By Richard Thomas In whiskey circles, summertime is best known as when the release calendar slows down. In America, only a few of the well-loved and much-anticipated annualized limited editions comes out during the summer months. It is also not a time known for new product launches or brand extensions. Even internationally, the releases schedule …
By Randall H. Borkus Rating: A+ May 2026 saw Preservation Distillery host a release party for what was only the second installment for Very Olde St. Nick Immaculata, after a wait of four years. The festivities were hosted by Master of Maturation Kyle Lloyd and the Preservation team, where Lloyd spoke to the gathered crowd …
Utah’s High West Distillery has released the 2026 installment of its The Prisoner’s Share, a hybrid of contract produced and in-house produced bourbon and rye whiskeys. From its first product launch, High West established a reputation for artful blending and transparent sourcing, making them instant fan favorites. Since then, they partly transitioned into being a …
AJ Bond Distillery has announced the debut of its flagship brand, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey, marking Sazerac’s first entry into the Tennessee Whiskey category. Crafted by Master Distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, the inaugural release reflects a shared vision to evolve Tennessee whiskey higher through a balance of tradition and innovation. Named …
Louisville-based distiller Michter’s is set to release its prized 10 Year Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey next month. Rye whiskey is part of the Michter’s brand legacy, stretching back to its origins as a Pennsylvania-made whiskey. According to Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, the whiskey’s cooperage and aging are crucial to ensuring the quality …
Northern Kentucky’s New Riff Distilling has dropped its 10 year old bourbon and rye for 2026, but the duo will be available through the distillery’s Whiskey Club and their tasting room, starting on June 4th. “This release represents the continued evolution of New Riff whiskey,” said Master Distiller Brian Sprance. “Our first 10-year release captured …
Indiana-based 15 Stars has announced the fourth release in its First West collection: First West Explorer. Joining First West Small Batch, First West Toasted Oak and First West Extra Aged, this new expression represents a crossing point for the brand as its first with 100% in-house distilled bourbon. Crafted entirely from 15 Stars-distilled whiskey, First …
Noted Master Blender and consultant Nancy Fraley has retired from her post at Jos. A, Magnus & Co., the sourced bourbon brand named for the man who, in post-Civil War America, founded the once esteemed Murray Hill Club Whiskey brand in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating law school, Fraley intentionally bypassed a legal career to pursue …
By Richard Thomas Just the other day, I read some Instagram comments to the effect that it seems all Craft Barrel Spirits does these days is super premium releases. New batches of the classic Barrell Bourbon used to come every season or so. I also recently polished off a bottle of Barrell Bourbon Batch 8, …
Twenty years ago, Australian whiskey barely registered. A few small distilleries made limited batches for local drinkers, while most people still reached for Scotch or Irish bottles. Outside Australia, hardly anyone paid attention. The idea that Tasmania could produce whiskey better than Scotland sounded ridiculous. By 2026, the story completely changed. Australian whiskey now wins …
