2817 Searched for rabbit hole bourbon gift set

Just a few weeks after announcing its sale to Pernod Ricard, Rabbit Hole Distillery is unveiling a new whiskey—along with a complete rebranding of its core range—debuting next month. The change is intended to honor influential figures in Louisville and in the life of Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian, and the new whiskey—a straight bourbon—ties the spirit of a 19th-century Kentucky immigrant with Zamanian, who emigrated from Iran as a child. “He was a stonecutter who settled here in Louisville, and carved all kinds of ornate symbols of what I consider to be immigrant patriotism, really a tribute to America and what it stands for,” Zamanian says. “In a lot of ways, I relate to that spirit of patriotism and what America signifies and stands for in terms of opportunity and possibility.”Rabbit Hole's new whiskey is made with 70% corn, 25% malted rye, and 5% malted barley, aged for just under four years in toasted and charred new oak barrels, and bottled at 47.5% ABV. It...

Next stop, world domination: Rabbit Hole Distillery announced today that it has sold a majority stake to drinks conglomerate Pernod Ricard, a move that will allow the Kentucky whiskey maker to expand its reach far beyond its current footprint. The sale happens barely one year after Rabbit Hole opened the doors to its $18 million, 55,000-square-foot distillery in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. Pernod Ricard also holds a majority stake in West Virginia's Smooth Ambler Distillery.Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian—a psychoanalyst who started contract-producing whiskey at other distilleries in 2014—says that the partnership will enable the brand to expand to all 50 states by 2020 and into global markets after that. “From the very beginning, I was hoping that Rabbit Hole would be not just a regional or a national brand, but ultimately, an international brand,” Zamanian says. “A partnership like this allows us to have the platform to do it. The idea of seeing Rabbit Hole...

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...

A bounty of new whiskies is on offer this week, with American whiskey weighing in heavily as usual. Blackened and Rabbit Hole have teamed up on a collaborative bourbon, while Russell’s Reserve offers its second single rickhouse release. Still Austin has a new bottled in bond high-rye bourbon, and Ross & Squibb is asking a cool $200 for its 15 year old limited edition Remus Gatsby Reserve. In scotch whisky, we all received great news with the return of Glenglassaugh. This distillery was acquired by Jack Daniel's owner Brown-Forman back in 2016, and that purchase also included Benriach and GlenDronach. While we've seen master blender Rachel Barrie turn her formidable talents to Benriach and GlenDronach, it's been a quiet time for Glenglassaugh. But now it's back and with a troika of new releases that should delight single malt scotch drinkers. Also from Scotland, Johnnie Walker Blue has a new collaborative effort...

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...

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

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.While building the distillery on East Jefferson Street in Louisville, Rabbit Hole's construction team would go up in a boom to see what the view from this third-floor cocktail haven would be when complete. It's excellent, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Butchertown neighborhood and the Big Four Bridge, providing an ideal balance for the soaring heights of the glass-enclosed still room down the hall.
The All Rabbits Go to Heaven cocktailDespite the breathtaking views, Overlook's inventive drinks, all made with the distillery's bourbons, rye, and gin, are what leave the strongest impression. The bar's program was designed by Proprietors LLC, the company behind New York City cocktail den Death & Co., and features perfectly executed classics like the Suffering Bastard and Whiskey Sour, along with...

Now that Passover is behind us, Buffalo Trace is rolling out the 2021 batches of its kosher trio of whiskeys—bourbon, wheated bourbon, and rye. Curious why Passover matters? Check out our detailed feature on the complex rules and methods of making kosher whisky.On to the newest releases. First up, Laphroaig is adding an oloroso sherry-finished 10 year old to its range. Though available in limited amounts, it's a permanent addition, priced at $90.Rabbit Hole has unveiled a mizunara cask-finished bourbon as part of its Founder's Collection. There are just 1,403 bottles, priced at $1,500 each.The 2021 special-edition Glen Scotia released for the Campbeltown Malts Festival comes out soon. Finished in bordeaux red wine casks, the whisky is priced at $80 and available in limited amounts.Four Gate Whiskey Co. is rolling out its latest limited edition, Kelvin Collaboration III. The finished bourbon is priced at $199, with 2,470 bottles available.Bardstown Bourbon Co. has created an...

The popular Blade and Bow 22 year old bourbon is returning in time for Derby Day, while Lord Calvert has a new Canadian blended whisky and Rabbit Hole Distilling has rolled out two bourbons and a rye.Blade and Bow 22 year oldStyle: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyProof: 46% ABVPrice: $200Release: April 2017Availability: Highly limitedNeed to know:Originally launched on Derby Day two years ago, this is a re-release. The first bottling scored a 91 in our Buying Guide.Whisky Advocate says:Though the brand talks a lot about Stitzel-Weller, this whiskey wasn’t made there. According to a press release, the liquid came from “the distillery historically located at 17th and Breckenridge in Louisville, Ky. And the distillery historically located at 1001 Wilkinson Blvd. in Frankfort, Ky.”—aka Bernheim and Buffalo Trace. It completed maturation and was bottled at the site of the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery. There will be additional re-releases of Blade and Bow 22 year old annually...

Many whiskeys have a good story behind them, but for Rabbit Hole's newest bourbon, that story takes on particular poignancy. In an exclusive interview with Whisky Advocate, Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian revealed why he chose the name Heigold, and what inspired the new names he's given to the rest of the brand's whiskeys. Heigold ($70) and the rebranded line roll out next month, first at the distillery and later more widely.Other new whiskies are coming out as well. Kentucky Owl is releasing the third batch of its rye, this time with a 10 year old age statement. Priced at $200, Kentucky Owl Rye is available in limited amounts.Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay is adding two new vintage releases to its core range. Bruichladdich 2010 Bere Barley is made with an ancient strain, while Bruichladdich 2010 The Organic is, as you might have guessed, distilled from organic barley. Both whiskies are $100, with 18,000 bottles of each available.Eighth-generation Jim Beam distiller Freddie Noe...

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

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...

It's not quite ready to roll, but, there's an upcoming new release of an annual expression that's always an occasion for its distillery and its fans. Lady Bird, made by Texas distiller Garrison Brothers, is a honey-infused, cognac-finished bourbon made from a mashbill of 75% corn, 15% soft winter red wheat, and 10% barley. It’s released once a year at the distillery in the town of Hye, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, west of Austin, and this year’s release date has just been revealed as May 11. Some 7,002 bottles of Lady Bird’s 2024 edition are being made available: the first 1,000 bottles will be sold on May 11 at the distillery, and the remainder will be released at retail nationwide. Lady Bird is bottled at 57% ABV and carries a retail price of $180. The waiting line at the distillery on selling day starts at around 5 a.m. and usually stretches for a couple of miles. In the meantime, there are plenty of new releases here to...

The whisky scene was abuzz this week about the story of Mary Dowling, and the release of two whiskeys bearing her name. Dowling (1859-1930) was a distillery owner, entrepreneur, accused bootlegger, and all-around brilliant businesswoman with one of the most remarkable careers in whisky history (see below). She's perhaps best noted for relocating her entire distilling operation down to Juarez, Mexico during the Prohibition years, outsmarting the law and her competitors. Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian of Louisville has created two whiskeys under the Mary Dowling name to honor her legacy. While the announcement is not quite accurate in saying that Dowling's story has never been told—she was featured in Fred Minnick's 2013 book Whiskey Women, among other places—dedicating whiskeys to her name is a home run of an idea. We haven't tasted the whiskeys yet, and we certainly hope they...

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...

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...

Selecting a gift for the whisky lover in your life can be tricky, given the range of styles and whether their bar cart is already fully stocked with their favorite bottles. So, we’ve rounded up an array of accessories, gadgets, sweet treats, and cocktail kits (whiskey included) to make for some unique gifts this year. There’s even a Western-themed gift for the tequila lover. Of course, you can always check online stores of your recipient's favorite distillery.
If it's a great whisky you’re after, there is no shortage of excellent options in our Top 20 list. An ultimate gift guide of our favorite whiskies this year, it considers affordability, availability, and special appeal. 
Gifts With a Personal Touch
Elijah Craig Char No. 3 Cologne
Elijah Craig is extending its bourbon beyond sipping, crossing into the realm of men’s fragrance. No. 3 Cologne was designed to emulate the sensory experience of the label’s bourbon. Crafted from...

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...

Here at Whisky Advocate, we hear one question more than any other: “What whisky should I buy?” Whether for yourself or a loved one, the gift of whisky—a well-considered, out-of-the-ordinary bottle—is perfect for any occasion, and we offer plenty of tools to help you find the right one: from Best Value and Editors' Choice picks to the annual Top 20 list, plus the full Buying Guide with over 4,000 whisky reviews, sortable by price, score, and more.But what about the whisky lover who already has a fully stocked bar, or the one whose taste is so discerning you're afraid of picking something they won't like? Each issue of Whisky Advocate includes recommended whisky gear (everything from decanters to cocktail picks to glassware), and we've made some additional picks below. There's something here for every budget and all kinds of whisky lovers, including the at-home bartender, the aspiring taster, the outdoor enthusiast, and the cigar aficionado. Some of these come with whisky, while...

After last Friday's Whisky Weekend published, we got news from Diageo about the 2020 Special Release Collection, which this year includes eight single malt scotches. Check out the full details—including pricing and availability—and look for reviews in an upcoming Whisky Advocate Buying Guide.This week's new whiskies come from Ireland, Scotland, Kentucky, and beyond. First up, Ireland's Midleton Distillery is launching the Method and Madness range of experimental whiskeys in the U.S. The lineup includes a single grain ($60), single malt ($75), and single pot still ($90). All are available in limited amounts.Kentucky Owl is releasing a limited-edition bourbon to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Prohibition. Just 2,000 bottles of Kentucky Owl Dry State are available—including a handful to be sold at auction—with a recommended retail price of $1,000.The Fall 2020 release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond is rolling out, this time at 14 years old. Available in limited amounts...

If you enjoy pairing whisky with cigars, we have the event for you. The second annual Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest hits the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida tomorrow night. The event will feature a grand tasting and seminars, including the chance to taste the 2021 Cigar of the Year, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo, paired with the 2021 Whisky of the Year, Lagavulin 11 year old Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask Finish. It's sure to be an unforgettable evening filled amazing whiskies and cigars, and the opportunity to meet the people who make them.As for new whiskies this week, some great golf-themed scotches lead the way. Dewar's unveils the latest version of its 19 year old The Champion's Edition which celebrates the U.S. Open; while Loch Lomond has announced two new single malts to honor The Open at St Andrews. Elsewhere, Barrell Craft Spirits is releasing a 20 year old Seagrass under its Gold Label line, and The Dalmore adds a 21 year old single...

The whisky world was abuzz with news this week. WhiskyFest took place in Chicago last Friday, May 12th, drawing in newcomers and returnees to the Windy City’s marquee whisky event. Bourbon heavyweight James B. Beam Distilling Co. has thrown its hat into the American single malt ring with the release of Clermont Steep—its first official ASM expression, and a permanent addition to its whiskey family. In an exclusive interview with Whisky Advocate, Justin Sloan and Justin Thompson of Washington, D.C. retail outfit Justins’ House of Bourbon have responded to the TTB dropping its counterfeiting claims.
As far as new expressions go, whisky fans are spoiled for choice this week. Newcomer Forbidden has debuted with a small batch bourbon expression, Chattanooga Whiskey has added a new bourbon to its Experimental Batch series, Jack Daniel’s has a new barrel proof rye, and Kilchoman released its 2023 edition of Loch Gorm. Read on for full...

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...

No matter the style of gin (and there are a few), you can always count on a bounty of botanicals, as the spirit harnesses some of the most potent and arresting flavors nature has to offer. Generally speaking, gin can be distilled from any raw material; from rye, wheat, barley, or corn, to potatoes or grapes. Genever, the oldest style of gin, is an exception to this rule, as it must be made from grain. The majority of gins are dry and juniper-forward—think London Dry as the pinnacle of this style—and they’re augmented by the likes of citrus peel, coriander, and countless other botanicals in bespoke blends. Old Tom gins are outliers in this respect, as unlike their dry and herbaceous counterparts, they’re notably sweet, be it from the addition of sweeteners or barrel aging. Of note: Old Tom is the only style that can be called “barrel-aged” according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). All other gin exists only as an unaged...

The Open Championship was played for the 150th time in the summer of 2022, returning to the Old Course at St Andrews, a centuries-old layout universally adopted by the golfing world as the birthplace of the game. Fortunate golfers who’ve teed it up will know how unique and special a round in Scotland can be. The countryside is mecca for the golf obsessed, and the experience of playing its hallowed links courses—the Old Course in particular—is a thrill, no matter how challenging the conditions or how high your final score is. After all, successfully playing links golf, especially in the UK, requires a different mindset and a commitment to distinct shots that aren’t played as frequently— and don’t always work as well—in the States.
As the world’s best players competed for the Claret Jug in St Andrews this past July, millions of golfers around the world likely aspired to play golf in Scotland themselves one day. With that in mind...

Around 2010, the realization that bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky took hold; bourbon was being produced in nearly every U.S. state. The topics of sourced whiskey, no age statement, and transparency were hot. Whisky lovers pursued knowledge about whisky and their favorite brands. Innovation and experimentation have become a norm unlike ever before.
2010
❖ The number of craft distillery openings begins to explode, with some of the more high-profile ones being Woodinville and Westland in Washington, Dad’s Hat reviving rye whiskey in Pennsylvania, Santa Fe Spirits in New Mexico, Breuckelen and King’s County in New York, Mississippi River in Iowa, Union Horse in Kansas, Rock Town in Arkansas, Ole Smoky in Tennessee, and Firestone & Robertson in Texas.

❖ Malt Advocate magazine, which launched in 1997, is acquired by M. Shanken Communications. The magazine would be redesigned in the following year and rebranded...

While they’re already serving up robust cocktails in inviting atmospheres, these distilleries are getting a makeover this holiday season—transformed into pop-up bars with festive lights, holiday decor, and playful themes to bring holiday cheer. We’ve rounded up 13 distilleries that are pulling out all the stops, with looks ranging from winter wonderlands to iconic Christmas movie-themed makeovers. There’s plenty of yule-themed fun at these distilleries.
Artisan Distillery & Craft Bar – The Elf Bar
San Antonio, Texas
Open through December 24th
Artisan Distillery and Craft Bar in downtown San Antonio mainly makes vodka, though it also produces a handful of whiskeys. This holiday season, its downtown location has been turned into a North Pole-themed wonderland inspired by the film “Elf”. Book a table and enjoy an interactive experience filled with surprises, karaoke, Christmas trivia, and of course, specialty cocktails to sip...

Anyone looking to pad their whiskey collection with some antique American bottles should check out Whisky Auctioneer's A Century of American Whiskey which runs until Aug. 23. Our auctions expert previewed some of the Pappy Van Winkle, Wild Turkey, and Old Overholt up for bid, even sampling a few of these rare items.In terms of new arrivals, this week there are plenty to choose from. Glenfiddich adds a cognac-finish to its Grand Series, Dalmore unveils a collection of whiskies selected from the last 60 years, Michter's brings back its Toasted Barrel Finish, plus more new bourbons and ryes. Read on for full details.Glenfiddich Grande CouronneStyle: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Speyside)Age: 26 year oldABV: 43.8%Price: $600Release: August 2021Availability: NationwideNeed to know:Initially matured in American and European oak casks, this whisky was then finished in cognac casks for up to two years—marking the first time Glenfiddich has ever released a cognac-finished expression. Grande...

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...

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...

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

It’s Father’s Day weekend, and earlier in the week we posted a piece that covered a wide range of Father's Day gift choices to suit nearly every dad. We follow here with an array of new whiskeys, many of which could also be in the running—notably a just-released Father’s Day Bourbon Collection from Woodford Reserve. Among other noteworthy new items, Old Forester is offering a new batch of its President’s Choice single barrel bourbon, while Blue Run is back with Flight Series II, featuring six micro-batch whiskeys. Texas whiskey maker Still Austin has a summer release of its Bottled in Bond red corn, and the Penelope Cooper Series has a new release of its bourbon finished in grenache rosé wine casks from the Southern Rhône.
For scotch lovers, the U.S. Open golf championship is in full swing this weekend, and Dewar’s is out with this year’s release of its 19 year old Champion’s Edition...

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...

For a mix of historical and romantic reasons, chocolate became the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift. Originating from ancient, often bitter, Mayan and Aztec cocoa, chocolate was long seen as a luxurious aphrodisiac. Its modern popularity as a Valentine’s Day item was cemented in the 1860s by Victorian-era chocolatier Richard Cadbury, who introduced the first heart-shaped, decorated chocolate box, making it a convenient, indulgent way to express affection. But until you can give your love a heart-shaped bottle of their favorite whisky on Valentine's Day, declare your adoration with thoughtfully curated pairings of chocolate and whisky.
In bygone times, the archetypal box of chocolates for February 14 was a heart-shaped selection of factory-made bonbons with assorted fillings. These days, however, even supermarkets stock artisanal, high-cocoa-content chocolate in boxes that typically hold just one or two varieties of fillings, making the choice of a...

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...

It's a big weekend for whisky lovers out west. For the first time in three years, Stranahan's is staging its Snowflake Festival at the distillery in Denver to celebrate the latest release of its Snowflake single malt. The festivities kick off today, and bottles will go on sale tomorrow morning. Tonight is the first-ever WhiskyFest Las Vegas, with whiskies being poured by Bruichladdich, WhistlePig, Hibiki, and many others, and seminars by whisky makers including Dewar's, Maker's Mark, and Suntory.
WhiskyFest is a great way to taste whiskies as soon as they're released, and this week there are some notable names with new expressions. George Dickel brings back its 17 year old Tennessee whiskey, now with wider distribution, and Heaven Hill announces the latest Parker's Heritage release, a blend of aged bourbons. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker has debuted its latest bottling for the Lunar New Year, which celebrates the Year of the...

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...

Cruising the high seas and sipping fine whisky may seem like something from the movies, but nowadays it’s a reality. Led by luxury lines like Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, and Celebrity, today’s ships offer a full range of exclusive whiskies, including private barrels and allocated labels that are sometimes hard for even landlubbers to find.
Holland America recently added several single barrels to its fleet, served aboard its ships in venues like the Ocean Bar and Gallery Bar. Holland’s whisky cruising started last year with just one private barrel—Buffalo Trace bourbon—which sold out in two months. It has since expanded to include nine single barrel offerings. The current lineup includes Weller Full Proof, Weller Antique 107, two Angel’s Envy port barrel finishes and a madeira finished, plus single barrels from Uncle Nearest 1884, Woodford Reserve, WhistlePig, and Westland. In addition, Holland America features a peated single barrel from...

When shopping for the whisky lover(s) in your life, it might be tempting to get them a bottle of whisky and call it a day. A beloved bottling is a thoughtful gift, to be sure (and our Top 20 list is a great place to look when going that route), but there are plenty of whisky-centric presents that are more personalized to certain interests, hobbies, or livelihoods. From whisky-themed jewelry and apparel to whisky-infused chocolates, whisky-scented candles, and even whisky-branded golf putters, there are a number of more distinctive gifts for all the pals and loved ones in your life who appreciate whisky.
Stuff Those Stockings
Tasting Note Notebook ($15)

Great for either the blossoming whisky taster in your life or the seasoned pro, this 48-page memo book from Field Notes is a fantastic way to log a whisky journey, and the notes tasted along the way. As a bonus, it's waterproof, so there's no need to cry over spilled whisky (unless it's more than a splash, of...

Spirits giants Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard are in talks about joining forces, which could see Brown-Forman brands like Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve combine with Pernod whiskeys, including Jameson, Redbreast, Rabbit Hole, and others. On a smaller scale, Ireland's Waterford Distillery has found a buyer. Meanwhile, the arrival of spring means that spirits companies are unveiling new sports partnerships to greet the season.
Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman In Talks On a Merger
The global drinks industry could be primed for more consolidation, as two of the world’s five biggest spirits players, Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman, confirmed initial talks toward a potential merger. The two companies, both publicly traded but controlled by the Ricard and Brown families respectively, said a combination would "be akin to a merger of equals" that would leverage Brown-Forman's strong position in American whiskey with Pernod's extensive global distribution...

While whisky itself makes a great gift for aficionados, those whisky-related extras can be a fun add-on for any whisky lover. Whether it's Pappy Van Winkle cigars, a Redbreast birdfeeder for the yard, or your very own Jack Daniel's barrel, here are some holiday gifts to suit a variety of whisky lovers' fancies. You can also smoke your own cocktails, or for the high-rollers, gift a bourbon sculpture to help liven up the whisky room. Happy shopping!
 
Flight Holder
$20
mysticbarrels.com
This tray is handcrafted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from Kentucky whiskey barrels, including Heaven Hill and Jim Beam. It is designed to hold three Glencairn glasses (not included) and serves as a nice presentation for tasting flights.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Scented Candle
$25
buffalotracedistillery.com
Bourbon lovers will relish coming home to the scent of their favorite whiskey. Made by Candleberry Candle Co., this 26 oz. jar...

WIth tax season upon us, many of you might be feeling a bit lighter in the wallet around this time of year, and one way to stretch your dollar is by choosing a higher-proof whisky. While these powerful whiskies aren't for everyone, the best ones deliver bold flavors and aromas that are well worth savoring. But the buyer must sometimes beware because high proof is not always an indicator of quality. Some lesser whiskies will keep the proof jacked up to mask imperfections, banking on the idea that a drinker will expect a high-powered liquid to taste brawny and more rustic.  But the best high-proof expressions are not necessarily like that. Our panelists will often write about a high-proof expression that "holds its proof well," meaning that the structure and essential flavors are very much discernible, the key advantage being that they are delivered in a more bold and powerful way. The best examples are sometimes described as being easy to taste...

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...

The Internet is like the whisky world in that there's always something new to check out. Once you've read all of Whisky Advocate's features, how-to guides, and other stories—and watched all our videos—if you're still looking for more whisky media, check out these podcasts, YouTube channels, and streaming-service content from distilleries, brands, and fellow whisky lovers. We'll continuously update this list as we learn about new content—if we've missed your favorite show, let us know!Podcasts About WhiskyA Story of Irish WhiskeyThe title says it all—this is a journey through the history of the Emerald Isle's whiskey business.Blue Collar BourbonThis podcast puts an emphasis on affordable whiskies, which the hosts taste blind in each episode.Bourbon and BloodshedWith new episodes every other week, this podcast pairs whisky with true crime stories.The Bourbon DailyLighthearted and informative chat about bourbon abounds on this podcast, with episodes released every day of the...

Holiday gifting-giving can be a stressful experience, especially if you're buying for a whisky drinker with persnickety tastes. Whisky Advocate'sBuying Guide can provide excellent recommendations for the right bourbon, scotch, or other whisky in a variety of price ranges, as can our many whisky lists.But while a bottle is always a welcome gift (particularly if it's so well-decorated you don't need to wrap it, like Hibiki Japanese Harmony's special anniversary edition), you may want to extend beyond the obvious and bestow something more special. Whisky Advocate is here to help with this list of suggestions that range from the practical (shatter-proof glassware) to the utterly frivolous (cocktail glitter dust). (We can also recommend some greatstocking-stuffer items, and a host of new whisky books.)Whether you're trying to find the perfect gift for the whisky lover in your life—or you are the whisky lover and making your own wish list—this list has something for everyone...

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...

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...

Father’s Day is fast approaching, and distillers are offering special items for the occasion. Teeling has a gift set that includes a bottle of Teeling single malt, two leather coasters, two rocks glasses, and a set of whisky stones for $80. Blackened has released The Black Album Whiskey Pack, comprised of a bottle of Blackened Batch 114, a collectible whiskey coin, and a Snakebyte cocktail booklet named after James Hetfield’s signature guitar, all for $50. Aberfeldy is offering personalized hand-dipped gold wax bottles for their 12, 16, and 21 year old whiskies, with the bottles stamped by hand with the initials of your choosing. Pricing starts at $60.Perhaps a new release might make a perfect gift. This week’s lineup includes cask strength offerings from Booker’s and Writers’ Tears, as well as limited editions from Dewar’s and Midleton. Read on for full details.Dewar’s 19 year old The Champions EditionStyle: Blended whiskyOrigin: ScotlandAge: 19 year oldABV: 43%Price...

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...

The Lunar New Year is welcomed with fireworks, lanterns, lion parades, gifts, amazing food, and of course, some fine whiskies. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is a 15 day celebration based on the lunar calendar and is one of the most widely observed holidays in the world. The festivity lasts about two weeks—this year's Lunar New Year runs from February 1 to 15—and is capped by the appearance of the full moon.Each year is named after an animal from the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. This is the Year of the Tiger, and those born under this sign are believed to be courageous, enthusiastic, and ambitious. Families travel great distances to be together to feast, drink, pray, exchange gifts, and honor the traditions and superstitions of the season in order to bring health, prosperity, good luck, and a bountiful harvest in the year ahead. The celebrations begin with the New Year's Eve reunion dinner and culminate with the Lantern Festival. Beyond...

An unsung part of bourbon country—Northern Kentucky—is finally getting its due with the announcement this week of The B Line, a trail of distilleries, bars, and restaurants catering to whiskey lovers. If you're traveling to Cincinnati, plan to spend a little extra time discovering the hidden treasures of Northern Kentucky that lie just across the river.But despite that exciting news, there are no new bourbons coming out this week. Instead, it's all about Scotland and Ireland. Glenmorangie has unveiled the ninth release in its annual Private Edition series of limited-edition single malts. Spìos, which means "spice" in Scots Gaelic, was entirely matured in ex-rye casks from Kentucky. It's an unusual choice, and we're eager to try it.From Ireland come several new whiskeys. Pearse Lyons Distillery, which opened its doors to the public last September, is now launching its entire line in the U.S. Two of the four whiskeys—The Original and Distiller's Choice—contain malt whiskey that...

Two aged single malt scotches highlight this week's roundup of new whiskies. Ardbeg is adding an age statement whisky to its core range for the first time in 20 years. Traigh Bhan 19 year old will be released annually as a small batch item for $300.Highland Park has an even older single malt on the way, a one-time release in collaboration with Danish photographer Søren Solkær. Highland Park 26 year old will sell for $900, with 249 of 1,206 bottles coming to the U.S.The Irishman is releasing a cask-strength blend of single pot still and single malt. The Irishman Vintage Cask will be priced at $140, with 186 bottles allocated to the U.S.French whisky brand Alfred Giraud is hoping to be the next highly coveted luxury brand with two new blended malt releases. Heritage will cost $155 with roughly 900 bottles coming to the U.S., while Harmonie is even more rare, with 300 bottles of the $190 whisky making their way to the States.Seattle's 2bar Spirits has a barrel strength rye at 56% and...

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...

Finishing off a bottle of whisky can be bittersweet. It means you have to restock, but you also might reflect on the drams shared that got you there. Before you totally say goodbye and recycle the bottle, consider upcycling it so you can cherish those memories—or have the chance to show off a particularly enviable bottle—longer.You can put as much or as little effort as you want into repurposing old whisky bottles—there are projects for every skill level. Keep in mind that some require power tools and other equipment, so put safety first. Don't drink and DIY.Give an Old Bottle New Life With These DIY ProjectsTurn It Into a Carafe or VaseIf it holds whisky, it can hold any beverage—and more. Simply wash out the bottle and use it to hold water, iced tea, or anything you desire. Empty bottles also make a great flower vase. You may want to remove the label and paint or otherwise decorate the bottle, a method often deployed by restaurants.Make an Infinity BottleWhen you have just a...

The term ‘flipper' sounds so bad,” Paul H* groans after I casually refer to him as such. As the midday sun streams in through his kitchen window, he leans back against a folding table that's overflowing with whiskey-shipping supplies, running a hand through his bed-head hair. “I sell high-end whiskey as a middleman,” he clarifies. My eyes drift to ogle another table full of enviable whiskies—Hirsch Select 25, Sazerac 18, and Hibiki 21 year olds. Paul's makeshift processing center is not what you'd call tidy. Children's books, plastic bags, and crumpled cash fill the occasional voids between the rare bottles packed upon the stained table.[*Several sources for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity. They are indicated by abbreviated surnames.]“But I never feel bad about selling whiskey,” Paul admits. “It's like walking into a store, seeing 10 lotto tickets, one of which is a winner, and taking any of the nine losers. You don't...

Whiskeys of great age are in evidence once again this week, with Old Grand-Dad releasing its first-ever 16 year old bourbon, Stranahan’s dropping one of the oldest American single malt ever in its new 12 year old  Mountain Angel, and Barrell Craft Spirits releasing a far older version of its New Year Blend than last year's expression. Whatever the reason for all this aging up, it’s certainly good news for whiskey lovers, as older whiskeys are usually, though not always, a better sip.
Elsewhere, J. Mattingly and Jeptha Creed once again honor our veterans—Mattingly with the fifth release of its 1845 Combat Infantry Badge Bourbon, and Jeptha with the third batch of its Red White and Blue bourbon, with a portion of sales for both going to military-related non-profits. Finally, The Hearach, the single malt scotch made on the remote island of Lewis and Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and founded in 2015, has added a new...

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...

Part of being a luxury hotel is stocking a respectable whisky selection, but only a handful go the extra mile to woo whisky lovers with curated lists of rarities, private barrels, tasting programs, specialty whisky cocktails, food pairings, and more. Whisky regions like Ireland, Japan, and Kentucky play host to some great whisky hotels, but don't discount Wisconsin, Beverly Hills, and Boston. Whisky fans appear in every corner of the globe and so do the hotels that cater to them.
10 Hotels That Cater to Whisky Lovers
21c Museum Hotel—Louisville, KentuckyLouisville's hippest hotel focuses on art and whiskey and succeeds at both, with just 91 guest rooms and suites built around a contemporary art museum. Its vibrant lobby scene is anchored by Proof on Main restaurant, offering regional foods and more than 250 different American, Japanese, and Scotch whiskies, showcasing around 175 bourbons. There are half a dozen WhistlePig ryes including Boss Hog ($65), half a dozen Van...

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...

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 the adage about making lemonade when life hands you lemons, but what about when life instead delivers a load of Vienna malt? If you’re the distillers at Portland, Oregon’s Westward Whiskey, who by accident received the lightly toasted variety of malted barley typically used by brewers in place of their usual order, you make a new style of whiskey.
Distilled in 2019 and released as an exclusive to Westward’s Whiskey Club earlier this year, to say that Vienna Malt Single Barrel is unusual is a bit of an understatement since distillers almost universally favor the use of the pale, enzymatically rich cereal known as distiller’s malt over any other type of malt, including Vienna. It is not, however, unprecedented.
Glenmorangie Distillery’s director of whisky creation Dr. Bill Lumsden was inspired to formulate a scotch single malt based on his love of coffee. To do so, he turned to a roasted malt. Figuring that roasted malt might bring to...

The 90+ Club brings together Kentucky bourbons and Irish whiskies recognized among the world’s best, each earning 90 points or higher from Whisky Advocate. From the rich depth of Kentucky’s finest to the smooth elegance of Ireland’s celebrated distilleries, these expressions embody true character and distinction, perfect for gifting, entertaining of savoring yourself.
 
Jefferson’s, 90 pts
Cooked orange and coconut layered with honey, cinnamon, raisin cake, and warm oak spice.
Learn More & Shop
Rabbit Hole, Heigold Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 92 pts
Chewy and full, root beer, cooked cherries, candied orange, cinnamon, clove, licorice, cedary oak. 
Learn More & Shop
Jameson Black Barrel, 91 pts
Sumptuously rich, toasted nuts, raisins, caramelized sugar, dark vanilla, fleshy fruits, peppery spice.
Learn More & Shop
Midleton, Very Rare Vintage 2024, 93 pts
Citrus peel, vanilla toffee...

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a mecca for whiskey tourism in the United States, has kicked off summer with a revamp that includes an expanded trail, now encompassing 46 Kentucky distilleries, and a major upgrade to the digital side offered by the group’s website. The Bourbon Trail, which launched in 1999 and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has attracted millions of tourists to Kentucky over the years.
This new expansion of the Bourbon Trail, which previously included 18 core distilleries, will encompass what was previously called the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, a separate leg spanning 28 craft distilleries. By combining both trails, Kentucky now has one statewide Bourbon Trail experience that includes 46 distilleries.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries include Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams, and Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, plus Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Bardstown, Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, James B. Beam in Clermont, and Woodford Reserve in...

Anyone who's ever gotten married knows what a double-edged sword the wedding registry can be. On the one hand, it ensures that clueless relatives are directed toward gifts the couple actually wants. On the other hand, you could end up with 42 teaspoons and only three plates. And even with a registry, someone's always going to go off-book and giveyou their idea of a great wedding present. (Thanks for the decorative bathroom art, Aunt Mary!)But sometimes everything on the registry gets snapped up by other guests—or is way out of your price range—and you need a great gift idea. Our favorite go-to, of course, is whisky, a gift guaranteed to be enjoyed and not to collect dust in the attic. Whether you're attending the nuptials of your best friend from kindergarten or you're leading the wedding party in the funky chicken dance, there's a bottle or two that will fit the situation and bring added joy to the happy occasion.The Best Whisky Gifts For Brides And GroomsIf you're the best man...

To say “the state of bourbon is strong” is an understatement. The state of bourbon in 2016 is, especially to long-time observers, astonishing.To understand why, consider where bourbon was 25 years ago. Back in 1991, American whiskey sales were flat and that was an improvement. Sales had finally bottomed out after a brutal 20-year decline, during which bourbon lost half of its volume and comparable market share.By 1991, the bleeding had stopped. Instead, sales from year to year were up 1 or 2 percent one year, down a similar amount the next, essentially flat.Outside of the South, young Americans were drinking everything but bourbon. Without the traditional ‘Bourbon Belt,' bourbon might have gone extinct.Moving OutAfter receiving so much bad news for so long, the industry had given up on bourbon. Consolidation had just about eliminated the bourbon-only companies. Every company still standing had valuable assets outside the whiskey category and that's where they put their attention...

Midway through the first month of the year, the pace of new releases has picked right up, especially for bourbon. High West has debuted a blend of sourced straight bourbons that range in age from 6 to 20 years, while Penelope has partnered with a southern furniture company on a bespoke bourbon blend. In single barrel bourbon, Knob Creek has launched the second whiskey in its Bold Pick collection, Still 630 has kick-started its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with a line of 12 bottled in bond single barrels, and Wyoming Whiskey has unveiled the latest edition of its annually released single barrel. And calling all Woodford fans: This week brings the return of Double Double Oaked, now in its second year of nationwide availability. 
That’s it for bourbon! Elsewhere in American whiskey, New Riff is back with this year's batch of Balboa rye, and Rebel Bourbon is trotting out its discontinued root beer-flavored whiskey once more. And from overseas, Royal...

Stocking stuffers are usually the Christmas items to be purchased last, but they can also be first on the list of most fun and memorable of gifts on Christmas morning. We've assembled a list of small items for your whisky lover's stocking, though there are plenty more in Santa's workshop, of course. A bottle of whisky is perhaps a bit too large for the average foot, but many whisky makers offer their products in smaller bottles—Blanton's, for example, is available in a three-pack of 50 mini bottles, and numerous other whisky makers do similar things. Distillery gift shops are also fantastic places to hunt for hidden mini-treasures, whether they be whiskies or other modest little gems.
Sláinte Cuffed Beanie  
$25
toastthemoon.blog
Whisky is great any time of the year, but there’s something about its warming powers in the colder months; just like this black cuffed beanie. Simple, stylish, and a definite conversation...

There are just a few whiskeys included among this week’s new rollouts, but those comprise some of the most highly anticipated bourbons on the market. Booker’s leads the way with its first batch of the year, while we also have a new release of Michter’s 10 year old bourbon, and the 11th annual release from Blood Oath. New Riff, meanwhile, has its very limited bourbon and rye labels, both under the Silver Grove name, available at the distillery’s gift shop only, with a portion of sales going to a local charity in nearby Silver Grove, Kentucky. Also new are a double oak bourbon from Buzzard's Roost, and two offerings from the World Whiskey Society.
 
Booker’s “Barry’s Batch” Bourbon (Batch 2025-01)
ABV: 62.85%
SRP: $100
Availability: Limited
The first Booker’s batch of the year has arrived. Named in honor of Barry Berish, a former Jim Beam chairman and CEO (and dear friend of master...

Suddenly it's quite a time for aged whiskies, at least compared to the past 10 or 15 years. The days of drastic shortages and non-age statement releases have faded as whisky inventories swing back into full supply—and possible oversupply going forward. But putting industry prognostications aside, what we know for sure is that it's all good news for people who appreciate fine whisky, because there are more aged whiskeys that weren't available only a short time ago. Knob Creek is back once again with its 18 year old, while Sagamore has a 7 year old Bottled in Bond, as does Brother's Bond. The most sought-after labels are still offering their best aged expressions in fairly limited fashion, but it's still a noticeable change from previous years, and a great opportunity to try some new—or should we say old—whiskies.
Orphan Barrel Woven Honor 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch 
ABV: 46.3%
SRP: $185

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...

There’s no shortage of great whisky bars in New York City. There are those that celebrate American whiskey, others that spotlight scotch, and some that feature Irish or Japanese whiskies. In today’s (hopefully) post-pandemic world, some of the city’s most-beloved whisky spots are sadly no longer with us: places like Noorman’s Kil, Coogan’s, Angel’s Share, Highlands, Ward III, and others did not survive the shutdowns. But whether you’re looking for a nightcap, a whisky-filled evening, or whisky on top of dinner and a show, we’ve got you covered. From up and down Manhattan and across the river into Brooklyn, these Big Apple whisky bars will leave you happily drammed.

Bar Moga
Sure, it’s fun to go to a bar that offers a little bit of everything, especially if you’re with companions who prefer different styles of whisky (or something else altogether). If it’s Japanese whisky you’re after, head straight to...

Bourbon balls have everything going for them—whiskey! chocolate! pecans!—yet they've remained a regional delicacy, found mainly in Kentucky, for close to a century. But over the past decade or so, hundreds of bourbon distilleries have opened well outside the borders of the Bluegrass State, and the delicious treats are now gaining a foothold far and wide.It makes sense: Bourbon balls are a sweet that even non-whiskey drinkers can appreciate. There are as many variations on the classic as there are chefs and home cooks who make them, but as a rule, all bourbon balls feature some combination of chocolate, nuts (usually pecans), and whiskey. Beyond that, however, it's up to the cook.“I think what makes bourbon balls a local favorite, and the reason for their ever-increasing popularity, is the nuance,” explains Matthew Bell, executive chef at Gray & Dudley at downtown Nashville's 21c Museum Hotel. “Bourbon balls can be so simple and so specific to each region, town, or...

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...

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

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...

As the weather heats up, you may find yourself craving something a bit more refreshing than your usual Manhattan. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with a good ol’ Whisky Soda, summer is the perfect time to head to the farmers market and stock up on some cocktail-friendly produce to up your summer whisky cocktail game. There’s an abundance of fresh fruits, from stone fruits to melons, but don’t forget all the other great produce at the peak of freshness in the summer months—herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, vegetables like cucumbers and beets, and spicy chile peppers; even corn can be a great addition to your whisky cocktail.
Fruity and Refreshing Whisky Cocktails
“I enjoy making summertime whisky cocktails because it’s an opportunity to think outside the box,” says Maddie Kaye, retail and spirits assistant for Tampa, Florida-based hospitality group Bern’s Co. “Whether I’m pairing a spicy American rye...

Looking for a gift for the whisky lover in your life this holiday season? We've got you covered with these 14 recommendations, ranging from specialty bottles to sweet treats, to unforgettable whisky and cigar experiences. Check out our 12 Whiskies of Christmas for more selections to gift or share this holiday season. And of course, our annual Top 20 list is a great resource if you are looking to gift a bottle, with this year's selections ranging in price from $30 to $275, and covering a range of styles.
New releases this week represent a wide range of styles as well. Old Forester adds to its 117 series with Extra Extra Old; Orphan Barrel releases the final installment in its Muckety-Muck range, a 26 year old single grain whisky; Booker's announces the fourth batch of this year's bourbon; and Mortlach and Talisker each have new aged expressions. Read on for full details. 

Old Forester 117 Series: Extra Extra...

When Whisky Advocate published a cover story on the craft distilling movement back in 2013, there was much to talk about—smaller barrels (to age the whiskey faster), new and exciting grain varieties, experimental distilling techniques, and much more. But most of the whiskeys were still quite young, and many of today’s stars were just getting started. Thus, with some notable exceptions—like Balcones, Clear Creek, Stranahan’s, and Leopold Bros.—the buzz was more about the excitement rather than the whiskey itself. A good number of craft whiskeys simply didn’t live up to the hype, and soon the discussions of craft moved into the future tense—just wait a few years, people would say, and the quality will emerge.
Today, more than a decade later, those craft distilleries have grown to whiskey adulthood. Except for a few pioneers in the 1990s and early 2000s like McCarthy’s, Old Potrero, St. George, and some others, the big wave of openings...

The most exciting new cocktail bars in Boston are in the Fenway neighborhood, just a few steps from Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox) and not far from Boston University. This place is adjacent to Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, one of the city’s most popular restaurants for the past two decades, and it’s from the same ownership and management team. Little sibling Equal Measure debuted in 2023, but flips the focus, with just a small food menu alongside a very big spirits and cocktail program, especially for lovers of agave-based spirits.
Beverage director Jackson Cannon combines craft cocktails with a congenial “living room” aesthetic that often results in complete strangers engaging in friendly conversation, especially around the three-sided, 11-seat marble-topped bar, with a front-row view of the cocktails being created. In addition to the bar, there are two seating areas designed like living rooms, with plush couches and overstuffed...

In the lore of Scottish golf, whisky has been linked to the links for time immemorial. We take it as gospel that the first verifiable reference to the game was in Scotland in 1457. The first reference to Scotch whisky was dated to 1494. Is it more than coincidence that golf and whisky have aged beautifully together ever since?A golf course, like fine whisky, takes time to develop its nuances. For centuries, a nip of whisky has soothed the soul of many golfers before, during, and after a round, or downing a “hot whisky” helps to brace against the rigors of cold, wind, and rain.Golf and whisky; well, they have been one great twosome.EdinburghFor those golfers who are whisky aficionados (and there are many), a trip to the greater Edinburgh area borders on nirvana. Along with some of the world's great whisky tours there is also the ability to play some of the finest and most historic golf courses on Earth.In the immediate Edinburgh area there are two courses that are must-plays: The...

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...

It's common to give the whisky lover in your life a special bottle for Christmas or Hanukkah—but how about 35 special bottles? The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is about to give one lucky person the chance to take home a slew of rare, in-demand, and hard-to-find whiskies, from Pappy Van Winkle to Old Forester Birthday Bourbon to O.F.C. 1994.Following up on its successful Buddy-Up! raffle of Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and other high-end whiskeys, which raised $200,000 for Best Buddies New Hampshire, the NHLC is now upping the ante in a bid to raise half a million dollars for the New Hampshire Food Bank and Easterseals New Hampshire. The Cheers for Charity! raffle includes 35 whiskies, offered as a single package, and mainly comprising Kentucky bourbons and ryes, with a smattering of scotch and Irish whiskey. Not every whisky on the list is rare or hard to find, but most are, and no matter what, winning the package on a $100 ticket is the deal of a...

Choosing the right whisky tasting glass isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario, especially when it comes to tasting as a whisky club. No one glass is ideal for every club, or every occasion. However, these are a few of our favorites. Beyond just function, you'll want to consider cost, durability, and washing instructions in order to arrive at a glass that is well-suited to serve you and your whisky-tasting guests.
Neat Artisan Spirits Glass—$14A low-profile glass that combines a large bowl with a flared rim, which according to their own research aids in dissipation of nose-searing ethanol. 
Libbey Arome—$12 (set of 6)At $2 a glass, this is a remarkable value with a capacious bowl for swirling and a fine rim, making it a sensible choice for tasting clubs. 
Sagaform Rocking—$25 (set of 6)Swirling whisky has never been so easy—or so fun. But more than mere novelty, these value-priced glasses feel satisfying when cradled in the palm of the hand. 
...

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...

Often referred to as “The 19th Hole,” the tradition of enjoying a dram of scotch whisky or another favored tipple after a round of golf is, for some, as central to the game as driving or putting—calling to mind Winston Churchill's famous quip about champagne: “In victory I deserve it. In defeat I need it.” Dewar's believes its forthcoming limited-edition 19 year old whisky, debuting as part of a new multi-year sponsorship of golf's U.S. Open, is uniquely suited for the occasion.Dewar's will tee off as the official scotch whisky of the U.S. Open beginning with the 121st U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, Calif., taking place June 14-20. In the run-up to the event, in late May the brand is launching the Champion's Edition 19 year old, a 43% ABV blended scotch that was double-aged and finished in first-fill bourbon casks, priced at around $80. Though amounts are limited, the Champion's Edition will be available nationwide, especially in states...

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...

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...

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. The Dad's Day classic is a bottle of whisky, and earlier this week, we rounded up the ten highest scoring whiskies in our Summer 2022 Buying Guide. Any of them would make for a worthy splurge. Or perhaps you’d like to give the gift of gear—consider a canteen that will keep batched cocktails chilled all day; a high-end carrying case for hauling bottles, bar equipment, and more; or handy upgrades for any home bar cart.
In new whisky, there’s plenty to enjoy. The Spot range gets a brand new Gold addition, while Brother’s Bond has unveiled a cask strength iteration of its flagship bourbon and O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. debuts the latest Irish-American style whiskey in its Keeper’s Heart lineup. Read on for full details.

Gold Spot 9 Year Old
Style: Single pot still Origin: IrelandAge: 9 year oldABV: 51.4%Price...

The week’s rolling announcement of our Top 20 Whiskies of the Year is completed today, with the unveiling of whiskies 11-20. As always, the drumroll began on Monday with Nos. 10, 9, and 8, followed by 7, 6, and 5 on Tuesday, and 4,3, and 2 on Wednesday. Yesterday came the big day, with the reveal of our Whisky of the Year,  and we finished up today with the rest of the list. With due congratulations and celebration for the winners, we will soon begin the quest for next year’s winners. It all starts here, on the pages of our Whisky Weekend new releases.
In keeping with the ways of the modern whisky world, this year’s Top 20 features a number of international collaborations, notably Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage, whose rum barrel finish is a joint effort with Jamaica’s Appleton Estate. In this week's new rollouts, we have Puncher’s Chance whose latest, The Unified Belt, blends Irish whiskey and bourbon. Meanwhile...

There’s a lot to consider this week, with two familiar annual releases—Parker’s Heritage from Heaven Hill and Garrison Brothers Laguna Madre—as well as new entries from Macallan, New Riff, High West, A. Smith Bowman (that very underrated whiskey from Sazerac), and Blue Note, among others. Off the beaten path are Penelope's pre-mixed Old Fashioned in a 750-ml. bottle, and a new blackberry entry from Jack Daniel's—technically not a whiskey since it’s below 40% ABV.
Heaven Hill Parker’s Heritage Collection 11 year old Kentucky Straight Whiskey (2025 Edition)
ABV: 61.25%
SRP: $180
Availability: Limited
Now in its 19th year, Heaven Hill’s Parker’s Heritage Collection showcases the distillery’s innovative side, as a tribute to late master distiller emeritus Parker Beam’s legacy. The latest Parker’s Heritage whiskey is a blend of three distinct whiskeys: 15 year old Kentucky straight...

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...

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...

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...

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...

There are over 150 whiskies reviewed in the Winter 2020 Buying Guide, covering the full spectrum of the whisky world, from Scotland and Ireland to Kentucky, Texas, and far beyond. Here, we highlight 10 of the highest-scoring whiskies (not featured as Collectibles or Editors' Choice, and not counting the Top 20 winners or the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection), each netting 94 points or above. There are plenty of other high-scoring whiskies beyond these as well, including Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake, Kentucky Owl Dry State, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight, Rabbit Hole Founder's Collection Boxergrail, Canadian Club Chronicles 43 year old The Speakeasy, the latest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Batch C920), and the 2020 Diageo Special Releases—and many more. For the full lineup of reviews, check out the Winter 2020 Buying Guide.High Whisky Scores from Whisky Advocate's Winter 2020 Issue
Ardbeg 19 year old Traigh Bhan (Batch 2)95 points, 46.2% ABV, $300The early nose offers...

Today, we unveiled our 2025 Whisky of the Year, capping off a week of Top 20 reveals. The list features whiskies from around the globe, all of which came out over the past year. As we celebrate our 2025 winners, let’s look at the whiskies rolling out this week—who knows, maybe one of these bottles will appear in next year's Top 20.
Still Austin is back with its second edition of Tanager, a bourbon series that's intended for pairing with cigars. Wilderness Trail has three new single barrel whiskeys, all 6 years old; elsewhere in Kentucky, Buzzard's Roost has debuted a single barrel bourbon of its own, this one celebrating Repeal Day. Bourbon-armagnac blend Hogsworth is back with its oldest releases yet, and on the collectible side, Glenlivet has released a 56 year old single malt. 
Still Austin Tanager Cigar Blend Bourbon (2025 Release)
ABV: 53.75%
SRP: $150
Availability: Limited
Texas craft distillery Still Austin has...

In order to bag a rare bourbon, Ricky Nash endured ridicule. The Georgia native walked into liquor stores and asked for “Elmer T. Lee.” The store associates laughed. He asked for “Pappy,” and they teased the whiskey enthusiast like he was stalking a unicorn.Nash tracked Internet rumors and the online secondary market, drove across several states, and looked inside more than two dozen liquor stores in search of any limited edition or hard-to-find bourbon. Then, one day in late November, it happened. He stepped inside one of the stores he'd been eyeing and there was the entire Van Winkle line, ranging from the 23 year old for $2,900 to the 10 year old for $400. After negotiating it down to $350, Nash finally owned 10 year old Old Rip Van Winkle and gleefully commented on a bourbon Facebook group, “Today was a good day!! My first bottle of ORVW10!!!.”He shopped, he scored.Like many whiskey lovers, Nash realized it's much more difficult to buy limited edition bourbon now than...

Whether you're a skier or a snowboarder, or a laidback lodge dweller, there's something that unites all of us: the après ski experience. While there are après ski spots aplenty that tout strong beer lists, finding one with a standout whisky selection is more of a challenge. But rest assured that such bars do exist, livening up major resorts across the country.
Whiskey All The Way
High West Saloon—Park City, UtahLocated at the base of the Quit'n Time ski run at Park City Resort, High West Saloon bills itself as the world's first and only ski-in/ski-out gastro-distillery.While beer and wine are available, the focus here is on whiskey—even the food is made to pair with High West drams and cocktails. The distillery's four core whiskeys are available as individual pours or in a flight, and the cocktail menu is well worth exploring—kick back and enjoy some of the many drinks on offer, which include such specialized winter warmers as twists on the hot...

No matter what's going on in the world, the certainty that there will be new whiskies to look for stands firm. And so it is this week!First up, Crown Royal is rolling out the latest release in the Noble Collection, a 16 year old rye. The limited-edition whisky is priced at $70.Nikka has overhauled the recipe for Taketsuru Pure Malt while also updating the bottle. Priced at $80, the blended malt is widely available.Indian single malt brand Rampur has a new release, finished in Indian cabernet sauvignon casks. Rampur Asava is priced at $90 and widely available.Widow Jane is offering a higher-proof version of its 10 year old blended straight bourbon, with proceeds going to support hospitality workers and their families. Called "You'll Never Walk Alone," the whiskey is priced at $90, with 3,300 bottles available.Barrell has unveiled a Private Release series of single-cask bourbons, each with a unique microblend. The whiskeys are limited edition, with a recommended price of...

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...

Drinks multinational Pernod Ricard boasts a whisky stable that includes Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, and Aberlour scotches. It also owns Irish Distillers, which is Ireland’s main whiskey maker with labels including Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, and Midleton. Pernod Ricard’s American whiskey holdings are led by Rabbit Hole, Jefferson’s, Smooth Ambler, and TX Whiskey. Last month, the company unveiled its first whisky from China.
Named The Chuan Pure Malt, this Chinese whisky expression was made at The Chuan Distillery, which is situated in the mountainous Emeishan (Mount Emei) region of the Sichuan Province. It comprises a blend of malt whiskies: the distillery’s own distillate, made from both Chinese and European barley, and distillate sourced from Scotland. The blend was aged in a mix of bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and casks made from Chinese Single Oak—a proprietary wood harvested from the Changhai Mountains in Northeastern China. While...

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...

Aromas of root beer, cooked cherries, candied orange, licorice, cloves, iced tea, spearmint, marshmallow Peeps, and a hint of varnish. The palate is chewy and full, with flavors tumbling over each other in a rush: orange, cinnamon, clove, licorice, horehound, oak, almonds, vanilla cream, and a bit of herbaceousness. It finishes dry, with bright fruit, cedary oak, cinnamon, and almonds

At Brother Wolf in Knoxville, Tennessee, owner Jessica “Rabbit” King was looking to create a light, summery bourbon-based cocktail and a memory of her mother came to mind. “She would often make a breakfast of brûléed grapefruit halves in the summertime—she would cut the citrus cleanly in two halves with wide flat faces, liberally coat each top with fine sugar, and then place them in the top of the oven to broil,” King recalls. “At the time I didn’t have an appreciation for the taste of grapefruit, but she would let me peel a bit of crusted sugar from each one to eat.” This is where King got the idea to use a grapefruit reduction in her cocktail, along with bourbon, Aperol, honey syrup, lemon juice, and grapefruit bitters.
When choosing a bourbon for the drink, King wanted something that would shine through while still allowing the juicy flavors of the citrus to be prominent. “At 100 proof, Smooth Ambler...

Whisky will never qualify as a sports drink, but that shouldn't limit your barroom sipping to leather couches and cozy firesides. A fine dram can be made even more exhilarating by bowling a strike, putting a hole-in-one, or even heaving an ax at a target. We've rounded up a handful of bars that offer activities guaranteed to get you moving and encourage some friendly competition, each offering a respectable selection of whiskies—whether neat or in a cocktail.This article was originally published in October 2019. COVID-related restrictions may affect some of the opening times and offerings of these venues, so check in advance of a visit.Bowl some old-school strikesPinewood Social—Nashville, Tenn.This industrial-looking bar and restaurant offers Southern comfort fare, craft beer, and six vintage bowling lanes. The solid whisky list includes American, Japanese, Irish, and scotch, ranging in price from $9 to $63 for a two-ounce pour. Each lane accommodates groups of up to eight people...

The Super Bowl is just a few weeks away, and James B. Beam Distilling Co. is getting in on the fun with some recent football-themed collaborations. Last week, Jim Beam announced a partnership with comedian Keegan-Michael Key—known for his role on the sketch comedy show Key & Peele—which included gift packages designed to help football fans cope with their team losing on game day. Today it’s Knob Creek’s turn, with the release of Bold Pick: a new single barrel bourbon made with help from NFL icon Eli Manning.
Eli Manning earned two Super Bowl rings and numerous other awards, accolades, and titles during his long career with the New York Giants. After retiring in 2020, he joined ESPN as an analyst—most notably on “Manningcast,” a live broadcast he co-hosts with his older brother and fellow renowned quarterback Peyton Manning. But when he isn’t playing or talking about football, Eli winds down by drinking Knob Creek. Now, thanks to...

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...

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...

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...

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...

If you love whiskey, food, and good company, Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy yourself. From the gentle humor of vintage Guinness murals to lilting accents that seduce the listener's ear, there is no shortage of good craic to be had in the authentic pubs that are, literally and figuratively, colorful. Position yourself in a dark recess by a backbar crammed with whiskeys, and sip away while the fiddles, accordion, and bodhran of the traditional musicians keep your toes tapping. Relish the best Irish ingredients transformed into plates of the most delicious creations in the country's top restaurants. At the end of the night, collapse into a welcoming bed in a traditional country house or a modern, chic city hotel. You really can't go far wrong, and these recommendations are a great place to start.DublinEatRestaurant Patrick GuilbaudRenowned as Ireland's only two-star Michelin establishment, start salivating for the Mellow Spiced Wicklow Lamb and colorful arrangements of Annagassan...

There are almost as many glasses to drink whisky from as there are whiskies! How do you choose the right one? We at Whisky Advocate are partial to the good old Glencairn, which is included with every WhiskyFest ticket and makes a great all-purpose nosing and tasting glass. But sometimes a glass that serves a different purpose is needed. Here are six options to suit a number of scenarios—perfect for gift-giving, even if it's to yourself.
Whiskey Peaks Mt. Rainier glassWhiskey Peaks Glasses—$65 for fourWhisky can spark courage and boost morale, and even if you don't take it on the trail, you can still enjoy a great dram on rocks that far surpass ice cubes. These glasses feature four of America's greatest mountain peaks—Half Dome, Denali, Mount Rainier, and Mount Whitney—and feel great in the hand. Whether you're recovering from your most recent adventure, or planning the next one, these drinking vessels will inspire you to greater heights. Helix Spinning Whiskey...

Single malt scotch drinkers, it's your day: The latest Diageo Special Releases have been unveiled, and aside from a 26 year old Lagavulin, they're remarkably accessible, coming in at $250 or less. As with previous iterations, this year's collection—called Legends Untold—was curated by Diageo master blender Craig Wilson and includes eight whiskies in total.It's an abundant week for American whiskey lovers, too, with new bourbons from Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve, the latest edition of High West's A Midwinter Night's Dram, and a cask strength single malt from Westward Whiskey. Read on for full details.

Wild Turkey Master's Keep One
Style: Straight bourbon
Origin: Kentucky
Age: Not stated
ABV: 50.5%
SRP: $175
Release: October 2021
Availability: Limited
Need to know:
Master’s Keep One is the sixth release in Wild Turkey's limited edition Master’s Keep series. This one blends 8 to 10 year old bourbon with 14...

Everyone remembers the first bottle or sip of whisky that sparked their passion. And, if you’re like most whisky lovers, that passion blossomed and burgeoned. It can be seen as a snowball effect or a rabbit hole, but the stronghold that whisky collecting exerts is undeniable. Whether that’s hunting for a beloved bottle you haven’t seen in the wild for years or searching tirelessly for the last piece needed to complete a set, there’s a feeling of elation when you tuck a new bottle into its home alongside the rest of your prized finds.
As your collection overflows from a shelf or cabinet to occupy closets, custom-built shelves, basement bars, or entire rooms (all due credit to understanding spouses and partners for these allowances), you may hit a point where you wonder if you’ll be able to enjoy it all in one lifetime. Regardless of how immense your collection becomes, there will always be bottles you obsess over and pursue. That’s just the...

It's a mean-spirited epithet hurled at 1960s musicians who lend their music to luxury car commercials, art photographers who shoot weddings on the weekend, and craft distillers purchased by big spirits conglomerates: “sellout!” The flurry of small distiller buyouts has certainly caused consternation among some craft whiskey drinkers, but the acquisitions can bring big benefits, according to those who make the deals. Emotions and loyalties run deep when it comes to what we eat and drink, says Tim Halloran, author of Romancing the Brand. Like discovering a band before it gets famous, drinking relatively unknown whiskies feels special and personal, explains Halloran. Longtime fans often fear that acquisitions will destroy that uniqueness. That feeling is often justified. “There's a lot of examples of companies that have done a very poor job of taking over,” Halloran says. “But if the consumer can be reassured that the product is still going to be the special brand they know and...

Making whisky is an expensive business, and many small distilleries who start out independent turn to bigger partners for help growing their production, distribution, and other business moves. Selling a stake in their distillery—or being acquired outright—doesn't make these people sellouts, but it does open the door to questions.
Buyouts, Partnerships, and Majority/Minority Stakes in Independent Whiskey Distilleries and Brands
WhistlePig Whiskey—Shoreham, Vermont - Sold a minority stake to Moët Hennessy in December 2020
Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.—Fort Worth, Texas - Sold to Pernod Ricard in August 2019
Rabbit Hole Distillery—Louisville, Kentucky - Sold majority stake to Pernod Ricard in June 2019
Black Button Distilling—Rochester, New York - Sold minority stake to Constellation Brands in February 2019
Westward Whiskey—Portland, Oregon - Sold partial stake to Diageo's Distill...

When talk turns to the country's best bourbon bars, Louisville definitely shines—especially during Kentucky Derby week. While favorites like Proof on Main, The Silver Dollar, and Bourbon's Bistro are sure bets, these recent arrivals are well worth a wager.
Hell or High Water
Hell or High Water is a speakeasy located beneath the bustle of Main St., a few blocks from Louisville's Whiskey Row. Enter through a hidden door and descend the narrow staircase to a softly lit cellar enclave, splashed out with red velvet booth seating and art deco style.While the bottle list is deep, cocktails are the best route. Menus are updated seasonally, and split between Hell (stronger, spirit-forward) and High Water (bright and refreshing). Recent offerings include Cardamum's the Word, made with barrel-pick Russell's Reserve bourbon, rum blanc, cardamom syrup, cardamom tincture, and black lemon ($15). On the lighter side, there is Pass the Torch, a rye-based cocktail with green chartreuse...

Irish whiskey is rich in history and delicate in character, and as new distilleries continue to pop up across Ireland, the Emerald Isle is returning to its glory days of old. With more variety than ever before, it’s a good time to enjoy it at a bar that carries a diverse and extensive selection. Here are five U.S. spots with solid Irish whiskey lists.

The Cabbage Shed
Elberta, Michigan
At first, this bar and restaurant might look like a regular neighborhood spot, scenically situated on the water, but behind the bar, you’ll find precisely 99 bottles of Irish whiskey. A trip to Ireland by the owners in 2010 inspired an obsession with the spirit, and they began stocking the bar with enough Irish whiskey to surpass any other in Northern Michigan. Expressions from familiar names like Teeling and Redbreast and rarer bottles like Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy ($89/2 oz.) are available. You also don’t have to spend a lot to taste harder-to-find...

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...

It’s officially holiday season, and many bars across the country embrace this time of year with themed décor and special menus to enhance the cheer. Holiday and winter pop-up bars abound in December, creating a haven for whisky lovers who want to enjoy their favorite sips while immersed in the wonder of the season. Pull up a seat and enjoy some seasonal and specialty whisky drinks in festively decorated bar spaces. Here are some of our favorite holiday pop-up bars.
Miracle
150 locations nationwide
Nobody does Christmas pop-up bars like the team behind Miracle. The Miracle concept has grown to encompass nearly 150 bars in more than 40 states, plus international locations in seven countries. It works like this—already established bars can join the Miracle team and convert their spaces into decorated and themed Miracle bars for November and December, offering specialty drinks and glassware to fit the holiday season.
In Louisville, Miracle on Market...

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...

Burgers and bourbon are two of the all-time great pairing partners. “The sweetness of bourbon and the savoriness of a burger go hand in hand,” explains chef David Gross of The Standard, East Village, in New York City. Beyond that, there’s generally enough sweet spice in each sip to stand up to whatever toppings and accompaniments you want to add into the mix.
To take full advantage of bourbon’s innate friendliness with burgers, we enlisted the help of chef Gross to create a full, bourbon-friendly menu of dips, sides, dessert, and, of course, a seriously delicious hamburger. We’ve also included his preferred bourbons to enjoy alongside each course, as well as cocktails created by bar manager Ben Guber and the rest of the bar team. The results, as expected, are fantastic.

COCKTAIL OF CHOICE
Apple Upgrade
Serves 4

4 oz. Wild Turkey (or other bourbon)
3 oz. Luxardo Amaro Abano
3 oz. apple...

There's so much new whisky coming out, it's hard to know where to start! First things first: Blood Oath is releasing its first three "pacts"—annual batches—in a special gift pack for the holidays. Just 900 of the trilogy packs will be for sale nationwide for $599. Whisky Advocate's Buying Guide scored Pact No. 1 82 points, Pact No. 2 88 points, and Pact No. 3 89 points.Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled a new range of experimental bourbons as part of its Old Charter brand. The distillery has been experimenting with different types of oak for years, and the Old Charter Oak range will showcase some of the biggest successes, starting with Mongolian Oak. Different releases will have different availability, but in general, the whiskeys will be distributed nationwide. Mongolian Oak is priced at $70.The Heaven's Door brand—created in partnership with Bob Dylan—is releasing a 10 year old Tennessee straight bourbon. Available in limited amounts, it costs $130.Two new single malt...

More than any other spirit category, the bourbon industry is carefully regulated and that has been the case since the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was passed. Bourbon must be produced in America, it must be made of at least 51% corn, and it must mature in new, charred oak. Straight bourbon must be aged for at least two years. Bottled-in-bond bourbon has to be at least four years old (among other things). But “small batch” bourbon? That doesn’t have an official definition—except at Wilderness Trail Distillery.
“At Wilderness Trail, ‘small batch’ means a maximum of twenty barrels per batch,” says Dr. Pat Heist, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Wilderness Trail Distillery, which opened in Danville, Kentucky in 2013. 
While it’s unusual for a distillery to define what their small batch is—and for that small batch to be that small—Wilderness Trail is no stranger to doing things a little differently...

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...

Master blender Dr. Craig Wilson had the privileged task of selecting the rare casks—the first and last of their kind—for this third release of Diageo's Prima & Ultima series. Acquiring one of the 317 full sets will set you back £36,500/$43,400, but for the first time, four of the individual bottles from the collection will be released for sale in the U.S. on their own. Based on the theme of “A Moment in Time,” the collection comprises eight whiskies with a combined maturation of nearly 300 years. It marks the series debut of Royal Lochnagar, and it's the first collection to feature both Brora and Port Ellen whiskies: That hasn't happened since the 2017 Diageo Special Releases. To mark this year's Platinum Jubilee, the Port Ellen was bottled from the last remaining cask filled in 1980, the year Queen Elizabeth II visited Port Ellen maltings on Islay.
The 2022 Prima & Ultima Series Reviewed
Prima & Ultima Port Ellen 41 year old 198096...

It's a big weekend for cigar and whisky lovers, as Big Smoke Meets WhiskyFest makes its return to Hollywood, Florida tomorrow, Saturday, March 4. We previewed some of the whiskies being poured, seminars being held, and cigar stars in attendance, but it is truly an event you have to take in for yourself, combining two worlds into one extraordinary night. 
Meanwhile, with St. Patrick's Day approaching, it's another big week for Irish whiskey. Waterford brings its Cuvée series global with Argot, Method and Madness has a 60% rye and 40% unmalted barley whiskey coming to the U.S., and Writers' Tears announces its second new release in as many weeks with the 2023 edition of its cask strength whiskey. Plus, Westland unveils Solum Edition 1 and WhistlePig drops its first-ever single malt. Read on for full details. 
 
Waterford Cuvée: Argot
Style: Single malt
Origin: Ireland
Age: Not stated
ABV: 47%
Price...

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...

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...

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, the holiday season is upon us, but we've also spent the week counting down our annual Top 20 list, with the full list officially out today. Check out our pick for Whisky of the Year, a bonded Tennessee whiskey priced at just $30, and see if any of these exciting whiskies catch your eye or look right for the whisky lover in your life.
New releases this week include the latest iteration of High West's High Country single malt, the third release in the Bushmills Rare cask series, and the 2023 bottling of Barrell's New Year blend. Read on for full details. 

High West High Country
Style: Single malt Origin: Utah Age: Not stated ABV: 44% Price: $80 Release: December 2022 Availability: Limited
Need to know: 
High Country is High West’s ode to Scottish single malts, and as such it blends single malt scotch techniques with American whiskey making. Its 100% malt mashbill...

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...

Among the latest rollouts, Heaven Hill honors its Deatsville warehousing campus with a new 13 year old bourbon, High West has unveiled the annual release of its Bourye expression, Chicken Cock has a new wheater, and Bulleit has a new bourbon whose mashbill contains a high share of mesquite-smoked malt. With Formula 1 racing season upon us, Jack Daniel’s has unveiled its latest collaborative effort with the McLaren F1 racing team, and there's much more.
 
Heaven Hill Deatsville 13 year old Bourbon
ABV: 54.5%
SRP: $200
Availability: Limited
This well-aged bourbon honors Heaven Hill’s Deatsville warehouse campus and represents a blend of 17 barrels that were matured on the third floor of Heaven Hill’s Rickhouse AA. It has a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, the recipe Heaven Hill uses for many of its bourbons, including Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, and others. Heaven Hill acquired the warehouses in the early 1980s...

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

Drinks conglomerate Diageo owns nearly a quarter of Scotland's distilleries and has some of the world's richest stocks of whisky. The annual Special Releases give a glimpse of the company's breadth and diversity of offerings, with bottlings like Carsebridge 48 year old—a venerable grain whisky matured well past the normal range—and Pittyvaich 29 year old, from a closed distillery, earning high scores in the Whisky Advocate Buying Guide.Older Special Release bottlings, especially of Brora and Port Ellen, fetch high prices at auction, and even the newer releases are regarded as collectible. But high-spending collectors now have something more dear to reach for: a new set of whiskies called Prima & Ultima. “The first and the last” of their kind, these bottles represent significant casks or moments in a distillery's history. The collection includes offerings from Port Ellen, Talisker, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, and several other distilleries. The whiskies were chosen by master...

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...

With one notable exception, American whiskeys are the stars this week’s new releases. Most are limited edition and experimental, such as the two distillery exclusives from Angel’s Envy—one a bourbon that explores grain and the other a rye that features flavors of peat smoke—and the latest Master’s Collection bourbon from Woodford, which does a deep dive into just how American oak can influence whiskey. Heaven Hill has also introduced this year's Grain-to-Glass wheated bourbon, while O.H. Ingram, the brand best known for aging its whiskeys on the Mississippi River, is back with a wheater of its own. From outside Kentucky, there’s even more bourbon to mine. The Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick-owned Sweetens Cove returns with not one but two new Tennessee bourbons, Texas-based Garrison Brothers has debuted a bourbon finished in rye barrels, and Colorado’s Laws has added another bourbon to its Four Grain lineup. From Seattle...

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...

Viva Las Vegas! For the first time ever, WhiskyFest took to Sin City on December 2nd for a night filled with delicious drams and time spent among like-minded whisky fans. As with the other WhiskyFest events that took place this fall, there were also a handful of seminars that delved deeper into specific whiskies and brands.
As the VIP hour kicked off, the crowd at Resorts World Las Vegas was treated to a number of exclusive pours from around the world, including Benromach Heritage Single Cask 1978, Dewar’s Double Double 21 year old, Gordon & Macphail Glentauchers 1979—Private Collection 1, Hibiki 21 year old, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, St. George Spirits 40th Anniversary single malt, WhistlePig Small Batch 10 year old rye, and more.
There were newer, lesser-known brands on offer too, including Saint Cloud 13 year old Single Barrel Kentucky straight bourbon, which was a hit with VIP hour guests. “Tonight we...

The key to pairing food and whisky lies in matching flavors. Food is simple enough—cherries are fruity, nuts are, well, nutty. But bourbon can have a whole array of flavors: fruit, caramel, peanuts, cloves, tobacco, root beer—the list goes on. Each individual bourbon has its own unique flavor profile. Throw in barrel finishes and it gets even more complicated.That might sound a bit overwhelming, but when pairing bourbon with food, focusing on just one or two factors is all you need to do. These principles from some of Bourbon Country's leading chefs will get you started on the path to fool-proof pairings.1. Complement or ContrastEvery pairing goes in one of two directions: complementing or contrasting flavors. “When you complement, the flavors of the bourbon and the food melt into each other,” says chef Annie Pettry of Decca Restaurant in Louisville, KY. “This experience gives you the feeling that you have just tasted the perfect match and you cannot tell where one ends and...

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

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

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...

Twenty years after being distilled, most bourbons have long since been bottled and, hopefully, consumed. If the whiskey is still in the barrel and hasn't completely evaporated or taken on the flavor profile of an oak stave, it's a small miracle. Yet the appeal of the high age statement endures, embodied by the most desired bottle of all, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 year old. And, despite Pappy's recommended retail price of $270, its actual shelf price is almost always several times more than that.Accordingly, more and more super-aged bourbons have hit high-end back bars and store shelves in recent years, with prices to match their age statements—from the increasing series of ages for Orphan Barrel Rhetoric ($140 for the 25 year old) to Heaven Hill 27 year old ($400) to Michter's 20 year old ($700) and 25 year old ($800). Boutique independent bottler The Last Drop sourced a Buffalo Trace bourbon that was distilled in 1982 and aged for 20 years before being transferred to...

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...

This week’s new releases include three scotch whiskies—a 16 year old from Highland Park, and 12 year olds from Bunnahabhain and Glenlivet. On the American side, Heaven Hill has three new extensions to its Grain to Glass Series: a bourbon, rye, and wheated bourbon aged 6 years in chinquapin oak. Old Overholt rye has a new cask strength 12 year old, while Whisky del Bac continues to branch out from its single malt roots with a new bourbon, this one with mesquite-smoke staves inserted into the barrels. Elsewhere, we have two new whiskeys from Barrell, the oldest whiskey yet from Pinhook, a stout cask-finished expression from Virginia Distillery Co., and much more.
 
Bunnahabhain 12 year old Cask Strength (2025 Edition) scotch single malt
ABV: 56.4%
SRP: $149
Availability: Limited
The 2025 edition of Bunnahabhain 12 year old cask strength is an unpeated Islay whisky created by Bunnahabhain master blender Julieann Fernandez. The series was...

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...

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...

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 International Olive Council lists 139 types of olives in its “World Catalogue of Olive Varieties,” but chances are that even the most committed olive enthusiasts will encounter only a handful of them. (Have you ever come across an Egyptian Toffahi or Albanian Kalinjo olive? I didn’t think so.) More likely, the olives we eat will simply be green, black, or stuffed, with not much focus on country or variety. But Americans certainly do love their olives—so much, in fact, that the U.S. ranks fourth in the world in olive consumption, after Egypt, Algeria, and Turkey. The standard martini olive is generally one of three types: Castelvetrano, Queen, or Manzanilla.
The first is Italy’s most popular snacking olive, with buttery flesh and relatively mild flavor. The latter two are similar olives from Spain, slightly more full-bodied with lightly smoky, almondy characters.
As their compatibility with ice cold gin might suggest, lighter-bodied whiskies...

In“What's It Worth?”our resident auction expert examines the collectibility of a distillery, brand, or series. Here he examines the fortunes of Parker's Heritage Collection.Among the hotly anticipated limited-edition whiskeys released every fall is Parker's Heritage Collection from Heaven Hill Distillery. The series, which spans multiple styles, was launched in 2007 by master distiller Parker Beam, who passed away from ALS in 2017 at the age of 75. Many of these offerings feature among Whisky Advocate's highest-ever scores for American whiskeys. With over 14 releases to date,* the Parker's Heritage Collection has explored everything from well-aged bourbon, rye, malt, and wheat whiskeys, to single-cask releases, innovative cask finishes, and the flavor impact of heavily charred barrels.Given the diversity of age statements and whiskey styles the series encompasses, it's unsurprising that auction values do not run chronologically. While prospective buyers will find recent releases...

There are still two full shopping days before Chanukah, and four before Christmas, and if you're looking for the newest whisky to gift, keep reading.The Fall 2019 release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond is hitting shelves now, this time at 15 years old. It's priced at $150 and available in limited quantities.Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s latest Collaboration series release is a Tennessee bourbon finished in The Prisoner red wine barrels. There are 10,000 bottles of the whiskey rolling out in more states than ever before, priced at $125.Barrell has unveiled its New Year 2020 whiskey, a blend of straight bourbons from five states. Priced at $90, Barrell New Year 2020 is available in limited amounts.Oak & Eden has debuted its newest whiskey, a wheated bourbon "finished" with a toasted French oak spiral in the bottle. Oak & Eden Wheat & Spire is $39 and available in several states.The oldest single malt ever released from Wales' Penderyn Distillery is coming exclusively to the...

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

My lack of Irish ancestry doesn't preclude me from raising a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day, and I've been known to saber the top from a bottle of Champagne despite never having ridden with Napoleon's light cavalry. So the fact that I have never actually set foot on a pair of skis does not deter me in the least from taking part in the after-ski drinking session that goes by its French moniker, après ski, and nor should it you.Après ski is such an important part of the ski country lifestyle that it has its own cocktail event: the Après Ski Cocktail Classic in Aspen, celebrating its fifth year this March. Where après ski was once restricted to sipping snifters of neat Cognac or cozying up by the fire with steaming hot drinks, nouveau après ski cocktails include a full spectrum of spirits and flavors, generously piled on and layered like woolen sweaters on a wintry day. This, of course, includes whisky.“Whisky is amazing in the après ski environment because these spirits tell...

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...

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...

Bourbon cream liqueurs lend a distinctly indulgent feel to your whiskey repertoire, and they’re beloved by those of us with a sweet tooth. It’s a luscious tipple nuanced with the oaky, vanilla-leaning flavors of bourbon, mingled with cream and a healthy dose of sugar. But bourbon is still the star of the show, imparting deep whiskey flavor thanks to its time spent in new charred oak. Though some mainstream bourbon brands offer cream liqueurs, this sweet tipple flies mostly under the radar, certainly when compared to its better-known Irish cream counterparts.
The combination of coffee and whiskey is a great place for bourbon cream to shine. Laura Thompson, bar manager at Prohibition Pig in Vermont, uses it in a bourbon riff on Irish Coffee called Kentucky Coffee, composed of bourbon, drip coffee, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Jordon Honeycutt, general manager at The Crunkleton in Charlotte, North Carolina, finds it a natural addition to an Espresso Martini, lending a...

Lots of new whiskies are coming out this week, but first, some quick updates on existing brands: Fistful of Bourbon, the blend of straight bourbons produced by William Grant & Sons master blender Brian Kinsman and blender Kelsey McKechnie, is now available nationwide. It launched two years ago and up to now was limited to Texas.George Remus bourbon, which is made by MGP, is now offering a single-barrel program for retailers. There's a list of participating stores if you'd like to find one near you.O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky has rebranded as Green River Distilling Co., the historic name connected with the company's DSP (distilled spirits permit). When the distillery launches its own-make whiskeys at 4 years old, they'll bear the Green River name.On to this week's new releases. First up, Hudson Whiskey has rebranded its core lineup and launched new packaging, and a new finished rye. Prices are lower than they used to be, and the liquid is apparently more...

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...

Barrel finishing is a long-established practice in scotch, but a far more recent phenomenon in American whiskey. That's mainly because bourbon, by definition, must be matured in new charred oak barrels. Put bourbon into a barrel that isn't new and charred and it technically becomes a whisky specialty, more commonly called finished bourbon.A few weeks or months in a secondary cask can elevate the bourbon, transforming it in subtle ways. “It changes [the bourbon], and we think it changes it for the better,” says Bob D'Antoni, chief barrel officer at Four Gate Whiskey Co. The blender and bottler releases cask-finished whiskey almost exclusively, with secondary vessels ranging from sherry, port, and rum, to custom barrels made by Kelvin Cooperage.The enjoyment of finished bourbon has gained steam in the decade since Angel's Envy debuted as the first widely available example of the style. Today dozens of finishes, from port, tequila, and armagnac, to chardonnay and rhum agricole, offer...

With gift-giving season upon us, there's no better time for new whisky. First up, Maker's Mark has a very special Private Edition coming out in December—a custom bourbon created by the competitors on Bravo's Top Chef. Just a few hundred bottles are available for $80 each, going on sale after the second episode of season 16 airs on December 13.Islay distillery Bowmore has unveiled a single malt distilled in 1965 and aged a whopping 52 years. There are just 232 bottles available, but at a cost of $30,000, the list of eligible purchasers isn't going to be too long.Meanwhile, boutique independent bottler The Last Drop is also rolling out a very aged whiskey—this one a bourbon distilled in 1982 at what is now called Buffalo Trace, but was then the George T. Stagg Distillery. It was moved out of barrel in 2002 to avoid becoming over-oaked. At 20 years old, with just 44 bottles available, the whiskey costs $4,000.Another bourbon from the George T. Stagg era is being released by Buffalo...

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...

Michter’s 20 year old, Garrison Brothers’ Cowboy, and Cedar Ridge Double Barrel are just some of the new offerings in this week's parade of new American whiskeys, while in scotch, Highland Park is out with a new bottling in its cask strength series. Among world whiskies, Nikka celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Nikka From The Barrel whisky with a commemorative release, and Paul John has unveiled its annual Christmas Edition. Somewhat related is news that Bobby Garg, the U.S. importer of Indian whisky label Rampur, has released his own bourbon. 
 
Michter’s 20 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
ABV: 57.1%
SRP: $1,200
Availability: Limited
While Michter’s 20 year old bourbon is an infrequent release, fans of this coveted whiskey are in luck: for the second year in a row, the distillery is releasing the 20 year old bourbon next month. The 2025 bottling is selling at the same $1,200 price tag as...

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...

With just 24 shopping days left until Christmas (and only 11 until the first night of Hanukkah, which this year starts on December 12), there's no end of great whiskies lining up on shelves, waiting to be taken home and enjoyed.Johnnie Walker has a new, limited-edition Blue Label called Ghost and Rare, which includes whiskies from silent distilleries (though one, Brora, won't be silent for much longer). It costs $400 and comes in a gift-ready box.Jameson is launching a new expression of Caskmates, its beer barrel-finished whiskey. Whereas Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition is finished in, duh, stout casks, this one is finished in IPA casks for a verifiable hoppy bite. The price is the same for both—$30.The latest release in the Orphan Barrel series of old whiskies comes from Canada's Crown Royal Distillery. Entrapment was intended for use in a blend when it was distilled from corn and a tiny amount of malted barley, but instead it aged for 25 years and is now being bottled solo. It...

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...

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...

Mother’s Day falls this Sunday, May 14, so you're probably scrambling to find the perfect gift for Mom. You could always give her flowers, chocolates, more jewelry, or a bottle of a favorite whisky. But how about giving something different—like a distillery event? Check for events at distilleries close to home, or consider attending one of those listed here. Either way, it will be a memorable Mother’s Day.

Virginia Distillery Co.
Lovingston, Virginia
May 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Free of Charge
If you want to start the celebration a bit early, Virginia Distillery Co. will be hosting a special “Cocktails & Chocolate Celebration” on the day before Mother’s Day. The event spotlights American single malts, including whiskey-infused truffles, courtesy of Milène Jardine Chocolatier, and features special cocktails—made using expressions from the Courage & Conviction series. Locally grown flowers...

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...

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...

If you missed our big announcement on Monday, check it out: We're bidding a grateful farewell to executive editor Jeffery Lindenmuth and welcoming in his place David Fleming, a longtime member of the Whisky Advocate blind tasting panel and experienced whisky writer. This doesn't mean any big changes are coming to Whisky Advocate; we'll still be bringing you the latest news, insights, reviews, and other whisky content in print and online.Speaking of latest news, on to the week's new releases. First up, The Last Drop has unveiled its second bourbon release, a whiskey distilled in 1980 at what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery. There are 240 bottles of the 20 year old bourbon available, with a recommended price of $4,600.Islay's Bruichladdich is rolling out the latest edition of Black Art, distilled in 1994. The single malt scotch is priced at $450, with 12,000 bottles available.Bruichladdich neighbor Kilchoman Distillery is launching two new single malts: Fino Sherry Matured ($130;...

To understand rye whiskey’s remarkable revival, one first needs to understand the modern renaissance of the cocktail—because both have followed the same curve. As America moved through the latter half of the 20th century, rye had become about as unfashionable as the top hat and cane. In the mists of childhood Christmases past, I can recall rye as a drink favored by my great-aunt Mary, who always requested it—rye being her shorthand for a Manhattan. The rye in the home liquor cabinet was Old Overholt, the workhorse of rye’s wilderness years. My dear old auntie certainly knew how to appreciate rye, but she was part of an aging, dwindling generation of devotees.
It was a bleak time for rye whiskey, and years would pass before its revival would show even a flicker of life. The first spark came in 1987, when bartender Dale DeGroff—nobody would have called him a mixologist back then—helped relaunch the Promenade Bar at the Rainbow Room, high atop...

So, you're a bourbon fan? It's time to take that fandom to the next level. These bourbon bars are packing their shelves tight with more than 100 bourbons.
Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Washington, DC
Bottles: 2,500 total whiskies; 400 bourbons and 100 vintage ryes and bourbons
When you walk into Jack Rose Dining Saloon, you're stepping into whiskey heaven, surrounded by Prohibition-era bourbons and contemporary unicorns. Jack Rose has led the way in bourbon's national resurgence, finding the hidden Willett gems and privately bottling them; stocking the bar with true Stitzel-Weller products, not those just piling on the marketing power of Pappy Van Winkle. In fact, today you'll still find vintage Stitzel-Weller bourbons on the Jack Rose menu, as well as vintage Brown-Forman, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and just about every other distillery. If they run out, don't worry, they'll get more. jackrosediningsaloon.com

Canon, Seattle
Bottles: Usually about...

Every March, whisky lovers set their sights on the 17th. (In 2018, that date fortuitously falls on a Saturday.) St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate all things Irish, and there's never been a better time for fans of Irish whiskey to experience the riches of the Emerald Isle. You could try out a cocktail made with Irish whiskey, or experiment to create your own perfect Irish coffee. Or you could just sip some excellent whiskey neat or on the rocks. While there are a number of classic drams every whiskey lover should taste, new releases likewise abound. These 17 whiskeys, all released in the past six months, give those drinkers who are serious about their St. Paddy's celebrations new terrain to explore.Upgrade Your St. Patrick's Day Drinking With a New Irish WhiskeyJameson Caskmates IPA EditionThe success of Jameson's stout barrel Caskmates in 2015 led the brand to make the whiskey part to its core range. In late 2017, Jameson Caskmates introduced a new edition, finished in...

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 &...

Amid all the razzmatazz of new releases, we note with some nostalgia that Cutty Sark, that grand old scotch, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and it just rolled out a limited anniversary edition to mark the occasion. Cutty has been dressed up in a festive bottle and gift box that is hitting retail across the U.S., and there will be 100 celebratory events around the country in its honor. Named for the fastest clipper ship in the 19th century, during Prohibition years Cutty became a favorite of rum runners plying the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard. This light-tasting blend was a very popular choice for cocktails, and for years Cutty Sark  was America’s number-one scotch whisky, peaking in 1980 at an astounding 22 million bottles annually, according to our research arm Impact Databank. Today it's far smaller, selling just under a milllion bottles a year.
But on to the business at hand. Halloween is not quite here yet, but we have some...

Scotch whisky fans were celebrating this week as the long-silent Brora Distillery in the Scottish Highlands opened its doors for the first time since 1983. We covered the historic reopening ceremony, and Whisky Advocate auction expert Jonny McCormick took the opportunity to study some of the distillery’s rarest expressions in our “What’s It Worth?” series.For those looking for a more accessible dram, this week’s roundup of new whiskies has plenty on offer. Cask finishing and brand collaborations are the main events, with Lagavulin teaming up with Guinness for a new release and Heaven’s Door working with Redbreast on a new bourbon with an Irish touch. Read on for full details.Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Guinness Cask FinishStyle: Single maltOrigin: Scotland (Islay)Age: 11 year oldABV: 46%Price: $80Release: June 2021Availability: Limited editionNeed to know:Lagavulin Offerman Edition first debuted in October 2019. This iteration, created in collaboration with actor Nick...

Fall is the most exciting time for whisky—lots of new and limited-edition releases hit shelves during the months leading up to the holiday season. And even though we're still weeks away from autumn leaves, and temperatures, the first of the 2018 special bottles is about to roll out. Old Forester always kicks off the season with its Birthday Bourbon, which is released each year on September 2, the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown. Bottled for the first time at Old Forester's new distillery in downtown Louisville, this year's Birthday Bourbon is 50.5% ABV and has a recommended price of $100.Macallan is releasing the seventh limited-edition whisky in its Masters of Photography series, collaborating with multiple artists for the first time. This edition, called Magnum, celebrates Macallan's new distillery. It costs $3,500 and 2,000 packages are available worldwide.Another limited-edition bourbon that is sure to be in high demand: Kentucky Owl Batch #8. Clocking in at its highest...

New distillery visitors centers are springing up all over: Last week it was Woodford Reserve, and this week, Bulleit opened the doors to a new experience at its Shelbyville distillery. Plus, Lagg Distillery on Scotland's Isle of Arran is also now welcoming visitors and churning out heavily peated spirit. In a few years, it will be mature enough to call whisky.There's plenty of already-mature whisky now though. Maker's Mark has expanded availability of its 101 expression. Previously for sale at travel retail only, Maker's 101 is now available at the distillery and select Kentucky retailers, priced at $50 for a 1-liter bottle.Glenlivet has unveiled its latest mystery malt; called Enigma, the whisky's details are deliberately being withheld so that drinkers can make up their own minds about the flavor. Available in the U.S. only, Enigma costs $149.Meanwhile, there's a lot going on in bourbon country. Heaven Hill is launching a 7 year old bottled in bond bourbon this fall. While the...

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...

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...

These days, a new whisky comes out practically every day—sometimes a dozen or more a week (all reported each Friday in Whisky Weekend). Store shelves are crowded with more bottles than ever before. New releases make a splash, but when a whisky disappears, it usually happens quietly.That was the case with Old Scout, a popular whiskey sourced from MGP and bottled by Smooth Ambler. Just a few years ago, the West Virginia distillery was selling every bottle of Old Scout bourbon and rye that it could ship—so much that it ran out of mature whiskey altogether. So since September 2016, Smooth Ambler has bottled only a few barrels of Old Scout bourbon, usually limited to gift shop sales. But now Old Scout's 99-proof (49.5% ABV) bourbon is coming back for good.“It was really dumb, what we did,” says Smooth Ambler CEO and master distiller John Little, explaining how the well dried up. The company had bought its first barrels of bourbon and rye for Old Scout in 2011, and continued to buy...

On November 14th the New York Marriott Marquis transforms into whisky paradise—and you're invited. WhiskyFest New York is the not-to-be-missed event for everyone who enjoys whisky and other fine spirits. Whether you’re an expert, a fan looking to expand your horizons, or simply starting your whisky journey, WhiskyFest is the place to be. Admission includes access to hundreds of whiskies and other spirits, as well as a Glencairn tasting glass, gourmet buffet, and more.
Plan ahead for an evening that will enrich your tasting experience. Start by visiting the WhiskyFest website to view a selection of whiskies to be poured—and check back often as it’s updated regularly. You’ll find brands you know and likely some favorites, but don’t overlook those you’ve not heard of before. Remember, this night is an opportunity to learn more about your favorites, but also to discover new. Make a priority list of the brands you want to taste, and leave some...

Christmas is nearly upon us, but there's still time to buy a whisky gift or two if you hurry—our gift guide makes recommendations both large and small.If whisky-related accoutrements aren't enough, however, there are many new whiskies coming out that will provide delicious excitement—that is, if you can afford them. This week, there are four whiskies aged for at least a half-century, and several others with advanced double-digit ages as well. The prices on these bottles vary widely, although, of course, none are inexpensive. (If you're wondering why whiskies of similar ages can be priced so differently, you're not alone. We explored the dynamics of luxury whisky pricing, and found a whole world of variables.)Two super-aged bottles from Macallan lead the pack. The Macallan 52 year old clocks in a whopping $53,500, while its younger sibling, the Fine & Rare Vintage 1978, is 40 years old and costs quite a bit less—$11,750. Naturally, both whiskies are available in very limited...

Party planning becomes easy when you start with a solid theme. “When there is a theme, and there's a sense of continuity among food and beverage, décor, time, and place, it just feels way more thought-out. It leads people to engage more and to have a better time,” says Juliet DeRose, senior beverage manager at Union Square Hospitality Group in New York.As yearlong whisky advocates, we certainly don't need a reason to get together with good friends to enjoy whisky. But for whisky-loving hosts looking for inspiration to gather, we're here with a list of great excuses to throw a whisky party.
JanuaryReason to celebrate: Robert Burns's Birthday (Jan. 25)You're serving: Single malt scotchPoet Robert Burns is traditionally celebrated with readings of his classic works like “Auld Lang Syne” and “Address to a Haggis” accompanied by authentic Scottish cuisine. “It's particularly important to expatriates like myself that we maintain these traditions,” says Alex Murray...

If you're searching for an extra-special bottle to augment your shelves or gift a loved one, then Sotheby's March whisky sale in New York might have just what you're looking for. Bidding opened yesterday on a slew of exceptional labels, including rare expressions of Pappy van Winkle, Michter's, Buffalo Trace, and more. In this sale, called The Camouflage Collection Part 1, there are 470 lots on offer, and you have until March 17th to check out the online catalog (and make a bid, if you so desire). 
Of course, there are more price-friendly new whiskies hitting the shelves this week, among them a heavily peated expression from Compass Box, a new wine cask-finished release from Green Spot, and two ultra-aged single malts from Bushmills. Read on for full details.
Compass Box Peat Monster Cask Strength: Origin Story
Style: Blended malt
Origin: Scotland
Age: Not stated
ABV: 56.7%
Price: $125
Release: March 2023

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...

Apple cider isn't just a delicious cocktail ingredient—it's great for some whiskey-infused baking too. Apple cider donuts (or muffins) dipped in luscious maple-bourbon glaze make a perfect seasonal treat, and are surprisingly simple to bake at home. In addition to the cider itself, spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg meld together to create a mouthwatering flavor profile that perfectly matches the whiskey topping.Maple and bourbon have long been a perfect pairing—maple flavors are often found in bourbon, and many of the whiskey's other common notes, such as pecan and vanilla, seamlessly blend with the syrup as well. When combined with the apple and spice flavors of the donut, you get an end product that perfectly captures the taste of autumn and early winter. The bourbon flavor in this glaze is potent, so make sure to choose something you like—and since less than two tablespoons are needed, don't be afraid to reach for the good stuff. We tested this recipe with both...

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...

It was late night hunger that lured Samara Rivers into a New Orleans convenience store during a family vacation in 2015—but what she discovered was whiskey. As she waited for an order of fried chicken, the store clerk suggested a bottle of bourbon to go with the bird. Not just any bourbon, however. “My first whiskey I fell in love with was 100-proof,” Four Roses Single Barrel, she recalls. She never imagined how life-changing it would be—not just for her, but for more than 10,000 whisky enthusiasts who know Rivers as the founder and chief executive of Black Bourbon Society.From its inception not long after that pivotal dram, Black Bourbon Society has expanded to more than 65 cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, Mexico, France, England, and Japan, Rivers says. She started the group to bring together a far-flung network of African American bourbon enthusiasts through whisky events and distillery visits where they meet master distillers and brand ambassadors, and, of...

August has started off with a bang, with plenty of new whiskies ripe for drinking. From Japan (and America) comes a new iteration of Legent from Beam Suntory, this one with a Yamazaki cask finish. Another intercontinental effort is Campfire from High West, that ingenious blend of rye, bourbon, and scotch whisky, whose annual release was announced this week. And pop icon Rod Stewart becomes the latest rocker to release a whisky—but if you're inclined to skip past it, note that it's made at Loch Lomond Distillery, so it definitely seems worth a look. Also from Scotland, Gordon & Macphail has released six new single malt bottlings, with vintage statements ranging from 1976–1997. There's a 1997 Imperial in there for $550—yes, that's the cheapest one—and things get very pricey from there.
On our side of the Atlantic, McCarthy's is back with its 6 year old expression, this one finished in Oloroso sherry casks. Barrell Craft Spirits...

Angel’s Envy is creating excitement with today’s official unveiling of a new addition to the range, its first in many years. Elsewhere in the bourbon world, Jim Rutledge, formerly of Four Roses fame, continues his revival of Cream of Kentucky, the legacy brand acquired in 2019, with two new releases. Rutledge's whiskeys are still sourced for now as he moves toward opening his own distillery. Meanwhile, Lux Row has a new sherry cask-finished bourbon, and WhistlePig revs it up with another Formula 1-themed release.
There’s much more on offer, including new bourbons from Hidden Barn, Wyoming Whiskey, and O.H. Ingram, as well as a new cask finished scotch from Speyside single malt maker Speyburn. On the collectibles side, scotch distiller Benromach has a 50 year old single malt, made before Benromach was acquired by its current owner, Scottish independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, in 1993. Alas, the price for this precious liquid falls into the...

Examine some whiskies from Whisky Advocate's 2017 Top 20. Number 3,Wild Turkey Master's Keep Decades—a mix of bourbons aged between 10 and 20 years—costs $150. Yet number 10,Glen Moray 18 year old, comes in at just $90, while number 15, Kentucky Peerless Straight Rye—a 2 year old craft whiskey—is $125. Meanwhile, Old Rip Van Winkle 25 year old hit the market last year at $1,800, while Michter's Celebration—a 33 year old bourbon—has a recommended retail price of $5,000. They're all whiskies, made from grain and aged in barrels—so why such a massive disparity?How do companies set prices on old, limited, or in-demand whisky? Do they use some algorithm that takes into account age and quantity? Do these prices show the actual cost of production? Or is it just a guessing game by the liquor companies, trying to maximize profit on their rarest offerings?“I don't feel there's a real rhyme or reason to what they do,” says Joseph W. Mollica, chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor...

The new year is off to a promising start, with a handful of releases from whisky makers around the globe. Hye, Texas's Garrison Brothers is ringing in 2024 with a new edition of its cask-finished Guadalupe bourbon. Musician Chris Stapleton has dipped his toes into the whiskey pool, releasing a new blend in collaboration with Buffalo Trace. Catoctin Creek is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a bonded rye. Over in Scotland, Bruichladdich has a new version of its vintage-dated Islay Barley single malt, and Royal Salute has new festive packaging for its 21 year old blend. Read on for full details. 
Traveller Whiskey
Style: Blend
Origin: Multiple (undisclosed)
Age: Not stated
ABV: 45%
Price: $40
Release: January
Availability: Nationwide
Need to know: 
A collaboration between singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley, Traveller is a blended...

Last November, the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau, better known as the TTB, released Notice No. 176, a 132-page set of proposed regulations. Like many government documents, it's as good a sleep aid as a handful of Ambien. One small section, however, buried deep within the proposal, has woken up the bourbon community, particularly small distilleries that stand to be affected by it.There's already a set of rules in place about what type of whiskey can be labeled as bourbon. It has to be distilled from a mashbill of at least 51% corn, it must be distilled to no more than 80% ABV, it has to be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV, and it has to be produced in the United States, to name a few. (Read up on the complete set of requirements for bourbon and other American whiskeys with our Instant Expert primer).Chief among the requirements for bourbon (as well as rye, malt, and wheat whiskey) is that it be aged in new charred oak containers—in other words, barrels. This is where the...

Thanksgiving is next week, and with it comes a prime opportunity to share some drams with family and friends. While we’ve previously covered the best cocktails and crowd-pleasers to serve when hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, or how to best optimize particular whisky styles, this year we compiled a list of American whiskeys that are sure to please longtime whisky lovers and newer fans alike. Cheers to the start of the holiday season, and happy sipping! 
With the holidays now upon us, the onslaught of new whiskies is in full swing. This week, there's a new finished rye from Kentucky Peerless, a bourbon and a rum cask-finished rye from Kentucky Owl, and a new collaborative blend from High West and The Prisoner Wine Co. Read on for full details.

Kentucky Peerless Double Oak 
Style: Finished rye Origin: Kentucky Age: Not stated ABV: 54.65% Price: $150 Release: November 2022 Availability: Limited
Need to...

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...

Nobody ever wants to look like a beginner, even when it comes to drinking whiskey. Folks have their first sip of whiskey—and fall in love with it, of course—and all of the sudden they want to drink the rarest and most sought-after bottles, like Pappy Van Winkle or the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. But in order for a new bourbon drinker to understand why certain whiskeys are so highly regarded by connoisseurs he or she must lay the groundwork first.Just like you don't start college in a 400 level course, you shouldn't start a bourbon hobby without first learning about, and drinking, the classics. These recommendations are essential bourbons for neophytes—not just in their crowd-pleasing, iconic flavors, but also in the history and cultural significance each displays. Knowing about and appreciating both characteristics are an important first step in your bourbon education.Bourbon 101: Start Your Education With These WhiskeysWild Turkey 101—86 points, $25The “kickin'...

It's been another big week for whisky lovers. Westward Whiskey announced a partnership with Diageo's Distill Ventures unit, a move that allows the American single malt brand to expand its production and availability.Diageo also unveiled full details of its 2018 Special Releases, including pricing. While some information was previously available, the company announced that its tenth Special Release whisky this year is a blended malt called Cladach. Not every whisky will be available in the U.S. We got all the details.Meanwhile, there are many other new whiskies coming out now and in the next few weeks. The third 2018 batch of Booker's is hitting shelves. Called "Kentucky Chew," it was aged 6 years, 4 months, and 12 days and clocks in at 63.35% ABV. It has the usual price tag of $70-$75.Bowmore has unveiled the third and final whisky in its Vintner's Trilogy, a 27 year old that matured first in ex-bourbon barrels and then in port pipes. The second maturation actually exceeded the first...

I've always found Father's Day gift guides kind of pointless. Then, a magical thing happened: I became a father. Hey, maybe dads do need a gift guide! One that includes only things we truly need and love, like whisky. Of course, my young daughter has no money, lacks an acceptable ID, and couldn't get herself to the liquor store if she wanted (she can't even walk yet). So perhaps I'll have to hope someone helps her with this year's father's day whisky purchase. (Hint, hint!)A Whisky For Every DadFor the new Dad:WhistlePig Boss Hog 14 year old—92 points,$300Nobody needs or deserves a whisky more than a new dad. (Ask me how I know.) For the third annual Boss Hog release, this Vermont distiller/bottler took 100% Canadian rye and finished it in scotch hogsheads. The barrel-proof result is an intriguing, one-of-a-kind spirit that's fruity and earthy with a chocolate cake-like heft and a burnt, smoky finish. Whisky may be forbidden for teething infants these days, but dad will be thankful...

The first day of spring has brought with it five new limited edition bourbons. Among them is the year’s first batch of Booker’s, which pays homage to New Orleans, and a 15 year old single barrel from Elijah Craig. Elsewhere, Peerless celebrates a major milestone with its first 10 year old release, Bardstown Bourbon Co. brings a little Pacific Northwest flair to Kentucky, and Blue Note debuts the third batch of its annual Special Reserve.
Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch Bourbon (2026-01)
ABV:  64.55%
SRP: $100
Availability: Nationwide
The first batch of Booker’s for 2026 takes its name from New Orleans, which was one of Booker Noe's favorite cities to visit. The “Big Easy” batch has an age statement of 7 years, 2 months, and 15 days, and is a blend of five parcels aged in different warehouses:

24% comes from the sixth floor of Warehouse G
22% comes from the third floor of Warehouse J
22% comes from...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

Whisky can be transportive, evoking memories of places you've been and trips you've taken. Distillers know this well and sometimes use it to great effect. Look to Dr. Bill Lumsden, the director of whisky creation for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, who has time and again used his own experiences as inspiration for his creations. In the Glenmorangie "A Tale Of" series, he's explored Scottish forests and the delights of enjoying a dram by the fire, and now he's fathoming Tokyo through a glass with Glenmorangie's A Tale of Tokyo release. And while only the most adventurous among us have been to the  Isle of Harris, this tiny island in the Outer Hebrides has a distillery. This week it introduces The Hearach, its very first single malt—a  gently peated Islands expression that arrived on the eighth anniversary of the distillery's opening. That one seems likely to be a transportive experience of its own.
Isle of Harris isn't...

Curating a great home bar cart is one of the best ways to improve your drinking experience. Whether you're treating yourself to a carefully crafted cocktail after a hard day's work or mixing up Manhattans for a group of friends on a Saturday night, it's important to have everything you need in one convenient place. We've learned from the top beverage pros that it's a lot less complicated than you might think. Here are their home bar cart hacks—all are easy, affordable, and highly useful.GEAR IT UPPortable Personal BlenderChetan Gangan, mixologist at Baar Baar in New York City, recommends keeping a small portable blender on the bar cart. “We use this for our egg white cocktails, which reduces your need for a double shake.”But It: NutriBullet Go Cordless Personal Blender—$30
Condiment Squeeze BottlesTim Waters, who oversees beverages at The Grey in Savannah, recommends having squeeze bottles handy. “They are great for egg white cocktails because it really prevents a mess...

Bourbon was born on the American frontier and came of age on Madison Avenue—and everything about its history reflects the nation that invented it. The story is cast with immigrants, industrialists, farmers, and hustlers, and set in fields, factories, boardrooms, and back rooms. Inextricably intertwined, America shaped bourbon and bourbon shaped America. And no matter how hard marketers try to embellish the history, they'll never top the real thing.7000BC—A-maize-ingEarly Native Americans domesticate a weedy Mexican grass called teosinte, ultimately transforming it into the primary ingredient of bourbon and a grain that feeds and fuels the United States.1622—Dying for a DrinkGeorge Thorpe, a colonist who had been experimenting with making alcohol beverages from corn, is killed during the Powhatan Uprising in Virginia.1776—Revolting DevelopmentsAs the war with the British hinders the sugar trade, and therefore rum production, Americans resort to distilling from native grains...

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

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 stunning landscapes and picturesque cities of Scotland have inspired filmmakers from around the world to shoot movies there. Presented below are 12 films of various genres that were shot in Scotland.
AVENGERS: ENDGAME (2019)This epic superhero film directed by the Russo brothers wrapped up many of the storylines from the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including a rousing final battle with Thanos and his minions. A memorable sequence in the film has the Hulk and Rocket Raccoon traveling to New Asgard in Norway to recruit a now-depressed and overweight Thor to join the quest to travel in time and find the Infinity Stones.  But it was actually the small fishing village of St Abbs on the southeastern coast of Scotland (now a popular site for scuba divers) that stood in for Norway. Avengers assemble!
BRAVEHEART (1995)This Oscar winner for Best Picture was directed by Mel Gibson, who stars as William Wallace, the late-13th century warrior who led his...

While no one would argue that simply getting a group together to sample and enjoy whiskies is a bad time, adding a focus can make it a much better time. Fresh, fun ideas will give your club's next tasting a clear focal point, and ensure everyone has a blast.“
The easiest and most common is for us to rally around a specific distillery,” says Josh Peters, a longtime member of several Los Angeles-area clubs, like Malt Nuts and the Southern California Whiskey Club (SCWC). And while there's no shortage of distilleries, he finds that slightly more “out there” tasting themes offer a welcome change of pace. Peters says core club members bounce ideas back and forth throughout the year to come up with creative and educational programming that brings whisky to life in new ways.
“When we have clear, interesting themes we sell out the events in under 24 hours,” he notes. “When the theme is a bit ambiguous or too similar to something we've done...

With just a week to go before Christmas, there's still time to buy a great gift for the whisky lover in your life (or for yourself, we won't judge). And if you're feeling lucky, grab a $100 raffle ticket for a chance to win 35 bottles of rare and high-end bourbon, rye, scotch, and more. Want to pick up a new bottle? Keep reading.Buffalo Trace is rolling out the 15th release of Stagg Jr. now. Always in limited amounts, the bourbon has a recommended retail price of $50.Johnnie Walker has announced plans to test a new blend called Johnnie Blonde, starting next March. The sweet scotch will be priced at $25, and initially available only in select markets, including Houston in the U.S.Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. has launched Cascade Moon No. 2, a Tennessee whiskey that includes the contents of the first barrel filled at the distillery when it reopened in 2003. Priced at $250, the whiskey is available in California, Tennessee, and Texas.Alberta Distillers' Alberta Premium Cask-Strength...

Some filmmakers seem to have a special penchant for whisky, using it over and over again in character development and during crucial plot points. Quentin Tarantino films are characterized by their snappy dialogue, reverence for bygone cinematic eras, and graphic violence, but just there within the frame is another frequent theme: whisky. Sometimes it's a subtle reference, and other times it plays a key role in the action, but when whisky shows up in Tarantino's movies, it's always with purpose. (Warning: Spoilers ahead.)
What you drink is part of who you are, and Tarantino uses this idea to tell us about his characters. For example, in “Inglourious Basterds,” General Ed Fenech (Mike Myers) isn't a major presence, but one detail we learn is that his drink is “Whiskey, straight. No junk in it.” His drink style reflects his commanding style: to the point with no dilution.Beyond whisky, characters reveal key traits through their drinking habits. Ordell (Samuel...

Drambuie is a scotch-based liqueur infused with honey, herbs, and spices, resulting in a sweet but complex flavor profile. “You get rich, golden sweetness from the honey and smooth, herbal notes that come through in the background, and it also carries a subtle hint of warmth from the whisky itself,” notes Zak Lindahl, beverage director at the National Autograph Collection Hotel in Oklahoma City. “In cocktails, Drambuie brings balance and depth, offering sweetness with a spicy edge that’s not overwhelmingly sugary.”
Drambuie and scotch are a natural pair, like in the classic Rusty Nail, a simple mix of the two ingredients. “The herbal and honeyed elements in Drambuie enhance the natural warmth and smokiness of scotch, creating a more rounded and harmonious drink,” Lindahl says, adding that he prefers using a peated scotch with Drambuie, but that the liqueur is versatile enough to work with any whisky.
“Drambuie is such a simple...

Before there was Diageo, there was United Distillers, a company with major holdings in scotch and American whiskey. While United Distillers owned Stitzel Weller and many other whiskey assets in the United States, in the early 1990s American whiskey wasn't nearly as popular as it is today, making it a tough sell. In an effort to change that scenario, the company created a luxury subsidiary called The Classic Kentucky Bourbon Company, whose first project was The Rare American Whiskey Selection. This was to be an annual release of five different barrel proof, ultra-aged whiskeys from some names you’re likely very familiar with today (Stitzel Weller of course, as well as George T. Stagg, Taylor Williams, and others). But that project never saw the light of day—until now, in a record-setting sale.
There’s less rarefied new whisky to enjoy this week, including a new barbecue-inspired single malt from Ardbeg, the first batch of Booker's this year...

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...

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...

Following last weekend’s WhiskyFest in Hollywood, Florida, WhiskyFest Chicago is the next stop on the fall schedule, taking place at Chicago’s Hyatt Regency hotel November 15th. Attendees will be treated to a host  of top-tier tipples from around the globe, among them aged scotch single malts including Laphroaig 36 year old, Craigellachie 13 year old, Oban 18 year old, The Singleton of Glendullan 19 year old, and Glen Moray 21 year old; a variety of Scottish blends. There will be a chance to sip hard-to-find Japanese whiskies from Yamazaki, Fuji, Hibiki, and Hakushu; and an Irish contingent consisting of the Spots, Redbreast, Killowen, Method and Madness, and more. Of course, a wide range of American whiskeys will also be flowing, from Heaven Hill, Jefferson’s, Knob Creek, Little Book, Westland, Rabbit Hole, Charles Goodnight, Bulleit, Middle West, just to name a few.
Over the course of the night, guests will be treated to five Master Classes, presented by...

Whether you’re a casual whiskey drinker who values readily available brands or a serious enthusiast seeking out the most compelling expressions in allocated quantities, there are ample hot options on the open market. The 12 whiskeys that follow represent the full spectrum of desirability, from those with exceptional quality and scarcity to those with wider availability.
Culled by scouring secondary markets, fan forums, sub-Reddits, and online chat groups, this list comprises bottles at the top of their class, whether from legendary Kentucky rickhouses or emerging craft distilleries. Here they are:
Redemption 18 year old bourbon (2025), 51.7%, $400
Redemption first launched its Ancients series of ultra-aged Indiana-distilled bourbon in 2017. (First, an 18 year old rye, next, a 36 year old bourbon.) Then…nothing further. Until now. Redemption’s Ancients series makes a triumphant return with an 18 old year blend of 69 barrels, or about 2,400 bottles. It...

Our Spring issue is all about rye, a whiskey that seems to increase in popularity with each passing day. Take it as a sign of the times that Wild Turkey's next limited-edition Master's Keep is the first rye whiskey in the collection. Wild Turkey Master's Keep Cornerstone Rye is priced at $175 and will hit shelves in August. There are 15,000 bottles available.Meanwhile, The Last Drop is rolling out two single casks of Glenrothes distilled in 1969. Just 271 bottles of the nearly-50 year old whisky are available, priced at $6,250.More widely available are new bourbons from Bardstown Bourbon Co. (BBC), including the first whiskey that includes the distillery's own straight bourbon. Fusion Series #1 combines sourced 11 year old Kentucky straight bourbon with 2 year old wheated and high-rye bourbons distilled at BBC and costs $60. Meanwhile, Discovery Series #1 blends four Kentucky straight bourbons, ranging in age from 5 to 11 years, and costs $130. Finally, Collaboration Series #1...

Back in 19th-century Scotland and Ireland, whisky merchants also sold wine, bringing in popular fortified wines like port and sherry. Casks filled with wine were shipped across the sea from Spain and Portugal, and once they were emptied, the merchants would often refill them with whisky from a nearby distillery rather than discard them and pay for new casks. Eventually, people came to see that a whisky’s maturation in wine casks contributed some very nice flavors. Ireland’s whiskey merchants, famously Dublin’s J.A. Mitchell & Son with its Spot whiskeys, were particularly renowned.
But those days were more about cost expedience, and generally involved full maturation rather than finishing per se. It was in Scotland during the early 1980s that cask finishing as a modern art form was born. In 1982, David Stewart, former malt master at Speyside distillery Balvenie, decided to see what would happen when a whisky aged in American oak casks was transferred to a...

Online whisky specialist Whisky Auctioneer will sell the largest single-owner collection of whisky ever to come to auction at two sales in 2020. “The Perfect Collection” comprises 3,900 lots with an estimated value of $9 million-$11 million. To give you some idea of its enormity, The Perfect Collection is 16% larger than the Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection, which is currently on display at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. And it is ten times larger than “The Ultimate Whisky Collection” sold by Sotheby's in October 2019. As an online auction house, Whisky Auctioneer doesn't typically release a catalogue of lots before the sale goes live, but Whisky Advocate has been able to get an exclusive first look at the list. To put things into context, we've scrutinized its contents, comparing this landmark auction with the Sotheby's sale to determine which collection truly is most valuable.What's In The Perfect CollectionThe bottles have been consigned from the estate of Richard...

Sotheby’s New York’s first whisky auction of 2023 was a smash hit, with a combined hammer price of $1,063,600. All 272 lots were sold, which consisted of 72% American whiskey, 18% scotch, 7% Japanese, 2% other spirits (cognac and tequila), and 1% Irish whiskey.
Two brands in particular dominated the February 10th sale with Van Winkle accounting for one in four lots sold, and Macallan responsible for one in eight. Collectors bid $450,600 on Macallan across 47 lots, with $342,250 bid on 94 Van Winkle lots consisting of Pappy Van Winkle and Old Rip Van Winkle labels. Median hammer prices for Macallan and Van Winkle lots were $2,800 and $2,600 respectively. Macallan delivered the three highest sales of the day: aside from the $200,000 bid on Macallan Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition, Macallan 50 year old (2018 release) made a hammer price of $55,000, and Macallan 52 year old (2018 release) attracted a $50,000 bid.  Two bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 23 year...

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...

Buffalo Trace Distillery is getting ready for its 27th annual Holidays at the Trace celebration, set to run from December 4-31, and tickets go on sale tomorrow, November 18, at 10 a.m. EST. The distillery is offering several holiday-themed experiences, including light shows and a cocktail trail for bourbon lovers.
The Buffalo Trace Light Trail Experience offers a family-friendly after-hours walk through thousands of holiday lights, running for 12 nights across three consecutive weekends—December 4-7, December 11-14, and December 18-21. Guests can walk through a 60-foot-long light tunnel and several themed light scenes. Seasonal food and drinks will be available along the walk, including hot chocolate and tastings of Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream for guests over the age of 21. Reservations are required, though the walk is free. Register here under Spirited Nights. 
Adult guests at the Light Trail Experience can upgrade their visit for $25 per person and enjoy the...

In the thick of summer, country-strong Buffalo Trace workers are sweating through their shirts, rolling newly filled barrels from a truck into a stone warehouse. The whiff of new make spirit in charred oak cuts through the subtle breeze, wafting rich bourbon aromas. It's a typical hot and humid Kentucky day, but something's wrong.The Buffalo Trace Distillery's barrelhead stencil markings look a little unusual. Instead of the smeared black ink upon wood grain, these barrelheads don a bright green.This may seem like no big deal to a casual observer, but in the whiskey business, where every detail counts and small changes reverberate across decades, this green ink on the outside of a barrel is the mark of something profound on the inside: wheated bourbon.Buffalo Trace switched its wheated bourbon stenciling from black to green, while the ryed bourbons remain black, so warehouse crews can differentiate the two. With the growing demand for wheated bourbon, this simple green stenciling...

If you're in the market for special-edition whiskies, this week brings a lot of choice. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection was announced earlier this week, but there are many more whisky riches to be had.Glenfiddich is launching two limited single malts: Glenfiddich Winter Storm, the latest in its Experimental Series, is 21 years old and finished in ice wine casks from Canada. There are 7,800 bottles available. In addition, Glenfiddich's new 1973 Rare Collection Cask No. 7585 is 40 years old, aged entirely in refill American oak, and costs $6,000. There are only 98 bottles available, all for the U.S.Seattle's Westland Distillery is making its limited-edition Peat Week single malt whiskey available nationwide for the first time. There are three different labels, but the whiskey inside the bottles is all the same. Only 1,500 bottles total are being released at a price of $100 each.Meanwhile, MGP Distillery's George Remus bourbon has a new bottling celebrating the repeal of...

Kentucky bourbon is prized for its bold flavors and authenticity. Like an old-school steakhouse, it harnesses tradition and authority to deliver a rarified experience, a process and product that have been perfected over time. But whiskey drinkers, like gourmands, have ever-expanding palates, and as much as the old ways work, and work well, there is no denying the excitement of new ideas and perspectives on something as universally beloved as bourbon.
“Kentucky bourbon is a unique product unto its own. And frankly, it's a very good one,” says Bill Welter, owner and head distiller at Journeyman Distillery in Michigan. As for Journeyman's Featherbone bourbon, which uses an all-organic mashbill of 70% corn, 25 % wheat, and 5% rye, Welter states, “We weren't really setting out to try and replicate something that was already being done very well.”
Welter and Journeyman are among a crop of new distillers reimagining what great bourbon can taste like; stepping...

While much of the U.S. is in a deep freeze, whisky news is heating up. This week, we received an email from Meta in response to this story, apologizing for the problems a technical update caused whisky (and other spirits) brands’ Facebook pages. Detroit Pistons fans will be happy to hear the NBA team now has a bourbon sponsor. On the sales front: The top-selling whisky brands in the U.S. see a slump, yet there's a Kentucky brand seeing sales soar. Plus, Bardstown Bourbon’s labels get a new look;  the Kentucky Bourbon Trail added new stops; four distillers contribute to a barrel for charity; and more.
Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction’s Military Barrel
Next month is the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration, running from February 13th-15th. The event will honor the state’s bourbon heritage and U.S. military members, and include a charity auction of a “United We Stand” military...

Two upcoming whisky auctions—one in Chicago and the other in Hong Kong—are putting up some rare and rarely seen collectible whiskies. From Pappy Van Winkle's Japanese editions to a full 54-bottle set of the Hanyu Card Series, here are the lots to watch at Hart Davis Hart (Aug. 15-16) and Bonhams, Hong Kong (Aug. 16).Hart Davis Hart: August 15-16, 2019If you love Pappy Van Winkle but can never find a bottle to buy, now's your chance. More than 300 bottles of Van Winkle bourbon and rye whiskey are set to go under the hammer in Chicago this month. The second Hart Davis Hart mobile-only auction of Finest and Rarest Spirits takes place on August 15-16, and includes an abundance of fine whiskey (and whisky) among the 1,887 lots, with bidding starting at less than $100.Pappy drinkers will have multiple opportunities to stock up on the 15, 20, and 23 year olds, but my advice is not to overbid with so many Van Winkle bottles throughout the sale, as later lots might go for lower sums once...

The beauty of being a whisky drinker in New York is that of being any sort of enthusiast in the city: Whether you seek experiences large or small, intimate or bustling, there is a corner, basement, rooftop, or lounge to suit.Brooklyn is home to a lively urban distilling scene that is contributing to the statewide Empire Rye movement and gives New York its best approximation of a trail. Kings County Distillery has set up shop in the Navy Yard and features a tasting room and cocktail lounge. Further south, in Red Hook, Widow Jane shares a space with Cacao Prieto chocolate factory; a delicious pairing has never been easier. Breuckelen Distilling, Van Brunt Stillhouse, and New York Distilling Company round out the burgeoning whiskey scene.New York's celebrated nightlife extends to the whisky world as well with fancy cocktails and rare drams available at every turn. Brandy Library is perfect for a classy affair, while The Flatiron Room offers live music, food, flights, lockers, and more...

A 1966 Very Old Fitzgerald, distilled under Pappy Van Winkle’s watch. A 1941 bottling of Golden Wedding. A 1947 Old Forester. A 14 year old Dowling Deluxe from the 1960s. These incredible bottles are among the vintage whiskeys that will be sold during the seventh annual Art of Bourbon auction, which begins Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. EST. The best part? You can bid remotely.
Art of Bourbon’s annual gala and live auction benefits the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, and those who attend this lavish fête describe it as one of the premiere bourbon bashes of the year. Proceeds fund outreach and community programs for the museum, including summer camps for local youth and teens, and seasonal family days. This year, 35 auction lots include unicorn bottles, drool-worthy dusties, and several barrel selection experiences. Marc Abrams, a renowned bourbon collector and expert, and the event’s chairman, breaks down some of the more impressive auction...

We firmly subscribe to the notion that Irish whiskey should be consumed all year round and not just one day a year, so with St. Patrick's Day in the rearview mirror, we figured your home Irish whiskey selection might need a bit of restocking. So here’s our whiskey version of Johnny Cash’s “Forty Shades of Green”—in the shape of 40 wallet-friendly Irish whiskeys.
The 40 Best Irish Whiskeys Under $50
94 Limavady Single Barrel, 46%. $50
This butterscotch and candied peel-tasting single malt made our Top 20.
93 Kilbeggan Single Pot Still, 43%, $45
Inspired by an old Locke family recipe, this has citrus, stone fruit, and fizzing pot still spices.
92 Knappogue Castle 12 year old, 40%, $42
This easy sipping single malt has notes of green apple, lemon meringue pie, and vanilla custard.
92 The Legendary Dark Silkie, $46, $44
Peppery barbecued meat, brown sugar, and orchard fruits on this peated blend.
92 The...

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...

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...

You may be planning on gifting a loved one a bottle of whisky this holiday season, but pay mind to their stocking, too, and spice it up with these whisky-centric snacks or a gift card for them. From salty to sweet, these delicious bites call on Irish whiskey, scotch, and Tennessee whiskey to deliver a full tasting experience.Munchable Delights, Paired Perfectly With Whisky
A Poppable Bag of Whisky MiniaturesWe've sung the virtues of the whisky miniin the past—they're portable, inexpensive, and an easy way to try something new. Around the start of football season, Tullamore D.E.W. introduced this 6-pack of minis of its Original Irish whiskey called Tully Chips ($29 through Caskers), giving the sports-minded whisky drinker something new to bring to the watch party. Packaged to look like an actual bag of chips, this works just as great as a fun and surprising holiday gift. And pairing whiskey with chips is a winning combination. Tayto is considered the holy grail of Irish potato...

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...

A comeback is an exciting thing—especially when it involves a beloved whiskey. In addition to the return of Smooth Ambler's Old Scout 99 Proof Bourbon (more on that below and in this article), Old Forester has brought back its 1910 Old Fine Whisky. Initially released in October 2018, the bourbon was such a success that it sold out quickly—but Old Forester now has plans in place to ensure that won't happen again. Similarly, Old Forester's sister brand Woodford Reserve is rolling out more bottles of its straight malt whiskey which sold out shortly after launching in June 2018.Many brand-new whiskies are also hitting shelves now. First up, Maker's Mark is debuting the first in a series of limited-edition bourbons finished with unique wood staves. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: Stave Profile RC6 is available in limited amounts for $60.Meanwhile, the extremely limited Macallan Fine & Rare 1979 Vintage is now available. The single malt is 40 years old and costs $14,500.More...

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

We’ve recently received several announcements from smaller players whose latest expressions are set to hit shelves in the coming weeks. 15 Stars has a new First West bottling, but this one isn’t a rye; Hard Truth is releasing a collaborative blended whiskey which uses its new bourbon as a component; and Jos. A Magnus has debuted the fourth iteration of its exclusive Murray Hill Special Release Blend. 
15 Stars First West Bourbon 
The father-son-operated 15 Stars was born and bred in 2019 to pay homage to Kentucky’s history as a mecca for whiskey production. The blending house, which makes its blends with help from Bardstown Bourbon Co., launched a sherry cask-finished bourbon in September that earned a score of 91 points. A few weeks ago, 15 Stars released new batches of First West rye and Private Stock bourbon. Now, it’s bringing another new First West whiskey to market—but this time, it’s a bourbon. 
First West...

Bourbon and barbecue go together like moonshine and mason jars. Go to any barbecue contest; you'll find many pitmasters smoking meat over bourbon-soaked chips or barrel wood.And now, bourbon is gracing menus in concert with regional barbecue flavors across the U.S. From ubiquitous bourbon sauces to inventive oyster toppers and egg rolls, this all-American couple is showing up in national chains and chef-driven restaurants alike.Check out these eight dining destinations using flavors of bourbon and barbecue to add flair to their fare.Fred's Smokehouse, Clermont, Ky.TRY: Devil's Cut Pulled PorkYes, at Jim Beam's main distillery you'll find this pork barbecue dish, dripping in homemade bourbon barbecue sauce using its namesake Beam whiskey. Perfect after a tour!Feast BBQ, Louisville, Ky., andNew Albany, Ind.TRY: SaucesFeast showcases some of Bourbon Country's best bourbon cooking. Mop up your smoked meat in one of two Western Kentucky- style black barbecue sauces where bourbon is the...

Fans of The Walking Dead can look forward to a special bourbon coming out sometime later this year, but if you're looking for new whisky to drink now, keep reading.Two years after releasing its acclaimed straight rye, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. in Louisville is debuting its first straight bourbon, aged for four years. It will be priced at $70 and initially available in Kentucky before rolling out more widely.Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the second release in its Old Charter Oak collection. Old Charter Oak French Oak has a recommended price of $70 and will be available in limited amounts.A 12 year old straight bourbon produced at Bardstown Bourbon Co. is hitting shelves. The second batch of Sam Houston 12 year old is available in a handful of states, priced at $100.Meanwhile, Four Gate 11 year old bourbon, finished in a sherry-rum cask (keep reading—it's explained below), was recently released in Kentucky and Tennessee. The company aims to produce several different...

Blends and cask finishes are here, there, and everywhere in this week's new releases. Both Barrell Craft Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Co. have not one, but two new whiskeys out: From Barrel, its latest Cask Finish series, an armagnac-finished blend of straight bourbons, and a new single barrel line of microblends, while Bardstown Bourbon has collaborated with Maison Ferrand for a second cognac-finished blend and also introduced the 13th bottle in its Discovery Series. Elsewhere in the U.S., independent bottler Lost Lantern has unveiled its latest Far-Flung blend of bourbons, Chattanooga Whiskey explores maple syrup cask finishing, and Pursuit Spirits has an 11 year old cask strength bourbon. Across the pond, Bunnahabhain has revealed the first single malt in a new three-part annual series.
Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Armagnac
ABV: 56.5%
SRP: $85
Availability: Limited
Barrell Foundation Single Barrels
ABV: Varies
SRP: $TBD
Availability...

This week we've seen a fair few imported whisky releases from countries other than Scotland and Ireland. India's Paul John brings us early holiday cheer with its 2023 Christmas Edition, fairly tiny at just 1,500 bottles but available in a wide variety of states. India's whiskies have scored remarkably well in our Buying Guide: of the more than 60 Indian releases we've tasted over the years, 10 have scored 94 points, and the vast majority have received scores of 90 points or more. The strong suit there is single malt, and if the volumes can begin to climb in this market, India has the quality to become a player in the single malt scene. From Japan, we have three expressions from Shizuoka, all made from barley grown in Japan—a rare thing, because Japanese farmers don't produce much of it. The availability is accordingly a bit sparse, but Shizuoka's previous releases have also passed the 90-point mark with our tasters. And from New Zealand comes Pokeno, which is just getting...

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...

Matthew McConaughey remembers the first time he enjoyed bourbon, conjuring up the details as though it happened yesterday.“I was duck hunting with my dad in Arkansas and I was in high school,” he says. “It was about eleven degrees and there was a hole in my wader, and I was wet and cold. Real cold. But we'd only been out there an hour or so and we weren't going back soon. So my dad pulled out a flask with some bourbon in it and said, ‘Sip on this. It'll warm you up.' And it saved the day for me.”These days, McConaughey prefers warmer environs, with the only chill provided by an occasional single ice cube (and only if the weather is really warm). “Really, I take it neat.”In search of a bourbon that perfectly suited his taste, McConaughey created it himself: Wild Turkey Longbranch, a bourbon crafted over a two-year collaboration with Wild Turkey master distiller Eddie Russell. The new offering takes the Kentucky classic and gives it a Texas twist by utilizing mesquite...

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

Dave Pickerell, former Maker's Mark master distiller and the creative force behind such whiskey brands as WhistlePig, Metallica's Blackened, and Hillrock Estate, passed away on November 1, 2018 in San Francisco. He was 62.With his signature wide-brimmed hat, huge smile, and warm embraces, Pickerell was both a beloved and a legendary figure in American whiskey. A 1978 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played football, he later went on to earn a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville. That expertise led him to a position at Maker's Mark starting in 1994; for the next 14 years, he oversaw the creation of the Kentucky bourbon just as American whiskey was slowly emerging from a period of low demand.Pickerell anticipated the boom in American craft whiskey ahead of many of his peers. After departing Maker's in 2008, he began working as a consultant to numerous small distilleries, helping them with equipment and set-up...

Before getting into the week's new whiskies, there's an update on the recently released "Star Trek" whiskey, James T. Kirk straight bourbon. Announced in June, the bourbon's initial price was $60 a bottle, and the website for the bourbon stated it was between 4 and 12 years old. When I asked for clarification, the bottling company's representative told me the bourbon was 10 years old and sourced from Tennessee. A Whisky Advocate reader who pre-ordered the whiskey recently emailed to say he had received it, and what he got was actually a 12 year old. When I asked the company, Silver Screen Bottling Company, about the discrepancy, it further clarified that James T. Kirk will be bottled in batches, with each batch varying in age from 4 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, the whiskey's price has shot up from $60-$70 to $300 for the 12 year old batch.For those who aren't interested in Star Trek whiskey, there are plenty of other new releases to anticipate. Old Forester has announced the fourth and...

Earlier in the week, we saw the release of the new Sazerac Full Proof. Here, we cover the release of Booker’s fourth and final batch of 2025, Phantom Pipes, as well as two new expressions from Barrell—its New Year edition and a 21 year old. In scotch, Johnnie Walker Blue is out with its annual Lunar New Year expression. From Bardstown, Kentucky, veteran-owned Four Branches has a new bourbon. And from New York’s Hudson Valley, Tenmile Distillery is calling all history buffs with a collection commemorating next year's 250th anniversary of the United States, which has already begun releasing. 
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Horse Blended Scotch
SRP: $264
ABV: 46%
Availability: Limited-edition design, imported by Diageo, New York
Johnnie Walker has released its 2026 Lunar New Year edition, a limited-edition design of Blue Label. The Year of the Horse edition was created by fashion designer Robert Wun, known for...

Sipping whisky with friends can be a fun pastime on its own, but why not make a night of it with whisky-themed board games? Bourbon-accented playing cards, a board battle that pits distiller versus distiller, whisky trivia, and a whisky barrel chess set—check out these game night choices. Whiskey Business—$40 You and your friends are competing whisky distillers. Roll the dice to gather the ingredients and fill your barrels. The first to make four types of whisky wins.

Test your whisky knowledge with The Whiskey Game from Talking Tables.

Bicycle Bourbon Playing Cards—$7 Shuffle a deck of these vintage-looking playing cards with bourbon accents. Made in Kentucky. The Whisky Game—$37 Correctly answer the whisky trivia questions to collect the different types of whisky to win. Bourbon Barrel Chess Set—$5,495 The board is a laser-etched barrel head and the pieces are handcrafted from bourbon barrel staves. Barrel Head Checker Set—$200...

Jack Daniel's announced the launch of Tennessee Apple this week, if you like flavored whiskey—but if you prefer the unadulterated stuff, there are plenty of great options from Scotland, Kentucky, and elsewhere, all rolling out now.First up, there's a half-century scotch at a remarkably fair price, all things considered. There are 125 decanters of Benromach 50 year old available, priced at $10,000 each.Much more affordable, but no less exciting, Ardbeg is bringing back its super-peaty Supernova for the fifth time. Limited quantities are available at $180; expect it to sell fast.More limited-edition peaty goodness is coming from Bruichladdich, which is releasing the tenth Octomore series. Four different Octomores of varying ages and availabilities are hitting shelves, priced at $190 to $250.Booker's is rolling out its third release for this year. Booker's 2019-03 "Country Ham" is, as always, available in limited amounts, with a recommended price of $80.Sagamore Spirit has a cognac...

In order to give us all a chance to consider this latest round of new releases as closely as possible, we've decided to separate them into two installments. Today we'll cover the landscape of new expressions in American whiskey, and on Monday we'll report on the latest from Scotland, Japan, and elsewhere in the world. For the American side, there's much ado about the barrel, as so many of these releases feature a variety of cask finishings and longer barrel agings, some of them unusual. Also, Widow Jane digs into the cellars for some of its most aged liquid, and we note with interest that Frey Ranch is out with an American single malt. We haven't scored that one yet but can confirm from preliminary tastings that it's a good one, though unfortunately its volumes are tiny, and are sold only at the distillery and on their website.  There's plenty more to take in here, so enjoy.
Widow Jane Decadence
Style: Blend of straight bourbons
Origin: Tennessee...

Knob Creek age statements are returning with a vengeance, as many of us can remember the days of 2009 when Knob Creek ran out of aged juice altogether. Of course, Knob Creek was hardly the only one caught off guard by the whisky boom—the years between 2010 and 2020 were filled with non-age statement releases and other measures as distillers scrambled to meet demand. Now, thankfully, the age-statement whiskey scene appears to be back in full bloom.
Elsewhere Crown Royal is getting into the single malt act, which adds another big distiller to a space, once the province of craft distillers. The space now also includes Jack Daniel’s, and Jim Beam. Can Heaven Hill be far behind?
Lots more is doing, including a high-proof bottling from the rapidly rising Green River Distillery, whose Owensboro, Kentucky distillery received 10,000 visitors last year. Quietly inserted in the most recent new product information from Kentucky’s Frank August was news that Potter Jane...

While barrel-finishing has long been part of the scotch and Irish whiskey world, it has become increasingly widespread in the bourbon space, as distillers in Kentucky and beyond turn to a secondary cask for added flavor. Get to know the most common finishing casks and which bourbons capture them the best with our guide.There is a barrel-finished bourbon in this week's lineup of new whiskies—Lux Row's Blood Oath Pact No. 8, which was finished in calvados barrels. Other new releases this week include an ocean-aged rye from Jefferson's, a blended grain whisky from Compass Box, and a blend of Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons from Sweetens Cove. Read on for full details.Jefferson’s Ocean Aged RyeStyle: RyeOrigin: Not statedAge: Not statedABV: 48%Price: $80Release: April 2022Availability: Widely availableNeed to know:This latest Jefferson’s Bourbon release in its Ocean: Aged at Sea series is actually a rye—the first rye  expression ever in the Ocean series. It spent an undisclosed...

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

Many auction houses are taking a summer break, which means there are few high-value scotches around. Our month-end list of the 20-highest single bottle sales for August thus will likely include more American whiskeys and more sales under $20,000 than usual. Unicorn Auctions, with no letup in its auction schedule, has seen more American whiskeys sell for $15,000-plus than anywhere else. Its Curated Auction contained a treasure trove of dusty bourbons and ryes produced during the second half of the 20th century, along with older Pre-Prohibition bourbons such as a rare quart bottle of Four Roses by Paul Jones & Co. that sold for $10,000.
The month so far has seen a fair amount of bulk selling: Unicorn Auctions sold the Springbank Millenium Collection for $27,500 and a 6-bottle set of Weller for $1,680, Scotch Whisky Auctions sold a 6-bottle set of Yamazaki 18 year old for $3,189 and a set of Macallan Edition No.1–6 for $2,934, while Grand Whisky Auction sold an 11-bottle...

Irish Distillers released Redbreast Dream Cask 38 year old Zenith Edition earlier this year, the seventh and final edition in its series of exceptional and rare cask selections and finished single pot still whiskeys. The series originated after a Facebook Live tasting hosted by master blender Billy Leighton in 2017 to coincide with World Whisky Day, during which Leighton showcased a 31 year old single pot still whiskey distilled at Midleton Distillery. The following year, the Dream Cask series began in earnest with the debut of that whiskey, bottled at 32 years old. Each annual release came in 500 ml bottles and was sold by ballot through The Birdhouse, Redbreast’s online members’ club. The releases sold out quickly every year. Leighton made the cask selections, working with blender Dave McCabe as the series progressed. By the time of the final release in 2024, McCabe had been named the new master blender and Billy Leighton had retired, becoming master blender...

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

Today’s coopers use modern tools to craft bourbon barrels, but the process hasn’t changed much through the years. Each barrel is assembled by hand over the span of about two hours, and held together using carefully applied pressure and precise geometry—all without nails, glue, or other adhesives. Here’s a look at how it all happens.
The Birth of A Bourbon Barrel
1. Gathering the Wood
American white oak is the most commonly used barrel wood, due to its superior water retention. The trees are typically felled when 80–100 years old and 70 to 100 feet tall, and an average of one to two barrels can be produced from each tree. Logs are cut into three-foot sections (roughly the height of 53-gallon barrels), then sawn into four quarters and cut into rough staves. The staves are stacked onto pallets and left outside to air dry for an average of three to six months. Some distillers request longer seasoning periods of up to 36 months.
2. Shape It...

It's a mixed bag of whisky and whiskey this week.First up, MGP Distillery has unveiled a new brand called Eight & Sand. The whiskey is a blended bourbon, which includes both straight bourbon and other unspecified American whiskeys. It's hitting shelves in a dozen states for $30.Want to taste whisky from a long-dead distillery? Littlemill 40 year old, distilled in the waning days of the 1970s, is available from Loch Lomond Group. Just 250 bottles are being released, including 23 coming to the U.S. for the hefty, but round, price of $10,000.Two new whiskies from Germany are hitting U.S. shelves for the first time: Eifel single malt and Eifel rye are made in the western part of the country, distilled in both a column and a pot still, and aged in a variety of cask types. The single malt is $60, while the rye is $55, and both are bottled with no chill-filtration at 46% ABV.The Redneck Riviera brand, co-created by country music star John Rich of Big & Rich, has added a second...

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...

Each summer, Pebble Beach Resorts on California’s Monterey Peninsula hosts the Hickory Sticks Invitational, a charity event for the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. The one-day, 9-hole tournament is contested on the resort’s short course, The Hay, which benefited from a Tiger Woods-led redesign a few years ago. The 670-yard layout now includes architectural features that either pay homage to the famous holes on the resort’s flagship course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, or take inspiration from Golden Age courses all around the world.
The host course may be diminutive—its longest hole measures only 106 yards—but the event is still plenty challenging. It’s called the Hickory Sticks Invitational because participants play not with modern clubs that boast steel or graphite shafts but with vintage old hickory wood-shafted clubs. Hickories, as these antique tools are affectionately known by golfers, are what the players used throughout the 19th and early...

It's a big week for bourbon lovers. Four Roses announced a new, permanently available bourbon that's non-chill filtered and bottled at a solid 52% ABV. Four Roses Small Batch Select is made with six of the distillery's recipes and is the first core bourbon to prominently feature the F yeast strain. Priced around $55-$60, it will eventually be available nationwide, but is starting off in five states: California, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and Texas. Whisky Advocate spoke with master distiller Brent Elliott to get more details about the whiskey; keep reading to find out how he developed the formula, and which specific recipes he used.Meanwhile, Buffalo Trace has debuted a 20 year old version of Eagle Rare. Double Eagle Very Rare is packaged in a crystal decanter and fancy box, and has a recommended price of $1,999. Just 299 bottles are available.The Whiskey Barons collection, which is made at Wild Turkey Distillery, has unveiled its latest bourbon, W.B. Saffell, as well as the second...

It's your wedding day! You've curated the perfect menu, meticulously planned the seating chart and flower arrangements, and pored over playlists to pick your first dance song—and now it's time to add in some whisky. You could leave the choice up to the venue, but unless you're required to go with a pre-set bar package, you're better off doing this part of the work yourself.When planning my own wedding, I was offered a choice of two packages: a few bottom to mid-shelf well whiskies, or a premium selection that seemed designed to gouge my budget. (Think a $700 upcharge to include just Glenlivet 12 year old.) I opted for the former, then tailored my reception's whisky offerings to meet my tastes and budget—and to give my guests a top-notch experience.Give the Wedding Gift Everyone Wants: WhiskyYou know your taste better than anyone else, and you can easily assemble your own whisky bar offerings with these tips and strategies. But before you do, check with your venue that you're able...

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...

We’d wager that for most people, it’s only natural to think first of Kentucky, and then perhaps Tennessee, when thinking of American whiskey. After all, the two southern states possess rich distilling histories that stretch back hundreds of years, and today Kentucky makes about 95% of all bourbon on the market. But there’s another state right next door with a rich whiskey history of its own: Indiana.
The Hoosier State is home to the city of Lawrenceburg, once known as Whiskey City, USA thanks to its prolific rye production from the mid-19th century up to Prohibition. The city, which lies just west of Cincinnati, and under 2 hours northeast of Louisville, built its first distillery in 1847. Originally called Rossville, it has gone through a series of name changes over the years—from Rossville to Jos. E. Seagram Lawrenceburg, then Lawrenceburg Distillers, more recently MGP, and currently Ross & Squibb. It’s a distillery that has supplied whiskey for...

With the July 4 holiday coming up, there's no better time for new bourbon, and this week's latest releases include several great options.Special bottles of Evan Williams Black honoring military veterans are rolling out now. Each bottle features the story of one of five veterans, chosen from 6,500 nominations. Concurrently, the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation has donated $5,000 to each of the veterans' preferred charities. More than 360,000 American Hero bottles of Evan Williams are available, priced at $13 for a 750 ml and $25 for a 1.75 liter.Knob Creek is debuting its oldest whiskey to date, a 15 year old bourbon. Priced at $100, the bourbon is available nationwide in limited quantities.Also limited—probably a lot more limited—is Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, which will officially launch in September. Retail-priced at $130, it's likely to go for more than that, if it can be found at all.Old Tub Bottled in Bond bourbon, which up to now has been available only in...

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...

It’s that time of year again—our Top 20 whiskies of 2021 have been revealed! This year the list is led by a single malt Scotch, Lagavulin 11 year old Offerman Edition Guinness Cask Finish, a whisky we first included in this very roundup back in May. The rest of the list spans the globe, offering up a little something for everyone.There are plenty of new releases to enjoy alongside these gems. Booker’s unveils its final release of the year, Barrell Craft Spirits adds some older bourbon and rye to its Stellum line, and Cascade Hollow debuts a 13 year old rye in its Moon series. Read on for full details.Booker’s 2021-04 “Noe Strangers Batch”Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: 6 years, 6 months, 12 daysABV: 62.2%Price: $90Release: December 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:The fourth and final batch of Booker’s for 2021 celebrates Booker Noe’s social nature. It is said that the 6th generation Beam master distiller could turn any stranger into a friend, and...

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...

Have you been following along with the Top 20 countdown? Whiskies 5-10 have all been revealed, and we'll unveil the the rest of the list next week. Join us for the countdown, and don't forget to enter the sweepstakes to win the top three whiskies!With the holiday shopping season officially underway, now's the time to start thinking about what whisky you want to give—or receive. (For whisky-related gifts that aren't actually bottles, though, check out our gift guide.) Several distillers are offering their whiskies in special holiday packaging, including Hibiki—which we wrote about previously—J. Rieger & Co., and Woodford Reserve. The special bottle for J. Rieger Kansas City whiskey was inspired by a 1910 advertisement for the original distillery and is festooned with holly and berries, as well as a jolly Santa Claus. The whiskey's price is $35, and it's also available as part of a holiday three-pack with J. Rieger's gin and vodka ($85). The label on Woodford Reserve's...

With six taps of a golden hammer, Brora’s master distiller Stewart Bowman sealed the bung on cask 001—the first cask of Brora whisky to be laid down in more than 38 years. The iconic Brora Distillery in the Scottish Highlands reopened last week, ending a long silence that began with its shuttering in 1983. At a ceremony to mark the occasion, master blenders Jim Beveridge and Craig Wilson looked on as Diageo archivist Jo McKerchar recorded cask 001 in the distillery’s ledger—on the same page as the records from Brora’s last working day.
The distillery’s buildings are now once again alive with warmth and light, and filled with the aromas of a working Scottish malt producer. With the endangered Scottish wildcat as its emblem, Brora has tradition at its heart: it’s equipped with a rake and gear mash tun, the two original copper pot stills refurbished by hand, and their corresponding worm tubs. The restoration team scoured...

The biggest whiskey news of the week was the launch of Sweetens Cove, a new bourbon backed by NFL star Peyton Manning and tennis great Andy Roddick, among others. We spoke to both Manning and Roddick, as well as master blender Marianne Eaves, about the whiskey and its links (pun completely intended) to the beloved golf course of the same name. Check out the in-depth article, and then keep reading for the hard stats and some analysis below.The latest Port Ellen single malt from Diageo is coming out now, priced at a cool £6,500 (about $8,000). It's 40 years old, a vatting of nine "rogue" casks. There are 1,380 bottles available, though none are being sold in the U.S.Kentucky-based blender Barrell announced its Private Select whiskey series, a collection of unique "micro-blends" that are each finished in a different barrel type. Each offering is limited to 150-180 bottles, priced at $109. Barrell is also set to release Batch 024 of its bourbon, priced at $90 and available in limited...

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...

Most people know that tequila and mezcal are both crafted from agave. Beyond that, the well of knowledge usually runs dry. A few pointers on the differences between these two types of spirits will help enhance your appreciation of mezcal, Mexico’s once-forgotten agave spirit whose popularity is now blooming.
Regulations require that only blue Weber agave be used for tequila. Around 30 varieties can be used for mezcal, but there are just a handful that are typically used. The denominations of origin for each also specify different Mexican states where they can legally be grown. So although these two spirits are both agave-based, the differences are significant.
Once the agave has been harvested and the leaves removed to reveal the pine cone-shaped heart or piña, it’s cooked and crushed to convert its starches into more readily fermentable sugars. The piña for tequila is typically cooked in steam, whereas for mezcal it is buried and cooked using wood...

High-profile distillers are on the move: Former Jameson master distiller Brian Nation is taking on the American Midwest at Minnesota craft venture O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., while Jeff Arnett walked away from his master distiller’s role at Jack Daniel Distillery last year and just announced the launch of his new venture, Company Distilling, which is situated by the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee.While we’ll have to wait patiently for the whiskeys from Nation and Arnett, there are plenty of new releases to sip in the meantime. First up, Jura is adding a 12 year old single malt to its core lineup. The whisky is widely available, at a buyer-friendly price of $50.From North Texas, Garrison Bros. is also rolling out one of their oldest, rarest expressions to date: Laguna Madre. There are 2,000 bottles of the bourbon available, and it’ll set you back $299.Buffalo Trace has added a new whiskey to its experimental collection that pays homage to Chinese...

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...

Burgers and beer have long been friends, but whisky is also a natural accompaniment. Many bars and restaurants around the country offer a their signature burgers alongside some very cool whisky lists. From private barrel exclusives to sampler flights of unique brands, these bars have whiskies that appeal to all types of aficionados, while also offering elevated burger options that run the gamut from custom beef blends to wild game patties, with toppings that are equally creative.

Spears Bourbon, Burgers, and Beer
Wheeling, Illinois
Both burgers and whisky get major attention at Spears. This suburban Chicago restaurant boasts almost 400 whiskies on its menu, alongside grass-fed beef specialty burgers. Private barrels are a big deal here, and Spears offers a variety of exclusive bottlings, from Old Forester and Jack Daniel’s to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and New Riff rye ($14-$32/2 oz., some are available for bottle purchase). Beyond that...

It's Friday the 13th, but don't get spooked—this week's new whiskeys are all perfectly normal. In fact, Diageo just announced news of its 2018 Special Releases—most of them, that is.First up, Wild Turkey has announced a new, permanently available bourbon called Longbranch, which master distiller Eddie Russell made in partnership with creative director (and film actor) Matthew McConaughey. It's 8 years old and filtered through both American white oak and mesquite charcoals, and it costs $40. Since McConaughey's stamp of approval is on it, I'm guessing this whiskey is all right, all right, all right (or even better than that).Balvenie Distillery debuted DoubleWood 12 year old in 1993, and in celebration of its 25th anniversary, the company is rolling out limited-edition packaging. While the liquid inside is the same as in any other bottle, Balvenie also plans to release a 25 year old DoubleWood later this year.Blade and Bow is returning with its 22 year old bourbon for the fourth...

There are limited days left in February, and limited releases headline this week’s new whiskies.First up, Buffalo Trace is releasing Blanton's Gold Edition in the U.S. The bourbon was previously only available internationally, but starting this summer it will be stateside and priced at $120.Barrell is unveiling its latest batch of rye. This cask-strength blend of straight ryes from Canada, Indiana, Poland, and Tennessee is priced at $90.Sagamore Spirit has a new limited-edition rye of its own, finished in calvados barrels and priced at $69.Kentucky Peerless has teamed up with Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. to release a single barrel rye finished in absinthe barrels. Priced at $129, this limited-edition release is available in both Peerless and Copper & Kings gift shops, as well as at select retailers.Taylor Garrett is releasing a whiskey distilled from bourbon mash that was aged alternatively, a process the distillery refers to as "accelerated aging." The whiskey is...

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...

Sazerac, owner of Buffalo Trace, Barton 1792, The Last Drop, and A. Smith Bowman, has placed some of its most prized whiskeys on the auction block to aid the victims of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. In a partnership with Blockbar, the company is offering a rare chance to score bottles and collections of Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, W.L. Weller, E.H. Taylor, 1792, A. Smith Bowman, and The Last Drop—all for a worthy cause.
The auction started this morning and continues through 10 a.m. on November 1st. Unlike other charity efforts where only a portion of the funding goes to the intended recipient, Sazerac is donating 100% of the proceeds—all going to the American Red Cross to aid in its hurricane recovery efforts.
The auction is being held on  Blockbar.com. This is a “no reserve” auction, meaning there’s no minimum price for a bottle or collection, although, bidding starts at $100, and no buyer premiums are...

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

Among Washington Nationals fans, MLB slugger Ryan Zimmerman has earned a reputation for getting the job done. With over 250 career homers, 11 of which were game-winning walk-offs, he is in an elite group of clutch hitters. It's memorable moments like these that make Zimmerman a hometown favorite. To keep his cool at the plate, he remembers the other guy is in a worse position than him. “I've always thought ‘the pitcher is in more trouble than me. He's in a situation where he can lose the game,'” says Zimmerman.Zimmerman's long career has its peaks and valleys. Perhaps none is more dramatic than his final amateur season with the 2004 USA Baseball National Team. Despite an impressive personal performance, where he led the team in batting average (.468) and every other meaningful at-bat stat, Mexico shocked the world by denying Zimmerman and the U.S. a spot in the Olympics that year.Zimmerman joined the Nats as they arrived in D.C. from Montreal in 2005 and never left. In an era of...

Just a week after announcing its seventh batch of limited-edition bourbon, Kentucky Owl has revealed plans to roll out a rye whiskey for the first time. The 11 year old sourced whiskey will be available in much larger quantities than Kentucky Owl's bourbon—and will cost less, though it's by no means inexpensive at $130 a bottle. About half the country will have access to Kentucky Owl rye.Meanwhile, New York-based Hillrock Estate has a new bourbon from its solera, finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. The distillery says the 6 to 8 week finish gives the nose and finish of red wine, but preserves the core bourbon flavors on the palate.Finally, FEW Spirits is launching its latest collaboration with Chicago-area record label Bloodshot Records. White Lightning is a whisky (no E) that is distilled from five types of malt and rested for a short period of time in FEW bourbon and rye barrels. There are only 150 bottles, available at the distillery starting on September 9th at...

Who doesn’t like apples? The ripe, luscious peach is now a distant memory of summer, and so it’s apple season—meaning fresh apples, apple pie, and perhaps even a warm spicy rye finished in apple brandy casks. Hudson Rye Calvados Cask Finish is 7 year old whiskey first aged in new oak before a long, secondary maturation in calvados casks from Normandy, France. 
Meanwhile, we're pleased to see that Castle & Key is out with another branded expression, this one a wheated bourbon. We all were very excited when restoration began on this historic distillery back in 2014, forgetting that the process would take a while. In the ensuing years, Castle & Key was relying exclusively on contract distilling, but its first whiskey under the Castle & Key name finally appeared in 2022. Slowly but surely, Castle & Key is starting to develop a true portfolio of expressions.
Uncle Nearest, having already built a successful...

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...

There are loads of new releases to dive into this week, as well as news of another brand revamping its look. Heaven Hill is rolling out restyled packaging for Evan Williams straight bourbon and bottled in bond bourbon, as well as the line of flavored whiskeys. Look for the new bottles to hit shelves starting this month.On to new whiskey! Glenmorangie is launching a special single malt finished in tokaji dessert wine casks. Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake is priced at $99 and available in limited amounts.WhistlePig's newest Boss Hog is rolling out, and it has an unusual finish. WhistlePig Boss Hog VII: Magellan's Atlantic is available in limited amounts, priced at $500.Three special batches of Old Forester bourbon have been created in honor of the brand's 150th anniversary. All are quite limited, with bottles priced at $150.Macallan is wrapping up its Edition series with Edition No. 6. The single malt scotch is available in limited amounts and priced at $150.Bruichladdich Distillery has...

We pour Irish whiskey year-round, but St Patrick’s Day is a great occasion to look at what’s doing well. There are new brands like Skellig Six 18, Clan Colla, and Garavogue, but established names aren’t standing still either, as this year we’re hearing about fresh releases from Redbreast, Proper No. Twelve, Shortcross, and The Whistler—all showing that despite the global slump, Ireland’s whiskey revival is alive and well.
For collectors, Bushmills recently showcased its 26 year old Crystal Malt, while Midleton Very Rare Vintage 2026 will land this spring. Irish whiskey bonder Two Stacks is elevating its blends with older components and a packaging refresh, while Dingle returns with a retooled single malt at a different ABV and friendlier price, while a core range single pot still and its first 10 year old single malt are set to come later in the year. Whether you plan to cheer on the parade, join the celebration at your local Irish...

We made it! January is over, and as the calendar turns to its shortest month, there are new whiskies to anticipate.Glenmorangie has unveiled the tenth release in its Private Edition series. Allta ("wild") is a whisky whose barley was fermented from wild yeast found in the fields near the distillery—a first for Glenmorangie. Cultivating and using wild yeast is an unusual step for modern scotch distillers generally, although custom yeasts are very common in American whiskey. Glenmorangie Allta is priced at $99 and available in limited amounts.Angel's Envy has announced a new bourbon finished in oloroso sherry casks. There are just 3,600 bottles of the bourbon, priced at $200 each, and they're going on sale first to members of the distillery's 500 Main group. After that, the remaining bottles will be for sale at the distillery and select Kentucky retailers.Buffalo Trace is releasing the next two whiskeys in its Experimental Collection, a pair of bourbons aged in barrels whose wood was...

With many of May’s auctions scheduled toward the end of the month, the first half saw a greater number of Japanese whiskies from Karuizawa and Hanyu break $20,000 than scotch, though scotch took the highest bids. Leading the pack was WVA Whisky Auctions with their sale of a bottle of Macallan The Red Collection 50 year old for $39,167 while Scotch Whisky Auctions sold a bottle of Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release for $37,566. With Dalmore eyeing a place at the top of this month’s highest sales for The Dalmore The Luminary No. 2 49 year old at Sotheby’s on May 31st, it will be interesting to see the month’s final tally. Whisky Auctioneer had an impressive line-up in April (see below), but a bottle of Yamazaki 55 year old and a bottle of Macallan 1950 Tales of the Macallan Volume I failed to make their reserves—both have regularly featured in our monthly list of highest hammer prices. Even in the upcoming Sotheby’s auction, Dalmore will...

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

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...

Christie's, New York will auction 74 bottles of rare whisky valued at $250,000-$350,000 on June 7. While primarily a fine wine sale, the whisky selections are significant and can be summed up in four words: all killer, no filler. If you're a collector of classic bottlings of scotch distilled in the mid-to-late 20th century, then this one's for you.The biggest highlight is the full Springbank Millennium Set with miniatures (Lot 432), a rare offering at the best of times, but it's particularly exciting to see one going under the hammer at a U.S. auction house. The set contains bottles of Springbank bottled in 5-year age brackets from 25 to 50 years old. The late whisky writer Michael Jackson bestowed some of his highest-ever scores on these 25, 30, and 35 year old Campbeltown whiskies when first released. Christie's has only ever previously sold one full set in London in 2018, though a new record price was recently set at Bonhams auction in Hong Kong in May. Back in 2010, the highest...

No stranger to luxury, Dalmore released one of the highest-priced collections of the year with its No. 5 Collection, which includes expressions with ages spanning five decades. Worldwide, only 15 numbered sets were released. The launch included a single No. 6 Collection that included a sixth bottle—Dalmore 1951—that sold for $899,305 at Sotheby's Hong Kong, plus a non-fungible token (NFT) of the four-bottle No. 4 Collection, which sold for $137,000 on BlockBar. Beyond simply being a masterclass in oloroso sherry maturation, handpicked vintage port casks and select wine barrels have been deployed to enhance the depth of flavor, while each bottle is tied to an important moment in the distillery's history.Dalmore Decades Reviewed
The Dalmore Decades 53 year old “Expertly Composed Spirit” 196795 points, 42.5%, $275,000/ 5 bottle set One to study intensely; the aromas come into focus with espresso foam, chocolate mousse, black currant sauce, maraschino cherry, raspberry...

Shizuoka Distillery is generating a lot of excitement among Japanese whisky enthusiasts. Founded in 2016 by Taiko Nakamura, the distillery has rebuilt the mill and wash still from the closed Karuizawa Distillery. Situated approximately halfway between Tokyo and Nagoya, it is high in the mountains on the banks of the Nakakouchi River. The distillery is equipped with a 1-ton mash tun and different types of washbacks made from Oregon pine and Japanese cedar—a nod to sake fermentation. It has two wash stills: one 3,500-liter from the former Karuizawa Distillery and a new direct wood-fired 5,000-liter (referred to as pot still K and W respectively). While Glenfarclas Distillery and others retain direct-fired stills, this is reportedly the only whisky distillery in the world solely burning timber to heat a wash still during distillation. Scottish coppersmiths Forsyths fabricated both the wood-fired wash still and the spirit still, while there is also a hybrid Holstein still on-site...

With one of Japan's most legendary distilleries being revived, there'll soon be new whisky on the way—but we don't have to wait. Plenty of bottles are hitting shelves right now!First up, GlenDronach is launching a new expression of Port Wood as part of its core lineup. The whisky is priced at $90 and widely available.Jack Daniel's has announced its 2020 limited-edition single barrel, this year a barrel-proof rye. Priced at $65, the whiskey is available in limited amounts.The Spot Whiskeys range has a new member, Blue Spot, a 7 year old cask-strength single pot still whiskey. U.S. pricing hasn't yet been set, but it will likely be around $95, with the whiskey widely available.Heaven Hill has bottled a 13 year old single-barrel bourbon to celebrate its 85th anniversary. The whiskey is extremely limited, with just 146 bottles for sale mainly at the visitor center, and priced at $300.Chicken Cock is releasing its oldest whiskey to date, a 15 year old bourbon. Priced at $300, there are...

The French may have popularized charcuterie as we know it today—and gave it the name, which comes from their words for flesh (chair) and cooked (cuit)—but salting and smoking meats to preserve them dates back to at least ancient Rome. “Since there was only so much pork loin, beef rib eye, and tenderloin to go around, Romans would chop, mince, and grind all parts of the animal and stuff the innards with this meat, plus salt and spices, and then roast them over an open fire,” says Kevin Ouzts, owner, executive chef, and charcutier of The Spotted Trotter in Atlanta. 
While wine and cheese make a natural pairing, whisky and charcuterie are just as delicious together. The flavors you’ll find on a charcuterie board are similar to those of many whiskies—including smoke, brine, fruit, and spice—and enjoying them together enhances the flavors of both. With so many different meats, cheeses, and other ingredients that make up a charcuterie...

The Summer 2020 issue of Whisky Advocate dropped earlier this week, with over 130 whisky reviews in the Buying Guide. Peruse for a few minutes and find a new bottle to try! For even more new whisky (to be reviewed soon!), keep reading.Wild Turkey is rounding out its rye portfolio with the launch of Rare Breed Rye. Always bottled at barrel proof, the initial batch is 56.1% ABV and priced at $60, available nationwide.Glenmorangie has launched the newest limited-edition single malt in its Bond House No. 1 collection. Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996 is 23 years old, aged entirely in first-fill "bespoke" bourbon casks, and priced at $825.MGP is set to release the 2020 bottling of Remus Repeal Reserve bourbon in September. The 12 year old bourbon is priced at $85 and available in limited amounts.Walsh Whiskey is rolling out the 12th batch of The Irishman Vintage Cask. There are 3,500 bottles of the high-proof blended Irish whiskey available, with 750 coming to the U.S. at $140 each.A...

Summer is getaway time, and if London is on your radar screen, check out our London travel guide. If Ireland is in the plan, consider a side trip to Northern Ireland, where Belfast is reviving its old reputation as a whiskey city and other parts of the north are in renaissance mode as well. Read all about it in our profile of the distilleries of Northern Ireland. Of course, if you're staying close to home, you'll have a chance to keep an eye on the latest new releases. This week marked the arrival of two new single malt scotches from Benromach, a new bonded bourbon has joined the Old Forester 117 Series,  Lux Row is offering a new four-grain bourbon, and new American Single Malts are out from Dogfish Head, Copperworks, and Old Line. Meanwhile, Lost Lantern is unveiling its Summer of Bourbon, a collection of eight bourbons from distilleries around the country. Read on for further details.
Old Forester...

The return of Michter’s 20 year old bourbon after being away for two years was certainly the highlight of the week, although getting hold of a bottle of this limited release will prove to be a challenge as always. The 20 year old's arrival came just in time for WhiskyFest New York on Wednesday night, where it was in high demand. Elsewhere among the new  American whiskey releases, Tattersall has two limited edition bottled in bond expressions, while Colorado’s Laws offers two cask-finished bourbons. Other new announcements feature Pendleton, Hidden Barn, and Wyoming Whiskey.
In scotch, Johnnie Walker Blue is out with its Lunar New Year release to commemorate the Year of the Snake, while Macallan has two new whiskies in the fourth edition of its Harmony Series, which this year celebrates Macallan’s use of oak. And finally, from Ireland, Teeling has released another of its aged whiskeys, this one a 24 year old.
Michter’s 20 year old...

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

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...

Angel's Envy is the the distllery that launched the finished bourbon phenomenon back in 2011, and now it's gone a different route with its first-ever release of a non-finished bourbon.  And speaking of different routes, Isle of Arran-based Lagg DIstillery launched in 2019 as the peated sibling of the more famous Isle of Arran distillery, Lochranza; now its whiskies are finally reaching U.S. shores, with two expressions hitting the market. Elsewhere, Widow Jane has a new release that features its heirloom corn Baby Jane, while Laws has launched a new collection called the Headwaters Series, and Lost Lantern is back with the second edition of its Summer of Bourbon Series.
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon 
ABV: 50%
SRP: $55/375 ml
Availability: Distillery exclusive; 12,000 bottles 
From the jump, Angel’s Envy has emphasized cask finishes, with its core bourbon finished in port casks for up to 6...

With the transition to summer and the slow reopening of businesses, new whisky releases seem to be picking up.First, a couple of e-commerce specials. Metallica-led brand Blackened is rolling out a special box set for its 100th batch. For the first time ever, a non-band member—master blender and distiller Rob Dietrich—created the playlist of songs that was used for the whiskey's "sonic enhancement" process. Blackened Batch 100 is packaged with two 12-inch vinyl picture discs of that playlist, as well as a copy of the Blackened Zine; the set costs $149 and is available only through Spirited Gifts and Cask Cartel.For Father's Day, Teeling Irish whiskey is offering a special bottling of its single malt, engraved with "Raise Your Spirits," and donating $5 from every sale to #RaiseYourSpirits, a charitable initiative led by part-owner Bacardi to support hospitality workers. The engraved bottles are for sale for $60 through Reserve Bar.Now for whiskies that are available at traditional...

Update 4/21/25: Gregg Snyder, former Chicken Cock master distiller, has left that post to join veteran-owned, Bardstown-based Four Branches Bourbon in an advisory role.
When the modern whiskey era and the dawn of craft distilling arrived in the early 2000s, most fledgling craft players “sourced” whiskeys— buying aged distillate from other, larger suppliers— while waiting for their juice to mature. Utah-based High West famously sourced aged rye whiskeys from MGP, using those as the cornerstone of some great whiskeys while its distillery was being built. Others, like Woodinville Whiskey in Washington, chose never to source whiskey, waiting years for its own distillate to mature. Still others, like Smooth Ambler of West Virginia, chose a middle path, blending sourced whiskey with its own make.
Then another business model came upon the American whiskey scene—the producer that’s solely a blender and bottler, with no plans to build a distillery...

In honor of Flag Day on June 14th, Kentucky’s Jeptha Creed Distillery celebrated by unveiling a giant American flag, measuring 12 feet by 7 feet, made from bourbon barrels at its Shelbyville campus. The project represents the journey of some very special barrels that date back to the distillery’s inception. 
Jeptha Creed’s grand opening took place on November 11, 2016—coinciding with Veteran’s Day. Distillery staff celebrated both events by inviting members of the military—active and retired—to sign barrels that were being used to age a very special whiskey.  The whiskey was christened Red White and Blue Kentucky straight bourbon. Although the name does intentionally correspond to the colors of the American flag, it’s a double entendre that also refers to the whiskey’s mashbill—representing the Bloody Butcher (red), Heirloom White, and Bruce’s Blue corn strains that were used to make it. The first batch...

Jamar Mack has bourbon in his bones. He recalls “smelling mash being fermented before I even knew what bourbon was,” while growing up three blocks from Brown-Forman's Louisville headquarters. He's since developed a passion for Kentucky's famed spirit, continuing the tradition of his grandfather who “drank Early Times ‘til the day he died.”
In 2017, Mack and a couple of fellow bourbon lovers banded together to form Kentucky's Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts (KOBBE), looking to fulfill a need: In Kentucky at the time, “there was no group that was truly welcoming people of color,” Mack explains. KOBBE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing African American participation in the bourbon community. Their philanthropic endeavors include giving back to low-income Louisville communities and raising funds by auctioning prized bottles. The group's stated mission—“Drink good bourbon, keep good company, do good...

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...

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...

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...

There’s no doubt that we’re entering the busiest part of the auction year. September’s provisional 20-highest hammer prices of the month rocketed past the value of last month’s total before the end of the first two weeks. The calendar has been packed with major auctions, as well as charity endeavors, including Bourbon Bonanza, Art of Bourbon, and the Legacy de Forge auction for Bourbon Heritage Month.
Spink, China ran an exclusive Springbank auction featuring over 100 lots, with a bottle of Springbank Millennium 50 year old fetching a hammer price of $10,272. Whiskyauction.com concluded their long-running ninth auction of the year on September 13th, which had been open for bidding for 56 days since July. Their highest bid was $26,020 for a bottle of Karuizawa Noh Whisky 1971 41 year old Cask No. 1842, one of a number of Karuizawa bottles vying to make the 20-highest hammer prices for September. Bowmore had a clean sweep at Scotch Whisky Auction’s...

This week’s big news is a new tequila-finished Tennessee whiskey from Jack Daniel Distillery, though unfortunately the size of the release doesn’t quite match the magnitude of the headlines. The tequila finish is part of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series, a succession of experimental whiskeys that are packaged in 375 ml bottles and sold only at the distillery and a few Tennessee retailers. We wish Jack would make these experiments more widely available, but can’t complain, as we’ve seen some serious innovation from the Lynchburg, Tennessee distillery in recent years, including its 10 and 12 year old releases, as well as a Tennessee rye and a limited run American single malt.
Elsewhere, Garrison Brothers is out with Laguna Madre, its annual aged bourbon release that's highly sought-after. And it’s rock and roll time, as Catoctin Creek offers another release in its Ragnarök Rye series, and Lynyrd Skynyrd turns it up with Hell...

The past week saw three interesting new releases from smaller players around the country, including a couple of bourbons and a cask-finished American single malt. Manhattan's Great Jones Distillery has a release finished in casks from Long Island winery Wölffer Estate, though Great Jones currently uses sourced juice as its distillery has been open only since 2021. From Maryland's Old Line Spirits comes a sherry cask-finished American single malt, in keeping with Old Line's dedication to the style. And Casey Jones Distillery, named for the famed Kentucky moonshiner who made what was said be be Al Capone's favorite whiskey, has a new straight bourbon. 
Great Jones x Wölffer Estate Cask Finish
Great Jones Distilling Co., the first whiskey distillery to open in Manhattan since Prohibition, is a relative newcomer to cask finishing. The distillery first forayed into the style with a pineau de charentes finished bourbon released in honor of the...

Plenty of whisky brands choose certain causes to support or celebrate, and Evan Williams is no different: Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the brand has announced its latest class of American-Made Heroes to be featured on limited edition bottles. Six men and women are in this year's class of Heroes. Originally launched in 2015, the program has recognized 48 veterans on its American Hero bottles and donated $450,000 to veteran-focused non-profits across the country.Elsewhere, there are all sorts of new whiskies to try. At the Fred B. Noe Distillery, a series of experimental whiskeys called Hardin's Creek has debuted; Australia's Starward has launched a new single malt matured in shiraz casks; and Yamazaki has a slew of new non-age statement whiskies. Read on for full details.

Hardin’s Creek Colonel James B. Beam
Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: 2 year oldABV: 54%Price: $80Release: July 1, 2022Availability: Limited

Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s...

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be looking for gift ideas for thethe whisky lover in your life—or maybe you're makingyour own wish list. In addition to potable presents, why not consider some thoughtfully designed whisky gear, brought to you by two bourbon brands?I.W. Harper haspaired up with hat maker Goorin Bros. to release The Harper, a limited-edition felt fedora with a whiskey-colored hat band that features the brand's “bowing man” icon on the interior. “We wanted to create a hat that not only deserved attention but possessed an ability to bring others together and create compelling conversations,” says Nathaniel Pearce, brand evangelist for Goorin Bros. “All great things have a compelling story behind them that acquires character with time. Both Goorin Bros. and I.W. Harper are heritage brands which gained their start in the 1800s.” The Harper ($160) is available at Goorin Bros. locations nationwide and online, as well as the Stitzel-Weller...

As we roll toward the July 4th weekend, there's plenty of Americana among this current crop of new releases. Separately, we've also put together a list of whiskeys that capture the spirit of July 4th, many through their part in the American story. As for this group, we have new expressions of the long-standing Michter's Legacy Series, a toasted barrel whiskey from Old Potrero and a toasted barrel bourbon from Peerless, a barrel proof rye from E.H. Taylor, and a new Babe Ruth commemorative edition from George Remus. From Scotland, we have another wine cask finished item from Glenmorangie, this one aged 23  years.
Not listed here is the partnership between Oregon-based Pendleton Whisky and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, a collaboration that began in 2021 and has just released a new Military Edition label to honor and support our veterans. A portion of every bottle sold (up to $100,000) will go to support veterans programs around the nation. The Bob...

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...

The week’s list of new releases is led by the American side, with bourbons and American single malts at the fore, as well as a new tequila-finished rye from High West. From Scotland, Kilchoman offers its annual Sanaig release, and from Ireland, we have what might be the final release from Waterford Distillery, which went into receivership in late November. It seems likely that funding will be found to keep Waterford going, possibly under a different owner, but for now, everything remains on hold.
On a happier note, Indian single malt maker Paul John has just released its annual Christmas Edition. Those who’ve discovered or wish to discover this producer should take note: two previous Paul John Christmas releases we’ve reviewed both scored 91 points. And from Kentucky, Blue Run also gets into the season with its new Blue Run Ember release, made with holiday sipping in mind.
Old Forester 117 Series: Warehouse I Bourbon
ABV: 47.5%
SRP: $65/375ml

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and if you're panicking about what whisky to serve, take a breath: We've got you covered, with recommended pours, party-ready punches, and a guide to pairing whisky and pie. (Speaking of which—we can also teach you how to make pie-inspired whisky cocktails.) But if you're looking for brand-new bottles to pop, keep reading.For the high rollers, Michter's is rolling out its aptly-named Celebration just ahead of the holidays. The blend of straight bourbon and rye is priced at $5,000, with just 277 bottles available.At 20% less than Celebration, Glenrothes 40 year old is still a luxury buy. The single malt scotch costs $4,000, with just 66 out of 594 bottles coming to the U.S.Can't let the Americans and Scots corner the high-end whisky market though; Ireland's Chapelgate Whiskey Co. has unveiled J.J. Corry The Chosen, a £6,500 ($8,393) single malt. There are just 100 bottles available.Bardstown Bourbon Co. is releasing the latest batches of its...

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...

In the past few years Bangkok has overtaken London to become the second most visited city on earth after Hong Kong, but even before that, Aqua, located in Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, was its preferred watering hole. For more than two decades, locals, ex-pats, and visitors have escaped the city’s notorious traffic and tropical heat in this relaxing oasis within Bangkok’s most iconic hotel. Singapore has Raffles, Hong Kong has the Peninsula, and Bangkok has the Siam, the flagship of global luxury chain Anantara. It’s set in the middle of downtown, in the heart of the Ratchaprasong shopping and entertainment district, and immediately adjacent to BTS sky train Ratchadamri station, the best way to beat rush hour gridlock while exploring the city.
The hotel is also home to an indoor/outdoor garden area, enclosed on all four sides but open to the sky above, and it is here that Aqua sits, alongside a lush ornamental garden and pond filled with Koi fish. Entering is like...

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...

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...

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...

Love scotch, bourbon, or American single malt? Then pay attention—this week's new whiskies should make you very happy.Balvenie is releasing a 25 year old edition of its DoubleWood single malt, matured first in ex-bourbon casks and then in Spanish oak oloroso sherry casks. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year old, just 3,600 bottles will be available at a price of $599. Meanwhile, Balvenie's parent company William Grant & Sons has unveiled a blended straight bourbon. Fistful of Bourbon combines five straight bourbons from undisclosed sources, blended to balance five unique flavor profiles. The whiskey is initially launching in Texas for $25, and is expected to become more widely available in the future.Michter's is re-releasing a bourbon that was last available in 2015. Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish will be available nationwide with a recommended price of $60, but expect it to sell out—like the previous releases, this is available in...

It seems like high season for distillery openings, with two new facilities opening and a major project announced. Kansas City's J. Rieger & Co. has officially opened its new distillery, featuring a 40-foot slide for visitors, while over in Scotland, Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh is now welcoming guests to observe its innovative production. Meanwhile, Beam Suntory announced that it's building a 1.2 million proof gallon "craft" distillery at its Clermont, Kentucky Jim Beam plant. We spoke with master distiller Fred Noe to get details about the facility, which is slated to open in 2021.For whisky that's ready to buy now, however, there are plenty of options, starting with a super-aged Macallan single cask. The Exceptional Single Cask 1950 is nearly 68 years old, with just 336 bottles available and a price befitting its ultra-rare status: $58,000.Much more easy to access is Glenlivet's new 14 year old, finished in cognac casks. The whisky is exclusively available in the U.S. for...

It’s a great week for American whiskey lovers, with new releases from Beam, Heaven Hill, Michter’s, Barrell, Kentucky Owl, and more. Freddie Noe has introduced another chapter of Little Book, which spotlights unique blends; this release is no different, combining five unique bourbon and rye components. Heaven Hill has followed up the May release of its Grain-to-Glass bourbon with the second iteration of its Grain-to-Glass rye. Elsewhere, Michter’s returns with its two Legacy Series brands, Shenk’s Homestead and Bomberger’s, which honor key figures in the distillery’s history. Rounding out the week in new releases are fresh bourbon batches from Barrell and Kentucky Owl, a rye from Wigle Distillery, a high-rye straight malt from Root Shoot Spirits, and an Irish single grain from Two Stacks.
Little Book Chapter 9: “None For Granted” Blend
ABV: 60.9%
SRP: $160
Availability: Limited
Fred B. Noe master distiller...

In this week’s list of new scotch and world whisky launches, we find distillers delving deep into the warehouse for ultra-aged—and usually ultra-expensive—expressions. With the gift-giving time of year approaching, whisky houses including Talisker, GlenDronach, Aberfeldy, and Crown Royal are releasing some of their oldest whiskies yet. Talisker has a 45 year old, while Crown Royal’s 30 year old release is its oldest ever, and Aberfeldy is out with its first 25 year old in two decades. The new Chivas XV is among the few scotch releases here to be feeling some gravitational pull, priced at $50.
We also have this year's release of Bruichladdich's Bere Barley and Black Art expressions from Islay, which are always a treat if you can find them. While the mysterious Black Art contains some very mature whiskies and is priced accordingly, Bruichladdich Bere Barley is looking positively affordable at $140 if you're gift-giving for a loved one, a friend, or...

In case you haven't heard: Our Top 20 whiskies of 2020 have been unveiled! Check out the list and join us at 3 p.m. today on Instagram Live, where we'll be discussing and tasting several of the winners.On to new releases! Stranahan's is making some of its rarest whiskeys available to benefit the Colorado communities impacted by recent wildfires. While its annual Snowflake release—which sees long lines of fans congregating for days ahead of time outside the distillery—is on hold until February 2021, the distillery is offering five bottles each of its 2015-2019 releases at auction. Proceeds will benefit the Colorado State Firefighters Foundation, and Stranahan's will match the gift up to $25,000. Follow the distillery's Instagram page for more information.Woodford Reserve has revealed its latest Master's Collection whiskey, Very Fine Rare. The bourbon is available in limited amounts, priced at $130, and debuts in a new bottle.Barrell is launching its annual New Year blended straight...

The first week of April has brought a whole lot of new whiskies, from blended and single malt scotch to bourbon, rye, and more.Dewar's announced a limited-edition trio of whiskies called Dewar's Double Double. Each blend—aged 21, 27, and 32 years—was finished in a different type of sherry casks. The whiskies are available in limited amounts, packaged in 375-ml. bottles and ranging in price from $50 to $150.WhistlePig has unveiled its first whiskey since master distiller Dave Pickerell passed away last fall. WhistlePig Piggyback Rye is 6 years old and sourced from Alberta Distillers; the pig on its label sports a stetson hat, Pickerell's trademark look. The whiskey is currently available for $50 in a few states, with expanded distribution to come.Several new whiskies from Islay's Bruichladdich Distillery will be hitting shelves soon. Black Art 06.1 1990, the mysterious blend of casks created by master distiller Adam Hannett, will sell for $420. Meanwhile, four heavily peated...

Sotheby’s, Hong Kong set new record prices for Macallan The Reach 81 year old and Yamazaki 50 year old First Edition in the first week of April as they marked 50 years of doing business in Asia. Both bottles achieved the same hammer price of HK$3.8million ($484,000), becoming the highest hammer prices for single bottles this year. This new Macallan record for the oldest bottle of whisky ever sold at auction eclipsed Sotheby’s existing record for the special one-of-one edition of the Macallan The Reach 81 year old sold in London in 2022.  Sotheby's, New York also soared with the last remaining set of United Distiller's The Rare American Whiskey Selection, which hit a record-setting price.
Scotch Whisky Auctions
Auction ended April 9th

Scotch: Macallan The Red Collection 40 year old $22,354. Released in 2020, this saw the 40 year old join The Red Collection, Macallan's series of mature age statement whiskies reflecting the natural red colors found...

Sotheby’s shattered auction records galore in New York on January 24th, as The Great American Whiskey Collection lived up to its name. Now the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction, its combined hammer price* of $2,003,900 (or $2,504,892 with buyer’s premiums) soared above the $1.2–$1.7 million pre-sale estimate. Old Rip Van Winkle 20 year old (distilled in 1982) for Sam’s Wines & Spirits achieved a new auction record for American whiskey, with a hammer price of $130,000 (or $162,500 with buyer’s premiums). This is the highest proof Van Winkle release in history at 133.4 proof, one of only 60 bottles created. This is the first appearance of the bottling for Sam’s to hit the auction block in over a decade.
At the podium on the Breuer Building, Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s global head of spirits, gave an electrifying performance as the new record was set, tapping his hammer repeatedly to quiet the room as the major...

Let's say you've tasted your way through some basic bourbons that have given you a foundation in flavor appreciation. You're no longer a newbie; you have some real bourbon knowledge, and a desire for more. For you, bourbon is becoming a bonafide hobby, but you need guidance on the next few bottles to continue expanding your palate.These key examples will help usher you into an intermediate level of expertise. They offer more complexity—some might even call them challenging—and are different in their own ways.Bourbon 201: Intermediate-Level Bottles You Must TasteColonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon—90 points, $40One of the few Buffalo Trace whiskeys that can easily be found on shelves (shhh!), this bottled-in-bond offering showcases the excellence of the distillery's low-rye mashbill. With strong corn aromas on the nose, the palate offers a candy-like sweetness, with hints of butterscotch and caramel corn—though the finish is long and spicy, almost a bit minty. E.H...

Whisky lovers have one more reason to hit the hallowed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bardstown Bourbon Co. opened its new visitors center on Sept. 9, offering tours, cocktail classes, and tastings geared toward every level of bourbon drinker, from novice to connoisseur. The facility features a sleek, modern vibe, with glass paneling, moss art walls, and an open design that's meant to highlight the company's focus on transparency and collaboration, while celebrating both the art and science of whiskey making.It wasn't long ago that now-former chief executive David Mandell, who co-founded Bardstown Bourbon Co. back in 2014, had grand plans for its visitors center; the company was part of a wave of next-generation distillers building their enterprises from the ground up with the guest experience in mind. “We're trying to create a Napa Valley experience on the Bourbon Trail,” Mandell told Whisky Advocate in 2017, before the distillery had even opened its restaurant. Bardstown Bourbon Co...

The most traditional sipping vessel is the copita—a small ceramic glass—and many modern variations are available. Stemmed tequila glassware is also an option, led by Riedel’s tequila glass, while the famed Glencairn is also an excellent option. The ideal vessel elevates the concentration of flavors, has adequate space for swirling, and is clear so that if the tequila is aged, its color can be observed.

The Oaxaca
$45/set of 2
Inspired by traditional Mexican copitas used for sipping agave-based spirits, this glass holds 4.5 oz., with room for ice.

Cobalt Blue Rim Stemmed Sipper
$55/set of 6
Handblown from recycled glass in Tonalá, Mexico. The 2.5 oz. vessel is ideal for sipping tequila. 

Riedel

$55/set of 4
This stemmed crystal glass holds 6.7 oz. It was designed to enhance the aroma and flavor experience of tequila.


Glencairn

$7
Developed with assistance from...

It’s gift giving season, and if you’re looking for something special for the whisky lover in your life, we've got you covered. There are plenty of snackable gifts available, from popcorn to barbecued ribs, specifically designed to be paired with whiskey. We also have a few other recommendations including books, luggage, and more whisky related items that will enhance your tasting experience. There are some exciting new whiskies out this week that also would make great gifts. Woodford Reserve adds to its Master’s Collection with a beer-inspired malt whiskey, High West brings its High Country single malt to a wider stage, and Barrell Craft Spirits adds two new straight bourbon blends to its lineup. Read on for full details.Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection: Five-Malt Stouted MashStyle: Straight maltOrigin: KentuckyAge: Not statedABV: 45.2%Price: $130Release: December 2021Availability: LimitedNeed to know:A version of Woodford’s straight malt whiskey, this new addition to...

Whether you’re a fan of neat bourbon or scotch on the rocks, there’s a great whiskey (or whisky) cocktail you’ll love. We’ve got variations on classics including the Old Fashioned, Sazarac, Manhattan, Irish Coffee, this spin on the Rob Roy, and more, plus newer cocktails, like this Paper Plane makeover. 
Whether your whiskey preference is bourbon, rye, Irish, scotch, Japanese, or a world whisky, there’s something on our list for every palate. There are plenty of options for refreshing summer whisky drinks as well as fireside sippers and cocktails that are perfect for the holidays or winter months when you want to warm up with whiskey. Looking for special occasion whiskies? We have you covered with suggestions for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and beyond. Or check out these entertaining with whisky ideas.
Our list spans the flavor gamut, too, with options for those who like cocktails sweet or floral to spicy and complex...

David Landrum is the founder of Two James Spirits, a small distillery in Detroit. His buddy, Jacques Driscoll, runs Johnny Noodle King, a nearby ramen shop. Driscoll was planning a bar program for the restaurant and asked Landrum if he might create a whiskey to complement his umami-rich broths.“I was an art student,” says Landrum. “I've always been pushed by creativity. I like to keep making new things.”He had been drinking a lot of Asian teas and lapsang souchong, a Chinese smoked tea, came to mind. It was a source of inspiration. Landrum infused a blend of corn and rye whiskeys with lapsang souchong and two other Asian teas. He calls it Johnny Smoking Gun. Driscoll loved it. Both the noodle shop and Two James's tasting room serve it in cocktails and also neat with a “broth back.”Interesting? Yes. Unique? Sure. Innovative? Absolutely! But is it whiskey?That question sits at an intersection of art, craft, tradition, culture, law, commerce, imagination, taste—and probably...

Do you miss Game of Thrones? Johnnie Walker—which previously released White Walker—is here to help assuage your woes with two new special-edition blends: Song of Ice and Song of Fire. Few details are available, but even a casual GoT fan will recognize that the Song of Ice packaging features direwolves, the sigil of House Stark, while the Song of Fire packaging shows House Targaryen's dragons. Both whiskies are available for pre-order at Reservebar.com, priced at $43. A full U.S. rollout will happen in August.Also coming out at the end of the summer, Old Forester's 2019 Birthday Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled at its highest proof yet—52.5% ABV—and carries a suggested price of $100, with 13,200 bottles available.Meanwhile, the latest limited-edition Crown Royal is rolling out now. Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is, as you probably guessed, finished in French oak casks. It's available in limited amounts for $60.Compass Box has unveiled a new blended malt...

Distillery-exclusive expressions are something of a double-edged sword for whiskey lovers. For the truly dedicated followers of a particular brand, there’s a lot to get excited about—namely, the prospect of scoring a new release while paying a visit to their favorite distillery. But fans who aren’t able to make that trip must choose between overpaying on the secondary market or doing without.
Kentucky distillery Old Forester has found a way to make sure both groups go home happy. The distillery has announced that its popular President’s Choice series, which has historically been a distillery-only release, will be available for nationwide distribution for the first time. The national debut, which also includes the first rye whiskey in the series, will take place this month.
Casting a Wider Net
President’s Choice whiskeys have always been hard to find. The first President’s Choice expression was made in 1890, when Old Forester president...

In a Los Angeles mansion, hidden behind a façade obscured by bookshelves, is a bank vault door secured by a ten-bolt combination lock. On the eve of Prohibition, the owner of this fine residence amassed a bunker of booze in a secret cellar, filling it with demi-johns of sherry and port, and stockpiling hundreds of pints of whiskey. The vault was one of two belonging to Jean-Baptiste Leonis: merchant, liquor dealer, banker, real estate developer, and founder of the industrial city of Vernon, California. In 2017, Leonis' descendants discovered his Prohibition-era stash, untouched for nearly a century. The find is especially important given the scale, provenance, and condition of the collection, according to the wine department of Christie's auction house, which prepared it for sale in New York on December 7th.
Multiple lots of Hermitage 9 year old bottled in bond whiskey went up for sale. (Photo courtesy of Christie's)Before the gavel fell, I sat down with Chris Munro, head of...

Bottled in bond bourbon has been around for more than a century, yet the style has undergone a full-on renaissance in recent years. Newer distilleries are finally seeing their stocks reach the 4-year minimum age requirement outlined by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897; coupled with the steady stream of big-name producers releasing new and revived bottled in bond labels, it seems like every week there's a new option on the shelf. The Bottled in Bond Act was meant to ensure one very important thing: the integrity of the whiskey.
Prior to its enforcement, there was no telling what kind of liquid was in the bottle. It could have been adulterated, flavored, colored, diluted—and so the government intervened. To be labeled bottled in bond, a whiskey must be the product of a single distiller in a single season—spring (January to June) or fall (July to December)—aged for a minimum of 4 years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 50% ABV.Beyond a quality...

Whisky: it's so hot right now. Especially if it's finished in Tabasco hot sauce barrels, which is the case with a new flavored whiskey from Tennessee's George Dickel. In fact, "Hot Dickel" takes things even further by blending in distilled Tabasco, creating a spicy spirit with a capsaicin kick. If you're into it, the whiskey is a permanent part of Dickel's lineup and will cost $25.For those who don't like to mingle condiments and whisky, there's a new blended American whiskey from Hotaling & Co. (formerly Anchor Distilling), makers of Old Potrero. The blend includes Old Potrero 18th-Century Style Whiskey, Old Potrero Straight Malt Whiskey Finished in Port Casks, and Kentucky bourbon. Called J.H. Cutter after a historic whiskey brand, the 48% ABV whiskey costs $50 and is available in a handful of states.From Scotland come two new single malts in the Port Askaig line: an 8 year old and a 14 year old. Each sourced from a different, undisclosed single malt distillery on Islay, the...

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...

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...

“America’s Finest City” is a nickname San Diego earned in large part for its famously good weather and beaches. But for whiskey lovers, its downtown, especially the Gaslamp neighborhood, is a hotbed of standout bars. The city is also famous for its locally beloved happy hours, so ingrained that virtually every watering hole joins in the fun. Establishments have specials from late afternoon and/or early evening on weekdays and in some cases weekends.
San Diego’s airport is less than 10 minutes, without traffic, from downtown where parking is scarce. Readily available rideshare services are your best bet.
Make Aero Club Bar the first stop on your way to the Gaslamp or the last stop before you depart; there are over 1,000 whiskies to choose from.
Day One
The Horton Grand Hotel opened in the Gaslamp District in 1886, and catered to celebrities from Wyatt Earp to Babe Ruth to President Benjamin Harrison. Today it’s a reasonably priced...

Lexington’s new mixed-use development The Commons—situated on Main Street, under a mile from downtown—will be home to RD1 Spirits later this year. RD1 will be located at the entrance of the 40-acre site, a former tobacco factory, that will include homes, vacation rentals, shopping, dining, office space, a music venue, an adventure park, and a walking trail. The Commons will offer whiskey fans a couple of options for tours and tastings: Goodwood Spirits and Brewing will be RD1’s neighbor.
Planned to open in August of this year, RD1’s new facility will include an experimental distillery housing an 800-gallon and 175-gallon pot still, a 750-gallon fermenter, and a 1,000-gallon cooker that will be used to fill approximately one barrel per week. The focus will be on finishing, a practice RD1 has employed since its inception. Its Brazilian Amburana finished bourbon scored a 93 with your tasting panel. In addition to the distillery, the 10,215 square...

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...

As Fèis Ìle 2023 gets underway on Islay this weekend, Kilchoman made headlines this week when it announced plans to build a rum distillery on the island of Barbados. The new site will sit on nine acres of land at Bentley Mansion and will include a distillery, mill, and cask warehouse.
As far as new whisky, this week’s releases include a finished bourbon from Penelope, a straight bourbon from NBA star Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and two limited single malts from Suntory in celebration of its 100th anniversary. Read on for full details.
Penelope Cooper Series Rio
Style: Finished bourbon
Origin: Indiana
Age: Not stated
ABV: 49%
Price: $90
Release: May 2023
Availability: Limited
Need to know: 
A blend of three bourbons, the mashbill of this whiskey is 75% corn, 15% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley. Inspired by...

From Scotland this week, Macallan is out with the third edition in its Harmony Collection, this one created in collaboration with two of Paul McCartney's daughters—fashion designer Stella McCartney and photographer Mary McCartney. Compass Box has a new creation, Art & Decadence, blended from a rich, malty array of cask finishings. On the American whiskey scene, the very prolific Barrell Craft Spirits has a nicely affordable item in Barrell Foundation at $60, its first non-cask strength whiskey.  Pinhook,  meanwhile, has a truly unique concept in its Vertical Series, which follows the progress of 1,350 barrels of high-rye, MGP bourbons as they age over the course of time. First launched in 2019, the project will conclude in 2027, and this week we're greeted with Pinhook Vertical 8. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Verticals seem to be improving with each release, though opinions will vary on that, which is all part of the fun. Plenty of...

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...

The official announcement for Spirits of the Apocaplypse, the Walking Dead bourbon, came out this week. Whisky Advocate reported this bottle's imminent arrival back in May, and we're excited to bring you a review in an upcoming Buying Guide.More new whiskies are on their way or hitting shelves now, like the newest limited-edition bourbon from Jim Beam. Knob Creek Quarter Oak includes bourbon was finished for 4 years in a quarter cask; it's priced at $50 and available nationwide for a limited time.Kentucky Owl is rolling out Batch 9 of its bourbon, blended from a number of different whiskeys. There are just over 10,300 bottles available, with a suggested retail price of $300.Dogfish Head has launched its third whiskey, a limited-edition single malt finished in ale casks from the Delaware brewery. Alternate Takes: Vol. 2, Whiskey Finished in Palo Santo Marron Ale Barrels is priced at $50, and there are roughly 6,000 bottles available.Four Gate Whiskey Co. is launching its second...

Joining the ranks of Scotland, Ireland, the U.S., and several other whisky-making nations, New Zealand has published guidelines setting out the standards for its native whisky styles. Though the country's exports to the U.S. have been tiny thus far, the new rules could help.There's plenty of new whisky hitting shelves now, however. First up, the folks behind Barrell Craft Spirits have unveiled Stellum, a line of bourbon and rye, including single barrels. The whiskeys are all priced at $55 and widely available.Highland Park is rolling out its third 50 year old single malt, priced at $30,000. There are just 274 bottles available.The Spring 2021 release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond is hitting shelves, this time at 8 years old and with a suggested price of $85. As always, it's available in limited amounts.The latest offering in Jack Daniel's Tennessee Tasters' Selection line is called 14E19 Twin Blend—a combination of Tennessee whiskey and rye. There are 24,000 375 ml bottles...

In our Summer 2021 issue, we featured the rise of heavy metal rock musicians who collaborate with craft distillers to make their own whiskeys. That feature is now online, and as you'll find, this is more than a case of musicians jumping on the celebrity whisky bandwagon. In the story, members of Metallica, Slipknot, GWAR, and others explain their motivation for the move from drinking whisky to making it.As for this week's new whiskies, Michter's is bringing back its highly coveted 20 year old bourbon, Compass Box closes out its No Name series with its third and final edition, and Blue Run adds a high-rye bourbon to its lineup. Read on for full details.Compass Box No Name (No. 3)Style: Blended maltOrigin: ScotlandAge: Not statedABV: 48.9%Price: $130Release: November 2021Availability: 10,794 bottles worldwideNeed to know:The third and final release in the No Name series is comprised of Laphroaig single malt aged in re-charred hogsheads, Bowmore single malt, and Compass Box’s own...

Whatever happened to the dog days of summer? The whisky world has been keeping us busy lately with new releases from distillers far and wide. We've been tasting some excellent ones, as attested by some of our latest new whisky ratings. This week, there's more. Baker's is back with its 13 year old expression, which we haven't seen since 2019. Hardin's Creek has dropped the second release in its three-part Kentucky Series (the third is due in September), while Elijah Craig honors the players at golf's Ryder Cup with a new bourbon finished in toasted European oak. WhistlePig is out with FarmStock Beyond Bonded, which is actually 3 bottlings—a bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey, all of them single barrels. And whisky purists, take cover! Glenlivet has just released two pre-made cocktails, a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned, in 375 ml bottles. Back in 2019 Glenlivet briefly stepped outside the box with its Capsule Collection, described as "glassless cocktails" wrapped...

In recent weeks, a number of distilleries have announced major new builds. Blue Run Spirits is set to break ground on a state-of-the-art facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, while Middle West Spirits is relocating in Columbus, Ohio for 14 acres of space and a 75,000-square-foot distillery. Now, Wild Turkey has joined the mix, bringing to the table plans for an additional distillery on the Wild Turkey Distillery campus in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The $161 million facility will be capable of producing 5 million proof gallons per year, bumping annual production up to 14 million proof gallons. Completion is slated for July 2025. 
This week's new whiskies come from Scotland, California, and Kentucky. Campbeltown single malt Glen Scotia adds a 21 year old to its core lineup, Old Potrero returns with three single barrel straight ryes, and RD1 Spirits debuts two wood stave-finished bourbons. Read on for full details.
Glen Scotia 21 year old

There were quite a few interesting releases in the whisky world this week, notably a new 12 year old Eagle Rare and Diageo’s resurrection of the Stitzel Weller name with a new 24 year old.  The rest of the week is rounded out by two high-profile annual releases—the new Dewar’s Champion’s Edition 19 year old to mark the U.S. Open golf tournament, and Garrison Brothers’ annual release of the tawny port-finished Guadalupe, which always draws a crowd at the distillery in Texas. There's also a new edition of Rieger Monogram, this one with a bit of 15 year old sherry added as a tribute to blenders past, and a Widow Jane bourbon blend, which is a New York exclusive.  Buzzard's Roost has its most loyal fans pick the barrels for its latest whiskey, and Four Branches commemorates our military with a 9 year old bourbon.
Dewar’s The Champion’s Edition 19 year old (2025 Release) Blended Scotch
ABV: 43%
SRP: $80

It's a great week for scotch fans with some well-aged malts hitting shelves.Speyburn is rolling out an 18 year old, the next step up from Speyburn 15, which was released a couple of years ago. This whisky used American and Spanish oak casks for aging. It's $120 and will be available annually in limited amounts.Bladnoch is debuting a 17 year old, aged in ex-bourbon and finished in California red wine casks. Less than 1,000 bottles are coming to the U.S., priced at $100 each.Compass Box has unveiled a mature homage to Eleuthera, a blended malt it released many years ago. Like that whisky, Tobias & The Angel is a blend of Clynelish and Caol Ila; the Clynelish is 24 years old, while the Caol Ila is "considerably" older. Tobias & The Angel is $500, with 3,900 bottles available.Infuse Spirits is set to roll out Cabernet Cask bourbon, which is made by mingling Kentucky bourbon with pieces from Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. The whiskey costs $30 and is widely available.Michigan's...

Once relegated to airplanes and minibars, the 50 ml bottle became increasingly popular as a result of COVID-related restrictions especially among craft distillers who were kept from hosting events or opening their tasting rooms. To stay afloat, small distilleries turned to minis (which are 50 ml), sending out samples for virtual tastings, and connecting with drinkers from afar.“Filling 50 ml bottles is notoriously difficult, and normally not known as a profit center for craft businesses, but we saw them as an investment,” says Gareth Moore, CEO of Virginia Distillery Co.. The distillery launched its first single malt, Courage and Conviction, in April 2020, at the start of the pandemic, and used 50 ml bottles as part of the rollout to reach more people.Catoctin Creekco-founder Scott Harris says that they resisted minis at first, but eventually saw the appeal. “Store tastings have stopped completely nationwide, and without tastings, there is no easy way to get customers to try our...

What’s old is new again, with Buffalo Trace’s unveiling of a new limited-edition collection comprising some of its oldest labels. Dubbed the Prohibition Collection and slated to be an annual release, this set features expressions that pay tribute to this Kentucky distillery’s rich history during Prohibition.       
With the passing of the Volstead Act in January 1920, Prohibition spelled doom for nearly the entire whiskey industry. With the flick of a pen, distillery workers across the U.S. suddenly found themselves out of work. But a fortunate few managed to survive by being granted a Medicinal Whiskey License, which gave certain distilleries permission to legally distill “medicinal whiskey” that could only be purchased by customers bearing a doctor’s prescription. Only six of these permits were issued, and Buffalo Trace, then called the George T. Stagg Distillery, held one of them. The labels in this set all played a...

Gifting a bottle seems easy enough, but finding the right bottle for a whisky lover is where the difficulty lies. You could play it safe by buying a bottle of their usual pour, but that isn't very exciting. Alternatively, you could surprise them with something completely new—but then you run the risk of buying something they won't like. 
A great way to start is to focus on flavors. The best approach is to look for whiskies with profiles your giftee likes—focusing on familiar foods like chocolate and barbecue, beverages like coffee or wine, or certain things like cigars—that you know will hit the spot. To cut out the work for you, we've assembled a list of 26 high-scoring whiskies that will please your whisky lover's palate and put a big smile on their face.
Dessert Lovers
For whisky lovers with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to choose from, including well-aged bourbons, inventive blends, light-bodied Irish whiskeys, and beyond. The...

America's bourbon barrels, which can be used to age whiskey here only once, are the globetrotting alchemical vessels that keep many of the world's spirits flowing, crossing the Atlantic to house scotch or sailing to the Caribbean to cradle rum. Brewers have also embraced these barrels to create complex and robust beers, like Goose Island Beer Co.'s Bourbon County Stout and its many imitators. Now, with the current fervor for American whiskey, barrel aging includes much more than just alcohol beverages, expanding its footprint in the wider culinary world with bold steps and new techniques that promise to bring the magic of barrel-aged flavor to fine dining, or your breakfast table.How Sweet It IsSteven Stallard, a professional chef and whiskey lover, founded Blis Gourmet in Grand Rapids, Mich. in 2004 to put his chef's penchant for ingredient sourcing and flavor construction to work, creating specialty foods like salmon and arctic char cured over whiskey barrel staves. Struck by the...

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

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...

Johnnie Walker Blue has unveiled a new limited-edition whisky designed to tap the flavor of an Alpine winter. Johnnie Walker Blue Ice Chalet is a winter whisky targeted toward après-ski occasions.
To capture the essence of winter, master blender Emma Walker and her team started by mining historical data from the UK’s Met Office (the national weather service) to track Scotland’s coldest winters over the decades. Walker then targeted Diageo’s most northern and highest-altitude distilleries, notably Dalwhinnie, Clynelish, and Brora, and set out to use whiskies distilled during those winters to create the desired wintry flavor profile.
“We’re almost taking apart Blue Label, and looking at those rare and precious whiskies, and bringing them together in a slightly different way,” said Walker. “We were thinking about new elements of flavors, and when it’s colder the distillation is a different process.”
The effect of...

If you open a tiny gourmet sushi bar that earns a Michelin Star and is described by New York Magazine as having “The Absolute Best Sushi in New York,” what do you do for an encore? You might open an equally impressive cocktail bar next door—and let the two share one of the largest Japanese whisky lists outside of Tokyo. That’s just what the owners of the 8 year old Noda restaurant did when they added Shinji’s Bar in 2022.
Located in the Flatiron District on 20th Street just off 6th Avenue, Shinji’s is a hidden gem and respite from the frenetic urban scene around it. Even knowing the address, the door and signage are so discreet you might walk past it. Once you do get inside, you’ll find just half a dozen seats around a central semi-circular bar of elaborate tile topped with black and gold marble, in front of a modern brass and glass rack of shelves holding both spirits and an extensive display of fresh seasonal fruit. Set back...

We regularly cover new whiskies here at Whisky Advocate, but with some bottlings, we delve just a little deeper. This week, for instance, there are two new projects in the mix: a single barrel Empire rye from New York Distilling made exclusively for the Brooklyn-based Wythe Hotel, and an entirely new brand from master blender Dixon Dedman. The Empire rye is a celebration of Brooklyn's rich distilling and cocktailing cultures, which both have been reborn in the past decade, while Dixon Dedman's release marks an exciting new chapter for this acclaimed Kentucky blender, who's best known for reviving Kentucky Owl back in 2014.
Of course, there are plenty of additional whiskies to present this week. Michter's is back with the latest edition of its highly coveted 10 year old Rye, Nikka returns with an age-statement Japanese single malt, and Nelson Green Brier sweetens its range with a bourbon finished in a honey-coated cask. Read on for full details.
Michter’s 10...

Lots of new whiskies are hitting stores this week, including a galactic bourbon, limited-edition Canadian whisky, and more.Straight off the Starship Enterprise comes James T. Kirk bourbon, named for the ship's fearless leader. The sourced whiskey is 10 years old, distilled in Tennessee, and will be featured at San Diego Comic Con next month. It's available for pre-order now for $60, with bottles shipping in the fall, at jamestkirkbourbon.com. Update 10/3/18: Future batches of James T. Kirk bourbon will vary in origin and age, from 4 to 12 years old.Back down on earth, Crown Royal has unveiled the 2018 release in its Noble Collection, a 13 year old version of the recently released Blenders' Mash. The whisky was distilled from corn, rye, and malted barley and aged entirely in new charred oak barrels. It will be available in limited amounts for $60.In Kentucky, Wild Turkey Distillery has released the latest Russell's Reserve vintage, this one comprised of whiskey from 25 barrels filled...

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...

Each year, more than a million tourists drink their way through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, souvenir passports in hand, eager to collect stamps from the 16 whiskey distilleries along the route. The trail includes Woodford Reserve in Versailles, which debuted a new welcome center on June 12. Five years of planning and two years of construction went into the facility, and there was a feeling of triumph when Woodford Reserve master distiller Chris Morris and assistant master distiller Elizabeth McCall cut the ribbon on the new building.“We've always had a welcome center at the Woodford Reserve Distillery,” says Chris Poynter, Woodford's public relations and partnerships manager. “However, we felt as though we needed to upgrade to accommodate the 1.4 million visitors that visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail last year.” The welcome center joins Woodford's existing visitor center, which continues to operate its gift shop, café, and cocktail bar.Located on a plot of land so rooted in...

Leading the charge this week is Penelope bourbon, which has taken things up a notch with its barrel strength bourbon expression, raising the age statement from 4 years to 7 years. From Rebel comes a collaboration with NASCAR veteran Kyle Busch on a new single barrel bourbon, while Virginia Distillery Co. has unveiled three new single malt expressions.  Minnesota distiller Keeper's Heart is rolling out the first whiskey made entirely from its own production, and Irish whiskey Proper No. Twelve has a new, more charred-oak riff on its core label.
 
Penelope 7 year old Barrel Strength Bourbon
ABV: 57.6%
SRP: $60
Availability: Limited
Penelope has announced a change to its Barrel Strength bourbon, raising the age statement from 4 to 7 years old. This version is a blend of four bourbons rather than three, and it has a slightly different mashbill of 70% corn, 23% rye, 5% malted barley, and 2% malted rye. The initial release accounts for 78,000...

It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means you may have some leftovers in the fridge and a little more time to explore some pairing opportunities. We’ve got you covered on the joys of matching pie and whiskey with a new video that serves pecan, pumpkin, and cherry pie alongside bourbon and rye. Try a few combinations to see what you like best.Announced this week, Royal Salute adds to its Time Series with a 51 year old blend, Blue Run drops a cask strength rye as part of its holiday collection, and The Whistler brings back two of its cask finishes. Read on for full details.Royal Salute The Time Series 51 year old (2021 Release)Style: Blend Origin: ScotlandAge: 51 year oldABV: 45.4%Price: $30,000Release: November 2021Availability: Limited, 101 bottlesNeed to know:The second in Royal Salute’s Time Series Collection includes whiskies distilled no later than 1970—some of which are sourced from ghost, or shuttered, distilleries—and bottled at cask strength. The Time Series...

Whiskies come and go, and while new releases are always heralded, expressions that are phased out get much less attention. But earlier this week, High West announced plans to discontinue Yippee Ki-Yay, its blend of ryes finished in vermouth and syrah barrels. Bottles can still be found on shelves, so if you're a fan, snatch them up when you see them.Moving on to new releases, which this week all come from these United States.Westland Distillery announced a new series called the Outpost Collection, which will encompass the existing Garryana expression ($150) as well as two new single malt whiskeys: Colere ($150), coming in the spring of 2021, and Solum, which won't be ready until 2023. All of these whiskeys will be released annually in limited amounts.Sagamore Spirit is also launching a new range called Distiller's Select, starting with Manhattan Finish, a rye finished in select barrel types to impart the classic cocktail's flavors. The whiskey is available in limited amounts, priced...

Unlike wine, there's no practical reason to decant whisky or other spirits. It's a purely aesthetic choice—an easy way to dress up that boring budget bottle on your bar. Whether your taste leans traditional or modern, glass is the ideal material, as it allows the whisky's hue to shine through. Decanters are also de rigueur among whisky lovers who dabble in the art of home blending. What better way to show off a house blend that's clearly a winner?All photos by Jeff Harris
Orrefors Erik—$99Part of a collection showcasing straight lines, the Erik decanter by Orrefors is comes in a set with two tumblers, and can personalized with engraving or monogramming.
Tom Dixon Tank in Copper—$150The Tank whiskey decanter is mouth-blown and highlighted by hand-painted copper detailing. The Tank line includes other glassware and tableware, allowing you to fill out the set.
Glencairn Pot Still—£63Fashioned in the shape of a pot still, this decanter is made by the same company...

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...

Just because dad never complains, we so often take advantage of him by not putting too much thought and effort into Father’s Day. Sure, he’ll say “thank you” to another sleeve of golf balls, of course he’ll be grateful for one more pair of dress socks, but he won’t truly be touched. This year, though, Pernod Ricard USA wants you to give your dad something that truly befits and echoes his years of devotion and nurturing. 
Well-aged whiskies, cognacs, and tequilas, like fatherhood, requires a lifetime of devotion and nurturing. Think about it. They need to be carefully added to aging vessels and maintained over the years. They need to be cultivated through nuanced aging methods, careful cask selection, and then exemplary blending. Do all that, and one day you might have such high-marque spirits as Aberlour 12 Year Scotch Whisky, Jefferson's Reserve, Redbreast 12-Year-Old, and Martell Blue Swift.

Aberlour 12 Year Scotch Whisky...

When it comes to a whisky for a special occasion, it’s hard to argue against a 25 year old scotch. That age statement is grand enough to thrill your guests after dinner, provide a special gift, or simply be the bottle you reach for to reward yourself after a good day. There are peated malts from Islay, sherried styles from Speyside, and luxuriously complex blends to choose from.
What you pay for a quarter-century-old scotch varies considerably. Astonishingly, for two whiskies made just eight miles apart and of the exact same proof, you can buy 17 bottles of the lowest-priced example for the same money it costs to own one bottle of the most expensive, and still get 30 bucks in change.
Due to supply squeezes of ultra-aged whiskies, distillers are more often releasing annual batch bottlings rather than permanent expressions, so not every bottling will be available all year round. A fair number of 25 year old scotches disappear from the shelves for good every year. All the...

Who doesn’t love to add a bottle to their bar? And if you read Whisky Weekend regularly, you know there’s no shortage of new releases to track down. But once you’ve invested in your whisky, you want to display it as artfully as possible. This week, we spoke to HGTV star Orlando Soria about how to make your home bar look its very best. Read some of his tips and tricks and add a dash of style to the bar this weekend.New releases this week include bourbons from Heaven Hill and George Dickel, a collaboration between Scottie Pippen and Dave Phinney's Savage & Cooke and more. Read on for full details.Heaven Hill Five Brothers BourbonStyle: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyAge: 5 year old ABV: 45%Price: $60Release: June 2021Availability: Kentucky onlyNeed to know:Heaven Hill's new small-batch bourbon is a blend of whiskeys aged five to nine years old, representing the distillery's five founding brothers. Made from Heaven Hill's traditional bourbon mashbill, this whiskey will be...

St. Patrick's Day may have passed, but that doesn't mean you need to abandon your Irish whiskey altogether. We have some simple cocktail recipes and a list of high-scoring bottles that will serve you well throughout the year. And of course, you can always work on making the perfect Irish coffee ahead of next year's festivities.The top new releases this week mostly hail from Kentucky, as Castle & Key debuts its small batch bourbon. The first batch is coming this month, and the second will arrive in May. Meanwhile, Barton 1792 is extending its Thomas S. Moore line of finished bourbons with finishes in madeira, sherry, cognac, and merlot casks, and Japan's Kaiyō adds two blended malts to its range. Read on for full details.Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon 2022 Release (Batch 1) Style: Straight bourbonOrigin: KentuckyABV: 49%Age: 4 year oldPrice: $50Release: March 2022Availability: 18,564 bottles in AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, NJ, NY, OK, SC, TN, TX, WA, and WICastle & Key...

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...

Other distillers have done it, but Knob Creek never blended its bourbon and rye whiskeys for any of its expressions—until this summer’s launch of Bourbon X Rye, a blend of 9 year old bourbon and 7 year old rye. The final product was formulated by James B. Beam father/son master distillers Fred and Freddie Noe (Knob Creek is part of Beam) with the goal of finding the perfect bourbon-rye balance. But it isn’t a straightforward 1:1 mix of the two whiskeys, instead it plays far more heavily into its rye component, which accounts for 70% of the blend.
A precursor for Bourbon x Rye can be found in another Beam-owned whiskey, Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye, a bourbon/rye blend released in July 2018. But the new Knob Creek blend has two whiskeys, whereas Basil Hayden’s was a blend of four.  There’s also a tighter age range for Bourbon x Rye: It’s 7–9 years old compared to Basil Hayden’s 5–13 years. In terms of similarities...

This week sees a handful of new releases that meld two different places within the same bottle. Old Forester has returned with a new 117 Series bourbon, this one finished in scotch whisky casks, marking a first for the distillery. Texas-based Milam & Greene has released its latest Wildlife Collection whiskey; while the series highlights local Texas wildlife, it's also an exploration into how extreme weather in the Texas Hill Country impacts whiskey maturation. This new single barrel bourbon was distilled in Tennessee but spent its final months aging amidst the highs and lows of Texas weather. Across the pond, UK-based Never Say Die has made its U.S. debut with a Kentucky bourbon that aged in the state for five years before being shipped across the ocean, finishing its maturation in England. 
Elsewhere, there are two new cask-strength whiskeys out this week, one a blended bourbon and the other rye. Read on for full details.
 
Old Forester 117 Series: Scotch...

Whisky is always a good reason to get people together, and a cocktail party makes it even more fun. “Whisky is great for a cocktail party because it's so versatile,” says Pamela Wiznitzer, mixologist at Henry at the Life Hotel. Everyone from connoisseurs to brown spirit newbies can enjoy trying new flavors and learning about whisky—and you don't need to be a pro bartender to pull it off.As the host, you get to decide what theme—if any—you want for the night (perhaps one style of whisky or one region) and what tempting libations to serve. That also means you can decide how much work you want to put into it. Even simple decorations, appetizers, and punch will impress guests, or you can get them in on the fun by having DIY cocktail stations, or go all-out with a shaken signature cocktail served at an intimate dinner party.Whatever the night calls for, these pro tips will help you throw a whisky cocktail party that everyone will enjoy and be talking about.Set the SceneTo keep...

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...

It's a great week for single malt scotch lovers. After teasing four new whiskies just a few weeks ago, Old Pulteney has revealed a brand-new lineup for its core range, including the non-age statement (and slightly peated) Huddart, a 15 year old, and an 18 year old. The flagship Old Pulteney 12 year old will continue to be available as well, but with revamped packaging to match its new brethren. Old Pulteney discontinued its 17 year old and 21 year old expressions in 2017 (although eagle-eyed hunters may still spot them on store shelves as back stock gets sold through), and now with the rollout of these three new single malts, the distillery is discontinuing Old Pulteney Navigator. Huddart, 15 year old, and 18 year old are currently available in the UK, and will hit the U.S. in early 2019.Meanwhile, two new craft whiskeys are being released. Pennington Distilling Co. in Nashville, Tennessee has unveiled the second batch of its Four Grain whiskey. Each batch is unique in barrel makeup...

The presents are wrapped and you're probably setting out cookies and whisky for Santa, but if you want to pause for new whisky—keep reading.Macallan has released a limited-edition single malt in collaboration with the Roca brothers. Macallan: Distil Your World: The London Edition is priced at $4,500, with 2,000 bottles available.A new Japanese whisky brand called Shibui has debuted in the U.S. with a range of single grain rice whiskies and "pure malts"—Japanese malt whisky blended with imported single malt scotch. The lineup is available in several states and ranges from $50 to over $1,000.The first whisky from China has hit U.S. shores. Bottled by Aiko Importers, Goalong 5 year old single malt is priced at $150, with less than 3,000 bottles available.Phenomenal Spirits is launching RY3, a blended rye whiskey. It's for sale for $55 in the Mid-Atlantic, with expansion planned.Bardstown Bourbon Co. is rolling out the second batch of Phifer Pavitt Reserve ($125; 8,484 bottles), as...

For the past decade, followers of the Kentucky-based Wild Turkey Distillery have been treated to the Master’s Keep collection, a series of high-end annual releases that often tread beyond the distillery’s usual profile. Master’s Keep was created in 2015 by Eddie Russell—son of legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell—who also created Russell’s Reserve in 2001, and has helmed the Master’s Keep project from the beginning. The series kicked off with an impressive 17 year old bourbon—even today, Eddie hails it as the “most unique whiskey we’ve ever released”—which was bottled at the fairly low cask strength of 86.8 proof. That whiskey hit shelves the same year that Eddie was promoted to master distiller, and many saw it as a passing of the torch, with Eddie coming into his own as a whiskey maker.
The first batch was intended as a one-off, but Wild Turkey then decided to turn Master’s Keep into an annual...

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating your loved one, and of course, you can do that with a candle-lit dinner, a box of chocolates, or a sparkling piece of jewelry. But if the special someone in your life enjoys whisky, here are a few to pour in celebration or to gift on their own. 
Valentine’s Day Worthy Whiskies

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2022 Edition) Blended Malt Scotch92 points, 48.9%, $155The label, adorned with an intricate heart, speaks to the occasion. Beyond its façade, this blend of heavily-peated malts and toasted virgin French oak-matured malt whiskies, with flavors of baked lemon, chocolate gananche, peppered steak, and gingerbread is sure to melt a whisky-loving heart.

Gold Spot 9 year old Single Pot Still Irish92 points, 51.4%, $120All that shimmers is gold. But in this case, it goes beyond the label with its fruity-spicy flavor waves of pot still creaminess: vanilla, Brazil nut, hazelnut, cinnamon, and tropical...

WHERE IT’S FROM
American whiskey comes in many forms. Bourbon, the most recognized type of American whiskey, can be produced only in the United States, but—contrary to popular belief—does not have to be produced in Kentucky, though most of it is. Tennessee whiskey, however, must be made in Tennessee.
Rye whiskey, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily have to be made in the United States; it’s also widely produced in Canada (see Instant Expert: Canadian Whisky for more information), and elsewhere. Rye that’s made in America is American whiskey, but rye made elsewhere is not.
WHAT IT’S MADE OF
American Whiskey
The United States requires all whiskey to be produced from a fermented mash of grain. Specific categories of whiskey have more exacting requirements.
Bourbon
Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, although it often contains substantially...

Our 2018 Whisky of the Year proves that blends deserve to be taken seriously, and in the field of Irish whiskey, there are an array of options. From advanced aging to inventive finishes, there is enough diversity within Irish blends to fit almost any palate. Below, we highlight 19 blends that cater to single malt fans, cocktail champions, and curious sippers alike. What's more, most of these picks register below $50 making the leap a bit easier to take.The Artful Ascent of Irish BlendsFor Pot Still and Single Malt FansIdeal for everyday sipping, these whiskeys allow you to appreciate the subtle flavor contributions of the different styles of Irish whiskey in the blend.The Dubliner—90 points, $28An easy-drinking blend of single malt and grain whiskeys brimming with blossom honey, vanilla, whole peach, butter toffee, and an uplifting floral bouquet.
J.J. Corry The Gael—90 points, $75Fresh hay, floral blossoms, comb honey, dry spice, oak, lemons, and spices on this blend of...

Crank up the subwoofers and get ready to rock and roll: Metallica has its own whiskey, and it was created in part by the band's music. A blend of straight American whiskeys selected and blended by master distiller Dave Pickerell, Blackened was put through a proprietary "sonic enhancement" process that used Metallica songs to create sound waves that impact chemical reactions taking place in the aging whiskey. Coming out in late September, the whiskey will be available in a handful of states and online for $43.Less glitzy but equally exciting: Four Roses has announced its 2018 Limited-Edition Small Batch. This year's release celebrates the distillery's 130th anniversary. With just over 13,000 bottles available and priced at $140, expect it to be in high demand among both Four Roses fans and collectors.Speaking of collecting, Highland Park has unveiled its second-ever 50 year old whisky. A mere 274 bottles, packaged with a custom crystal decanter, will be available at $15,000 apiece.Back...

There’s no denying the power of whisky tourism and travel. Perhaps you’ve visited a distillery while on vacation or even planned a trip around distillery visits. Bourbon specifically brought flocks of fans out in 2022, with the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) reporting this week that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail had a total of 2,135,555 visitors, setting a new record for the organization. That is a 38% increase from the 1.7 million visitors in 2019, and a 370% increase over the past 10 years. 
Brands have responded to this influx over the years by investing in elevated visitor experiences. Angel’s Envy, which sits on downtown Louisville’s Whiskey Row, completed an $8.2 million expansion in 2022, adding five tasting rooms and doubling its annual guest capacity. General Manager Gigi DaDan says they saw 163,827 guests in 2022, a 16% increase from last year.
“Because we are located right in the heart of downtown Louisville, we often get...

Former football player Eric LeGrand is not like most whiskey makers. LeGrand was a successful defensive tackle at Rutgers University when, during a game in his junior year in 2010, he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. LeGrand had aspired to be in the NFL and eventually become a sports broadcaster, and the injury changed the trajectory of his life. But his resilience is astounding, and in the years since the injury, he’s become an inspirational public speaker. He’s also a bourbon maker, with an eye toward increasing awareness and acceptance of people living with paralysis disabilities.
LeGrand launched his first whiskey, Eric LeGrand Kentucky straight bourbon, in 2023 with Brian Axelrod and Green River Distillery, which is now owned by Bardstown Bourbon Co. Axelrod has a traditional spirits background, having previously helped launch Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey with MMA fighter and boxer Conor McGregor, and he has also...

There is a lot of new whisky this week, but the biggest release has been out for a while. Lagavulin 8 year old first debuted in 2016 as a special edition whisky celebrating the distillery's 200th anniversary. It has now officially been added to the Lagavulin range permanently, joining the 16 year old and Distiller's Edition.While more bourbon will soon be made in Bardstown at Kentucky Owl Park, this week's new bourbons all come from outside the state. Virginia's A. Smith Bowman is releasing a $40 port-finished bourbon as part of its permanent lineup. Isaac Bowman Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Casks is available in Virginia only right now, but will expand to other states in the near future. And FEW Spirits in Illinois has three new whiskeys with unusual finishes as well: FEW Bourbon and Rye finished in Copper & Kings brandy barrels, and FEW Bourbon finished in Sicilian wine casks. There are limited amounts of each whiskey, available mostly in Illinois and, for the wine cask...

There's a brand-new issue of Whisky Advocate out now, and it's all about BIG whisky: big proof, big prices, big production, and more. Pick up a copy today, and subscribe to receive new issues even before they hit newsstands.On to the week's new releases. Wild Turkey has unveiled its latest limited-edition bourbon, a 2003 vintage of Russell's Reserve. Priced at $250, there are just 3,600 bottles available.Macallan is launching the newest entry in its Fine & Rare series, distilled in 1993. Just 256 bottles are available, priced at $18,000 each.Jack Daniel's has unveiled the latest Tennessee Tasters' Selection, a Tennessee whiskey finished in Jamaican allspice barrels. With 24,000 half-size bottles for sale mainly at the distillery, the price is $40.Compass Box has created a limited-edition version of Peat Monster to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary. Peat Monster Arcana is priced at $95, with just over 8,300 bottles available.Aberfeldy is launching another limited-edition...

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...

There are quite a few well-aged whiskies in this week's roundup, including a 12 year old from Barrell, and 10 year olds from Michter's, Sagamore Spirit, Bernheim, and Wyoming Whiskey, while Yellowstone's 8 year old bourbon revives the Yellowstone label from the 19th century (a bottle previously available only at its Limestone Branch Distillery). Elsewhere, Johnnie Walker seeks to woo American drinkers with a new bourbon cask-centric expression, and this year’s edition of Macallan Distil Your World is an ode to Paris.

Johnnie Walker Black Cask Blended Scotch
ABV: 43%
SRP: $35
Availability: Nationwide
Black Cask is a new permanent Johnnie Walker expression designed to appeal to both scotch and American whiskey fans. Crafted exclusively from whiskies aged in bourbon casks, the recipe features whiskies from distilleries used in Black Label, including Cameronbridge, Glen Elgin, and Roseisle. It's the latest Johnnie Walker expression introduced this...

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...

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

We all have drinking traditions—using only custom-inscribed rocks glasses or reciting festive toasts by heart—but their impact usually stops at the gesture. Yet a whiskey ritual at an obscure Tennessee golf course has inspired its own brand of bourbon, with All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning and tennis great Andy Roddick, among others, behind it.The golf course in question is Sweetens Cove, a nine-hole public course in Marion County, Tennessee, about 33 miles from Chattanooga. It was bought by Manning and Roddick along with musician Drew Holcomb; Tom Nolan, former president of Ralph Lauren golf; course architect Rob Collins; and real estate developers Mark Rivers and Skip Bronson, in early 2019. Sweetens Cove has no clubhouse or even bathrooms, just a Home Depot shed, in which it's traditional for players to take a shot of whiskey before each round. “Like they say there, ‘Take your first shot before your first shot,'” Manning tells Whisky Advocate. “[It's] very authentic...

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...

If you really want to wow someone, there's nothing like starting a fire. And when it comes to smoked cocktails, the effect is about much more than presentation—although it's certainly Instagram-worthy too.“The aromatic qualities of smoke add a dryness that's more of a perception, rather than a reduction of sugar. You also get more tannic qualities of the wood,” explains Ben Potts, bar manager and owner of Miami's Beaker & Gray.And of course there's the smell of whatever you smoke, which contributes another layer to your drink. “The aroma excites the palate and adds depth to the flavor of the cocktail,” says Norton Christopher, bar chef at Sac-a-Lait in New Orleans.Add it all up, and smoking adds to a cocktail's multi-sensory experience—one you can pull off at home, with the right equipment and a few safety precautions (since you are working with fire and alcohol, after all). Follow these pro tips to create rich and smoky whisky cocktails.Technique and EquipmentThere's...

Cocktails often seem best when crafted by a skilled mixologist and enjoyed at a bar—but that isn't always true! You can enjoy a top-notch cocktail from the comfort of your own home, even if you have zero bar skills. Enter cocktail kits, pre-made by professionals with all the fixins you'll need to do it yourself, from classics like the Manhtattan and Old Fashioned to original creations.Right now, many bars are offering cocktail kits as a way to serve their patrons while social distancing. Sometimes these kits include every ingredient—mixers, garnish, and more—except the alcohol, allowing at-home bartenders to choose their own. Others include the bottle in their kit, such as Chicago's Bar Biscay, which sells a Manhattan kit that comes with Evan Williams Bottled in Bond bourbon.Even if you aren't near a bar offering to-go cocktail kits, there are a slew of options you can order online (most of these require you to provide the alcohol yourself). Read on for more information, and...

The year is wrapping up, and if you're still in search of a whisky gift, we have pairing ideas, more splurge-worthy items, and of course, our year-end Top 20 list is full of special and exciting bottles. It's also easier than ever to have whiskey delivered to your doorstep, but laws vary by state, so be sure to read our report on the developing landscape of direct shipping.There are a few new releases out this week, notably, an 18 year old from Crown Royal; Diageo has announced the Distillers Editions for its popular single malts like Lagavulin, Oban and Talisker; and Firestone & Robertson adds a blended bourbon to its Experimental line. Read on for full details.Crown Royal 18 year oldStyle: Blended whiskyOrigin: CanadaAge: 18 year oldABV: 40%Price: $140Release: December 2021Availability: Limited; NationwideNeed to know:This new 18 year old whisky is the oldest in Crown Royal’s current lineup.Whisky Advocate says:Crown Royal discontinued its XR expression in 2019, and as is...

In scotch whisky, Glengoyne 18 year old is back after a five-year absence from the U.S. Among American whiskeys, we have Bardstown Normandie Calvados Cask, New Riff Winter Whiskey and a sherry cask-finished malted rye, Barrell's new blend, Wyoming Whiskey's latest National Parks expression, Old Forester's Texas tribute King Ranch, and a single malt from Laws. 
Glengoyne 18 year old scotch single malt
ABV: 43%
SRP: $150
Availability: Nationwide
In 2020, Glengoyne ceased bringing its 18 year old single malt to the U.S. After a five-year drought, brought on by a lapse in production in the mid-aughts, it’s now returning to the American market. The Highland malt is matured predominantly in oloroso sherry casks, with a smaller portion aged in refill casks. As it makes its way back to shelves, it’ll be in new, sustainable packaging as well, bottled in 49% recycled glass and a fully recyclable box (the latter of which...

Even if you like to explore different whisky styles, one that you may not have seen is light whiskey. It’s a curious, mysterious genre, and people are often left wondering what it really means. Spoiler alert: it’s not called light whiskey because it’s diet-friendly, because of its color, or because of its proof. The term is partly meant to describe the whiskey’s flavors, but that isn’t the whole story.
By definition, light whiskey must be produced in the U.S., with a distillation proof of more than 160° (80% ABV) but less than 190° (95%), and aged in new uncharred or used oak containers. There is no rule on what grains can be used, a fairly typical part of most other whiskey definitions. It seems to fly in the face of what most people have come to expect from American whiskey. Yet light whiskey is undergoing something of a renaissance in recent years. The style, looked down upon for decades, has suddenly been generating some buzz.
One of...

As leaves turn and temperatures drop, whisky enthusiasts turn their attention to fall's most anticipated releases. This season's landscape spans the spectrum, from coveted Kentucky bourbons to scotch single malts to American whiskey with experimental cask finishes. While there are a lot of bottles generating much-deserved buzz in 2025, these 16 (presented in no particular order) represent what collectors, enthusiasts, and bar professionals are hunting, pouring, and enjoying.
Old Cassidy Bourbon (2025 Release), 60.5%, $199
This indulgent blend from Rare Character Whiskey Company melds several “exceptional barrels ranging in age,” hand-selected by co-founder Pablo Moix, including 18 year old Kentucky bourbon. Blended by Chad Watson, the final batch comes in at 123 proof, though it noses and drinks far lower. Flavors of sweet cherry syrup and cinnamon buns abound, and the protracted finish is decadent.
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak American Single Malt (2025...

Bardstown, Kentucky, the undisputed bourbon capital of the world, is a treasure trove for whiskey lovers. Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown in 1935, and just opened its new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery here in September. Willett has been a Bardstown fixture since 1936, while Bardstown Bourbon Co., distilling since 2017, and Lux Row Distillers (since 2018) represent the new guard. About 15 miles away in various directions are James B. Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Log Still. But amid the thrill of visiting so many famous distillers on your trip to Kentucky, don’t overlook the charm of Bardstown itself.

First things first: Where should you stay? There are hotel options from historic to modern. Perhaps the most traditional is the Old Talbott Tavern, nestled in Bardstown’s Historic District. The building, home to just six guest rooms, dates back to 1779 and lays claim to being the oldest western stagecoach stop in the U.S. Each room is named for a famous patron...

Without barrels from the U.S., Scotch whisky as we know it could not exist. Nine out of ten casks used to mature whisky in Scotland today initially matured bourbon or Tennessee whiskey. By law, barrels can be used only once for bourbon, but they still have plenty of flavor to give. Thousands of empty used vessels are shipped to Scotland every year to impart delicious sweetness, scented vanilla, and golden honey flavors to whisky destined for the bourbon barrel. Yet, finding scotch aged in only bourbon requires a keen eye.Try It: Bourbon Cask-Matured Scotches That Cost $100 or LessNew American oak barrels are toasted and charred to break down the uppermost layers and prepare them for their first job of maturing bourbon whiskey. Toasting and charring enhances the vanillin present in the seasoned wood. The cask contributes oak extractives and color, and its char layer helps to modify the characteristics of the new make American spirit. When new-make single malt is filled into a once-used...

Did you see Monday's reveal of the full Top 20 list? Check out all 20 of the most exciting whiskies of 2017, including Whisky of the Year.Beyond the Top 20 list, there's more excitement to be had in this week's new whisky releases. Glen Moray—whose 18 year old was number 10 on our list—is launching a sherry cask-finished, NAS single malt. For only $30, it's worth picking up if you've never gotten acquainted with this Speyside distillery.Higher up the pricing ladder, Macallan has a new line of single cask whiskies ranging in age from 12 to 22 years old—and priced from $250 to $1,300. There's not much other information available about these seven single cask bottlings.If you prefer peatier scotch at a lower price, Bowmore has a new 18 year old ($127) partly matured in manzanilla sherry casks and a 26 year old ($540) that spent half its life in wine barriques. Both are limited in quantity.Meanwhile, the Big Peat blended malt brand is launching its first age-statement whisky. Only...

Whisky lovers have a slew of new releases to look forward to, this week and into the future.Kentucky Peerless Distillery is launching a new program that allows liquor stores, bar, and restaurants to purchase single-barrel rye by the case. Called Peerless Dimensions, the whiskeys will be released annually, selected by head distiller Caleb Kilburn. Each barrel selection will have a unique flavor, highlighted in its name (think S'more, Mixed Berry Cobbler, and Chocolate Crème Brûlée). If you want to try these whiskeys, you'll have to keep an eye out for which stores or venues purchase bottles, then track them down. The distillery's website has more information.Meanwhile, Virginia Distillery Co. is anticipating the release of its house-made single malt whisky, called Courage & Conviction, in 2020, and is offering people the chance to pre-purchase a special Medallion Edition now. Each batch of Medallion Edition will be a unique offering and come with a medallion, with the first...

The biggest weekend for Irish whiskey is upon us, and if you're looking for new Irish whiskeys to try, cocktail recipes, the perfect food pairing, or simply tons of information about Irish whiskey to impress everyone at the bar—we've got you covered. After all, there's never been a better time to drink Irish whiskey than right now. And there's an even newer Irish whiskey coming out too—see below.High-rolling scotch fans, meanwhile, can look forward to the latest release in Glenlivet's Winchester Collection, a 50 year old single malt distilled in 1967. As expected, the price is hefty: $25,000. Just 150 bottles of the rare whisky are being released worldwide.The Spring 2019 batch of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond bourbon is rolling out. Distilled in September 2005, this 13 year old whiskey is available in limited amounts for $130.That new Irish whiskey is the second label from Chapel Gate Whiskey Co.'s J.J. Corry brand. A 16 year old single malt, it's named for a historic pistol...

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...

Making homemade ice cream is a bit like mixing a cocktail: it's an easy way to impress, as long as you follow a good recipe. And like a good cocktail, ice cream can include a kick of whisky, making for a refreshing, delicious spiked frozen treat.Incorporating whisky into your ice cream is pretty simple, and once you feel confident making a batch of basic bourbon vanilla, you can play around with other flavors, using your favorite cocktails as inspiration. From the Manhattan to the Mint Julep, you'll wonder why you didn't add whisky to your ice cream machine sooner.Follow these tips from the pros to churn your own whisky ice cream Don't Be a LushThe biggest challenge when making spiked ice cream, of course, is that alcohol doesn't freeze. “You can only put a certain amount in, otherwise your ice cream will come out soupy,” warns Lauren Schultz, co-owner of Purple Door Ice Cream in Milwaukee.There are two ways to do this. First, you can put the whisky in a pot over a low flame and...

Perched high in the mountains or deep underground, they battle blazing heat or frigid cold, and toil in historic buildings or embrace futuristic design. Yet the one thing all these distillers have in common is that nothing will stand in the way of their quest to craft whiskies of distinction. Here's how 12 distillers from around the world make the most of their extreme situations. All are worthy of a taste, and most definitely a visit!Hot Stuff: Del Bac DistilleryWhiskey Del Bac (formerly Hamilton Distillers) set out to produce single malt with mesquite-smoked grain, but that's no easy task in the Sonoran Desert, where summer temperatures can reach 118 degrees and humidity dips below 5 percent.Incoming water must be cooled before mashing, fermenters require glycol jackets, and managing the malting process amounts to a tug-of-war between chilly mornings and searing afternoons. Throughout the day, weather can be erratic, as winter rains and monsoon storms in summer play havoc with the...

As Glenmorangie’s head of distilling and whisky creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden is one of scotch whisky’s leading specialists in cask finishing. His expertise and his love of wine are behind the latest release, Glenmorangie Pursuit of Passion, a collection of three ultra-aged, wine cask-finished expressions.
The collection’s oldest expression, at 29 years old, the Margaux Wine Cask Finish, was distilled in February 1995, the month that Lumsden became Glenmorangie’s distillery manager. It was matured in bourbon casks until 2004, and then refilled into Margaux casks for more than 20 years, the longest Glenmorangie wine cask finish ever released. It’s not Lumsden’s first Margaux expression, however, as he released a 90-point Glenmorangie 1987 Margaux Wine Cask Finish packaged in an acrylic case back in 2006 (SRP $450), which became highly collectible. Whisky Auctioneer set a record for this expression in 2021 when it sold a bottle from Pat’s...

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

Islay, the world’s most famous whisky island, best known for its smoky coastal whiskies, was battered by the industry’s global downturn of the late 20th century. By the mid-1990s, two of the island’s seven distilleries were completely shuttered, and ownerships were changing hands frequently. But as the millennium approached, new hope arose for the two hardest-hit distilleries, Ardbeg and Bruichladdich.



Ardbeg’s Revival
In 1997, the Glenmorangie Company emerged as the new owner of Ardbeg from a field that included four other bidders. But the distillery looked downtrodden and unloved. With little investment over the past two decades—it had been closed from 1981 to 1989, with low production volumes until closure again in 1996, the site and its tumbledown warehouses were now neglected and even a little hazardous. Nearly 80% of Glenmorangie’s $11.4 million purchase price was based on the stocks in the warehouses, not on the brand...

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969, The Allman Brothers Band grew to be one of the most influential rock groups in American music. An early Southern rock pioneer, the band’s run spanned 45 years, and their music inspired prominent musicians like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Widespread Panic, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Tom Petty, in addition to a slew of spin-off groups including Gov’t Mule and The Allman Betts Band.
Today marks a milestone for the band: the 53rd anniversary of its third studio album, “Eat a Peach.” On top of having hits like “Melissa” and “Blue Sky,” the record was also a defining moment in the group’s history, as it was the first album released following the death of founding member and lead guitarist Duane Allman, who died in a tragic motorcycle accident at the age of 24 while the album was still being recorded. To commemorate the anniversary, the Allman Brothers estate has partnered with Three Chord...

There's a new whisky for just about every taste this week, from bourbon and Tennessee whiskey to an array of peated and non-peated scotches.Jack Daniel's is rolling out its latest single barrel, a limited-edition whiskey that was aged in so-called "heritage" barrels made in a 19th-century style with more toasting and a lighter char. Priced at $65 a bottle, just 200 barrels are being bottled.Woodford Reserve has announced plans to release not one, but two Master's Collection whiskeys this year: Select American Oak, a bourbon aged in Ozark oak barrels, and Oat Grain, a bourbon made with—you guessed it—oats in the mashbill. Available in limited amounts, each whiskey costs $130.Over in Scotland, Ardbeg is releasing its latest Twenty Something, a 22 year old single malt that hails from the days when the distillery was infrequently in operation. The 46.4% ABV whisky costs $550 and will be available in limited amounts.Highland Park's newest special edition is hitting shelves. Valknut...

This week delivered news of two major distillery builds in the U.S. In Georgetown, Kentucky, Blue Run Spirits will soon break ground on a strikingly modern new headquarters that will include a 35,000-square-foot distillery and a 20,000-square-foot rickhouse, all expected to be up and running by 2025. Over in Ohio, craft distiller Middle West has unveiled plans for a 75,000-square-foot distillery, slated to be the centerpiece of its newly developed 14-acre home that will open this summer in Columbus. While Middle West makes vodka and gin along with its whiskey labels, its new distillery will be exclusively whiskey-focused. 
This week brings a varied array of new whiskies. From Scotland, Glenfiddich has introduced a single malt in celebration of Japan's cherry blossom festival—a 29 year old whisky finished in casks previously used for the Japanese spirit awamori—while Loch Lomond is releasing two new whiskies to...

An American history museum may be the ideal place to learn more about our heritage, but it’s generally frowned upon to sip a whisky as you roam the halls. Thankfully, you can stop into some of the country’s oldest bars and instantly become immersed in history—and better yet, imbibe as you learn. From bars that are even older than the country itself to those frequented by noteworthy historical figures to the birthplaces of iconic cocktails, these bars are captivating destinations whether you’re a history buff, a whisky enthusiast, or both.

The Carousel Bar & Lounge New Orleans
Located in the historic Hotel Monteleone, this 25-seat bar—which opened in 1949, replacing the former Swan Room—is a literal carousel, completing a full rotation every 15 minutes. Enjoy the ride as you sip your whisky or, better yet, a Vieux Carré ($21) right in the spot where it was created in the 1930s by hotel bartender Walter Bergeron. This...

The new $1,000 Prohibition Collection from Buffalo Trace Distillery wouldn’t have happened were it not for a lucky employee who combed through a dusty box earmarked for the dumpster a few years back. Inside? A mint condition copy of every single label the distillery released during Prohibition.
Those very labels now adorn the walls of the Stagg Lodge, a log cabin that doubles as an invite-only dining and entertainment venue on the Buffalo Trace’s Frankfort, Kentucky, grounds. Here, you can see some of the original art for the likes of Walnut Hill Whiskey—one of the 2023 releases—but plenty of Prohibition brands that didn’t make this round, including Old Barbee, billed as “the nonpareil of American whiskeys,” or V.O.P., Very Oldest Procurable whiskey, touted as being “pure because it’s straight.”

And it’s here, within the Stagg Lodge walls, that we’re issued a flight of the Prohibition...

Yamazaki 55 year old set a new highest auction price of the year this month, with Sotheby’s Hong Kong achieving a hammer price of $256,162; nearly $46,000 more than Unicorn Auctions’ June sale in Chicago. Meanwhile, Whisky Auctioneer set a new highest price of the year for Macallan The Reach 81 year old, nudging the 2024 record for this expression higher by $775 over the price set by Sotheby’s in April. To date, these Yamazaki and Macallan bottlings, both the oldest expressions ever released by the respective distilleries, make up 6 of the 7 highest auction prices of the year with a combined value of $1.2 million (a bottle of Macallan The Red Collection 60 year old just squeaked into sixth place). 
New 2024 releases have been making their way to auction this month, with bottlings of Weller Millennium wheat whiskey, released with a suggested retail price of $7,500, making $9,000, and bottles of Double Eagle Rare 20 year old, released at $3,000, fetching...

October got off to a flying start with Sotheby’s, Hong Kong setting a new highest-hammer price of 2024 with a winning bid of $283,135 for a bottle of Karuizawa 1960 52 year old. Back in 2017, we reported how this bottling had set the highest price ever paid for a single bottle of whisky at auction with a bid of $141,551, just half the price paid for the bottle this month. The result also beats any hammer price paid for Yamazaki 55 year old this year, and the current top three hammer prices of 2024 are now all Japanese whiskies.
Whisky Auctioneer had a highly successful sale with many bottles of Macallan Fine & Rare and classic Samaroli bottlings selling for large sums. The sale also set a new record auction price for Arran whisky from Lochranza Distillery. Actor Ewan McGregor offered 150 bottles for charity from his personal sherry hogshead. The cask was gifted to him by the distillery when he helped them celebrate the first Arran spirit becoming whisky in 1998 when...

College graduation season is upon us, and soon gaggles of 22 year olds will pour forth from halls of higher learning eager to test out their newly minted degrees. They've completed their formal schooling—but their whisky education is just getting started.As a more experienced drinker, perhaps you'd like to impart some extracurricular knowledge on them to ensure they get off on the right foot. You may even think of yourself as a mentor or—dare we say it—spirit guide.What whisky fundamentals do you focus on? For one, there's education: Whisky 101 can help there. But you also want to make sure they're drinking the right stuff. There are probably several whiskies you wish you'd known about early in your drinking days. We've thought of a few too.Remember, this is about starting from level one—great representations of the different styles of whisky a new drinker will encounter, focusing on bottles that are easy for most folks to find. It is by no means a comprehensive list, and you...

Just last week, Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky filled its first barrel with new-make spirit. While that whiskey will spend a good couple of years aging, there are plenty of other whiskies to enjoy that are coming out now.Hot on the heels of Macallan's special Chinese New Year package, Johnnie Walker has unveiled its annual Lunar New Year Blue Label. Celebrating the Year of the Dog, the bottle's design features a Shar Pei in an elaborate triptych.Speaking of Macallan, the distillery is releasing a new single cask bottling in its Fine & Rare Vintage collection. Just four bottles of the Macallan Fine & Rare 1977 Vintage will be hitting the U.S. for now, though more will be on their way later in the year. Each bottle costs $15,000.A new Irish whiskey brand, Lambay, is making its U.S. debut after launching in Europe last year. Sourced from West Cork Distillers, Lambay is a joint venture between cognac house Camus and the Baring family of Ireland. There is currently a...

Last week it was Aberlour and Craigellachie, and this week it's Glenlivet, which is bringing a series of single-cask whiskies to the U.S., available in just six states: California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas. The ages and ABVs vary, as do the prices, from $269 to $299.Balvenie is also releasing some single-cask scotch whiskies, but these cost a lot more. The final release of Balvenie's DCS Compendium, Chapter Five, includes five vintage single malts ranging from 16 to 56 years old. Other than the 1962 Vintage—which can be bought individually for $47,000—these whiskies are only for sale as a set of five, priced at $80,000 with just 50 sets available.WhistlePig is rolling out the sixth iteration of Boss Hog rye. This year's release, called The Samurai Scientist, comes from Canada and has some unusual production details. It's priced at $500 and available in limited amounts.The third release of Old Charter Oak, made at Buffalo Trace Distillery, has debuted...

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...

While Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the 2019 release of the Old Rip Van Winkle whiskeys yesterday, the real new product upset of the week was Glenlivet's cocktail pods—an innovation that isn't even coming to retail shelves, but nevertheless caused quite a stir. My take? Do not fear the scotch pods.Beyond the unobtainable, there are plenty of new whiskies to look for now. Jim Beam has revealed an overhaul of its Baker's brand. The bourbon will remain at least 7 years old and 107 proof, but is now bottled as a single barrel for $70. In addition, there's a limited-edition 13 year old Baker's available in small amounts for $100.Beam's Kentucky neighbor, Heaven Hill, has debuted Larceny Barrel Proof. The cask-strength version of the distillery's wheated bourbon is priced at $50 and will be released in three batches a year.Balvenie Distillery is rolling out Batch 6 of Tun 1509. The limited-edition single malt costs $400.Wyoming Whiskey is bringing back Outryder at 7 years old. The...

As the 20th century came to a close, the page was turned on an era of historic lows in whisky’s popularity. At that point, the “buzz” surrounding whisky—to use a now-dated term of the ’90s—was nearly at zero. But as the years moved into the 2000s, a sea change began as the whisky world awakened from its decades-long slumber. Few people realized this was the dawn of a new era that would soar beyond everyone’s wildest expectations—where master distillers became rock stars, whisky lovers lined up all night for the latest releases, and distilleries became tourist destinations. Here’s a look at how we got here, year by year.

2000


❖ The Glencairn whisky glass makes its debut, with a wider introduction starting the following year. The glass had been designed in 1981 by Raymond Davidson at his crystal studio just outside Glasgow, but he saw no future in it. His prototype sat on the shelf for nearly 20 years...

For likely as long as whisky has existed, people have enjoyed it to the accompaniment of great music. Whisky has inspired its fair share of songs too, with numerous artists weaving it into their work. Now some musicians are taking it even further, integrating their art straight into the bottle. Blackened might be the most well-known of the moment, aged to the thump of Metallica's oeuvre, but many other whiskies now boast a musician's endorsement—and in some cases, their heavy involvement.Matching Flavor Profile to Musical StyleThe experience of enjoying whisky and music together inspired DJ and producer TommyD to create his own brand, a single grain whisky called 8O8. “Alcohol and music have gone hand-in-hand for centuries—there's nothing new about this,” he says. “So it's not an unreasonable connection to make. Music is intrinsically part of the 8O8 whisky DNA.” Inspired by the TR-808 drum machine commonly used in electronic dance music, 8O8 whisky caters to the dance...

For big, bold flavor, one needs to look no further than barrel-proof whisky—especially American whiskey. Some of distillers' best bourbon and rye come straight out of the barrel, and they pack a punch, given that in hot, dry climates, proof rises over time thanks to barrels losing water at a faster rate than alcohol.At higher proofs, flavors are concentrated, and bottling at barrel proof more or less showcases the whiskey's recipe and the distiller's intent. The following bourbons (and one rye) range in proof from 53.89% ABV to a whopping 68.35% ABV, and they all scored 90 points or more with our tasting panel.The best barrel-proof bourbons to try right now
Barrell Cask-Strength bourbon (Batch 23)92 points, 53.89%, $90Caramel, baked marshmallow, dark cherry, and candied peanuts 
Maker's Mark Cask Strength Kentucky straight bourbon (Batch 19-01)92 points, 54.4%, $40Chocolate, almonds, shortbread, and tobacco 
Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve(Batch No. 5)92...

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...

New whiskies are coming from all corners and in all styles this week.First up, Crown Royal is launching a new range of whiskies called the Blenders' Series, celebrating the art of blending. The first release, Blenders' Mash, showcases the corn-forward whisky that makes up one of Crown Royal's five key blend components. It was originally released a few weeks ago as Crown Royal Bourbon Mash, but that name didn't sit well with American distillers or the TTB, since Crown Royal is Canadian and bourbon can only be made in the U.S. Eagle-eyed whisky drinkers may still be able to spot the old label on shelves, but for the rest of us, Blenders' Mash will be widely available and cost $28.Meanwhile, Kentucky's Wilderness Trail Distillery releases its very first bourbon and rye tomorrow. The distillery was founded by two scientists who use precise and forward-thinking techniques to create whiskey—from using sweet mash to going chemical-free. The bourbon and rye—both aged at least four...

Another million-dollar Macallan has just sold at auction, but if your wallet can't handle seven figures, never fear—there's plenty of new, much more affordable whisky rolling out.Evan Williams is releasing a special 2012 vintage of its single-barrel bourbon in honor of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Evan Williams Single Barrel 2012 Vintage is 56.5% ABV and $75, and includes a 2020 Gold Pegasus pin—good for admission to many Derby events—sealed in the wax on the neck. Just 600 bottles are for sale at the Evan Williams Experience in Louisville, Kentucky.Four Gate Whiskey Co. is releasing another batch of Foundation, its 9 year, 9 month old Kentucky straight bourbon. Just 590 bottles are available, all at 60.1% ABV and $200. Details on the original release can be found here.Ardbeg has unveiled its 2020 limited-edition Committee Bottling, Ardbeg Blaaack. The pinot noir cask-finished whisky will be available in the U.S. in June, priced at $140.Luxco, parent company of Lux Row...

Love or hate him, Kyle “Rowdy” Busch is one of the most talented drivers currently competing in NASCAR. Known for his uber-competitive nature, penchant for trash talking, and aggressive driving style, Busch has set many impressive records in his 20-plus year career on the track—including all-time wins across all three national series, the most wins in the Trucks Series, and the most consecutive seasons with a win. But now his palate is in the spotlight, with his new single barrel bourbon made in partnership with MGP’s Rebel Bourbon rolling out nationwide.
The bourbon, dubbed Rebel Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel, was pulled from over 100 barrels, each selected by Kyle Busch at the Lux Row Distillery in Bardstown with guidance from master distiller John Rempe. It has a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley—it’s the same recipe as Rebel’s other wheaters, which the brand claims have been around since...

On a mild Kentucky evening in Bardstown, 100 guests gathered in an unlikely venue: Fred Noe’s backyard. The setting was intimate, fitting for an industry built on generations of family legacies and neighborly competition. Gathered for the Bourbon Icons Dinner, part of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the night brought together the biggest names in American whiskey for an evening of candid storytelling.
Over five courses, bourbon royalty sat side by side on a small stage: Julian and Preston Van Winkle from Old Rip Van Winkle, Fred and Freddie Noe of Jim Beam, Rob Samuels of Maker's Mark, Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott, Andrea Wilson, master distiller at Michter's, and Marci Palatella, owner of Preservation Distillery.
Andy Treinen, president and CEO of the Frazier History Museum, the emcee for the evening, drew out sentimental—often hilarious—stories behind the brands that shaped America’s spirit. Here are the night’s best...

Nearly everything has gone virtual, and that includes auctions. Though internet auction houses have long offered whisky fans an opportunity to bid from home, and live auctions typically include a remote-bidding component, since lockdown began across most of the world, there have been few opportunities for excitement of a rapid-fire sale with real human beings at podium controlling the rising bids. But Acker Merrall & Condit hopes to retain the heart-stopping drama of the live auction during its $2 million online spirits auction on May 28. This will be the house's third Hong Kong-based auction dedicated to fine and rare spirits, following its debut a year ago; unlike that first foray, the quality of cataloguing for this sale has improved immensely with good, clear images and accurate descriptions of each lot.This sale is being inventively billed as a “Live Online” auction, which requires some explanation. Most online whisky auctions operate 24-hour simultaneous bidding on all...

In a week that's seen more upheaval and distress than even the preceding three months could have prepared us for, at least one thing remains steady: whisky. And even though it seems less important than the swirl of events happening in the world, whisky can still play a role in our lives. If you're eager to support Black-owned businesses, consider buying a whisky made by one of these producers. Or donate to the GoFundMe set up by Chris and Shanelle Montana of Du Nord Craft Spirits, whose Minneapolis distillery was damaged last week; they've received such an outpouring of support that they're giving away the funds to other local minority-owned businesses.This week is light on new releases, but there are a few. First up, That Boutique-y Whisky Co. is offering a tasting pack of four single malt scotches (50 ml each) from distilleries whose whisky usually goes into blends: Teaninich 11 year old, Auchroisk 12 year old, Linkwood 10 year old, and Dufftown 10 year old. Those who purchase the...

Bidding at December’s auctions continued in the successful fashion of November’s sales, with strong prices achieved for Macallan, Hibiki 40 year old, and bottlings of LeNell’s Red Hook Rye in particular. In addition to the highlights below, Whisky.Auction received a winning bid of $46,895 for a bottle of Macallan The Red Collection 78 year old, while Scotch Whisky Auctions sold a Macallan Anniversary Malt 50 year old for $31,862.
This month also saw the first auction appearances of Macallan Time: Space 84 year old, beginning with Whisky Auctioneer in Scotland and then at Sotheby’s, Hong Kong. Sadly, neither set found a buyer, taking away the opportunity this year for it to make history by becoming the oldest-ever whisky to sell at auction. The holder of that record, Macallan The Reach 81 year old, has also struggled to sell at auction in the last few months, though Macallan remains the leading brand in our monthly list of top 20 hammer prices.
Look out...

In 2021, Adam Frazier added an MLB All-Star appearance to his résumé and a few choice bottles of bourbon to his bar. “My collection's kind of gotten out of control,” the second baseman says. “I think we're up to 60 or 70 just from the season.”
That's in part because Frazier racked up accolades and whisky bottles at the same time, with Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton awarding bottles based on player performance. For example, Frazier got a bottle of Old Fitzgerald—Shelton's favorite—for being named the starting second baseman for the National League All-Star team, while a bottle of Weller Special Reserve entered his collection with “0-2 to 4-2” scrawled across it in silver marker. Frazier, who finished the 2021 season with a .305 batting average, had turned an 0-2 count into a walk, and scored some bourbon because of it. “We had a system in Pittsburgh. Basically, there's a few bad things that you could do...

Veteran whiskey drinkers tend to embrace higher proof bottlings for the full flavor and experience they deliver. These are whiskies straight from the barrel, with no water added prior to bottling. The heat can be overwhelming in some instances, but time—and yes, a few drops of water—allow these whiskeys to take on a new life, flavors changing and emerging as the proof is gradually lowered to the drinkers’ preference.
That’s not to say that low ABV whiskies don’t have their time and place. In fact, a smart connoisseur learns to keep a range of ABVs at hand for any and all occasions. You don’t want to serve the wine lover in your life something that will scorch their palate, and sometimes, a low proof spirit makes a perfect aperitif.  
Our Winter 2022 issue contains our Top 20 whiskies of the year—a list where cask-strength whisky is well represented—and there are even more cask strength whiskeys reviewed in the Buying Guide...

This year's release of Parker's Heritage is out, and as we've seen so often with this series, it's yet another interesting one—a 14 year old malt whiskey. A Parker's malt whiskey expression hasn't been seen in nearly a decade, as the last such release was in 2015. In general, malt whiskey expressions are unusual in Kentucky, although Woodford Reserve has a well-known malt expression. Elsewhere, Kentucky Peerless continues its finishing work with a new cognac barrel-finished bourbon—this one a limited, Kentucky-only release. New Riff returns with this year's edition of its Sour Mash single malt, which offers some new twists, while Pursuit United has a new Double Oaked Rye to join its Double-Oaked Bourbon expression.
 
 
Parker’s Heritage Collection 14 year old Malt Whiskey (2024 Release)
ABV: 53.5%
SRP: $170
Availability: Limited
The 18th release of Heaven Hill’s Parker’s Heritage Collection...

Game of Thrones might be over, but it lives on in Scotland as Johnnie Walker is launching two new limited-edition blends in honor of the series. Johnnie Walker A Song of Ice honors House Stark, while Johnnie Walker A Song of Fire salutes House Targaryen. Both whiskies are available nationwide for $36.Meanwhile, Glen Moray has debuted a 21 year old single malt finished in port casks. There are 1,200 bottles of the whisky coming to the U.S. this year, priced at $180. Glen Moray announced today that master distiller Graham Coull is leaving to join Ireland's Dingle Distillery—which also has a new whiskey out this week (keep reading).Jameson Caskmates has made two special editions in partnership with Chicago's Revolution Brewing and Bale Breaker Brewing Co. in Yakima, Washington. Both priced at $30, the whiskeys are available within and close to the breweries' home states.Widow Jane is releasing a limited-edition 14 year old blend of straight bourbons sourced from Indiana and Tennessee...

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...

While aromas of cinnamon spice, powdered sugar, honey, and the like can certainly be appealing to the nose, sometimes whisky smells straight up like a barnyard—and that’s not a bad thing. The scents that tell a story of life on a farm are unusual and intriguing, conjuring up images of hay bales, weathered planks, dried corn, and more. We dive into what sort of whiskies deliver such barn-adjacent scents here, and offer up three bottles in particular that are certainly worth trying for yourself, whether you are a barnyard fan or not.
This week in new whisky, there's plenty to enjoy. Glenfiddich has launched an entirely new line of luxury single malts, George Dickel 13 year old is the latest release in its Bottled in Bond Series, Kentucky Owl is back with the second edition of its International Collaboration Series, and Sagamore Spirit has a new añejo mezcal cask-finished rye. Read on for more details.

Glenfiddich Time Re:Imagined Collection
Style...

Long known for its country music scene, Nashville has recently built a reputation as a food and beverage destination. And after a 2009 law reintroduced distilling for the first time since statewide Prohibition in 1910, a crop of craft distillers has sprung up, making all sorts of whiskey. While some distillers are breaking new ground, others are reviving recipes passed down through generations.There are now enough local distilleries to support a Tennessee Whiskey Trail, established in 2017 by the Nashville-based Tennessee Distillers Guild. The trail features 30 distilleries across the state, ranging in size from boutique micro-distillers to the big guys, George Dickel and Jack Daniel's. With a number of innovative craft distillers showcasing regional ingredients and flare in Nashville and the surrounding area, there's good reason to break away from the honky tonks on Lower Broadway to sample some locally grown and distilled whiskeys.Nashville Whiskey DistilleriesCorsair Distillery601...

Later this month, Four Roses is kicking off the first chapter of what will be a series of seasonal celebrations: It's launching with Manhattan Week, featuring a grand-prize trip to Manhattan, NYC. Starting in April, Columbus, Ohio-based The Ingram Distillery is opening up its grounds (and floating warehouses!) for tours, while Hollywood Distillery in Los Angeles is set to start making its own whiskey. And after making news last week for its charitable endeavors, Pappy Van Winkle is keeping its philanthropy going with yet another altruistic push, this one benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana. These news items, and more, are below.
Four Roses Gets Social
In its campaign to celebrate shared moments, Four Roses has unveiled the first in a series of seasonal and cultural celebrations featuring events and giveaways. The first “chapter” in the series is Manhattan Week, a partnership between Four Roses and Carpano Antica Formula vermouth...

France may not be terribly famous for its whisky production, but the spirit occupies a special place in the Gallic heart nonetheless. Indeed, for all of the wine consumed and produced between Calais and Cannes, the French still manage to consume more whisky per capita than the citizens of any other nation, including heavyweights like Scotland, Ireland, and the U.S.Just as notable among Parisian drinking habits is the massive cocktail renaissance underway, following a mixological Dark Age, where a Kir or Kir Royale was the order of the day and Martinis were likely to be made with vodka and no vermouth.But go back further, and you'll find Paris has played a crucial role in cocktail history—it was here, after all, where the Boulevardier, essentially a whisky Negroni, was born nearly a century ago, and where it can still be enjoyed at Harry's New York Bar in the 2nd arrondissement, once popular with celebrities like Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel. It's said that George Gershwin...

This is a great week for scotch lovers. A whole boatload of new single malts—and a couple new blends—are rolling out to store shelves. First, Macallan has two new releases to track down: Fine Oak 18 year old—which was released overseas before coming to the U.S.—joins the existing Fine Oak range of age statement whiskies. Macallan Classic Cut, on the other hand, is an NAS whisky bottled at cask strength. It's around for a limited time only and has a recommended price of $89.Macallan's parent company, Edrington Group, also owns Highland Park, and the Orkney distillery has a new whisky designed with music in mind. Highland Park Full Volume is around 18 years old and was matured entirely in ex-bourbon casks. Like Glenmorangie Pride 1974, the whisky has a custom piece of music written to go with it.Compass Box is debuting two new blended malts. Although the company has famously fought for more transparency in scotch labeling, it is deliberately holding back information about its...

Whisky is largely defined by its place of origin. Scotch wouldn't be scotch, after all, were it not made in Scotland. Bourbon must be made in America. But as the world of whisky expands, blenders are crossing borders to craft unique whiskies—just look at these bottles, for example.Beyond melding distinct liquids into totally new whisky styles, distillers are also stepping outside their home turf to learn from each other and take inspiration from other cultures. The majority of today's big distilleries are owned by a handful of multinational drinks companies, which often collect expert whisky makers in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Japan, and elsewhere under the same corporate umbrella. Rémy Cointreau, for example, owns Bruichladdich Distillery in Scotland, as well as Seattle's Westland Distillery. The master distillers for those two brands—Adam Hannett and Matt Hofmann, respectively—have traveled to each other's distilleries to learn and to teach.Even longtime...

With the calendar turning a new page, there are plenty of new whiskies too.First up, Buffalo Trace has bottled a single barrel of Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr. bourbon in honor of the 124th anniversary of the Bottled in Bond Act and benefiting the nonprofit Outlaw State of Kind, which was founded by musician Chris Stapleton. There are less than 100 bottles available, with the first ones auctioned through Charitybuzz.A new blended Irish whiskey is hitting shores in not just bottles, but cans too. Two Stacks comes in 4-packs of 100 ml cans for $19, as well as a traditional 750 ml bottle ($40). There's also a cask-strength version called Blender's Cut for $60.Old Elk is debuting Sour Mash Reserve straight bourbon. Priced at $90, there are just over 5,000 bottles available in the first batch.Sagamore Spirit is rolling out its latest Distiller's Select rye, finished in tequila casks. The limited-edition whiskey is $69.Proof and Wood has partnered with bar owner Rob Morton to release Idle Hands...

The biggest news of the week comes from the UK, where Diageo reportedly is exploring ways to innovate Scotch whisky that could fall outside the regulated boundaries of the style. Whisky Advocate took an in-depth look at why "scotch infusions" and whisky finished in tequila barrels might not meet the standards set down in the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009.Meanwhile, new whisky releases are headed to shelves from Scotland, the U.S., and Japan. Independent bottler Chapter 7 has two 9 year old single cask single malts from the Allt-á-Bhainne and Aultmore distilleries. (If you're wondering what independent bottlers are and why you should be buying whisky from them, here's a good answer for that.)American Freedom Distillery is launching Horse Soldier, a wheated bourbon made in Columbus, Ohio, and named for the mounted Special Forces unit that entered Afghanistan in the days immediately following September 11th. The bourbon is available in three expressions: the core Wheated Bourbon...

Spring is here and with it comes our latest issue, which is now on the newsstands. The issue offers an in-depth insight into the world of single barrel whiskeys, a guide to making the most of the upcoming Derby Weekend in Louisville, over 100 whisky reviews, and more—pick up your copy today and dig in.
Elsewhere, Stranahan's has debuted a new après ski experience in Vail Valley that’s perfect for whisky-loving skiers, snowboarders, and mountain-goers. A collaboration between the distillery and The Westin Riverfront, the Stranahan’s Après Ski Lounge features four life-size, heated whiskey barrels made for dramming and dining. It runs until April 2, and you can make reservations here. 
New whisky this week comes from all over the U.S. and Scotland. Maker’s Mark has introduced the fifth and final installment of its Wood Finishing Series, Kentucky Peerless is making its high-rye bourbon a permanent fixture...

Commonwealth Distillery was never a famous name, but for many bourbon lovers, it’s a very special place—known as the launching point for some of American whiskey’s most iconic labels, most notably the Old Rip Van Winkle (ORVW) line and its star, Pappy Van Winkle. The story of Commonwealth began in 1983 when Pappy Van Winkle’s grandson, Julian Van Winkle III, acquired the shuttered old Hoffman Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, converted it into a warehouse and bottling facility, and renamed Commonwealth.
Commonwealth became the Van Winkle outpost after the family had been forced to sell its Stitzel Weller Distillery to a Diageo forerunner company back in 1972. Julian Van Winkle was able to obtain plenty of aging stocks from Stitzel Weller (there wasn’t much demand in those days) and transport them to Commonwealth for aging and bottling, which led to the creation of Pappy. He also bottled a number of other treasured whiskeys at Commonwealth...

Single barrel whiskeys, pulled from a single cask chosen by an individual or a group, are all the rage. They’re usually selected for representing the apex of a whiskey’s flavor profile, or sometimes for being very different, and each single barrel is unique. But what if you wanted to create a whiskey that’s even more bespoke? The answer lies in micro-blending, the latest wave in the private barrel whiskey world.
Micro-blending is the practice of blending all or part of two or three single barrels, sometimes all made from the same mashbill, but increasingly from different mashbills and finishes. “The market needs more innovative and dynamic flavors, pushing the boundaries of what whiskey can be,” says Dark Arts Whiskey House founder Macaulay Minton. “Micro-blending is the ideal progression.”

Minton’s micro-batching journey began after a field trip to Kentucky’s Wilderness Trail Distillery in 2016, while in college...

A new generation of distillers has been rekindling Tennessee’s whiskey culture beyond its great stalwarts Jack Daniel and Cascade Hollow. Nashville is home to a number of these players, including Nelson’s Green Brier, which has just unveiled plans to remodel its distillery, with a heightened focus on hospitality and the visitor experience.  
Nelson's Green Brier is located in Nashville's Marathon Village, an old brick auto factory that now houses a collection of business, retail, and entertainment operations. The revamp of Nelson's will create a 50,000-square-foot space that will feature an expanded tour and tasting experience–including a hall of history highlighting the Nelson family’s distilling roots, in addition to a view of the bottling line, and enhanced education around the distilling and barrel-aging process. A bar, restaurant, open-air garden, and private event spaces are also part of the mix. The...

If you’re a whisky drinker, you probably know the basics of whisky making. You might’ve even dreamed about ditching your day job to become a distiller. If you’re one of those dreamers, Buffalo Trace Distillery has an offer you won’t refuse: a sweepstakes contest that gives the winner a chance to work alongside master distiller Harlen Wheatley.
The lucky distiller-for-a-day, and their guest, will be afforded the deepest behind-the-scenes access that any Buffalo Trace visitor has ever received, as they complete nearly every aspect of the whiskey-making process alongside Wheatley. And working hand-in-hand with the master distiller isn’t the only perk.
The winner will receive roundtrip transportation, including airfare if needed, to Louisville, and a one-night stay at a 4-star hotel in the city. Private transportation to Buffalo Trace in Frankfort (about an hour from Louisville) will be provided, as will a $100 Uber credit, for any additional...

While Rick and Ricky Johnson knew the ins and outs of their own family business when they launched 15 Stars in 2019—the Johnson family has owned Black Jewel Popcorn since 2011, and operated a number of other businesses under the Johnson Ventures umbrella—the father-son duo was less familiar with whiskey. Rick counted himself an occasional bourbon drinker, and Ricky was freshly 21, only aware of whiskey to the degree that his father was. That soon changed, however, when Rick approached his son, then a college student, with a proposal for a summer project: Why not distill the corn they used for Black Jewell and make some whiskey? “In the beginning, that was really what it was supposed to be—a cool project,” says Ricky. “I was a business student; it was going to be a great learning experience. But at the end of the summer, it turns out my business plan was compelling enough that we wanted to move forward with it.” And with that, 15 Stars was...

Over 100 whiskies are reviewed in the Spring 2020 Buying Guide, and this group of bourbons accounts for some of the highest scores, and highest proofs, in the bunch. All bottled without water added, these heavy hitters provide big flavor and flexibility: You can drink them as-is, enjoy them with ice or water, or even use them in a hefty cocktail. If adding water, do some experimentation to find your personal perfect proof—our proof calculator makes it easy.No matter which way you drink them, though, these bourbons are all a must-try.7 BARREL-PROOF BOURBONS TO SEEK OUTWeller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon93 points, 57% ABV, $50Fragrant lemon and dried herbs on the nose, along with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a hint of licorice. The palate offers deep notes of blackberry compote, tiramisu, and milk chocolate, all underpinned by earthy tones of cedar and polished oak. A rich symphony of flavor punctuates the long, impressive finish—mocha, almond, and cooked dark fruit...

Pappy Van Winkle and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection are notoriously difficult to find on shelves, and when they are available, it's usually at astronomically marked-up prices—but now whiskey fans have a chance to own these bottles and other rare finds for only $100. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is raffling off a package of 20 hard-to-find whiskeys in its Buddy-Up! raffle and is aiming to raise $200,000. Only 2,000 raffle tickets are available—for $100 each—and will be on sale until Nov. 15, or until they sell out. The proceeds will benefit Best Buddies New Hampshire, an organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.The NHLC has been raising funds for Best Buddies New Hampshire through rare whiskey raffles for the past four years, and its lineup last year boasted some similar hard-to-find names. This year, the assortment is even larger, with another rare Buffalo Trace bourbon, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and a...

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...

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...

This week is primarily dominated by extra-special releases from familiar names. Heaven Hill has debuted its fourth Old Fitzgerald VVS bottled in bond bourbon; not to be outdone, Glenmorangie has brought back a 25 year old single malt to its core range, while Suntory has released its oldest Yamazaki yet, this one fully matured in mizunara oak. On the craft level, Brooklyn's Kings County Distillery has introduced a widely available Empire rye, and Single Cask Nation has also put the spotlight on New York rye and peated American single malt with its latest drop.
 
Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 11 Year Old VVS 2025 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
ABV: 50%
SRP: $170
Availability: Kentucky exclusive
The fourth release in Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald VVS (Very Very Special) line is an 11 year old bourbon made from the distillery’s classic wheater recipe of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley (as all Old Fitzgerald whiskeys...

This year’s auction scene has been led by one-of-one releases, and Compass Box served up the final one of the year. A world blended malt, a fusion of Scottish and Swedish influences, Compass Box Confluence was the debut expression of Angelo D’Orazio, the former Mackmyra master blender who was appointed the new Compass Box creative director of whiskymaking in July 2025. It fetched a hammer price of $18,000 at Bonhams Skinner, a record for the brand. The sale generated a combined hammer price of $43,200 for The Wolfsonian across eight Compass Box lots, containing 44 bottles direct from the company, including some of the most memorable Compass Box releases from the past 25 years.
Macallan dominated December’s 20-highest hammer price list during a busy first fortnight in the salesrooms. Bonhams, Edinburgh returned from its difficult October sale and successfully cleared all Macallan The Red Collection bottles from that sale, including the 71, 74, 77, and 78 year old...

This Sunday is Mother's Day, and while the classics are always a safe bet—think flowers, chocolate, and jewelry—what better way to celebrate the whisky-appreciating mom in your life than with a memorable trip to a distillery event? Distilleries across the country are hosting events this weekend, ranging from a gift market at Westward Whiskey in Portland, Oregon happening tomorrow to a special guided tour of Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday. Of course, the "Succession" lovers among us know that Sunday is also the eighth episode of the final season—we've rounded up a complete list of whiskies spotted on the show, as well as some recommendations of our own that will have you sipping as the Roys do.
As far as new whiskies go, Hirsch pays homage to a past release with a new single barrel Kentucky bourbon, Santa Fe Spirits debuts an American single malt from New Mexico, and Colorado-based Laws Whiskey House is back...

Get to the chopper! The same bottling company that brought us Star Trek-themed James T. Kirk bourbon and Montgomery Scott scotch is now offering Dutch bourbon, named for the tough soldier played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 action movie Predator. The bourbon is sourced from South Carolina-based Terressentia Corp., which uses its patented TerrePURE process to filter and smooth out harsh alcohols using ultrasonic waves. (I reported on Terressentia and other companies maturing whisky through alternative means in the Spring 2017 issue.) Available for pre-order now at $35 a bottle, the whiskey will begin shipping in April.One of the only whiskey distilleries in Hawai'i is set to debut its first release next month. Old Pali Road whiskey combines 6 month old whiskey made at the Ko'olau Distillery on O'ahu with 5 year old whiskey sourced from Missouri. The whiskey will be available in Hawai'i for $45.Finally, Douglas Laing & Co. is launching a 12 year old, cask-strength version...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

It's fall, and that means it's whisky event season! Just because the year is starting to wind down doesn't mean you have to do the same. In fact, there are a slew of great whisky events coming up in the last quarter of the year.WhiskyFest San Francisco takes place on November 2 at the Marriott Marquis, and it's shaping up to be the best yet. With hundreds of whiskies on offer, the choices will be endless—you literally cannot physically taste them all. So, develop a strategy. If you love scotch, plan your night around Speyside and Highland single malts, like GlenDronach, Glen Grant, Loch Lomond, Tamdhu, and Macallan. Or if you're a peat fanatic, make sure to hit the tables for Laphroaig, Bowmore, Lagavulin, and Highland Park. More of a bourbon and rye drinker? Don't miss the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Pappy Van Winkle, the new Parker's Heritage Collection, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel whiskeys, and Heaven's Door, a whiskey brand from Bob Dylan. If you're looking for world...

Ask someone what fruit they associate with whisky, and chances are their answer will be a dried, citrus, or stone fruit. After all, they are common tasting notes and cocktail garnishes. But the humble banana surely deserves a shout-out.
“While they may seem an unlikely combo, whisky and banana present similar flavor components and, as a result, go well together,” explains Wil Schultz, bar manager of Oak Steakhouse in Nashville. That hint of banana you may detect in a bourbon or Irish whiskey? That’s isoamyl acetate, an oily liquid that naturally forms during the fermentation process and tastes like the fruit.
Adding a banana syrup or liqueur to your cocktail can easily bring this subtle flavor to the forefront, says Colin Bugbee, bartender at Cure in New Orleans. And since the fruit’s sweetness can balance out bold or smoky whiskies, don’t be afraid to go bananas. 

Butter + Banter
Created by Brittany McMillan, general manager...

New year, new whisky. While there aren't many new bottles out on shelves just yet, here are two.Frey Ranch Estate Distillery in Nevada just debuted its straight bourbon in its home state, and will be rolling it out in California shortly. The whiskey is priced at $50.Glenfiddich is offering a special package for its 18 year old in honor of the Lunar New Year. Priced at $90, it's available in Travel Retail in select Asian airports.Read on for full details.Frey Ranch Straight BourbonStyle: Straight bourbonOrigin: NevadaAge: Not statedProof: 45% ABVPrice: $50Release: Fall 2019Availability: NV and CANeed to know:Made at Frey Ranch Estate Distillery in Fallon, Nevada, this bourbon has a mashbill of 66.6% corn, 11.4% rye, 10% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Every step of the process, from growing the grain to bottling—and even including malting the barley—is done on-site.Whisky Advocate says:Frey Ranch calls itself a "whiskey farm," and since it controls every aspect of production...

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is in for some old Hollywood flair, as Duke Spirits and Owensboro, Kentucky's O.Z. Tyler Distillery will open the Duke Tasting Room and John Wayne Experience in April 2020. Owensboro is a bit far from the majority of the bourbon trail—more than a two-hour drive from Louisville and Lexington—but the new visitor experience could be worth the trek for fans of The Duke—both the bourbon and the man who famously went by that name, legendary actor John Wayne.
Duke Spirits was founded by Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and Chris Radomski. According to Radomski, upon sorting through vaults of his late father's belongings, Wayne discovered an impressive liquor collection, including bourbon. He also found several bottles of unlabeled whisky, which were apparently John Wayne's own experiments and attempts at blending bourbon. Radomski and a team of winemakers and mixologists analyzed the flavor profile of one of these experiments that...

At your local diner, the toast choices at breakfast are usually white, wheat, or rye. But when it comes to barrels, whiskey makers have hundreds of toast options to choose from. “Toasted is a buzzword now,” says COO and co-founder of Penelope Bourbon Daniel Polise. “But people don’t always know how a barrel is toasted or charred—and that they are two very different things.”

Charring—when a new oak barrel is exposed to an open flame—is the process of burning the wood, while toasting lends a lighter touch. Charring is like putting a marshmallow straight into the flame, while toasting is holding it further away for a longer period of time. Variables like temperature, duration, the cooper who made the barrel, and the toasting’s intensity level create a much broader spectrum than charring, which typically has four levels ranging from 15 to 55 seconds of exposure to the flame.

But the two aren’t mutually...

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

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

Single malt scotch makes a good showing this week, with new releases from Glenmorangie, Nc’nean, and Bladnoch, in addition to a collectible Laphroaig. In keeping with previous changes to its other core whiskies The Original and The Nectar, Glenmorangie has added some extra aging to its popular Lasanta expression, while Nc’nean unveils its annual release of Huntress. Both whiskeys have reasonably wide availability. Meanwhile, Lowlands scotch maker Bladnoch follows with the second release in its Wave series, and Laphroaig delves into the archive to release a new 38 year old. Among American whiskeys, Blue Note offers a single barrel rye, while Pursuit United has a rye—sourced not from MGP, but from Bardstown Bourbon and Sagamore Spirit. In bourbon, Kentucky Senator has two new additions, while Michigan’s Coppercraft has an MGP-sourced 9 year old.
Glenmorangie The Lasanta 15 year old Highland Single Malt Scotch
ABV: 43%
SRP...

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...

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...

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...

Both sides of the pond have announced some notable new releases in this week's wrap-up. From Ireland, Redbreast has a new single pot still whiskey finished in Málaga moscatel wine casks, while scotch whisky blending house Compass Box's annual release of Hedonism drops February  24th. Among single malt scotch whiskies, Macallan has a  James Bond tribute, and Ardbeg has unveiled its  2026 Committee Release, this one a cask strength expression. American whiskeys, meanwhile, announced several new bottlings this week. Most renowned among them—and also the most rarely seen—is Michter's Celebration Sour Mash, which has been released only five times over the past 30 years. Other new whiskies this week include bourbons from Woodford Reserve and Green River, ryes from Stoll & Wolfe and Shiner, and a straight malt from Chattanooga Whiskey.
Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Irish Single Pot Still
ABV: 46%

If you have extra Halloween candy lying around (or you're raiding the kids' stash), take advantage of the excellent pairing opportunity by matching it with some whisky. (Check out our suggestions here.) Then read all about this week's new releases, starting with some old bourbons.Michter's is rolling out the 2019 batch of its 20 year old bourbon. Retail-priced at $700, it's available in limited amounts.Meanwhile, Buffalo Trace has debuted the 1994 vintage of O.F.C. bourbon. The limited-edition whiskey is priced at $2,500, with 1,085 bottles available.GlenDronach Distillery is also releasing a 1993 vintage whisky, although this is, of course, a single malt scotch, priced at $350. Concurrently, GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 8 is rolling out, priced at $95. Both whiskies are available in limited amounts.Westward Whiskey from Portland, Oregon is launching a stout cask-finished single malt. Priced at $90, the whiskey will be available as a permanent line extension.Scotland's Glencadam...

While Louisville welcomed Old Forester Distillery back to its original location this week, new whiskies from Kentucky, Scotland, and beyond are rolling out to store shelves.Macallan just can't stay still. After opening its stunning new distillery, unveiling a packaging revamp, and announcing its oldest-ever single malt, the company is releasing two new limited-edition whiskies: Macallan M Black follows up in the M series, making a dramatic entrance in a black crystal Lalique decanter and with a price—$6,995—to match. Meanwhile, Macallan Edition No. 4 will hit shelves next month at $100 a bottle, showcasing the concept of structure in whisky.Revival is the name of the game for three Kentucky straight bourbons this week—literally so, in the case of Wild Turkey Master's Keep Revival. The newest iteration of master distiller Eddie Russell's blending genius, Revival was inspired by Wild Turkey Sherry Signature, a sherry-finished bourbon created by Eddie's father, master distiller...

Missouri has joined Kentucky and Tennessee in regulating specific rules for its own style of whiskey—in this case, Missouri bourbon. We spoke to distillers about the measure, which includes an unusual requirement for barrels made of Missouri-grown oak. But for those of you heading to the liquor store (which you should be doing every time you travel, by the way), there are several new whiskies to seek out.Laphroaig is rolling out the 2019 Cairdeas. This year, it's a cask-strength (59.5% ABV) version of the distillery's Triple Wood expression. It's available in limited amounts for $80.Shortly after confirming that its Quinta Ruban expression is going from 12 to 14 years old, Glenmorangie has revealed that it's dropping the age statement for Nectar D'Or, which was previously bottled at 12 years old. The whisky's price ($77) and availability remain the same.Loch Lomond Distillery has released a special-edition 2002 vintage single malt in partnership with pro golfer Cristie Kerr...

As craft distilleries across the country find new ways to welcome visitors safely, many whisky lovers are looking for new bottles to try. There's plenty to satisfy on that front this week, with fresh releases celebrating big moments and others pioneering novel flavors.First up, Heaven Hill Distillery has debuted Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, a bourbon finished in a second, new, charred, and heavily toasted cask. It's available nationwide, priced at $50.Heaven Hill is also rolling out the Spring 2020 release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond, this time at 9 years old. The bourbon is priced at $90 and available in limited amounts.Jack Daniel's has partnered with country singer Eric Church on a limited-edition single-barrel release. Roughly 60,000 bottles of the Tennessee whiskey are available, priced at $50.Johnnie Walker has created a trio of special blended scotches to celebrate its 200th anniversary this year. John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend is inspired by the brand's...

No dog days of summer this week, as whisky lovers are being treated to lots of exciting news. In American whiskey, Seattle's Westland Distillery,  whose co-founder Matt Hofmann moved on last year, continues its reset with the release of  two new expressions—one finished in beer casks and the other in wine casks. Knob Creek, always among the most traditional of whiskey makers, gets creative with a new blend of bourbon and rye, while Woodford Reserve has blended two malt whiskeys for the latest edition in its Distillery Series. Dixon Dedman, who made his name with the Kentucky Owl whiskeys back in 2014, continues to see his star rise with 2XO, whose latest release is a bourbon finished in French oak casks.
Not to be outdone, the scotch side has some very interesting news. Compass Box, whose celebrated founder John Glaser departed the company earlier this year, is ready for its next act with two entirely new labels...

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...

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...

It's Valentine's Day—a great opportunity to enjoy whisky in the company of someone you love (even if that someone is your dog or cat, or your grandma, or just your own inimitable self). Hopefully you already have a great dram planned, but if you want inspiration from the newest releases, keep reading.Woodford Reserve is rolling out the 2020 edition of Batch Proof, an incredible bourbon that was named No.6 in our 2019 Top 20. It's limited edition—meaning once it's gone, it's gone until the 2021 bottling comes out—and available nationwide, priced at $130.Glenfiddich has debuted two single cask whiskies, both distilled in 1975 and bottled at cask strength. They're 44 years old, so understandably both rare (100 bottles of each) and expensive ($9,000 apiece).Country musicians Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean have teamed up to offer Wolf Moon, a straight bourbon distilled at MGP in Indiana. It's currently for sale on reservebar.com, priced at $25, and will hit retail shelves in...

This week we learned that there's the water of life, and then the water of afterlife. Yes, that's right, you can be interred for all time with the whisky of your choice in a bourbon-barrel urn. Gives a whole new meaning to spirits, eh?Back in the earthly realm, Old Forester is redoing its single-barrel program so that the whiskey can be bottled at either 50% ABV or barrel strength. Previously, the distillery offered single barrels bottled at 45% ABV; that option is no longer available. The decision is a good one that should make lots of Old Forester fans happy, since bourbon at higher proof can easily be adjusted to suit individual tastes by adding water, or not. If you want to get your hands on one of the new 100-proof or barrel-proof Old Forester single barrel whiskeys, look for it at retailers that regularly bottle private picks.Speaking of barrel-proof, the latest batch of Stagg Jr. from Buffalo Trace Distillery is hitting shelves. The uncut, unfiltered bourbon has a recommended...

Barrel staves toasted in a smokeless fire pit? That’s a new one for us. In an unusual partnership, Vermont WhistlePig has teamed up with Solo Stove, a maker of portable stainless steel fireplaces for the backyard and beach, to toast its barrel staves. Elsewhere around the whiskey world, Elijah Craig is out with this year’s Batch B, and it’s a bit older than Batch A—closer to the 12 year old level that was the norm before Elijah Craig owner Heaven Hill removed the age statement last year.  Westland Colere has a new edition, and there's a new whiskey in the Woodford Reserve Distillers Series.
 
 
Elijah Craig 11 Year and 2 Month Old Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch B524)
ABV: 65.3%
SRP: $75
Availability: Nationwide
The newest batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, B524, was aged for 11 years and 2 months—featuring slightly older liquid than the previous batch released in January.
Only three batches of...

In our “What's It Worth?” series, Whisky Advocate auction correspondent Jonny McCormick examines the current collectability of a distillery or brand.Midleton master distiller Kevin O'Gorman recently unveiled the release of Midleton Very Rare 2022. This long-running series has become the most traded Irish whiskey at auction, so with the new release marking the 39th bottling in the series, we examine the highest auction values for Midleton Very Rare vintages released by Brian Nation, O'Gorman's predecessor as Midleton master distiller, whose signature adorned the bottles released during 2014 to 2020. When Barry Crockett launched the first release of Midleton Very Rare in 1984, the international market for Irish whiskey was markedly smaller than it is today. But Crockett had instituted a policy of laying down 100 casks of top-quality stock every year for future use in Midleton Very Rare as it found its place in the hearts of Irish whiskey lovers. That decision bears fruit to this...