The Glenlivet is bringing a taste of Southern France to Speyside with its new limited-edition The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition.

The 12-year-old single malt is finished in a combination of Château Sainte Marguerite white wine, Rivesaltes and Sauternes casks. The scotch is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) and is being positioned as a limited-edition expression inspired by the flavors and culture of Provence.

According to The Glenlivet, the wine cask finishing layers the distillery’s signature smoothness with floral aromas and ripe orchard fruit. Provided tasting notes include white peach, nectarine, pear and bright citrus, followed by a mellow finish with lingering fruit, toasted oak and baking spice.

“With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected,” The Glenlivet Master Blender Kevin Balmforth said in a news release. “By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes, and exceptional complexity.”

The release connects The Glenlivet’s Scottish single malt with the French influence of Provence, including a culinary collaboration with Frenchette Bakery pastry chef Michelle Palazzo.

To mark the launch, The Glenlivet debuted Le Café du Whisky, a pop-up experience beginning Thursday in New York City. The activation will feature a Provençal-inspired pastry created by Palazzo called Tarte aux Pêches. The pastry is made with a vanilla bean custard infused with The Glenlivet Provence Edition and is topped with peaches. The Glenlivet says the dessert is designed to echo the whisky’s white peach, nectarine, pear and citrus notes.

The brand will also offer national bookable experiences centered on the Provence Edition, along with a Provençal Spritz cocktail highlighting the whisky’s fruit and citrus character.

The Glenlivet’s campaign for the release extends the French theme through “Peachtanque,” a fictional game created for the brand’s campaign world that combines elements of Scottish craft with a French accent.

Every month, we sort through dozens of new releases (and older ones that are new to us!) to highlight the whiskeys that stood out the most. It’s a great way to remind ourselves — and share with you! — what’s been the greatest of the latest in the whiskey world. October was a splendid month of whiskey — one of 2025’s best, for sure — ranging from some of the year’s best rye whiskeys to complex single malts to deep, sweet bourbons to (!) the world’s oldest whisky.

As always, these whiskeys are ranked by their Critics’ Scores — The Daily Pour’s aggregated number that averages our own house score with the rankings given by the internet’s most trusted reviewers. When necessary, ties are broken by 1) our house score, 2) the number of aggregated reviews, 3) alphabetical order.

Here’s the list, ranked from 10 to 1.

10 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in October 2025

10. Sagamore Spirit 10-Year Rye Whiskey

(Photo: Sagamore Spirit)

Released in September, Sagamore Spirit’s first 10-year-old rye marks a milestone for the Maryland distillery. Priced at $79.99, it’s the oldest age-stated whiskey in the brand’s lineup — and one of its best.

The nose bursts with soft butterscotch, candied orange, clove and allspice. On the palate, it’s balanced and warm, mixing gingerbread, cherry and tiramisu with rye-driven spice. The finish lingers with clove, nutmeg and marshmallow fluff. Complex yet approachable, this rye offers an impressive harmony of oak, spice and sweetness — and feels like a steal at the price.

Click here to read our full review.

9. Westland Garryana American Single Malt Aged 10 Years

(Photo: Westland Distillery)

Westland’s Garryana series has long celebrated the Pacific Northwest’s native oak, Quercus Garryana, but 2025’s 10-year-old edition sets a new benchmark. The Seattle distillery’s oldest age-stated whiskey to date, this 100-proof malt was matured in a mix of Garryana, Pedro Ximénez sherry, rum and bourbon casks, with just 4,600 bottles released, retailing for $149.99 a pop.

The result is beautifully balanced: bright notes of tangerine and peach meet espresso, oak and graham cracker richness. The finish shifts to darker tones of coffee, tobacco and vanilla bean. It’s a reminder that American single malt continues to evolve — and that Westland remains at the forefront.

Click here to read our full review.

8. Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon (2025 Release)

Maker’s Mark continues to prove that age can suit wheated bourbon beautifully. The third annual release of its Cellar Aged expression combines bourbon aged 11 to 14 years, with the 14-year component marking the oldest known whiskey ever blended by the distillery. Bottled at 112.9 proof and priced at $175, it’s rich, spicy and unmistakably Maker’s.

Sweet aromas of custard and caramel lead into layers of cocoa, anise and gingerbread. The finish leans darker — think coffee grounds, fudge and cinnamon — without tipping into bitterness. It’s an elegant, dessert-forward pour that showcases what careful long aging can bring to a classic recipe.

Click here to read our full review.

7. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release: Tanyard Hill Rye

(Photo: Jack Daniel’s)

Jack Daniel’s latest Special Release pushes rye whiskey to its limits. Drawn from barrels aged atop the distillery’s historic Tanyard Hill, this cask-strength Tennessee rye varies by barrel — ours clocked in at a fiery 145.9 proof.

Despite the power, the whiskey is layered and expressive. Clove, espresso and black cherry dominate the nose, while the palate explodes with cinnamon, sassafras, buttercream and dark fruit. The long, spicy finish mingles coffee, dark chocolate and fig. Intense but beautifully balanced, it’s a standout hazmat whiskey that cements Jack Daniel’s rye program among the country’s best.

This whiskey clocks in at No. 7 based on its Critics’ Score, an aggregated number that averages out reviews from trusted critics across the internet, but it would be a good bit higher if this was a subjective list solely based on our in-house review.

Click here to read our full review.

6. Yellowstone Limited Edition Bourbon Aged 10 Years (2025)

For the 2025 edition of its annual Limited Edition release, Yellowstone brought together bourbon from Kentucky’s Limestone Branch and Indiana’s Ross & Squibb Distillery. The 105-proof blend, built from three mashbills, highlights both distilleries’ strengths.

It opens with sweet aromas of butterscotch and crème brûlée before revealing soft spice and bright fruit. The palate brings cherry, raspberry and smoked oak, while the finish turns dry with hints of coffee, cacao and vanilla custard. A deft blend of sweetness and spice, it’s one of the most rewarding and balanced releases in Yellowstone’s series to date.

Click here to read our full review.

5. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 53.469 “The Ultimate Nuance”

This limited Islay single malt from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society lives up to its name. Aged 10 years in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead and bottled at 57% ABV, “The Ultimate Nuance” reveals a softness that’s rarely found in a high-proof peated scotch.

Sweet butter and sugar cookie aromas mingle with smoke and sea air. The palate strikes a graceful balance between peat, pear and vanilla wafers, while the finish brings honey, mesquite and marzipan. It’s a standout example of precision blending — an Islay whisky that invites both peat lovers and skeptics alike.

Click here to read our full review.

4. Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E

(Photo: Russell’s Reserve)

The latest entry in Wild Turkey’s Single Rickhouse series showcases barrels pulled exclusively from the fifth floor of Camp Nelson E — and it’s the highest-proof Russell’s Reserve yet at 128. Bottled at cask strength and priced at $300, this bourbon brims with the distillery’s signature richness.

Luxardo cherry, browned butter and caramel cake leap from the glass. The palate follows with pecan pie, oak and crème brûlée, leading to a long finish of espresso beans, raisin and peach pie. Deep, flavorful and impeccably structured, it’s a powerhouse that’s just the latest of Wild Turkey’s hot streak.

Click here to read our full review.

3. King of Kentucky (2025 Release)

Brown-Forman’s crown jewel returned this fall with another towering statement. The 2025 King of Kentucky is a 17-year-old single-barrel bourbon selected from just 63 barrels, bottled between 124 and 135 proof and priced at $399.

Despite its strength, the whiskey is remarkably smooth. Cherry cola, buttercream, gingerbread and almond come through on the nose, while the palate layers dry oak and spice with caramel, root beer and chocolate-covered cherries. A drop of water teases out candied orange and cocoa powder. It’s a beautiful, bruising bourbon that rewards patience — and perhaps a drop or two of water to explore further flavors (after tasting neat, of course).

Click here to read our full review.

2. Gordon & MacPhail 85-Year-Old Glenlivet

(Photo: Gordon & MacPhail)

The oldest known whisky ever bottled, Gordon & MacPhail’s 85-year-old Glenlivet is a historic release distilled in 1940 and bottled in May 2025. Only 125 handblown decanters exist, each priced at £125,000 ($168,500), and proceeds from the first bottle’s Christie’s auction will benefit American Forests.

For all its age, this single malt is astonishingly vibrant. Aromas of smoked wood, cardamom and brown sugar lead to flavors of orange sherbet, lemon peel and melting butter. The finish winds through dark chocolate, charred mango and tobacco. It’s a masterclass in time, balance and restraint — a once-in-a-lifetime whisky in every sense.

Click here to read our full review.

1. WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame

(Photo: WhistlePig Whiskey)

WhistlePig’s latest Boss Hog release might be its most adventurous yet. Finished in barrels seasoned with pulque curado — a blend of agave, cacao and Mexican chiltepin, guajillo and pasilla peppers — Feather & Flame pushes rye whiskey into thrilling new territory. Bottled between 52.4% and 54.2% ABV, it retails for $599.

The nose brings gingerbread, chili powder and vanilla pastry cream. The palate follows with butterscotch, clove, pepper and dill, delivering a spicy burn unlike any other whiskey on this list. It finishes long and sweet, with maple, nutmeg and a whisper of heat. Daring, delicious and wholly original, it’s the Boss Hog at its finest — and a clear contender for Rye of the Year.

Click here to read our full review.

Final Thoughts

October 2025 was a remarkable month for whiskey, blending innovation with tradition. From WhistlePig’s chili-spiced experiment to Gordon & MacPhail’s record-breaking relic, these releases show just how diverse and daring the whiskey landscape is. Whether you crave high-proof rye, perfectly aged bourbon or smoky single malt, this phenomenal month offered something worth savoring.

(Photos: Gordon & MacPhail)

When Gordon & MacPhail announced the release of its Glenlivet 85 Years Old earlier this year, it instantly made headlines as the world’s oldest bottled single malt. Distilled on Feb. 3, 1940, and bottled on May 2, 2025, this whisky has rested longer than most human lifetimes — yet it shows a freshness and vibrancy that surprised us when we tasted it.

This month, the company revealed the sculptural decanter designed to hold this record-breaking release. Read more about the decanter here.

But while the breathtaking bronze-and-glass vessel draws the eye, the whisky inside is what we were most interested in. We sat down with Gordon & MacPhail Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin — the great-grandson of George Urquhart, the man who filled the cask back in 1940 — to talk about how a whisky can survive eight and a half decades in oak — and we opened our own sample to see what 85 years of patience tastes like.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: The first impression is wood smoke, but not the overpowering oak you might expect from 85 years in cask. Instead, there’s spice and sweetness: cardamom, brown sugar, honey, melting butter. A soft leather note runs beneath brighter fruit tones — pear, apricot, melon, orange blossom.

Taste: A rush of orange sherbet leads, layered with lemon peel, rosemary, leather and vanilla wafers. That butter note from the nose carries through, giving the whisky a plush texture.

Finish: Long and evolving. Dark chocolate, tannin and oak give way to tobacco and smoked wood before settling into charred mango, orange peel and a faint meatiness. The final impression is sweet, smoky and savory all at once.

Read our complete review here.

Why It Works at 85 Years Old

The natural concern many (including us, we’ll be honest) would have with a whisky of this age is that it could lack balance. The best whiskies have a perfect balance of oak from the aging and notes from the fermented and distilled grains. For a whisky that spent 85 years in oak, concerns that it would lose itself in the oak were natural — but that wasn’t our experience.

Gordon & MacPhail Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin

If you were poured this blind, Rankin believes you’d guess it were somewhere between 25 and 35 years old. “It’s not until the back of the nose it evolves a bit more,” he opined.

So why isn’t it an oak bomb? Rankin points to four factors:

1. The craftmanship of both the spirit and cask,
2. the environment,
3. the ability to identify when a spirit has reached peak maturity, and
4. “Patience,” Rankin said. “Put in brackets: bravery, courage, etc., but patience is vital.”

Several technical details also shaped this whisky and its ability to maintain balanced character despite being the oldest bottled whisky in the world:

The cask was American oak, filled with sherry in Spain before being sent to Scotland, emptied and filled with Glenlivet new make spirit.

• It was a sherry butt, which at more than 500 liters is larger than your standard barrel used for, for example, bourbon, meaning less wood contact per liter of liquid, which slows maturation.
• That sherry butt was made from staves Rankin describes as “very thick.”ub
• It spent 27 years at Glenlivet Distillery before moving to Gordon & MacPhail’s warehouses in Elgin, where it matured for nearly six decades more under careful monitoring.

“It’s not that we opened the cask after 85 years and go, ‘Hey everybody, what good luck; it’s amazing!’” Rankin explained with a chuckle. “We’ve been following it, and like many other casks, the reason this has got here and other casks were bottled is because they were right then, and they wouldn’t have been right now.

“It’s having that skill, ability and knowledge and courage to not just wait but to go: No, this is ready now. I’m bottling this now.”

Scarcity and Value

This incredibly rare whisky is priced at £125,000 ($168,700). That’s a lot of money, obviously, but Rankin says some actually expected a higher figure, considering what similarly aged spirits have retailed for. He pointed to The Macallan’s 84-year-old, which hosted a suggested retail price of £150,000 ($190,000).

“But I think that’s Gordon & MacPhail,” he said. “It’s us just being a little bit more humble, a wee bit more modest.”

The release is framed as “Artistry in Oak” for a reason. “As my grandfather always says, it’s the wood that makes the whisky,” Rankin said. Oak helped shaped this spirit, but so did time, environment and watchful stewardship across four generations.

At 85 years old, this whisky is less about a record and more about experience. It’s astonishingly fresh, layered and alive — a reminder that when handled with care, whisky can transcend age.

As Rankin put it: “The reason it’s rare is not because it’s old; it’s because it’s amazing.”

Architect Jeanne Gang is pictured with the decanter she designed for Gordon & MacPhail’s 85-year-old Glenlivet, the world’s oldest whisky. (Photo: Gordon & MacPhail)

On Thursday, Gordon & MacPhail revealed the decanter design for its Glenlivet 85 Years Old, the world’s oldest single malt scotch whisky. The vessel, designed by American architect Jeanne Gang, was unveiled Thursday as part of the “Artistry in Oak” project.

The whisky itself — distilled in 1940 and bottled earlier this year — was announced in July.

We had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample this incredibly rare expression, which boasts a suggested retail price of £125,000 ($168,700). Click here to read our review.

Gang’s design features a suspended glass decanter encased by four bronze branches that spiral upward, inspired by the slow growth of oak and the long aging of the spirit.

“It was of utmost importance that the quality of the whisky itself be manifest in the design of the decanter,” Gang said in a news release. “Made from handblown glass and cast bronze, I thought about how each material would exhibit its own inherent qualities while fulfilling its purpose to hold and protect the liquid.”

Only 125 decanters have been produced. The first will be auctioned by Christie’s between Nov. 7 and Nov. 21, with proceeds donated to American Forests, a U.S. nonprofit focused on reforestation. The lot includes Decanter No. 1, a signed sketch of an oak tree by Gang, the framed cask end from Cask 336 and a private tasting led by at least one of the Urquhart family, who have owned Gordon & MacPhail for four generations.

Stephen Rankin, the company’s director of prestige and a member of the Urquhart family, said the release reflects decades of foresight: “One of the greatest challenges was that this has never been done before. We’re the first to mature a whisky for 85 years. Every year that goes by is a year into the unknown,” Rankin said.

The Glenlivet 85 Years Old was drawn from a single sherry cask, filled in 1940 during wartime shortages. Bottled at 43.7% ABV, it’s a truly special expression; check out our tasting notes here.

Christie’s Global Head of Wine and Spirits Adam Bilbey said the auction “is not just a highlight of our season — it’s a celebration of time, tradition and craftsmanship.”

The Glenlivet’s collection, “The Twelve Elements” goes on sale on the new blockchain-fueled site, The Whisky Exchange Cabinet on Feb. 21. (Photo: The Whisky Exchange)

On Tuesday, Decanter reported that The Glenlivet will sell 12 bottles of a whisky distilled in 1974 on the blockchain e-commerce site, The Whisky Exchange Cabinet, for approximately £34,000 ($42,714) each, before taxes. The Speyside whisky brand used AI to help make the labels for the bottles in the collection, which the brand has named The Glenlivet: The Twelve Elements.

The collection is set to go up for sale on the website on Feb. 21.

“As we commemorate 200 years of The Glenlivet, this ultra-rare collection represents a look to the future and offers whisky enthusiasts worldwide a foray into the evolution of luxury investments,” The Glenlivet Cask Expert Kevin Balmforth said, according to Decanter.

This will be the first release on The Whisky Exchange Cabinet. Those who buy spirits from the site will be given transferable digital certificates, demonstrating proof of purchase and their ownership of the physical asset.

Decanter reports that each bottle symbolizes one of the important components of The Glenlivet: Air, Barley, Cooper, Copper, Angel Share, Distiller, Earth, Heritage, Time, Wood, Fire and Water.

The spirits will be bottled in the summer as part of the brand’s bicentennial-related festivities.

2024 has gotten off to quite an exciting start for The Glenlivet. On Feb. 7, the brand released The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection.

Described as an elevated way to experience the scotch whisky brand’s signature “fruity” style, The Glenlivet Rum and Bourbon Fusion Cask Selection was finished in a “category-first” cask made from disassembled rum and bourbon barrels. The brand removed the heads and tails from rum and bourbon casks, and reassembled them into a bespoke cask, said to offer distinctive rum and bourbon-driven qualities to the scotch. The whisky was described as having a citrus fruit profile, with coconut and flavors of toffee-covered bananas.

Balmforth claims the scotch has “remarkable depth and character.”

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!

This January stayed true to the trend, but we still found a solid 18 whiskeys to be excited about.

18 Top Whiskeys Released in January 2024

Editor’s note: The following whiskeys are not ranked in any particular order.

18. Chris Stapleton’s Hotly Anticipated Whiskey Has Arrived, Marking Buffalo Trace’s First Celebrity Collaboration

Traveller Whiskey, the long-anticipated partnership between eight-time Grammy Award-winner Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery, finally arrived last month.

According to Buffalo Trace, Traveller Whiskey marks the “first-of-its-kind collaboration” from the brand, as Buffalo Trace has yet to work this closely with a celebrity on an expression.

Click here to read more.

17. Johnnie Walker Collabs With Influential Asian American Artist on Lunar New Year Whisky

(Photo: Johnnie Walker)

Johnnie Walker announced the release of a limited-edition Blue Label expression commemorating the Lunar New Year. The Diageo-owned scotch whisky brand tapped the Asian American artist, James Jean, to design a label that features the zodiac animal of 2024 — the Wood Dragon.

With a suggested retail price of $269 and bespoke packaging, the scotch whisky is available now until supplies last, according to the brand. Johnnie Walker Lunar New Year Limited Edition is presented at 46% ABV in the U.S. market.

Click here to read more.

16. Costco’s Surprisingly Highly Rated Scotch Brand Releases New Expression to Celebrate the Lunar New Year

(Photo: GDA via AP Images)

Costco rolled out a specialty scotch whisky just in time for Lunar New Year celebrations. The scotch, monickered Costco’s Year of the Dragon, hosts a modest retail price of $50 per 1-liter bottle.

The whisky contains an 88-proof 8-year-old blended scotch drawn from hand-chosen barrels. The 1-liter bottle features a gilded Chinese Dragon on its label and comes in a bespoke red box. As for the origins of the whiskies used in the blend, that remains undisclosed.

Click here to read more.

15. Redwood Empire Kicks Off New ‘Small Lot’ Series With 2 Whiskeys, Including the California Distillery’s 1st Single Malt

Redwood Empire, the California-based whiskey brand, has introduced a new whiskey collection, The Small Lot Series.

The Small Lot Series debuts with two expressions: a bourbon and the brand’s first single malt whiskey.

Click here to read more.

14. Old Forester’s Latest Bourbon is 10 Years Old and Made From a New Grain Recipe

(Photo: Old Forester)

Old Forester announced the fifth release in its Whiskey Row Series: 1924.

This new, nationally available bourbon is significant for two main reasons. First, at 10 years old, it bears the highest age statement of the Whiskey Row Series. Second, it is distilled from a mashbill that’s new to Old Forester. The Louisville, Kentucky distillery usually  makes its whiskeys from 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley, but 1924 features a new recipe: 79% corn, 11% rye and 10% malted barley.

Click here to read more.

13. The Whisky Exchange Unveils 23-Year-Old Irish Whiskey, and Fewer Than 600 Bottles Are Available

(Photo: The Whisky Exchange)

The Whisky Exchange unveiled Yellow Spot 1999, a limited-edition 23-year-old Irish whiskey. Just 564 bottles are available, and the whiskey has a suggested retail price of £525 ($668).

Yellow Spot 1999 was aged in ex-bourbon barrels before being moved to an ex-Malaga cask. Malaga is a type of fortified wine that originates from Spain and is typically made with a mixture of Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes.

Click here to read more.

12. The Reverend Sour Mash Whiskey Debuts, Honoring a ‘Man of Contradictions’ Who Worked With Jack Daniel, Nearest Green

(Photo: Brian Shutters)

Call Family Distillers unveiled The Reverend Sour Mash Whiskey, a liquid ode to Reverend Daniel Houston Call. This release marks the third installment within the brand’s portfolio and pays homage to the historical whiskey figure.

According to the brand, Call worked alongside whiskey legends like Jasper “Jack” Newton Daniel — the man behind Jack Daniel’s — and Nathan “Nearest” Green — the namesake of Uncle Nearest Whiskey – at his family distillery in the rural area that abuts Lynchburg, Tennessee.

With a suggested retail price of $35.99, The Reverend Sour Mash is available in seven states and should be distributed in 25 states starting May 2024, according to the brand.

Click here to read more.

11. The Glenlivet Celebrates Bicentennial With Limited Release

(Photo: The Glenlivet)

The Glenlivet is celebrating its bicentennial. To commemorate this milestone, the scotch whisky brand is releasing The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition 12 Years Old.

Click here to read more.

10. Angel’s Envy Releases Elusive Cellar Collection Whiskey Series Showcasing 3 Different Fortified Wine Finishes

(Photo: Angel’s Envy)

Angel’s Envy announced the release of three limited-edition bottles of Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon each finished in a different fortified wine cask: oloroso sherry, tawny port and madeira. This marks the first time any whiskey from the Cellar Collection has been made available to the general public.

“The cellar collection provides a tasting experience by comparing and contrasting the fortified wine finishes of these special whiskeys side-by-side,” Angel’s Envy Master Distiller Owen Marten said in a news release. “Limited in nature, our first three Cellar Collections eluded many fans – the Cellar Collection Series is a second chance to savor them for the first time.”

Cellar Collection Series Volumes 1-3 is composed of one 375-milliliter bottle of each of the three expressions. The collection hosts a suggested retail price of $399.99, and those interested in purchasing the collection can pick it up straight from the Louisville distillery starting 9 a.m. Feb. 1.

Click here to read more.

9. WhistlePig Founder Leaps Back Into Familiar Territory With 1st Rye Whiskey Release Under New Brand

(Photo: BHAKTA Spirits)

BHATKA Spirits announced the launch of its first rye whiskey, BHATKA 2013 Straight Rye Whiskey. The whiskey hosts a suggested retail price of $149. The brand describes the rye as “brash” and “spicy.”

It spent a decade aging before being finished for 75 days in Calvados casks. Just 800 cases are available. This launch marks a return to rye whiskey for Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of WhistlePig Whiskey, which is renowned for its rye.

Click here to read more.

8. Glenmorangie Unveils Latest Whisky in Barrel Select Series Which Reaches ‘Richly Delicious New Heights’

(Image: Glenmorangie)

Glenmorangie introduced a fifth expression within its Barrel Select Series, and the latest scotch whisky expression breaks new ground for the distillery. The expression was finished in French Calvados casks.

“At Glenmorangie, we are always experimenting with ways to create delicious whiskies,” Director of Whisky Creation Dr. Bill Lumsden said, according to Whisky Magazine. “Since Calvados casks have never been used before at Glenmorangie, I was intrigued to see how their elegant, orchard notes would complement our whisky’s award-winning fruity style, with a judicious finish.”

Click here to read more.

7. Following Last Year’s Successful Bourbon Releases, Green River Kicks Off 2024 With Its First Rye Whiskey

(Photo: Green River Distilling Co.)

Green River Distilling Co. announced the release of its first rye whiskey. Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey hosts a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley.

“Green River Rye is approachable, easy drinking with a memorable finish,” head distiller Aaron Harris said in a news release. “This rye whiskey is a compelling addition to the growing Green River Portfolio.”

The whiskey clocks in at 95 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $34.99. It will be available for purchase starting Feb. 1.

Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is composed of 4- to 6-year-old barrels that were distilled, aged and bottled at Green River’s facilities in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Click here to read more.

6. Double The Double Oak, Double The Fun: Woodford Reserve Brings Back One of Its ‘Most Treasured and Exclusive’ Whiskeys

(Photo: Woodford Reserve)

Woodford Reserve announced the return of its Double Double Oaked expression, made by finishing Woodford’s Double Oaked for an extra year in an additional, lightly charred new oak barrel with a heavy toast. The whiskey clocks in at 90.4 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $79.99 for a 375-milliliter bottle.

Click here to read more.

5. Buzzard’s Roost Introduces Its Most Affordable Whiskey Yet

Buzzard’s Roost unveiled an American whiskey. The whiskey has a suggested retail price of $39.99, making it by far the most affordable Buzzard’s Roost expression to date. The whiskey was made available for purchase at Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience starting Wednesday.

Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey is distilled from a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. It is sourced whiskey from MGP in Indiana aged for a minimum of 36 months and finished in Char #1 barrels with Buzzard’s Roost’s proprietary toast profiles.

Click here to read more.

4. Women-Run Lodestar Whiskey ‘Invites Everyone to the Party’ With Release of American Single Malt and High Rye Bourbon Blend

(Photo: Lodestar Whiskey)

Lodestar Whiskey, a women-led whiskey brand from California, unveiled its first release on Tuesday. A blend of straight high-rye bourbon and an American single malt whiskey, Lodestar Whiskey is bottled at 90 proof and will be available with a suggested retail price of $45 across California and via e-commerce stores.

Click here to read more.

3. Chicken Cock Celebrates the South With a Whiskey That Adds ‘Character to Any Home Bar’

(Photo: Chicken Cock Whiskey)

Chicken Cock Whiskey announced an exclusive release as part of a partnership with Garden and Gun Magazine in celebration of the South and its “time-honored traditions.” The release is Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Garden and Gun Single Barrel Double Oak and hosts a suggested retail price of $149.99.

Click here to read more.

2. Heaven Hill Rolls Out First Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon of The Year

Heaven Hill recently rolled out the first Elijah Craig Barrel Proof expression of 2024 from the brand’s wildly popular bourbon series.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124 is bottled at 119 proof. The bourbon hosts an age statement of 10 years and 9 months and has a suggested retail price of $74.99 a bottle.

Click here to read more.

1. The Macallan Marks 200th Anniversary By Dropping a Scotch Whisky Priced at Nearly $100,000

(Photo: The Macallan)

The Whisky Shop unveiled a rare, 73-year-old single malt scotch whisky from The Macallan, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024.

The whisky is priced at £77,000 ($97,505) from The Whisky Shop.

Click here to read more.

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!

Editor’s note: The following whiskeys are not ranked in any particular order.

Top Whiskeys Released in September 2023

43. ‘Aged Is a Construct’: The Day Whiskey Fans Have Been Waiting Arrives as Maker’s Mark Releases Cask-Strength Bourbon With a Double-Digit Age Statement

The prayers of whiskey fans across America were answered this month when Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon was released.

A blend of 11- and 12-year-old Bourbon (87% 12-year and 13% 11-year), Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is the distillery’s oldest whiskey to date. Bottled at a cask strength proof of 115.7, this release arose from Maker’s Mark’s desire to answer the question “What if age isn’t just about time, but instead about how you use that time to evolve, develop and mature?”

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon will be an annual, limited release available for a suggested retail price of $150.

Click here to read more.

42. Heaven Hill Releases Latest Whiskey in Parker’s Heritage Collection to Honor Late Master Distiller, a 10-Year Rye ‘That Would Have Made Him Proud’

Heaven Hill announced the 17th release in the annual Parker’s Heritage Collection.

The 2023 expression is a 10-year-old, cask-strength rye whiskey with a suggested retail price of  $185. Portions of the proceeds for each bottle purchased will go to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis research.

This year’s edition is distilled from a mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. It was bottled at a cask-strength 128.8 proof.

Parker’s Heritage Collection was created in celebration of the late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2010.  The limited release launched in 2013, and proceeds from the sales have raised more than $1.2 million toward ALS research.

Click here to read more.

41. Bruichladdich Debuts 14th Annual Release of Octomore, the Series Containing the World’s Peatiest Scotch Whiskies

(Photo: Bruichladdich)

Islay distillery Bruichladdich announced the 14th annual release of Octomore, its series of single malt scotch whiskies that Bruichladdich touts as “the world’s most heavily peated scotch whisky series.”

The trio of limited-edition whiskies are each aged five years.

The complete Octomore 14 series is available online at bruichladdich.com and from special whisky retailers staring at $219.99.

Click here to read more.

40. Distillery With 225 Years of History Unveils Latest 18-Year-Old Single Malt With ‘Uniquely Complex Balance of Flavors’

Highland Park unveiled its latest expression within the limited-release Single Cask Series: the 18 Year Old London Edition.

The expression was drawn from a Sherry-seasoned European oak cask and was bottled at a cask-strength 58.5% ABV. Only 642 bottles are available of the expression, and they will be set to sell exclusively in the United Kingdom for the cost of £390 ($493).

Click here to read more.

39. Only 50 Bottles of This 30-Year-Old Glenfiddich Scotch are Available — and Can Be Bought as NFTs

(Photo: Glenfiddich)

Speyside scotch whisky distillery Glenfiddich released a 30-year-old whisky, titled “Suspended In Time” on spirits-NFT platform BlockBar.

The expression has a suggested retail price of $1,075.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of this scotch whisky — besides its age statement — is its case. The whisky is presented in a black cylinder with cut-out windows and appears to float “effortlessly in mid-air,” according to the brand.

The 30-year-old single malt was aged in a mixture of American and European oak casks.

Click here to read more.

38. ‘Another Stamp of Quality’: Jack Daniel’s Introduces Its First Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey

(Photo: Jack Daniel’s)

Jack Daniel’s unveiled its latest addition to its bonded whiskey collection — a bonded rye.

This is the first rye whiskey to achieve the Bottled-in-Bond designation from the Tennessee whiskey distillery.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye is available in the States for a suggested retail price of $31.99.

Click here to read more.

37. ‘A True Team Effort!’: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Finishes Whiskey in Goose Island Stout Casks for Latest Release in Wildly Popular Collaborative Series

(Photo: Bardstown Bourbon Company)

Bardstown Bourbon Company partnered with Chicago-based brewing company Goose Island to release a blended Kentucky Bourbon finished in Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout barrels.

Bardstown Bourbon’s release is a blend of 6- and 7-year Kentucky bourbons aged for an extra year in freshly emptied Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout barrels. The barrels were not rinsed before housing the bourbon, so the spirit could intermingle with the beer. The bourbon was then married with a 9-year-old Kentucky bourbon, which the brand claims adds flavors of chocolate malt and dried cherry.

56% of the blend was composed of the 7-year-old bourbon, 26% was composed of the 6-year-old bourbon, and 18% housed the 9-year-old bourbon.

Click here to read more.

36. Milam and Greene Kicks Off Autumn Blender’s Reserve Collection With ‘Rich and Luxurious’ Bourbon From Some of Distillery’s Rarest Casks

(Photo: Milam and Greene)

Milam and Greene unveiled the first release of its Autumn 2023 Blender’s Reserve Collection, the second edition of its Unabridged series of bourbons.

Eight hundred cases are available across the U.S.

Unabridged Volume 2 was bottled at cask-strength 117.6 proof, and the distillery recommends letting the whiskey rest a bit prior to enjoying it. Fifty-six barrels distilled in Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas were used to create the expression.

Click here to read more.

35. TX Whiskey Helps Oenophiles and Whiskey Aficionados Find Common Ground With Latest Experimental Series Release

TX Whiskey launched the sixth expression in its Experimental Series, TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Barrels.

This bourbon is finished in Kenwood Vineyards Yoakim Cabernet Barrels.

Just 1,100 bottles of TX Experimental Series TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Barrels will be available for purchase with the suggested retail price of $40. The limited release is only available in 375-milliliter bottles, with an eight-bottle purchase limit per customer.

Click here to read more.

34. Oldest Licensed Distillery in the World Goes Global With Series Launch That Features Casks From Jerez, Spain and Kentucky to Age its Whiskey

Bushmills Irish Whiskey debuted two Irish single malts featured in the brand’s World Wood Series geared exclusively for travel retail.

The Irish Whiskeys are the first two expressions within the series and include a 15-year-old and 21-year-old single malt that will be available exclusively at duty-free shops and the Dublin Airport in Ireland.

Both whiskeys have a percentage of 46% ABV. The 15-year-old expression is priced at $90, and the 21-year-old has a suggested retail price of $265.

Click here to read more.

33. One of Islay’s Few Distillers Takes Nod From Recent Rise in Popularity to Bottle Exceptionally Pricey Cask of Whisky

Islay scotch whisky brand Bunnahabhain released a 32-year-old single malt matured in an oloroso sherry butt in partnership with The Whisky Exchange.

Just 537 bottles are available.

The single malt scotch clocks in at an ABV percentage of 54.8%, and the aging process “complements the distillery’s character without overpowering it,” according to The Whisky Exchange.

Click here to read more.

32. ‘A Ryed Like Never Before’: WhistlePig’s Racy Collaboration With Alfa Romeo Was Aged In G-Forced Barrels, Then Finished With Lychee and Oolong Tea

(Photo: WhistlePig Whiskey)

WhistlePig Whiskey and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake have joined forces in launching a racy new rye: The Limited Edition Piggyback Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel.

The third expression in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series clocks in at 96.77 proof as an homage to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number – 77. The rye whiskey was finished with lychee and oolong tea in honor of Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 Driver and a member of the Alfa Romeo racing team.

In celebration of Alfa Romeo’s F1 Team Stake’s C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before taking a lap around the track.

Click here to read more.

31. Blue Run Spirits Continues Popular Reflection Series With Bright Bourbon That is ‘Familiar as it is New’

(Photo: Blue Run Spirits)

Blue Run released Reflection II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is available for purchase from the brand’s website. Reflection II follows the popular launch of Reflection I, which the brand considers to be one of Blue Run’s “most approachable” whiskeys.

Reflection I was released in May 2022 and was distilled by Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge.

Click here to read more.

30. Diageo’s 4th Edition of Rare and Celebrated Prima and Ultima Collection Features Whiskies From Resurrected Ghost Distilleries, the Oldest Talisker Scotch Ever and More

(Photo: Diageo)

Diageo unveiled the latest expressions of single malt scotch whiskies featured in its prestigious Prima and Ultima collection, which hosts a price tag of $44,000. Only 413 full sets are available.

Prima and Ultima’s fourth annual collection features eight rare, vintage, cask-strength single malts hand-selected by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker.

Click here to read more.

29. Beam Debuts Boston to Conclude Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series of 17-Year-Old Bourbons

(Photo: James B. Beam)

James B. Beam Distilling Co. announced the release of the third and final installment of its Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series.

Each member of the series is distilled from the same mashbill, the same exact age (17 years old) and bottled at the same proof (110). The differentiating factor between the three is location; each spent its 17 years aging at a different Beam Kentucky location: Clermont, Frankfort and now Boston.

Hardin’s Creek Boston will be available at a suggested retail price of $169.99.

Click here to read more.

28. Tamdhu Honors the ‘Timeless Pairing of Cigars and Single Malts’ With 3rd Edition of Cigar Malt Scotch Whisky

(Photo: Tamdhu)

Speyside scotch whisky distillery Tamdhu unveiled the newest edition of its Cigar Malt whisky. Bottled at 53.8% ABV, Tamdhu Cigar Malt III is crafted to be paired with a hand-rolled cigar.

Tamdhu aged its Cigar Malt III in first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry casks. According to the company, each cask has been “carefully curated” to pair with the “opulence of a premium cigar.”

Click here to read more.

27. Exciting Young Whiskey Brand 2XO Debuts 2 New Bourbon Whiskeys, Including the Brand’s ‘First Everyday Expression’

(Photo: 2XO Whiskey)

2XO Whiskey, the brand founded by blender Dixon Dedman, who co-founded and served as master blender for Kentucky Owl, announced two new bourbons. American Oak becomes the brand’s first ongoing release in its new Oak Series, which the brand describes as “a series of everyday offerings where Dixon will match the profile of each batch for consistent taste and character.”

With the Oak Series whiskeys, 2XO will implement a double oak technique in which Dixon introduces additional charred oak to its barrels — a fitting practice for the brand whose name stands for “two times oak.” Each American Oak bourbon will feature “a moderate amount of rye” in the mashbill.

2XO American Oak has a suggested retail price of $49.99.

The second new release is The Tribute Blend, the third small-batch release in the Icon Series. Priced at $99.99, The Tribute Blend is an homage to Dedman’s parents.

Click here to read more.

26. Kentucky Owl Gives Bourbon Enthusiasts ‘A Glimpse Into the World of Scotch’ With 1st Whiskey Under Master Blender Maureen Robinson

(Photo: Kentucky Owl)

Kentucky Owl announced the release of its first whiskey under newly hired master blender Maureen Robinson. Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition is a Scottish-inspired Kentucky straight bourbon, collaboratively crafted by Robinson and Kentucky Owl Master Blender John Rhea.

According to Kentucky Owl, Maighstir Edition “pays homage to the rich whiskey traditions of both the United States and Scotland.” The name, “Maighstir,” means “master” in Gaelic.

A blend of 4-, 5-, 8- and 9-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons, Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition is bottled at 100 proof and has a suggested retail price of $150.

Click here to read more.

25. Independent Whiskey Bottler Lost Lantern’s Fall 2023 Collection Debuts With Offerings From New Riff, Balcones and Other Red Hot Brands

(Image: Lost Lantern)

Independent whiskey bottler Lost Lantern announced the latest lineup for its Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection, featuring offerings from Balcones Distilling, Smooth Ambler, New Riff and Corbin Cash.

The independent bottler with a focus on “shining a light on the independent spirit,” Lost Lantern features non-chill-filtered offerings from indie whiskey producers bottled at cask strength for its Fall 2023 collection.

Click here to read more.

24. Johnnie Walker Taps Talents of World-Renowned Japanese Chef to Honor ‘Enigmatic’ Umami Taste For New Spin on Blue Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker announced a new riff on its ever-popular Blue Label that pays homage to the enigmatic umami flavor profile. It will be available starting Oct. 16 until supplies run out.

Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker joined forces with internationally acclaimed Japanese chef Kei Kobayashi in an attempt to recapture the mysterious flavor profile that encapsulates umami.

Click here to read more.

23. House of Suntory Continues 100th Anniversary Celebration With a Hibiki Whisky that Harnesses ‘Challenging Yet Rewarding’ Mizunara Oak

(Photo: House of Suntory)

The House of Suntory announced the launch of a limited-edition Hibiki expression and bottle re-design for Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Both releases are part of a year-long celebration of House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary.

Hibiki 21-Year-Old is bottled at 43% ABV and has a suggested retail price of $5,000 per 750-milliliter bottle.

Click here to read more.

22. Diageo Kicks Off New Special Releases Whisky Collection With 8 ‘Never Imagined Before’ Single Malt Scotches

(Image: Diageo)

spirits giant Diageo unveiled a new whisky collection: Spirited Xchange Special Releases.

The debut edition of the collection comprises eight single malt whiskies each from a different Diageo-owned distillery: Oban, Glenkinchie, Talisker, The Singleton, Mortlach, Lagavulin, Roseisle and Clynelish.

Click here to read more.

21. Redbreast Irish Whiskey Makes ‘Daydream a Reality’ With Port-Finished Expression Inspired by a Trip Abroad

(Photo: Redbreast)

Irish whiskey brand Redbreast announced the launch of a Tawny Port Cask-finished expression, featuring a single pot still whiskey finished in port casks from the Duoro Valley in Portugal. The expression hosts an ABV of 46% and is available for purchase in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $100.

The Irish whiskey was initially matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, and Redbreast Master Blender Billy Leighton and blender Dave McCabe chose to take a portion of the maturing whiskeys and re-cask them in tawny port casks for multiple years. The whiskeys were subsequently blended and married in tawny port hogsheads for 14-25 months.

Click here to read more.

20. This Buzzy ‘Fan Favorite’ Bourbon is a Collaboration Between Distillers, Beekeepers and Honeybees

Colorado-based distillery Laws Whiskey House announced the latest release in its Special Finish Series — the Honey Cask Finished Bourbon.

The sweet spirit is part of a collaboration with Bee Squared Apiaries and can be purchased directly from the Laws Whiskey House tasting room in Denver or online for a suggested retail price of $80.

Click here to read more.

19. ‘A New Way to Experience Rye’: Basil Hayden’s Latest Whiskey Showcases Unexpected Soft Side

(Photo: Basil Hayden)

Beam Suntory on Tuesday announced a new Basil Hayden whiskey that will be added to the brand’s core lineup. The Basil Hayden Malted Rye is what the brand touts as a “more approachable rye,” distilled from a 100% malted rye mashbill. This latest expression will be available for purchase at a suggested retail price of $60 for a 750-milliliter bottle.

Eighth-generation Beam master distiller Freddie Noe implemented a malting process to showcase rye’s softer floral tones coupled with refined spice qualities, according to the brand.

Click here to read more.

18. ‘When You Taste It, You Taste Time’: Gordon & Macphail Releases Rare 74-Year-Old Scotch With $45,000 Price Tag

(Photo: Gordon and MacPhail)

Gordon and Macphail announced the launch of a new expression within its Private Collection Range, a rare whisky from the Glenlivet Distillery that was distilled in 1949. The expression is one of the oldest whiskies ever released from Gordon and MacPhail and will sell worldwide for a suggested retail price of $45,000.

The scotch whisky was matured in a refill sherry butt that was chosen by the Gordon and MacPhail team on Jan. 1, 1949. 74 years later, on March 6, 2023, just 192 bottles were drawn from the cask which sat undisturbed at Gordon and Macphail’s warehouse. The single malt hosts a 49.3% ABV and was drawn from the company’s last 1949 cask, making it even rarer. The whisky was initially an exclusive with the Dubai International Airport but is now globally available.

Click here to read more.

17. ‘A Side of This Series Fans Are Yet to Experience’: Ardbeg Wades Into Tropical Waters With Annual Beach-Inspired Whisky

Ardbeg announced the fifth annual releae in its Traigh Bahn Series, which is inspired by Islay’s Traigh Bhan Beach. The offering was matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, and this year’s expression hosts a distinctively tropical flair, according to the brand.

The Traigh Bhan series is made in small batches and released annually. Each expression showcases a code, batch symbol and the initials of a member of the distillery.

The spirit is bottled at 46.2% ABV and has a suggested retail price of $350.

Click here to read more.

16. ‘Dedication to Innovation’: Metallica Taps Rabbit Hole Distillery for Latest BLACKENED Whiskey Expression

(Photo: BLACKENED/Rabbit Hole)

BLACKENED Whiskey, the brand backed by iconic rock ‘n’ roll band Metallica, announced the latest release in its “Masters of Whiskey” series, a blended bourbon crafted alongside Rabbit Hole Distillery and its founder, Kaveh Zamanian.

BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled in Tennessee & Kentucky is finished in Calvados casks and bottled at a cask-strength proof of 106.59. 

Calvados is a French apple brandy.

Click here to read more.

15. ‘One of the Best Whiskeys We’ve Ever Made’: Russell’s Reserve Debuts 2nd Annual ‘Single Rickhouse’ Bourbon, Camp Nelson F

(Photo: Russell’s Reserve)

Russell’s Reserve announced the release of Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F, the second bourbon in the brand’s Single Rickhouse collection.

The Single Rickhouse Collection debuted in 2022 with the release of Camp Nelson C and is intended to highlight terroir by experimenting with various barrel aging locations. As the name suggests, each whiskey in the series is composed of whiskey from a single rickhouse on Wild Turkey’s Camp Nelson campus.

According to the brand, when Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell tasted the stocks from Camp Nelson F, he immediately knew they had something special and said, “This is one of the best whiskeys we’ve ever made.”

Click here to read more.

14. Compass Box Revives ‘Extinct’ Whisky Blend With a Strong Link to Artistic Work of Scottish Novelist Sir Walter Scott in Newest Release

London-based independent whisky bottler Compass Box announced its latest limited release within the Extinct Blends Quartet.

Metropolis hosts a suggested retail price of $325 and is bottled at 49% ABV. Only 5,190 bottles of this non-chill-filtered whisky are available for purchase in the U.S.

Click here to read more.

13. Iconic Grunge Band Alice in Chains Rereleases Tequila-Finished Bourbon for 1st Time Since its 2019 Debut

(Photo: FEW Spirits)

Evanston, Illinois-based distillery FEW Spirits announced that it will rerelease its whiskey collaboration with Alice In Chains, All Secrets Known Bourbon, as the iconic grunge rock band prepares to embark on its fall U.S. tour.

Finished for sixth months in tequila barrels and bottled at 101 proof, All Secrets Known Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $60 and is named for the opening track on the band’s four studio album, “Black Gives Way To Blue.”

The whiskey debuted on Sept. 28, one day before the album’s 14th anniversary. A total of 3,300 bottles will be available, all via FEW Spirits’ online shop.

Click here to read more.

12. Wyoming Whiskey Releases 4 Bourbons, Donates $150,000 to Honor ‘Deep and Visceral’ Connection to Grand Teton National Park

All of the new releases pay tribute to Grand Teton National Park and support the Grand Teton National Park Foundation in its efforts to “preserve natural and cultural resources, and enhance the national park experience for generations to come.”

Along with these releases, Wyoming Whiskey has pledged a donation of $150,000 to Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

Click here to read more.

11. Texas Distillery Still Austin Releases 2nd Whiskey in Seasonal Bottled in Bond Series: High Rye Bourbon

(Photo: Still Austin)

Austin, Texas-based distillery Still Austin is launching its second seasonal Bottled in Bond whiskey this fall: High Rye Bourbon.

Distilled from a mashbill of 70% white corn, 25% rye and 5% malted barley, Still Austin Bottled in Bond High Rye Bourbon is bottled at 100 proof, as required by Bottled in Bond regulations.

Click here to read more.

10. Ballantine’s Celebrates Legendary Band Queen With New Scotch ‘Rocking Shelves Around the World’

(Photo: Ballantine’s)

Scotch whisky brand Ballantine’s launched its True Music Icons Collection to celebrate some of the most influential rockers of all time. The Chivas Brothers-owned brand kicked off the series with a whisky honoring the rock band Queen.

Click here to read more.

9. Chicken Cock Nods to Storied Roots With Red Wine-Finished Whiskey Presented in Prohibition-Era Commemorative Tin Cans

(Photo: Chicken Cock Whiskey)

Chicken Cock Whiskey announced a new limited-edition release: Red Stave.

A celebration of the Kentucky bourbon and California wine industries, Chicken Cock Red Stave is a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Petite Sirah barrels from Santa Barbara, California-based vineyard J. Wilkes.

Bottled at 102.4 proof, Red Stave is distilled from a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley.

With a suggested retail price of $199.99, Chicken Cock Red Stave is available to buy from select retailers nationwide, Chick Cock Whiskey’s website and other online retailers.

Click here to read more.

8. Highland Park Continues Foray Into Well-Aged Scotches With Latest Expression — And Just 513 Bottles Are Available

Orkney-based scotch whisky distillery Highland Park announced its latest expression as a result of a partnership with The Single Malt Shop — an 18-year-old single cask whisky.

Just 513 bottles are available, and the spirit is available for purchase at the price of €440 ($466).

Highland Park 18 Year Old is bottled at a cask-strength 57% ABV.

Click here to read more.

7. Jack Daniel’s Dives Into America’s Hottest Whiskey Trend With 1st Permanent Single Malt Release

(Photo: Jack Daniel’s)

As the American single malt movement continues to burgeon, some of the nation’s largest distilleries have hopped on the red-hot trend, joining the smaller, craft distilleries that have been making ASMs for years.

Jack Daniel’s took a big step toward truly competing in the single malt market on Tuesday with the announcement of its first permanent single malt release.

Distilled from 100% malted barley, Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt undergoes Jack Daniel’s signature charcoal mellowing process and is then aged in new, charred American oak barrels before being finished in Oloroso sherry casks.

Click here to read more.

6. Young, Heavily Awarded Whiskey Brand 15 STARS Debuts Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon With Double-Digit Age Statement

15 STARS, a very young but already very successful whiskey brand, announced the release of a new expression, 15 STARS Sherry Cask Finish, on Tuesday.

A blend of 10- and 13-year-old straight bourbon whiskeys from Kentucky and Indiana, 15 STARS Sherry Cask Finish is finished in casks seasoned by sherry wine.

15 STARS Sherry Cask Finish is available as a limited release in select retailers in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana, as well as online from 15STARS.com. It has a suggested retail price of $179.

Click here to read more.

5. Savage and Cooke, the California Distillery Founded by a Napa Valley Winemaker, Debuts Whiskeys Made With Its Own Distillate

(Photo: Savage and Cooke)

California-based whiskey distillery Savage and Cooke announced that its personal whiskey stocks have reached adequate age to be bottled and sold, in the opinion of the producer.

The brand is launching three whiskeys, two distilled by Savage and Cooke and the third sourced from an outside distillery.

Click here to read more.

4. Just 165 Bottles Are Available of Tomintoul’s ‘Delicate But Disarmingly Complex’ 40-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch

Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch Whisky released the second edition of this limited-release expression aged in American oak ex-bourbon hogshead casks for over 40 years.

The scotch was bottled non-chill filtered at cask strength and clocks in at 43.1% ABV.

Tomintoul’s second edition of the limited-release expression hosts a suggested retail price of £4,000 ($4,848) per bottle and can be purchased here.

Click here to read more.

3. ‘The First of Many Special Releases We Have Planned in The Coming Years’: Woodford Reserve Blends 4 Starkly Different Whiskeys for Latest Distillery Series Release

(Photo: Woodford Reserve)

Woodford Reserve announced the latest launch in its Distillery Series: Toasted Oak Four Grain. With a suggested retail price of $60 per 375-milliliter bottle, Woodford Reserve’s Toasted Oak Four Grain is available in limited quantities for purchase at the distillery and select Kentucky retailers.

The limited-edition expression is composed of a blend of Woodford Reserve’s bourbon, rye, wheat and malt whiskeys.

Woodford Toasted Oak Four Grain is aged in new oak and finished in heavily charred new oak barrels. It is the first release from the distillery to have Master Distiller Emeritus Elizabeth McCall’s name on the label after she took the helm at Woodford in January.

Click here to read more.

2. Glenmorangie Aims to Capture Tokyo’s ‘Beautiful Intricacies’ With Scotch Whisky Finished in Rare Japanese Oak Casks

(Photo: Glanmorangie)

Glenmorangie announced the launch of its newest scotch whisky, A Tale of Tokyo. The expression was finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks and is the first of its kind at the distillery. The spirit was the brainchild of Glenmorangie Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden, who took his inspiration from his multiple jaunts to Tokyo.

The expression was bottled at 92 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $109.99 per bottle. The spirit was matured in sherry and bourbon casks as well as Mizunara, which the brand claims adds complexity to the spirit.

Click here to read more.

1. Pinhook Bourbon’s 3rd Artist Series Release Finds ‘Beauty and Art in the Science of Blending’ With This Distinctive Production Technique

(Photo: Pinhook Bourbon)

Pinhook Bourbon announced on Friday the release of the third edition in its Artist Series, a double-blended bourbon featuring the works of Alexa Pulitzer, an artist from New Orleans, on the label. The series is meant to celebrate the art of bourbon blending.

This year’s expression was made featuring a technique often used in the Cognac-making process, where brandy is removed from barrels, blended and returned for additional aging time.

Click here to read more.

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6 Best Scotch Whiskies to Drink This New Year’s Eve

Old Pulteney

Hailing from the Islands region, Old Pulteney has rapidly burst onto the scene with a wide portfolio of single malt bottlings that deliver both in quality and affordability.

Old Pulteney’s stars are easily its 15- and 18-year expressions, which are packed with tons of coastal flavor and available at prices that the major houses of Scotland couldn’t reach in their wildest dreams. Freshly baked pastries, honey, sweet cream and salted caramel exude from the enviable 18-year single malt, while the 15-year brings many of the same flavors but knocks a few dollars off of the price tag.

Fans of whiskey who are looking to dabble in scotch whisky will pick up their first bottle of Old Pulteney 12 Year and understand why it’s one of our top picks for bottles to have on any bar.

The Glen Grant 15 Year

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The Glen Grant has long been a notable component of some of scotch’s biggest blends, but in recent years, bottlings featuring just Glen Grant distillate have also come forth. Straight from the distillery itself, Glen Grant’s 15 Year Single Malt carries a lighter, sweeter profile that fans of Glenlivet and Glenfiddich will know and love.

Bringing a bit more complexity along to the celebration, Glen Grant bundles a touch more oak, sweet caramels and balancing spice, making it the perfect upgrade for scotch fans young and old. While it may not be the most inexpensive Scotch on this list, it’s priced well enough that nobody will raise a cry if some Glen Grant makes its way into a penicillin cocktail or Hot Toddy.

The Macallan Classic Cut

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The Macallan is rightfully regarded as one of the most storied Scotch whisky brands. From its place in restaurants, lounges and business halls worldwide to its appearances alongside James Bond 007, there’s no lack of provenance and history behind one of Scotland’s best-known brands.

Incorporating a range of casks from American Oak to exotic Spanish Sherry, The Macallan is known for its sweet, approachable character and complexity. Macallan’s Classic Cut is a newer face to the brand’s portfolio and brings some additional sherry character and a bump in proof. Perfect for a neat pour with the spine and flavor to hold up to ice, there’s no better “one-size-fits-all” scotch than Macallan Classic Cut this winter.

The Glenlivet 25 Year Old

The Glenlivet remains one of Speyside’s most famous names when it comes to scotch whisky. Nestled in the North East region of Scotland, Glenlivet has nearly unparalleled access to the clean, crisp waters of the River Spey.

Glenlivet’s 25-year-old expression is a notable embodiment of the great pursuit of whisky — the crossroads of quality, affordability and obtainability. This single malt manages to nail all three and makes for a lovely, savory, sherry-laced pour packed with dried fruits that’s easy to drink no matter the occasion.

The GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year Old

Returning to sherried drams and whisky with old, old bones, The GlenDronach is one of the best sherried whisky producers around.Aged for 21 years and full of sherried delight, this producer’s Parliament bottling is one of the rarest gems of the Scotch world, delivering a full sherried aged release for just under $300. Fans of deeper, darker notes in their whiskies, such as raisin, fig, currant, tobacco and rich, sweet oak, will find comfort and delight in the deep, brooding complexity of The GlenDronach. A notable bonus: It pairs perfectly with a cigar or tobacco pipe.

Mortlach 16 Year Old

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One of the hidden giants of Scotland, Mortlach has recently undertaken a whole new direction by making its whiskies available to the public under its own brand. Previously only obtainable in most circumstances by lurking in shops and among brokers for single casks through independent labels, Mortlach’s rebirth couldn’t come at a more opportune time.

It’s hard to find a 16-year scotch on the market for just over $100, but Mortlach has made that dream a reality, presenting its sweet, savory and tannin-backed flavors to the world of whisky. Mortlach’s 16 Year expression is a hidden great among the bottles on my shelf here at Whiskey Raiders, and I fear it will only be a short while before the entire world knows of Mortlach’s greatness, making it harder to find for those of us who knew where to find it all along.

When it’s all said and done, there is no shortage of wonderful whisky straight from Scotland to share this holiday season. From the tangled waves of Old Pulteney’s island home to the historical halls of The Macallan, grab a bottle to share in your celebrations with others and perhaps one for yourself as well for a quiet, fireside evening in.

Here at The Daily Pour, we do more than write about current events in spirit. We are the only media property reviewing spirits and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the spirit world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of spirit in your morning email, sign up for our Whiskey Deal of the Day Newsletter

Michter’s Orchard Old Fashioned

Louisville, Kentucky whiskey brand Michter’s shared this recipe on Twitter last month. We tried it out and deemed it worth sharing. A nice cross between an Old Fashioned and a crisp glass of apple juice, this is a very nice drink. The angostura bitters add their signature cinnamon flavor, which gives you a nice apple-cinnamon flavor that is extremely Fall.  The recipe is rock-solid in terms of balance. The whiskey gives just enough bite, and this is a perfectly sweet Old Fashioned with just a bit more tartness than usual thanks to the apple. The use of maple syrup instead of the simple syrup that’s in a typical Old Fashioned is also a nice substitution that provides a different kind of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon (we used and recommend Michter’s US*1)
• Barspoon maple syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 oz fresh acidic apple juice

Instructions

• Combine Michter’s US*1 Bourbon, maple syrup and bitters and stir until chilled
• Serve in a rocks glass over a large piece of ice
• Top with the apple juice
• Garnish with an apple slice (we skipped this step)

Basil Hayden Autumn Sour

A variant of the classic whiskey sour that uses apple cider vinegar to add a fall twist, this recipe from Basil Hayden makes for a tasty, fresh and tart drink. You get the whiskey, lemon and fresh-shaken texture of a whiskey sour, but the apple cider vinegar adds a really great fresh-apple flavor, and the honey adds a different sweetness than standard simple syrup, which fits nicely in the context of this drink. We’d recommend going a little bit heavier on the Angostura bitters than one dash, as cinnamon flavor would be a welcome fit with the apple, and one dash doesn’t really provide much.

Ingredients

• 2 parts bourbon (We used and recommend Basil Hayden)
• 1 part fresh lemon juice
• ¾ part honey
• 2 dashes apple cider vinegar
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 1 sprig of Charred Rosemary (we skipped this garnish)

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass.
• Serve neat or on the rocks.
• Garnish with a sprig of Charred Rosemary. To char the rosemary sprig, place it over an open flame (either on a grill or stovetop) and rotate for 5-10 seconds until the herb begins to smoke and brown slightly.

Glenlivet Spiced Cider

Among all of these fabulous recipes, this cocktail is the highlight of the list for us. It’s warm and delicious. Think spiced apple cider meets Hot Toddy — but with scotch. This perfectly-proportioned recipe truly makes for a delicious drink. We used Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, which is a light, fruity scotch that exquisitely complements the cider.

Ingredients

• 2 parts single malt scotch whisky (we used and recommend The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve)
• 3 parts apple cider
• 0.25 part lemon juice
• 0.25 part honey water
• Nutmeg, cinnamon stick and clove-studded orange peels for garnish (we skipped the orange peels)

Instructions

• Build in pot or crockpot and combine all ingredients
• Add cinnamon sticks, clove studded orange peels, and grated nutmeg

Social Hour Harvest Whiskey Sour

Too busy to make a drink? Buy one ready to serve! This canned cocktail won’t let you down. Made with 13-year George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, honeycrisp apple, Meyer lemon, cinnamon, maple and cardamom, this fall-exclusive drink is one of the best RTDs on the market.

We reviewed this canned cocktail in the most edition of our Ready To Drink roundup and were very impressed. Here’s what we had to say:

“Whiskey sours aren’t attempted much in an RTD format and for good reason. It’s tough to pull off a canned version of a cocktail that’s generally only any good if it’s freshly shaken, but Social Hour absolutely nails it with this release. It’s whiskey sour meets spiced apple cider, and it kicks total ass. The apple and cardamom pop on the floral nose, and the tasting experience is extremely well structured. The first sip blasts you with lemony sweetness, and then some whiskey notes enter and mingle with the sweetness. The flavors then gently dissolve into sweet, Honeycrisp-apple goodness.”

This limited release can be purchased on the Social Hour website. A four-pack of 250-milliliter cans goes for $28 — bit pricy but worth it, as this is absolutely one of the best RTD cocktails on the market.

WhistlePig Maple Whiskey Sour

This is a killer cocktail. Whiskey sours are one of our favorite cocktails to make at home, and this is an awesome variant. The barrel-aged maple syrup adds a really lovely, deep, smooth sweetness and mixes absolutely perfectly with the PiggyBack Bourbon, which — as delicious as it is neat — turns out to be a rockin’ cocktail bourbon, adding a lovely oak character to this sweet, tart cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (we used and recommend WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof)
• 0.75 ounce maple syrup (we used and recommend WhistlePig Barrel Aged Maple Syrup)
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes of bitters (we used Angostura)
• 1 egg white

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
• Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds
• Strain cocktail into a glass. WhistlePig recommends using an old-fashioned or rocks glass filled with ice, but we opted for a coupe glass.

Apple Snap Snap Cocktail

This is a cocktail recipe introduced by actor Joel McHale on “Rachael Ray.” The ingredients make a great, but the listed proportions are a little bit out of whack. The rye whiskey plus ginger beer and cinnamon stick work together to form a nice spicy character that pairs very well with the apple cider, making for a splendid fall cocktail. McHale opted for High West rye whiskey on the show, but we used WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Year Rye Whiskey to make this cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 oz rye whiskey (we recommend more like 2-3 oz. McHale eyeballed this recipe on the show, and while he said 1 oz, he definitely used more than that).
• 0.25 oz Grand Marnier
• 3 oz fresh apple cider
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 5 oz ginger beer (we recommend cutting this down to about 3 oz., if for no other reason than you’re gonna need a pretty huge cup to fit 5 oz along with ice and everything else)
• Cinnamon stick and apple slice (we skipped the apple slice) for garnish.

Instructions

• Put ice in a Collins glass
• Pour in all of the liquid ingredients
• Gently stir and garnish with the apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Hot Apple Gin Toddy

This recipe is a gin-based take on the traditional Hot Toddy. For more gin-based fall cocktails recipes, check out our sister site, Gin Raiders.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple juice
• 1.5 oz barrel-aged gin
• 1 tsp honey
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 2-3 apple slices

Instructions

• Combine the apple juice, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and apple slices in a small saucepan.
• Stir ingredients and heat until boiling.
• Immediately take the saucepan off of the stove and pour in the gin.
• Give it a stir and pour it into a mug.
• Optional: garnish with a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy.

Better Than Basic Pumpkin Spice Latte Cocktail

(Photo: Jessica Gleman/Rum Raiders)

This cocktail recipe, which comes to us courtesy of our sister site, Rum Raiders, combines an iced pumpkin spice latte with a twisted rum version of a White Russian. White Russians normally call for vodka and coffee liqueur with a splash of heavy cream. This version replaces neutral vodka with a more fall-appropriate dark rum.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 tbsps pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup pumpkin puree
• 0.5 oz dark rum
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.75 oz pumpkin pie spice syrup
• A splash of half and half

Instructions

• First, we’re going to make the pumpkin spice syrup. In a small saucepan, place water along with the brown and granulated sugars, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and occasionally gently stir.
• Let simmer for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and allow the spices to bloom.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pumpkin puree until it is fully incorporated and smooth.
• Remove from heat.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a storage container and let it cool. This is your pumpkin spice syrup.
• Pour the dark rum, coffee liqueur and pumpkin pie spice syrup into a glass with ice.
• Stir until mixed well together.
• Pour half and half on top slowly for a cool visual effect and then stir to combine.

Here at The Daily Pour, we do more than write about current events in spirit. We are the only media property reviewing spirits and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the spirit world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of spirit in your morning email, sign up for our Whiskey Deal of the Day Newsletter

A new sign erected by The Glenlivet jokingly rechristened Speyside “‘Space’-Side,” as distillery will make a whisky from barley seeds that have spent time in outer space. (Photo: Chivas Brothers)

Speyside scotch whisky distillery The Glenlivet is celebrating the return of its barley seeds from space with a distillery sign that reads: “Welcome to ‘Space’-Side.”

The Glenlivet sent the seeds to space in May 2021 via an experiment in collaboration with scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

The seeds were donated by Glenlivet’s owner, Chivas Brothers and traveled to the International Space Station on a Space X rocket to test whether they could withstand the effects of extreme conditions including zero gravity, extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation.

The experiment was led by School of Environmental Sciences professor and controlled environment systems research facility director Dr. Mike Dixon. It was part of the university’s research into growing crops in space, which has goals of giving astronauts access to fresh produce, providing clean water captured from the transpiration process, providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

The results are now being analyzed.

“Historically when humans have discovered new land, they have produced alcohol, including whisky,” Dixon said in an announcement. “As a whisky enthusiast, I want to keep this tradition going as we continue to explore the possibility of life on other planets.

“We look forward to working with The Glenlivet and following the journey of the barley seeds back on Earth.”

Now that the seeds are back on earth, they will be planted, malted and distilled into a single malt whisky.

“We are always looking for new ways to innovate our single malt production and by partnering with the University of Guelph on their trailblazing space experiment, we had the opportunity to do exactly that,” said Jayne Murphy, marketing director for The Glenlivet. “We are excited to see how the seeds will perform as they are planted, harvested, malted and distilled into one of our iconic single malts. We hope it will produce a new, extraterrestrial expression with a wonderful taste.”

Multiple whiskies — including ones from Suntory and Ardbeg — have been aged in space.

In May, a music video that chronicled a bottle of Monkey Shoulder scotch whisky’s journey to outer space premiered.

Here at The Daily Pour, we do more than write about current events in spirit. We are the only media property reviewing spirits and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the spirit world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of spirit in your morning email, sign up for our Whiskey Deal of the Day Newsletter