Archives for January 2025

The Glenlivet Adds Surprisingly Old Whisky to Permanent Collection

January 29, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Last year, The Glenlivet turned 200 years old. To celebrate, the iconic Speyside brand rolled out a variety of new releases, including its oldest ever bottling. But even with its bicentennial now in the rearview, the Pernod Ricard-owned whisky maker isn’t stepping away from age and innovation. Instead, it’s adding those qualities to its permanent portfolio with newly unveiled The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old.

Bottled at a higher-than-expected cask strength of 46.9 percent ABV, The Glenlivet 40-Year-Old was finished in custom casks from Jerez, Spain. Each cask was seasoned with a bespoke blend of oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, giving the whisky stored inside a unique depth and fruitiness.

On the nose, the Scotch whisky offers aromas of strawberry jam, raisins, dark cherries, cinnamon, and nutmeg alongside a hint of toasted oak. The palate offers layers of plums, charred orange, dark chocolate, and licorice to go along with the usual apple notes found in Speyside drams. The finish is long and sweet, filled with warming spices and a lasting hint of sweetness.

The brand made sure to take things a step further when designing the packaging as well, which isn’t the usual teal they use for other releases. Instead, they opted to present the single malt in a copper-colored container that’s supposed to remind imbibers of the copper stills used to make the Scotch. The bottle, meanwhile, is elegant and straightforward with gold lettering.

Credit: Christopher Friedmann

For more information please visit https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/the-glenlivet-40-scotch-whisky

2XO Whiskey Releases Second Vintage of Gem of Kentucky

January 29, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Photo Credit: 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman proudly presents the second vintage of Gem of Kentucky, from his award winning 2XO (“Two Times Oak”) brand. Gem of Kentucky is the only double barreled, single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey on the market, available just in time for the holidays in its stunning black bottle. Dixon exclusively selected 80 single barrels from stocks of his 35% high rye bourbon mash bill that spent up to a year in new charred oak barrels before bottling.

For this year’s release, Dixon partnered with Lexington, Kentucky based glass artist Travis Adams of Trifecta Design Studio to create The Unmined Gem, a one-of-a-kind hand blown glass sculpture that captures the essence of 2XO’s latest Gem of Kentucky expression.

Each Gem of Kentucky barrel is unique and identified by the barrel number on the front label of each bottle. Some barrels are sweeter with notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and toasted marshmallow that flow into baking spices. Other barrels are more savory with notes of dark red fruits, nutmeg, and a black pepper spice.

About 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey:

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was created by renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman. Dixon grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his family’s business, the famed and James Beard award-winning Beaumont Inn. He was originally known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey blends, a brand he relaunched in 2014 from his great-great grandfather, C.M. Dedman, after it went dark in 1916 around the time of Prohibition.

2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to the blending process Dixon pioneered where every 2XO expression has additional oak exposure. The additional oak interaction builds the sweetness to balance out the spice from the rye in the mash bills and creates a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each expression.

For more information please visit https://www.2xowhiskey.com

Rye January – What Rye Whiskey are you drinking to start off the year?

January 29, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

Rye January – What is it?
“Rye January” is a fun play on “Dry January,” where instead of abstaining from alcohol, people explore and appreciate rye whiskies throughout the month!

Rye whiskey is known for its spicier and more robust flavor compared to bourbon, thanks to its mash bill containing at least 51% rye grain. Rye January might involve:

Tasting different rye whiskies: From classic American rye to Canadian versions, there’s a lot of variety in flavor profiles to explore.

Making rye-based cocktails: Think Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or Sazeracs—all fantastic with rye’s bold character.
Learning about rye whiskey production: Diving into how different distilleries approach rye, from grain sourcing to aging.

It’s a great way for whiskey enthusiasts to deepen their appreciation of rye’s unique qualities while staying warm in January!

Craft Rye Whiskies to Try
Classic & Approachable Craft Ryes
· New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Rye (KY) – 100% rye mash bill, bottled-in-bond for purity, with bold pepper and herbal notes.
· Redwood Empire Emerald Giant (CA) – A California craft rye that’s smooth, slightly sweet, and full of herbal complexity.
· Wigle Pennsylvania Rye (PA) – A true Pennsylvania-style rye with a dry, spicy profile and historic roots.

Unique Mash Bills & Experimental Ryes
· Journeyman Last Feather Rye (MI) – A wheated rye, meaning softer spice and more sweetness than traditional rye.
· Corsair Ryemageddon (TN) – Made with malted rye and chocolate rye for deep, rich flavors and smoky undertones.
· 291 Colorado Whiskey Small Batch Rye (CO) – Finished with aspen staves, adding a smoky, woody twist to classic rye spice.
· Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye (PA) – Made in the Monongahela rye tradition with a heavier spice and earthy depth.

Barrel-Finished & High-Proof Ryes
· Sagamore Spirit Rye (Barrel Select or Cask Strength) (MD) – A Maryland-style rye with a more balanced, round profile.
· Stellum Rye (IN) – A high-proof, high-rye blend from Barrell Craft Spirits, with intense spice and complexity.
· Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye (KY) – A high-malt rye with a creamy texture and hints of toasted nuts.
· Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof (TX) – Uses Texas-grown rye for a bold, slightly smoky profile with dark fruit notes.

Ultra-Premium & Small Batch Craft Ryes
· Willett Family Estate Rye (4-Year or Older) (KY) – Hard to find but worth it, this is a rich, high-proof rye with deep spice and caramel.
· Peerless Rye (KY) – Non-chill filtered, full-bodied, and uniquely aged for added complexity.
· Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye (KY) – A powerhouse rye with an ultra-smooth yet intense spicy-sweet balance.
· WhistlePig FarmStock Rye (VT) – A farm-to-bottle rye featuring WhistlePig’s own estate-grown grains.

Introducing Bomberger’s PFG™ Kentucky Straight Bourbon – A New Frontier in Whiskey Innovation

January 29, 2025 By Dow Scoggins

The year 2025 marks the debut of Bomberger’s PFG™ (Precision Fine Grain) Kentucky Straight Bourbon. For years, Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon has been celebrated for its rich, bold character. Now, with Bomberger’s PFG™, Michter’s continues its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of American whiskey.

“This new release is a remarkable expression with incredible texture and a full spectrum of rich flavors. It reflects our team’s meticulous exploration of wood science under carefully controlled conditions,” says Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee.

A Unique Double-Barrel Aging Process
Bomberger’s PFG™ begins its journey aging in a toasted and charred American oak barrel. After full maturation, it is transferred to a custom French fine grain oak barrel, crafted with precision from staves that undergo a rigorous 40-month natural air-drying process in France. The second barrel—a proprietary blend of wood sourced from legendary forests such as Tronçais, Allier, Nevers, and Vosges—is toasted at a meticulously controlled temperature before receiving a select charring.

The whiskey then undergoes further maturation in these finishing barrels, enhancing its depth and complexity. Once matured, it is batched in small quantities, filtered through Michter’s signature process, and bottled at 100.2 proof (50.1% ABV).

A Luxurious Tasting Experience
Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson describes the final result:
“Bomberger’s PFG™ delivers an enticing medley of aromas, from confectionary sweetness to delicate floral notes. The palate unfolds beautifully with integrated fruit and herbaceous layers, culminating in a full-bodied, creamy texture. The finish lingers with soft spice and hints of chocolate, making for an unforgettable whiskey experience.”

Availability & Pricing
Bomberger’s PFG™ is available in 750ml bottles with a suggested U.S. retail price of $140.

Honoring a Rich Heritage
With its Shenk’s and Bomberger’s Legacy releases, Michter’s pays tribute to the historic Pennsylvania distillery founded as Shenk’s in 1753, later renamed Bomberger’s in the 1800s, before eventually becoming known as Michter’s in the 20th century.

Bomberger’s PFG™ continues this tradition of excellence—where heritage meets innovation in every sip.

For more information about Michter’s, please visit michters.com.

For more Whiskey Trivia and Fun Facts: Click Here

Wheel Horse Whiskey Releases Double Oak 5-Year

January 28, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Wheel Horse Whiskey, distilled and matured at the historic Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky, announced the release of its new Double Oak 5-Year Bourbon. With just 2,100 bottles produced, this Bourbon joins the brand’s family of limited edition, seasonal whiskeys.

The new Wheel Horse Double Oak is the first five-year expression from the brand. After aging over four years in its original charred oak casks, the whiskey was transferred to new charred oak barrels to finish aging, giving the Double Oak Bourbon a rich, oak-forward flavor. Like all the brand’s small batch whiskeys, Double Oak Bourbon is bottled at 101 proof, non-chill filtered. The SRP is $34.99.

“Double oak Bourbons have gained in popularity over the last few years,” Stephen Corrigan, Barrel Master of Wheel Horse, said in a news release. “Our goal when crafting Wheel Horse Double Oak was to complement the underlying cherry note of the whiskey with bold flavors of raw sugar and cocoa.

“To achieve this, we hand selected a group of new Char 1 barrels whose staves had gone through extended air seasoning. After a little more than 6 months finishing in these casks, the end result is complex and balanced, and something that we can’t wait for others to enjoy.”

The new Double Oak Bourbon Winter 2024 release joins the brand’s family of limited edition whiskeys, which this year have also included Cigar Blend Bourbon (Fall), Rye Whiskey finished in Caribbean Rum barrels (Summer) and Toasted Barrel Bourbon (Spring).

About Wheel Horse Whiskey

Wheel Horse Whiskey is crafted at the historic Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky. The whiskeys are blended, batched and bottled at Wheel Horse’s facility in Rhode Island. The brand’s flagship expressions, 101 Rye and 101 Bourbon, have acquired numerous accolades since hitting the market in 2020.

For more information, visit https://www.wheelhorsewhiskey.com.

Jack Daniel’s New Stellar Makes New Stellar Rye Whiskey

January 28, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Jack Daniel’s has been releasing some seriously good new whiskeys over the past few years.

The portfolio now ranges way beyond Old No. 7, the classic Tennessee whiskey workhorse that anchors the distillery’s lineup and is one of the most popular whiskeys in the world. There have been new age statements expressions (and rumors of even older ones to come), single malts, and various blends and cask finishes, but the best category the distillery has been releasing is rye whiskey—and the latest limited-edition release is proof of this.

The result is a very appealing rye that retains the Jack Daniel’s character, but has become something truly unique and delicious. The banana notes that are often associated with the distillery’s whiskey are toned down, with flavors of spiced nuts, apple, pear, cherry, orange, oak, and cinnamon taking centerstage. There is a sweetness from the maple barrel (maple wood, not a cask used to age maple syrup it should be noted), but it is not overpowering or cloying. And the higher than usual 107 proof pushes this whiskey even further, giving it a soft blanket of heat on the finish.

Distillery Series #14 is one of the better rye whiskeys produced at Jack Daniel’s, and just a really good rye whiskey overall.

Credit of article: Jonah Flicker

For more information please visit https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us

The Family Jones releases Inauguration Day Rye Whiskey

January 27, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

It does not matter if you are celebrating or commiserating this Inauguration Day, one thing the entire country can agree on is good whiskey. Thankfully, Colorado’s own The Family Jones is here with a new limited Bottled-in-Bond whiskey aptly named Inauguration Rye Whiskey.

Timed with the Inauguration, this new whiskey was barreled on Jan. 20, 2021, the inauguration date of President Joe Biden, the 46th president. Now, a full four years later, the barrel will be dumped and bottled on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, the inauguration day of President Donald Trump.

Inauguration Rye Whiskey adheres to the strict Bottled-in-Bond designation, which means it is exactly 100 proof, made by one distillery in one season, and aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.

Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys are known to be reliable with a deeper flavor profile. They are usually smooth and quite drinkable due to the mandatory aging process. The Family Jones describes the Inauguration Rye Whiskey as having a toasted oak and toffee nose with dark cherry on the palate and warming spices on the finish. The Family Jones notes that the double distillation process creates a spirit with a well-balanced rich texture that lingers.

Friday, distiller Bryan Johnson pulled some of the new Bottled-in-Bond whiskey out of a 53-gallon barrel at The Family Jones distillery in Loveland using a cask thief. There are two of the Bottled-in-Bond barrels, which will make around 210 bottles of the new Inauguration Rye.

This is actually the second Inauguration Rye Release for The Family Jones following its debut after the 2020 presidential election. Like our nation, the Bottled-in-Bond designation is steeped in history. It was enacted in 1897 as the Bottled-in-Bond Act by the U.S. government in order to protect consumers from bad whiskeys on the market at the time.

The act was the first consumer protection law in U.S. history and mandated that the distiller follow the three requirements under the Bottled-in-Bond designation.

Rye is also a staple for American bourbon as it has been used in making whiskey dating back to the 1700s, when President George Washington ran a rye distillery in Mount Vernon after leaving office in 1797. It proved to be quite profitable at the time, producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey.

Credit for the article: David Young

For more information please visit https://www.thirstcolorado.com/source/2025/1/20/inauguration-day-rye

Louis XIII Unveils Limited Lunar New Year Coffret

January 27, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Louis XIII, the iconic cognac house, has unveiled a limited-edition coffret in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Now available for purchase for $4,200 a piece, the coffret is an ultra-luxurious Lunar New Year gift or memento for those in your life who celebrate.

Designed by Chinese artist Liu Li Hong, the latest Louis XIII Lunar New Year Coffret features a gold snake motif, representing prosperity, wisdom, and transformation, alongside a blooming Winter Jasmine. This marks the second limited edition Lunar New Year release from Louis XIII, blending traditional symbolism with contemporary design.

The beautiful decanter, modeled after a 16-century flask found near the site of the Battle of Jarnac, contains Rémy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac. The Grande Champagne region is the most prestigious cru in Cognac – it has high-quality, chalky soil that produces sweet grapes perfect for making eaux-de-vie.

This luxurious release follows the Rémy Martin Year Of The Snake editions, which also celebrate the Lunar New Year with striking designs by artist Huang Yuxing.

For more information please visit https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-new-releases/louis-xiii-unveils-limited-lunar-new-year-coffret/

Chattanooga Whiskey Releases Amaro Barrel Finished Rye

January 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Chattanooga Whiskey has announced the newest release in its Experimental Single Batch Series – Batch 042: Amaro Barrel Finished Rye.

This unique rye malt whiskey explores the complementary flavors of a 5-grain rye malt mash bill finished within Chattanooga Whiskey’s very own amaro liqueur casks.

“Whenever we finish any whiskey, our goal is to find a cask that complements its strongest, most unique characteristics,” Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller, said in a news release. “In this case, our sweet and spicy amaro liqueur barrels enhance the malty, baking spice characteristics of the pot distilled rye malt whiskey.”

Made from a 5-grain mash bill, this finished whiskey was made with four varieties of malted rye, including a cherrywood smoked malted rye and a dark roasted caramel malted rye. Aged for over four years, the whiskey was finished for three months in barrels which previously held a German-style amaro liqueur made by the Chattanooga Whiskey distilling team.

Together, the whiskey and finishing barrel showcase a harmonious one-of-a-kind flavor profile – rimming with sweet and spicy characteristics – perfect for the winter months.

“Both the whiskey and the finishing barrel are extremely unique in their own rights,” McCracken said. “Our rye malt whiskey was made with a custom-smoked malted rye, crafted by our friends at Riverbend Malthouse in Asheville, North Carolina. Meanwhile, our finishing barrels previously held an amaro that was made with 14 fruits and botanicals, including dried bilberries, sour cherries, star anise, and sarsaparilla. Together, the rye and the amaro work beautifully together, bringing out the best of both worlds.”

Experimental Batch 042: Amaro Barrel Finished will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery at $69.99 for a 750ml bottle.

About Chattanooga Whiskey

Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. The distillery now hosts over 50,000 visitors annually and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. For more information, visit http://www.chattanoogawhiskey.com.

Old Forester Announces Return of 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old

January 26, 2025 By Dustin Scoggins

Louisville, KY, Jan. 22, 2025 – Today, Old Forester announces the return of 1910 Extra Old, a limited-edition whisky derived from an extra-long double-barreling process. This liquid was first released in February 2022 as the third installment of the brand’s acclaimed and limited-expression lineup, the 117 Series.

To create this unique expression, Old Forester aged its 1910 whisky in a secondary barrel for an additional 18 months, resulting in a rich flavor profile with pronounced caramel notes.

“Our 117 Series is focused on innovation and gives us a chance to blend our longstanding values with a contemporary vision. This expression showcases the exceptional quality that can come from this experimentation,” Master Taster Melissa Rift said. “Whisky lovers will be able to taste the history captured in this bottle.”

Old Forester 1910 is a coveted expression commemorating the October 22, 1910 distillery fire at 117 Main Street. A batch of mature whisky, ready to be bottled, was then re-barreled in new barrels so it could be removed due to the fire damage. What emerged from the re-barreling was a full-bodied whisky, remarkable enough to become an entirely new expression – Old Fine Whisky. For Extra Old, the brand left the 1910 whiskey aging in a secondary barrel and extracted a more heavily charred influence.

About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester is Brown-Forman’s founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, “There is nothing better in the market.”

For more information please visit https://www.breakingbourbon.com/bourbon-whiskey-press-releases/old-forester-announces-return-of-117-series-1910-extra-old