. Be prepared to visit distilleries, take road trips to liquor stores, pore over auction catalogs, and scour Travel Retail shops. In the game of whisky shopping, you have to play to win.Choose Your TeamDoug Spencer started the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based WhiskyHead Tasting Club in 2013 to create an environment where like-minded people could learn more about whisky. “I was still new to whisky back then, but had enough knowledge to know that a lot of people had either never been exposed to whisky or were turned off by previous experiences with cheap whisky,” Spencer says. “The...

Summer is the time for exploration and excitement—and there’s no better companion for your adventures than Whisky Advocate. Our Summer 2018 issue takes you to whisky tourism destinations around the world where you can ski, surf, kiteboard, and more, all near top-notch distilleries. If you’re planning to visit America’s national parks, you won’t have to forego the whisky; from Yosemite to Yellowstone, Glaciers to Grand Teton, bourbon, scotch, and local craft whiskey are yours for the drinking—and at a fair price to boot.

Hop over the border to Canada, where distilleries large and small are crafting delicious whiskies that never make it out of the country. Our guide will help you choose which bottles to bring back. Or venture further afield to Speyside, Scotland’s most densely-packed whisky region, home to dozens of single malt distilleries.

Don’t miss our guide to the best blended Irish whiskeys, or our inside look at...

Following an action-packed event in Florida last month, WhiskyFest made its final two stops of the year in Chicago and New York. Both nights provided with top-flight drams, educational seminars, and the opportunity to meet some of the people behind their favorite brands.
Whisky in the Windy City
WhiskyFest Chicago took place on the evening of November 15, with a horde of enthusiastic whisky fans storming the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The event kicked off at 5:30 with an exclusive VIP hour—offering ticket holders an early taste of the evening’s whiskies. The VIP hour also included a slew of exclusive and highly sought-after pours, including Octomore 15.1, Compass Box Metropolis, Dewar’s Double Double 21, Heaven Hill 18 year old Heritage Collection, and Little Book among others.
One of the hot spots for VIPs was Brown-Forman’s scotch booth, which offered a smattering of single malts from Benriach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh. Manning the booth was...

Whether making bourbon, rye, wheat, or any other style of American whiskey, all distillers are faced with a choice between using sour or sweet mash. But what exactly are they, and what is the difference between the two?
First, a quick review of the initial steps in whiskey making. Milled grains are blended with water to create what’s called a mash. The grain element has natural sweetness, and into this mix goes yeast, which touches off fermentation to turn that sweetness into alcohol. The resulting beer-like liquid—the mash—is then distilled into whiskey.
Generations ago, distillers discovered the idea of adding something to the mash called backset—liquid strained from the previous batch. Whiskeys made without backset are sweet mash whiskeys, and those with backset are sour mash whiskeys. Why would anyone choose to add this strange acidic substance to a mash? Sour mash distillers use the backset to protect against bacterial contamination during...

Style diversity is a key characteristic of American craft whiskey, but most have one thing in common: youth. They are generally young compared to what the legacy producers deliver, lacking the years in a barrel that lead to mature-tasting whisky. No one has solved the aging puzzle either. Young whiskeys taste young.Unlike most other countries, there is no minimum wood aging duration for American whiskey. Any amount of wood contact will suffice. One type of whiskey, corn whiskey, doesn't need to be aged at all.American whiskey making tradition has deep roots. Fifty years ago, when bourbon sales slumped, several large producers petitioned federal regulators to change certain whiskey labeling rules. One proposal, in imitation of foreign practice, would have imposed a minimum age requirement.The regulators demurred, stating that, “No need was established for a minimum age requirement for current domestic types of whisky.” The ruling further observed that, “there are no appreciable...

Social distancing is keeping millions of people safe from COVID-19, but it has put a stop to many activities, including whisky club meetings. Nevertheless, clubs are getting creative with virtual substitutes, finding ways to continue gathering around whisky even from a distance. “We did a virtual tour of the Balcones Distillery [on March 17], with members logging in from our chapters all over the world—from Mexico City to all across the U.S. to Beirut—where they helped us do two barrel picks,” Drammers Club president Charlie Prince tells Whisky Advocate. “We also did a group chat [on March 20], and we're going to do virtual tastings, where we mail samples in advance to members in the coming weeks with guest speakers from Balvenie, Port Askaig, Milk & Honey,” and more to come.The barrel pick had been scheduled weeks before, with plans for Drammers members to attend in person. When the need for social distancing arose, Prince decided to carry on with the barrel pick...

If a barrel finish seems unorthodox or even impossible—but might turn into great whiskey—WhistlePig master blender Pete Lynch wants to make it work, and often does, showcasing the most exciting successes through the distillery's Boss Hog series. Joining Whisky Advocate's #TasteWithSpace Instagram Live series on Oct. 23, Lynch unleashed a torrent of information on the deliberation, methodology, and exploration that goes into each release. “Boss Hog is the idea of the pinnacle of innovation—how do we push rye whiskey to its furthest limits in a way that people are going to enjoy and accept it?” Lynch said. With each release, WhistlePig is looking to “take not just our oldest, or our highest proof, or our weirdest, but our best rye whiskey that can give us the most definitive idea of that push toward redefining what rye whiskey means,” Lynch added. “And year after year it's going to mean something quite different.”This year's release, Boss Hog VII: Magellan's Atlantic...

Whisky Advocate’s Winter issue, which features our Top 20 Whiskies of the Year, is on newsstands now. Pick up a copy to see reviews and ratings for our Top 20, led by our Whisky of the Year. We also say farewell to 2021 with a salute to 21 year old whiskies, offering our best picks to drink now. Our Whisky Year on a Budget feature maps out four whisky budgets for 2022—with annual spending set $500, $1,000, $2,000, or $5,000. The Matching Flavors feature presents a dinner pairing with peated whiskies, and we also cover the range of smokey American whiskeys and the many wood types being used to impart enhanced flavor. From Scotland, our Last Casks story explores the country’s rapidly dwindling supply of rare, coveted whiskies from long-shuttered distilleries—some of which are surprisingly affordable.

Our Winter issue’s Buying Guide also offers 115 whisky reviews, including our Best Values, Collectibles, and Editor’s Choice selections. Pick up...

At this moment, in distilleries and blending labs around the world, a critical communication is underway. A blender or distiller is having a silent conversation with a glass that contains whisky. It could be the latest iteration of a blend in the course of developing a new product, or in the maintenance of a legacy brand. Either way, the process requires passion, methodology, and clinical precision.
We’ve asked some of the world’s top blenders and distillers to give us an extraordinary peek into their labs and workspaces to help us understand their work and their creative process—from sensory overload to how they deal with the more prosaic activities of driving a car or doing the same thing day after day; of taking their “work” home with them and what it all means to you.
While these artisans are much like you and me, they have to deal with everyday issues in a slightly different manner. The issue of sensory impact and overload was considered by...

When Woodford Reserve Double Oaked splashed onto the scene in 2012, it was somewhat of an anomaly: Not only was cask finishing not yet in its frenetic heyday, but doubling down and finishing bourbon in secondary new oak was practically unheard of, with but one exception—Tennessee’s Prichard’s Distillery released a Double Barreled bourbon in 2002, but that was a small, limited expression. 
Double Oaked is an amber-hued whiskey that has no age statement, which is typical for Woodford—none of its whiskeys have age statements, as they’re batched together from barrels of different ages, warehouses, warehouse locations, and flavor profiles, and the distillery chooses to forgo stating even the youngest age on the bottle. That said, we know it’s at least 4 years old, given the basic requirements for bourbon maturation, and that the average age is probably closer to 5, given that the whiskey spends just under a year in its secondary barrel. While...

Even a quick glance at its name makes it safe to assume that Dampfwerk Distilling in St. Louis Park, Minnesota has a far-flung influence. In this case, that influence is German: Owner Ralf Loeffelholz is originally from the Bavarian town of Muhldorf. There, fruit brandies and herbal liqueurs are deeply entrenched in the culture, and Loeffelholz knew that when he opened his distillery on American soil, those European-style brandies and liqueurs would be at the heart of his business. But Dampfwerk (which translates to “steam works”) is a family affair, and distiller Christian Loeffelholz (Ralf’s son) joined Dampfwerk with American single malt in mind—which he makes on the same German-made still his father uses.

“The still was designed to our specifications; it’s not a traditional whiskey still by any means, but it’s tuned for leaving as much flavor in the product as possible—in that way, we have great bandwidth for brandies and...

Our Summer issue’s “Great Escapes” coverage offers a host of great getaway ideas for whisky lovers across America, Ireland, and Scotland. We also do some other whisky exploring, taking you on a tour of Colorado’s distilleries and profiling the Rocky Mountain state’s whiskey makers. We visit the distillers of California wine country, where artisanal expressions are being made alongside the region’s more famous wine neighbors. With summer being time for the British Open, we feature St Andrews, home to golf’s most famous course and site of this year’s Open. The issue also offers an in-depth look at American single malt whiskey and selections from this emerging space, and we pair burgers and bourbon for grilling and entertaining. Finally, our Buying Guide offers a wealth of new whisky scores and reviews.



Summer 2022 Buying Guide

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Explore over 100 whisky reviews including Macallan The...

Scotch whisky distilleries traditionally were fairly spartan experiences— and certainly not places for culinary or cocktail flair. Some pioneers like Glenfiddich have long offered food amenities, but those examples were few and far between. Today, that scenario no longer applies: Distilleries across Scotland now have a variety of whisky-and-food experiences, often presented to stunning effect.
In the Highlands, Glenmorangie offers the standard Original Tour, which includes a tour and two drams in an hour-long experience. But you can have a far more elaborate time at Glenmorangie House, the distillery’s guest quarters. Here, everything from afternoon tea, drams before dinner (with canapés, of course), and a four-course meal are on offer, as well as breakfast the next morning. But dinner is what really sets it apart.
Sim Canetty-Clarke
“Dining is a central part of the experience at Glenmorangie House, and we create a new menu every night that echoes...

The corps of dedicated whisky drinkers has long included a division with a deep interest in exclusivity. Think of the enthusiasts that chase after bottles of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon every year or clubs whose members have access to juice sipped by no others. So it only makes sense that whisky bars across the U.S. offering a secure place to store your precious holdings have found an eager audience. These arrangements, variously called locker or keep programs, allow customers to purchase preferred whiskies, or even carry in their own personal stash. The bar then keeps them on hand for whenever the patron chooses to draw on it. It brings a whole new meaning to being a regular.American Whiskey—New York CityA sprawling bar in midtown Manhattan that opened in 2013, American Whiskey does not advertise its locker program. The service is based on referrals or a personal invitation by the owners. Those who make the cut can either purchase a bottle from the bar with no additional charge for...

The Orkney Islands have only two distilleries, both located on the "mainland" (it's still an island). Both are well worth a visit.Highland Park All tours should be booked in advance. Visit the website for tour hours and details. A variety of tours is offered, with costs ranging from $9.40 to $1,253. Pricing is indicative of the number of whiskies made available for sampling, the experiences, and the souvenirs that are included. The ultimate experience includes a day working at the distillery, turning the malt, stoking the kiln, visiting Hobbister Moor and other landmarks, before dinner and a tutored tasting. A hand-filled single cask expression of Highland Park is available for $113.Scapa All tours should be booked in advance. Visit the website for tour details and hours. All tours include a dram to sample. The Scapa Tour costs $12, while the Scapa Experience—with additional whiskies to sample—costs $24. Private tours are also...

Season 5 of multi-Emmy award-winning drama “The Crown” returns to Netflix today, November 9th, picking up screenwriter Peter Morgan’s fictionalized account of events from 1991 onward based on the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Here are Whisky Advocate‘s five recommended royal whiskies to pour as you watch—as well as five collectibles available at auction for a king’s ransom (palace not included) if you’re so inclined. All 10 of these gems were chosen for their royal connections, their status as royal warrant holders, or because they commemorate significant royal events. So pour yourself a regal dram and enjoy the show.
FIVE ROYAL WHISKIES TO DRINK NOW

Dewar’s 25 year old—93 points, 40%, $225 Rich maltiness, flapjacks, whole almond, smooth caramel, chocolate orange, and cappuccino
Finished in Royal Brackla casks, this blended scotch is double-aged for a minimum of 25 years. Royal Brackla was the first single...

New Orleans is a city with many sobriquets. It’s the Birthplace of Jazz, as it fostered the genre and great jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong. It’s also known as the Big Easy, by virtue of its laid-back lifestyle. And for geographical reasons it’s called Crescent City; as the city expanded beyond its French Quarter center it followed the curve of the Mississippi River, forming a crescent shape.
While there’s no nickname connecting New Orleans directly to whisky, the ties to revelry are legendary, and date back as far as its founding. Even in the 1700s, New Orleans was well-known for its culture of drinking and dancing, and by the early 1800s, distillers to the north were shipping barrels of whiskey down the Mississippi straight to the city, further fueling the exuberance. In fact, American whiskey aging practices might be traced back to these shipments—legend goes that distillers sent their white whiskey downstream in used barrels that were charred...

Las Vegas has come roaring back this year, and visitors will find many new additions to the city’s lodging, dining, and drinking options. Among the new hotels, the 3,500-plus room Resorts World is the first mega-casino addition to the Strip in 10 years, and Circa is the first all-new major casino resort built in old downtown in four decades. The beloved Palms Casino Resort has reopened under new ownership and a $620-million facelift, a new NFL (and concert) stadium has debuted, new shows abound, and new restaurants and attractions are running at full steam. What’s in it for the whisky lover? Thanks to some of these recent additions, the answer is plenty.
In terms of getting around, after a historic struggle with public transportation, the underground Las Vegas Loop, now under construction, promises to change all that. Until then, the airport is close to the Strip, so taxis or rideshare remain the best way to get into town, and in many cases, to then get around. The one...

In the hierarchy of British cities for whisky lovers, London has not traditionally ranked very high, principally because the UK’s whisky makers were all located more than 400 miles to the north. But today Britain’s capital city has numerous nascent distilleries, including several specializing in whisky, joining a lively network of whisky bars to make this ancient city a whisky destination to rival any in Europe.
As one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, London abounds with lodging options. Choose one that has a bar you’ll want to visit anyway.
Built in what was at one time the largest school in England, St. Paul’s Hotel in Hammersmith offers 35 rooms set on three rambling floors of a neo-Gothic building. While the hotel’s entryway might seem a bit underwhelming, pride of place on the ground floor is given to Melody Whisky Bar, offering an extensive list of single malts including special Fèis Ìle releases, whiskies from...

The Paper Plane cocktail is rapidly moving from a deep cut, rarely ordered imbibe to a menu mainstay. And for good reason: It’s positively delicious and has infinite riffs.
When I stumbled upon the Paper Plane a few years back, I sought a refreshing cocktail that was bourbon-forward, but not so much that it overpowered the glass, and something that I could have several rounds of without burning out my palate or overdosing on cloying sweetness. It was love at first sip. A punch of bourbon, a fair amount of tartness, and just a soupçon of sweetness; heaven in a coupe.
The fun part about this equal-parts drink? Due to the endless customization options, you can keep tweaking the recipe to suit any desired flavor profile. You’ll never get tired of trying another iteration, seeing how those new additions move the overall flavor of the cocktail.
I’ve spent the last few years trying Paper Planes at every bar I visit, across seven countries and more...

Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg is the main aviation hub and commercial heart for all of Southern Africa. Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, if you love whisky, WhiskyBrother Bar is a must-visit.
The city is home to some of the region’s wealthiest residents and most desirable neighborhoods, and in recent years the taste for finer things, from luxury cars and watches to international fashion to top-shelf whiskies has taken off in a big way. Whisky has become part of the society scene here, and there’s no better place for a big night out than WhiskyBrother Bar in Sandton, Johannesburg’s poshest neighborhood (the nearby Saxon Hotel is where Nelson Mandela stayed when he wrote his memoir, and it’s the choice of the Clintons, Oprah Winfrey, and just about every visiting entertainer).
Like Los Angeles, Johannesburg is a very large city devoted to driving with very little that’s pedestrian friendly. Oddly, almost all the best...

Fans of Knob Creek’s single barrel bourbons and ryes are in for a treat:  Knob Creek owner The James B. Beam Distilling Co. has created the Beam Private Barrel Club, which will allow them to select, buy, and bottle whiskey from their very own barrel of Knob Creek, right at the distillery. The program launches in January and is a first for Beam, which previously has offered this service only to retailers, restaurants, bars, and other members of the spirits trade.
The Knob Creek single barrel bourbons are aged for a minimum of 9 years, while the Knob Creek single barrel ryes are aged at least 7 years. Only barrels that pass Beam’s own review qualifications  will be made available. For now Knob Creek will be the only Beam label on offer, though the company said it will be evaluating the possibility of adding some of its other whiskeys, which include Jim Beam, Basil Hayden, Booker’s, Little Book, Baker’s, and Old Grand-Dad.
Buying an entire barrel...

Tullamore D.E.W. has made ribbon cutting obsolete. For the opening of their new distillery on October 19th 2017, a bottle of Tullamore D.E.W. was smashed against a grain column like the launching of a ship, eliciting cheers from the assembled guests. The grain distillery's opening comes three years after Tullamore began production at its malt and pot still whiskey distillery, located adjacent to the new facility. After a $70m investment, Tullamore D.E.W. has been transformed: long blended from sourced whiskey, the brand's production is now going grain to glass.The Rebirth of Tullamore D.E.W.Tullamore, Co. Offaly is a busy little country town in the center of Ireland, an hour west of Dublin. It's the original site of the Old Tullamore distillery (1829-1954) that was once owned by Daniel E. Williams (his initials put the D.E.W. in the whiskey). William Grant & Sons, best known as the family behind Glenfiddich and Balvenie in Scotland, purchased the Tullamore D.E.W. brand in 2010...

New whisky abounds from all across America this week—plus a couple of scotches.First up, Ardbeg’s annual limited-edition bottling has been revealed. Ardbeg Grooves includes whisky matured in red wine barrels with heavily charred, grooved staves, which allow for increased wood contact. As in years past, the whisky is first available to Ardbeg Committee members outside the U.S. at a higher proof, with a 46% ABV version rolling out to coincide with Ardbeg Day (this year on June 2nd).Several new craft whiskeys are launching. Colorado’s Woody Creek Distillers is debuting its first bourbon, a 4 year old whiskey that will be widely available wherever Woody Creek is sold. Also four years old: a new bottled in bond rye whiskey from Spirit Works Distillery in Sebastopol, California. We tip our hats to craft distillers that can release 4 year old whiskey!Not yet 4 years old, but still on theme: Pennington Distilling Co. in Nashville has a new "four-grain" whiskey that blends its bourbon...

There's more to Ireland than whiskey, of course—though that's a big reason to visit. If you're planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, make it unforgettable with these can't-miss activities.Feel The Force of NatureWhat better place for a nip from the hip flask than the dramatic Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Ring of Kerry? Follow the Wild Atlantic Way, the rugged edge of Ireland route that runs south from County Donegal to County Cork, which provided such spectacular filming locations for Star Wars Episode VIII. Seek out the Yoda mural on Farren's Bar, you must. Get A Lock-InAfter a year of commemorative events in Ireland, visit Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin to witness where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned before their execution. Quite a few whiskey companies have made their own proclamations this year by releasing special 1916 bottlings. For set-jetters, the gaol is familiar as a film location for In The Name of the Father, Michael...

Whether looking for a no-nonsense shot-and-beer bar or a fancy joint with a miles-deep whisky menu, a weekend in Philadelphia will provide. The city is eminently walkable, too. From any Center City hotel there are dozens of options for food, drinks, and attractions in one of America's most historic cities. A walk down Broad Street—downtown Philadelphia's main north-south drag—offers views of the city's late-19th century City Hall, the Civil War-era Union League (now a private club), and the city's leading arts venues, like the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music. And just blocks east or west of Broad Street are some of the city's best places to eat and drink.Staying in Center City is the best option for a mostly walkable trip, with convenient public transit that gives you the widest variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. Whether flying, driving, or taking Amtrak, Center City is a breeze to reach. For accommodations, it's easy to recommend Philadelphia's Loews...

Sailing is an oft-overlooked way to explore the coastline of Scotland’s Western Isles. This 130-mile-long archipelago, known as the Outer Hebrides, forms the extreme western edge of Scotland and is the perfect destination for those seeking freedom, solitude, and epic adventure. It’s an island hopper’s paradise with thousands of miles of coastline to explore— the land of Compton Mackenzie’s “Whisky Galore!,” the origin of Harris Tweed, and a wildlife haven of eagles and whales. There are golden sandy beaches lapped by turquoise seas, a moonscape of boulders across Harris, peat stacks drying on the bogs of Lewis, and the summer blooms of the machair, Uist’s fertile grasslands. The Calanais Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and the peat smoke-filled dwellings known as blackhouses provide an evocative insight into the old ways of the islanders, bringing to life a place rich with the history and culture of early civilizations. And there...

It’s been called the Chicago and the New York of the South, but Atlanta doesn’t need such comparisons—it’s a dynamic, bustling city in its own right. It’s home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the world, which is fitting for a city that served as the Deep South’s major railway hub prior to and during the Civil War. Today, ridesharing or renting a car is your best bet for maximum freedom and flexibility in this sprawling city’s flourishing dining and drinks scene.

You’ll want to stay in or near the downtown or midtown areas. Hotel Clermont offers perhaps the most unique lodging experience in the city: This six-story building topped with a 65-foot radio tower was built in 1924 and was home to the rather disreputable Clermont Motor Lodge before being transformed in 2018 into the boutique hotel it is today. Enjoy dinner in its upscale French-American brasserie Tiny Lou’s, and specialty...

Few things in life go together better than whisky and music. Some whiskey makers, most notably Blackened, even use music to enhance the liquid’s maturation process. In summertime and sometimes year-round, many distilleries add sparkle by hosting live music events, and their distillery spaces can often serve as natural concert venues—with refreshments available, of course! Here's a brief selection of what's doing in music at distilleries around the country, listed in alphabetical order by state.
California
The Hollywood Room at Napa Valley Distillery
Napa
Type of Music: Indie, Jazz, Americana, and Soul
Schedule: Year-round, currently booked through August
Refreshments: Food and drink
Admission: Free (Tickets/RSVP required) 
napadistillery.com
The Hollywood Room is Napa Valley Distillery’s dedicated craft cocktail bar—not to be confused with its other tasting saloon. Open...

Chicago has a long-standing reputation for being a great place to eat and drink. While that used to mean highly acclaimed dining at one place and expert mixologists slinging cocktails at another, today the line between fine dining and fine drinking has been blurred. Now there are venues that combine elevated cuisine alongside curated spirits selections and creative cocktails. And with its thriving craft distillery scene, Chicago makes a great destination for a whisky weekend.
The city is big but compact, so use the train system (known to Chicagoans as the “L”) and rideshares to see all of it.
Day 1

In the Windy City there are plenty of hotels with good bars, so you might as well stay where there’s a whisky focus. Hotel Zachary, across from Wrigley Field, provides views of the iconic baseball stadium and easy access to Mordecai, where creative takes on American classics like wagyu tartare and crackerjack beignets accompany an impressive whiskey...

January started with a bang with most of the highest hammer prices landing in the first two weeks. The combined value of the top 20 hammer prices totalled $822,357, up 29% compared to the combined value of the 20-highest hammer prices for January 2024. 
While fewer high-value bottles sold in the second half of the month, it took Whisky Hammer’s sale of Karuizawa 1965 50 year old to edge out the bottles of Michter’s 25 year old single barrel rye that had been on the 20-highest hammer price list for much of the month. 
Single malts made up 85% of the 20-highest hammer prices for January, with nine brands taking up early positions in our 2025 table. With no scheduled auctions from Sotheby’s or Bonhams this month, the online auctions have an open field for February. Whisky Auctioneer has the highest-value bottles on sale so far, but you’ll have to wait until the sale closes on February 10th to find out whether or not those...

Bourbon leads this week with a swarm of “B's”, as Bernheim, Baker’s, and Bardstown all weigh in with new releases. Bernheim Barrel Proof, appropriately enough for this list, is offering Batch B, the second and final installment of 2024 for this expression. We’ve yet to taste Batch B, but Batch A has been one of our favorite whiskeys so far this year. There’s also a welcome return for Baker’s, the single barrel gem whose appearances are all too infrequent. Based on previous tastings, we’d recommend that you snag a bottle. Elsewhere, Bardstown’s new super-wheater is serious business—check out that 39% wheat share in the mashbill. In comparison to other wheaters, Larceny’s is a mere 20%, as is Old Fitzgerald, while Maker’s hovers at around 15%.
Cask-finished whiskeys also feature prominently this week, as Old Elk continues its finishing work with a cognac barrel-finished wheater. Virginia Distillery Co. has a new...

There are few better ways to earn a fine dram or a cold cocktail than riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or scrambling over boulders to the summit of Grand Teton. Fortunately, America's national parks offer surprisingly forward-thinking alcohol policies and sophisticated dining and drinking experiences. Many of the historic lodges offer modern cocktail creations and interesting whiskies that would be at home in any major city. Best of all, they're a bargain: the national parks are a federally owned public service and mandate reasonable food and drink costs, so you'll find luxury resort selections at small-town prices. Beyond the in-park lodges, you're generally welcome to pack a whisky into the wilderness. There are 59 national parks in the U.S. and these are just a few of our favorites, so grab your boots and go track down some whisky in the wild.Yellowstone: Wyoming, Montana, and IdahoThe first Western explorers who visited Yellowstone described it as a land of fire and...

Update April 8, 2025: After a pause of nearly three decades, Heaven Hill is now making whiskey again in its hometown of Bardstown, Kentucky, as the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery filled its first barrel on April 7th. To mark this milestone, Heaven Hill named master distiller emeritus Charlie Downs as its distiller for the day. Downs began his 41-year career at Heaven Hill in the ’70s, first working at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, then Bernheim, and ultimately at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. His return to fill the first barrel at the new site makes him the only Heaven Hill employee to have worked at all four of the company’s distilleries.
Construction of the new distillery, which began in 2022 and originally was slated for completion last year, is projected to be final in September; just in time for Heaven Hill’s 90th anniversary in December. In the meantime, Heaven Hill is distilling in Bardstown for the first time since 1996.
Old Heaven...

For decades, Denny Potter and Jane Bowie both enjoyed what they call “the two greatest jobs in the industry.” The pair met at Maker’s Mark in 2006, when Potter was in his third year as distillery manager and Bowie had just been hired as a global brand ambassador. A fast friendship followed. While Potter left Maker’s Mark in 2010 and went on to have stints at Cruzan Rum and Heaven Hill before ultimately landing back at Maker’s in 2018, Bowie stayed on for 16 years; she eventually became the distillery’s head of blending and innovation. Then, last fall, despite having ample security with those “two greatest jobs,” Potter and Bowie left Maker’s (on great terms, they emphasize) to pursue a shared dream of running their own distillery.
“You always imagine going out on your own, and what you would do,” says Bowie. “We used to play distillery fantasy camp; what kind of fermentation cycles would you have, or how...

Waiting for a flight in the Minneapolis airport last July, Julie Kirkpatrick started talking to a group of men who, like her, were Cincinnati-bound. It wasn't just idle chitchat; as vice president of sales and marketing for meetNKY, Kirkpatrick likes to know what brings people to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. She was delighted to learn they were coming for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. “I said, ‘So you're staying in Cincinnati?'” she recounts. They weren't, instead flying into Cincinnati, then renting a car and driving to Lexington.That's when Kirkpatrick knew she was on the right track.Kirkpatrick and meetNKY were in the midst of creating The B Line (short for The Bourbon Line), a tourism initiative launching in February 2018. The B Line aims to boost bourbon tourism in Northern Kentucky, making it a destination in and of itself, and not just a stop along the way to the more famous “Amber Triangle” of Lexington, Bardstown, and Louisville.“I would love to see 10 or 20...

Visiting the Lowlands is really a matter of choosing the best city center for your stay. Glasgow is convenient to the western distilleries and offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and whisky bars. However, if Annandale and Bladnoch top your list, Dumfries is worth consideration as a base. The historic town was home to Robert Burns from 1791 until his death in 1796. Visitors can explore his house and enjoy a dram in The Globe Inn, which was frequented by the poet, songwriter, and one-time excise officer.Edinburgh is convenient to the eastern distilleries, and includes the Scotch Whisky Experience, an ideal introduction to Scotch whisky. As with Glasgow, there are many options when it comes to eating out and seeking a rare dram. An interesting alternative, however, is the historic and charming university town of St Andrews, close to the three Fife distilleries with visitor facilities—Eden Mill, Kingsbarns, and Lindores—and offering golfers many opportunities for a...

Some people love whisky, but most everyone loves dogs, and when vacation time comes, nowadays people are increasingly inclined to bring along the family pooch. Indeed, demand for dog travel is so high these days that many hotels, restaurants, and attractions that once catered only to humans have opened their doors to pets. The trend fueled the recent record use of private jets, and NetJets now even provides its staff with canine training. But you don’t need a private jet to have a great vacation with your best buddy in Kentucky, where the nation’s richest whiskey culture offers an extraordinary level of dog-friendly amenities. Call it Southern hospitality, canine-style.

Day One
Welcome to Louisville! Start your trip in Kentucky’s biggest city with a visit to something few other cities boast: a “dog park bar.” PG&J is a full-blown, indoor/outdoor off-leash dog park and bar, and like all the best fur-friendly spots, it’s named for...

While Kentucky dominates American whiskey today, there was once another bastion of whiskey production in the U.S.: Pennsylvania. Hundreds of distilleries were scattered across the state in the 19th century and there was a healthy mix of producers large and small, with many farmers-turned-distillers as well. Rye was the state’s reigning style, especially in the southwestern Monongahela River valley region. To honor this rich history, Suntory Global Spirits has opened the James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center in partnership with the nonprofit historic site West Overton Village & Museum in Scottdale, Pennsylvania. 
Suntory’s involvement in the project hails from Beam’s connection to Pennsylvania rye through Old Overholt, a brand it acquired in 1987 that’s one of the oldest whiskey brands in the U.S. It was founded back in 1810 by Abraham Overholt, whose family settled in West Overton in 1800 and began farming 263 acres of land there...

Just in time for this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling a pop-up retail shop in the City of Light, complete with an on-site lounge for whiskey tastings. The upscale store, which opens on Friday, July 19 for a five-week stint that coincides with the 2024 Olympics, offers a variety of Buffalo Trace whiskeys and custom merchandise.
The shop is located at 36 Rue Etienne Marcel in Paris’ Les Halles District. Its whiskey selection includes Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and W.L. Weller 12 year old bourbons, as well as Sazerac rye (prices range from €36-€49/$39-$53 a bottle). These are the only labels that can be purchased in Paris because they’re currently the only Buffalo Trace products available in France.
Behind the retail store in the same space, the bespoke lounge 12 Gold boasts a Weller-focused menu, allowing guests to sample a variety of the brand’s whiskeys. The tasting selection includes pours of...

The most compelling reason for exploring Japanese whisky is the artistry of its blenders, because in many cases—including with single malts—Japanese whiskies are all about the balance of multiple components. Here’s a look at four master blenders from Japan’s most prominent distilleries, exploring the inspiration and creativity of their craft.
Ichiro Akuto
Founder and Chief Blender, Venture Whisky (Chichibu)
Every Japanese whisky collector knows the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series of Hanyu bottlings, as these rarities can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Chichibu founder Ichiro Akuto is the grandson of Hanyu Distillery’s founder Isouji Akuto. Ichiro first made his way as a whisky entrepreneur by bottling the last of Hanyu’s barrels after its closure in 2000. He launched Chichibu in 2004 and fired up the distillery in 2008, delighting fans of the Card Series releases. Ichiro is renowned for his dedication to quality at...

This week, we covered yet another distillery opening, this one on the Glenmorangie campus in the Scottish Highlands. At the Lighthouse, Glenmorangie head of distilling and whisky creation Dr. Bill Lumsden will be able to pursue his wildest whisky dreams, and we're looking forward to the forthcoming fruits of his labors.While it'll be awhile before we see new whiskies from the Lighthouse, there are plenty of new releases to enjoy right now, including a new, aged bourbon from Hudson Whiskey, a fruit-forward blended malt from Compass Box, and a single malt meant for pairing with cigars from Tamdhu. Read on for full details.Hudson Four Part HarmonyStyle: Straight bourbon
Origin: New York
Age: 7 year oldABV: 46%
Price: $70
Release: September 2021
Availability: 1,200 for CT, NJ, NY with expansion planned Need to know:Pot distilled from a mash of 60% corn, 15% rye, 15% wheat, and 10% malted barley, and aged for 7 years, this limited-edition is the oldest release from Hudson...

Kentucky whiskey fans need not fear—private barrel picks from the state's distilleries are here to stay. Earlier this year, the practice of having retailers, restaurateurs, bars, and clubs select their own special barrels from Kentucky distilleries suddenly came under scrutiny, as the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board ruled that the practice had no statutory authorization—meaning it wasn't clear that private barrel selections were entirely legal.Of course, Kentucky distillers had been running private barrel programs for years—some of them for decades—and in recent years private barrel selections have become a hot item at retail. So when this issue was called into question, the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) sprang into action. Ultimately the group worked with state lawmakers to draw up new legislation—HB 500—that not only made private barrel programs fully legal, but also enhanced their role.

Jimmy and Eddie Russell are...

Generations ago, the U.S. whiskey landscape was rich with farm distillery rye whiskeys, but modern American producers tend to use giant suppliers to source their rye grains. The past decade has seen a growing contingent of American craft distillers move the focus back to heirloom rye grains, aiming to revive long-forgotten styles. We look at some of these distillers and the trials, tribulations, and triumphs they’ve experienced along the road to a rye renaissance in this story from our Spring 2022 issue.
For fans of American whiskey, and bourbon in particular, this week's new releases should be  tantalizing. Barrell Craft Spirits has debuted its latest finished blend of straight bourbons, Four Roses has announced details for this year's Limited Edition Small Batch, and Michter's is back with US*1 Toasted Barrel bourbon. Read on for full details.

Barrell Vantage
Style: Blend of straight bourbonsOrigin: Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee Age: Not statedABV...

If not for a weekly family dinner with the in-laws, the Bellingham Bourbon Society (BBS) might never have formed. The Bellingham, Washington-based whiskey club was born from that very tradition—every week, co-founder Devin Wolf would sit down for Sunday supper with his wife's family, and soon enough, a dram was added to the evening's proceedings. “[Those whiskey tastings] quickly became part of our family dinner routine, and the idea [for a club] blossomed from there,” says Wolf. “My in-laws and I found a common interest in whiskey, and the BBS came about from our talks on Sunday nights.”Wolf and the society's other co-founders—his three brothers-in-law and father-in-law—were regularly meeting to taste whiskey as early as 2013, but BBS's first formal tasting took place in 2017 and the club began meeting monthly the following year. That format still exists today, with 25 members meeting on the second Tuesday of every month for a tasting...

Here's a word of warning for anyone who comes on a trip with me: If your idea of a great afternoon involves modern art museums or taking in a matinée, you'd better find a different traveling companion. I mean, I like a good cultural experience as much as the next former liberal arts major, but whenever I visit a new city, I don't automatically head for the marquee sights—I pop into the local liquor store.It's not that I absolutely must have a bottle of whisky as soon as I disembark from the plane (although I often do like to pick up something for the time I'm in town). It's that the liquor store helps me get oriented to local tastes, customs, and habits. I scan the shelves, taking in familiar labels but mostly looking for those that stand out—a locally made brand, a private-barrel pick, or a long-forgotten bottle of single malt I haven't seen in my city, New York, for years. I'm not dusty-hunting—trying to track down old or rare bottles—though I do get a thrill to happen upon...

Westward Whiskey master blender Miles Munroe was wandering through the distillery’s new barrel warehouse this past spring, stopping to pull samples from a variety of barrels that caught his fancy. It’s a diverse collection, ranging from blends of pinot noir and stout casks to port, rum, and Brazilian amburana wood. But one that drew particular excitement was an acacia cask—a novel wood type to find in a whiskey rickhouse, and one that delivers an intriguing assortment of flavors.
“Acacia can produce floral and citrus notes, along with soft honeyed flavors, and with Westward it brings out the orange zest that hides in the aroma and adds jasmine and honeysuckle character,” says Munroe. “What I really like about this wood is that it has pretty low tannin content compared to other wood types, so there's less astringency and softer tannin complexity extracted.”
Munroe's interest in acacia was piqued by a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens...

When Whisky Advocate did a cover story on scotch whisky cask ownership back in 2008, we quickly learned that some scotch producers hadn’t considered how their U.S. customers would get their whisky home once it matured. Nowadays, distilleries will simply tell you that it’s your responsibility to arrange shipment. The problem is that distilleries can’t bottle and ship the contents of a single cask to private individuals in the U.S. unless it gets sold through the three-tier system (producer-distributor-retailer). But that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of options.
Although distilleries including Springbank, Macallan, Bruichladdich, and Glengoyne previously offered cask-buying programs, today most established scotch makers stay away from cask sales. The practice is now largely led by cash-stretched start-ups, where the quality of the whisky is still largely unproven, as distilleries in their first decade of operation might not have aged stocks...

The drive to Amrut Distillery takes me through the crowded, frenzied, disorienting streets of Bangalore. As the car noses a dump truck festooned with garlands (“Horn OK!” reads the bumper in flowery, colorful script) and auto-rickshaws blare their old-fashioned klaxons, motorbikes loaded with two or three riders apiece weave through the gridlock. Slowly, we snake our way past carts laden with fruit; elaborate temples rising from behind concrete walls; gnarled Bodhi trees adorned with rainbows of flags, flowers, and images of the gods; and cows placidly munching garbage in the median. Finally, open highway—my white-knuckled grip loosens just a bit—and the distillery looms in sight.There is no visitor center at Amrut, just a squat office building fronted by a few palm trees, with the industrial distillery buildings crowded behind. In the small sitting area, framed awards, photos, and newspaper clippings cover an entire wall, trumpeting the company's achievements. This feeling of...

Amid increasingly vocal national anti-racism demonstrations and demands for equality action, the Jack Daniel Distillery and Nearest Green Distillery have announced a joint, three-pronged initiative aimed at increasing diversity in the American whiskey industry. The two Tennessee whiskey makers have pledged a combined $5 million as part of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative.“The piece I think our industry was missing until now was that we were all trying to figure out how to foster diversity within the American spirits industry separately,” Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, tells Whisky Advocate. “The events of the last two weeks brought us together to figure out, with a great sense of urgency, how we can create change and accelerate progress now.”Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel's have a shared history: Nearest Green was the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill, though his story went untold for well over a century, and has only become more...

Virag Saksena had already been brewing beer for a couple decades when, in 2011, he began dreaming up a plan to make American single malt that could stand up to the finest whiskies from Scotland and Japan. “In order to do that, the first step was to understand how the old masters made it,” Saksena says. He traveled to the source of the big peated malt whiskies he most adored, apprenticing at an Islay distillery before he and business partner Vishal Gauri—both engineers—opened 10th Street Distillery in an industrial part of San Jose, California in 2017. Using a pair of 500-gallon copper pot stills that are dwarfed by their lofty 6,500-square-foot space, they're making peated and unpeated malt whiskey that is rooted in European tradition, but with unmistakable California provenance.To make their peated whiskey, Saksena and Gauri use San Jose's alkaline, mineral-rich water for mashing and fermentation, combining it with custom-peated malt sourced from the Highlands of Scotland...

How do you ensure that El Tesoro Tequila remains true to its heritage while appealing to modern consumers?
It’s very important to me to continue the vision and spirit of my father, my grandfather Don Felipe and my brother Carlos in our work with El Tesoro, which is to do things the right way, even if it is not the easy way. I’ve grown in a family full of creative and stubborn innovators, from my grandfather to my brothers, if they had a new crazy idea to make something unique, they would find the way to make it work because they were sure of what they were doing and how they wanted to do it. For example, my father created the first Extra Añejo even before it was an official category, he called it “Muy Añejo” (very aged) and he was roughly criticized for that. Then he and my brother Carlos Camarena wanted to go a step further and start aging it in ex-Cognac barrels, again hardly criticized and called crazy for bringing together these two...

It's a historical fact you probably didn't learn in school: in addition to leading the Revolutionary Army to victory over the British and serving as our nation's first president, George Washington was also a distiller who made rye whiskey. Ten years ago, his distillery at Mount Vernon reopened after extensive restoration, and today you can visit, see the historical distilling process in action, and get a taste of that rye whiskey.Even better, George Washington's Rye Whiskey has now been officially named the state spirit of Virginia, thanks to a bill signed on April 23rd by Governor Terry McAuliffe. He also signed a bill that allows Virginia distillers to sell their products at in-state festivals, a move that will make it easier for whiskey lovers to get their hands on locally made products. George Washington's rye, however, will be hard to find: the distillery makes it in small batches and sells it on-site only.While many people think of bourbon as the quintessential American whiskey...

Forty floors up, from my window seat in 40 Sky Bar, I hover above the impossibly packed streets of Osaka with their notoriously fast walkers (and drivers). Up here I feel relaxed, almost weightless. The dense urban sprawl bleeds into blue-green mountains as jets descend through the afternoon light. Nearby, two women relish the popular afternoon tea service ($50), their Birkin bags resting on adjacent seats as a server glides past with a tray of small jeweled pink and green cakes. A mile distant is the gleaming twin-towered Umeda Sky Building, capped with an observation deck with views across the busy port to distant Awaji Island. We are nearly a hundred feet higher than that deck. And up there, they don't serve impeccable Old-Fashioneds with perfect ice spheres. They do here.Countless bars in Japan offer spectacular views. This one also offers a glimpse of history. Forty stories below the Sky Bar's perch in the Conrad Osaka Hotel, the slow-moving Yodo River meanders through the city...

A new distillery is set to become the first stop on Kentucky's hallowed Bourbon Trail leading into Bardstown. On Sept. 1, Clermont Distilling Co. revealed plans for a production facility and visitor center on a 55-acre site that spans both sides of state Route 245, just west of the Bernheim Forest and a few miles from major whiskey attractions at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Heaven Hill. Clermont's distillery operations will occupy roughly 15 acres of the property, with the remaining 40 acres to encompass a “Napa-style” tasting facility, gift shop, lodging, and possibly even a nature preserve, according to developer, founder, and fifth-generation Kentuckian Lee Wilburn.
Fifth-generation Kentuckian Lee Wilburn is the progenitor of Clermont Distilling Co., set to open in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Clermont Distilling Co.)“With the heritage of growing up in Kentucky, our family's been involved in different aspects of [the bourbon industry] for a long time,” Wilburn...

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...

Just about every distillery these days has a tasting room where visitors can sample a dram—an important part of the experience of learning about whiskey. A taste or two is one thing, but some distilleries are taking it further by offering full-service cocktail bars on-site.* As destinations unto themselves, these venues go beyond the Old Fashioned and Manhattan to offer inventive and original creations that showcase the whiskey made just steps away. Step up to the bar and raise your glass—it's cocktail hour.*These venues all offered full-service schedules when the article was originally published in print in December 2019. As COVID-19 restrictions vary, it's best to check venue websites for the most up-to-date opening information.
Photos of famous whiskey distillers, like Parker Beam and George Washington, line the top shelf of the backbar at The Shanty.The Shanty at New York Distilling Co.—Brooklyn, New YorkIt can be easy to miss New York Distilling Co., tucked into a...

For a whisky lover, a trip to Scotland typically involves visiting distilleries scattered across the country. But don’t overlook the chance to visit some truly special whisky bars, both in the cities and the countryside, sometimes with a distillery nearby. The list below provides a look at some of Scotland’s best watering holes, where ambience and quality whisky go hand in hand—regardless of whether you want a simple dram or a hard-to-find pour.

Ardshiel Hotel
Campbeltown
Within walking distance from Campbeltown’s three classic distilleries—Springbank, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia—lies this legendary hotel bar located in an original Victorian-era villa, decorated with blue and white tartan wallpaper and light wood furniture. With a 2,000-bottle rotating collection, it has about 500 whiskies available at a time. Single malts start at £3.50/$5/1.18 oz. which buys you an 8 year old Glenburgie or a 12 year old Aultmore-Glenlivet...

Independence Day is upon us—time for fireworks, parades, backyard barbecues, beach days, and perhaps a dram or two when the sun goes down. Here are some selections, listed in alphabetical order, that will add more fun to your Glorious Fourth. Some of these whiskeys have carved their place in the American experience, while others simply evoke a uniquely American spirit.  
15 Stars First West Blend of Straight Ryes (Batch 2-SSDD), 52.50% ABV, $89
Whiskey maker 15 Stars is named as a toast to Kentucky’s joining the Union as the 15th state in 1792. The U.S. flag with 15 stars and stripes, which was approved by President George Washington, is proudly featured on its labels. 15 Stars was founded in 2019 by father and son blenders Rick and Ricky Johnson, and it debuted its first whiskey in 2022. We’ve scored six of them so far, and all have rated above 90 points. 
Col. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon, 50% ABV...

Barrell Craft Spirits—the company behind the Barrell Bourbon, Barrell Whiskey, and Barrell Rum brands—has announced plans to build its own distillery in Louisville, Kentucky's Gilmore Industrial area, and naming Tripp Stimson as master distiller. Stimson formerly worked as a scientist at Brown-Forman and as master distiller at Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD), where Jefferson's bourbon, among other brands, is made. In addition to providing consultation services to the craft spirits industry for the last few years, he also built Kentucky's first malting operation at KAD in 2016.
Barrell was founded in 2013 with a business model based on independently bottling whiskeys—and recently, rum—in batches. The company's move into distilling echoes similar actions by Scottish independent bottlers opening new distilleries, like Adelphi (Ardnamurchan distillery), Wemyss Malts (Kingsbarns distillery) and Hunter Laing & Co. (Ardnahoe distillery, where former...

Bardstown, Kentucky's newest whiskey distillery quietly filled its first barrel on January 10th, 2018. Lux Row Distillers, which is located just a few miles from Jim Beam and Heaven Hill, among others, is the first whiskey distillery owned by Luxco, a St. Louis-based spirits company that also sells vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and liqueurs. Luxco's whiskey brands—which include Ezra Brooks, Rebel Yell, David Nicholson, and Blood Oath—are currently produced for the company at unnamed distilleries.Although not on the scale of the planned Kentucky Owl Park, which will be located just a stone's throw away, Lux Row is no micro-distillery. It has twelve 8,000-gallon fermenters, and a 36-inch column still capable of churning out over a million proof gallons of whiskey annually. The space was designed to make it easy to add more fermenters and a second still in the future. There's one warehouse already standing, and another set to be completed by the summer. The site is big enough to house...

As the whisky industry rallies to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including by suspending tours and closing visitor centers, distilleries small and large are firing up their stills to contribute a crucial resource—hand sanitizer—to healthcare workers, first responders, and communities in need. Some craft distillers are even giving it away for free, while Pernod Ricard—which owns several U.S. craft distilleries, including Smooth Ambler and Rabbit Hole—and several other major distillers are shifting production to make hand sanitizer or ethyl alcohol for use in hospitals and other medical purposes.And importantly, they can now do so with less red tape. On March 19 the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) waived the requirement for distilled spirits permit holders to obtain authorization prior to producing hand sanitizer, or ethanol for use in hand sanitizer, allowing more distilleries to swiftly respond to the crisis using their equipment. Yet they're...

Last month, the Kentucky Distillers Association announced that a record number of people visited distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail last year, 2,135,555 to be exact. The appetite for bourbon and bourbon tourism continues to grow, with Kentucky distillers meeting demand by investing in distillery upgrades and visitor center experiences. 
While major distillers remain a huge draw for those flocking to Kentucky, a crop of less-established names have recently announced plans to build or renovate within the state, meaning more whiskey to come and new destinations for traveling drinkers to seek out.
Buzzard’s Roost Lands a Spot on Louisville’s Whiskey Row 
Buzzard’s Roost is opening a microdistillery and tasting room in downtown Louisville, joining the many brands that make up the city’s famed Whiskey Row. “It is thrilling to the entire Buzzard’s Roost team,” co-founder and CEO Judith Hollis Jones notes...

Prep your glasses, Macallan fans: more of the iconic single malt scotch is headed your way. On May 22nd, parent company Edrington unveiled the new Macallan Distillery on the Easter Elchies estate in Speyside, Scotland, a project that has been years in the making. Boasting 14 stills—each a perfect replica of the stills used in the old facility, to ensure consistency of the liquid—the new distillery has the capacity to make an estimated 15 million liters of pure alcohol each year, about a third more than before.It will take some time for that whisky to come of age, of course. In Scotland, the minimum aging requirement for whisky is three years, and most of Macallan's core range is 12 years old or more. But with demand for its bottles growing continuously year after year, the company is clearly planning ahead. The whiskies will continue to be made with the same water source, barley, and cask types as before, and will age in Macallan's 14 on-site warehouses.Construction on the new...

To get to Nova Scotia, start in Portland, Maine, then take the CAT Ferry to Yarmouth, which takes around 5 and a half hours.Nova Scotia translates to “New Scotland,” so it's no wonder that the province's first craft distiller makes scotch-style single malt. Glenora Distillery, located in Glenville on Cape Breton Island, opened in 1990 as the first single malt distillery in North America. It offers whiskies ranging from 10 to 25 years old, including one finished in ice wine casks from nearby Jost Vineyards. Tours are available every day from May to October (hourly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and visitors can schedule a “Backstage Pass” experience that includes barrel sampling in the warehouse. Having too much fun to drive on? Not to worry: the on-site Glenora Inn can accommodate with its nine rooms and six log chalets. Its formal restaurant serves upscale fare made with fresh-caught seafood, locally grown produce, and whisky-infused sauces alongside local wine pairings, while the...

There's plenty of new whisky coming out this week—and some new whiskey experiences to look forward to as well. Uncle Nearest has opened its Shelbyville, Tennessee visitors center with a host of attractions and more to come, including a stillhouse in 2020. Meanwhile, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is now offering several tour experiences in addition to its on-site restaurant and bar.Although it officially debuted in June, Kentucky Peerless straight bourbon ($70) is now expanding its availability to California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Texas; by next year, it will be available in 45 states.Buffalo Trace announced details of the 2019 Antique Collection earlier this week. There aren't any big shake-ups or surprises, although George T. Stagg is coming in at its lowest proof ever.Macallan unveiled Edition No. 5, a fully American oak-matured single malt packaged in a striking custom purple box. The whisky is available in limited amounts for $120.Two new whiskies from Islay's...

College students at New Mexico State can now buy a whiskey with their mascot on it, but for everyone else, there are plenty of other new releases to look for.First up, Buffalo Trace is releasing a new vintage O.F.C. bourbon, this one distilled in 1995. There are 1,500 bottles, each priced at $2,500.Kentucky Owl is launching its 10th batch of bourbon, as well as the fourth and final release of its rye. Both whiskeys are priced at $300 and available in limited amounts.Scotch giant Diageo is rolling out the 2020 Distillers Edition bottlings for six of its distilleries: Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, Lagavulin, Oban, and Talisker. The limited-edition single malts range in price from $85 to $110.Craigellachie has bottled a single sherry butt at 24 years old. Just 474 bottles of the whisky are available, priced at $300 each.Loch Lomond Distillery has unveiled 21 ($300) and 30 year old ($800) expressions. While joining the core lineup, annual allocations are limited.Portland, Oregon's...

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...

Few things in life go together better than whiskey and music. Some whiskey makers, most notably Blackened, even use music to enhance the liquid’s maturation process. In summertime and sometimes year-round, many distilleries add sparkle by hosting live music events, and their distillery spaces can often serve as natural concert venues, with refreshments available, of course! Here’s a brief selection of distilleries around the country that offer music on-site.
CONNECTICUT
Sono 1420 

City: Norwalk
Type of Music: Acoustic
Admission: Free

Local bands are featured at the tasting room Friday nights in the distillery's Acoustic SoNo series. Admission is free and guests can order light bites, whiskey, craft cocktails, beer, and wine during the shows.
ILLINOIS
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.
City: DeKalb
Type of Music: Various
Admission: Free

Whiskey Acres features bands, most of which play...

When most people go hunting for whisky, they comb local liquor stores and enlist out-of-state friends. Tim Robinson's quest, however, has him digging through dirt. Robinson and a few of his Lake Placid, New York neighbors are hoping to find a long-buried case of Canadian Club. Starting in 1967 and until 1981, the brand buried whisky around the globe as part of its “Hide a Case” campaign. From Australia to Arizona, fans could uncover the hidden treasure using cryptic clues offered in print advertisements. Some—like one hidden under a desk in a Manhattan skyscraper—were found, while others remain hidden to this day. Among them is the case Robinson believes is buried in Lake Placid, hidden in 1979 ahead of the 1980 Olympic games.“I've got a lot of pride in this town,” says Robinson, who co-owns Terry Robards Wine & Spirits. “So to see something this big that fits exactly what I love and my passion, which is whisky, plus you mix in the history of the town and everything...

Strap in, because there's a whole lot of new whisky headed your way.First up, Four Roses has unveiled the 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch. Details on the recipes used are below. With a recommended price of $150, there are 14,040 bottles available.Buffalo Trace will release limited amounts of Blanton's Straight From The Barrel starting this fall. Previously only available overseas, the whiskey has a recommended retail price of $150.Ardbeg is rolling out the 2020 release of 19 year old Traigh Bhan. The whisky is priced at $300 and available in limited quantities.GlenDronach's latest whisky in partnership with the Kingsman movie franchise is a 1989 vintage. It's priced at $1,299, with just 3,052 bottles available worldwide.Bardstown Bourbon Co. is releasing a bourbon finished in Copper & Kings Destillaré orange curaçao barrels. There are 3,000 bottles available, priced at $125.Pinhook is launching its flagship Bohemian bourbon, distilled at Castle & Key. The whiskey is widely...

There is a lot to be said for Louisville as a base, even though the nearest distillery tour is Jim Beam, 30 miles away. Louisville is a real city, with lots of choices for lodging, eating, drinking, and other things to do. It has bourbon attractions like the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, Evan Williams Experience, Bulleit Bourbon Experience at Stitzel-Weller, and Brown-Forman Cooperage. The first three include small, working distilleries. The Jim Beam and Evan Williams attractions are downtown, the other two are not. More bourbon-related attractions are in the works.Of course, Louisville also features many excellent non-bourbon things to do, such as the Louisville Slugger Museum, The Muhammad Ali Center, Falls of the Ohio State Park, the Churchill Downs Museum, the newly-remodeled Speed Art Museum, and the Frazier History Museum. Visitors who want roller coasters in their theme park experience can visit Kentucky Kingdom, south of downtown near the airport. Punters can play the ponies at...

It's hot just about everywhere in the country right now and you may be craving cooling ice cream as much as a whisky. May we suggest combining the two? And if you're looking for a new bottle to test-drive with your next scoop, keep reading.Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas is adding a new single malt whiskey to its core lineup. Lineage is distilled from local and Scottish barley. It's priced at $40 and is debuting in eight states, with expansion planned.Blending house Compass Box has launched Rogues' Banquet, a limited edition celebrating the company's 20th anniversary. There are around 2,400 bottles of the blended whisky available in the U.S., priced at $230.Kilchoman Distillery is releasing a one-off whisky that's an accidental combination of its Machir Bay and Port Cask-Matured expressions. Am Bùrach is priced at $135, with 1,350 bottles for sale in the U.S.Limestone Branch Distillery has unveiled the 2020 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition, this year finished in armagnac...

When a Jim Beam warehouse in Versailles, Kentucky went up in flames in July 2019, the world wept for whiskey. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the images of destruction grabbed the spotlight as the loss of 45,000 barrels of young bourbon was widely mourned.At the time, the Jim Beam disaster was the most recent in a string of warehouse catastrophes, including in June 2019 when some 4,000 barrels at an O.Z. Tyler Distillery(now Green River Distilling Co.) warehouse in Owensboro, Kentucky went tumbling as the building partially toppled during a thunderstorm. In June 2018, part of a warehouse at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown collapsed, sending around 9,000 barrels of aging spirits crashing to the ground; the rest of the warehouse fell two weeks later.In addition to serious environmental damage, such mishaps can mean real liquid losses for whiskey makers. First, some perspective—a standard bourbon barrel stores 53 gallons, or 200 liters of liquid. Given a standard...

Napa isn’t typically known for its spirits, but Jean-Charles Boisset  French vintner and proprietor of the Boisset Collection, which operates 28 wineries in France, California, and Canada, wants to change that. While his resume is most prominently in wine, Boisset has had his hand in spirits since 2018 when he introduced JCB Spirits—featuring gin, and caviar-infused and truffle-infused vodkas. His latest venture, the Calistoga Depot, focuses on small-batch spirits.
“Often we think Napa Valley is just wine, and even just cabernet, whereas it’s a large group of different grape varieties,” says Boisset. “And it’s not just wine, it’s spirits.”
The Calistoga Depot is located in the city of Calistoga in Napa Valley, founded and built in 1868 by Sam Brannan, a prominent businessman. It’s the second oldest train depot in California, and still displays its cars from bygone years. Alas, the trains no longer...

Age is the thing in this week’s lineup of American whiskey releases, with Michter’s unveiling the latest release of its 25 year old bourbon—always an occasion to be noted. The 25 year old hasn’t appeared since 2020, and it's a rare pour indeed that can be tough to procure at retail, though it can be found on the best whisky lists in bars and restaurants throughout the land. Either way, it's quite the holiday treat. Then there is Old Forester, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary—not with a 150 year old bourbon, but with a 150-month old bourbon, bottled in throwback holiday decanters, with just 150 bottles available. This is the good stuff that was once bottled only for the owner's family, and this one comes with quite the package of perks, as you'll read below. Elsewhere, Dickel is out with its first 18 year old bourbon, while Barrell gets a jump on things with its Bourbon New Year 2024. There's more to...

Our Spring 2017 issueis on newsstands now! Take a look at the great articles that await, and check out the Buying Guide here.Distillations48 Hours in Chicago, the science of small barrels, bars with whisky lockers, sipping rum, cases to carry whisky, pairing whisky and chips, green malt, better cooking with whisky, and more! Plus theWhisky Advocate Auction IndexColumnsAmerican Spiritby Fred MinnickWith an eager secondary market, bourbon retail prices seem to defy the laws of supply and demand. Fred charts a path to our good fortune.Add Whiskeyby Jeffery LindenmuthBlack is the new brown when charcoal joins whiskey in the mixing glass to create these cocktails noir. Jeffery explores the black arts.The Thinking Drinkerby Stephen BeaumontIf it's expensive, it's got to be good! Or does it? Stephen considers the impact of price on perception among whisky enthusiasts.A Lighter Dramby Terry SullivanManhattan cocktail traditionalists prefer a lemon twist, but a neon-red garnish holds a special...

The best-known single malt scotch distillers are quick to point to their long history, perseverance, and established reputations for greatness. But for the first time in nearly a hundred years, they are finding themselves in the company of a throng of newcomers.Distillery construction in Scotland hasn't been this active since the beginning of the 20th century. While new distillers follow the rules and enjoy the cachet associated with the world's most premium spirit, they are also innovative by nature. These new scotch distillers are finding their niche among the ranks of the old guard. For whisky lovers, that means a greater selection of single malts to choose from and fresh directions, including creative approaches to distilling and finishing.
Green LightThe basis for the surge in new distilleries is more than just entrepreneurs chasing a piece of the whisky boom. There are deeper reasons concerning the environment, the subtle ways in which whisky making is changing, regulations...

When the nice weather arrives, there’s no better place to be than the great outdoors. Chances are you’ll want to enjoy a dram outside now and again—whether it’s an evening at the park, a trip to the beach, an open-air concert, a party, or any other outdoor event. We've put together a list of equipment to make the most of your al fresco affair, so ditch the clunky cooler, leave the breakable glassware, and check out these stylish alternatives to enhance the experience.
Among this week's new whiskies, Blackened is back with a new limited-edition bottle that celebrates Metallica’s 72 Seasons album and M72 world tour, Four Roses has come out with a nifty sample pack of the 10 component whiskeys used in making its various bourbons, and Frey Ranch brings a cask strength bourbon to the table. Read on for full details.
Blackened 72 Seasons Limited Edition
Style: Blend
Origin: Multiple
Age: Not...

Frankfort is the state capital. It has many lodging and dining choices, most of them chains, many clustered at or near the intersection of U.S. 127 and I-64. Downtown Frankfort is small, with an interesting historic district. There are many government buildings. Visitor attractions include the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and the Old State Capitol building.Bourbon balls, a classic Kentucky confection, were invented by the Rebecca Ruth Candy Company. Their tiny factory in downtown Frankfort gives a charming tour and has a killer gift shop.Most people consider Serafini the best fine dining restaurant downtown. It's mostly Italian, with a little Kentucky thrown in. Rick's White Light is a funky diner that's only open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Specialties include crawfish pie and po' boy sandwiches, including alligator when in season.The Buffalo Trace distillery is why you are in Frankfort, of...

Scotland's Lowlands region offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including nature preserves, mountain bike trails, fishing, and golfing. Of course, the area has plenty ofwhiskyas well—perfect for rounding out a day's adventures. Here are ten exciting activities to try out while in the Lowlands; for more adventure ideas, check outVisit Scotland.Glasgow and the WestHave an Ice TimeEven those who take their whisky neat will enjoy a visit to the Baltic Ice Bar Glasgow at the Snow Factor experience just outside Glasgow. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, head to the bar where the walls, bar, tables and cocktail glasses are made of ice. Undoubtedly, Glasgow's coolest venue!Take a HikeThe Smugglers' Trail in Troon crosses over woodlands and offers views of the Firth of Clyde as you follow the path of Scottish smugglers. Many houses in Troon are reputed to have ‘brandy holes' for the storage of contraband. The flat trail takes around two hours to complete.Mill AboutThe village of...

From the base of New Hampshire's White Mountains to the forgotten remnants of eastern North Carolina's tobacco trade, a new generation of rural distilleries has popped up along the Eastern Seaboard, farming pastoral landscapes and reinvigorating small towns thirsty for an economic boost. Entrepreneurial spirits, from a visionary advertising executive to a longtime car parts salesman, have found in whiskey a means to improve their neighbors' quality of life while attracting visitors looking to take a scenic getaway, drink in the local flavor, then depart with irreplaceable bottles and memories.Tamworth Distillery & Mercantile15 Cleveland Hill Rd.Tamworth, N.H.Last fall, Tamworth Distillery & Mercantile CEO and founder Steven Grasse tapped the maple trees shading an unmarked Revolutionary War graveyard near the front gate of his summer residence. The syrup from these trees is the skeleton key that opens up his maple-flavored Graverobber Unholy rye whiskey. Tamworth's William...

If you are on the hunt for a new whisky to try, new releases are a great starting point, but sometimes discovery can come from unexpected places. Take Nordic whiskies for example. Distillers in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland are crafting whiskies that capture Nordic climates and traditions—including smoking with sheep-dung—and adding to the ever-expanding category of world whisky. Read all about the growing Nordic whisky scene in our feature looking at the region.As for this week's new releases, Glenmorangie has unveiled its Grand Vintage Malt 1998, a portion of which comes from 23 year old single malt aged in virgin oak barrels. Wild Turkey announced a new addition under its Russell's Reserve label that examines the impact of warehouse location. And WhistlePig added to its PiggyBack line with a 100 proof bourbon. Read on for full details.

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998
Style: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Highlands)Age: 23 year oldABV...

A shadowy figure enters through the swinging double doors and the room falls silent. The bartender wordlessly fills a shot glass with warm whiskey, it gets thrown back, and he fills it up again. Whiskey has long been an iconic part of western folklore, but you won’t have to risk life and limb to grab a cold one and a whiskey at these historic saloons that double as attractions and watering holes.
Saloon # 10—Deadwood, South Dakota
Saloon #10 has been around since the 1930s. In recent years, it’s built a reputation as a go-to destination for great whisky, and for good reason— it boasts the largest whisky selection in all of South Dakota with close to 300 bottles. That includes the Van Winkles and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection as well as private barrel picks of Buffalo Trace—which is used in the house Old Fashioned—Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Jack Daniel’s, and Maker’s Mark, which assistant bar manager Charlie Struble...

Sah wah dee khap! “The White Lotus” Season 3 (HBO Max) is the water cooler show of the spring. Set in a luxury resort in Thailand, season 3 delivers bullets, Buddhists, bald guys, and body bags. From the insincerity of the staff welcome—all fake smiles and mandatory hand waves—to the watery endings of all three seasons, writer and director Mike White invites viewers to experience a new White Lotus wellness and spa destination each season through the eyes of its staff and wealthy guests.
The Season 3 opening sets the tone, with a dark collage of mythological creatures inspired by mural artworks from Thai temples, while the eclectic soundtrack has a febrile intensity that ratchets up the anxiety and tension across all eight episodes. The ensemble cast, meanwhile, navigates a plot that contains more than its fair share of misdirection and narrative cul-de-sacs. "The White Lotus" has a lot of drinks on screen, from protein shakes to Piña Coladas, so...

In an industrial section of Los Angeles, a fantasy jungle grows inside a warehouse. Populated by animatronic topiary dinosaurs, talking plastic parrots, and an autonomous AI personality named Tessa, this steampunk theme park houses Lost Spirits Distillery. Here, ideas about whisky—and whisky itself—are deliberately challenged, broken apart, and remade.Lost Spirits founder Bryan Davis ushers me aboard a flat-bottomed wooden boat, which he pilots through darkness filled with simulated thunder and wind, toward an “island” of tiny fermenters and pot stills topped with dragon heads. Here, behind a heavy wooden door, in a starkly bare room, futuristic-looking devices emit otherworldly bright light, while hoses snake like tentacles to the ceiling. It all appears too outlandish to be true, but Davis has a slightly mad twinkle in his eyes and chuckles as he tells me, “One thing you'll catch as you go through this: all the jokes are real.” It would be easy to dismiss Davis as a...

Islands have always held special allure in the world of whisky. Scotch whiskies from the islands of Islay, Skye, and Orkney are renowned for their salty, often smoky character. Meanwhile, America's traditional whiskey heartlands of Kentucky and Tennessee are located in hilly uplands far from the sea. But now, whiskey is being made in every parcel of the United States, including those surrounded by water. Pummeled by nor'easters and gales, America's island distillers produce whiskeys that owe as much to the Scottish isles as to their compatriots in Kentucky and Tennessee. These are whiskeys that capture the essence of the sea.Worlds ApartWindswept Nantucket, 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, has been a nautical haven for centuries. The island grew fat on whale blubber, and even today it is as much a historic nautical community as a luxury summer colony. It's here that Randy Hudson, owner and distiller at Triple Eight Distillery, has made whiskey for nearly two decades. His Notch...

December is the most wonderful time of the year for many people—especially whisky lovers. WhiskyFest New York takes place on December 3 and, with hundreds of drams to choose from, it's going to be an unforgettable evening.But about those hundreds of drams—you can't taste them all, so how to do you pick which ones will grace your glass? Read up on our advice for strategizing your night—or simply keep reading to see what our editors have picked as their can't-miss pours.Whatever route you take, be sure to keep track of what you've tasted using the WhiskyFest app (available for download in the coming weeks) or event program. Consider sitting in on a seminar (there are nine to choose from), free for all ticket-holders, to take a load off while still enjoying and learning about whisky. Speaking of tickets, there are still some available—perfect for an early Christmas or Chanukah present.ArranScotland's Isle of Arran Distillers—which opened its second facility, Lagg Distillery...

“Non-chill filtered” is a big selling point for American whiskey, a point of pride that's emblazoned on many a bottle of bourbon, rye, and American single malt. Private single-barrel picks and other exclusive whiskeys are almost always bottled at high strength without chill-filtration, and many drinkers take it for granted that a high-quality whiskey will not be chill-filtered. In fact, the practice of chill-filtering is often regarded negatively.But why is it bad? What does chill-filtration actually do to a whiskey? Are whiskeys that are not chill-filtered automatically superior to those that are? Whiskey makers are best positioned to answer these questions, but even among distillers, there's less consensus than you might think. And some of the whiskeys you like the most—well, they may just be chill-filtered.How Chill-Filtration WorksAll whiskey is filtered before bottling to remove particulate matter from the barrel. Chill-filtration is a more meticulous refining process...

COVID-19 has put a stop to most in-person social gatherings for now, but whisky clubs like Drammers, Women Who Whiskey, and Black Bourbon Society are still finding ways to come together around their favorite spirit. Other groups aren't slowing down either—and some are even increasing the frequency of their tastings.“We are going strong,” says Bikram Singh of Norfolk Whisky Group in Massachusetts. On St. Patrick's Day, the club held an “open-ended” Irish whiskey tasting on Google Hangouts, in which “anybody who wanted to could join in, grab their whiskey, and enjoy,” Singh says. “We had single malts, pot stills, even Bushmills Irish Honey. It was brilliant.” And although they missed the “back-and-forth banter” of their normal group tastings, this one felt more focused, because “whenever you were talking, you were talking to nine other people. In a certain way, it was more united—everybody was listening to what everybody else was saying.”The following week...

Rediscovering a forgotten whisky can be like finding a lost love. Remember how delighted and dazzled you were by all those great drams when you first started exploring whisky? Those early block builders are often forgotten—eclipsed by the perpetual seduction of new discoveries. Our advice: Don't always be so quick to move on. Take a moment to rediscover your whisky-loving roots, and find some time for the whiskies you forgot you love.
Single malt scotch


Glenfiddich 12 year old 89 points, 40%, $55
Launched in 1999, Glenfiddich sells around 10.5 million bottles of this 12 year old Speyside single malt every year. “The distillery process continues to be exactly the same as it was decades ago, with traditional mash tuns, wooden washbacks, and unusually small stills,” says Glenfiddich malt master Brian Kinsman. Matured in American and Spanish oak casks, this expression balances those distilling and maturation aspects beautifully. Aromas of...

For us whisky lovers, ’tis the season for indulging in delicious drams that evoke the holiday spirit. The possibilities span all sorts of decadent scents and flavors—Christmas cookies, candied nuts, cinnamon spice, gingerbread, warm apple pie, and pine needles–that are all comforting this time of year. So here is our Christmas list for you, which includes whiskies that deliver seasonal and festive flavors that have scored at least 90 points. No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, it’s a perfect time to grab a glass and share any one (if not all!) of these 12 whiskies with family and friends to make the holidays that much merrier. The whiskies are listed in alphabetical order.
Our Holiday Dram Selections
93 points, Arran 18 year old Scotch Single Malt, 46%, $160
The interplay of floral and sherried notes creates an elegance that other scotches surely envy: candied rose petal, dried orange peel and apricot, sugared almond...

The author bought a cask of Bruichladdich for his wedding day in 2006, planning to bottle it in 25 years. Here’s the story so far.
As I stood in my kilt about to deliver my groom’s speech in front of my bride, our parents, friends, and relatives, I was about to reveal a secret—even to my bride. This was 2006, and our fairytale wedding reception in a picturesque Scottish village was in full swing. After praising my wife and thanking the wedding party, I lifted my dram and invited everyone to charge their glasses for a toast. At this moment, I revealed that I’d ordered a cask to be filled at Bruichladdich Distillery to mark the occasion of our wedding. Furthermore, my intention was to bottle this whisky for our silver wedding celebration in 25 years’ time, when guests at our party could take home a bottle of whisky that was as old as our marriage. In a burst of enthusiasm from our guests, the bar’s supply of Bruichladdich soon ran dry as everyone...

You've amassed a collection of whiskies, properly inventoried every bottle—and if you haven't, read this guide—and now you want to make sure that your investment is secure. It's time to get an appraisal. Whether it's for insurance purposes, or because you are selling at auction, an accurate valuation of your whiskies will be essential. And who knows? Your collection may be worth much more than you think.
Why Insure Your Bottles?
“Insurance is there to put you back in the same financial position that you were in immediately prior to an insured event happening, such as a loss,” explains Alexandra Richards, a private client development executive at Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers in Scotland. The company specializes in brokering private client insurance in the UK and has access to household policies that accommodate high-value wine and whisky collections. They also work with whisky brokers, independent bottlers, and new distillery owners to arrange their...

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and we have plenty of cool whiskies that will make perfect gifts. In addition to those, you could consult our Summer 2023 Best Values and Editors’ Choice lists to make sure you've got all the options covered. This week, the whisky world is awash with new expressions. New scotches include Laphroaig Càirdeas and six age-statement blends from Ian Macleod’s Isle of Skye range. In addition, Woodford Reserve has a new bottled in bond wheat whiskey, and Heaven Hill offers a wheated whiskey from its microdistillery at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville. Meanwhile, Texas and Ireland meet, as Clonakilty has collaborated with Garrison Brothers on a new single malt that's finished in Garrison Brothers casks. Read on for more.
Laphroaig Càirdeas White Port & Madeira Casks
Style: Single malt
Origin: Scotland (Islay)
Age: Not stated

Stitzel-Weller produced legendary bourbon. The Shively, Kentucky, distillery is the birthplace of W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still, among others. The common thread of all those iconic brands? Using wheat instead of rye in the mashbill for a sweeter, easy-drinking bourbon. This move bucked the normal trend of whiskey making, as did Stitzel-Weller’s beliefs in aging products for protracted periods, more than a decade in many instances.
Founded on Kentucky Derby Day (May 5th) in 1935, the company was a merger of two industry titans: W.L. Weller & Sons, a distributor, and A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which managed to procure a medicinal license to continue operations during Prohibition. At the company’s helm were Julian Van Winkle Sr. (whom you now know as Pappy), Arthur Philip Stitzel, and Alex T. Farnsley, a trio whose prowess encompassed marketing, distribution, and production.

Now owned by Diageo, the facility underwent a...

High West Distillery has built its reputation on blending, but it's making a complete 180 with its newest whiskey: High Country American single malt, debuting on Dec. 6. The Utah-based producer has long sourced whiskeys for labels like Rendezvous and Double rye, A Midwinter Night's Dram,Bourye, American Prairie bourbon, and the bourbon-rye-scotch mashup Campfire. And starting in 2018, it began blending its own house-made rye into some of these recipes. But until now, there has been very little whiskey from High West that was 100% house-made. (Some unaged whiskey and Valley Tan, an oat and wheat whiskey blend, are made at the distillery but sold only in Utah in small amounts.)A single malt, by definition, can come from only one distillery, and it can include only malted barley in its mashbill. But that doesn't mean it can't be blended together with different liquids with unique flavor profiles. “We've always shown that we can make the most complex, unique, interesting whiskey by...

If you're hosting holiday celebrations this weekend, we have some tips and tricks for making the most of your party, as well as some batched holiday cocktail recipes that are sure to delight guests. If you're a last-minute gift buyer, look to our holiday gift guide for inspiration—while not all on the list may be available this late in the game, some are certainly still up for grabs. Happy holidays from us to you! 
Toward the end of the year, new whisky releases slow to a trickle, but there are still some interesting arrivals. Kentucky Owl returns with its final release of 2022; Irish label Writers' Tears debuts a sherry-finished single malt; and The Glenturret partners with Lalique once again for the second release in its Trinity Series. Read on for full details.

Kentucky Owl Batch #12Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: Not statedABV: 57.%Price: $400Release: December 2022Availability: Limited
Need to...

The torrent of new whiskies continues, and the many highlights include the return of A Midwinter Night’s Dram, the eleventh release in this annual series from High West Distillery in Utah. The High West annual releases were always among the most anticipated bottlings of the year, and fans were disappointed a few years ago when High West discontinued another cherished annual affair, Yippee Ki Yay. But Midwinter lives on, and we’ll have to see whether this year’s expression can still capture the old magic.
Elsewhere, there’s a new edition of Benriach Malting Season, the third release in the annual series that celebrates Scotland’s long history of floor malting. There’s a touch of romance in seeing a distillery’s floor maltings—alas, only eight whisky makers in Scotland still use this very enchanting (and very expensive) process. Benriach is one of them. Elsewhere from Scotland, young distiller Torabhaig from the Isle of...

Whiskey producer Bespoken Spirits has been a disrupter since its inception seven years ago. The company has prided itself on being different—Bespoken was born in San Francisco and eschews whiskey aging in favor of a proprietary rapid-aging process. Following its successful start on the West Coast, the company is now moving to American whiskey’s motherland, having announced plans to relocate its headquarters and operations from California's Silicon Valley to Lexington, Kentucky next week.
Bespoken Spirits is moving into a space in Lexington’s Greyline Station, a former bus depot that has been turned into a public marketplace complete with restaurants, bars, and retail shops. The company will celebrate its grand opening at the new site on March 27th with much fanfare, including an appearance by rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd; Bespoken Spirits produces the band’s Hell House Whiskey label.
“This transition...

A quarter of British people don’t do anything spontaneously, and 40 percent of Brits won’t pick up unexpected calls from unknown numbers. Buffalo Trace Distillery wants to see if this data (pulled from a survey it commissioned) is accurate, so it installed a rebranded British phone booth in the Covent Garden neighborhood of London, steps from its Buffalo Trace Distillery London, a new brand center and "immersive experience" where visitors can, taste, buy, and learn all about Buffalo Trace's whiskeys. This weekend only, May 4th and May 5th, passersby who hear the phone ring and pick up the call will be rewarded with a very rare and VIP tasting flight, which will include some of the most coveted Buffalo Trace products. 
Buffalo Trace Distillery London officially opens Monday, May 6th, 2024, but anyone who picks up the call (and a friend) will immediately be whisked inside the place, ahead of the public opening. There, these lucky...

American whiskey historically was a bit like the Wild West, guided not by rules and regulations but by a lawlessness that encouraged questionable practices that occasionally resulted in deadly consequences. These included adding color, flavor, and chemicals—ranging from tobacco and turpentine to iodine and kerosene— all the while calling the product “whiskey,” though you’d be hard-pressed to recognize it as such today.
At the same time, distribution was far different than today— though distillers sold barreled whiskey directly to retailers, they also sold to rectifiers, who were both blenders and distributors. While there were a handful of good rectifiers, among them William Weller and Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, both of whom believed in the art of blending, many unscrupulous operators ultimately gave the word “rectifier” a bad name. They were responsible for the above-mentioned atrocious additives, doing it to boost yields and thus...

Single malt scotch sales have been on a long-term upswing in the U.S. market, nearly doubling from 2010 to 2021 to reach 2 million cases (24 million bottles) for the first time, according to our company’s research arm, Impact Databank, before receding a bit over the past two years. Scotch single malts continue to battle competition from popular categories like American whiskey and tequila, and so have been aiming to maximize higher-end offerings as volume dips, notes our sister web news site Shanken News Daily.
Single malt scotch shipments to the U.S. amounted to 1.93 million 9-liter cases (23.2 million bottles) in 2023, down 14.3%, but the export value was only down 1.4% to £394 million ($502m), showing that higher-end whiskies are fairing better than the overall picture. Including blended scotch, total scotch whisky shipments to the U.S. fell 7% by both volume and value last year.
In line with broader scotch trends, the top five single malt brands in the U.S. by...

While whiskey appears in many movies and TV shows, some make it more than prop, embedding it within the culture of the characters to reinforce key ideas. No show has done this better than “Justified.” From the first episode, which premiered on FX on March 16, 2010, to the last, characters are frequently shown with a whiskey in hand, their drink choices reflecting their lifestyle, class, or attitude. Over six seasons and 78 episodes, it established itself as the preeminent show for whiskey lovers. Set in Kentucky, “Justified”—based on the Elmore Leonard short story “Fire in the Hole”—had an ingrained way of featuring a dram. “Liquor is not a throwaway in the show,” David Blass, the show's production designer, tells Whisky Advocate. “It binds everyone together.”
Walton Goggins, who played the whiskey-loving criminal Boyd Crowder and enjoys a whiskey himself, agrees. “Whatever bottle you pulled out, with...

Shopping for your favorite whisky lover can be a tough mission even when you know their personal whisky preferences—especially if you’re looking to surprise them. Thus every year, we scour the planet to bring you some fun gift options to suit the whisky fan in your life. 
We’ve included a few special bottles on this year’s list, but note that we recommend whiskies all year long, topped by our annual Top 20 list, which weighs quality, affordability, accessibility, and x-factor. You can also check out the magazine and website, where the Buying Guide offers scores and reviews. Each issue also our includes our Best Value, Editors’ Choice, and Collectible picks.
It’s a big whisky world out there. If you want to gift something other than whisky, or if your special someone keeps the whisky bar well-stocked on their own, consider these items and experiences this holiday season.
Whisky Gifts to Suit the...

Bidders took their pick of the rarities in the early days of 2025. Whisky Auctioneer delivered the highest prices of the month so far, with a bottle of Macallan The Reach 81 year old leading the field. Not far behind, a bottle of Port Ellen 12 year old created for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Port Ellen Maltings on August 9th 1980 sold for $80,796. If the bottle shape looks familiar, it’s because this expression was bottled in the same design that was used for Oban in the early 1980s. The sale also saw a late bid secure a bottle of Glenfiddich 1937 64 year old for $43,843, one of the 61 bottles of this rare Glenfiddich released in 2001.
Single malt scotch is attracting the month’s highest prices so far. Bowmore topped Whisky Hammer’s auction with sales of the first bottle of Bowmore ARC-52 to sell in over a year, along with a bottle of Black Bowmore 1964 50 year old The Last Cask, which fetched $37,258. In addition, a bottle of Brora 1972 40 year old was...

According to the latest figures, over 1.9 million people flocked to visit over 40 Scotch whisky distilleries open to visitors in 2017. And there's more to come, as both new and established distilleries welcome whisky lovers with larger venues, new experiences, and greater access. Peak months are June to August, so make sure you leave enough time to check out the latest visitor experiences on your whisky vacation itinerary.Best Insider TourBowmore Vaults Secrets Tasting TourBehind-the-scenes access to Bowmore Distillery, including the traditional floor maltings and a peek inside the thick-walled vaults that protect the casks from the waves. Enter the Vaults Secrets tasting cellar for a cask tasting and leave with a precious Bowmore 100 ml cask sample in your back pocket. £70/$100Best Romantic StayLuxury Overnight Stay at Isle of Raasay DistilleryBe among the first wave of visitors to experience Scotland's newest island distillery, on the Isle of Raasay between the mainland and the...

Scotch whisky guides typically slice the country into neat regions: Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, and other Islands. But fans of Scotland's coastal malts prefer life on the edge, much like the distilleries that cling to Scotland's wild perimeter, with its thousands of miles of coastline encompassing long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, sheltered coves, and deep blue estuaries that convey the outflow of rivers to the ocean. Their whiskies run the gamut of flavor, from fiery, elemental smoke bombs to sumptuously smooth charmers, yet find a common bond in their affinity with the sea. Whether a wisp of briny ocean spray, reeking to the rafters with iodine, or as lip-smackingly moreish as a giant pretzel, each sip is a compelling case that Scotland's coast is a whisky region unto itself.6 Highly Rated Single Malts from Scotland's Coastal RegionsIt's impossible to ascribe the saltiness to any single factor. As the casks breathe in the sea air, distillers with warehouses...

Some people add to their whisky collection by tracking new releases, while others scour auction sites for rare bottlings. On September 23, Sotheby's New York will auction what it is calling The Timeless Whisky Collection, with lots that include a complete six-bottle set of the Macallan Six Pillars Collection, and a major crop of independently bottled scotch whiskies, as well as other aged expressions from Glenfiddich, Bowmore, and others. Get the details from our auction preview, including the 10 most expensive lots by estimate.Among this week's new releases, Dewar's adds to its Cask Series line with a calvados cask finish, and Woodford Reserve is offering a new honey barrel-finished bourbon as a distillery and Kentucky exclusive, while Jefferson's has an interesting new Ocean: Aged at Sea bourbon expression made with New York City water. Read on for full details.

Dewar’s 8 year old French Smooth
Style: BlendOrigin: ScotlandAge: 8 year oldABV: 40%Price: $25Release...

In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the collection of links courses is so outstanding, you couldn't possibly go wrong by just stopping in anywhere and seeing if there's a tee time available. But if you are in search of the very best Ireland has to offer, our top five courses will fulfill your golfing dreams. If you are drawn to golf by the sea, then you are certainly drawn to Ireland. Golfers from around the world, and especially the U.S., who make the pilgrimage to Ireland discover exhilarating golf and abiding people, a combination that makes for the perfect trip. For the ambitious traveler, a week should suffice, allowing ample time to reflect on each round over a few drams, either on the grounds or at a distillery, which these days are, more often than not, somewhere nearby.ROYAL PORTRUSHOn the north coast of Northern Ireland sits Royal Portrush, a handsome two-course facility that should be on anyone's list, given it is now on the British Open rota.The Dunluce...

Finishing is the popular term for transferring a mature whisky to a second cask, perhaps one that previously held port or rum, a first-growth Bordeaux, or is crafted from uncommon oaks like mizunara or Irish oak to give a different flavor profile. The purpose of finishing is to create a new whisky that complements the house style. Think of finishing like the secondary boosters on a space rocket, helping it to achieve a higher orbit, or like precious sapphires set around a diamond by animble-fingered jeweler to enhance the sparkle. When done well, finishing adds shades of color and flavor, swaddling the whisky with complementary tones and imbuing the spirit with extra personality. Come with us, back to finishing school!Lesson 1:Start at the FinishFor starters, Scotch whisky must be matured for a minimum of 3 years in an oak cask. After that, there is a range of different finishing possibilities open to the distiller if they choose to transfer the whisky into a second cask to enhance...

The Lowlands have the dubious reputation of producing Scotland's least fashionable whiskies. While it's easy to find whisky lovers who swoon for the peaty malts of Islay and rich, sherried drams of Speyside, the delicate and floral whiskies of the Lowlands have lingered on in relative obscurity—more of a footnote on most whisky lists—until now. From a low of just two operational malt whisky distilleries in 1993, the designated Lowlands region of Scotch whisky production has now grown to include eleven distilleries, with several more in the pipeline. The Lowlands Renaissance has arrived.Lowlands EmergenceThe Lowlands malt whisky region was first defined as part of the 1784 Wash Act, which introduced a theoretical ‘Highland Line,' running across Scotland from the Firth of Clyde in the west to the Firth of Tay in the east, with differing levels of excise duty initially being paid on either side of the ‘line.'The Act aimed to stimulate legal distilling in the Highlands and to...

The biggest American whiskey in the world, Jack Daniel's, is rolling out a series of exclusive whiskeys. The Tennessee Tasters' Selection offers unusual and creative whiskeys for sale mainly at the distillery in Lynchburg. The first two releases, High Angels' Share Barrels and Hickory Finish, are available now, with the next release, Reunion Barrel, coming in early 2019. Each 375-ml. bottle is $40; batches are around 24,000 bottles, with several batches released each year.More of an Irish whiskey fan? Your ship has come in. Four new whiskeys from the Emerald Isle are making their way to store shelves, offering an array of styles and exciting flavors.First up, the 2018 release of Midleton Very Rare is rolling out now overseas, hitting U.S. shores in 2019. This year's batch blends whiskeys aged 12 to 28 years. It will be available in limited amounts for $200.Next, Kilbeggan has unveiled a pot-distilled whiskey made with at least 30% rye grain—the first such Irish whiskey made in over...

We're set to kick off the season—no, not football, although there is that too. The season for big-time whisky releases is upon us. From Kentucky, Four Roses just announced its annual Limited Edition Small Batch, this one a celebration of its 135th anniversary, while Michter's is back with US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish rye. Both will drop in September. Meanwhile, Parker's Heritage has unveiled its annual release, and it's a 10 year old cask-strength rye. And Little Book is out with Chapter 7, an intriguing retrospective blending one component each from Chapters 1-6 and then adding a new whiskey for Chapter 7.
From Islay, Ardbeg's Dr. Bill Lumsden is at it again with the new Ardbeg Anthology series, the inaugural release highlighted by Sauternes cask finishing in the mix. The Sauternes cask is not often seen on  Islay, though it has been used by Kilchoman and  Bunnahabhain. From Speyside, Balvenie has another...

There’s a wintry feel in this latest round of new releases, led by New Riff’s latest Winter Whisky offering, as well as two new stout cask finished expressions—one from Nelson’s Green Brier in Nashville and the other from distiller-brewer Town Branch in Lexington, Kentucky. Then we have a honey barrel-finished bourbon from North Carolina distiller Southern Star, inaugural releases from Distillery of Modern Art, based in Chamblee, Georgia, another shot to get your hands on World Whiskey Society's 13 year old Wyatt Earp Hazmat Edition, and whiskey-based liqueurs. Plenty to add to your Black Friday shopping list!
New Riff Winter Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon
ABV: 50%
SRP: $55
Availability: Limited
A seasonal release first introduced in 2020, New Riff Winter Wheat is made from a mashbill of 65% corn, 20% malted oats, 7% pale ale malt, 5% steel-cut raw oats, and 3% chocolate malt. As with many of New Riff’s whiskeys...

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to increase within the U.S., many state and local governments are taking action. Within the past week, several state governments—including those with dense urban populations, such as California, Illinois, and New York—have ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses, which includes distillery visitor centers, in order to curb the spread of the virus. Distilleries may still be in production, and many have shifted to making hand sanitizer, since the crisis has created a shortage.But the closure of visitor facilities strikes a blow to one of whisky's greatest qualities: bringing people together. Fortunately, some distilleries are finding ways to foster a sense of community while maintaining social distance by offering virtual tours. Accessible over the internet, these tours allow whisky lovers to enter the distilleries from the comfort of their own homes. Kentucky's Four Roses is among those taking the virtual leap; it closed its two visitor...

Hundreds of polished stills are boiling away in Scotland at this very moment, distilling new spirit to make more whisky. Each copper still is idiosyncratic, and they come in a surprising diversity of shapes and sizes. Copper pot stills may epitomize the Scotch whisky industry, but their job goes beyond being just a giant kettle designed to concentrate the alcohol. Stills are thoughtfully designed with flavor in mind and those elegant copper swan necks make a fundamental contribution to the final spirit character. A typical Scotch whisky distillery will have one or two pairs of stills, but there are numerous exceptions where they use extra stills (e.g. Glenfiddich), or where the distillation cycle is uncommonly complicated (e.g. Mortlach), or where triple distillation is preferred (e.g. Auchentoshan). To explore the relationship between stills and flavor, meet two distillers who make whisky in stills at either end of the spectrum: famously tall and curiously small.Big StillEqual in...

The city of Portland, straddling the Willamette River in the Pacific Northwest, is not a bad place to be a drinker. Around 70 breweries are located here, more than any other city in the world. About a dozen distilleries call ‘Stumptown' home, with a similar amount of urban wineries. The food culture complements the drinking scene, with award-winning restaurants, 600 food trucks, and an almost religious belief by Portlanders in enjoying local products and the farm-to-table philosophy.There are whisky and cocktail bars in almost every neighborhood, and a healthy respect for pairing good whisky with local craft beer (the two major food groups in the city). Add to this a walkable, vibrant downtown with efficient public transportation, and two days of hedonistic ramblings are easily filled.Many of the bars don't open until late afternoon, so take a distillery tour earlier in the day or pay a visit to a liquor store. Oregon is a control state, so all spirits are sold through...

WhiskyFest is all about enjoyment—drinking great whiskies, learning from the experts, even making new friends—and the 2019 WhiskyFest San Francisco is set to bring all of that and more. Attend one of the expert-led seminars, and spend some time enjoying experiences like the Bowmore Oyster Luge (trust us—it's awesome) and the taste-focused Whisky 5, which helps you narrow in on different whisky flavors. And peruse the pour list ahead of time on our website or app.Since there are more than 400 whiskies on offer, we recommend devising a loose strategy (here are some tips to help you do that) and making a short list of the pours you don't want to miss. If you need some suggestions, Whisky Advocate's editors have noted a few recommendations below.If you don't have your tickets yet, don't wait to buy them: WhiskyFest is running a special promotion for VIP ticket holders through Sept. 27. Ten lucky VIPs will be treated to an exclusive whisky pour with Whisky Advocate's editors 30...

As the COVID-19 public health crisis deepens, more and more people are becoming isolated by practicing social distancing—staying home and limiting interactions with others as much as possible. At Whisky Advocate, we're doing the same, with our staff working remotely. It puts a crimp in some activities, like tastings, but it's the right decision for everyone's health.The coming days will be hard for all of us who enjoy gathering with friends around a good dram. But social distancing doesn't have to be miserable. As we remember that this practice will help save lives, we can also take steps to lighten the anxiety, stress, and loneliness caused by isolation. Now is the time to open up that bottle you've been saving!First up: Join us onInstagram Live every Friday at 3 p.m. Eastern. The Whisky Advocate tasting panel typically tastes together on Fridays, but that's changed for now. In an effort to keep our palates and each other engaged, we're opening up the Whisky Advocate tasting room...

The Winter 2021 issue of Whisky Advocateis all about connecting you with great whisky. There areover 150 whisky reviews inside, including our annualTop 20 list, which celebrates an exciting year of high-quality and affordable drams. Our Whisky of the Year is a stout-finished Islay single malt scotch, but the full list includes value bourbons, surprising world whiskies, complex blended malts, and more.Elsewhere in the issue, we help you plan a year of whisky spending based on four different budgets and interest levels, and survey the rich landscape of 21 year old scotch. Of course, there is perhaps no greater resource than our Buying Guide, which spans multiple styles and continents to deliver well-considered tasting notes. In each issue we provide Editors' Choice, Best Values, and Collectibles picks, but beyond those, there is still plenty of whisky to consider. The highest-scoring whiskies from the Winter issue, include familiar names like Laphroaig and Booker's as well as a few...

With St. Patrick’s Day nearly upon us, Irish whiskey will be front and center. It’s a most versatile and exciting spirit, but if your experience with Irish whiskey is limited to downing shots once a year dressed in a green velvet leprechaun’s hat, then we’ve got three routes to help you engage with Irish whiskey on a more rewarding level. First, our neat pour list contains six whiskeys that are worth getting to know better as they represent some of the most flavorsome whiskeys from Ireland right now. Second, for the make-at-home cocktail enthusiast, we pick six bottles to play with at home, each with a different style of Irish whiskey. With dozens of cocktail recipes online for inspiration, we want to be less prescriptive and encourage you to make a cocktail you love using an Irish whiskey and then make it again with a different pick to show you how whisky flavor influences the finished cocktail. Finally, Irish whiskey and food is a match made in heaven, so we...

Father’s Day is on the near horizon (June 16th), and that means the new whisky releases are coming fast and furious. Rye and bourbon dominate the scene, including Wild Turkey's latest Master's Keep edition and the latest ultra-aged, and ultra-expensive expression from  W.L. Weller, Weller Miillenium. But we were particularly interested to see some big news from Sagamore Spirit. When its waterfront distillery in Baltimore, Maryland opened its doors in 2017, Sagamore was redoubling its mission to restore Maryland’s once-great reputation for rye whiskey. Focused entirely on rye, Sagamore initially used sourced liquid while its whiskey matured, gradually blending in its own make. But now comes the moment we’ve been waiting for: the release of its first 100% own-make, permanent rye edition. Things are actually ahead of schedule, as Sagamore originally projected that its first own-make rye wouldn’t be ready until 2025. Our...

Why do small whisky companies compete in the face of blending dominance by multinational corporations? What's their take on blending, and how does this differ from the major whisky brands? Which blends are deserving of your hard-earned cash? As blending is highly topical, Jonny McCormick speaks to blenders from three contrasting whisky companies to find out the answers. To an aspiring whisky blender, the muscle of Dewar's, Johnnie Walker, and Chivas Brothers must seem every bit as imposing as biblical Goliath. These huge heritage brands, born from the successes of entrepreneurs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dominate not only blended whisky, but also the entire Scotch whisky industry. They are masters in the art of blending dozens of aged single malts and lighter grain whiskies into incredibly complex and consistent whiskies on a grand scale. Add to this skill their marketing prowess, daunting stocks of maturing whiskies, and global name recognition, and they are the...

The Whisky Advocate Awards recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 18th year, the program is still simply about the world's greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them.In response to the continually evolving world of whisky — the industry, the consumers, the worldwide market — we have updated our awards. First, we've expanded the number of awards for Scotch whisky in recognition that there are so many different expressions available from so many different distillers and blenders. As you'll see below, we've made an award for each of the regions regularly featured in our Buying Guide. We also have more closely defined the Artisan Whiskey award (now for North American whiskeys) and the New World Whisky award (for whiskies made outside North America, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan).But perhaps the two biggest changes in this year's awards reflect the widening scope of Whisky Advocate. Previously, products had to be available for...

Du Nord Craft Spirits, located in Minneapolis and owned by former American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) president Chris Montana, was damaged in the early hours of Friday, May 29, as protests responding to police brutality against black Americans and the killing of George Floyd swept the city. According to the ACSA, several fires were set inside the distillery's warehouse, triggering Du Nord's fire suppression system which dumped “more than 26,000 gallons inside the facility over the course of four and a half hours.”The ACSA has since started a GoFundMe page to assist Du Nord's recovery, with nearly $50,000 raised at the time of publication, just short of the $60,000 goal. Montana has similarly started a crowdfunding campaign, with his initial goal of $40,000 eclipsed in less than 24 hours.Update 6/5/20: By week's end, the crowdfunding total from both campaigns has reached a combined $447,205, with the Montanas' GoFundMe alone amassing more than $358,000. As a result, Du Nord...

Being biased is part of being human, and that doesn't exclude our taste in whisky. Some people may profess to dislike a certain brand or style based on an experience from long ago. The opposite can also be true; we tend to romanticize a whisky if our grandfather favored it or if we visited the distillery while on vacation. Tasting “blind” refers to tasting without knowledge of a whisky's identity, and its main purpose is to negate these biases. Tasting blind is a great way to become a better taster, develop your senses, and learn more about your own whisky preferences.
Science supports the idea that our perception of taste and quality is easily influenced. In a study conducted by graduate business school INSEAD, associate professor of marketing Hilke Plassmann discovered that subjects regarded the same wine more favorably when they were told it had a higher price. In instances where two identical wines were served, the subjects preferred what they believed to be the...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pummel the United States, distilleries—from big household names to smaller craft producers—are feeling the brunt. “The truth is, the last four months have been a punch in the gut,” said Allen Katz, owner and distiller at New York Distilling Co. in Brooklyn, New York. Urban distilling already posed its own challenges in New York City, where space is hard to come by, but running a distillery in the pandemic's epicenter created an entirely new obstacle, which Katz discussed with Whisky Advocate on #TasteWithSpace on July 10.“It certainly has changed how we run our day-to-day operations,” Katz said of the pandemic. While New York Distilling Co. has been able to keep up production of spirits such as rye whiskey and gin, it has also started making hand sanitizer. Among other changes to the distillery's day-to-day, its cocktail bar, The Shanty, was forced to temporarily shut down when New York City's COVID-19 spread became overwhelming. The...

When new distilleries launch, there's plenty of fanfare and celebration. After all, it means more whisky is on the way, giving whisky lovers something to anticipate and allowing the distillery to spread the word far in advance of its first releases. But one Kentucky producer has taken the opposite approach, quietly laying down tens of thousands of barrels of bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey without so much as a peep beyond the required public paperwork—and without its own distillery.The company, IJW, has popped up occasionally in news reports about its Danville, Kentucky warehouse construction, its Louisville property acquisition, and its possible affiliation with the University of Michigan; Whisky Advocate contributor Chuck Cowdery has also written a bit about the few known facts. But until now, no one from this mysterious company—which keeps its ownership a secret—has spoken out publicly.Now IJW is ready to pull back the curtain, and Whisky Advocate has the...

Sometimes a whisky that’s not new, but is perhaps a bit overlooked, can be just as exciting as a new release. Our Spring 2021 cover story highlighting 10 of Scotch whisky’s best kept secrets focuses on whiskies from Arran, Loch Lomond, Deanston, Tamdhu and more. We hope that you find it useful as a resource to explore the world of single malt scotch, and perhaps discover your next favorite drams.As for new releases announced this week, there is a bounty. Jack Daniel’s has a 10 year old Tennessee whiskey, the brand’s first age statement expression in over a century, while Ardbeg returns with its Traigh Bhan 19 year old. Highland Park, meanwhile, has released the second iteration in its cask strength series. Read on for full details.Jack Daniel’s 10 year oldStyle: Tennessee Origin: TennesseeAge: 10 year oldABV: 48.5%Price: $70Release: August 2021Availability: 36,000 bottlesNeed to know:The first Jack Daniel’s whiskey to bear an age statement in more than 100 years, this 10...

Tennessee's capital city of Nashville boasts a lively craft whiskey scene, robustly supported by its acclaimed music, barbecue, and bar venues. At the edge of the city's Watkins Park neighborhood is Nelson's Green Brier, housed in the former Marathon Automobile factory. Here, past meets present: The Nelson's Green Brier name first appeared back in 1870, when Charles Nelson began distilling whiskey in the town of Greenbrier, 25 miles north of Nashville. Nelson's distillery shut down in 1909, and today his descendants Andy and Charlie are bringing back the family business, opening the modern iteration of Nelson's Green Brier in 2009 and making whiskey in-house since 2014. (Update: Charlie left the company in the summer of 2023.)
While waiting for its whiskey to age, the company has released sourced Indiana bourbon under the Belle Meade name. The revived Green Brier label, which debuted in 2017, blends 75% in-house pot still whiskey and 25% contracted column still whiskey, with...

Food pairings can elevate any drinking experience, whether you are tasting as a group or enjoying a dram on your own. Cheese is a good choice, with a wide array of styles offering a multitude of pairing options. Get started with our guide to matching whisky and cheese and see which combination works best for you.If you're looking for a new whisky to crack open, we have plenty to choose from this week. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is back, this time with an online lottery; Ross & Squibb unveils the latest batch of its Remus Repeal Reserve series; and Jefferson's adds a new wheated bourbon to its Aged at Sea series. For scotch lovers, Ardbeg is out with the fourth edition of Traigh Bhan, its 19 year old annual release. Meanwhile, for collectors, we also have all the details on the new Littlemill bottling, as the lost Lowland distillery releases its oldest whisky ever. Read on for full details.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (2022 Release)
Style: Straight bourbonOrigin...

Last Friday, we kicked off the fall WhiskyFest season with WhiskyFest San Francisco, where throngs of whisky lovers came together to enjoy over 400 different whiskies. And last night, the fun continued with WhiskyFest New York, an event that drew even more fans and had plenty of top-tier whisky names in attendance. If you’ve missed out on these events, or want to get in on some superb sipping once more, WhiskyFest Las Vegas is on December 2nd at Resorts World Las Vegas; for now, tickets are still available.
In new whisky this week, there are plenty of limited releases coming out ahead of the holiday season. Angel’s Envy returns with the 11th edition of its cask strength port wine barrel-finished straight bourbon, Booker’s has released its third whiskey of 2022, and Balvenie adds three new rarefied single malts to its Stories lineup. Read on for full details.



ANGEL’S ENVY CASK STRENGTH (2022...

In 2018, scotch whisky distiller Glen Moray sparked debate with the release of its Cider Cask Project, the distillery’s single malt finished in hard cider casks. The UK-exclusive bottling had the sweet vanilla flavors characteristic of Glen Moray’s signature single malt, paired with caramel apple notes resulting from its time in cider barrels. 
But it was a contentious bottling, as it was released before the rules governing scotch maturation were relaxed to allow use of barrels that had previously held other spirits like tequila, beer, and wine. The company got around those regulations by seasoning its own casks with cider from a local producer, before taking back the barrels to finish its whisky.
It was a first for a scotch distiller, but Glen Moray wasn’t the pioneer of the global whisky industry. In regions where the rules around maturation are less stringent, cider casks, ice cider, apple brandy barrels, and other fruity vessels are increasingly used...

Of Canadian whisky, legendary whisky writer Michael Jackson once wrote, “Whatever their labels say, all Canadian whiskies are of the same style.”
While that may have been true in 1987, when Jackson penned those words in his “World Guide to Whisky,” one needn’t be a whisky expert to know that things are much different today. Not only are the ranks of Canadian whiskies now populated by a large number of straight ryes—a style that Jackson bemoaned as “a shame” that Canada lacked them in his day—and all sorts of other whisky types, including ersatz “bourbons,” triple distilled whiskies inspired by the Irish tradition, and a steadily growing coterie of single malts.
It is in that final camp that Canadian whisky may have its greatest potential.
“We have some of the best grain growers on the planet,” says Tyler Dyck, CEO of British Columbia’s Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, “If...

Around 2007, liquor store owner Ryan Maloney had a Pappy Van Winkle problem: He had too much of it. “We did TV commercials showing off our single barrel picks, including a handpicked 15 year Pappy,” Maloney recounts. “It would just sit in our store, gathering dust.”

Maloney’s store, Julio’s Liquors in Westborough, Massachusetts, was among the first in the nation to work with Sazerac, producer of Pappy Van Winkle, on a single barrel program, and was subsequently offered barrels of 12, 15, 20 and 23 year old Van Winkle. “I wasn’t thrilled with the 20 or 23—too much wood spice for me,” Maloney says. “They were higher priced, too; I think the 15 was about $65 and even that was expensive for bourbon then.”
Today, those apex bottles would be gone within minutes, just like some of the more than 60 barrel picks now sold by Maloney each year. When bourbon sales began to explode after 2010, demand for...

Peat, that decomposed plant material that when dried and set afire in the kiln, lends smoky, ashy, medicinal, and other alluring flavors to malted barley, is first and foremost associated with Scotland. Even non-scotch whisky makers often get their peated malt from Scottish malting houses. But some distillers outside Scotland have tapped into peat closer to home and are often using different techniques to create their smoky whiskies. In the process, they’ve discovered that not all peat is the same.
Scottish expat Graeme Macaloney founded Vancouver Island-based Macaloney’s Island Distillery and began distilling there in 2016. When confronted with a deficit of nearby maltsters capable of peat-smoking barley, Macaloney took matters into his own hands. With the help of a family member, he built a smoker that can smoke two tons of barley at a time and produces a smoke density similar to that of Laphroaig (which he visited for inspiration prior to building his own...

Bourbon's growth doesn't just affect whiskey producers. Business is up at cooperages, bottle makers, label printers, shippers, grain silos, still manufacturers, warehouse builders, and every other related business. But no ancillary industry has benefited more from the bourbon boom than tourism. It began simply, with official highway signs pointing to distillery ‘attractions.' Then the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) packaged its member distilleries up as theKentucky Bourbon Trail Tour. Now there is a companion Craft Distillery Trail Tour too. Tennessee, with Daniel and Dickel and a host of new craft distilleries, has its own fledgling association and trail. Today, whiskey is one of the main drivers for tourism in the region.Getting ThereSpeaking of drivers, one of your first questions might be, “Do I need a car?” The region's tourism infrastructure doesn't really support the carless, and distilleries tend to be out of the way. Your best option if you don't drive is a tour...

If you're planning a bourbon trip, consider Cincinnati. The Queen City sits on the Ohio River across from Kentucky, is only an hour away from most distilleries, and has a strong whiskey scene of its own.Day OneOnce you've checked in and settled down, your 48 Hours must begin standing next to a bathtub with the words “Since 1861. Arnold's Bar & Grill.” The tub is symbolic of the restaurant's Prohibition-era owner, Hugo Arnold, who allegedly made bathtub gin and sold illegal liquor to thirsty customers. Built in the late 1830s, the building is a slice of Midwestern Americana and showcases an old bar that commands the city's first right of refusal on allocated bourbons. The eclectic menu gives you an inside glimpse of Cincinnati cuisine, with noodles in its chili and the local meat-and-grain sausage called “goetta.” From Arnold's, it's time to cross the bridge and buy bourbon history in a bottle. At Liquor City Uncorked are the most-coveted bourbons of all time: 16 year old...

EATYou need never be hungry due to the great range of options for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Are you in the mood for a plate piled high with fresh seafood, a dozen oysters chilled on ice, or a local venison steak?An Tígh Seínnse Portnahaven; 1496 860224The Antlers Craighouse, Jura; 1496 820496Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant Ballygrant; 1496 840277Bowmore Hotel Bowmore; 1496 810416Bowmore Taste of Islay Bowmore; 1496 810671Burnside Lodge Port Wemyss; 1496 860296Cafaidh Na Roinn (The Rhinns Café) Port Mòr campsite, Port Charlotte;1496 850441The Celtic House Bowmore; 1496 810304The Cottage Bowmore; 1496 810111Cyber Bistro Port Ellen; 1496 300509Drome Café (Morags) Islay Airport, Glenegedale; 1496 300441Golden Dragon Chinese Cuisine Bowmore; 1496 810811The Harbour Inn & RestaurantBowmore; 1496 810330The Islay Hotel Port Ellen; 1496 300109Islay Oysters, Loch Gruinart 1496 850256The Jura Hotel Craighouse, Jura; 1496 820243Katie's Bar Bridgend Hotel, Bridgend; 1496...

Which bar has the most whiskies on Islay? The Ballygrant Inn is the leader, though the Bowmore Hotel collection is vast, and they are both ahead of the chasing pack. For returning visitors, The Ballygrant Inn is now home to the world famous gantry from Duffy's Bar in the Lochside Hotel, which is carved with the names of the individual distilleries. Who makes the peatiest whisky? The parts per million (ppm) of the malted barley on the bottle does not necessarily carry over into the final spirit, so for peat's sake, do yourself a favor and order up a few drams to undertake your own comparison. The Bowmore Hotel and the Ballygrant Inn have dozens of bottles from each distillery, so let the battle commence between Octomore 6.3 and Ardbeg SN2015 Committee Release.I'm just not sure peat is for me, so what should I drink?There are plenty of unpeated and lightly-peated whiskies to explore from Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, and Jura. When you are ready, try a Bowmore 12 year old or a sweet...

I've got to leave Chi-town.This old town keeps knocking me down.It's like a whirlwind of unhappinessKeeping me on the ground.­—Lurrie BellWhat, you were expecting “Sweet Home Chicago,” the toddling town's sappy-sweet blues anthem? Chicago is more than its clichés, like “The City that Works.” Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't, but it is never boring.You can still hear live blues in dingy dives decorated with Christmas tree lights any night of the week, but you can also see the world's best live theater. Chicago contains the world's most influential architecture, such as the Sullivan Center, formerly known as the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company building, and architect Mies van der Rohe's Federal Plaza. With its Cubs now baseball champions, anything seems possible in Chicago.One thing that works is public transportation. By choosing buses, trains, cabs, or ride shares it is easy to avoid the trials of operating a motor vehicle. Chicago supplies the designated drivers...

Finding rare whisky on the shelf—a practice dubbed “whisky antiquing”—isn't seek and destroy, but rather, a search and enjoy mission. Follow these steps to securing liquid gems.Assess Your AspirationsRecord an inventory of the whiskies you own and the styles you drink most. You probably already have more expertise than you even realize, so apply extra focus here when hunting.Establish a PerimeterPick a central starting point and establish a radius for your search. Search for “liquor stores,” “wine shops,” “package stores,” and “wine and spirits” on Yelp and Google Maps. Chart a route, paying close attention to opening and closing times.Search High and LowAny store can hold treasure. Old, run-down stores are more likely to have dusty bottles. Upscale wine shops often harbor limited-edition scotches and other spirits. High-volume shops and chains get larger allocations of rare whisky. Snoop around in beach towns and seasonal destinations in the off-season.Make a...

When buying a gift for a whisky lover, the easiest—and most appreciated—option is simply to buy a bottle of special bourbon, scotch, or Irish whiskey. With Father's Day coming up, whisky-drinking dads are no doubt hoping that their kids or partners will be presenting them with a tall, slim-necked package to enjoy neat or on the rocks. If you're looking for a way to make a gift bottle extra special, however, you can personalize it through custom labeling or engraving. Here are several options to make Dad's dram a little more memorable.
Get A Free Custom Label From Speyburn or Woodford Reserve
Speyburn offers some of the best value in single malt scotch, from Bradan Orach ($20) to the recently released 15 year old ($65). This year, the distillery is offering a free custom label to anyone who buys a bottle of Speyburn 10 year old, 15 year old, Arranta Casks, or Companion Cask (available at select retailers) before June 30th. (After June 3rd, delivery is not guaranteed...

You can thank George Washington Vanderbilt III for putting Asheville, North Carolina on travelers' radar. After the Manhattanite visited and fell for the Blue Ridge Mountains, with their dreamy splendor and curative climate, he built the Biltmore House between 1889 and 1895. At 178,926 square feet it was, and remains, the biggest privately owned house in the U.S. Where once it drew throngs of guests, now it draws tourists. Walk through the banquet rooms overlooking the mountain range, and it's clear this setting was designed for socializing over drinks. But Asheville's imbibing legacy extends far beyond posh parties. It's said that NASCAR's roots sprung from mountain bootleggers juicing up their cars to outrun the authorities. When it comes to drinking here, highbrow and grit happily coexist. Bars, distilleries, and breweries pay tribute to a rich heritage, yet present their offerings without pretense. Asheville represents classic Southern hospitality with a vibrant, contemporary...

Scotland's largest metropolis suffers from second-city status in some circles, but where whisky is concerned, Glasgow makes as fine a destination as the capital to the east. Just as Edinburgh was a historic center of distilling, blending, bottling, and whisky exporting, so too was Glasgow, where names like Buchanan's and Teacher's based their extensive operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, The Clydeside Distillery is pumping new life (truly—it's located in a former pump house) into the local industry, churning out spirit that will eventually mature into whisky. Nearby, Glasgow Whisky Co. is distilling whisky and gins; though it isn't open for tours, its flagship 1770 single malt is available for purchase, with peated and triple-distilled variants coming later this year. Independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co. is based in Glasgow and planning to open Clutha Distillery in late 2020.Drinking in Glasgow is a rich experience, especially at whisky-heavy bars like Bon...

With its endless cobblestone streets, finely manicured gardens, bright-colored antebellum houses, and historic churches, food and beverage have a lot of competition for the attention of visitors to Charleston, South Carolina. Fortunately, the city's chefs and bartenders are up to the challenge, combining local ingredients and history into mouthwatering dishes and drinks. “Charleston's vibrant food and beverage scene is rooted in its rich agricultural diversity. Visitors can explore flavors they may not encounter anywhere else in the world, and that is true not just for its many amazing restaurants, but its whiskey makers too,” says Scott Blackwell, High Wire Distilling Co.'s co-owner and distiller. With every destination either walkable or a short ride, it's easy to indulge in Charleston's flavors, hospitality, and local pride.Day OneAllow the aroma of butter and baked goods to lure you to Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, a cozy, popular grab-and-go eatery. Grab their small, fluffy...

Once upon a time you had to go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to visit a casino. Now there are more than 700 across 44 states, according to theAmerican Casino Guide. With such a long list vying for your cash, there's no need to gamble on finding a suitable whisky—many casinos now offer selections for everyone from the penny-slot player to the high roller.This article was originally published in April 2020. COVID-related restrictions may affect some of the opening times and offerings of these venues, so check in advance of a visit.Whiskey Down at MGM Grand—Las VegasThe biggest hotel in Sin City has an oversized whisky program to match and, like the casino, it's open 24/7. Whiskey Down's offerings include an MGM-selected single-barrel Kavalan Sherry Cask and private casks from independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail—currently a 1997 Macallan bottled for the bar at 46% ABV instead of 43%, the only one of its kind. It has a rotating selection of other rare Macallans, which...

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Minneapolis was the flour milling capital of the world. No spirits enthusiast should write this off as mere trivia. Minneapolis's legacy as the linchpin of America's breadbasket is echoed in its local food and drinks scene today, and the city is also now a brightening star on the country's whisky map.Like most Midwestern cities, Minneapolis is a sprawling patchwork of neighborhoods. There are buses and a light rail system, and Nice Ride Minnesota is a dependable bike and e-bike rental service—although rideshare is the best bet for making optimal use of your time. Minneapolis is also a good walking city, except when a deep freeze sets in. Throughout its neighborhoods and riverside paths, antique signs and other vestiges of old immigrant communities can be spotted amid the trendy shops and restaurants.The centrally located North Loop, on the edge of downtown, is an ideal home base for your stay. The Hewing Hotel is a stylish...

Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or simply love incredible scenery, Glencoe, Scotland is a worthwhile side trip in an otherwise whisky-immersed visit. It’s a picturesque village about 15 miles south of Fort William in the Western Highlands, situated where the River Coe meets Loch Leven at the foot of the breathtaking Glen Coe valley.
Glencoe is famous for its remarkable and awe-inspiring landscape, which features waterfalls and towering peaks formed by volcanic eruptions and sculpted by icy glaciers centuries ago. An excellent starting point for exploring this area is the visitor center at the Glencoe National Nature Reserve. Learn about Glencoe’s history while you enjoy panoramic views of its many mountain ranges, and maybe grab a bite to eat at the Highland Coo Café.
Photo by Paul Tomkins/VISITSCOTLAND
To get the complete scope of the scenery of this area, visit the Lochaber Geopark, which boasts some of the best geology on Earth. Here you...

It’s certainly exciting to visit a bar displaying hundreds of whisky bottles on its shelves, and such venues can be found in many—if not most—American cities. But what about those with a thousand, or several thousand whiskies on the menu? They’re more like your favorite allocated dram: Harder to come by, but oh-so rewarding when you get to experience them. With their encyclopedic menus of 1,000-plus whiskies, these 10 bars from around the country should definitely be on your bucket list.
Aero Club Bar
San Diego, California
This spot originally opened in 1947 as a place where owner and pilot Marianne Profit could enjoy a drink with her fellow pilots, and was later purchased by Bill Lutzius, who turned the space into a whisky bar. The establishment is currently owned by a group of friends intent on keeping its history alive, including original décor reflective of Profit’s love of flying and a menu of over 1,000 whiskies, including such...

Whisky auctions can open the door to a world of whiskies you never dreamed you would taste. While auctions may seem daunting at first, once you familiarize yourself with the process—from reserve prices to buyer's premiums—you'll be bidding like a pro in no time. Use this guide to get started at both online and live auctions. Good luck!Get Familiar With What's Out ThereWhisky auctions have flourished online over the past decade, though the major name legacy auction houses still host the impressive spectacle of the auctioneer cajoling bids before bringing the gavel thumping down with aplomb. Online auctions offer the newcomer the discretion of round-the-clock bidding from the relative anonymity of a computer, tablet, or phone, sidestepping the need for familiarity with the rituals and conventions of the saleroom.Browse different auction websites to look at the type of bottles you could acquire. (Get full details on Where to Buy, the 10 Most Collectible Distilleries, and Great...

The biggest new release of the week is Johnnie Walker's female-focused The Jane Walker Edition, a special package for Black Label. I had some thoughts about how Diageo missed the mark with this one—and a suggestion for what they could have done to promote women's representation in whisky instead.Apart from this limited-edition bottling, there are many other new whiskies to try. Woodford Reserve is releasing a new annual special edition: Woodford Reserve Batch Proof. The whiskey is a higher-strength version of its core bourbon. It will be available in limited quantities for $130, and the proof will change from year to year. The 2018 release clocks in at 62.9% ABV.Tullamore D.E.W. has unveiled the latest addition to its range of Irish whiskeys, finished in a cask that was seasoned with demerara rum from Guyana. The blended whiskey will sell for under $30 and be widely available just in time for St. Patrick's Day.Luxco—whose Lux Row Distillers recently opened in Bardstown...

Memorial Day is on Monday, May 28, and if you're looking to show your support of our nation's armed services through whisky, look into some of the distilleries founded and run by veterans. You may just find your new favorite bourbon, rye, or corn whiskey.Or check out this week's newest whiskies. Smooth Ambler has unveiled Big Level, a 5 year old wheated bourbon made entirely at the West Virginia Distllery. Smooth Ambler had previously released a wheater, and this whiskey is made with the same mashbill, process, and barrels, but, according to director of sales John Foster, the team has "gotten better at divining the best of our own-make." Big Level—which is named for the area of West Virginia where Smooth Ambler is located—is 100 proof and costs $55. It's distributed in around 26 states currently.Next up, Old Carter Whiskey Co. is rolling out its second batch of rye, after Batch 1 (released in early March) sold out. Founded by Mark and Sherri Carter—who were previously partners...

Although it already churns out millions of gallons of whiskey a year, Jim Beam parent company Beam Suntory is building a new distillery on a much smaller scale at its Clermont, Kentucky site, part of a $60 million investment that also includes rebranding as the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and overhauling its visitor experience. The Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery—named after the seventh-generation Jim Beam master distiller—will serve as a production facility for exploring new fermentation and distillation techniques, which could potentially result in some exciting new whiskeys from the eminent American distiller.“If we hit on a mashbillor a fermentation style or something that brings some new flavor profile that we're looking for, we can ramp it up to our big distillery for a bigger production run,” Noe says. “The scale of our big distillery does not leave us the opportunity to try small runs on anything,” because of its massive 45,000-gallon fermenters. “That's a lot for...

Whether you love or hate peated whisky, there is no doubting the immense industry behind it. Peat itself is densely compressed, decayed vegetation that looks like clumps or bricks of mud. So how does that translate to smoke flavor? The scotch industry has it all figured out, with these four professions playing key roles in delivering peat from the bog to the bottle.The Peat CutterThis seasonal position on a remote Hebridean island requires strength and stamina, coupled with a tolerance for dirty, repetitive tasks. Cutting turf from the earth into bricks for drying is accomplished outdoors regardless of weather conditions, often ranging from wet and windy to blazing hot. Competence with highly specialized tools is required. Working conditions may include mud, snakes, and biting insects.As soon as I was strong enough, I was helping my Dad to cut peat, and I hated it!” recalls John Campbell, the distillery manager at Laphroaig. Like generations of families on Islay, the Campbells cut...

For Jane Bowie, the opportunity to innovate at her job isn't just a perk; it's part of her title. “Indifference is not great. I would rather us make whiskeys that maybe you love, maybe you hate them, but the whiskeys have a point of view and people feel passionately about it, one way or another,” said Bowie, director of innovation at Maker's Mark, during Whisky Advocate's Instagram Live series #TasteWithSpace on Aug. 21. “I think it's better to invoke a strong opinion than ‘It's fine.'”Bowie joined #TasteWithSpace to discuss Maker's Mark 2020 Limited Edition bourbon ahead of its September release. “This one was an interesting one,” Bowie said of the annual release. “We had the taste vision set long before we ever started working on the whiskey.” This “taste vision” is what the team at Maker's Mark—which includes Bowie, master distiller Denny Potter, and others—always starts with when making a new whiskey, which gives them a flavor profile to target. Once the...

Whiskey warehouses are susceptible to sundry forms of calamity. Battered by the elements, they can collapse, catch fire, be struck by lightning or torn apart by tornadoes. Several warehouse mishaps in 2018 and 2019 prompted the bourbon industry to look into ways to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future. Bourbon warehouses—often called rickhouses or rackhouses—are typically constructed of large wooden support poles, with horizontal storage racks, or ricks, stacked several high, and are sheathed with corrugated tin metal. With age, these buildings grow increasingly vulnerable to damage from severe weather and other threats—including pests.A recent study by pest management company McCloud Services, which works with distillers across Kentucky, explains the importance of assessing and mitigating insect damage in warehouses. “While never proven as the root cause for collapses, [wood-destroying insects] should be managed to decrease structural integrity degradation...

Last weekend, our sister publication Cigar Aficionado's Big Smoke event teamed up with WhiskyFest to stage "Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest", a combined extravaganza at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. It was a day filled with exquisite cigars, world-class whisky, and great company, with over two thousand cigar and whisky fans in attendance. Tonight, WhiskyFest will be held in Chicago, then hit New York on November 11 before wrapping in San Francisco on December 3.As for this week's new whiskies, Johnnie Walker offers a blend made with a sky-high percentage of rye in the mashbill, Jack Daniel's has a new expression from its single barrel series, and Angel's Envy celebrates the 10th anniversary of its annual cask-strength port-finished bourbon release.Johnnie Walker High RyeStyle: Blended whiskyOrigin: ScotlandAge: Not statedABV: 45%Price: $35Release: November 2021Availability: NationwideNeed to know:This whisky, which will be a core offering from Johnnie...

The Winter 2021 issue of Whisky Advocate is on the newsstands now, and features our Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list, in addition to over 115 whisky reviews and a wealth of stories to savor. As we move into a new year, the new releases are starting to arrive. Bushmills has a new age-stated single malt, and Orphan Barrel is rolling out another release of Muckety-Muck. Yellowstone has unveiled a special anniversary edition, while Westland also marks a bit of history with the final release of its circus-themed Westland Peat Week bottling, concluding an eight-year run. Read on for full details. Bushmills 12 Year OldStyle: Single maltOrigin: IrelandAge: 12 year oldABV: 40%Price: $60Release: January 2022Availability: Widely availableNeed to know:While this whiskey shares similarities with other  Bushmills releases—made from 100% unpeated malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills—it separates itself from the pack by marrying two 12 year old whiskeys, one aged in oloroso...

Lunar New Year kicks off on Tuesday, February 1, and Johnnie Walker is celebrating the Year of the Tiger with a special bottling for Blue Label designed by a Chinese artist. This year's festivities will last until the full moon appears on February 15, and whisky is part of the mix as always. Elsewhere, Kentucky-based Rabbit Hole has released the first whiskey in its new Distillery Series, which will highlight small batch, cask-strength bottlings. This week there's also a new rye from Jim Rutledge's Cream of Kentucky, as well as bourbons from Puncher's Chance and Buzzard's Roost. Read on for full details.Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the TigerStyle: Blended whiskyOrigin: ScotlandAge: Not statedABV: 40% Price: $250Release: January 2022Availability: LimitedNeed to know:Each year, Johnnie Walker releases a special Blue Label bottling (which is not a new whisky, just new packaging) in honor of Lunar New Year. This year’s limited-edition design, which celebrates the Year of the Tiger...

Heaven Hill is out with Batch B of Larceny Barrel Proof, the second of what will be three releases in 2024 for this former Whisky of the Year (2020), while Kentucky Peerless has a new rum cask finished offering. It’s the first venture into rum for the highly acclaimed Peerless, which opened its doors in downtown Louisville back in 2015. The Peerless barrel finishing resumé thus far includes double-oaked and absinthe-finished ryes, as well as a double-oaked bourbon, and now this rum cask expression. Elsewhere, we have a new whiskey from the Georgia-based 13th Colony, and Spanish winemaker Bodegas Jaime, which produces the vermouth brand Turmeon, now has a vermouth-finished whiskey that should be shipping out to the U.S. market in the coming months.
Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch B524)
ABV: 62.7%
SRP: $65
Availability: Nationwide
Kentucky distiller Heaven Hill has released the latest batch of its Larceny...

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...

Irish whiskey is booming, and Ireland can satisfy every possible whiskey tour aspiration, from intimate artisan craft distilleries to remote historic homesteads and convenient tourist destinations. Check websites and social media for tour availability and times, and book online to avoid disappointment. Operational distilleries currently without tours are listed separately, as many are likely to open their doors over the next year. Anticipated newcomers, who may or may not get further than the architect's drawing board, are also listed.NorthScore A Hot TicketEchlinville Distillery—near Kircubbin, County DownPat yourself on the back if you manage to tour Shane Braniff's Echlinville Distillery, hosting as few as 12-15 visitors per month. Jarlath Watson, always a dapper gent in his tweeds, will have a tasty libation on hand: maybe a dram of Dunville's Irish whiskey, Jawbox Belfast Cut Classic dry gin, or the Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still gin. We're excited because their...

The Broken Record: A don't miss diveOffers: Food, Flights, BilliardsThis is one broken record you can happily endure again and again. With dozens of whiskies under $10, several on tap, and bartenders in tees and tattoos, this Excelsior District bar might be a dive, but it also has Port Ellen and Sullivan's Cove. The bartender hand-selects three out of the 350 each week to serve as a flight on Whiskey Wednesday and if you want something really, really rare, ask about the off-menu reserve list.Elixir: A cocktail denOffers: Flights, Whisky educationDesignated as the site of the second-oldest continually operating saloon in San Francisco (dating to 1858), Elixir is steeped in history, the most recent chapter writ by cocktail pioneer H. Joseph Ehrmann, who purchased it in 2003. Create a custom flight from a menu of 466 whiskies or order the flight of four private barrels. Three intro classes ($125 each) provide nine tastings and history on Scotch, American, or world whisky.Hard Water...

Kansas City, Missouri is at once historic and modern, both sophisticated in its tastes and irreverent in its maker-fueled energy. It's the kind of place where distillers collaborate with farmers and brewers, and coffee roasters cross-pollinate with chefs and bartenders in all corners of the fifteen-county metropolitan area that's anchored in Missouri and creeps into Kansas.Every visit comes with risks, warns Ryan Maybee, co-founder of J. Rieger & Co. and owner of Manifesto, an intimate craft cocktail bar. “If you come to Kansas City, you'll end up wanting to live here.”Day OneKansas City is a car town, but the KC Streetcar is a great alternative. The two-mile route puts you within easy walking distance of downtown's attractions, plus it's free.It's also handy to Hotel Phillips, an art deco gem that once housed former President Harry Truman's haberdashery and now serves up cocktails and live music at P.S. Speakeasy. Truman often lunched at the nearby Savoy Hotel and Grill...

Deep leather armchairs and quiet sitting rooms have their place, but when summer is in full swing enjoying whisky need not be a strictly sedentary affair. After all, the word whisky famously derives from “water of life,” and the life well-lived should include travel and the great outdoors. Thanks to surging interest in whisky, you can now find it being distilled in scenic spots from Scotland to Montana. Intrepid whisky lovers unite: these thrilling and delicious destinations will unleash your whisky warrior.Slay the Single Track at Breckenridge DistilleryColorado's most bicycle-centric town, Breckenridge has more than 100 mountain bike trails plus a technical obstacle mountain bike park and the beginner-friendly Illinois Creek Trail System. The Breckenridge ski resort offers a dozen lift-served trails of its own, and nearby Copper Mountain also has a lift-served trail network. For the less adventurous, the seven-mile paved Blue River Recreation Path is blissfully car-free. There...

You might not think of Tucson as one of the world's great food cities, but the United Nations begs to differ: UNESCO designated the southern Arizona metropolis as a World City of Gastronomy in 2015—the first city in the United States to earn the honor.Founded by the Spanish in 1775, Tucson is home to the longest-established agricultural tradition in the country and is uniquely situated at the intersection of three cultures that have coexisted for centuries: American, Mexican, and Native American. All three influences are alive and well in the present day, revitalized by the modern interest in regionality, locavorism, and sustainable development. That enthusiasm also appears in the city's burgeoning drinks scene, making Tucson home to an array of distinctly Southwestern potables.Tucson is only a quarter the size of Phoenix, but the city has fostered a sophisticated cultural community that can go toe-to-toe with its larger neighbor. The revitalized downtown is quite walkable, at least...

Two years after the opening of the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, KY, the facility debuts a new visitor experience today, making it the 17th stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Gone are the days when a distillery tour was, quite literally, a tour of the distillery. Bulleit's new visitor experience is an adventure through whiskey-making, complete with high-tech attractions, entertainment, and a showcase of the brand's sustainability efforts.“Bulleit is all about being on the cultural frontier,” says Jeff Parrott, brand director of American whisk(e)y development at Bulleit parent company Diageo. “And we had to be comfortable creating a visitor experience that really flipped the script on what it means to be a destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”Bulleit's new visitor experience is rife with with cutting-edge technology, including a studio where guests can design their own custom labels on touchscreens and have them attached to their favorite bottles. Visitors will...

After more than 160 years, the man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey will be honored with a distillery bearing his name. On Sept. 14, the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee opens its doors to the public for tours and education about its namesake and the heritage of the state. Uncle Nearest whiskey—named after Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved man who distilled whiskey in the 1850s and taught a young Jack Daniel how to do so as well—launched in 2017, but has quickly risen to prominence as Green's story has spread.Building on that momentum is the speedy construction and opening of the Shelbyville facility, which Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver attributes to the demand from the Shelbyville community and visitors coming from nearby Lynchburg. “Every day, there are people that wanted to come out and visit the grounds—they didn't care whether or not we had an actual distillery,” Weaver says. “So we began really speeding up the process because of...

The Volunteer State was once home to hundreds of distilleries, but since Prohibition, Tennessee whiskey has been dominated by just two names: Jack Daniel's and George Dickel. That's changing fast. The epicenter of the action is Nashville, which for years has been emerging as one of the nation's hottest tourism cities. More than ever Nashville lives up to its moniker of Music City, expanding beyond country music to include live performances in all genres, while its red-hot culinary scene is equally diverse, from Southern classics to award-winning gourmet chefs. There are several suddenly trendy neighborhoods, new museums, non-musical entertainment, and boutique hotels seemingly opening monthly. Adult beverages have been diversifying as well, with the opportunity to tour and taste your way through whiskey, beer, sake, and cider, all in one day.Nashville's many neighborhoods and their offbeat names often confuse visitors, but they are very small and close together, with downtown and most...

Think of whisky, and the places that come to mind are the rugged Scottish Highlands or Kentucky's rolling green hills—definitely not the snow-covered Alps. Yet one of the world's most exciting whisky scenes can be found in land-locked Switzerland. The country prohibited distilling grain until 2008, but its wealth as both an international banking capital and a winter playground has created opportunities to sip and stock up on top-quality, rare, and esoteric whiskies just about everywhere. From high-end hotels to bars both big and famously small, there is an impressive whisky cache to discover.Luxury to LocalThe Bernina Express terminates at a train station in St. Moritz, discharging travelers to the right, where chauffeurs line up to ferry them to century-old grand hotels looming large in the dramatic Alpine landscape. The lobby bar at the nearby Carlton Hotel is home to the strongest whisky list in this pedigreed enclave, offering 100 prized pours with an emphasis on scotch...

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the world and left many whisky companies unsure of their future, spirits giant Diageo is forging ahead with construction of a new distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Whisky Advocate first reported plans of this mega-distillery—which will make Bulleit and other whiskeys that have yet to be announced—in 2018, the year after the Bulleit Distilling Co. opened in Shelbyville, Kentucky. More details on the new endeavor have just emerged, including a first for Diageo: This distillery will be entirely carbon neutral and powered by renewable energy.Diageo doesn't do things on a small scale, and this new distillery is set to be massive, among the largest carbon neutral distilleries in the country. It will boast a capacity of 10 million proof gallons per year—which is equivalent to well over 45 million bottles—and 12 warehouses, a spokesperson for Diageo tells Whisky Advocate.Diageo has been committed to addressing climate change for years...

Stranahan's makes only one style of whiskey—American single malt—and uses local barley from the town of Golden in the foothills of the Rockies, yeast from Colorado Springs, and snowmelt from Boulder’s Eldorado Canyon for its water. The distillery offers a number of expressions: Original, Snowflake, Diamond Peak, Sherry Cask, Blue Peak, and Mountain Angel 10 year old.
Put Stranahan’s at the top of your Colorado whiskey visit list. Tour the facility, which is located just one mile south of Denver's city center, and taste its whiskeys, including distillery exclusives. As the state’s oldest distillery, Stranahan’s has mature whiskeys to offer. Ask about tastings specifically geared toward these older expressions, and taste the difference between its 4, 7, and 10 year olds. Or you can relax in the rustic atmosphere of the Cocktail Lounge, the distillery’s watering hole. Participate in a Distiller’s Experimental Guided Tasting that...

Woody Creek started exclusively as a potato-vodka distillery, aptly located in the Roaring Fork Valley, which is excellent potato-growing country. The goal was to use local, in-season ingredients to create world-class vodka—and they did. In fact, Woody Creek even grows its own potatoes. But once potato season wrapped up, the distillery was idle, says David Matthews, master distiller and vice president of operations. So other spirits followed, including whiskey. 
Woody Creek offers four whiskeys: a 100% rye mash, bourbon (70% corn, 15% rye, 15% malted barley), wheated bourbon, and a high-rye bourbon (70% corn, 30% rye). You can also find brandy, rum, and plenty of creative limited releases. All of its spirits are distilled in custom-made copper CARL stills from Germany, and its whiskeys contain all Colorado grains. “Having farm partners that we’ve been using all this time means we’re getting consistent grain from the same people. Using the same...

What Scotland may lack in size, it makes up for in diversity. It boasts the highest peaks in the British Isles, more than 900 offshore islands including Skye, Islay, Arran, and Jura, a couple of thousand miles of hiking trails, prehistoric sites, medieval castles, and endless beaches. It has the world’s best collection of golf courses, as well as just about every other imaginable outdoor diversion. Scotland has big cities, tiny hamlets, and everything in between. Spread among the towns, cities, and countryside is a wealth of fantastic places to stay, with charming inns and hotels of every size, at every price point, and for every taste. What they all have in common is that you’re never far from a distillery, and you’re even closer to a fantastic selection of whisky, something every single one of these hotels offers.
The Balmoral
Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a lot of great lodging options, but for 120 years the top pick has been The Balmoral, a landmark in the...

With whiskey tourism at an all-time high—there were over two million visitors to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 2022—it’s a good time to expand your horizons, look beyond the distilleries themselves, and learn how the spirit we treasure came to be in the first place. We’ve assembled a list of five significant whiskey history-focused destinations—two in Kentucky, two in Pennsylvania, and one in Virginia—that will provide a deeper understanding of how American whiskey was conceived and acquaint you with some of the important people and places that got the ball rolling.
Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History
Bardstown, Kentucky
This artifact-laden museum is located in Bardstown, Kentucky’s historic Spalding Hall, built in 1839 as part of St. Joseph’s College, a small Catholic institution whose educational mission ended in 1968. Today it’s home to the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History as well as the Bardstown Historical...

Shelbyville, Tennessee-based Uncle Nearest whiskey launched the first release in its new Lost Chapter series this month, debuting Lost Chapter 1-777. The 7 year old blended whiskey, bottled at barrel strength (between 110-120 proof), is inspired by the book “Love & Whiskey,” written by Uncle Nearest founder and CEO Fawn Weaver, which was published in June.
The limited edition Lost Chapter 1-777 ($139) was released with an allocation of just 7,000 bottles and, along with commemorating Weaver’s book, it celebrates the seventh anniversary of the Uncle Nearest brand’s debut in July 2017. The new label is available at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, as well as select retail stores in 35 states. Lost Chapter 1-777 was also available on reservebar.com, but sold out quickly. Whiskey drinkers who purchase Lost Chapter 1-777 gain access to an unpublished chapter of “Love & Whiskey,” which they can download...

Nearly every whiskey maker in the United States uses stills made by Vendome Copper & Brass Works, the world-renowned builder and designer of pot and column stills, cookers, fermenters, storage tanks, and pretty much every other piece of equipment related to distilling. 
The Vendome workshops are located along quiet, peaceful Franklin Street in downtown Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood, less than a mile from Whiskey Row. The main office sits right beside the workshops, in an attractive 19th century townhouse. This family-owned firm has been making distillery equipment since the early 20th century when it was helmed by W. Elmore Sherman. Today the company is in its fourth generation of Sherman family ownership, and the Shermans are very actively involved. In addition to distilling equipment, Vendome serves the needs of the brewing, food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, among others. Its work is highly specialized, almost always involving custom...

The Macallan recently celebrated its 200th birthday with the launch of an elaborate new release, Time : Space. Its arrival was announced on a high-resolution video screen that covers the entire surface of the Las Vegas Sphere, the globe-shaped arena that opened last year and is the largest spherical structure on the planet. If you want to taste this treasure without buying a bottle, you can cross Las Vegas Boulevard, aka The Vegas Strip, to Aria Resort & Casino. 
In early October, Aria renovated and relaunched its Lobby Bar as a Macallan tasting lounge. The new bicentennial Time : Space release is a crafted, ring-shaped, decanter within a bottle that includes two separate whiskies—the youngest and oldest Macallan releases at 5 and 84 years. Only 200 bottles were released worldwide, at estimates upwards of $150,000. Aria claims to be the only outlet in the nation where you can order a glass of the 1940 vintage whisky. However, while everything else has a set...

Golf and whisky just go hand in hand. It makes sense, after all, as the game was cultivated in a region where, for just as long, whiskies were crafted with similar attention to detail, care, and passion. And nothing celebrates a day on the links better than a dram.
When the game was first introduced stateside in the late 19th century, it brought whisky enjoyment with it. Golf resorts have since flourished, both in the U. S. and throughout the British Isles, and so we celebrate golf courses with whisky programs that match the elevated level of their play. A visit to one of the following seven destinations will find exceptional whiskies being poured once the day’s final putts are holed.

Adare Manor
COUNTY LIMERICK, IRELAND
For first-time guests, visiting Adare Manor can be an overwhelming experience. Located just over 10 miles outside the southwest city of Limerick, this five-star luxury resort is home to a sparkling Irish manor house designed in the Gothic...

While we may look to distillers and blenders first and foremost for the whiskies they’re making us, have you ever wondered what they’re drinking when they’re off the clock? We asked 10 whisky makers for their favorite whiskies (with the single stipulation that it couldn’t be a whisky they themselves had a hand in making), as well as for their favorite non-whisky drinks. Their answers shine light on all sorts of whisky styles and non-whisky drinks, though you’ll see a handful of shared answers, too. Who knows, one of their favorites might just inspire you to try something new next time you’re out at a bar, restaurant, or liquor store.
Who: Dr. Bill Lumsden, director of distilling and whisky creation, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg
Favorite whisky: “It’d have to be The Balvenie Founder’s Reserve; I think it was a 10 year old when I first tried it, and it was the second single malt scotch I ever tasted after...

When a great idea takes root, it can become fixed in one place—or it can send out shoots and spread. For one New York City whisky club, the expansion has been rapid and far-reaching, sprouting new chapters across ten countries and 22 cities with more planned.It all started in a Chinese restaurant with a few friends, including one who worked at whisky retail hub Astor Wine & Spirits, getting together to share bottles; eventually, the group moved to meeting in each other's apartments. Over time, members moved away to London and Los Angeles, and they wanted to take the whisky-focused camaraderie with them—and so the international Drammers Club was born.Pizza, Vinyl, and WhiskyIn 2016, founding member Charlie Prince took the lead on developing and growing the club globally, traveling to each new city to help set up its chapter. “[We want] to keep the vibe that we have in New York, which is key to what makes Drammers Drammers,” he says. “The perception of whisky out there is...

This year’s annual Birthday Bourbon release from Old Forester is a 12 year old whiskey at a robust 53.5% ABV, which will please fans hungry for more proof, as the last two years have seen it at a mere 48%. The 12 year old age statement will also be reassuring, as some recent releases have seen it slip to 11 years. This year’s expression again will be sold via national lottery—the ritual of lining up the distillery ended after 2021, as the crowds were becoming too big to handle. (Old Forester owner Brown-Forman also saw the lottery as a better way to keep tabs on the secondary market.) This year’s lottery will be held on September 2: register by August 21, and you’re in with a chance.
In scotch whisky, Talisker is out with the annual release of its 30 year old, while Royal Salute has expanded its  62 Gun Salute with the addition of two more expressions, making it a three-part collection. Back in America, Remus Repeal Reserve is...

Distillation: It's what separates whisky from beer. The process works because alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water. Apply heat to a solution of alcohol and water, and you can cause the alcohol vapor to rise off the liquid, cool the vapor to condense it into liquid once again, and arrive at a much more potent product than you started with.Whether speaking legally or practically, two distillations are generally the minimum required to make whisky using pot stills. But some distillers choose to add a third distillation, a more complex process which produces a distinctive spirit with different flavors and characteristics. Triple-distillation is closely associated with Irish whiskey, however it's neither a whisky style exclusive to the Irish, nor a requirement for making whiskey in Ireland. Triple-distillation has passionate supporters all over the world.Distillation is really a process of refinement, so triple-distillation represents one more level, resulting in a distinct...

As you make your way through the holiday rush, we've rounded up some gift ideas to help complete your list. There's a little something for all sorts of whisky lovers in your life, be they in need of new ways to bring the party, beautiful bottles to bedazzle their shelves, and much, much more. And if you're looking for something smaller (and edible) we have a list of great pairing gifts as well.Of course, don't forget the ultimate whisky gift guide, our annual Top 20 list, which captures the most exciting whiskies from the year, weighing quality, affordability, availability, and x-factor. We're counting down to Whisky of the Year on December 9, with the full list revealed on the following day.Whisky Gifts for Your Bar and Beyond
Bring Your Bar Absolutely EverywhereHave you ever wished you had access to your home bar while you were traveling? This backpack ($248) aims to give you just that. Complete with 17 different components, among them a stainless steel hawthorne strainer...

Readers should recall Jonny McCormick's loving tribute last spring to the joys of visiting distilleries in the western islands and shores of Scotland on the ferries of the Caledonian MacBrayne line; universally shortened to “CalMac.” Someone at the company may have seen the article and had a brainstorm. CalMac has announced a new West Coast Whisky Pass, joining with whisky stores and bars, Dramologist whisky tours, and more than a dozen distilleries from Campbeltown to Skye to offer a range of exclusive promotions and discounts.“Our Whisky Hopscotch Trail opens up some of our best-known but remotest distilleries to whisky lovers through ferry travel, and combining the Whisky Pass adds a new dimension to visitors' experience,” said Maggie Maguire, CalMac's UK tourism development manager.For £25, the pass offers promotions from partners that include tour upgrades, special tastings, glassware, souvenir pins, and more. The passes are available at CalMac Tourshops, on board...

The winter months can be quiet on the new whisky front. After the rush of holiday releases, many distillers pause for a breath and to look ahead to the rest of the year. But even in January lull, there are new bottles to keep things interesting.First up, Johnnie Walker's newest Blenders' Batch is launching at travel retail stores around the world. The blend is finished in sherry casks, which results in sweet fruity flavors. The Blenders' Batch releases have varied widely and show off the diversity of flavor profiles blending can achieve. Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Triple Grain American Oak was our Fall 2017 Value Pick.Gatlinburg, Tennessee's Sugarlands Distilling Company is about to launch its latest batch of straight rye whiskey. The barrel-proof expression will be available for pre-sale on Sugarlands' website starting February 2nd, but you must be able to pick it up in person at the distillery.Finally, Macallan is rolling out a limited-edition gift pack of its Double Cask 12...

WhiskyFest Chicago is coming up on March 23rd, and it's time to start thinking about what you want to drink. Fans of bourbon, Irish, Canadian, and world whisky will have plenty to enjoy, but if it's scotch that takes your fancy, the night will be satisfying indeed. Here are our top recommendations for the tables you should visit and the whiskies you should try.Be sure to check out the full list of pours. Don't forget about the seminars, either—a great way to take a load off while continuing to sip whisky. And if you need some help strategizing the whole evening, check out our tips for how to make the most of WhiskyFest. Don't have your tickets yet? Buy them here.Alexander Murray & Co.You should be drinking whisky from independent bottlers, and the lineup from Alexander Murray is a great place to start. They'll be pouring eight different scotches, from a 13 year old cask strength Glen Moray to an 18 year old blend, plus several other options, many of them cask strength. Sample...

It's hard to argue with the potency of barrel-proof whisky. As a staff, we often favor the strong stuff and our Fall 2018 Editors' Choice picks represent an array of high-proof whiskies from around the globe. These are the issue's most impressive whiskies considering score, price, and availability. For all whiskies reviewed in the Fall 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.Ardbeg Corryvreckan95 points, 57.1% ABV, $90Part of the permanent Ardbeg range since 2008, Corryvreckan is created from a blend of standard Ardbeg and Ardbeg aged in virgin French Limousin oak casks. Smoky bacon and seaweed, plus dark berries, prickly spices, walnuts, lemon, and sweet peat on the nose. Sweet and savory on the palate, with more lively spice, woodsmoke, phenols, and licorice. The finish is lengthy, with peat, sea salt, pepper, and black coffee. —Gavin SmithBooker's 2018-02 "Backyard BBQ"93 points, 64.4% ABV, $75Typical of Booker's this bourbon shows lots of concentration and muscle, oozing with caramel...

Some familiar names pop up in our Winter 2018 Best Values, with a little of both fire and ice. Tullamore D.E.W. has impressed us with their aged whiskies and cask finishes, but sometimes, you just want the original, and at 88 points, it registers on par with the brand's 15 and 18 year old expressions. Johnnie Walker, meanwhile, would like to reserve a spot in your freezer for White Walker, which indicates its prime serving temperature by changing the appearance of the striding man on the label. But if it's heat and peat you seek, Glenfiddich Fire and Cane combines peated and unpeated single malt that's then finished in rum casks. You may need the snow shovel this season, but these great value whiskies won't requiring any digging. These bottles have solid scores, modest prices, and wide availability. For all whiskies reviewed in the Winter 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.Tullamore D.E.W. Original Blended Irish Whiskey88 points, 40% ABV, $24Triple distilled classic containing a blend...

There's a pricey new book about "impossible" whiskies that you might want to peruse if you have a spare grand—but for everyone else, check out the week's newest releases (even though a couple of these are just as spendy).Speyside's Glenrothes Distillery is releasing its oldest single malt ever. Distilled in 1968, Glenrothes 50 year old is priced according to its rarity, with just 50 bottles available at $35,000 each.Michter's is bringing back its 25 year old straight bourbon after a three-year absence. The 2020 release is priced at $1,000 and, needless to say, is very limited.Blackened has launched its first barrel-proof whiskey. Blackened Cask Strength debuts with Batch 106, priced at $55, and available in Florida and Kentucky, with expansion planned.Barrell Craft Spirits is rolling out the 2020 release of BCS bourbon, a higher-end blend than the core Barrell bourbon expression. There are 12,000 bottles available, priced at $250.Ireland's The Shed Distillery is debuting its first...

In a packed Fall issue, we immerse you in the world of bourbon, starting with its new status as a star player on the global auction stage. Explore the latest and hottest bourbon collectibles, along with the most sought-after whiskeys being sold elsewhere on the secondary market—you’ll find some names that might surprise you. We also visit with top chefs to get their choices on the best bourbon-and-food pairings.

Elsewhere in the issue, we explore the nuances of barrel-finished bourbons, we introduce you to some of bourbon’s rising stars, we look at bourbon making in states beyond Kentucky, and venture deep into the heart of Texas, where whiskey is big. We tour Kentucky horse country’s historic and world-famous horse farms. We also reveal the marvels of Miami, and map out a fun 48 Hours for you to get the most of Magic City.

Last but hardly least, we offer 136 whisky reviews and ratings in our Buying Guide. And more!

Fall 2021 Buying...

We immerse you in the world of rye whiskey, exploring its American roots, today’s top producers, the broad spectrum of this complex whiskey’s flavor profile, and new rye cocktails. Plus, we look at some old standby whiskies that you may be overlooking, we visit Tennessee to discover the state’s remarkable whiskey renaissance, and lead you to discover new whiskies with 98 ratings and reviews in our Buying Guide.

Spring 2022 Buying Guide

Explore Our Spring Buying Guide
Explore over 95 whisky reviews including GlenDronach 50 year old, Miyagikyo Peated, George Dickel x Leopold Bros. Collaboration, and Bardstown Bourbon Company Ferrand...

Whisky lovers came together on May 12th at Chicago’s Hyatt Regency for the second WhiskyFest event of the year, where superb sips and master classes were delivered over the course of the night.
For a handful of lucky ticket holders, the evening kicked off earlier than usual—10 attendees (each with a guest) were randomly selected as WhiskyFest Backstage Pass winners, enabling them to sample an exceptional dram. The whisky in question, Fuji Masterpiece 2022—a blended Japanese whisky—didn’t disappoint. “This Fuji whisky is one of the top five things I’ve ever tasted,” said Backstage Pass winner Saul Tilmann. “It’s off the charts, just incredible.”

The VIP hour then got underway at 5:30 p.m., and a steady stream of guests filled the ballroom to taste a variety of exclusive pours, like Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 year old, and some newly released limited editions. Also among the VIP hour’s scotch contingent...

Scotch whisky makers might once have had a reputation for being staid, tweedy, and hidebound, but in the modern era they're anything but. Last week we reported on the releases of Arbeg Y2K and Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate, and now we have a new Laphroaig experimental expression in Elements 2.0, as well as two new releases in Balvenie's Collection of Curious Casks—the latter quite limited, as seems to be the case all too often these days. For the high rollers, there's also a new 40 year old expression of Brora, a distillery exclusive of only 150 bottles, each priced at a cool $1,650. This release comes just past the third anniversary of Brora's reopening in the Northern Highlands. Scotch whisky lovers, perk up your ears: the distillate made at the new Brora right after it opened is now 3 years old, officially making it whisky. Diageo will keep it in the cellar for a long time to come. But if you travel to Scotland and visit the...

For the last three years, Neat Bourbon Bar and Bottle Shop in Louisville, has been racking up accolades and awards. Crowned one of the top bars to visit in the Bluegrass State—and also the nation—by dozens of sources (including Whisky Advocate), the venue is beloved by fans for its array of iconic dusty bottles, fanciful and creative cocktails, and whimsical decor. Now, Neat husband and wife owners Owen and Danie Powell are expanding. Neat’s second location will open in Bardstown in April.
The two bars will be located on the same road, incidentally, just 35 miles apart. “Start at our Louisville bar, keep going down the street, and you’ll eventually hit the other location,” Owen Powell laughs. “Makes getting back and forth pretty easy.” As for why Bardstown, the town is undergoing a transformation, infrastructure and tourist-centric offerings finally springing up to serve the scores of visitors to the bourbon capital of the world...

From spectacular cliff-top castles and coastal links golf courses, to wild remote glens and brooding mountains, Northern Ireland has a great deal to offer any visitor. ‘Norn Iron' (if you want to sound like a local) was formed from six of the nine historic counties of Ulster when Ireland was partitioned in 1921. With The Troubles largely confined to the 20th century, these days the country is well recognized for the quality of its food and drink, its welcoming hospitality, and the achievements of Rory McIlroy, Liam Neeson, and Kenneth Branagh.A whiskey visitor can drink in more than just the landscape; there are a growing number of distilleries, whiskey bars, and restaurants to experience. This year has been designated the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink. From pints of the black stuff sipped in historic pubs along with foot-stompin' traditional music, to sophisticated libations quaffed in high-end hotel lounges, this place should be high on your bucket list.Whether you fly...

Whisky-Related ActivitiesArdnahoe The proposed Hunter Laing distillery site is on the Bunnahabhain road, but there is little to see until construction begins.Gartbreck Construction of the Gartbreck distillery has yet to begin, so there is only the bleak, abandoned house to gawp at.Islay Whisky Shop In this Aladdin's cave of whisky on Shore Street, Bowmore, you'll find everyday drams and some jaw-dropping rarities. This is the only specialized whisky shop on the island outside of the distilleries themselves. 1496 810684 islaywhiskyshop.comPort Ellen Dwarfed by the gray hulk of the Port Ellen Maltings, the old warehouses and distillery pagodas are still standing, though you cannot enter the maltings site or any of the buildings.Port Charlotte Warehouses The old Port Charlotte warehouses are still used by Bruichladdich for maturation. Look for them up a slope, behind the Port Charlotte Community Fire Station.Whisky ToursIslay Discovery Tours will pick you up for a day of touring...

For the first time since 1909, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery is selling whiskey that it made itself. The Nashville, Tennessee-based distillery will launch Nelson's First 108 Tennessee whiskey on July 4th, the birthday of founder Charles Nelson, offering free tours and tastings all day. The whiskey, which features a mashbill of corn, wheat, and malted barley, is available only at the distillery gift shop. There are two variants: Classic is a 45% ABV blend of multiple barrels, while Single Barrel comes in at cask strength (which will vary depending on the barrel, but has clocked in at 60.5% ABV or higher so far). Both whiskeys are sold in half-size (375-ml.) bottles, priced at $40 for Classic and $60 for Single Barrel.Originally founded in the late 19th century, Charles Nelson's Green Brier Distillery was once a whiskey powerhouse, making hundreds of thousands of gallons a year and shipping bottles all over the world. Charles Nelson died in 1891, but his widow, Louisa Nelson, ran the...

It takes quite a bit of effort to get to the Orkney Islands—why not make the most of your time there with a some truly memorable activities? From whizzing across the water on a two-minute airplane ride to the taking in awe-inspiring magnificence of an ancient sea stack, there's a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed.Dive InFor those adventurous folks who want to explore the waters of Scapa Flow up close and personal, Scapa Scuba offers diver training and guided dives from its base in the former lifeboat shed at Stromness. Scapa Flow is renowned as one of the best dive sites in the world, principally due to the number of historic wrecks in its waters. What better way to connect with Orkney's maritime heritage? scapascuba.co.ukPull the TriggerDespite the slightly scary title, Orkan Adventures ‘Battlefield Live Combat' is effectively high-tech laser tag electronic paintball, played both indoors and out at Orkan's former Second World War gun emplacement at Northfield on the Isle of...

Whisky tourism continues to grow in popularity, from Scotland to Bourbon Country and beyond. But recently, people aren't coming just for the whisky. Distilleries have become cultural destinations, and many are showcasing collections of art well beyond that which can be found in liquid form. From sculpture to watercolors, drawings to glass, there's a wealth of visual splendors to enjoy alongside a dram.
The best tours for lovers of both whisky and art
Handle the Glass with Care at Maker's Mark
Maker's Mark was the first bourbon distillery to welcome visitors in 1968—a bold move for the era. Today, the brand's innovative edge is manifested in the abstract musings of glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. His permanent installation, The Spirit of the Maker, radiates from the ceiling of a narrow corridor adjoining one of the distillery's original barrelhouses. In early 2017, Maker's COO Rob Samuels commissioned Chihuly to create a site-specific exhibition across the entirety of...

San Francisco has always been a great place to enjoy whisky and has the history to prove it. While the inferno of the 1906 earthquake incinerated most of the city, firefighters worked overtime to save the vast whiskey warehouse of a local merchant named A.P. Hotaling. The building still stands on Jackson St., and the plaque outside displays a cheeky tribute to their effort:If, as they say, God spanked the townFor being over-frisky,Why did He burn His churches downAnd spare Hotaling's whiskey? The rest of the poetry on this tour will come in a glass. No need to rent a car, because the city is small enough to walk or hail a lift or, in true Silicon Valley style, call a ride share.Day OneIt's late morning; you've just arrived and are ready to head out on the town. First stop, the Ferry Building for a coffee at Blue Bottle. Enjoy the famous joe as you stroll in this bustling marketplace, because you're going to need the caffeine.Latte in hand, enjoy the short walk just 400 paces to the...

Great news for scotch fans: This week's new releases are almost entirely single malt scotch.First up, Balvenie is rolling out the fourth release in its Stories collection, a single malt whisky made entirely on-site, from seed to cask, at the distillery. Balvenie 19 year old The Edge of Burnhead Wood is priced at $300, with 19,000 bottles available worldwide and 1,200 in the U.S.Macallan has unveiled its latest artistic collaboration, the Anecdotes of Ages Collection. In addition to 13 unique bottles from a 1967 cask with labels by Sir Peter Blake, the rollout includes 322 bottles of the Down to Work Limited Edition, priced at $83,000 each, and unspecified amounts of the limited-edition An Estate, A Community, and A Distillery ($1,200).The latest Port Askaig single malts, both 12 years old, are hitting the U.S. Port Askaig 12 year old Spring 2020 release is $100, with 720 bottles available, while the Autumn 2020 release is $120, with 360 bottles available.Finally, Louisville-based...

At industrial-scale distilleries, moving whisky from barrels to bottles is a gargantuan task.The barrel-dumping process is like filling in reverse: Conveyor belts move many casks at a time to a spot over the dump trough, then mechanical arms tip or flip them over to let the liquid run out. The whisky gets piped to colossal storage and blending tanks, rising several stories high and holding tens of thousands of gallons. At this magnitude the tanks are often set on massive scales because precision blending must be done by weight rather than volume. “Temperature in this room can change, and when you're scaling up to this degree, weight won't change,” whereas volume will, explains Hiram Walker master blender Don Livermore.Before bottling, whiskies undergo sensory analysis in the on-site lab, checking characteristics against a standard range of aromas and flavors provided by the master blender. The liquid also goes through tests to check its chemical components, density, turbidity, pH...

It's been quite the month for notable openings. After the James B. Beam Distilling Co. debuted the Fred B. Noe Distillery, a new, smaller-scale outfit where labels like Booker’s and Baker’s will be produced, in addition to more experimental whiskeys created by eighth-generation distiller Freddie Noe, Johnnie Walker has opened the doors to its massive Princes Street flagship home and visitor attraction. We take you inside the former luxury department store, detailing the many tours, bars, and drinking experiences on offer.Onto the new whiskies. Yamazaki has released a 55 year old single malt, Laphroaig returns with the latest version of Cairdeas, and Daviess County has a new finished bourbon. Read on for full details.Yamazaki 55 year oldStyle: Single maltOrigin: JapanAge: 55 year oldABV: 55.46%Price: $60,000Release: September 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:The whisky is a blend of single malts, with components distilled in 1960 and aged in mizunara casks and distilled in...

In April, two large, onion-shaped copper pot stills were lowered into the steel frame of the new Port Ellen stillhouse on Islay, a major step in the long-awaited reopening of this renowned name in scotch whisky. Construction continues apace, and plans call for those stills to be producing spirit by next year—some 40 years after Port Ellen was shuttered amid an industry downturn in the 1980s. The stills look remarkably similar to the ones in the old Port Ellen Distillery, which is all part of a plan to replicate the traditional spirit character of Port Ellen as closely as possible. A second pair of smaller stills is also being added, for use in experimenting with new styles. Meanwhile, work on the nearby Portintruan Distillery has begun, with owner Elixir Distillers receiving permission to start construction last year. Portintruan will be Islay’s 11th operational distillery when completed.
All across this famous whisky island, new projects abound. Ardnahoe Distillery on...

Kilchoman Distillery, the Islay scotch whisky maker, is venturing south to the Caribbean islands to make rum. Authorities on the island of Barbados have granted approval for Kilchoman to start constructing a distillery on nine acres of land at Bentley Mansion, a derelict house the company bought in August 2021. The plan calls for a new distillery, mill, and cask warehouse to be built on the acquired land. Work will begin later this year, and Kilchoman hopes to be making its first rum by the end of 2024.

The project is being led by Kilchoman founder Anthony Wills and Frank Ward, a renowned figure in the Barbados rum world. Ward is a former managing director of Barbados rum maker Mount Gay, whose family owned that distillery for much of the 20th century until it was eventually sold to Remy Cointreau. Today Ward makes pot still Barbados rum brand Mount Gilboa, the original name of Mount Gay before the British rechristened it.
Kilchoman's new distillery, which has...

Kentucky is America’s most revered whiskey region, and the state’s Bourbon Trail has long been anchored by the sister cities of Louisville and Lexington. There you’ll find great food, whiskey bars, and two of the most famous horse racing grounds in the world, Churchill Downs in Louisville and Keeneland in  Lexington. In recent years Louisville has seen a slew of high-profile hotel openings, including the Omni, Distil, Grady, and Moxy. Now Lexington is catching up, and June 2023 saw the debut of whiskey and equine-centric The Manchester hotel.
In real estate they say location is everything, and The Manchester is the first and only hotel within the city’s Distillery District, a 25-acre campus on the site of the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, which opened in 1879 and shuttered in 1958. After half a century of inactivity, the industrial park underwent a massive renovation and now has two working distilleries, the reborn James E. Pepper and Barrel...

Just a couple of weeks after the 30th anniversary of its closure, Scotland’s Lowland distillery Rosebank began making whisky once again. Owner Ian Macleod Distillers announced that Cask 001 of Rosebank new make spirit was filled on July 18th. The distillery, located in the town of Falkirk, closed on June 30th, 1993. It’s now been brought back to life at its original site along the Forth & Clyde Canal, the old waterway connecting the east and west coasts of Scotland.
Rosebank was established as a family-owned distillery in 1840. It became part of Scottish Malt Distillers in 1914, which subsequently came under the control of Distillers Company Limited, an old forerunner company to Diageo. Its whisky was prized for its gentle floral and citrus character. But in 1993, facing prohibitive costs of upgrading the site and access difficulties due to its location wedged between a road and the canal, then-owners United Distillers (today’s Diageo) decided to...

On March 25th 1981, Ardbeg Distillery closed and the stills ran cold, and at the time, nobody knew if they would ever run again. A downturn in the scotch market saw Islay pay a heavy price as demand for peated stocks of whisky for blending diminished. Distilleries around the island closed or shifted to reduced production. New hope for Ardbeg didn’t come until the end of the summer in 1989 when the distillery reopened, using moderately peated malt from nearby Port Ellen Maltings for its production. But there was more turbulence in the whisky markets during the 1990s and Ardbeg’s fortunes were short-lived as then-owner Allied Distillers Ltd shut the distillery again in 1996 and put it up for sale.
The Glenmorangie Company Ltd. bought the distillery and remaining inventory in 1997 and set about its restoration, upgrading the equipment and buildings to make the distillery operational again. “I undertook a comprehensive review of the character of the Ardbeg stock, and...

Almost seven years ago to the day, Templeton Rye broke ground on a new distillery in Templeton, Iowa. Prior to that (and in the years since, while its new distillate aged), the brand sourced whiskey from MGP. Now, the distillery is ready to release its first house whiskey, and in a surprise move, it’s not a rye, but a bourbon—marking the first-ever bourbon from Templeton. 
Fortitude Bourbon is made with a high-rye mashbill consisting of 55% corn, 40% rye, and 5% malted barley. (Though there are no hard-and-fast rules, a high-rye bourbon typically has at least 20% rye in the mashbill.) The corn is locally sourced, coming from nearby farms that are within 15 miles of the distillery. Fortitude, which comes in at 46% ABV and is non-chill filtered, is available nationwide for $40 a bottle.
Templeton Distillery sits on 20 acres of land, and while rye is certainly the brand’s bread and butter, the site has the capacity to distill all styles of American whiskey...

Every April 22nd, millions around the world recognize Earth Day, a celebration first held in 1970 to raise awareness and support for the planet’s precious natural resources. In the world of whisky, there are some distillers who have to keep a closer eye on the earth around them than others—and that’s because they’re entirely grain to glass.
What exactly does grain-to-glass distilling entail? For the most part, it’s exactly as it sounds—the distillery handles every part of production, starting with the very grains the whisky is made from. While a few go as far as to grow the grains themselves, more grain-to-glass distillers purchase some or all of their grain from farms in spitting distance of their stills. Then, those grains are distilled, and the whiskey is matured and bottled on-site. Voila! Grain-to-glass. 
In celebration of Earth Day, we’ve rounded up a number of true grain-to-glass distilleries that take care of their locales...

Historic Kentucky bourbon brand Chicken Cock dates back more than 160 years and was resurrected in 2012. Now it’s set to put down roots in the heart of Bourbon Country with this week’s opening of its new home in Bardstown. Chicken Cock has unveiled an immersive experience called Circa 1856 at the historic Harrison-Smith House in downtown Bardstown that will serve as its public face. Circa 1856 is named for the year Chicken Cock’s original distillery was built in Paris, Kentucky, and it's officially open starting June 27, housing a bar, retail shop, barrel pick experience, and a microdistillery.
Circa 1856 exudes the home-like feel of its space. The house features a lounge area in front with merchandise and whiskey for sale and a bar toward the back. The bar serves the Chicken Cock whiskey lineup, of course, but also a variety of specialty and classic cocktails and whiskey flights. Circa 1856’s bar menu spans from an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan to...

Tucked away in a secluded glen on the banks of the Turret River in Scotland’s southern Highlands lies Glenturret Distillery. Like many scotch whisky makers, it’s a place with a rich but troubled history. It’s often touted as the oldest working distillery in Scotland, first established in 1763—and for nearly 50 years prior to that, the site had been used as a haven for bootleggers and smugglers, with the surrounding hills as lookout points. Over the next century and a half, the distillery, formally named Glenturret in 1875, would be sold several times before closing down twice by the 1920s. It eventually reopened in 1959, but then underwent another series of sales—passing through the hands of Rémy Cointreau, Highland Distillers, William Grant & Sons, and finally Edrington over the ensuing 40 years.

In 2018, Edrington put Glenturret up for sale, seeking to offload this relatively small distillery in order to focus on more important...

Laws Whiskey House opened its doors in Denver, Colorado’s South Broadway neighborhood back in 2011. Since then, the distillery has gradually built its presence not just in the Centennial State, but around the country, thanks to a wide range of terroir-driven, pot distilled whiskeys that feature strong relationships with local farmers and are made with open-air fermentation and Eldorado Springs water. Now, Laws is taking its game up another notch, with the debut of what it’s calling a “Whiskey Sanctuary.” 
Word of founder and president Al Laws’ intent on building a dramatic whiskey gathering site first came in 2022. While construction was slated to wrap up later that year, the space’s grand opening was delayed until last December due to construction complications. But it appears that the Whiskey Sanctuary was well worth the wait—the building is a feat of brutalist architecture, made with steel, glass, stone, and exposed concrete, and...

America’s pastime brings to mind beer, hot dogs, and Cracker Jack. It’s time to add whisky to that list. Although very few baseball stadiums have bars where you can purchase pours, most cities have a standout establishment within walking distance or a short ride away. There, you might be able to enjoy anything from pizza to prime steak with craft cocktails, curated flights, rare selections, or your favorite whisky. From sports bars to speakeasies, here’s where to get your fix before the opening pitch.

Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar

Boston
This cozy British gastropub is a block’s walk from Fenway Park, making it an ideal spot for Red Sox fans and haters alike to suck down local raw oysters, whisky-smoked mussels, and whisky before the game. Pull up a stool at the long, dark wood bar or snag a cognac leather banquette and peruse the list of 375 options, including six single-barrel selections, WhistlePig The Badönkådonk...

Denver was one of the birthplaces of the craft brewing movement, which led to craft distilleries, some helmed by pioneering brewers. The city boasts some of the nation’s oldest craft distilleries, with an unusually strong focus on whiskey compared to other spirits, especially American single malt. But, from distilleries to bars with elaborate cocktails, Denver covers all the bases and is arguably the nation’s best big city for whiskey lovers. It’s also quite affordable.
Making Denver even more appealing is a reliable international airport with non-stop flights from around the country and the world. It has the best public transport connection to downtown of any U.S. airport, with direct rail service into the city’s Union Station, the heart of downtown, at just $10 for the 37-minute ride. Once there, most top bars, restaurants, hotels, and distilleries are nearby—some walkable, and none more than a short rideshare away. For sports fans looking to double...

Royce Neeley, master distiller of Sparta, Kentucky’s Neeley Family Distillery, had first seen the listing online. The 1.34-million-square-foot Stitzel-Weller campus in Shively, inclusive of 15 rickhouses (with capacity for nearly 330,000 barrels), a bottling line, and thousands of square feet of office space, was up for sale, listed at $34.8 million. But there’s a catch: the distillery building itself, which housed the original still and whiskey-making equipment, is not part of the deal. He absorbed that information and went about his day, forgetting about it until a few weeks later when he got a call from a realtor asking if he would like to buy Stitzel-Weller.
The answer was a decisive no. “It doesn’t come with the IP, so you don’t get the Stitzel-Weller name, but I’d want the distillery too,” he says. “It’s a little funny to sell the distillery and not include the actual distillery.” He notes the age of the warehouses...

The week is off to a busy start, with new releases from a variety of American distillers. Sazerac has introduced a higher-proof iteration of its flagship Sazerac rye, bumping it up from 45% ABV to 50% ABV. Another new 100-proof whiskey in the mix comes from James B. Beam Distilling Co., which has added a 7 year old Old Grand-Dad bottled in bond bourbon to its roster. Beam has also released the second edition of Jim Beam Lineage, this one made from a low-rye mashbill and aged for 15 years. Finally, Nevada's Minden Mill is taking its estate-grown rye nationwide.
Sazerac Rye 100 Proof
ABV: 50%
SRP: $30/1L
Availability: Nationwide
A higher-proof Sazerac rye is entering the mix. The new expression, which has a 5% bump-up in ABV from the flagship Sazerac rye, was developed in response to bartenders’ demands for a higher-strength version of the original, according to brand owner Sazerac Co.
Higher proof and higher age statements are both trending in the whisky...

As I walk into the liquor store, my eyes immediately focus on a shiny sign hanging above—“25% off”—then move away as soon as I see the word “vodka.” There's a stack of cheap beer, a discounted bin of wine, and promotions for tobacco goods. All the pricing, all the point-of-purchase material, and all the signage suggest this liquor store is about affordable goods for a frugal consumer. Sounds like a deal, right?Well, that may be the case if you desire Skinnygirl margarita mix or $5 gin. But when I walk down the small bourbon aisle, I see brands marked up. Every brand is just a few dollars more than I'm accustomed to paying. I travel to another store, with “discounted liquors” in the signage, and it's selling basic Elmer T. Lee for more than $200 and the limited editions for more than $300. This must be a Kentucky trend, I surmise, and look for national online liquor stores selling bourbon, only to find everyday products far above the manufacturer's suggested retail...

It's a steamy Saturday afternoon at the Clinton Street headquarters of Nashville, Tenn.'s Corsair Distillery and the tasting rooms are hopping. In one, drinkers jockey for position at a small bar serving big beers like the 8.4% Applewood Smoked Gratzer or 7.6% Smoked Salt Gose, all crafted in the brewery portion of the ‘brewstillery,' while in a second, significantly larger room, a much greater crowd has gathered to partake of the distillery side's wide range of spirits.Sliding between the group of twenty-somethings beginning their stag party on a high note and a somewhat overly amorous couple apparently bent on enjoying their weekend to the hilt, I arrive at a sliver of bartop and behold the selection of bottles lining the shelves behind.‘Triple Smoke' reads one, which I assume—correctly, as it turns out—to be a whiskey made from malt smoked over a trio of different woods, while the next, ‘Quinoa Whiskey,' gives me greater pause for reflection. Could it really be made from...

Visitors headed home from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail now have a reason to get to the airport early. Both Louisville International Airport and Lexington's Blue Grass Airport are opening new bourbon-centric venues to allow travelers to enjoy one last taste of the good stuff before boarding their planes.At Louisville's airport, Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen recently opened, taking the place of a restaurant that focused on the Woodford Reserve brand. The new bar and restaurant features a wide array of Kentucky-made whiskeys. It's designed to have the look and feel of a library, from leather-bound books on display to “library cards,” featuring classic cocktail recipes, which guests can take with them. In keeping with that theme, Book & Bourbon also aims to provide education about whiskey and distilling. Guests can peruse books about bourbon and Kentucky history, as well as explore different bourbons on iPads. The restaurant's servers are trained to answer questions about...

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 23rd year, the program honors the world's greatest whiskies, distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote our favorite spirit. As always, these awards are not necessarily assigned to the whiskies that received the highest ratings in our reviews. The awards are recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and always, great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards.The Whisky Advocate awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year's end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies...as we have done for over twenty years. We give you our word: that's how it will continue to be.Craft Whiskey of the Year: Bainbridge Yama American Single Grain Barley Mizunara Japanese Oak CaskAmerican Whiskey of the...

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 19th year, the program is still simply about the world's greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them.As always, these awards are not simply assigned to the whiskies that get the highest ratings in our reviews. The winners might be the highest-rated, or they might instead be the most significant, the most important, or represent a new direction for a category or niche. The awards process is not, in short, a mere numbers-based formula. It is recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and…simply great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards. We're happy to welcome our new Canadian whisky reviewer, Davin de Kergommeaux, to that group.These awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year's end we consider and confer, and...

Whiskey distillers come from all walks of life, including the armed services. And for many veterans, making whiskey isn't just a passion—it's a way to use skills gained during their service, to employ their brothers and sisters in arms, and to give back to their communities. “Transitioning veterans need a good support system, especially if they are battling disability or PTSD,” explains Jason Justice, founder of Justice Label Distillery in Sinton, Texas.A PTSD sufferer himself, Justice understands the importance of such support. He currently employs three veterans part-time. “I have had success placing these individuals into roles that they can learn from and develop skills to succeed,” he says. “Giving them direction and a challenge is as rewarding to them as it is for me.” For Justice, both distilling and military service run in the family. His father is a retired Army First Sergeant and his grandfather "Papaw”—who once made moonshine—retired from the Navy after...

Scotland is undergoing a rye renaissance that has spiced up the debate about what can and cannot be produced in a Scotch whisky distillery. At least eight distilleries including Bruichladdich, InchDairnie, and Lone Wolf have been experimenting with rye, and while the spirit is aging in casks, distillers are busy scrutinizing the rules to work out how they can bottle it without falling foul of the Scotch Whisky Regulations, which dictate what can and cannot be labeled as scotch.Single malt Scotch whisky must be produced from 100% malted barley and must be distilled on a pot still, while single grain Scotch whisky is usually made from a mixture of malted barley with either corn or wheat, though any grain can be used. The historical record indicates that distillers in Scotland were using rye in the 18th century, with greater quantities used to make grain whisky in the 19th and 20th centuries. Rye is not a major crop harvested in the UK these days, but rye plantings have increased thanks...

It's a fixture of nearly every introductory scotch tasting and leather-bound whisky list: the map of Scotland's whisky regions. Literally a wayfinding device, the regional map is meant to assist in navigating the diverse flavor landscape of scotch: peaty Islay, grassy Lowland, fruity Speyside, and so on. These “regional styles” are usually presented as unquestioned truth, but the reality is much less clear-cut. On the surface, regional styles are a way to quickly get oriented, but at times they can be misleading.These Scotches Embody—And Refute—Regional Identity“Regionality is quite useful for helping people to explore Scotch whisky—it's a good starting point,” says Gregg Glass, blender and whisky maker at Whyte & Mackay. Liquor stores organize scotch by region; tastings start with Lowland single malt (alleged to be light and easy) and end with Islay (heavy and peaty); and that map seems to be everywhere. But if you taste enough single malts, you'll eventually try a...

On Ireland's windswept southwest coast, the Galley Head Lighthouse sits high above the rocky cliffs at the edge of the Atlantic. The fields around the lighthouse are filled with sea air and mist, and are planted with barley. The Scully family has owned this farmland for three centuries. “It's a special place to grow barley,” says Michael Scully, who represents the eighth generation of family leadership. “The maritime air permeates right to the grain.”Scully's passion for farming extends to a love of whiskey, and he saw the farm's seaside location as an ideal place for making and maturing it. In 2016, he took the plunge, and scouted a distillery location in the town of Clonakilty, about five miles down the road. Scully's mission: to make single pot still whiskey. “The very best single pot still expressions are among the very best exemplars of whiskey in the world, and our goal is to make world-class whiskeys,” he says. Clonakilty Distillery, a modern glass building that...

Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley describe their relationship as a marriage. They rib each other the way old drinking buddies do—an affection coated in sarcasm, a mutual understanding forged over drinks during the course of a decade. “Ian always jokes that ours is the longest relationship he's ever been in, and I will agree with that,” Wesley says. “With Ian, it's a true platonic marriage.”The two actors met in 2009 when they were cast to play brothers on the CW Network show “The Vampire Diaries,” a supernatural romance drama, and quickly developed a chemistry that spilled off the set. “These brothers bonded over bourbon on screen, it was the only time they got along. Paul and I bonded over bourbon off screen—it's the only time that we got along,” Somerhalder says with a laugh.While filming their scenes, the actors sipped iced tea instead of actual whiskey, and that led to a thirst for the real thing. After a long day of shooting, they would share a dram, and they...

We first reported on Brother's Bond bourbon, the new whiskey from actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, back in January, and as of this month, the four grain whiskey has wider availability. We spoke to Somerhalder and Wesley about the friendship that led to this whiskey's creation.As for new whiskies this week, there are plenty from all around the globe. Michter's is releasing its annual 10 year old bourbon. Priced at $150, it is highly limited.Kentucky's New Riff Distilling has a 6 year old malted rye available in-state for now at $60.The Singleton is releasing its oldest whisky to date. There are just 235 bottles of 54 year old single malt available worldwide, priced at $40,100.Even more limited is Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter 2 with just 70 bottles going for $45,000.Tullibardine is introducing two new single malts to the U.S., a 12 year old for $45 and the no age statement Artisan for $30. Both are widely available.Independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail has...

If you're the type of whisky drinker who cherishes being the first to get their hands on new releases, distillery clubs will keep you in the know when products drop, give you access to exclusive tastings, and get you discounts on merchandise and tours. We detailed the many perks of joining a distillery club, and spoke to some of the loyal patrons who enjoy them.As for new releases within the wider world of whisky, Maker's Mark introduces a second limited-edition stave finish for 2021, Macallan adds a 30 year old to its Double Cask line, and Westland unveils its 6th edition of Garryana. Read on for full details.Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release: FAE-02Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: Not statedABV: 54.55%Price: $60Release: September 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:This is the second limited edition stave finish released by Maker’s Mark this year following FAE-01 this spring. Maker’s Mark doesn’t chill filter its whiskeys, which results in...

Plenty of us have favorites when it comes to whisky; perhaps you're loyal to bourbon, or rarely stray from single malt scotch. But there's a whole world of whisky out there, ripe for the taking, and if ever you're in the mood for exploration consider one of the more esoteric offerings we highlight here, such as Japanese rice whisky or grain whiskies.On to the new releases. This week, there are new single malts from Macallan, Balvenie, Paul John, and Penderyn, as well as a host of bourbons up for grabs. Read on for full details.Macallan Harmony Collection Rich CacaoStyle: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Speyside)Age: Not statedABV: 44%Price: $160Release: October 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:The first in a series focused on sustainable packaging, this single malt whisky is presented in a fully recyclable and biodegradable box made from discarded cacao pod husks. Aged in a combination of European and American oak casks, this expression is inspired by chocolate, as whisky maker...

Indisputably, scotch is the world's most popular style of whisky, with single malt regarded as the epitome of this fine spirit, cherished for its unparalleled quality. While I make my home in Scotland and have a passion for her whiskies, my role as Whisky Advocate's world whisky reviewer presents me with a steady stream of fascinating whiskies from India, Taiwan, Mexico, Israel, Australia, and beyond!Just 20 years ago, it would have been considered laughable that anyone could challenge Scotland's dominance of single malt—butJapan gave scotch lovers reason to pause. Today, I'm in awe of the proliferation of whisky from around the world, and the vast range of countries that stand proudly behind high-quality products.A global community of distillers is transporting single malt whisky to new places, literally. By adding their own creativity and local techniques, resulting in exciting flavors and geographical styles, the single malt world is changing quickly. Because I sample and...

It's a big weekend on the American whiskey auction scene, as Chicago-based Hart Davis Hart (HDH) has commenced live bidding on its Finest & Rarest Spirits sale, which started earlier this morning and ends tomorrow. Of the 2,800 lots available, 2,189 are American whiskeys. HDH expects the total value of the American lots to reach between $1.9 million and $3 million, which would bring the highest value yet for an American whiskey sale. See the big-ticket items here.Of course, there are plenty of new whiskies to try—ones that are valued at quite a bit less than those! Kentucky Owl has added a new rye under The Wiseman label, Basil Hayden debuts a subtly smoky bourbon, and Compass Box introduces a new blended whisky that's evocative of old books. Read on for full details.Kentucky Owl Wiseman RyeStyle: Straight ryeOrigin: KentuckyAge: Not statedABV: 50.4%Price: $60Release: March 2022Availability: LimitedNeed to know:This whiskey is made with a mashbill of 95% rye.Whisky Advocate...

As blazing hot temperatures linger on, refreshing sippers tend to take the edge off. While you could certainly head to a bar, why not make a drink at home—and one with your very own homemade shrub at that? A mixture of fruit, sugar, and vinegar, shrubs is perfect for preserving summer flavors, and go wonderfully in whisky cocktails, too. Try your hand at one of these four whisky-and-shrub cocktails in our new guide, and beat the summer heat.
There’s plenty of new whisky this week, much of it is American-made. Heaven's Door, the Nashville-based brand co-founded by Bob Dylan, has debuted the first release in its new Decade Series, a collection of whiskeys aged 10 years or older; Woodford Reserve has unveiled the latest edition of Batch Proof; and Booker's is back with its second release of the year. Read on for full details.

Heaven’s Door Decade Series Release #01
Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: TennesseeAge: 10 year oldABV: 50%Price: $99Release: July...

Good news for stateside scotch lovers: The pound recently fell to its lowest position against the dollar in 37 years (dropping below $1.14 at times), meaning that whisky aficionados can benefit from substantial savings at retail, in duty-free, and the auction market abroad. In UK travel retail, savings can soar as high as 59%; a 1-liter bottle of Caol Ila 12 year old, for example, will set you back just $39 at Heathrow, compared to $97 in U.S. stores. If you're visiting the UK in the near future, it will be well worth it to do some whisky shopping—either in duty free or local stores—to score some whisky at prices below U.S. retail prices. Meanwhile, there's plenty on offer among this week's new releases. Metallica's Blackened has collaborated with Angel's Envy co-founder Wes Henderson on a port cask-finished bourbon, Glenfiddich has added a sherry cask-finished single malt to its core range, and Dewar’s has reintroduced its flagship 12 year old blended scotch...

The Winter 2017 issue of Whisky Advocate takes a look back at the biggest moments in whisky over the past 12 months. Check out the Top 20 most exciting whiskies, which were scored blind and ranked with availability and price in mind. Our Whisky of the Year scored 94 points and costs just $60.

The future is also on our minds, as we predict which American whiskeys you should be collecting now for big returns later. And we’re looking outward as well, particularly to places like India, a growing whisky hotspot, and Japan, where small craft distillers are changing the game.

For the constant traveler, don’t miss our guide to drinking whisky in Paris, as well as the 10 best luxury hotels for whisky lovers, from Las Vegas to London. If you’re planning to celebrate the holidays with a dram—or just need a whisky to warm you during the chilly months—let our Winter Buying Guide, featuring nearly 100 reviews, lead you home.


Winter 2017...

Smoke and peat are some of whisky’s most distinct characteristics—and Whisky Advocate’s Fall 2018 issue is devoted to all the ways these flavors entice our senses. Travel to Islay to discover how peat makes its way from the bog to the bottle, meeting the cutters, maltsters, distillers, and blenders who shepherd it along the way. Learn to navigate the peat landscape, from unpeated whiskies all the way up to heavy hitters. And explore a different side of familiar whiskies by tasting both their peated and unpeated variants.

There’s more to smoke than just peat. Cigars make a perfect pairing for whisky and other spirits, and our guide will get you matching up sticks and drams in no time. American whiskey distillers are experimenting with smoked grains using native woods like hickory, cherry, and mesquite. The flavor variations are exciting, and nearly endless.

Don’t miss our travel guide to Kansas City, tips on pairing whisky with pie, and...

Our Winter issue is always a special one, as we present our annual Top 20—the most exciting new whiskies that offer quality, affordability, accessibility, and x-factor. This year is no different, with a diverse range of whiskies representing a number of nations and styles. Our 2022 Whisky of the Year is a bottled in bond Tennessee whiskey that costs just $30. It will be a permanent fixture from the country’s largest distiller.Elsewhere in the issue, we take you to New Orleans with our tips to maximize your time in Crescent City. We also spotlight the best wheat whiskeys currently being made, and introduce you to the English whisky makers who are putting flavor first and making a case that there’s room for yet another great whisky-making country in the UK. Plus, we provide professional tasting tips and over 130 new whisky reviews in our Buying...

Wine cask finishing has long been part of the whisky maker's repertoire, and in recent years such expressions have become ever more plentiful. Three of our Top 20 Whiskies of 2022 were finished in wine casks: Tomintoul Cigar Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (No.-12), Blackened Rye The Lightning Double Cask Madeira and Rum Finished (No.-14), and Indri Trini The Three Wood (No.-17). Our most recent Buying Guide also featured a range of four age-stated Japanese single malts from Hakata, all sherry cask-finished and all scoring between 93 and 96. But while port, madeira, and sherry casks may live in the limelight, there’s one type of wine cask that’s more quietly been part of the scene for quite some time: tokaji (pronounced tow KAA jee).
Tokaji is an unfortified dessert wine from the Tokaji wine region in northeastern Hungary and part of Slovakia, a particularly hilly area near the Carpathian Mountains. The wine is made entirely from white grapes from one of six...

So many new releases this week! We decided that we can’t possibly fit them all without creating a post that resembles a whisky encyclopedia, so today’s Whisky Weekend will feature only the  latest American whiskey offerings. On Monday, we’ll post a second run of new releases, and those will feature Scotland, Ireland, and other places beyond our shores.
Here at home, multiple bottle releases seem to be the thing these days. We posted Lost Lantern’s Summer of Bourbon range a few weeks back, a lineup of eight whiskeys in all, and this week we feature Tennessee’s Old Dominick Distillery, which offers six new expressions. Elsewhere, there’s a new bonded Jack Daniel’s in town, and this time it’s a rye. Meanwhile, the explosion in cask-finished bourbons continues, with Barrel’s new rum cask and amburana finished whiskeys, as well as a new stout-cask finished expression from...

Meetings—in the corporate sense—are a somewhat new addition to the workday for Woodinville whiskey co-founder Brett Carlile. Woodinville was acquired by Moët Hennessy (LVMH) in 2017, a move that allowed the Washington state distiller to ramp up volume and expand beyond its home state. A lot has changed in the nearly seven years since that deal was struck, including Carlile’s role. “Prior to the acquisition, I was very hands-on, literally on the distilling floor working the shifts alongside the other distillers,” he says. Now, Carlile is in charge of all production at Woodinville and was also involved in a post-acquisition expansion of the facility. In Quincy, Washington, east and over the Cascade Mountains from Woodinville, the company built a barreling and bottling facility in 2020, which Carlile oversees as well.
A bigger, more cultural change has also come into play. “I’m more involved in meetings than I used to be,” Carlile...

When Eagle Rare debuted back in 1975, it was billed as a luxury bourbon. While the whiskey was initially made for Seagram by no other than Charles L. Beam (the longtime Four Roses master distiller), it ended up in the hands of Sazerac by the late '80s. These days, the Buffalo Trace-made Eagle Rare is an entirely affordable item, given that its age remains even as its price tag hovers around $40. Consequently, this has made it more scarce on shelves—its sterling reputation as a reliable older bourbon at a relatively low price has led to a demand that outstrips the distillery’s supply. We explore what makes Eagle Rare 10 year old an enduring fan favorite, and whether you’ll have an easier time finding it in the future.
How is Eagle Rare 10 Year Made? 
The modern day Eagle Rare 10 takes Buffalo Trace’s mashbill #1, which, while kept under lock and key by the distillery, is known to be a low-rye mashbill with 10% or less rye grain...

Weller 12 year old surged in popularity after Pappy Van Winkle took off in the mid-aughts, thanks its use of the same wheated mashbill, but being more affordable than its cousin, Van Winkle 12 year old. (And, at the time, somewhat easier to obtain at retail pricing.) Age statements for bourbon were rarer when Weller 12 was first released in 2001, though the market’s now flooded with similarly aged offerings, but being one of the originators, Weller 12 still stands out among the crowd. Here’s our report on Weller 12 year old bourbon 2023 release.            
Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon At a Glance:
Distillery Name: Buffalo Trace
Age: 12 year old
Mashbill: 51% corn, undisclosed wheat, undisclosed barley
Proof: 90/45% ABV
Cask: New, charred American oak barrels
SRP: $70
Quick Tasting Notes: Vanilla and caramel abound, as do candied orange zest and dark chocolate.
Overall Thoughts: A sublime daily...

Over the years, Maker’s Mark kept creative experimentation to a minimum, as its distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, was happy to keep on crafting its famous wheated bourbon with few changes, save for an ill-advised lowering of the proof from 45% to 43% in 2013, which was quickly reversed. Special editions of Maker’s were made available through its Private Selection Program, but that was about it.
It wasn’t until 2010 that Maker’s brought forth its first-ever product extension with Maker’s 46, finished in barrels that contained French oak staves. A cask strength expression came along in 2017, followed by the 2019 debut of the Wood Finishing Series, its first-ever limited edition whiskey available nationally.
The Wood Finishing Series Stave Profile RC6 was the first in the series, followed by two releases in 2020 and two more in 2021—the second 2021 release, Stave Profile FAE-01, ranked No. 2 in our 2021 Top 20 Whiskies of the Year...

How do you balance the rich heritage of James B. Beam with modern innovations in bourbon production?
In today's world, you see many things that were once popular making a resurgence. This has been happening more frequently over the past 8 to 10 years. I believe that to be at the cutting edge or a leader in something, especially bourbon, you must immerse yourself in understanding its history.
Having a rich history allows us—myself, my family, and our team—to innovate effectively because we deeply understand the industry and the process. This historical knowledge also helps us identify potential pitfalls and understand the specific nuances of various brands. Without this historical insight, you risk going too far in your innovations. Thus, understanding history is key to being a successful innovator.
What are some of the key innovations in aging techniques and barrel management that you have introduced?
Blending, especially in the context of American whiskey...

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...

The still room at Stauning is silent.
Copper gleams in the morning light. Rows of stills —24 in total—stand in neat lines, like sleeping instruments waiting for a conductor. But there’s no heat in the coils. No sound of bubbling wash. No spirit dripping into the safe.
Stauning still sells whisky. Its warehouses are stocked, the brand remains strong, the whisky is flowing—into glasses, not stills. But what is a whisky distillery that no longer distills? That’s a difficult question. A distillery can stay alive on cask sales for a while. But when the spirit isn’t being made, it’s like a heart that’s stopped beating—waiting for revival or reality to sink in.
This isn’t a story of failure. But it is a story of reckoning, one that says as much about the state of craft whisky today as it does about Stauning itself. At its center stands Hans Martin Hansgaard, one of nine co-founders and reluctant witness to a dream in...

Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson resurrected their family distilling legacy by launching Belle Meade bourbon in 2012 and opening Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville two years later.  With Belle Meade and the flagship Nelson's Green Brier, the accolades piled up, and Constellation Brands took a minority stake in 2016, and then acquired majority control in 2019. A few years later, the brothers left the company and their namesake behind.  But at the end of last year, they quietly regained the rights to Belle Meade, returning ownership to the family.
The Nelsons announced the news to friends and family at a celebration held this past April. Now, speaking to the media for the first time since their re-acquisition of Belle Meade bourbon, the Nelson brothers reveal their intentions for the brand.
With Belle Meade once again back in family hands, it will be positioned as a Nashville-centric brand for the foreseeable future. The immediate path forward...

Tim Robinson spends his days surrounded by whisky as the owner of Terry Robards Wine & Spirits in Lake Placid, New York. But when he heard about a case of Canadian Club that had been hidden untouched for over 40 years, he had to go search it out. “There's a lot of ifs,” he said of the hunt to find the whisky, which has now stretched over several days of digging. “It's like putting Xes everywhere and narrowing it down.” Robinson joined Whisky Advocate's #TasteWithSpace Instagram Live series on Nov. 20, following up on a previously published article detailing his efforts to uncover the location of the whisky decades after it was buried as part of an ad campaign.During the conversation, which took place on the property where the whisky is most likely buried, Robinson gave a tour of the areas he and his collaborators had already dug up. The quixotic quest has thus far yielded nothing more than plexiglass—the site's previous owner was a plexiglass dealer—but Robinson...

When Angel’s Envy co-creator Wes Henderson left Angel’s Envy in 2022, his departure ended a 12-year stewardship, but the brand had been sold to Bacardi and it was time to move on. Back then, he called it retirement and was ready to kick his feet up and do nothing. But soon enough, he began to wonder if his working days were really behind him. “I wasn’t very good at sitting around and not doing anything,” he says with a laugh. “I felt there was more I wanted to do in this business, and I wanted to create a legacy project for my six sons.” And so, he’s triumphantly ditching retirement to launch True Story, his next chapter in whiskey making.
While Henderson wasn’t completely quiet in retirement—he worked on a one-off port-finished Kentucky bourbon with Blackened—the new True Story venture marks the first time he’s been at the helm since co-founding Angel’s Envy in 2010.  Fans of Henderson’s work...

We are all susceptible to using color to prejudge whiskies. Long before we experience the aromas and flavors inside the bottle, our brain has already processed the visuals; it's made up your mind. Once mature, whisky typically ranges between the color of pale straw to deep mahogany. It starts as colorless, new make spirit, as it's the cask that imparts this spectrum of natural hues over the years. We can't help ourselves; invariably, those rich, dark tones appear a more attractive prospect than a lemon-tinted bottling. Given the choice, wouldn't we rather bask in the glowing amber skies of an ocean sunset than shiver in the undernourishing rays of a winter morning's first light spilling over cold ground?In the age of Instagram heroes and digital consumerism, naturally darker whiskies stand out from the crowd; more clicks, more likes, more sales, more bids. Whisky producers know this too. Why do you think Glenrothes ditched those solid tubes from the 1990s in favor of open frames that...

Coffee lovers have been embracing whisky barrel-aged coffee, and now British tea company eteaket has partnered with Tomatin Distillery to create a tempest in a teapot—a tea aged in scotch whisky casks. The blend of black teas from Assam, Ceylon, and Fujian has subtle flavors of fruit and smoke derived from its time in wood. It's available for a limited time only, but there are also whisky-flavored teas from the Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company and Whittard.But why stop with the tea? Here's our recipe for a full-on whisky tea party. From bourbon-laden cakes to scotch-laced honey for your scone, these whisky treats are a great reason to raise a pinky.Tea Sets, Sweets, and Savory Foods To Go With Your Whisky Tea
Angioletti Designs makes custom whiskey tea cups.Set The SceneA tea party is an occasion to lay a beautiful table, so make sure your décor matches the theme. AngiolettiDesigns offers tea cups and tea sets featuring off-beat imagery, including whiskey themes, and will...

Few commodities are as precious to 21st-century life as convenience and dependability, and whisky subscription services combine the two to benefit your bar. What's better than returning home to find a new bottle of whisky that literally has your name on it?For a monthly fee, these subscription services send curated whisky picks right to your doorstep. Each offers a unique spin that's sure to appeal to a particular type of dram devotee. Whether you're new to the world of whisky or looking to expand your base of knowledge and experience, these services can provide guideposts for the onward journey.Whisky Subscription Services That Ship Straight To Your DoorTaster's Club: For pursuing a particular passionPrice: $69 to $184/monthWhat you get: 1 full-size bottle every month, plus corresponding educational materialNot all delivery services let you pick your niche, but Taster's Club allows members to select a Bourbon, Scotch, or Whisky package that will determine which bottles arrive every...

Canadian whisky is making a return to its historic roots. On February 14th, 2018, New Orleans-based Sazerac Company announced it was distilling in the historic Montreal neighborhood of Old Montreal—the very cradle of Canadian whisky. It was in Montreal that early Canadian distillers began making spirit from grain, rather than the then-dominant molasses. And now, with the opening of Old Montreal Distillery, whisky spirit is flowing in the city once again.The distillery was established in the 1920s as Meagher Distillery, producing liqueurs and later genever. After several decades under the majority ownership of Dutch spirits firm DeKuyper, for the past 20 years or so, the distillery has been used by Sazerac for blending and bottling its Canadian whisky brands such as Caribou Crossing, Silk Tassel, and High River. In 2011, Sazerac bought the plant outright. They have not yet decided whether a pot and column still from the DeKuyper years will be brought back into service.However, with...

Imagine a job where you get access to the world's most coveted whiskies—tasting and then setting a value on them. That job—spirits specialist—belongs to Jonny Fowle of Sotheby's auctioneers. And he didn't get it just because he loves drinking whisky.“You've got to have personality and specialist knowledge of the subject,” explains Fowle. “When it comes to spirits, you have to be able to increase awareness, entertain, and ultimately inspire people [to buy].” Fowle's working days are filled with client meetings, appraisals, and tasting events designed to stoke excitement for upcoming sales. Operating within the upper echelons of the world's top whisky creators and collectors, Fowle's job grants him access to blending labs and libraries of rare stocks—plus the opportunity to taste extraordinary drams that most whisky lovers can only dream about. Through his tasting events for Sotheby's, Fowle knows the persuasive power of a glass of fine whisky on prospective buyers...

Kansas City's Electric Park neighborhood has a new whiskey attraction. J. Rieger & Co. Distillery starts public tours and tastings today after debuting on July 12. Within the 60,000-square-foot facility are all the accoutrements for whiskey-making: mash cooker, fermenters, four different stills. And there's not one, but two bars where guests can enjoy unique and classic cocktails. But the most eye-catching feature has nothing to do with whiskey. No, the first and most conspicuous thing guests will notice upon entering is a 40-foot metal slide meant to carry them, merrily, from the second floor of the distillery to the first.The slide was the idea of head distiller Nathan Perry, an homage to the distillery's location near the site of the former Electric Park, one of the world's first electric-powered amusement parks, which opened in Kansas City in 1899. Complete with theatrics, thrill rides, and notorious fair food, the attraction brought in millions of visitors, including a...

Earlier this week, we spoke with distilleries in the U.S. and Scotland about the implications of coronavirus-related operations changes for the future availability of their whiskies. Most big companies are optimistic that current interruptions aren't going to impact the availability of bottles down the road, but that's not the case for everyone. Read more about the situation, and what it means for whisky lovers, in our in-depth report.Of course, COVID-19 has changed the way people are drinking whisky right now. With more virtual tastings and Zoom events popping up every week, a couple of whiskey companies are getting extra creative to keep fans engaged, opening up their blending processes to input from the public. Ireland's Chapel Gate Whiskey Co., which makes J.J. Corry, will create a crowd-sourced blend called The Lock In, sending blend samples to participants who will vote on their favorite. Once bottled, the whiskey will be available widely for sale. If you're interested in taking...

If you plan on mixing up some drinks this spring and summer, we have a helpful guide on how to build your best whisky cocktail, focusing on classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Highball, and Mint Julep.If you're looking for a new dram to sip, there are plenty of those as well. Ardbeg Scorch is this year's limited release for Ardbeg Day. It's priced at $120 and $140 for the Committee Release.Talisker is releasing its oldest whisky to date and telling the story of a voyage at sea in the process. Talisker 43 year old Xpedition Oak: The Atlantic Challenge is limited to just 1,830 bottles and costs $4,000.Tennessee whiskey Sweetens Cove is back with a new release for 2021. Like last year's inaugural release, it will cost $200, with 42,000 bottles entering just a few states.Bardstown Bourbon Co. is bringing back it's collaborative expression The Prisoner Wine Barrel-Finished Tennessee bourbon—after an initial release in December 2019. Priced similarly, at...

Our Fall 2021 issue includes over 130 whisky reviews, covering a wide variety of styles. This week, we highlighted the 10 highest-scoring whiskies from the issue's Buying Guide, representing the very best from the whisky world and highlighting both familiar names and more obscure labels.As we move further into October, the exciting new rollouts continue. There’s a fresh release of Booker’s, the latest from Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Ghost and Rare, WhistlePig’s Boss Hog series, and new wheated bourbons from New Riff and Wyoming Whiskey. Read on for full details.Booker’s 2021-03 “Bardstown Batch”Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: 6 years, 5 monthsABV: 62.75%Price: $90Release: October 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:The third batch of Booker’s released this year is named after Bardstown, Kentucky, the town where Jim Beam master distillers past and present have lived. Booker Noe, for whom this whiskey is named, lived in Bardstown for more than 50 years...

WhiskyFest season has been in full swing, starting with Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest in Hollywood, Florida October 30, rolling into Chicago on November 5th, and drawing a big crowd in New York last night. The final WhiskyFest for 2021 will be held in San Francisco on December 3rd. Tickets are still available for a night that will feature pours from Ardbeg, Dewar’s, Four Roses, Glendalough, Redbreast, Westward, and many more.As for this week’s new whiskies, Teeling adds a 30 year old to its Vintage collection, Bowmore connects with Aston Martin for a new expression, Nikka unveils new versions of its Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts, and Jim Beam announces a special edition Baker’s just in time for the holidays. Read on for full details.

Teeling 30 year oldStyle: Single maltOrigin: IrelandAge: 30 year oldABV: 46%Price: $2,200Release: November 2021 at the distillery, January 2022 in the U.S.Availability: Limited edition; 4,000 bottles globally
Need to...

Whisky lovers in the Chicago area are in for a treat tonight as WhiskyFest returns to the Hyatt Regency for an evening of unforgettable whiskies, informational seminars, and access to whisky makers from around the globe. Tickets are still available with a number of rare pours and Whiskies of the Year offered during VIP hour and throughout the night. Come taste hard-to-find pours from Buffalo Trace, Ardbeg, Nikka, and more, or discover something new on the WhiskyFest floor.Those looking to simply sip something new at home have a number of options this week. Bushmills returns with its second Rare Cask bottling, a 29 year old single malt finished in Pedro Ximénez casks; Chicken Cock is dropping a rum-finished rye just in time for the summer; and Brad Paisley's American Highway Reserve announces its second release, a blend of Kentucky and Georgia straight bourbons. Read on for full details. 

Bushmills The Rare Casks 29 year old Pedro Ximénez...

It’s mid-October, which means we’re drawing ever closer to the spookiest time of year: Halloween. This year, match your favorite sweet treat to a whisky—take Raisinets, for instance, which are a fantastic complement to George Dickel 11 year old Bottled in Bond given the lush, deep, dark fruit qualities of that whiskey. Of course, it's not just chocolate treats that suit whisky, and this guide offers up our favorite Halloween candy-and-whisky pairings.
As for new whisky, being in the thick of fall also means that new releases continue to flood in. Aberfeldy is back with an 18 year old whisky aged in red wine casks—this one from a Tuscan winery. Kentucky Peerless brings back its absinthe-finished rye, while Michter's returns with its 20 year old straight bourbon. Read on for full details.

Aberfeldy 18 year old Tuscan Red Wine Cask
Style: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Highland)Age: 18 year oldABV: 43%Price: $130Release: October 2022Availability...

Whisky can be the gateway to new frontiers, and our Summer 2019 issue will transport you to the world’s greatest whisky cities. Start in Edinburgh, the gateway to scotch, where storied history meets contemporary innovation. Hop over to Dublin, a city whose whiskey story has been continually rewritten. Louisville, the heart of bourbon country, is home to the most exciting urban distilleries in the world. And Osaka, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, offers discovery at every turn.

We’ll introduce you to other great whisky destinations, including distilleries with on-site accommodations. Refresh your summer drinking repertoire with blended scotches, so easy-sipping you’ll hardly notice the heat—though if you do, there are also recipes for frozen whisky cocktails. And learn how warm-climate regions are responsible for some of the world’s most delicious single malts.

Plus, get tips for pairing whisky and ice cream, find out how to distill...

With Memorial Day now in the rearview mirror, we cruise toward summer, which means grilling season and all sorts of celebratory occasions. Over in Scotland, the fun got off to an early start this week with Islay's annual Fèis Ìle festival, which finishes up tomorrow. The festivities, which feature music, tastings, food, tours, and other events, are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of this famous whisky island.  
On this side of the pond, whisky makers have been having a busy week, with a slew of releases ahead of Father's Day and the summer season. Russell's Reserve is back with a new release of its 13 year old, and Woodford Reserve's annual Master's Collection release is out, this one at cask strength. Elsewhere, Teeling has added a new expression to its Wonders of Wood Series, Stranahan's has a red wine cask finished whiskey, and Johnnie Walker’s Cities Series has a new label in the...

Updated June 13, 2024
Father’s Day is this Sunday, and there’s no better time to celebrate the father figures in our lives. If your dad appreciates a great dram, then odds are there’s a whisky that ties to his other interests, be it a love of cars, the great outdoors, music, or other things. A bottle of whisky goes a long way in letting dad know how much you appreciate him.
History Buff Dad 
Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch, 40% ABV, $35
This blended Highland malt is inspired by the whisky that Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton left behind during a failed bid to reach the South Pole in 1907.
George Washington’s Straight Rye, 43% ABV, $188/375 ml
Researchers discovered the original recipe for Washington’s whiskey in his ledgers from 1798 and 1799—he used a mashbill of 60% rye, 35% corn, and 5% malted barley. Today, that same recipe is made at Mount Vernon Distillery, on the site of Washington’s home.
Grilling...

Among this week's new whiskies, Heaven's Door has released its first bourbon that includes distillate from its own backyard. Earlier this year, Heaven's Door announced plans to open a Kentucky distillery in the scenic town of Pleasureville, the heart of bourbon country. The Pleasureville distillery has actually been in development since 2017 and making small batches there since 2018 on a custom Vendome still. But in September the place will open its doors to the public, to reveal a campus with two separate stillhouses, a visitor center, tasting rooms, and other amenities. Back in 2019, Heaven's Door was mapping plans to open a distillery and brand center in a 160 year old church in Nashville, which it acquired in 2016. That site will now be used as the headquarters of The Heaven's Door Foundation, the company's philanthropy arm supporting charities and the arts. 
Among other new releases, Kentucky distiller New Riff and Idaho-based Grand Teton Distillery...

 
Chattanooga Founder’s 12th Anniversary Blend of Straight Whiskeys
ABV: 50%
MSRP: $60
Availability: Available at the Experimental Distillery starting April 26th, with a retail and online rollout to follow next month
Chattanooga Whiskey was a key player in the revitalization of Tennessee’s whiskey scene. When the distillery was founded in 2011, distillation was not permitted in Chattanooga—the result of a 1909 law that gutted most of Tennessee’s whiskey production. Founders Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter sourced liquid while they worked with lawmakers to lift the ban. Their campaign lasted two years but succeeded in the end, and the two began distilling their own bourbon in March 2015; each year, Chattanooga commemorates its history with a blended whiskey called Founder’s Blend. The newest iteration, 12th Anniversary, has just been announced.
The Founder’s series is somewhat unusual because each year the blend is...

In the 1960s and ‘70s, with vodka ascendant and whisky sales tumbling, many brands started trying to make their whiskies more vodka-like, raising the proof off the still and lowering the proof in the bottle to make it lighter, less flavorful and “easier” or “smoother.” Today, with whisky riding a long growth curve, the situation is reversed: spirits that are typically unaged are being barrel-aged. Gins, mezcals, sojus—and yes, even vodkas—are acquiring a brown hue from time spent in a barrel, with an emphasis on new American oak and whisky barrels that impart flavors familiar to whisky drinkers.
Barrel-aged spirits of all sorts are, of course, nothing new. In the 18th and 19th centuries, any spirits that had to be transported were carried in wooden barrels, so some degree of barrel aging was virtually universal even if inadvertent. In the 20th century, Seagram’s Extra Dry gin was “rested” for a month in whiskey barrels as...

The latest round of rollouts in scotch whisky features some seriously old liquid, led by Dewar's, which goes up the aging ladder as part of its Double Double aged whisky series. Highlands single malt maker Deanston Distillery, which has one of the scotch world's more interesting pedigrees in sustainability, has just introduced a 2002 vintage cask-strength organic expression. It's also offering a non-organic 18 year old whisky that will become part of Deanston's core range. Until now, that range has included only its 12 year old and Virgin Oak expressions. Finally, Torbermory Distillery is a split-personality scotch maker with both a non-peated and a peated whisky brand—its Torbermory label is non-peated, while the Ledaig expression is peated. Now it's out with a Tobermory 21 year old and a Ledaig 18 year old, both of which also will become permanent expressions in their respective...

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...

Growing up, Tennessee-born Marianne Eaves was passionate about math and science, and her appetite for both eventually led her to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Louisville. During her sophomore year, she took an internship that would set the tone for the next decade-plus of her life: a research and development co-op at Brown-Forman. There, she found that the analytics and applications required of her math and science disciplines could be applied to whiskey making, in everything from discerning mashbills to fermentation and distillation, and she was hooked—she’s been making whiskey ever since, and quite a lot of it, under many different names.
While Eaves cut her teeth at Brown-Forman, studying under then-master distiller Chris Morris, she branched out on her own in 2015, taking on the title of master distiller at the then-newly opened Castle & Key. “I have had a few ‘A-ha!’ moments in my career as a distiller, and...

The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a series of collectible Irish whiskeys released between 2020–2025, representing the last whiskey distilled at Old Midleton Distillery and totaling six releases in all. The four single pot still whiskeys, peated malt, and blend in the collection sell for a combined $291,000, with the early releases making several appearances in our auction coverage of the 20-highest hammer prices of the month. As the final chapter is released, Whisky Advocate has reviewed every bottling over the six years of this remarkable project, and our ratings and full tasting notes are below.
Chapter 6 Details
The sixth release is a 50 year old single pot still whiskey priced at $60,000, the oldest Irish whiskey released to date, that has been bottled to mark the 200th anniversary of the distillery’s founding. It was distilled by Max Crockett, the forefather of modern Irish whiskey, whose son, Barry Crockett, master distiller emeritus, was...

In a consolidation move in the craft whiskey world, Columbus, Ohio-based Middle West Spirits is acquiring Colorado's Old Elk Distillery, Shanken News Daily (SND) reported this morning.
Founded in 2008, Middle West is among the largest independent players in the U.S., with both contract and branded operations. Its offerings include Dark Pumpernickel straight rye, Four Grain Straight Wheated bourbon, and the Double Cask Collection, plus OYO Barrel Finished Honey Vanilla vodka, Vim & Petal gin, and Lux & Umbra gin.
Old Elk, which is based in Fort Collins, was founded in 2013 and is a non-distiller producer whose expressions have developed a strong following among whiskey lovers over the years. Its master distiller is Greg Metze, who worked at MGP from 1978-2016 and had a leading hand in many of the great whiskeys produced there over the years. Old Elk's key labels include Slow Cut bourbon ($40), Old Elk 9 year old bourbon ($60), and Old Elk Cigar Cut...

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...

New Orleans in July is H-O-T, but for the horde of cocktail enthusiasts destined to arrive next week for Tales of the Cocktail (now in its 15th year), a cold drink will never be far away. The options are truly overwhelming. So, let's start with our short list of the top whisky-centric events taking place. For a full listing of events, whisky-related and otherwise, visit the Tales of the Cocktail website.(And by the way, cocktails are not a good way to stay hydrated. We recommend drinking plenty of water along with your whisky!)Celebrate Canada's 150thBirthday With Crown RoyalOur neighbor to the north is turning 150 years old in 2017, and Crown Royal is inviting everyone to the party. Enjoy Canadian-inspired cocktails in this tasting room—you don't even have to sing “O, Canada” (unless you want to).Date: Wednesday, July 19thTime: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Place: Hotel Monteleone, Orleans RoomDiscover A New Whisky Cocktail, the MontrealDidn't get enough of the great white north on...

Months after teasing them, Diageo has finally revealed the full line-up of 2019 Special Releases. This year's collection features eight cask-strength single malts selected by master blender Craig Wilson. The whiskies are described as “rare by nature” and feature various cask finishes and maturation techniques.There are some parallels to past releases, like the presence of a 12 year old Lagavulin. But there's a significant change: Of the eight whiskies in the collection, only three are for sale in the U.S.: Pittyvaich 29 year old, Mortlach 26 year old, and The Singleton of Glen Ord 18 year old. And there are less than 1,500 bottles total of all of them.This is a substantially reduced offering from past years, which saw most if not all of the Special Releases for sale in the U.S. It may signal a new direction for the collection, which also largely features new packaging that's not closely tied to individual brands. For example, Dalwhinnie and Cardhu each have distinctive bottle...

Mashing is the stage in whisky production that takes place right before fermentation, but it’s seldom mentioned in discussions of the whisky-making process. Distillers touting flavor usually talk about maturation, finishing casks, rare heirloom grains, exotic brewing yeast strains, or specialty malts. Mashing is not a big topic, and high-gravity mashing even less so. 
While high-gravity mashing sounds like something that might require assistance from NASA, it’s actually fairly straightforward. It involves scaling back the amount of water added to the mash tun, to create a more concentrated and flavorful wort prior to fermentation. The “gravity” part merely refers to the overall density of the wort, which contains a higher intensity of certain flavor-bearing esters. It’s a technique used by scotch distilleries including Inchdairnie and Teaninich, and has now been deployed by Ardbeg for Smokiverse, its Fèis Ìle release for...

It takes several years—sometimes many—to age a good whisky. But a peated whisky is even longer in the making: centuries at least and often millennia. If we could travel back to Scotland's eighth century, you might see marauding Vikings charging ankle deep through waterlogged vegetation—the very vegetation that today, compressed and partially decayed, is burned to produce the smokiness of our favorite Scotch whiskies.“Peat plays an essential role in Scotch whisky production by providing distinctive flavors…from different peat sources,” says Graeme Littlejohn, deputy director, strategy and communication (London) of the Scotch Whisky Association. Peat in Scotland—and elsewhere—is made up of millions of plants that subsided into an ancient marsh, sometimes stemming back to the end of the last Ice Age. Over time these marshes filled with dead plants and became bogs or fens. Here, the water creates hypoxic conditions—a lack of oxygen—halting the plants' decay and thereby...

Last fall, Old Overholt debuted two new whiskeys to celebrate its storied past, but both were limited in scale and scope. Now, one of those whiskeys—Old Overholt 114 Proof—is available nationwide, so American rye lovers, rejoice! It’s also a great week for fans of American whiskey in general, as the eight bottlings on our menu are all U.S. born and bred—including releases from Angel’s Envy, W.L. Weller, and George Dickel. Read on for full details.Angel’s Envy Madeira Finished Straight BourbonStyle: Finished bourbon
Origin: Kentucky
Age: Not stated
ABV: 50%
Price: $230
Release: June 2021
Availability: 3,360 bottles, available at the distillery and in select markets: CA, FL, IL, KY, NY, TN, and TX.Need to know:Angel’s Envy’s third release from its Cellar Collection is a blend of whiskeys finished for one year in Madeira casks. Starting May 21, members of Angel’s Envy’s 500 Main club can enter a lottery for a chance to buy a bottle ahead of its June 6...

The aged whiskies just keep on coming: Colorado-based Stranahan’s is celebrating American single malt’s official classification with the release of a 12 year old, while Penelope is offering a 17 year old American light whiskey, and single malt scotch Aberfeldy has a 26 and a 39 year old—all of them being limited editions, of course. Meanwhile, Kentucky newcomer Garrard County Distilling Co., which filled its first barrel in January of 2024 at a new distillery in Lancaster, about 35 miles south of Lexington, is relaunching its All Nations brand using sourced liquid. Among other releases, Elijah Craig is out with its first barrel proof batch of the year, while Redwood Empire has a higher-proof version of its Pipe Dream expression. From across the pond, Irish single malt Dingle has the second release in its Celtic Wheel of the Year series
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A125)
ABV: 59.1%
SRP: $75
Availability: Nationwide
Each January...

To get to British Columbia, Canada, start in Seattle and take the Amtrak Cascades train Vancouver or the Victoria Clipper ferry to Victoria.Already well known for its wines, Canada's southwestern corner recently has become a hotbed of whisky making, especially for single malts.Victoria Caledonian Distillery on Vancouver Island has been making single malt since 2016. Until that whisky attains Canada's minimum aging period of 3 years, the distillery is selling sourced blended malt scotch. Victoria Caledonian also operates a brewery, making Twa Dogs beer. Visit for a tour (twice daily), a whisky and chocolate pairing, or a master class where you can pull your own barrel sample, then grab a drink in the lounge.Further north on Vancouver Island, Shelter Point Distillery farms two-row barley and distills it into single malt, aging the whisky by the Salish Sea. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Bear Creek Nature Park—whose land was donated by Shelter Point's owners—before stepping into the...

The Hudson Valley ends near New York City, which is a convenient place to start your trip. While you're still in the metropolitan area, count your first stop as Nahmias et Fils Distillery in Yonkers. The distillery's Legs Diamond rye is made using New York organic grains. Be sure to try the Mahia—a white spirit made from figs and a nod to co-founder David Nahmias's Moroccan-Jewish heritage. A short hop north, just beyond New York's sprawl, Sleepy Hollow embraces its spooky reputation and offers an abundance of family-friendly Halloween-centered attractions. On most fall nights, the 250 year old Van Cortlandt Manor hosts The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, a riverside walk filled with structures made from jack-o-lanterns—even the Pumpkin Carousel. Another 18th-century house, Phillipsburg Manor, hosts the Horseman's Hollow haunted house experience. Even the Old Dutch Church, one of the oldest buildings in the state, joins in with live retellings of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow...

Whisky is a great match for barbecue and all kinds of finger-licking foods, but with appreciation for the spirit on the rise, more and more imbibers prefer their whisky with a white-tablecloth meal. Distillery restaurants are catering to these discerning guests with farm-to-table fare, luxury ingredients, and fusion cuisine while enlisting award-winning chefs. “Distilleries are following the model wineries have been,” says Newman Miller, chef-in-residence at Maker's Mark's Star Hill Provisions, which opened last April, focusing on bold flavors that pair well with whisky.The best distillery cuisine will satisfy any discriminating diner, while offering whisky lovers something a little bit extra—the chance to relish tasty glimpses of their favorite spirit throughout the meal. Whisky might peer from a rich sauce, punctuate a dessert, or star in a paired cocktail. “We are in a unique place in the world where we have the chance to work with some of the best locally sourced produce...

Maker’s Mark has expanded its visitor program with a series of three new tours featuring different aspects of Star Hill Farm, the distillery’s 1,100-acre property. The new tour offerings, called the Star Hill Farm Experiences, are designed to explore the natural resources that go into making its bourbon.
The first of the three offerings, called “The Oak Experience,” is for visitors interested in things arboreal. The $220 tour starts with a quick course on American white oak trees and then explains the intricacies of barrel maturation and cask finishing. Visitors are then taken through the property’s white oak research forest, including a visit to the Mother Oak tree—one of  Kentucky’s oldest trees, estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old. The tour, which lasts two and a half hours, concludes with a tasting of expressions from the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series.
The second offering is called the “Star Hill...

It’s not only Japanese whisky that’s exploding in popularity. Tourism to Japan is too, thanks to a vibrant culture, unparalleled hospitality, and a historically weak yen. With $20 cocktails quickly becoming the norm in the U.S., the favorable exchange rate also means some of the best whisky bar deals on the planet are happening right now in Japan.
A couple of things to bear in mind: Bars can be hard to find and located in the basements of buildings, table charges are normal (this is Japan, and space is at a premium) but usually include little snacks, one dram typically measures 30 ml (around one ounce), and bars can’t sell bottles because they usually aren’t licensed for it. The bar spaces are often smaller than you might imagine. While Japan has cracked down on indoor smoking, lighting up is still permitted at some bars, whether cigars or cigarettes. But at others, like Aloha Whisky in Tokyo and One Shot Bar Keith in Osaka, smoking is a no-no.
Whether...

In the last few years, Irish whiskeys have begun crowding bourbon and scotch on the shelf. In fact, Ireland’s distilling scene is undergoing an exciting renaissance—as detailed in our Winter 2016 issue. So it’s no surprise to see new brands hitting the U.S., especially around St. Paddy’s Day. Check out these four Irish whiskeys rolling out now—two new expressions from Bushmills and Tyrconnell, a unique Irish-American hybrid whiskey from Connacht, and Jameson’s limited-edition St. Patrick’s Day bottle.Bushmills Red BushStyle: Blended Irish whiskeyProof: 40% ABVPrice: $23Release: March 2017Availability: Widely availableNeed to know:Joining Bushmills Original and Black Bush, as well as a couple of aged single malts, this is the first new expression in the Bushmills family in quite awhile. It’s matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels and is recommended as a shot or with mixers like ginger ale or soda.Whisky Advocate says:In a statement, master distiller Colum...

WhiskyFest returns to the Capital City on April 17th, and—with hundreds of whiskies to choose from—it's going to be an unforgettable night for whisky lovers. Whether you want to go deep on scotch, Irish, craft whiskey, or other styles, there will be plenty of delicious drams to tempt your palate. For lovers of American whiskey, use this guide to get started, and consult the full list of pours to determine your can't-miss whiskeys.As you're planning your evening, check out our guide to making the most of the event. And if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them here!Elijah Craig Barrel ProofThere's a reason this whiskey was number one in the Top 20 Whiskies of 2017—and you can taste that reason at WhiskyFest. Master distiller Denny Potter will be on hand pouring Elijah Craig and many other Heaven Hill whiskeys—plus he's leading a seminar where you'll be able to blend your own version of Elijah Craig Small Batch.Four RosesAlthough WhiskyFest is the best place to try new...

If you like to enjoy a nip or three from your handy hip flask, but sometimes find yourself wishing for more variety, now your dream can be realized.The Macallan has partnered with Swiss watchmaker URWERK to release a flask that will double your whisky delight.The innovative—and heavily engineered—design features two titanium tanks that can be filled separately. A rotating stainless steel mouthpieceallows you to switch between whiskies seamlessly, while "winglets" pop out so the flask stands up on its own. You can even set up indicators to show the age of the whiskies and type of cask used for aging. The whole thing is excessive for a flask, but then, that's kind of the point.Only 500 The Macallan x URWERK Flasks are available, priced at rougly £2,000/$2,440 apiece. If you want one, visit The Macallan's website. And if you're looking for a single-whisky flask that's a bit more wallet-friendly, check out our suggestions...

When we gave Amrut Spectrum our World Whisky of the Year award in 2016, the Indian single malt wasn't yet available in the U.S. But as of this month, that's no longer the case—though the limited-edition whisky will still be tough to find. There are plenty of other new whiskies to try though: a brace of unique ryes from Woodford Reserve (available at the distillery only), bourbons from Redemption and George Remus (both made at MGP Distillery), single-cask scotches from the Exclusive Malts, and two bottled in bond whiskeys made by Laws Whiskey House.Amrut Spectrum 004Style: Single maltOrigin: IndiaAge: Not statedProof: 50% ABVPrice: $160Release: June 2017Availability: 1,800 bottles for the world, including 600 bottles for the U.S.Need to know:This Indian single malt whisky was matured in a cask made with four different types of staves: new American oak with a No.3 char level, lightly toasted new French oak, and ex-oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry. The 004 is latest batch of...

Heading to the Orkney Islands? These are our recommendations for the best shopping, dining, drinking, and lodging.SHOPBuy a bottle of Highland Park new make spirit at the distillery to experience this dram ‘unplugged,' ($26 for a 350ml bottle). For the flight home, Highland Park offers a Carry-on Cocktail Kit ($10) containing everything (except the whisky) needed to make two smoky Old-Fashioned cocktails at 30,000 feet.Opt for an elusive 21 year old Cask Strength Edition bottle of Scapa, exclusive to Chivas' visitor centers ($175 for a 500ml bottle).Go to Orkney Brewery's visitor center at Quoyloo, near Stromness and pick up some Dark Island Reserve—a rich, strong ale finished in whisky casks. Delightfully indulgent ($11).The excellent Brig Larder in the center of Kirkwall offers Jolly's of Orkney Highland Park Whisky Smoked Salmon—prices from $11.50. Also sample some Orkney Smoked Cheddar Cheese flavored with Highland Park ($5.40), and the superb hand-made Grimbister Orkney...

There's no place quite like the Orkney Islands, a far-flung archipelago off mainland Scotland's northern coast. Home to the Highland Park and Scapa Distilleries, Orkney (it's often referred to in the singular) has a history that goes back several millennia, and its Neolithic, Viking, and Scottish heritages intermingle throughout the stark, maritime landscape. When you're ready to make the trek northward, consult this guide for our top recommendations. And don't forget to read all about what makes Orkney so peculiarly special—and well worth a visit.What to Do on OrkneyDistillery Tours on OrkneyWhere to Shop, Eat, Drink, and Sleep on Orkney11 Life-Changing Experiences to Have on OrkneyGetting to OrkneyBY AIR Flights to Kirkwall depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Sumburgh (Shetland) airports daily and are typically under one hour. Flights are operated by Loganair and booking is available at flybe.com.BY SEA There are four ferry routes to choose from, with...

As more whisky lovers move from recreational drinking to educational drinking, distilleries have become ivory towers of whisky erudition. There is simply no better way to learn about whisky than observing a shimmering copper pot still, inhaling the heavenly smell of a barrel warehouse, and interacting with the individuals who craft our favorite spirit. Most distilleries are happy to show you around and pour you a dram or two, but a select few go above and beyond, offering immersive educational experiences that help to truly elevate your knowledge, and may even land you a dream job—making whisky, of course.UndergraduateMississippi River Distilling Whiskey SchoolLength of study: 1.5 daysTuition: $2,000 (for two)Enroll hereMississippi River Distilling hosts a whiskey school weekend each spring, with the next session scheduled for March 2018. Learn about the history of whiskey, along with its production and even consumption as you learn to mix classic cocktails. Tickets are sold in...

From the outside, whisky collecting seems like an exclusive sport, a world of international auction houses, unattainable Japanese whisky, and pre-Prohibition bottles of bourbon. But not everyone who appreciates art has to own a Basquiat. Beyond the most rarefied whiskies and record-breaking bottles is a much larger, much more accessible realm of collectible whiskies. Collecting doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming—and above all else, it should be fun.Collecting TypesThere are a few kinds of whisky collectors. Trophy hunters might buy for personal satisfaction or investment, but they tend to target rare current releases—think Pappy Van Winkle or Buffalo Trace Antique Collection—and cult distilleries like Ardbeg and Karuizawa (see our story on the most collectible distilleries, page 76). These are superb whiskies, but they're beyond the reach of most people, even most collectors. The second type, dusty hunters, chase the best vestiges of whisky history, lost treasures...

Great whisky doesn't need to cost a great amount, and we are always on the lookout for the most worthwhile buys. With holiday party season looming, consider one of these whiskies with solid scores, modest prices, and wide availability.For all whiskies reviewed in the Fall 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.The Tyrconnell Original90 points, 43% ABV, $45Repackaged at a higher strength, the nose is grassy, with lemon zest, hints of apple and pear, vanilla seeds, almonds, and fresh florals. Light honey and summer fruits, barley notes, and vanilla, becoming juicier over time with base notes of whole spice, before serving up a lemon-and-honey lozenge finish. Very assured, this double-distilled single malt is a must for your Irish whiskey shelf. —Jonny McCormickGlenfiddich 14 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve87 points, 43% ABV, $54After 14 years in bourbon wood, this was finished in heavily-charred new American oak barrels, sourced from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky. Malt...

There's your everyday bar, and then there's the glass cabinet where the special bottles reside. Those who are serious about collecting whiskyshould keep an eye out year-round, and we do the same, choosing three whiskies from each Buying Guide that generallyare limited releases and show the most potential to gain in value. For all whiskies reviewed in the Fall 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.Royal Salute 28 year old Kew Palace Edition Blended Scotch95 points, 40% ABV, $790Fresh spring floral bouquets, white peach, and nectarine tumble with sweet caramel, dried cherry, white chocolate, fresh linen notes, and vanilla cake batter. Silky smooth with fresh summer fruits, the strong peppery spices push to the fore, but this is nimble, graceful, and displays a real lightness. Compelling, captivating blending for the Flask Collection by Sandy Hyslop, this has a fragrance you could enjoy all night. —Jonny McCormickSamaroli Over an Islay Rainbow 2017 Edition Blended Malt Scotch94 points...

There are whisky trends, and then there are staples we hope never go away—like cask-strength whiskies, or 16 year olds that cost just $100, or blended malts whose quality and flavor blow the single malt competition out of the water. If you can't find us this winter, odds are good we're laying low with one of these excellent drams. These are the issue's most impressive whiskies considering score, price, and availability. For all whiskies reviewed in the Winter 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.Redbreast Cask Strength 12 year old (Batch B1/17) Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey95 points 58.6% ABV, $80The latest release pits plum, damson, fruitcake, and rosehip against wild, untamed pot still spices straining at the leash. Clove vociferously trumps raisin as the mouth-drawing power is realized; spices deflect off the tongue's surface like sparks off an anvil. As its grip slackens, the fruit ripens, bruising slightly, yet sweetening deliciously, and vanilla pod, toasted stave, and cinnamon...

The closing months of any year typically bring waves of special releases, bottles that pop up and disappear from store shelves in mere minutes—if they even make it that far. Winter 2018 was no exception as we tasted the full Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, each of the Diageo Special Releases, and more special launches. Winter is a great time to stockpile more than just fire wood, and these collectible whiskies should be at the top of your list. In each issue, we choose three whiskies from the Buying Guide that generally are limited releases and show the most potential to gain in value. For all whiskies reviewed in the Winter 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.William Larue Weller 12 year old Straight Bourbon96 points, 62.85% ABV, $99Tilled earth, tobacco, and leather meet clover honey, maple syrup, and pecan pie sweetness. It pours broad and mouth-coating across the palate, with a lovely softness and pervasive vanilla and apple sweetness, gently tugged at by oaky tannins and more...

Playing a successful stock trader on TV has its perks. For one, David Costabile, who plays Mike ‘Wags' Wagner on Showtime's Billions, is able to unfurl expletive-laden turns of phrase at knee-buckling speed. For another, he has access to an enviable array of whiskey.Billions follows Wall Street stock traders and the U.S. attorneys investigating them, and over the course of its run, both sides have reached for seriously badass bottles of whiskey. They toast over Johnnie Walker Blue Label, unwind with Kavalan, and celebrate with Michter's 20 year old, as billionaires do.
In fall 2017, the cast celebrated wrapping season three at Del Posto in New York by (how else?) drinking rare and expensive whiskey; a Michter's tasting led by distiller Dan McKee, with company president Joe Magliocco. Although Costabile was unfamiliar with Michter's prior to joining the show in 2016, he says he's since become a fan. “It's a great happenstance that they were involved,” he...

The dedicated whisky drinker always has a local watering hole—a nearby bar that they frequent for the cheap pours, extensive list, friendly staff, or simply the neighborly ambiance. This March, Jameson and Grammy award-winning musician Anderson .Paak are encouraging whiskey lovers to support their locals with the #LoveThyBar campaign, which offers a free drink courtesy of Jameson.For the duration of the month, Jameson is pledging up to $1 million toward the campaign, with Anderson .Paak featured in a video spot in support. The California singer has championed local neighborhoods through his music, frequently naming albums after towns in the state. "This cause with Jameson is one I can get behind because it's part of my story” he said in a statement. "It feels like nearly all the bars that we came up in within our hometown are done; they're just not there anymore.”Jameson is offering reimburse up to $8 for a Jameson whiskey; participants must be 21 or older and in an eligible...

The second WhiskyFest of 2019 comes to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 10. Over 288 whiskies will be available inside the Marriott Marquis, giving attendees a chance to taste entire product lines, new-to-market bottles, Top 20 winners, and many rare and exclusive pours.With so much to choose from, it's crucial to have a strategy, or at least a few priority tables to hit. Add the nine world-class seminars to the mix, and your time becomes even more valuable. Below, we've highlighted some of our can't-miss pours and experiences—but you can also consult the whisky list and seminar lineup to devise an itinerary of your own.Don't have WhiskyFest tickets yet? There's still time! Get yours today.Be Sure to Catch These Drams At WhiskyFest D.C.Benriach 10 year old and Curiositas 10 year oldFew distilleries offer both peated and non-peated versions of the same whisky, but BenRiach is one and you'll have a chance to taste both side by side to see how the whiskies compare. We spoke to...

This city's inimitable convergence of great music and fine whiskey is embodied in the recent announcement thatHeaven's Door Spirits, co-created with musician Bob Dylan, plans to open theirHeaven's Door Distillery and Center for the Artsin downtown Nashville in 2020. Touted as acraft distillery, restaurant, and live performance venue, it will be in good company offering whiskey or a show. In fact, several companies are already hosting whiskey tours, with visits to downtown distilleries likeCorsair, a craft whiskey pioneer with lots of offbeat creations. Also near the top of the list for many visitors isNelson's Green Brier Distillery, a historic producer (holding the fifth license in Tennessee) that has been resurrected as a craft distiller. Whiskey and others spirits are also emerging fromPennington Distilling CompanyandNashville Craft Distillery.However, most visitors come here with just one whiskey in mind: Jack Daniel's, the American whiskey that outsells all others. Downtown...

One of the most important things you need for your whisky tasting club is right in the name—whisky! Depending on the size of your club, buying enough bottles may prove to be quit the feat, especially when those bottles are on the more expensive side. Luckily, there are some tips you can follow to easily purchase whiskies to use for tastings with your club.Designate a Point PersonHave a knowledgeable and accessible member of the club authorize strategic purchases. This is the person club members contact when they spot an opportunistic buy.Maintain a Wish ListCreate a shared document that includes whiskies unavailable in your local market, like distillery-only and international releases, highly allocated bottles, and Travel Retail whiskies so club members can hunt while traveling.Pay UpUse club membership fees or dues to purchase higher-priced whiskies. If you can buy bottles for your club to taste for less than the price of a restaurant pour, that's a win.Declutter the ClosetIf your...

This story was originally published in December 2019; offerings and opening times may be different due to COVID-related restrictions, so check in advance of a visit.Bardstown Bourbon Co. isn't shy about celebrating not just its own whiskeys, but also its many partner brands at Bottle & Bond Kitchen & Bar. Across the cocktail menu, names like Belle Meade and Jefferson's share equal billing with Bardstown's own Fusion Series, Discovery Series, and other bourbons. Collaboration is the keyword here, with a whole section dedicated to cocktails made with Bardstown's Collaborative Series of whiskeys, like the recently featured Mack the Knife, combining Collabor&tion bourbon finished in Copper & Kings brandy casks with Averna amaro and Angostura orange bitters. (Tip: If Bardstown is offering a red wine cask-finished bourbon, ask for a New York Sour made with the whiskey and topped with a float of the wine.)
Bardstown MuleCollaboration extends to the bar's barrel-aging...

This story was originally published in December 2019; offerings and opening times may be different due to COVID-related restrictions, so check in advance of a visit.In the heart of artsy Santa Fe, just a few blocks from the Palace of the Governors and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, sits the cozy tasting room and bar of Santa Fe Spirits. Once a private home, the venue offers a quiet respite for locals and a relaxing spot for tourists to taste some Southwest whiskey flavor. Adobe walls and arched, wood-beamed ceilings create the perfect space to while away an hour or two sipping cocktails made with agave, sage, and other regional ingredients.
The Nut Job cocktailLimited to serving only New Mexico spirits, the Read Street bar focuses on its own stable of single malt whiskey, apple brandy, vodka, gin, and Atapiño liqueur, an unaged malt whiskey infused with buttery piñon nuts and ponderosa pine resin. Cocktails range from the classic, like a Smokey Manhattan and...

In "What's It Worth?" our resident auction expert examines the collectibility of a distillery, brand, or series. Here he breaks down the value of Ardbeg's popular Committee Releases.Just three years after reopening, on Jan. 1, 2000, Ardbeg Distillery launched the Ardbeg Committee, a fan club that's free to join and offers members access to special releases and other privileges. The goal was to build up a loyal following and ensure the Islay distillery never fell silent again; during the 1980s and 1990s, production had been spotty, with long periods of disuse at the distillery culminating in closure in 1996.One large perk of joining the Ardbeg Committee is access to its exclusive bottlings, many of which have become collector's items—though plenty are opened and enjoyed. The earliest releases were available by mail order and took time to sell out, but as Ardbeg's fan base grew, release days were marked by chaotic online scrambles to acquire a bottle—even though quantities are now...

James Bond enjoys himself a drink. Special agent 007 is a worldly man, and when he's not pouring something neat at the end of a long day, he's using drinks to adapt to the many countries and cultures where he is assigned. While he's best known for ordering Martinis—his “shaken not stirred” line synonymous with the character after all these years—Bond's taste in drinks is far from limited. Over the course of 53 years, 24 films, and 6 actors portraying him, Bond uncorks champagne, sips sherry, and winds down with whisky. In Ian Fleming's original books, Bond actually drinks more scotch and soda than Martinis—with scotch just eclipsing the Martini at a rate of 21 to 19.The Bond character is discerning and cultured, whatever the setting or spirit. He drinks Mojitos in Havana, sharing his drink with Jinx (Halle Berry), and telling her, “You should try it.” When he's offered saké in Japan, he remarks that he enjoys the beverage...

If you're whipping up cocktails this summer and putting orange juice to use, we have some recipes that let you go beyond the classic Blood and Sand, and use practically any style of whisky. And there are plenty of new whiskies to play around with from this week's Whisky Weekend lineup, including the return of Glenmorangie's single estate single malt, a finished rye from WhistlePig, a single grain scotch from Loch Lomond, and more. Read on for full details.Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate Batch #2Style: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Highlands)Age: 15 year oldABV: 43%Price: $85Release: July 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:This is the second edition of Glenmorangie’s single estate whisky—made entirely from barley grown on its Cadboll Estate, which surrounds the distillery, and matured onsite. Like the first edition, this whisky was finished in American oak bourbon barrels.Whisky Advocate says:Cadboll Estate Batch #1 came out swinging, as it earned the No. 13 spot on our Top 20...

You have to be 21 or over to consume whisky, but that doesn't mean you have to let go of your whimsical side. Arcade bars around the country offer whisky drinkers a chance to pair their dram of choice with a healthy dose of nostalgia—from Pac-Man to pinball, and everything in between. We've scouted out a few bars that capture the liveliness of an arcade while also offering robust whisky lists.This article was originally published in October 2020. COVID-related restrictions may affect some of the opening times and offerings of these venues, so check in advance of a visit.Pinball Meets PappyPinballz—Lake Creek location, Austin, TexasThey say “everything is bigger in Texas,” and that's true for this massive arcade and bar that spans over 100,000 square feet. All three of the Pinballz locations in Texas offer a wide variety of arcade games and pinball machines—Lake Creek boasts over 300. Lake Creek is also home to The Whiskey Bar, where pours range from $6 for Jameson to over...

In case you missed it: On August 13, Whisky Advocate traveled to Milton, Delaware to visit the Dogfish Head brewing and distilling team, and speak with co-founder Sam Calagione about making spirits with a craft brewing background. During the interview, Calagione and associate editor Ted Simmons tasted through Dogfish Head Let's Get Lost single malt whiskey and Sonic Archeology bottled cocktail. The former scored 92 points in our Winter 2020 Buying Guide, while the latter is a mingling of Dogfish Head whiskey, rum, apple brandy, honey, and lemon and pomegranate juices.Opened in 1995 as a craft brewer, Dogfish Head started making spirits on a very small scale in 2002, and then ramped up production around 2015. Its distilling arm now has a lineup that includes vodka, gin, rum, and American single malt, as well as experimental releases like Sonic Archeology. Calagione explained that his distilling focus will remain innovative, foregoing mainstream styles in favor of single malts while...

The Fall 2021 issue of Whisky Advocate features over 130 whisky reviews covering a range of styles. Since the issue focuses on bourbon, the Buying Guide is chock-full of reviews that cover cask-finishing, non-Kentucky producers, Texas's growing craft scene, and more, but there is plenty else to enjoy, including single malts from Scotland, the U.S., Germany, Ireland, India, and Taiwan.As for high scores, we have those as well, with the below whiskies all earning 93 points or more. These don't include our Editors' Choice, Best Value, or Collectibles selections, but represent the very best from the whisky world, including two cask strength Irish whiskeys, age statements ranging from 6 to 24 years old, and a pair of single malt scotches that use home-grown barley. Familiar names like Barrell, Balvenie, and Ardbeg are joined by Bib & Tucker and Blue Note, two Tennessee-based brands proving that the Volunteer State can make high-quality bourbon in addition to the state's trademark...

It is universally understood that whisky is more enjoyable when you share it, and the experience becomes even more rewarding when you're able to give back in the process. Here's a roundup of American whiskeys that contribute to a variety of charitable causes, with a portion of proceeds going to such organizations as the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association, Folds of Honor, and a number of conservation efforts.Pick up one of those charitable-minded bottles this weekend, or seek out one of the new releases in this week's roundup. The Glenrothes has a limited edition 36 year old single cask that comes equipped with an illustrated NFT, Blackened has a new rye whiskey that was finished in madeira wine and Caribbean rum casks, and Stranahan's has distillery-exclusive tequila finished single malt. Read on for full details. Glenrothes 36 year old 1978 Vintage (Cask #3631)Style: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Speyside)Age: 36 year oldABV: 41.4%Price: $3,600Release: April 27th...

Summer and whisky have never gone so well together! Jeffery Lindenmuth serves up 10 daring, yet refreshing whisky cocktails in his feature "Make It A Summer of Whisky." How does a Strawberry-Mint Poptail or a Whiskey-Gria sound?

Meanwhile, Fred Minnick breaks down the history of bonded whiskeys and recommends a few to try. Have a look and visit your favorite liquor store where you'll likely find a great bang for your buck bottle on the shelf.

Five Scotch whisky distilleries are celebrating anniversaries this year: Deanston, Tamnavulin, Craigellachie, Strathmill, and Lagavulin. Jonny McCormick gives perspective on their history and the impact they've had on the Scotch whisky industry as we know it today.

He also breaks down the still—that mass of shiny copper, a work of art, a mechanical intrigue, and a key component to the whisky you enjoy. Sure, the barrels used for aging impart flavors that are key to the profile of a dram, but it's in the still...

Halloween is on Monday, which means it’s time to unwrap some candy, open up some whisky, and find your favorite pairing. We put together this list of whiskies that showcase popular candy notes, though we also have a guide to pairing a variety of candy types with a wide range of whisky. Start by matching flavors, searching for whiskies that have notes of chocolate, nuts, cookies, and caramel, and grabbing a Snickers, Twix, or other candy to go with it.
As for new whiskies this week, there are plenty of treats to choose from. Buffalo Trace has unveiled this year’s Antique Collection, which includes the return of George T. Stagg. Glenmorangie adds to its Tale series with a woodland-inspired single malt, while The Macallan adds to the Harmony Collection with a pair of whiskies inspired by coffee. Nikka meanwhile, extends its Discovery Series with two new single malts devoted to yeast. Read on for full...

The Wynn Las Vegas mega-resort is anchored by the connected Wynn and Encore hotels, each of which in turn has an even more luxurious boutique “Tower Suites” hotel within it. These twins are linked by casinos, spas, retail therapy, live entertainment, amenities, and a mind-boggling array of bars, restaurants, and lounges. Wynn is the only hotel on the Strip with a golf course, a stunning Tom Fazio design that has drawn pro athletes like Super Bowl champs Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. With all these offerings, the resort has become a favorite destination for those in search of pampering, wellness, food, golf, and increasingly, whisky.
Since the resort hired Mariena Mercer Boarini as master mixologist two years ago she has overseen—and overhauled—most of the cocktail menus and whisky lists for the 34 watering holes within Wynn, a couple of which are entirely new venues. While each has its own signature drinks and whisky list, many share in the extensive...

California vintner and entrepreneur Bill Foley has now added distilling to his long list of business interests, as last week came news of his deal to acquire the shuttered Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Minden, Nevada. The property had been on the market since March of last year.
Minden, population 3,000, is located about 20 miles from Lake Tahoe in the far western part of the state, near the California line. The distillery is housed inside the old Minden Flour Mill, which was built in 1906 and purchased by the Bently family in 1969. Christopher Bently, who represented the current generation of ownership prior to the Foley deal, remembers playing in the abandoned mill as a boy. 

The distillery itself, however, has been operational only since 2019. After a visit to Scotland, Bently and his wife Camille became inspired by the idea of creating an estate-driven single malt, with all grains grown at the property. Other whiskeys...

It’s fun to sip and discuss the ins and outs of Islay’s various whiskies, and most peat lovers have their favorite. But when it comes to picking the Islay distiller with the strongest suit in aged whiskies, there is no debate: it’s Bowmore. As the oldest distillery on the island, Bowmore’s reputation for ultra-aged releases somehow seems fitting. It’s very much Islay’s elder statesman, standing somewhat apart from its more precocious fellow islanders with a certain dignified, almost aloof, image. The peated element in Bowmore’s whisky doesn’t scream quite as loudly as the others do either, but is instead more subtle and understated, defining the Bowmore style.
Despite a somewhat imposing image, Bowmore is a friendly place that welcomes whisky lovers to visit its centuries-old cellars and its airy malt barns. Yet there is a mystique to it all, and much of that aura swirls about those aged whisky archives—most notably those from...

Whisky Advocate's editors have selected three great value bottles from our most recent issue's Buying Guide. These are whiskies with solid scores, modest prices, and wide availability. The Summer 2023 issue's best values include a blend of straight whiskeys, a blended scotch, and an Irish rye. For all whiskies reviewed in the Summer 2023 issue, visit the Buying Guide.
90 Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength blend of straights, 58.6%, $70
Buttered French toast and maple syrup, muted notes of strawberry ice cream, blueberry cobbler, and fragrant oak. The palate is smoothly textured but with plenty of bite, supple flavor integration, hints of milk chocolate and a bakery note of almond paste. Water tames its wilder side, bringing out black pepper, a hint of licorice, and more chocolate. Pleasantly rustic and earthy at its base, with sweeter notes playing atop an excellent finish.
89 The Deacon blended scotch, 40%, $40
A wide spectrum of aromas...

Starting a whiskey distillery takes perseverance, dedication, and courage, at a minimum. There are a host of distillery founders who have these qualities embedded in their blood; they are U.S. military Veterans. They have served our country and are now distilling the spirits of America.
In honor of Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11th, consider filling your glass with whiskey distilled by a Veteran or a distillery that donates a portion of its sales to a Veteran cause. Better yet, for those that offer tours or tasting rooms, pay them a visit and thank them for their service. Here is just a sampling of Veteran-owned whiskeys.
21st Amendment
Vero Beach, Florida
Tours and tasting room
rye, bourbon, rum, gin, vodka, and agave
Black Patch
Madison, Alabama
Tours and tastings
rye, bourbon, flavored whiskey, moonshine, and agave
Eight Oaks
New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Tours and tasting room
rye, bourbon, gin, rum, vodka...

American whiskey makers are getting an early jump on the year's releases, as Old Forester kicks things off with a new expression in its Whiskey Row Series. This series was started in 2014, with each release highlighting a significant historical milestone in Old Forester's history. The latest release, 1924, channels the Prohibition era. It has a bit more age than the core whiskey, which is usually matured for around  4 to 6 years. It also has a slightly different mashbill, with the rye component much lower than that of the traditional Old Forester. Commemorating its history is a prominent theme for Old Forester, even more so than most whiskey houses: its 117 Series, which launched in 2021, themes its releases in a similar way, and the company's annual Birthday Bourbon release honors the founder. Elsewhere among new rollouts, Angel's Envy is out with a three-pack of finished bourbons—oloroso sherry cask, tawny port, and madeira...

Just after 12 a.m. on December 2nd, as temperatures dip below 25 degrees, the biting winter air hasn’t dampened the party in Stranahan’s Distillery parking lots in Denver. Dubbed “Snowflake Village,” it’s where more than 1,000 people have set up post in tents and RVs. All the revelers are here to purchase a bottle of the limited-edition 2023 Snowflake single malt release, a distillery-only offering that will go on sale first thing the next morning.
In this frigid setting, pockets of Stranahan’s superfans, all bundled to the hilt in winter garb, roast marshmallows on open fires just outside a giant (inflatable) igloo, as a stream of musicians rotates through the igloo’s stage. The line for the official Stranahan’s bar, nestled in a corner of the igloo, is more than a dozen deep, though many denizens are swapping flasks containing past Snowflake releases, among other whiskies. A quartet of food trucks has ceased serving, so camping...

We recently published our Editor's Choice selections for scotch whisky from the Summer issue's Buying Guide, and here we present the Editor's Choices for rye—along with a few others that scored 90 points and higher. Some are new and others are not, but even the returnees are worth another visit.  Whether sipping neat alongside s'mores, mixing them with a cocktail by the lake, or with a cold rock after a day at the beach, there's plenty to love about rye whiskey. Most ryes are spicy, but there's a lot more variance than some people may think. Those with 95% rye in the mashbill are lip-smacking, spicy favorites, but the ones with more corn or malt in the mix can be sweeter. Across the spectrum, you'll find flavors ranging from fruity, earthy, bakery-like, creamy caramel, and even coffee-laden. Sample some of these high-scoring ryes to find your sweet and spicy spot.
93 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Chocolate Malt...

Whether you're on a quest for a new pour, buying a gift, or searching for a unique bottle to share with friends, shopping for a whisky can be overwhelming with the abundance of choices available today. Our Summer issue serves up a list of 95 high-scoring whiskies priced at $100 or less. Consider this list when seeking a whisky to mix up in a refreshing summer cocktail; we've curated a list of 10 whisky-based drinks to beat the summer heat. Plus, bartenders shared their tips and tricks to elevate your at-home mixing. Prefer to leave it to the professionals? Visit any or all of the 10 waterfront whisky bars featured in this issue. And that's not all. This issue also covers the nitty-gritty of bottled in bond, a whisky lover's travel guide to Newport, Rhode Island, and a plethora of reviews of recently released whiskies. Happy shopping and...

Sorry, Russell’s Reserve 13 fans; there won’t be a release of that acclaimed expression this year. That’s because master distiller Eddie Russell and the Wild Turkey crew are instead giving you Russell’s Reserve 15 year old. (Spoiler: we got a taste and it’s quite good.)
For the uninitiated, Russell had been blending some 13 year old Russell’s Reserve into its 10 year old expression. “We figured we could keep that [the 13 year old] out and release it on its own,” says Russell. And in 2021, that’s just what Wild Turkey did: launched Russell’s Reserve 13. Initially, it was a one-time release, honoring Eddie Russell, but it was so popular that the company promoted it to an annual limited release starting in 2022. For this year, though, Russell decided to go with a 15 year old, and this will be a one-time-only offering, for reasons we’ll make clear in a second.
How is Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon...

In January 2018, the Kentucky Vintage Spirits Law was enacted. The law’s aim is to allow bars, restaurants, and liquor stores to sell vintage spirits without using a distributor. Alcohol in the U.S. normally must be sold through what’s called the three-tier system—starting with a producer, who sells to a distributor, who then sells to a retailer. But now Kentucky’s licensed retailers (including bars and restaurants) can buy old bottles from ordinary citizens and sell them in their establishments. Among other advantages for whiskey lovers, it provides an outlet to those who previously had to seek out “old dusty” vintage whiskeys on the illegal secondary markets that flourish on Facebook.
However, some ambiguous wording in the law created multiple problems over the past six years. Numerous sources we spoke to shared stories of state liquor enforcement agents misunderstanding the law, leading to confiscations of products and fines. Here are some of...

The Winter issue features our list of the Top 20 Whiskies of 2024, which highlights the most exciting releases of the year. As always, the rankings include whiskies of a variety of styles and origins, but there's something for everyone to enjoy! Elsewhere in the issue, you'll meet the Kentucky families that have been making whiskey for generations; discover American whiskey with international roots; get acquainted with American blenders; visit Chicago in 48 Hours; and much more

George T. Stagg was one of six distilleries allowed to continue to produce alcohol during Prohibition. Between 1920 and 1933, people could visit a doctor, obtain a prescription for several pints of “medicine,” and legally procure America’s spirit. Today, Stagg is distilled at Buffalo Trace, and Buffalo Trace is honoring its legacy of helping all the ailing Americans during Prohibition by reviving labels and brands from the era.
This five-bottle set, aptly called Prohibition Collection, is now in its second edition of being an annual release. The full 2025 Prohibition Collection No. 2 lineup includes: Mirror Brook blend, Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.) bourbon, Anderson’s Belle wheated bourbon, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn whiskey, and Silver Wedding rye.  All were originally produced at George T. Stagg Distillery, under then-president Albert B. Blanton’s leadership, and Buffalo Trace isolated and has used the same yeast strain since Prohibition...

Diageo-backed Distill Ventures has been in the news recently. Essentially it's a venture capital fund for small start-up distillers using the incubator model of business development: a creative attempt to identify real long-term winners from the craft distilling scene. In return, Diageo gets equity in the business.Until recently, investment levels have been relatively modest but with a commitment of around $14 million in Denmark's Stauning Whisky just announced and an unspecified but presumably similar amount in Starward New World Whisky of Melbourne, Australia, I asked Frank Lampen, co-founder and CEO of Distill Ventures what marked out these investments.“Typical to all of our investments, the first thing to attract us is the team,” he told me. “In Stauning's case, you have nine friends, all with very different backgrounds, perspectives, and skill sets. They are a real mix and you can see the influences from each of them reflected in the decisions they make… [it's] the...

Before you can do anything else with whisky, you have to buy it, and that's where a lot of people go wrong. They pay too much, or get the same old thing they always get, or they get what a reviewer said to get, or they go to the wrong store, or they buy something expensive that's way out of their comfort zone without tasting it first. If you've done this (or if you think you may have done this), don't worry: we can help.Know ThyselfThe ancient Greek aphorism works pretty well on buying whisky. Don't buy what the crowd's buying (if you've heard of “supply and demand,” one very good reason should be clear); figure out what it is that you actually like, and pursue that. Self-confidence is one of the most important whisky-tasting tools to develop, and as always, tasting widely is the best course of action.You'll likely find during the process that you like a range of whiskies, not just one, and surely some of them are not currently in the Hype Box. For instance, I was overjoyed to...

The size and shape of the still have a huge impact on the characteristics of the final whisky, as does other equipment like purifiers and condensers. If you want to seedifferent distillery tools in action,use this comprehensive list of Scotland's distilleries as a guide.Lantern-shaped/lamp-like stillsGlenkinchie, Jura, ArdbegPear-shaped stillsLagavulin, Dufftown, Allt-A Bhainne, MiltonduffOnion-shaped stillsBruichladdich, Kilchoman, SpringbankFlat-top stillsCragganmore, Dalmore, Old PulteneyBoil BallsCragganmore, Glenmorangie, KilchomanPurifiersArbikie, Ardbeg, Glen Grant, Isle of Harris, StrathmillInteresting lyne armsTalisker (U-bend) and Tobermory (S-bend)Worm tubsBallindalloch, Balmenach, Benrinnes, Cragganmore, Craigellachie, Dalwhinnie, Edradour, Glen Elgin,Glenkinchie, Mortlach, Oban, Old Pulteney, Royal Lochnagar, Speyburn, Springbank...

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 21st year, the program is still about the world's greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. As always, these awards are not simply assigned to the whiskies that get the highest ratings in our reviews. The winners might be the highest-rated, or they might instead be the most significant, the most important, or represent a new direction for a category or niche. The awards process is not, in short, a mere numbers-based formula. It is recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, and tradition, as well as great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards. These awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year's end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies…as we have done for over...

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 20th year, the program is still simply about the world's greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. As always, these awards are not simply assigned to the whiskies that get the highest ratings in our reviews. The winners might be the highest-rated, or they might instead be the most significant, the most important, or represent a new direction for a category or niche. The awards process is not, in short, a mere numbers-based formula. It is recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and…simply great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards. These awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year's end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies…as we have done for...

Heaven Hill Brands, which makes Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Larceny, Henry McKenna, and other whiskeys, has named Denny Potter as vice president of operations, in addition to his existing role as master distiller. Potter has been with the company since 2013, serving as master distiller and Bernheim plant manager afterParker Beam stepped down due to his battle with ALS. Beam passed away in January.Before joining Heaven Hill, Potterworked in various production capacitieswith Maker's Mark and Cruzan Rum. In addition to overseeing distilling, hisnew role will see him directing operations at Heaven Hill's bottling facility in Bardstown, Kentucky, Bernheim Distillery in Louisville—currently undergoing a big expansion—and the Deep Eddy vodka distillery and production facility in Austin, Texas.Regarding his new role, Potter stated, "I'm fortunate to be a part of the Heaven Hill Distillery legacy. Our rich tradition and my experience was enriched greatly by the late Parker Beam. Parker...

“How boring would it be if all wine were Merlot?” asks Matt Hofmann, master distiller at Seattle's Westland Distillery. Much like wine grapes, there are hundreds of varieties of barley, the grain responsible for single malt scotch and other highly regarded whiskies. And Hofmann proposes that each has its own unique properties. “We're working with one right now called Purple Egyptian. It comes from Egypt. It's 2,000 years old. It has these really rich plum notes. It's just fascinating. It's very, very cool and it changes the whole idea of what whiskey making can be. … You get complexity by increased age or changing the casks, but what if we thought more like wine makers? What if we really dove down into terroir and the raw ingredients? That's what we're trying to do.”Most whisky experimentation occurs at the points of barrel maturation or the blending process, but barley experimentation in the world of whisky is about to get a boost from genetic science: A group of 77...

There was a fraudster within the Scotch whisky community. We found him, and we've taken him out,” says Isabel Graham-Yooll with ice-cool composure. The director of Whisky.Auction in London was instrumental in exposing a forger's scheme to defraud whisky collectors of tens of thousands of dollars. The one thing collectors and auctioneers are left to wonder: is this just the tip of the iceberg?“He was the Rudy Kurniawan of whisky and spirits. As we've discovered since his arrest, this was a huge crime,” says Graham-Yooll. Kurniawan, an infamous wine counterfeiter, famously duped well-heeled collectors and highly regarded auction houses with his counterfeit Burgundy and Bordeaux until his arrest in 2012.While others revel in the presence of rare whisky, Graham-Yooll's job is to eye each bottle with suspicion. In her line of work, some degree of paranoia is an advantage; all the better to ferret out fake whiskies hiding among the genuine articles. With two decades in the spirits...

A new year means a whole new crop of whiskies entering our buying guide—both recent releases and tried-and-true expressions. Topping our Spring 2018 list is Johnnie Walker Blue Label, a grail for many, and a dram of exceptional reputation. Also included is a standout from the Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3, a collection of five handpicked whiskies representing each of the decades that Malt Master David Stewart has spent with the company. The full collection is available to sample as a flight or individually at the Four Seasons' Ty Bar in New York.Meanwhile, it's all about the oak for Yamazaki's 2017 Mizunara Cask 18 year old and the latest in Midleton's Dair Ghaelach virgin Irish oak series. Another 18 year old, this one a straight rye whiskey from Redemption, shows off the effect of long aging on American whiskey.Elsewhere, there are echoes of the Top 20 Whiskies of 2017, as Compass Box Phenomenology scores 94 points, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C917, the follow-up batch...

The best part of WhiskyFest is the selection: Hundreds of new whiskies await your glass, representing scotch, bourbon, Irish, craft whiskey, and so many other styles. If you want to make a night of tasting only the newest releases, you'll be busy. Here are our top picks for the must-taste new whiskies at WhiskyFest Chicago on March 23rd—many of them making their public debut that very night.Keep this list handy, and consult our recommendations for the top bourbons, scotches, and craft whiskeys at the event. Don't forget to check out the free seminars, or to plot your strategy for making the most of your evening. Haven't gotten tickets yet? There are still a few available.Glenmorangie SpìosThe latest release in Glenmorangie's Private Edition Series, Spìos was matured entirely in American rye casks, giving it a spicy flavor profile. (“Spìos” means spice in Scots Gaelic.)Barton 1792 Bottled in BondA limited-edition bonded bourbon from Sazerac's Barton Distillery, be sure you...

We normally equate devices that purport to improve our whisky with Ponzi schemes, snake oil, and the "Spanish Prisoner" ruse. However, would-be whisky alchemists continue to conjure up devices that pledge to work miracles. In the interest of science, our tasting panel put these products' claims to the taste test with a basic bourbon and blended scotch, both priced around $20, and a $40 white whiskey.Better Aeration, More Maturity: Testing the Promises of Whisky GadgetsThe Barrel Mill Oak Infusion Spirals—$25/6 pack of 2.5 inch spiralsPromise: Forgo barrel aging as you “…achieve similar results directly in the bottle.” Intended for unaged whiskey, Oak Infusion Spirals come in a variety of sizes and char levels. We immersed a 2.5-inch American Oak Char #3 spiral in the white whiskey and sampled every week for five weeks.Verdict: While it tasted in no way similar to barrel-aged whiskey as promised, the spicy oak layered atop a quality distillate made for an enjoyable experiment...

I see FarmStock 001 being a $10,000 bottle of whiskey within 10 years," says Raj Bhakta. It's a bold predictionfrom the founder of pioneering craft distillery WhistlePig, especially given that FarmStock 001 is the company's first offering to include whiskey actually distilled at WhistlePig's picturesque Vermont farm. Bhakta, however, has good reason for his optimism. The most recent release from WhistlePig, Boss Hog The Black Prince, a rye finished in Armagnac casks, launched last fall and retails for $500 a bottle—an unheard-of price for a craft upstart.The Black Prince has beaten out competition from Scotland, Ireland, Kentucky, and Japan to win a slew of awards, including the Best Whiskey in Show award from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Bhakta and others believe that Boss Hog is not an outlier or a flash in the pan, but the beginning of something new. Not just for drinking anymore, American whiskey has achieved investment grade.Add These American Whiskeys to Your...

A historic and well-known scotch label has changed hands. Cutty Sark blended whisky—formerly part of the Edrington Group portfolio—has been acquired by French company La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, which also owns Glen Moray Distillery in Scotland's Speyside region. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Edrington has agreed to continue providing blending, bottling, and other services for Cutty Sark during a transition period.Cutty Sark was invented in 1923 by wine and spirits company Berry Bros. & Ruddand named after a famous clipper ship that was the fastest in the world during its 19th-century heyday. The whisky's blend was intentionally designed to be light and mixable, resulting in a high grain content that persists to this day. At one point in the 1960s, Cutty was the best-selling scotch in the U.S., although the whisky's popularity has waned in recent generations. Edrington Group acquired the brand from Berry Bros. in 2010, launching a higher-proof Prohibition...

Irish whiskey lovers are luckier than ever. More blended Irish whiskeys have appeared in the last five years than in the previous 50. The transformation of blended Irish whiskey from a lifeline thrown by the few surviving distillers of Ireland to the life force driving forward one of the most thrilling whiskey-making nations is a truly remarkable feat. Irish pot still whiskey and Irish single malts deserve the love of aficionados, but for Ireland, the blend is savior, champion, protector, hero, and guardian angel.Learn Everything You Need to Know About Irish WhiskeyUnlike their Scottish counterparts, Irish blenders often work with whiskeys made under their own roof, which originated out of necessity given the dearth of Irish distillers throughout the 20th century. Furthermore, Irish blends can be made from any combination of the three distinct styles of whiskey produced in Ireland. This differs profoundly from blending in Scotland, where blenders combine just two styles, but many...

Want to buy a $20 single malt scotch? Good luck. Desire a quality $30 Cognac? Yeah, right. Even vodka, which can be made in an instant, places its premium products north of $30. Fortunately, we do not need to settle for cheap beer or two-dollar jug wine. Hope awaits us penny-pinching spirits lovers: sitting in new charred oak barrels, resting in Kentucky rickhouses are copious amounts of delicious bourbon that will be bottled in the $9 to $30 range, delivering plenty of satisfying flavor, while still leaving some coin in our pockets.The recent interest in bourbon has priced once-hidden gems like Elijah Craig 18 year old out of the everyday drinking conversation for many of us. Lavish media attention made others, like Pappy Van Winkle, nearly impossible to find, but the bourbon standbys that so often go unappreciated are waiting on the shelves to offer solace.The Best Bourbons for $20 or LessJust ask Ernie Smith, a western Massachusetts resident who's been drinking bourbon so long his...

Baseball may be the national pastime, but bourbon is the national spirit. This season, those points of pride converge once again as several minor league baseball teams hurl a changeup—temporarily adopting names that honor their local whiskey heritage, often accompanied by in-stadium whiskey perks.In a nod to the whiskey-making past of Peoria, Illinois, the class A Chiefs become the Distillers a few times each season. Prior to Prohibition, Peoria was heralded as the “Whiskey Capital of the World,” with a minor league team, the Distillers, representing the city up until 1917. In 2018, the Chiefs revived the Distillers name to play the Bowling Green Hot Rods (reimagined as the Bootleggers) for what has become the annual Battle for the Barrel.The Chiefs connect the community with Peoria's history by decorating the stadium with photos of historic Distillers players. “We have a responsibility both pre-game, on our social media, or on our website, and our communications with our fans...

Don't fret that summer's coming to a close, celebrate that the biggest whisky release season is upon us, and this week serves as a hearty entry, with loads of new single malt scotch and other whiskies.Glenfiddich is hoping you turn to their 23 year old Grand Cru next time you have a toast-worthy occasion. The whisky was finished in French cuvée casks from the country's most famous sparkling wine region. At $300, the single malt will be part of the brand's core range and is widely available starting this month.Less permanent, Four Roses is releasing their annual Limited Edition Small Batch bourbon, this year's release clocking in at 56.3% ABV and $140. Each Limited Edition Small Batch release scores high marks in our Buying Guide, so this whiskey, released for National Bourbon Heritage Month, should appeal to collectors and sippers alike.Meanwhile, back in Scotland, Aberlour has a new A'bunadh expression, Alba, mirroring past cask-strength releases but matured in American oak bourbon...

Virginia Distillery Co. had big plans for 2020. Following the success of its Virginia-Highland series—including the Cider Cask-Finished, No. 13 in the Whisky Advocate 2018 Top 20—the up-and-coming distillery was set to release Courage & Conviction, its first fully house-made American single malt. It was a momentous occasion, and one that just happened to coincide with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.“It never occurred to us to slow it down,” said CEO Gareth Moore on Whisky Advocate's Instagram Live series #TasteWithSpace on Aug. 7. “Our launch date was April 4, and we probably put that date in stone sometime in 2018. And once the train was heading down the station there was no stopping us.”It's good news for whiskey lovers, as Courage & Conviction is now available and proven to be great, scoring 91 points in the Summer 2020 Buying Guide. “It's our first true-blue American single malt whiskey,” Moore said. “The component that we had been...

When news broke on Aug. 17 that spirits giant Diageo had acquired a company called Davos Brands, the focus was on Aviation gin, the jewel of the Davos portfolio, which is backed by actor Ryan Reynolds. But sharp-witted whisky lovers may also have remembered that Davos has a partnership with Texas' Balcones Distilling—and wondered what would happen to it.The good news is that, for now, Balcones' prospects seem secure, as Davos has no ownership stake in Balcones itself. “The agreement that we have with Davos, which kicked off on Jan. 1, is simply a sales support agreement,” Balcones chairman Greg Allen tells Whisky Advocate. “We did not sell them any equity, and therefore, when Diageo purchased them, Diageo didn't purchase any equity. So the post-Davos-Diageo deal, from our point of view, is really no different than [before], because Diageo and Davos have told us that Davos is going to operate independently from Diageo.” But Allen believes the deal could have...

You might not expect to find a trio of friends enjoying one another's company over cigars at a private cigar lounge to be discussing Jell-O shots—but for Whisky Blasphemy, those are the exact circumstances that brought the group to fruition.“
We're all members at Holt's cigar club in Philadelphia and there was an older gentleman there who was a big fan of Johnnie Walker Blue, and we all loved him but we used to tease him because he would never drink anything else no matter how much we tried to convince him,” says Judd Weisgal, who co-founded Whisky Blasphemy with friends Matt Kinson and Jun Nunez. “Then one day we were at the club and Matt, who's a smart aleck of the highest order, said, ‘We should make Johnnie Walker Blue Jell-O shots just to mess with this guy.'”
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The rest is history, as they say. While the trio never ended up making those gelatin delicacies, it did open up a conversation...

Toa Shuzo Co. Ltd., owner of legendary Japanese whisky brand Hanyu—which rose to fame through the Ichiro's Malt Card Series, one of the most coveted whisky collections in the world—has announced plans to rebuild the distillery, which closed two decades ago. The company is aiming for a quick construction period and a February 2021 reopening, telling Whisky Advocate, “Hanyu distillery will be revived.”Based in the city of Hanyu in Japan's Saitama prefecture, Toa Shuzo is creating a replica of the original pot still from the old Hanyu distillery to resume production of its own malt whisky. “Based on the drawing of the pot still that was distilling malt whisky before the suspension [of production], we will manufacture the exact same pot still … and revive the malt whisky made by the [original] Hanyu distillery,” Toa Shuzo said in a translated version of a press release originally published on Oct. 27.Toa Shuzo acquired a license to manufacture whisky for Hanyu in 1946...

College can be the setting for many formative experiences; if you didn't develop an appreciation for whiskey in your university years, perhaps you discovered a taste for it. Recently, colleges have been striking licensing deals with breweries—like Old Tuffy, a partnership between NC State and New Belgium Brewing—but until now no one had branched into spirits. Breaking that ground is New Mexico State University (NMSU), which is launching a collaborative whiskey to raise funds for its athletic department. Made in partnership with Las Cruces-based Dry Point Distillers, Pistol Pete Six-Shooter rye joins the school's existing branded beer and wine.In a year where many college campuses have reduced attendance at athletic events, the licensing deals allow NMSU to make up some of its lost ticket sales. “While I don't think one product is going to hit it big, when you start adding the licensing revenue from a spirit and a wine and a beer, and some of these other consumables that we have...

Being appointed master distiller at any distillery is a hefty task, but the title takes on even more weight when it's at the largest distillery in the United States. “It's been a bit of a whirlwind,” Chris Fletcher said of the five weeks since he was announcedas master distiller at Tennessee whiskey giant Jack Daniel's. Fletcher joined Whisky Advocate's Instagram Live series #TasteWithSpace on Nov. 13 to discuss his new position, which he started in early October after former master distiller Jeff Arnett stepped down the preceding month. “I've been around this distillery a long time, since I was about six years old,” Fletcher said. “It's been a really cool thing to get rolling with our team here.”As he stated, Fletcher is no stranger to Jack Daniel's. Beyond working at the distillery on and off starting in 2001, Fletcher has the Tennessee whiskey in his blood—his grandfather, Frank Bobo, was Jack Daniel's fifth master distiller from 1966 to 1989. Fletcher is the eighth...

While flavored whiskeys are often looked at askance by drinks connoisseurs, there is nothing inherently wrong with them. Sure, many of them on the market are purely that—“flavored,” with artificial ingredients and sugars that can make them taste cloying and synthetic. That's not the case in a sub-category of flavored whiskeys that is emerging—ones infused with real cherries—from an epicenter in Michigan.“We're a whiskey company based in the cherry capital of the world,” says Chris Fredrickson, co-founder and distiller at Traverse City Whiskey Co. in Traverse City. “And that, combined with our family history in cherry farming—my father is a third-generation cherry farmer—made it an obvious first extension for us.”He suspects people enjoy these new cherry whiskeys because they're lower proof (often in the 35% to 40% ABV range) and extremely approachable. Many drinkers find them a refreshing option on ice and likewise great for adding a fun twist to classic...

Country music and whiskey often go hand-in-hand, both of them emblematic of American culture, and perfect for enjoying together. Several country singers and groups have launched their own whiskeys, including Florida Georgia Line (Wolf Moon), John Rich of Big & Rich (Redneck Riviera), and Darius Rucker (Backstage Southern Whiskey). But none of them bring together the ultimate American matchup quite like Lee Greenwood, who's preparing to launch an eponymous whiskey this spring in partnership with Omaha, Nebraska's Soldier Valley Spirits.The writer and singer of the popular patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA” says that he was drawn to work with Soldier Valley because its military connections align with his values. “If you look at the history of my career, you won't find my name associated with anything else other than something military,” Greenwood says. “I met these two guys, and I would say David [Young, Soldier Valley's president] and Jeff [Hadden, founder] are just the...

Single malt scotch and Irish whiskey fans across the U.S. can rejoice and begin readying themselves for pruned price tags on a whole host of bottlings, all thanks to a thaw in the U.S.-UK trade relationship. For the next four months, the U.S. is suspending the 25% tariff on single malt scotch and Irish whiskey from Northern Ireland—among other products—that it initially imposed back in October 2019, in response to a longstanding dispute over aircraft subsidies. Cue celebration among whiskey importers too.“Hallelujah—it's about time!” exclaims Raj Sabharwal, founding partner of Glass Revolution Imports, which brings a variety of scotch whiskies to the U.S. “Last year we deferred [importing] some of our portfolio because of the impact the tariff would have on them, so we can certainly bring those whiskies over now. And I'm about to reprice everything in our system to reflect the lower costs that we'll be selling at.”Sabharwal anticipates that Glass Revolution's single...

EDITOR'S NOTE: In our “What's It Worth?” series, Whisky Advocate auction expert Jonny McCormick examines the current collectibility of a distillery or brand. With the long-silenced Brora Distillery now reopened, wepause to examine the auction values achieved over the last year for Brora bottlings in the Diageo Special Releases program and beyond.When the discussion turns to Scotland's silent distilleries, most collectors think of Brora and Port Ellen, which both closed in 1983. Following Diageo's announcement that it would reopen both distilleries, Brora has now embarked on a new chapter with the filling of the first cask of new-make spirit in 38 years.Brora was built in 1819 at a cost of £750—a sum that wouldn't buy a single bottle on this list today. Between 2002 and 2017, Diageo released 16 annual bottlings of Brora from the distillery's original stock as part of its Special Releases program, followed by Brora 40 year old 1978 200th anniversary in 2019. The values for most...

No matter how you prefer your whisky, there's no denying the benefit of adding a bit of water. Some drams open up with a splash, and we have a handy calculator to help you determine exactly how much to add. A dropper is an ideal tool to add a precise amount of water; check out these stylish and sleek droppers, including one from glassware company Glencairn.If you are looking for a whisky for adding water, we have those as well. Old Forester has released the details for this year’s highly sought after Birthday Bourbon, Dewar's adds to its Smooth line with a mizunara finish, and Uncle Nearest commemorates the opening of its distillery visitors center with a special release. Read on for full details.Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (2021 Release)Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: 12 year oldABV: 52%Price: $130Release: September 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:This year’s batch of Birthday Bourbon, the 21st edition from Old Forester, comes from 119 barrels that were filled...

We've got plenty of new whiskies this week, both for ardent collectors and more casual fans. Old Forester has unveiled the second edition of its Warehouse Series, while Heaven Hill has announced the annual release of Parker's Heritage, which is a wheat whiskey this year. From Scotland, Bruichladdich has released the latest vintage of Port Charlotte Islay Barley, while Daryll McNally, best known for his work at Dublin Liberties Distillery, is reviving Limavady Irish whiskey in partnership with Vermont's WhistlePig. Read on for full details.Old Forester The 117 Series Warehouse KStyle: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: Not statedABV: 55%Price: $50Release: August 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:The first release of The 117 Series, called High Angels’ Share, featured bourbon from barrels with an unusually high rate of evaporation. This release, called Warehouse K, highlights barrels aged on different floors of the eponymous warehouse, which is known for its exceptional...

Bourbon from Stitzel-Weller Distillery and labels carrying the Van Winkle name were the leading bottles at Whisky Auctioneer's Century of American Whiskey auction. The auction topped $1 million, galloping past the total from Sotheby's Thoroughbred Collection, and more than doubling the total from Pat's Whiskey Collection Heart & Soul sale. A bidder based in the U.S. placed the highest bid at nearly $30,000 to win the Corti Brothers Van Winkle 19 year old Special Reserve 1975. It's a substantial increase in the record price: this rarity has never previously sold for more than $10,000.“We were confident that this curation of America's most historic and important whiskeys would elicit a
lot of interest, but the appetite for these bottles far surpassed our expectations,” said Joe Wilson, head of auction content at Whisky Auctioneer, in a statement which confirmed the auction raised £768,462, equivalent to $1,054,089. “The combination of historic...

While there’s a plentiful crop of new whiskies out this week, news of Jim Beam’s Fred B. Noe Distillery opening means that Beam will be able to experiment more freely, as the new facility will be a place for distiller Freddie Noe to work on his Little Book releases and additional projects, including an American single malt. Learn more about Beam’s new Clermont, Kentucky distillery and find out what Freddie has planned for the future.As for whiskies on shelves right now (or coming relatively soon), Metallica-owned Blackened has teamed up with Willett Distillery on a rye finished in madeira casks, Four Roses has released details on its 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch, and Barrell has a new 15 year old Gray Label bourbon. Read on for full details.Blackened x Willett Kentucky Straight RyeStyle: Finished rye
Origin: Kentucky
Age: Not stated
ABV: 54.8%
Price: $140
Release: August 2021
Availability: LimitedNeed to know:This is the first release in Blackened’s Masters of...

As whiskey lovers look to gather, taste, and learn more about their favorite spirit, whiskey tasting clubs are more popular than ever. Many distilleries have created their own clubs, through which fans can receive discounts, early access to releases, launch-party invitations, and more. Though these clubs have looked a bit different during the pandemic, they still offer whiskey aficionados a way to safely unite in their devotion to the dram.“We have seen a steady increase in membership since the beginning of the pandemic,” says Elisabeth Flaherty, head of hospitality for Utah's High West Distillery, where the High West Whiskey Club was formed in 2016. There is no fee to join, and “membership is maintained for as long as you wish to receive emails from High West,” Flaherty says. She adds that the biggest perk is finding out early when High West's releases are hitting the shelves.KO Distilling in Manassas, Virginia also has its own club—whose members are called PlanKOwners, in...

The most popular whisky types—scotch, bourbon, rye, and others—dominate the discussion. But there's a world of overlooked whisky styles out there, just waiting to be discovered. They're made with unusual mashbills, barrel finishes, and even creative flavorings. So break out of your comfort zone, and explore the far side of whisky appreciation. Here's our guide for whisky lovers who choose to travel off the beaten path.Drink Me: Rice Whisky From JapanJapanese rice whisky is actually barrel-aged rice shochu—as opposed to unaged shochu that enjoys huge mainstream popularity in Japan—and is mostly produced in the country's southernmost main island of Kyushu. These esoteric whiskies present a fascinating style, not least because their production method is so unusual. “The foundation of rice whisky is the ko-ji kin,” explains Shigeruriku Fukano-san, fifth-generation distiller at Fukano Distillery, a family-run operation in the city of Hitoyoshi on Kyushu...

Special release season continues this week. We recently reported some other fall limited releases, like the Diageo Special Releases and Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition, and we have an upcoming look at the new edition of Octomore. Now comes the announcement of this year’s Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)—and the notable detail that there is no George T. Stagg in the lineup, because the barrels for the 15 year old barrel proof bourbon did not meet the distillery’s standards this year.See the full details below on this year’s four BTAC whiskeys, along with some other goodies such as a no-age statement Macallan that celebrates the new year, a Writers' Tears Irish whiskey with an ice wine finish, and a cognac-finished bourbon from Firestone & Robertson's TX label.William Larue Weller (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2021 Release)Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: Not statedABV: 62.65%Price: $99Release: October 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to...