By Richard Thomas Rating: B- The Benchmark line was seemingly remade to check-mark all the boxes for how one can take the same basic stock of bourbon and bottle it, so naturally there is a single barrel version. The line starts with Benchmark Old No. 8, goes all the way to this single barrel expression, …
Middle West Spirits, one of North America’s largest independently owned distilleries, officially announces the appointment of Luis Gonzalez as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This follows Middle West Spirits’ acquisition of Old Elk Distillery in May 2025, where Gonzalez served as CEO. The acquisition marked a major milestone for Middle West Spirits, enhancing its scale, capabilities, …
Remus Bourbon, the MGP-owned, Ross & Squibb-made brand named for the Prohibition era “King of the Bootleggers,” has announced the release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Ross & Squibb Master Distiller Ian Stirsman selected barrels of high rye bourbon, for which the distillery is renowned, to create this year’s edition. Remus …
Four Roses Distillery has announced its highly anticipated 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon. The new batch is releasing September 3rd. This marks the 18th edition in the annual series, featuring a unique blend of three bourbon recipes and four different batches, bottled at barrel strength. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 109 proof, the 2025 …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Last month, newcomer whiskey company 15 Stars announced a line extension, meaning they added a new line to the brand: First West. Briefly, 15 Stars was started by the Columbus, Ohio-based, father and son team of Rick and Ricky Johnson. A negociant/non-distiller producer (NDP), 15 Stars released their first bottlings just …
Pursuit Spirits, the Louisville, Kentucky-based whiskey brand founded by Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman, announces the opening of Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row on Thursday, August 14. Two floors covering nearly 7,600 sq. ft. provide a little bit of everything: from immersive tasting experiences and a full retail shop to the new Bourbon Pursuit podcast …
Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the John G. Carlisle Cafe – a new, permanent dining option slated to open in Spring 2026 on the Distillery’s grounds. Named in honor of U.S. Congressman John G. Carlisle, a pivotal figure in both American spirits and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s history, the cafe will bring an entirely new visitor …
On the heels of its successful debut in the ready-to-pour market with its first-ever bottled cocktail, Peach Old Fashioned, Penelope Bourbon released its second award-winning handcrafted cocktail innovation – Black Walnut Old Fashioned. Perfect for summer occasions from backyard soirees to casual moments at home, Black Walnut Old Fashioned is Penelope’s latest modern take on …
New Riff Distilling announced the re-release of its acclaimed Red Turkey Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon for the first time in four years. New Riff first began distilling with Red Turkey Wheat in 2016 and has continued distilling, aging and developing this wheated bourbon ever since. The inaugural batch was released in 2021. “We’ve worked with …
American whiskey has never been more exciting. While legacy names like Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey dominate shelves, many craft distilleries across the United States are carving out their own space in the whiskey world. In 2025, these small-batch producers are not just experimenting with flavor, they are helping redefine what American whiskey can be. …
