whiskey

Based in Lynchburg, TN, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States. The whiskey brand is popular for its “Lincoln County Process,” a multi-day filtration method in which newly-distilled whiskey trickles through 10 feet of densely-packed sugar maple charcoal.

Jack Daniel’s released its first age-statement whiskey in more than a century back in 2021. That 10-year expression, now on its fourth batch release (see below), was followed by a 12-year and, now, a 14-year-old Tennessee whiskey, which was last produced by the distillery in the early- to mid-1900s.

“It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” says Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “We’re doing a whiskey that hasn’t been done since Jack Daniel did it himself.” Said Master Distiller Chris Fletcher.

For this aged release, the distillery moved barrels around during the maturation process, a rarity at Jack Daniel’s. “We moved them from the top floors after about eight years to the very bottom floor of a [rickhouse],” Fletcher says. “We did that for two reasons. Number one, evaporation. Whiskeys on the top floor, once they get close to that 10-year mark, you’re going to lose a lot of whiskey. And we also did it to slow down the extraction of oak into the whiskey itself. If you’re comparing it to cooking, think of that top floor kind of like you’re searing. And that bottom floor is just simmering.”

One thing Fletcher didn’t do is compare the new bottle with the original 14-year-old release. “That whiskey would have been sitting in a bottle for 120 years,” he says. “It would have changed significantly. So we didn’t have any historical samples.”

Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey features a barrel-strength ABV of 63.15% and the same mash bill as the classic Old No. 7 — 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye (it’s also charcoal mellowed). No surprise that it’s all about dark here, in appearance and taste. Dark chocolate, dark molasses, tobacco, leather and brown sugar dominate, with hints of cherry cola, cinnamon candies and butterscotch. Definitely add a drop or two of water, as it’ll bring out more chocolate and calm it down a bit.

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

The Shed Distillery revealed its latest release, Drumshanbo Tawny Port Cask Single Pot Still Whiskey. At 43% ABV / 86 Proof, the  limited release is now available at select retailers nationwide for $79.99 for a 700mL.

Drumshanbo Tawny Port Cask Single Pot Still Whiskey is a 7-year-old Irish Whiskey that has been triple distilled with malted Irish barley, unmalted Irish barley, and Irish Barra oats. It is then carefully matured in Tawny Port casks, enhancing its rich and complex character.

“When the ambition is to create world-class Irish Whiskey, there can be no deadline. We, as curators, must be patient as truly extraordinary whiskeys evolve at their own pace,” PJ Rigney, Founder of The Shed Distillery, said.

In 2014, The Shed Distillery was the first Irish distillery to open in the Western province of Connacht in over 100 years. Renowned for his adventurous spirit and deep-rooted passion for travel, Rigney channels his global explorations into a profound appreciation for his native Ireland—culminating in the distinctly Irish character that defines every drop of Drumshanbo Irish Whiskey.

About Drumshanbo Irish Whiskey

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is an award-winning premium craft spirit brand created by The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney at the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. It has received a remarkable international response since its inaugural release in 2019 and was named one of the world’s top 20 whiskeys by Whisky Advocate. The whiskey ethos at The Shed Distillery prioritizes exceptional quality over quantity and all whiskey is made in small batches and never rushed to deadline.

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

Black Frost Distilling announced the forthcoming release of its Blended Malted Rye Whiskey. The release date is set for Saturday, March 1, 2025.

This is the second whiskey released by the Minnesota-based, northern terroir-driven distillery, following the inaugural release of its Wheated Blended Bourbon Whiskey at the end of 2024. This Malted Rye Whiskey is made from grains grown entirely on the co-founder’s family farm and aged exclusively in Minnesota-grown oak barrels to create a true expression of northern terroir-influenced whiskey.

“Minnesota is unique in the fact that everything you need to make whiskey grows well exceptionally here,” Jace Marti, the co-founder and master distiller at Black Frost, said in a news release. “We saw this as an opportunity to intentionally box ourselves in from a creative standpoint and only utilize ingredients that we either grow ourselves or source from here in the northland. Minnesota is also one of the largest producers of rye in the country, so it makes sense to have rye whiskey be a major focus of our distillery.”

The Blended Rye Malt Whiskey starts with an heirloom variety of rye called Danko, grown just a few short miles from the distillery on co-founder Nate Gieseke’s family farm. After harvest, the rye is then sent to a nearby malt house to undergo the malting process before being shipped back to the distillery, where it is mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled onsite.

Black Frost utilizes a long, slow fermentation in uniquely shaped, open-top wooden fermenters. This allows the natural flora that comes from the rye to play a significant role in the process, producing rich, fruity notes while lending a soft, creamy mouthfeel to the whiskey.

Black Frost Blended Rye Whiskey is bottled in 750ml bottles at 92 proof and will be available for purchase at the distillery and the finest retail locations throughout Minnesota starting March 1 with a suggested retail price of $54.

About Black Frost Distilling

Black Frost Distilling was founded in 2022 by a 6th generation brewmaster and a 6th generation family farmer with the goal of creating Bourbon, Rye, and American Single Malt whiskies with a distinct sense of northern terroir. Black Frost utilizes malted grains grown on its co-founder’s family farm, embraces the wild qualities of open-top wooden fermenters, and ages their whiskies exclusively in Minnesota-grown oak barrels. Every step of the process serves as an opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of their environment through the exclusive use of northern-grown ingredients.
For more information please visit at blackfrostdistilling.com.

BARDSTOWN, Ky.  – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release features some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging Whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935. Each release in the ultra-premium collection features one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, one of the only heritage distilleries to produce this range. This 2025 edition features Heaven Hill’s Wheat Whiskey mashbill, comprised of 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley and is bottled at 100 proof. With an age statement of 19 years, this release is made up of 277 barrels produced in August and September of 2005, that were aged on the 5th and 6th floors of rickhouse Y. To date, it is the oldest Wheat Whiskey released by Heaven Hill.

With its subtle nose of seasoned oak and honey sweetness followed by elements of clove and nutmeg, this edition of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection has all the hallmarks of a classic Wheat Whiskey enhanced by the extended time spent in the rickhouse. A testament to its age, the initial notes on the palate include aged oak and baking spices particularly cloves. These elements are followed by rich and sweet notes of cinnamon graham crackers. The finish is warm, but medium in length dominated by maple syrup and caramel sweetness along with tannic elements adding a peppery tingle.

“This 19-year-old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is especially unique, as a product with this mashbill at this age offers an exceptional depth and complexity that is rarely seen,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “It truly represents the high standard that Heaven Hill is known for and is a great example of how craftsmanship and patience can pay off when you’re willing to wait for the highest-quality product to come from the Whiskey-making process.”

Along with its innovation-focused counterpart the Parker’s Heritage Collection, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is a testament to Heaven Hill’s standard for excellence and ultra-aging techniques.  Releases from both collections offer a glimpse into the long-term plan across Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey stock and commitment to quality, craft, and innovation.

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

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company, a family-owned and operated craft distillery in Louisville, announces the release of its Toasted Rye Whiskey.

The release will occur with Batch 1 on March 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Peerless Distillery located at 120 North 10th Street. Peerless Toasted Rye will then begin distribution in Kentucky and eventually, nationwide. There is a two-bottle purchase limit per person.

Peerless Toasted Rye is aged in two separate oak barrels. The small batch rye is initially aged in the distillery’s standard, char level 3 barrel. This process develops the desired flavor profiles of caramel, brown sugar, and toffee. The already barrel-aged whiskey is then placed in a toasted barrel to finish. The toasted barrel adds more complexity with honey, vanilla, toasted spices, and chocolate. The unique aging process allows for an elevated nose and palate.

“We hand-select each barrel for the finishing process. We chose to use a medium toast because it contains less tannins, which results in a more aromatic whiskey with warm, sweet, savory character and strong vanilla overtones, ”explains Peerless Head Taster John Wadell. “May 2017 marked a historic moment for Kentucky Peerless and the Taylor family. On that day, we released our first brown spirit in over a century: a rye whiskey. Peerless rye holds a special significance for us, as it represents the revival of a family legacy dedicated to crafting exceptional spirits. At Kentucky Peerless, we maintain the highest standards, and this release is a beautiful example of what we can come together to craft. We’re thrilled to introduce our Toasted Rye to you. We believe you’ll enjoy it as much as we do.”

The Toasted Rye follows the successful release of their Toasted Bourbon, which has made quite a splash. Kentucky Peerless Toasted Bourbon was awarded top in its class, given a score of 98 in the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Peerless High Rye Bourbon was named top Bourbon of the Year and their Double Oak Rye has consistently received Gold medals.

About Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

The family-owned and operated craft distillery is located in Louisville, Kentucky. It was established in 1889 and resurrected in 2013 by Corky Taylor, 4thGeneration, and Carson Taylor, 5th Generation. The distillery is known for its commitment to producing handcrafted, sweet mash bourbon and rye whiskey using traditional methods and the finest ingredients.

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

OWENSBORO, Ky.– The historic Green River Distilling Co. will not only continue to grow its distribution footprint this year, it will also expand its lineup of barrel-strength offerings. Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon, the newest release from this heritage distillery, offers the signature smooth yet full-bodied character of the brand’s classic Kentucky recipe with a high proof punch.

Presented at barrel strength, ranging from 110 to 130 proof (55 – 65 percent alc. by vol.), and aged a minimum of five years, each Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel selections burst with ripe apricot and tangerine over luscious barrel notes of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla creme. The hallmark soft finish is bolstered by rich, full-proof flavor. Every barrel is unique and offers a distinct flavor fingerprint.

Just 100 barrels will be available in 2025, exclusively for purchase by the barrel to on- and off-premise retailers. Each retailer will be able to hand-select their unique single barrel on-site at the historic Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Ky., now with the option to choose between the brand’s signature high-rye recipe and the smooth and sweet wheated mashbill.

A limited number of bottles will be available to the general public beginning February 13, 2025, exclusively at the Green River distillery gift shop in Owensboro, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. retail shops at the distillery in Bardstown and Tasting Room in Louisville.

“Green River takes pride in our approach to whiskey – simple, timeless recipes and a commitment to quality and value. This single barrel release carries on that promise with a balance of rich barrel character, rounded out by soft, sweet, winter wheat,” said Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development for Green River Distilling Co.

About Green River Distilling Company

Green River Distilling Co. was purchased by Bardstown Bourbon Company in July 2022. Growing from just four states in 2022, Green River’s continued expansion will reach 45 states in 2025, recently adding distribution in New Jersey and Washington, and is on-track to be a top-10 super-premium American Whiskey in the coming years. This summer, Green River will open a tasting room and retail shop in Louisville, bringing the “Pride of Owensboro” to the historic Whiskey Row.

For more information please visit http://www.greenriverwhiskey.com

Family-owned Boann Distillery announced the release of its first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys in the U.S. The three core expressions – Marsala, Madeira, and Pedro Ximénez – will be available in select states, including CA, FL, IN, MN, NE, ND, NY, SD, TX, and WI.

These releases join Boann’s celebrated portfolio of spirits, including Silks Irish Dry Gin and The Whistler Irish Whiskey. Each whiskey (47% ABV | SRP $69/700 ml) is crafted with award-winning Single Pot Still spirit and aged in carefully selected casks to deliver unique and distinct flavor profiles.

The new expressions honor the 160-year tradition of Single Pot Still whiskey distillation in the heart of Ireland’s Boyne Valley. Boann’s Managing Director and Founder, Pat Cooney, shared the vision behind the release: “This is the beginning of a journey to bring Irish whiskey back to its rightful place as a global leader. Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is uniquely Irish, and we’re reviving the heritage of Ireland’s lost distilleries while uniting traditional methods with modern innovation.”

The three expressions are presented in bespoke bottles designed to reflect the essence of grain, water, and wood. Each bottle features a textured surface that evokes images of barley blowing in the wind, the bark of oak trees, or the flames used to char the casks.

Key highlights of the new expressions include:

Marsala Cask Finish

Initially matured for three years in heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels sourced from Brown-Forman distilleries in Kentucky, followed by finishing in French oak Superiore and Fine Marsala casks from Cantine deVinci in Sicily.

Madeira Cask Finish

After initial aging in charred ex-bourbon barrels, this expression is finished in premium vintage Madeira casks sourced from Justino’s, a renowned Madeira house.

Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Matured for 3.5 years in Oloroso Sherry hogsheads from Bodegas Garvey in Spain, then finished in rare vintage PX Solera Chestnut and Oak casks from Malaga.

“This has always been our dream—to distill our own Irish whiskey in the heart of the Boyne Valley,” Cooney said. “These whiskeys carry the character and provenance of the land, writing a new chapter in the story of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.”

About Boann Distillery

Boann Distillery is a family owned, state-of-the-art distillery located on the edge of the historic town of Drogheda, County Meath, in the heart of the Boyne Valley of Ireland. Boann Distillery produces a range of triple-distilled Irish Single Malt and Irish Single Pot Still whiskey from three handmade bespoke copper pot stills.

For more information, visit https://www.boanndistillery.ie/.