bourbon

The Speyside distillery’s new, limited-edition whisky is unsurprisingly expensive—and exceedingly hard to find.

Throughout the past decade The Macallan has been busy enshrining itself as the name in ultra-luxury Scotch whisky. But the storied legacy of this Speyside malt-maker actually stretches back for centuries. In fact, 2024 marks the 200th birthday of the brand, and it’s eager to celebrate the milestone with a new release in its ongoing Tales of the Macallan series.

Tales of The Macallan Volume II isn’t some everyday bottle you can rundown at your local liquor store. The whisky was collected from a 1949 vintage and wrested from cask some 73 years later. By that time, what remained of the stock was only enough to fill 344 bespoke Lalique decanters. That precious package will be sold at select boutiques—as well as at The Macallan Estate, in Craigellachie, Scotland—for a cool $89,000 per unit.

If your pockets are adequately deep and you’re lucky enough to encounter one in the wild, you’ll be met by a 44.8 percent ABV liquid that’s especially auburn in hue and abnormally smoky in flavor compared to the typical house style. This is all by design, according to Euan Kennedy, The Macallan’s lead whisky maker. He took inspiration from the distillery’s original founder, Alexander Reid, whose surname means “the Red One” in Scots.

“Displaying beautiful tones of bronzed oak and subtle red hues, this rare and unique single-malt whisky possesses an incredible complexity achieved through age and patient maturation,” says Kennedy. “Enjoying a lingering smokiness redolent of whiskies of Alexander’s time, it’s a fitting tribute to his living legacy as we celebrate our 200th anniversary year.”

The new release is a followup to Tales of the Macallan Volume I, which debuted in the summer of 2021. The original was more of a citrus-forward affair, though equally as elusive and sporting nearly the same age and ABV. Also like its predecessor, the new edition is inlayed within hand-crafted leather-bound tomes. Volume II comprises 800 pages worth of paper, arranged by an artisan printer out of Paris. More than just a set piece, each chapter of the book actually tells tales of Alexander Reid and features illustrative accompaniment from renowned British illustrator Andrew Davidson.

At any rate, you’re just as unlikely to actually sip Tales of the Macallan Volume II as someone who manages to purchase it. Because most of the folks who do, will preserve it as a collectible keepsake rather than drinkable dram. It’s lamentable, but a tale we keep having to tell in this modern era of ultra-luxury spirits.

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

Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey, a rising star in the world of premium sipping whiskeys, was born in 2019 when co-founders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner—veterans of Louisville’s vibrant bourbon scene—met during a barrel pick and decided to launch their own brand. Headquartered in the heart of Kentucky whiskey country, Buzzard’s Roost is a non-distiller producer that sources high-quality spirits and elevates them through a groundbreaking secondary maturation process. Partnering with Independent Stave Company, they use proprietary American oak barrels seasoned for at least 18 months (far longer than the industry standard of six) and lightly charred to a #1 level, preserving caramelized wood sugars while applying custom toast profiles to unlock unique flavors. This “barrel alchemy” transforms sourced whiskey into distinctive expressions, earning the brand multiple awards, including double golds and platinums at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Buzzard’s Roost portfolio shines with innovative bourbons, ryes, and American whiskeys designed for slow sipping or creative cocktails. Standouts include the Char #1 Bourbon with its cherry and dark fruit notes, Toasted American Oak Bourbon blending confectionary sweetness and baking spices, and acclaimed ryes like the Cigar Rye and Barrel Strength offerings. The approachable Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey, bottled at 105 proof, uses reused proprietary barrels for secondary aging of a three-year-old sourced spirit (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley), delivering aromas of roasted almonds, cinnamon, and orange zest, with palate notes of vanilla wafers, zingy spice, and subtle toasted oak—perfect for neat pours or elevating classic mixes. Visitors can explore this craftsmanship at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience in downtown Louisville, where tastings and tours highlight the brand’s commitment to redefining American whiskey.

Proofed to 105 and with an SRP of $39.99, Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey makes it easy for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts to experience the quality for which Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskeys are known.

Quick Facts

PROOF: 105 proof (52.5% abv)

AGE: 36 months (base age)

FINISH: Char #1 barrels

MASHBILL: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley

SRP: $39.99

For more information please visit https://www.buzzardsroostwhiskey.com/home

Wild Turkey Distilling Company has unveiled Wild Turkey Generations, a first-ever collaboration from three generations of the iconic Russell family of whiskey makers.

This is a blend of four whiskies meant to showcase the varied palates, personal preferences and expertise of Jimmy, Eddie and Bruce Russell. It’s the first release from the distillery to feature the signatures of the grandfather, father and son trio on the the custom-etched bottle.

“With Generations, we set out to make a whiskey that was truly a celebration of family and bold spirit,” says Bruce Russell, the newly named Wild Turkey Associate Blender. “My dad always says we are more than the name on the bottle — and this was my first opportunity to bring my own point of view while also applying everything I’ve learned from him and my granddad.”

Bruce, like his grandfather Jimmy, prefers bold bourbon flavors, the company says, which come through in the 12-year bourbon he selected for the blend. Eddie has a penchant for a softer honeyed, vanilla-laden flavor that typically comes from older bourbons, the company says, such as his 15-year-old selection and the 14-year-old whiskey he and Bruce picked together. Jimmy selected a nine-year-old bourbon consistent with the classic Wild Turkey profile.

“I’ve made some great whiskies throughout my career, and Generations is going in my hall of fame,” says Jimmy Russell. “The experience of working with my son and grandson to create a blend that celebrates our family and tradition has been a highlight of my career.”

Generations is a tribute to one of the most iconic families in bourbon-making. Jimmy Russell originated the family tradition when he began working at Wild Turkey distillery in 1954. He soon started teaching his son Eddie, then a union worker. Eddie rose through the ranks and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2010, joining his father, who earned the recognition in 2001. Before long, Eddie’s son, Bruce, became involved with the business, first as an ambassador and recently as a blender.

Wild Turkey fans in the U.S. will also have exclusive access to a limited online pre-sale in the coming days, by signing up for the Wild Turkey community newsletter

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

What’s described as Bardstown Bourbon Company’s “modern and transparent approach to whiskey making” is on full display in two new releases that were just recently released.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery #11 continues the named series tradition of blending whiskies found around the world. Yet, in a first for the distillery, this edition of the Discovery Series includes a bourbon that was estate-distilled at the distillery itself.

“This is a special milestone in our Discovery Series, as our own estate-distilled whiskey has now matured, which gives us some exciting new blending opportunities,” said Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development for Bardstown Bourbon Co, in a prepared statement. “So, for Discovery #11, we decided to celebrate in a Kentucky kind of way and chose all Bluegrass-based bourbons to blend with what we estate-distilled.”

Over the years, the Discovery Series has combined whiskies from Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, and even Ontario, Canada. Discovery #11 is the first time since Discovery #4 the series has featured all Kentucky bourbons.

“We used our bottled-in-bond recipe from the new Origin Series of our estate-distilled bourbon, however we wanted to explore a different take so the whiskey aged its entire life in French oak barrels as opposed to the traditional American oak,” Callaway added. “On their own, these stood as three tremendous bourbons, but some real magic occurred when they came together.”

Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s second new release is a collaboration with Mark and Sherri Carter, and the Napa Valley winemaker Carter Cellars.

For this release, a custom blend of mature bourbon and rye rested in ten Carter Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet barrels for an additional 14 months. The wine barrels were freshly emptied, to “impart maximum flavor” and they were separated and rotated throughout the rickhouse multiple times.

“Carter Cellars has always shot for excellence in our award-winning wines, and we have a long history of producing 100-point wines. This has been a wonderful collaboration bringing together our teams who are all continuously on the pursuit of perfection,” said Mark Carter of Carter Cellars.

Discovery #11 offers official tasting notes of “rainier cherry, butterscotch, brown sugar and roasted peanut on the nose, then a spirited palate of toffee and cinnamon spice, followed by a finish of ripe red fruit and oak.” It is presented at 118.1 proof (59.05% ABV) and offered at an SRP of $139.99.

Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s Carter Cellars Collaborative Series, meanwhile, offers a taste of what’s described as “a premium and complex aroma of cassis, violet, cinnamon and leather. On the palate it presents a rush of dark fruit, roasted pecan and vanilla cream that leads to a luscious lightly tannic finish.” It is presented at 108.3 proof (54.15% ABV) and offered at an SRP of $159.99. Roughly 225 9L cases are available at the Bardstown Bourbon Co. gift shop and select Kentucky retailers.

For more information please visit https://seelbachs.com/

The distillery says they are taking Honey Bourbon to a whole new level this year.

Increased demand for Honey Bourbon led to a doubling of production and expanded distribution statewide to grocers, stores, bars and restaurants.

Honey Bourbon launched five years ago as an experimental limited edition. The bourbon is finished in honey barrels and with raw honey from Bees in the D’s rooftop beehives, which sit on top of Detroit City Distillery’s Whiskey Factory.

“This fine bourbon features the truest taste of Detroit you can get,” said Michael Forsyth, co-owner of Detroit City Distillery in a news release. “We combine the award-winning bourbon we make in Eastern Market with honey made by thousands of honeybees using flower nectar from all over the city. ”

With this year’s launch, the distillery also introduced the Honey Old Fashioned, a ready-to-serve cocktail. The cocktail is based on the distillery’s best-selling cocktail featuring Honey Bourbon, raw Michigan honey, and house-made bitters, according to a news release.

The launch of Honey Bourbon online sales is set for 8 a.m. Nov. 10 with a 4 p.m.-11 p.m. launch party to follow at the Detroit City Distillery  (DCD)  tasting room, 2462 Riopelle St., at Eastern Market. Admission to the launch party is free. At the launch party, you can pick up online sales or purchase products. Honey-themed treats and products from Bees in the D and several other spirits with unique labeling will also be for sale including:

Honey Bourbon – $60 per 750 milliliter bottle.

Honey Old-Fashioned – $25 per 375 milliliter

Bees in the D Bourbon Barrel – aged honey is $50 per bottle with 100% of the sales supporting nonprofit Bees in the D.

To purchase products or for information visit detroitcitydistillery.com.

In 2021, George Dickel released Dickel Bourbon, a Tennessee bourbon aged 8 years. Today, it’s expanding that bourbon lineup with the addition of a new 18-year bourbon.

“At Cascade Hollow, we have a lot of whiskies that exemplify the Tennessee Whiskey style, but we also have inventory that has a lot more in common with bourbon as we understand it in America,” Nicole Austin, General Manager and Distiller at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co told me in 2021, with the release of the 8-year bourbon.

“As a style, bourbon is meant to be more approachable and balanced, and Dickel Bourbon is a great entry point into our whole portfolio,” she said at the time.

The whiskey itself was put into the barrel long before Austin took charge of whiskey-making at Cascade Hollow. A large part of her job is tasting whiskey from barrels that are aging. While all of the barrels are essentially aged the same, through that tasting she discovered that while many of them had that hallmark Tennessee whiskey flavor, others had a more bourbon feel to them.

“That balanced vanilla fruit, a little bit of spice. All the things that would present this is a really nice bourbon. I didn’t even know we had this. You can blend it away, but what a shame,” she said.

Which brings us to today’s release of Dickel’s 18-year-old bourbon

“We created Dickel Bourbon to give people an approachable and balanced bourbon that is high-quality and complex in flavor,” Austin said in a release announcing the spirit. “I loved the idea of building upon that craftsmanship of our mature whisky and creating something with that same traditional feel, and also more premium. I’m excited for people to try Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years because it’s a rare and beautifully aged whisky, but still exhibits a surprising brightness and wide range of complexity that is not often found in American Whiskies of this age.”

Similar to other variants in the Dickel portfolio, Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years has a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. The whiskey has mellow yet complex flavors of creme brûlée and stone fruit and comes in at 90 proof (45% ABV).

As you might imagine, the release is also super limited. The spirit will be rolling out to select markets this month for a suggested retail price of $510.

For more information please visit https://www.georgedickel.com/