Compass Box Honors An Iconic Dessert
Compass Box pays homage to Chef François Massialot, creator of the crème brûlée, with its Brûlée Royale Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.
With a central focus on single malt aged in special American white oak barrels, the Brûlée Royale recipe combines casks that have been toasted and charred to provide sweetness. Clynelish and Benrinnes single malts play starring roles, while Speyburn and Ardbeg single malts are also featured in the 98 proof blend.
Chef Massialot created the iconic dessert that inspired this whisky more than 300 years ago in Versailles, France.
“Versailles was the epicenter of innovation in art, science and gastronomy in the 17th century, making it the ideal source of inspiration,” says Samuel Travers, the lead Compass Box whiskymaker in Brûlée Royale’s creation. “Through the lens of Chef Massialot’s intoxicating creation, we highlight a very special parcel of whisky from the Clynelish Distillery, which has been matured in second-fill custom American oak barrels that offer extravagant sweetness while their precise toasting and charring coax just a hint of scorched sugar.”
In classic Compass Box style, the Brûlée Royale packaging features unique artwork–this time focusing on rhe Versailles Palace kitchens where crème brûlée was created.
In a further nod to Chef Massialot, Compass Box collaborated with his renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel to create the Brûlée Royale Fondue. Chef Ansel recreated the whisky in dessert form by topping off vanilla bean fondue with a splash of flambéed Brûlée Royale and serving it with bite-size sweet treats. Chef Ansel’s recipe will be available exclusively via the Compass Box website beginning October 8.
The limited edition Compass Box Brûlée Royale Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (8,556 bottles worldwide) will arrive nationwide beginning next Wednesday (October 8) for $159.99.
Booker’s Rerturns With More Reserves
The James B Beam Distilling Co has launched Booker’s The Reserves 2025.
The 2025 batch, the second installment, tells the story of barrels first used to age Booker’s 30th Anniversary release, then shipped to Jalisco where the Camarena family filled them with El Tesoro’s 85th Anniversary tequila. Finally, they were returned to Clermont, Kentucky, where Freddie Noe, Beam Family 8th Generation Master Distiller, finished a hand-selected batch of Booker’s inside them.
This is the very first time across the entire Beam portfolio that a product is finished in tequila barrels. At 123.3 proof the bourbon is aged exactly eight years, ten months and eleven days.
"Welcome to the second batch of The Reserves: a celebration of my Granddaddy Booker's legacy. In many ways, it's the same Booker's you know and love. Always uncut and unfiltered," said Freddie Noe, Beam Family 8th Generation Master Distiller. "But in other ways, The Reserves is something new, inspired by my granddaddy's boundless curiosity and relentless pursuit of flavor.
"You see, he was never not exploring how to make even better bourbon," Noe added. "He always had an experiment on the go. Either spending hours around the kitchen table pondering 'what if we did X or Y….' Or locking himself away at the distillery to chew on a question he needed to get to the bottom of. He’d come home eager to share the fruits of his tinkering with friends and family. Not just for us to enjoy, but to see if his experiments had paid off, or get inspiration for what he could try next time. Needless to say, we were all more than happy to be his guinea pigs. His creativity showed me how much more is possible with the whiskey we all know and love. I'm proud to carry his spirit forward and hope each release gives you a new appreciation for flavor, just as Booker intended."
Booker's The Reserves launched last year as the first innovation to come from Booker’s Bourbon since the 30th Anniversary launch. It is is an annual, limited-release series by Freddie, to commemorate his grandaddy, 6th Generation Master Distiller Booker Noe, and his contributions to the bourbon world.
Booker’s The Reserves 2025 is currently available for $129.99.
Torabhaig Reveals Sound of Sleat
Torabhaig has released Sound of Sleat, the fourth chapter in its Legacy Series.
Named after the narrow sea that runs beside the distillery, and shares its name with the Sleat Peninsula on which the distillery sits, the 92 proof expression is made with Concerto and Laureate malted barley and fully matured in American oak using new oak casks and ex-bourbon casks.
Known as The Garden of Skye, the Sleat Peninsula is the southernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, closest to the mainland and separated only by the Sound of Sleat. The rugged beauty of the region acts as the distillery’s home and creative muse.
“Our journey to a 10-year-old expression continues and for Sound of Sleat we’re returning to a classic ex-bourbon cask profile, enhanced by the addition of a crisp spice edge from the new American oak barrels, without losing the elegance and intricacy our fans have come to expect from a Torabhaig whisky," said Torabhaig Whisky Maker Neil MacLeod Mathieson. "There is plenty of oak spice, citrus and maritime saltiness alongside a newfound waxiness we’ve discovered as our spirit continues to mature. This expression is a journey in itself as each wave of flavor washes in.”
Encapsulating the beauty and artistry of the island, Torabhaig has also unveiled new label artwork, created exclusively for the distillery by local artists. The first of which, for Sound of Sleat, has been painted by Skye-based artist Ellis O’Connor.
Sound of Sleat is the latest in The Torabhaig Legacy Series, a collection of single malts from the Isle of Skye distillery. Previous releases in the series include Torabhaig 2017, alongside Torabhaig Allt Gleann, and Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine.
Torabhaig Sound of Sleat is available now for $100.
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Becomes Year-Round
The Jack Daniel Distillery has announced its Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey as a year-round offering in the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection.
To craft the expression, Jack Daniel’s classic mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, is distilled and mellowed through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. Barrels are prepared with a high-toast, low-char toasting technique inspired by the earliest barrel-making traditions, before the barrel is charred. The whiskey then enters the Heritage Barrels at 100 proof and is matured in some of the highest-elevated barrel houses in Lynchburg, Tennessee. While each barrel will vary in age, all Single Barrel Heritage Barrels are matured for at least seven years.
“The way our barrels are built and our ability to experiment are two of the most important parts of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey-making tradition,” said Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “It was exciting for us to see what our Heritage Barrels produced with previous limited releases, and we’re thrilled to bring that same unforgettable flavor to more friends with this permanent offering.”
The permanent launch follows award-winning Heritage Barrel limited special releases in 2018 and 2019 that also utilized Jack Daniel’s distinct barrel toasting.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is available for price of $69.99.
Four Roses Releases 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch
Four Roses Distillery has released its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon. This marks the 18th edition in the annual series, featuring a blend of three bourbon recipes and four different batches, bottled at barrel strength.
Bottled at 109 proof, the expression features four hand-selected batches aged 13 and 19 years. Chosen from Four Roses' 10 distinct bourbon recipes, this year's limited edition blend is composed of a 13-year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 13-year-old OBSK, a 13-year-old OESV, and a 19-year-old OESV.
“Year after year, we look to create a unique expression that highlights the best of what our ten recipes can offer,” said Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller. “When blending this year’s release, I was drawn to the 13-year-old V batches that showcase pronounced delicate fruit and sweet barrel tones. Although these barrels can really shine on their own, the OBSK brought in a complexity that I think people will really enjoy. The addition of the 19-year-old OBSV also adds another layer of depth and aged character that rounds out the blend beautifully.
This year, Four Roses will release approximately 16,854 bottles of its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch at a suggested retail price of $249.
The Trail Hotel Brings Bourbon To Life
The Trail Hotel, the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel, is now welcoming tourists to Bardstown, KY.
Housed in a reimagined historic property, the 95-room hotel invites guests to experience the Bourbon Trail with interactive experiences. The property has eight signature suites, five bars and an host of wellness amenities. The property was previously the Holiday Inn Bardstown and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In close proximity to 11 distilleries, Trail's flagship offering is its Bourbon Butler. Think of them as a concierge to whiskey as they can connect you with local distilleries, farms, restaurants, and other local businesses for a curated experience.
While on property, guests can enjoy a food and beverage program courtesy of Executive Chef Marvin Woods who brings Kentucky’s culinary story to life. Oak & Ember, the property’s signature restaurant, offers a take on Southern hospitality with a menu rooted in Kentucky tradition and an impressive bourbon list. Embers, the lobby bar, greets guests with seating for more than 60, while The Bourbon Lounge serves as a semi-private whiskey library for small gatherings and curated flights. The Bourbon Vault is an exclusive speakeasy experience hidden behind a discreet, art-adorned entrance. Finally, Bourbon Alley provides fireside lounges and casual bites.
“We set out to create a place where the essence of Kentucky bourbon is not just tasted, but lived,” said Dan Sirrine, General Manager for The Trail Hotel. “Every detail, from our curated bourbon experiences to the warm tones and textures of the design, was made to immerse guests in Bardstown’s history. The Trail Hotel is excited to welcome the world to Kentucky Bourbon Country in a bold new way.”
If you need a break from bourbon, Trail also offers other amenities like The Rejuvenation Room, a wellness retreat featuring an oxygen bar, hot sauna, cryotherapy, and IV hydration; Par and Pour, a golf simulator with a private bar; and The Reserve Room, private dining space accommodating up to 60 guests.
The Trail Hotel will soon debut its own private-label bourbon and rye, available only to property guests. Hand-selected in collaboration with a local distillery, this bourbon will be available for purchase and direct shipment to guests’ homes and featured in special tasting experiences throughout the hotel.
Remus Returns With Repeal IX
Remus Bourbon has announced the release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The highly anticipated annual release from Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, was aged between 10 and 18 years, and is the highest proof ever for the series at 104 proof.
Crafted to honor the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Ross & Squibb Master Distiller Ian Stirsman selected barrels of high rye bourbon to create this year’s edition. Remus Repeal Reserve IX includes 7% of an 18-year-aged bourbon containing 21% rye; 26% of an 11-year-aged bourbon comprising 36% rye; 23% of a 10-year-aged bourbon containing 36% rye; and 44% of a second 10-year-aged bourbon comprising 21% rye.
“Bourbon fans have always expected something new from each edition of Remus Repeal Reserve,” said Ross & Squibb Master Distiller Ian Stirsman. “That’s why for Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX, we found some of our most unique barrels to date. After finalizing the blend, we blind-tasted it at different proofs to ensure we provide fans with the unique experience they expect. In the end, we believe the 104 proof, combined with 10-18-year-old bourbons, did just that.”
Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available in limited supply for $99.99.
Yamazaki Releases Its Oldest Mizunara Whisky
The House of Suntory has released its Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara, the oldest fully Mizunara-aged expression in Yamazaki’s history.
A tribute to the artistry and innovation that define the whisky maker, this expression celebrates Mizunara Japanese Oak and the spirit of Yamazaki.
Bottled at 96 proof, Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is a single malt aged exclusively in Mizunara oak casks. While previous expressions, such as Yamazaki 55 Years Old, featured partial Mizunara maturation, this release marks the oldest expression to be aged 100% in Mizunara casks from Yamazaki.
To honor the rarity of this wood, the bottle is encased in a handcrafted box, assembled using a traditional Japanese nail-free “locking” method.
Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is available for $7,500.
Woodford Reserve Debuts Its American Single Malt
Woodford Reserve introduces its first American Single Malt via its Distillery Series, a 12-Year-Old American Single Malt Whiskey.To craft this new expression, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall used 100% malted barley, triple pot distilled, and aged for 12 years in used whiskey barrels. “I’m excited to release this 12-year-old American Single Malt, a whiskey that proves just how essential long aging in used barrels is for unlocking its full flavor potential. Its lighter color and nuanced flavor profile demonstrate the importance of time. I believe it’s one of the most authentic American Single Malts ever released — the first of its kind,” said McCall.The 12-Year-Old American Single Malt is 90.4 proof and is part of Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series, which was created to push the distillery’s creative boundaries and introduce new expressions to the market.Woodford Reserve Distillery Series 12-Year-Old American Single Malt Whiskey is available in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery for $99.99.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Takes To Tea
The Macallan has unveiled the latest in its Harmony Collection, two whiskies created in collaboration with JING, curators of single garden teas.The limited-edition single malts – Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea – pay homage to the world of tea and the artistry of nature. Every stage of the whisky making process was managed through ownership and partnerships with direct suppliers – from vineyards and sherry producers in Jerez de la Frontera to oak sourced from their own sawmills in the US and Spain.Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, crafted by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team, is a tribute to the rare oolong tea traditionally grown in China's Phoenix Mountain range. Known for its lush dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes, this tea inspired a whisky predominantly matured in Sherry Seasoned American oak casks, with additional depth from Sherry Seasoned European oak and a subtle inclusion of American oak casks that previously held bourbon.Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea, an exclusive Global Travel Retail release, draws inspiration from JING’s Organic Cherrywood Lapsang tea – a reinvented take on Lapsang Souchong, delicately smoked over cherrywood in the UK. This expression wasprimarily matured in Sherry Seasoned European oak casks and complemented by a selection of Sherry Seasoned American oak casks.“Our collaboration with JING is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea – two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time," said Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan. "Working with JING has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavor and storytelling, creating two whiskies that are both innovative and deeply connected to the land.”In keeping with the collection's ethos of sustainability, the presentation boxes for both whiskies are crafted using repurposed waste tea leaves, embracing the use of organic materials in their packaging.“At JING, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin," said Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of JING. "It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission to change the perception of what tea can be. The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.”To celebrate this collaboration, The Macallan has introduced a whisky and tea pairing ritual, inspired by the traditional Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony (工夫茶). Originating in Eastern Guangdong, this ceremonial practice emphasizes the artistic preparation and communal enjoyment of tea, reflecting a deep cultural heritage. This ritual highlights the shared values of terroir and tradition that unite single garden teas and single malt whisky, offering a multi-sensory experience that honors the complexity and sophistication of both traditions.The Macallan Harmony Collection draws inspiration from collaborations with chefs, connoisseurs and artists to produce innovative whiskies with unique flavors. Previous Harmony editions include partnerships with Cirque Du Soleil, the Roca Brothers, and Stella and Mary McCartney.The Macallan’s Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea is available now for $200. The Macallan’s Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea will launch on October 1 exclusively at Global Travel Retail stores for $190.
Minden Mill Rolls Out Rye Nationally
Minden Mill Distilling has announced the nationwide release of its Single Estate Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey.A representation of Nevada’s high desert terroir, the 94-proof four-year-old whiskey is made with grains harvested from local fields, cultivated and overseen by Minden Mill, and distilled at the estate distillery. Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan produces the expression using a mash bill of 80% rye, 10% soft white wheat and 10% estate-malted barley. It reflects the high-desert environment—where dramatic temperature swings and a tight 90-day rye growing season. The distillate is cut with water sourced from the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe.Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye is aged in a combination of Seguin Moreau New American and French oak barrels with a #3 char in traditional wooden rickhouses calibrated to mimic the temperature and humidity of Kentucky’s Nelson County.“Very few producers own the full process from grain to glass, and that’s where Minden Mill Rye starts to stand apart. We don’t just distill the whiskey – we grow it,” says Minden Mill Master Distiller O’Sullivan. “Unlike most rye whiskeys, you won’t find any spice bombs here. It’s far more savory and balanced than most people expect. This mash bill was designed to highlight the candied orange peel character that is our house style.”Recently named Nevada Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition, Minden Mill is among a few U.S. distilleries committed to full grain traceability and oversight at every stage of production that happens on its 1,200-acre estate. The Minden Mill portfolio also includes an American Single Malt Whiskey and a Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey.Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey is available for $45.
Chicken Cock Salutes Founder With New Release
Chicken Cock Whiskey has announced its latest limited-edition release, Miller’s Reserve American Whiskey. The expression reclaims the once-lost barrels of its founder James A. Miller, lost in the sinking of the A.O. Tyler in 1860.Bottled at 115 proof, Miller’s Reserve includes a blend of a 10-year double oak Kentucky whiskey, 8-year high rye bourbon from Indiana, 8-year wheated bourbon from West Virginia and 10-year wheated bourbon from Ohio. All four whiskeys were blended in Bardstown, Kentucky.“With Miller’s Reserve, we’re honoring a pivotal moment in Chicken Cock Whiskey’s early history by resurrecting the spirit of what was once lost,” said Matti Anttila, Founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits. “This bold, complex blend of aged whiskeys from the Ohio River Valley offers a rare opportunity for whiskey lovers to experience a piece of American whiskey heritage reimagined.”In 1860, Miller’s thriving whiskey operation for Chicken Cock Whiskey in Paris, Kentucky, had earned a widespread reputation for exceptional spirits. His barrels traveled across the nation via vital trade routes like the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and the bustling port of New Orleans. But on January 27th, a shipment of 475 uninsured barrels aboard the transport steamer A.O. Tyler collided with the wreckage of a previous vessel. The steamer sank, taking every barrel with it, leaving Miller’s whiskey to saturate the river and seep into the soil of the bordering lands.Miller’s Reserve American Whiskey will be debuting at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, with the official launch party taking place at Chicken Cock’s Brand Home, Circa 1856, this Saturday (Sept. 6). It will be available online for a limited time for $99.99.
The Glenfiddich Ignites Aston Martin Deal
The Glenfiddich has unveiled a limited-edition 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky to celebrate its multi-year partnership with the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team.Crafted from a selected marriage of American oak wine casks, new American barrels, and second-fill bourbon casks, this expression showcases a meticulous blending process. The result is an 86 proof whisky that is rich in character with distinct notes of maple syrup and caramelized ginger.“This release marks an exciting milestone in our journey with the Aston Martin Formula One Team,” shared Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director. “Through this collaboration we invite enthusiasts worldwide to engage with these iconic brands in bold new ways and create memorable moments that reach far beyond the racetrack. This limited-edition bottling is just the beginning as we continue to write the next chapter together.”"At Glenfiddich, we’re committed to creating exceptional whiskies that honor tradition while embracing innovation. The Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old is a true testament to this philosophy,” commented Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master. “It combines craftsmanship and precision in a whisky that invites exploration and discovery, much like the journey of our partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. It’s a celebration of blending tradition with the thrill of innovation."The Speyside distillery announced a long-term partnership with Aston Martin Formula One Team in November 2024. The partnership launched at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Glenfiddich and Aston Martin Formula One toasted this new collaboration.“In this next chapter, Glenfiddich and Aston Martin Formula 1 Team come together to honor the first year of our partnership with a limited-edition 16-Year-Old bottling, ” said Jefferson Slack, Managing Director at Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. “A true symbol of craftsmanship and performance, the exclusive product further cements the coming together of our two iconicbrands.”The Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky hits shelves this month for a limited time for $75.
Keeper's Heart Ages Up With 32-Year-Old
Keeper’s Heart is proud to introduce its most exclusive release to date, its 32-Year-Old Irish Single Malt.Originally distilled at the Cooley Distillery and crafted from 100% malted barley, the expression, at 109.8 proof, was hand-selected in 2020 by Keeper’s Heart Master Distiller Brian Nation, before the Keeper’s Heart distillery opened its doors in Minneapolis. With only one barrel available, this ultra-limited expression will launch this month.What makes it interesting is a subtle signature of peat—not from the mashbill, but from the history of the pot stills used to distill it. “The pot stills had once been used for peated whiskey and were never fully cleaned,” said Keeper’s Heart Master Distiller Brian Nation. “That faint wisp of smoke became a beautiful and unexpected part of this whiskey’s identity.”“Every whiskey we release tells a story—but this one is a legend,” added Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Keeper’s Heart Co-founder. “It’s a tribute to the roots we honor and the rare moments we create.”Keeper’s Heart 32-Year-Old Irish Single Malt will retail for $2,499.
Kentucky Owl Launches Lucky Batch 13
Kentucky Owl announces the release of its newest expression, Batch #13. The expression is the final bourbon blend created by former Master Blender and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee John Rhea prior to his retirement.Rhea created the expression by blending a collection of five different bourbons comprised primarily of eight-year-old and nine-year-old barrels and is 113 proof. Each of Kentucky Owl’s batch releases is different with no specific parameters for blending.“During my tenure at Kentucky Owl, I’ve had the honor of sampling some of the world’s finest bourbon barrels. Batch #13 is my tribute to the craftsmanship of blending by showcasing how a combination of very different barrels come together to create a very special expression,” said John Rhea. “This juxtaposition of mature higher rye bourbons balanced with lighter wheated barrels results in a very special flavor profile that highlights each barrel’s finest notes.”Kentucky Owl named Rhea Master Blender in 2021 following his induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016.Kentucky Owl Batch #13 is available for $399.
New Riff Returns To Red Turkey Wheat
New Riff Distilling has announced the re-release of its Red Turkey Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon for the first time in four years.A rare wheated whiskey from the Northern Kentucky distillery, the expression is made with 70% corn, 25% Red Turkey Wheat and 5% malted barley. It is aged at least 5 years and bottled-in-bond at 100 proof.“We’ve worked with heirloom grains since the beginning at New Riff, and Red Turkey Wheat is a great example of our continued exploration into unique, historic ingredients,” said New Riff DistillingMaster Distiller Brian Sprance. “Red Turkey Wheat, which dates back to the 1870s, brings deeper flavors and aromas that you don’t often find in modern grain varieties. Today, it’s being preserved by farmers, artisan bakers, and distillers, and we’re proud to be part of that effort through our whiskey.”New Riff first began distilling the expression in 2016 and has continued distilling, aging and developing this wheated bourbon ever since. The inaugural batch was released in 2021.New Riff Red Turkey Wheat is available for $59.99.
Old Forester Releases New Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester once again honors its founder George Garvin Brown's birthday with the annual release of its Birthday Bourbon.This year’s expression is 12 years old and 92 proof. In a rare departure from tradition, this year’s batch was created without the use of “setback” during fermentation — a standard practice that ensures consistency. Instead, a “sweet mash” process was used, relying solely on freshly-propagated yeast.These rare barrels from one day’s production (April 5, 2013) were selected by Old Forester Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. It was drawn from 210 barrels aged in Warehouse K, Floors 1 and 5.“For our 25th Birthday Bourbon release, the absence of setback allowed the yeast to express its full character, creating a flavor profile that’s both delicate and complex,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said.Old Forester celebrates the birthday of its founder, George Garvin Brown, with this limited-edition, vintage-dated bottle released each September 2. Birthday Bourbon was available through an online sweepstakes running on OldForester.com August 18 through August 21, 2025.“There’s no better way to honor our founder than by sharing this rare and remarkable expression with bourbon lovers nationwide,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift said.Anyone winning the opportunity to purchase a bottle through the sweepstakes must purchase and pick it up at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville between Thursday (Sept. 4) and December 20.Each bottle of The 2025 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon retailed for $199.99.
Cedar Ridge First-Ever Anniversary Edition Bourbon
Cedar Ridge Distillery is celebrating two decades of making whiskey with the release of its first-ever Anniversary Edition Bourbon.To mark the milestone, Master Distiller Murphy Quint finishing the Iowa bourbon, whose mashbill is 74% corn, 14% rye and 12% malted barley, in Tokaji, Ruby Port, Amontillado Sherry casks, and 2nd New American Oak barrels. Blended by Quint, the 110 proof expression highlights theCedar Ridge’s signature wine-barrel finishing techniques.“To mark our 20th anniversary, I wanted to create a whiskey that honors our beginnings while also representing what we’ve evolved into," Cedar Ridge Distillery Master Distiller Murphy Quint. "This release unites two cornerstones of our history—Iowa bourbon and wine—with the craft we’ve mastered in recent years: blending cask-finished whiskeys. The result is a wine-cask finished bourbon, a truly special release that brings our journey full circle."Cedar Ridge Distillery's Anniversary Edition Bourbon is available for $59.99.
Westland Toasts Washington's Love Of Beer And Wine
Westland is paying homage to its home state's craft beer and wine culture again with a Beer Cask Finish and a Wine Cask Finish.Washington State is well known both for its winemaking and craft brewing traditions, so Westland focused on the two as part of its Cask Exploration Series in its continued commitment to bottling the Pacific Northwest “sense of place.”Beer Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 2 is made with Westland’s signature five malt and Washington pale malt and matured 6-9 years in New American Oakand ex-bourbon and ex-rye whiskey barrels. The 92 proof expression is finished in Stout/Porter, Brown Ale, Imperial Munich Lager and Foudre Ale barrels.Wine Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 2 starts with Westland’s signature five malt mashbill and is matured for 5-9 years in first and second fill American Oak barrels. This 92 proof expression is finished in Tempranillo, WA Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot barrels.“Westland set out to express the place we live,” says Shane Armstrong, Westland’s Master Blender. “The Cask Exploration Series extends that through collaboration with brewers and winemakers of the PNW – notes woven with our whiskey are pieces to the puzzle of our region. The second batch incorporates new varietals/beer types made from trusted Washington producers, continuing the connection from a different vantage.”Originally launched in 2024, Westland’s Cask Exploration Series delves into the vast possibilities of cask finishing.Available via e-commerce this August and nationwide this September, Westland's Beer Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey, Batch No. 2 (12,840 total bottles) and Westland's Wine Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey, Batch No. 2 (9,048 total bottles) will be available for $74.99.
Wolves and Willett Return With Rye
Wolves teams with a bourbon legend for its latest limited-edition release, Wolves and Willett Limited-Edition 10-Year Rye Whiskey.
In collaboration with the iconic Willett Family Estate, this exclusive blend of straight rye whiskey highlights both brands’ commitment to quality, technique and flavor, while paying tribute to their respective homes of Kentucky and California. Bottled at 103 proof, this release marks the third installment in the collaboration and the only product to feature an age statement.
To create this expression, Willett hand-selected 10-year Kentucky rye barrels, while Wolves’ Head Blender Eddie Gonzalez chose 10-year old rye, aged for seven years in Indiana and finished with three years in Northern California. The diverse aging environments soften the rye’s natural spice, resulting in a richer, more balanced profile."Partnering with Willett on this release has been an honor," says Jennifer Marks, President of Wolves. "This rare blend reflects our shared dedication to craftsmanship and bridges two distinct whiskey traditions, combining Willett’s storied Kentucky legacy with Wolves’ modern California perspective."The packaging nods to Willett’s long-standing heritage, featuring the signature bird and crown emblem, which first appeared in London’s Pewter's Hall in 1684 and still graces Willett’s bottles today.Wolves and Willett Limited-Edition 10-Year Rye Whiskey is now available for $355.