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.

Buffalo Trace Releases Weller Wheated Rarities

Buffalo Trace Distillery takes wheated whiskey to the next level with the releases of the second edition of Weller Millennium and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand’s oldest age statement to date.Following the inaugural Weller Millennium in May 2024, this second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys. Like its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace in 2001, 2003 and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this blend in tribute to William Larue Weller.“Weller Millenium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “This second edition takes last year’s release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition. By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000’s, we have revisited a chapter in the Distillery’s history that shaped who we are today.”In keeping with the first edition, Weller Millennium #2 is held in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality. An illuminated display case envelopes the 99-roof bottling with exactly 99 bursts while displaying the proportions and distillation years of each vintage whiskey.As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old ​is an ultra-aged , 90-proof wheat whiskey. It is packaged in a 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality, similar to Weller Millennium but without the accompanying presentation case.“Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive. We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill.”Both expressions are said to celebrate the original wheated bourbon recipes pioneered by Weller in 1847. At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, his use of wheat, primarily a food crop, resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey.Weller Millenium will be released in limited quantities for $7,500. For its inaugural release, Weller 18 Year Old will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR) for $499.

Knob Creek Brings Back Its Blend

Knob Creek is going "back to the future" with the re-release of its Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Kentucky Blended Straight Whiskey.The expression combines two of Knob Creek’s Knob Creek 9 Year Old Bourbon and 7 Year Old Rye, highlighting the perfect balance of the bourbon's sweet notes and the rye’s bold spice, into a 113 proof expressionKnob Creek Bourbon x Rye Kentucky Blended Straight Whiskey is available for $44.99.

Jacob's Pardon Introduces Cask Collective

Jacob’s Pardon recently nveiled a new release as the first of a Cask Collective Series. Jacob’s Pardon “Cask Collective” 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask-Finished Whiskey.The expression is an ultra-limited release (only 48 barrels) hand-selected by Master Blender F. Paul Pacult. It features a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, bottled at 96.5% proof. Aged for 16 years, the whiskey is finished in rare 50-year-old Oloroso sherry casks, sourced from Bodegas Williams & Humbert. For more than 130 years, this wine brand has been crafting world-class sherries and brandies, housing one of Spain’s most prestigious soleras.“I believed there was something truly special about this project, which is why I was eager to be a part of it,” says F. Paul Pacult, Jacob’s Pardon Master Blender. “With Jacob’s Pardon ‘Cask Collective’ 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask-Finished Whiskey, we set out to craft an expression rarely seen in the whiskey world, with a remarkable depth and complexity, honoring the authenticity and craftsmanship at the heart of Jacob’s Pardon.”The exclusive Jacob’s Pardon “Cask Collective” 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask-Finished Whiskey is available for $124.99.

High West Releases The Prisoner's Share

High West Whiskey has unlocked its newest iteration of The Prisoner’s Share.This expression boasts a blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys that are finished in The Prisoner Wine Company's red wine barrels. The blend includes 75 % corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley (MGP); 60% corn, 40% rye (Bardstown Bourbon Company); 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley (Kentucky); 95% rye, 5% malted barley (MGP); and 80% rye, 20% malted rye (High West own make). It is aged of  for 4 -12 years at 102 proof.Since originally launching in 2022, The Prisoner’s Share has become an example of the magic that happens when High West is finished in a red wine barrel. This year’s iteration of The Prisoner’s Share boasts an exquisite palate of Montmorency cherries, raspberry preserves on brioche toast, cacao nibs, brown butter caramel, roasted chestnuts, bergamot tea, and seasoned French Oak.High West's The Prisoner’s Share 2025 is available nationwide in limited quantities for $174.99.

Hail To Old Forester's President's Choice

Old Forester announces the national debut of one of its most coveted and rarest expressions, President’s Choice.Inspired by private single barrels offered in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II, these expressions are specifically selected from matured barrels with certain quality and characteristics. Previously available only at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, this marks the first time President’s Choice Bourbon and a new expression, President’s Choice Rye, will be offered nationwide.“President’s Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift said. “We are honored to bring it to a wider audience.”“Every barrel selected for President’s Choice tells a story,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo added. “These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it’s the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester’s craftsmanship.”Each President’s Choice barrel is aged between 7 - 9 years, and bottled at proof points selected by Trigo and Rift, traditionally ranging from 110 to 125 proof.Old Forester's President’s Choice Bourbon and President’s Choice Rye each have a retail price of $225.

Lost Lantern Honors Estate Distilleries

Lost Lantern has announced its Summer 2025 Collection, celebrating the rise of estate distilleries.Estate distilleries are those that make whiskey using grain grown entirely on their own land. While estate wineries have long been celebrated, estate distilleries were almost unheard of until recently. Out of more than 3,000 distilleries in the US, only a handful grow their own grain. Lost Lantern’s new collection is celebrating four that do: Frey Ranch, Corbin Cash, and new partners Whiskey Acres and Far North Spirits.A fifth-generation family farm turned estate distillery, Frey Ranch's Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Bourbon ($100) is 6 years old, 125.3 proof, features a mashbill of 67% corn, 12% malted barley, 11% rye, 10% wheat, and yielded 200 bottles. It will be available exclusively in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Also 6 years old, Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Rye ($100) is Lost Lantern’s first Frey straight rye. It was made from 100% winter rye, aged in a 53-gallon barrel and is 118.5 proof. Only 230 bottles will be available. Finally, Frey Ranch Estate-Grown Nevada Straight Wheat Whiskey ($100) is made from 100% soft white winter wheat, is 6 years old, 121.3 proof and yielded 233 bottles.Corbin Cash Distillery in California’s Central Valley began as a century-old sweet potato farm but always grew rye as a cover crop. Its Estate-Grown California Straight Rye ($130) is made from 100% Merced rye, 7 years old and 133 proof. Its 108 bottles will be sold exclusively online.Whiskey Acres in DeKalb, IL is a fifth-generation family farm with a focus on unique grain varietals and modern farming. Its Estate-Grown Illinois Straight Bourbon ($100) features a mashbill of 75% yellow dent corn, 15% wheat and 10% malted barley. It is 5 years old, 118.1 proof and yielded 176 bottles.The northernmost distillery in the contiguous U.S., Far North Spirits, grows rye and corn on a century-old family farm. Its Estate-Grown Minnesota Straight Rye ($100) is Lost Lantern’s first Minnesota single cask. It is a 4-year-old straight rye (65% Hazlet rye, 25% heirloom corn, 10% malted barley), is 111.5 proof and yielded 226 bottles.“Though they come from different corners of the country and vastly different climates, these distilleries share a common ethos: crafting whiskies that truly reflect the land, while also prioritizing its stewardship,” explains Lost Lantern Co-Founder Nora Ganley-Roper.“It’s no surprise that all are four are founded and owned by multi-generational farming families who’ve worked their land for a century or more,” adds Lost Lantern Co-Founder Adam Polonski. “Now they have found a new way to share the bounty of their land with whiskey lovers across the country.”Lost Lantern’s Summer Collection also introduces two new estate blends, Farmers’ Fields Bourbon and Farmers’ Fields Rye. These limited-edition blends are unique to the collection and feature the brand's signature navy label along with a color-coded strip over the closure: red for bourbon, green for rye.A blend of estate-grown straight bourbons from Far North, Frey Ranch and Whiskey Acres, Farmers’ Fields Bourbon ($100) is 117.9 proof and yielded 428 bottles. Farmers’ Fields Rye ($100) is a blend of estate-grown ryes from Corbin Cash, Far North, Frey Ranch and Whiskey Acres. It yielded 538 bottles and is 117.4 proof.Lost Lantern’s Summer Collection will be available starting Wednesday (June 25) via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, select retailers in California, NY, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

Pursuit Goes Low And High With New Expressions

Pursuit Spirits is expanding of its Pursuit United portfolio with both low and high proof expressions of their core expressions.The brand is introducing an 88 proof and a barrel proof – for its Pursuit United Bourbon and Pursuit United Rye whiskeys."It took over a year of research and development to create the right blends that met our standards,” said Ryan Cecil, Master Blender and CEO of Pursuit Spirits. “Introducing these new proof points is a significant step from our marquee 108 as we aim to make a Pursuit United product that will reach a drinker in any stage of their journey."Coinciding with the launch of the new expressions, Pursuit Spirits is rolling out a complete packaging redesign across its entire Pursuit United portfolio. All Pursuit United products will now be presented in a custom 700ml bottle, featuring the "Pursuit" name silk-screened in white for immediate brand recognition and a premium feel.The updated labels have been designed for enhanced clarity to better communicate the unique characteristics of each whiskey. Pursuit United Bourbon and Rye labels will now prominently feature "Triple Mash Bourbon" and "Triple Mash Rye," highlighting the distinctive blending process involving three different mash bills that define these core products. In alignment with the brand's commitment to transparency, the specific mash bill details are accessible on the side label. The packaging refresh also extends to the Pursuit United finished expressions, including Double Oaked Bourbon, Double Oaked Rye, and Twice Toasted Bourbon, with labels clearly indicating their unique processes."This comprehensive packaging redesign is more than just a visual update; it’s about elevating our products, so we are positioned to compete on the shelf with brands 100 times our size,” said Kenny Coleman, Co-Founder and COO. “The custom bottle and new label provide a modern and contemporary design that will ensure Pursuit is instantly recognizable.”Pursuit United Bourbon and Pursuit United Rye is available for $39.99. Pursuit United Barrel Proof Bourbon (119.8 Proof) and Pursuit United Barrel Proof Rye (121.2 Proof) are available for $79.99.

New Riff Remembers First Decade

New Riff Distilling is pulling double duty with the release of its First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, the distillery’s first 10-year-old whiskeys.Made with New Riff’s standard bourbon mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye and 5% malted barley, the First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey boasts notes of cinnamon coffee cake, stewed fruits and wood spice on the nose.The First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is made with 95% rye and 5% malted rye, the same mashbill used for New Riff’s Bottled-in-Bond and Single Barrel ryes.Both bottled without chill filtration at 120.5 proof, the whiskeys were selected for their depth and character — a reflection of the Northern Kentucky distillery’s technique and approach over a decade. Blended from 10-year-old barrels, these barrel proof whiskeys mark an era of New Riff’s independence, innovation and commitment to whiskey.“This release is a direct reflection of our first decade of distilling,” said New Riff Distilling Master Distiller Brian Sprance. “It is a testament to the values and trust that founder Ken Lewis instilled back in 2014, when we were empowered to be creative and prioritize quality above all else. A decade later, we are seeing the results of that commitment — and it is a direct reflection of who we are and how we’ve grown. We are incredibly proud to share our first 10-year-old whiskeys, and even more excited for what the future holds at New Riff.”These releases join the distillery’s High Note limited edition lineup this spring. The series was created to provide a home for limited production runs, one-off creations, unique barrels and other surprises.First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey will be available for $89.99 exclusively through the New Riff Whiskey Club beginning tomorrow (May 22) for pickup only and by the pour in the distillery’s Aquifer Tasting Room.