2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Are you looking for an extra special gift for the drink enthusiasts in your life?  Gift-giving can be difficult but we are making it easier for you with our Holiday Gift Guide.  This year, our guide includes whiskey, wine and cigars, including some very hard-to-find (but still available) bottles while they last.  Every listing has a link where you can shop directly with the brand.  Happy Holidays!

Hooten Young & Jack Carr Warrior Proof American Whiskey

The team at Hooten Young still has some bottles left of this incredible 16 year limited bottle of whiskey.  Hooten Young is a proud American company that partnered with #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and creator of The Terminal List series, Jack Carr.  Together they produced a whiskey that is the perfect sipper for both friends, veterans and active military members alike.  

At 125 proof and a mashbill of Corn (99%) and Barley (1%), this bottle is on the sweeter side, but well rounded by flavors and aromas of apple pie, buttery flaky crust, nutmeg, allspice and vanilla.  Smooth and sweet in every drop.  We tasted this one neat, but it is versatile enough to show you what is has with a single ice cube as well.

Hooten Young & Jack Carr Cigar

For those who love a quality cigar with their whiskey, you can't pass up the Hooten Young & Jack Carr Cigar packs.  Available in a 5-pack or 20-count box, these are hand-rolled at Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera in Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Wrapped in a silky Corojo leaf and bound by a rich Dominican grown San Andrés seed binder, these cigars are filled with select Dominican tobacco highlighted by Piloto Cubano, offering a complex profile of depth, strength and balance.   Ordering deadline with Hooten Young is December 8th to guarantee these gifts will be under your Christmas tree!

NIKKA WHISKY FROM THE BARREL

Nikka From The Barrel is a blended whisky which was released in 1985.  The development of this expression started with an aim to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky like "from the barrel", which only blenders can sniff and taste.  The secret behind its gorgeous flavor is the unique combination of complex blending, higher ABV of 51.4% and "marriage process. 

The iconic square bottle reflects its concept "a small block of whisky" and embodies the intense and rich flavors of the whisky inside.  Long after its launch, this bottle is still timeless and recognized for its ultimate simplicity.

For those who love Japanes whisky or want to brand out and discover something new for their palate, you really can't go wrong with this expression from Nikka.  The complex formula is created by blending more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies.  After blending, the whisky is filled into used barrels and matured for another few months.  This "marriage" process harmonizes all components in the formula, resulting in a mellow taste.  This is a 500mL bottle.  As a bonus, this smaller size bottle will fit great in most Christmas stockings!

 友人や大切な人と一緒に飲むと楽しい気分になりますように。

Stillman's Sonder American Single Malt Whiskey

From Dancing Goat Distillery of Cambridge, Wisconsin comes two very unique and memorable gift ideas for your holiday shopping this season.  This is an American Single Malt Whiskey, called Stillman's Sonder, boasting a 10 year age statement.  This project began as orphaned barrels without an identity and culminated into a whiskey that took a decade to create.  Through three rounds of blending, finishing, and re-barreling, the Dancing Goat Distillery team created this polished and reimagined Single Malt Whiskey ready for your glass.

This whiskey is blended for consistency utilizing:

• Virgin oak casks, at several toast and char points
• Ex-bourbon casks
• Wisconsin brandy casks
• Cognac casks
• Calvados casks

Berens Old Fashioed Brandy

Dancing Goat Distillery has partnered with Charlie Berens to create a ready-to-drink Old Fashioned Brandy that is a real palate pleaser.  Berens is a Wisconsin nateive, comedian and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Midwest Survival Guide.  The distillery says that this brandy is made from the best grapes in the United States and it sounds like a perfect gift to give this holiday season.  At 90 proof (45.0% ABV) it is super approachable by everyone, even if they aren't a regular spirits drinker.

As a bonus, you can create a Berens Brandy Old Fashioned with this simple recipe:

• 2 oz Berens Old Fashioned Brandy
• Orange wedge
• Cherry
• Sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of your favorite Bitters
• Sweet, sour or press floater
• Ice (don't overdo it)

Drop your orange wedge in the glass and add the sugar cube.  Toss in the cherry and Bitters.  Muddle until you're happy and then add Berens Old Fashioned Brandy.  Pop in a couple of ice cubes and then add your floater.   Drink, smile, repeat.

Johnny Pickles Distillery Red Stinger Hibiscus Whiskey

If this bottle looks familiar to you, it is because we shared our thoughts on this back in October.  From Johnny Pickles Distillery in Texas comes one of the most unique tasting whiskey bottles to ever grace our tongues.  This easy-sipping, 80 proof whiskey is made of 100% local corn and is infused with hibiscus and other natural botanicals to present flavors that make you wonder if you're really drinking whiskey.  Sweetened with Stevia, the color is dark red and reminiscent of Merlot wine with the viscosity of a Ruby port.  

This drink is very versatile - neat, rocks, add a splash of soda and easy to pair with spicy foods!  In addition to Red Stinger Hibiscus Whiskey from Johnny Pickles Distillery, make sure you check out their other spirits for the holiday season!  

The Ingram Distillery Whiskeys

The Ingram Distillery uses what nature gave us, the Mississippi River, to age and mellow their whiskeys on floating barrelhouses.  This creates extraordinary spirits that are highly revered by whiskey lovers while offered at a pricepoint that is attractive for everyone.

Bourbon 105 Proof

The 105 proof River Aged Bourbon from The Ingram Distillery is a perfect gift for those looking for something they have never experienced.  Unique doesn't begin to describe what you get in the bottle.  The nose of citrus zest, strawberry tart, floral and coffee lay a foundation for flavors of honey, orange peel, cacao, cinnamon and baked apples.  This bourbon gives the taster a long, mellow enjoyable finish with chocolate cream pie, vanilla, carmelized sugars and hints of tobacco.

There is a LOT going on here and everything we have tasted from The Ingram Distillery has really been wonderful.  Elevate your gift-giving this year with this bottle.  You'll not only find a great expression of flavors, but a story that is fun to explore and tell.

Uncharted Bourbon

Long ago, bourbon's journey to the marketplace took the path of America's rivers, where the rise and fall of the water played a subtle yet essential role in its aging.  Today, below the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, our floating rickhouse honors this legacy.  By literally rocking the boat, our unconventional maturation process pays tribute to bourbon's river-aged roots for a complex, mellow and unforgettable taste.

Tasting Notes:  Juicy jam, floral honey, maple, oak spice.

Palate:  Marzipan, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Finish:  Creamy, chocolatey warmth that lingers delightfully.

Paper Boat Cocktail Recipe:

• 3/4 oz Uncharted Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Grand Marnier
• 3/4 oz Aperol
• 3/4 oz Lime Juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.  Sip.  Enjoy.  Repeat.

The Ingram Distillery and Drink The Bottles are giving away a bottle of Uncharted Bourbon this month.  Follow us on Instragram for details on how YOU could win a FREE bottle for yourself!

Green River Wheated Bourbon

Have you ever wanted to give someone the World's Best Bourbon?   Well, now you can!  Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon was awarded the Best in Class at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition and it should be on your gift-giving list this year.  Available online and in most major markets, Green River is "The Whiskey Without Regrets" and that is crystal clear to us and millions of other bourbon lovers.   

At 90 proof (45.0% ABV) this bourbon could easily be considered a daily drinker, as it is incredibly smooth on the palate and the pocket book.  The mash bill is Kentucky Grown Corn (70%), Wheat (21%) and Malted Barley (9%).  This Wheated Bourbon leads with a beautiful peach and caramel aroma coupled with apricot and cinnamon.  On the palate you'll discover toffee, pastry and hazelnut that guide toward a honeyed finish that is smooth and balanced.  

Create lasting memories with your loved ones during the holidays with Green River Wheated Bourbon.  While you're at it, we personally also recommed the Green River Rye Whiskey, which received distinction as the "2024 Drink The Bottles Rye Whiskey of the Year".

Bardstown Bourbon Company Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

Bardstown Bourbon Company always pushed innovation and boundaries with their unique and memorable releases.  This High Wheat bourbon is another fantastic in their line up.  The six-year bourbon contains a mash bill of Corn (53%), Wheat (39%) and Malted Barley (8%), is estate distilled and presented for your drinking pleasure at a comfortable 106 proof.

Ripe apricot and lemon rest on leather and crème brûlèe.  A bold palate of oak and pastry leads to a lightly spiced, full-bodied finish.  At a price point of $49.99, this is a great gift for everyone who enjoys a high quality bourbon.

Barrell Craft Spirits 2026 New Year Bourbon

This is the tenth anniversary of the New Year Bourbon release from Barrell Craft Spirits.  The cask strength offering is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys from seven different states, with a derived mash bill of Corn (74%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%) and Wheat (1%).  

Blend Components:

• Indiana Bourbon:  5, 6, 8, 11. and 13 years old
• Kentucky Bourbon:  5, 6, and 10 years old
• Tennessee Bourbon:  8, 10, and 16 years old
• Wyoming Bourbon:  9 and 13 years old
• Maryland Bourbon:  7 and 8 years old
• New York Bourbon:  5 years old
• Ohio Bourbon:  5 years old

This release was blended and bottled in Kentucky and is available while supplies last at $84.99 for a 750mL bottle.  Follow our Instagram this holiday season to see how you can have the opportunity to WIN A FREE BOTTLE of this expression!

15 Stars Artisan Collection Bourbon

Rick and Ricky Johnson of 15 Stars Bourbon blend some insanely good tasting and consistenly top qujality bourbons.  Their Aristan Collection is a blend of 12 and 15 year old bourbons, coming in at 109 proof.   What is in the bottle is sources from undisclosed Indiana and Kentucky distilleries.

Everything we have tasted from 15 Stars has really blown us away.  From most suppliers you expect, over time, to get at least one "eh" bottle, but we have never experienced that from this brand.  

Nose:  Sweet forward with notes of maple and caramel and a dried fuit medley of orange citrus, black cherry, plum and apple.  Nutmeg, cracked pepper, tobacco, fresh oak and hay field balance the sweetness.

Palate:  Caramel and vanilla give way to bold notes of aged oak and old leather followed by dark fruit notes of prune, raisin and plum.

Finish:  Plum and caramel introduce a long finish of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, oaks and leather.  

For someone who has never tasted 15 Stars, this is a top tier bourbon gift that they will treasure.  At $179.00 for a 750mL bottle, you're sure to turn heads and become the favorite gift-giver of the season!

Follow us on Instagram this holiday season for your chance to win a free bottle of this expression!

Seacrets Distilling Company Lemon Drop Vodka

We know that not everyone drinks whiskey, so here's a fun alternative for someone who loves vodka and/or loves creating their own festive cocktails!   Seacrets Distilling Company of Oceanside, Maryland has become the resident experts in distilling and vodka is just one of many feathers in their cap.  They also make an orange flavored vodka (all natural flavoring) and we actually tasted and reviewed both of those bottles in July 2024.

This is a gift that takes little thought.  It's tasty, it's available online and it's only about $25.00.  This is one of the best tasting and versatile flavored vodkas that we have ever tasted and the people on your gift list will surely love it too.

   Follow us on Instagram this holiday season for your chance to win a free bottle of this expression!

Bardstown Bourbon Company Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

 

To say that we were thrilled to get our hands on another Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve bottle would be an understatement.  Historically, these releases have proven to be nothing short of amazing, and this one falls in line with history.  We announced the release of this bottle a couple of weeks ago on our website and the official "go live" sale date was Black Friday - November 28, 2025.  

There were an estimated 3,000 total bottles produced for this release and it was available only at the Bardstown Bourbon Company gift shop and the Louisville Tasting Room and limited to one per person.  This release sold out very quickly and excitement from the two previous Distillery Reserve releases helped fuel that fire.  Bardstown left no detail behind on the packaging of this expression.  The outer box and "customs" ticket are themed with the Normandie release, further fueling the desirability of this bottle for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The mashbill for this bottle is a blend of two bourbons:

• 13 Years - Corn (75%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%) 
• 12 Years - Corn (75%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%)

The higher aged stated bourbon makes up 76% of this bottle while the 12-year rounds out the final 24%.  This was finished in Calvados brandy barrels for an impressive 28 months and then took another rest in toasted oak barrels for 4 months.  The result is a apricot and slightly red color bourbon with very rich aromas of muddled cherries, red raspberries, baking spices, toasted nuts and vanilla.

On the palate is a warm and welcoming apple crisp initially, followed by chocolate bits and sweet spices against a very polished mouthfeel.  The finish lingers for moments and the baking spices and rich fruits become the star of the show.  No heat but tons of flavor here!

The Distillery Reserve series will continue into 2026 and beyond and we absolutely love the finishes and incredible blending that Dan Calloway and his team are creating at Bardstown Bourbon Company.  If you want to be the first to know about these exclusive releases, check out The Reserve from the Bardstown Bourbon Company. 

ABV:  52.1% (104.2 proof)

Distillery:  Bardstown Bourbon Company

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

Bardstown Bourbon Releases Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

 

Bardstown Bourbon Scales Centuries Through Latest Distillery Reserve Launch,

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

The once forbidden flavor of Calvados casks now awaits discovery through limited-edition distillery exclusive

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (November 18, 2025) - Providing that there is nowhere Bardstown Bourbon Company won't go to push the boudaries of whiskey innovation, the latest launch from the brand's Distillery Reserve is an elevated marriage of French tradition and American craft.

Once forbidden by the Master of State Jean-Baptiste Colbert to protect the French wine brandy trade, cider eua-de vie, Calvados, made the journey from the white chalk cliffs of Noramndy to the home of bourbon innovation, Bardstown Bourbon Company, resulting in a decadent and unexpected blend aptly named Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish.

This release emphasizes Bardstown Bourbon's promise to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey production, crafting bespoke products through experimental finishes, extended aging and uncommon blending.  Nowhere is this approach more evident than through the Distillery Reserve.  Extremely limited in quantity and packaged at 375mL, Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is the third and final Distillery Reserve release of 2025.  Previous small-batch explorations in the series include Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, each distinctly showcasing how relentless innovation and global curiosity fuel the brand's rapid growth.

"Three generations of meticulous craftsmanship and nearly 300 gold medals have made Christian Drouin House and icon of Calvados," said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits.  "Over the course of the past two years, these five barrels have become the apple of my eye - the most attention per barrel project aging in Bardstown.  The result:  a cross-continent conversation in a glass that bridges centuries of tradition on both sides of the Atlantic."

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is a tasting experience borne of curiosity.  Each 59-gallon Calvados cask was filled with a custom bourbon blend of stock aged between 12 and 13 years.  After a 28-month slumber, the whiskey settled into new, medium-toast American white oak, coaxing out layers of caramel, spice and roasted almond.  The result is an elegent confluence of crisp orchard fruit and velvety bourbon sweetness accented by gentle wood smoke and a whisper of vanilla.

Bardstown Bourbon's Distillery Reserve launced in February of this year to much fanfare with the Cathedral 300-Year-Old French Oak featured on 60 Minutes, and continued with Hokkaido Mizunara Oak finish, awarded as Best Bourbon in both Rolling Stone and Esquire's 2025 Spirit Awards.

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish Distillery Reserve is presented at 104.2 proof (51.2% ABV) and is avaiable in extremely limited quantities at Bardstown Bourbon's distillery gift shop and Louisville Tasting Room beginning Black Friday, November 28, 2025.  Distillery Reserve releases are offered in a small format 375mL and retail for $99.99.

Bardstown Bourbon Company will host a digital raffle allowing a number of bourbon fans the opportunity to purchase all three 2025 Distillery Reserve releases including Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, and will offer tasting experiences with Master Blender, Dan Callaway.  Details about these offerings will be available exclusively through Bardstown Bourbon's email list.  For more information fans can sign up at BardstownBourbon.com.

Barrell Craft Spirits 12 Year Bourbon French Oak Finish

We are suckers for age-stated whiskeys so when we received a sample of this Barrell Craft Spirits 12 Year Bourbon French Oak Finish we leapt at the opportunity!  It's no secret that we have been fans of BCS for several years, way back when we dubbed Seagrass Rye in our top 5 favorite rye expressions - ever.  The concensus was that we suspsected this bottle would be nothing short of incredible, and we were not disappointed.  This whiskey was distilled and sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Wyoming and then finished in French Oak barrels with varying toast levels.

Aged copper penny in appearance, this bourbon immediately oozes ageworthy aromas of well-weathered saddle leather, antique butter churn, dried herbs, cinnamon stick and fresh baked bread.   There is so much going on here, and between both of us tasting this bottle, we probably came up with close to twenty separate aromas, but had to settle on the aforementioned as we felt they were most dominant.

Mouth-watering and inviting, the palate brought us roasted nuts, tons of dried spices that reminded us of Christmas seasonal baking, graphite, dried peppers and cinnamon streusel topping.  You get rewarded with a long and very lingering finish that is satisfying and scrumptuous!  We are going to go back and taste this again with a couple of drops of water to see what other flavors make an appearance!

For reference, we tasted this neat in a Glencairn from a 100mL sample.

Barrell Craft Spirits proves again why they have set themselves apart from everyone else in the blending and finished whiskey world!

Check out our previous post about this hazmat Triple Rum Cask finished whiskey too!

ABV:  54.25%  (108.5 proof)

Distillery:  Barrell Craft Spirits

Suggested retail price:  $159.99

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

 

Angel's Envy 10 Cask Strength Bourbon

 

For the first time ever, Angel's Envy has released their first-ever age-stated bottle!  This is the Angel's Envy 10 Cask Strength bourbon.  Touted as the crown jewel of their Cask Strength Archives, every detail of this release confirms that it was not made to meet a deadline - it was made the exceed expectations!

Bottled at 122.6 proof (61.3% ABV).  This bottle features a weighted glass and a 10/10-engraved cork closure crowned with a dark metal medallion.  This is extremely limited at select retailers nationwide.  Only 200 bottles will be available online through the Angel's Envy website.

Angel's Envy 10 Cask Strength opens with warm cinnamon, creamy nougat, and candied nuts.  On the palate, ripe fruit and crème brûlée unfold, while the port wine finish influence reveals rum raisin cake and leaves a graceful invitation for another sip.

Ok...  All of that above is from the distillery's press release.  We received a bottle of this to taste/review/share and here's the REAL DEAL...

First of all, we have to address the packaging.  Absolutely stunning and 10 out of 10!  We love when distilleries and agencies get super creative and this "vault" exterior packaging with interior LED lights is an absolute home run!

We let this one breathe some air in the Glencairn for about 15 minutes before we approached it - neat, of course.  Cinnamon stick, cashew, honey, baking spices and salt water taffy all competing for best in show in lifted aromas.  It's just mouth-watering!  Caramel-tawny colored with welcoming flavors of ripe red fruits, cherry cordial, cream cheese frosting, vanilla, and brown sugar.  The port wine finish is the "pièce de résistance" in our opinion, leaving a sweet, vanilla and raisin-like goodness that covers the mouth begs for more.  

This is, without a doubt, the best Angel's Envy expression we have ever tasted.  For those who tend to shy away from cask strength bottles (yes, apparently that's a real choice), you will find this to be extremely approachable and the sweetness offsets some of the heat you tend to get from 120+ proof whiskey.  If you get a chance to taste this, do not pass up the opportunity!

ABV:  61.3% (122.6 proof)

Distillery:  Angel's Envy

Suggested retail price:  $249.99

Drink The Bottles score:  97/100
 

Pappy Van Winkle 2025 Bourbon Collection

 

FRANKFORT, Ky (September 10, 2025) – Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announce the 2025 release of the coveted Van Winkle Whiskey Collection. Returning to shelves this September, the annual offering is a centerpiece for collectors and connoisseurs alike, showcasing the family’s renowned wheated bourbon and rye whiskey recipes across six celebrated expressions: Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old, and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Old. Additionally, in honor of this year’s release, one rare bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old - recently rediscovered at the Distillery - will be included in Legacy de Forge’s National Bourbon Heritage Month Auction starting September 10, 2025.

 

The annual release continues to embody what makes this family of whiskeys a hallmark in the American Whiskey category: exceptional taste, legendary craftsmanship, and a legacy that resonates across generations.

 

“As always, each release represents years of quiet work, careful aging and a deep respect for the legacy we carry forward,” said Preston Van Winkle, 4^th Generation, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We’ve taken great care to ensure the quality of this year’s release lives up to the Van Winkle name. We’re proud to share this whiskey with those who appreciate the craft, patience and tradition that go into every bottle.”

 

In celebration of the 2025 Van Winkle Collection release and National Bourbon Heritage Month, Legacy de Forge, a new global platform to improve access to Sazerac’s most coveted spirits, will present an exclusive series of rare whiskey auctions this September. Leading the offerings is Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old, the oldest and rarest expression ever released under the iconic name, paired with a private tasting with Julian Van Winkle – and a story as rare as the whiskey inside.

 

Originally filled into its hand-engraved Glencairn crystal decanter in 2017, Bottle #706 was safely tucked away at Buffalo Trace Distillery, untouched for nearly a decade. As one of the final bottles from the original 710 produced, it emerges as more than a rare collectible: a once-hidden treasure made available for enjoyment by today’s enthusiasts. Beyond its rarity, this archival bottle carries a provenance and a story that elevate it into the realm of legend, offering the opportunity to experience a true piece of bourbon history.

 

Legacy de Forge’s September Bourbon Heritage Month Auction will feature eight curated lots in total, offering enthusiasts direct access to distinguished bottlings including O.F.C 2006, the newly-released Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council and a Stagg Single Barrel pick. Bidding opens at 10:00 a.m. ET on September 10, 2025, and will close at 10:00 a.m. ET on September 24, 2025. For more information, please visit https://legacydeforge.com/release/bourbon-heritage-month-2025.

 

The 2025 Van Winkle Collection will be made available to stores, bars and restaurants across the United States in limited quantities and at varying retail prices. The suggested retail prices for the limited-edition Van Winkle collection bottles are as follows (local taxes apply):

 

·       Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old - $149.99

This season’s 10YR ORVW bourbon balances classic sweetness with smoky sophistication. On the nose, aromas of vanilla, caramel, pecan, and seasoned oak meet warm tobacco and charred wood. The palate is smooth and rich with wheat, cherry, bold oak, and a hint of spice, leading to a long, smoky finish layered with oak, dark vanilla, and lingering warmth.

 

·       Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old - $169.99

This unique batch brings a bolder, woodier edge to a bourbon known for its bright fruit and delicate spice. On the nose, aromas of oak, dried mango, cocoa, and spiced peach mingle with cherry and vanilla. The palate offers honey, tobacco, and dark fruit, evolving into stone fruit and cocoa. A dry, balanced finish lingers with oak, cherry, and gentle spice.

·       Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old - $229.99

This seasonal batch builds on the soft, spiced elegance of the original with a richer, fruit-forward complexity. The nose welcomes you with roasted chestnut, vanilla, and subtle spice that is deepened by cherry, stone fruit, and warming oak. On the palate, layers of cocoa, white pepper, and vanilla meet a bold infusion of cherry and ripe stone fruits, balanced by oak and cedar. A long, warm finish lingers with caramel, spice, and dry oak.

·       Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old - $239.99

This limited batch amplifies the 15YO signature sweetness with added depth. The nose is captivating with aromas of brown sugar, caramel corn, and vanilla mingle with wood and a hint of cherry. The palate is rich with leather, oak, and dark fruit, smoothed by brown sugar and lifted by cherry brightness. A long, dry finish leaves lingering spice, oak tannins, and a warming touch of fruit and sugar.

·       Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old- $359.99

This special batch brings depth to a bourbon known for its intensity and elegance. The nose is vibrant with citrus zest and dried fruit joined by lush notes of plum and cherry. On the palate, smooth citrus and vanilla meet juicy stone fruit and hints of sherry, creating a beautifully balanced sip. The finish is long, elegant, and fruit-kissed leaving behind whispers of plum, cherry, and warm spice.

·       Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old - $499.99

This batch turns up the intensity while staying true to the heart of the Pappy Van Winkle. The nose is bold and inviting leading with rich caramel and cream, joined by oak, leather, and a hit of ripe cherry. The palate is full and flavorful, with vanilla, honey, and maple leading the way, with a burst of cherry and a warming heat. The finish is long, oaky, and fruit-laced leaving behind notes of spice, sweetness, and the satisfying heat of a stronger pour.

 

“Those who follow this release year after year know it’s not just about whiskey, but about what it represents,” said Julian P. Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “This whiskey collection is a reflection of our family’s legacy and a tribute to the generations who came before us. The legacy, combined with anticipation, the stories shared over a pour, the appreciation for extended aging – that is what makes each release so special.”

 

The Van Winkle family reminds fans that neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control the prices individual retailers charge for the expressions. The family also strongly recommends those interested in the Van Winkle Collection to purchase through a licensed retailer. Whiskey enthusiasts increase their risks of alcohol scams by purchasing from secondary markets and online sellers including Craigslist, eBay, and social media groups. Additionally, many alcohol scams take place overseas. In some cases, consuming alcohol that is not purchased from a licensed retailer can lead to bodily harm and even casualties.

Ingram Distillery New Wheated Boubon: Uncharted

 

The Ingram Distillery Ventures into the Unknownwith New Wheated Bourbon: Uncharted

Latest Addition to Ingram’s Award-Winning Fleet Packaged in 100% Recycled Glass

COLUMBUS, KY (September 3, 2025) – The Ingram Distillery is proud to unveil today its latest game-changing whiskey: Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon. Packaged in 100% recycled glass, Uncharted is a wheated bourbon that, like all Ingram whiskies, has spent its entire life on the Mississippi River. Here, it’s exposed to the constant motion, humidity and microclimate of the river to create complexity through a unique interaction between whiskey and oak.

Long known for its award-winning O.H. Ingram River Aged series, Uncharted is a completely new expression with a life and story of its own. Bottled at 92 proof, the product is available in both 750ml and 1L formats with suggested retail prices of $39.99 and $44.99, respectively. It’s a terrific compliment to The Ingram Distillery fleet.

“Uncharted is all about celebrating those unexpected adventures that happen every day,” said Founder and Proprietor Hank Ingram. “With Uncharted, we set out to craft a standout bourbon that could be enjoyed anytime. Like everything we do, we wanted to continue to innovate in the space and celebrate the magic of the river. Using 100% recycled glass is another way we are continuing to push the envelope on what’s possible. At The Ingram Distillery, we choose the route unexplored and aim to challenge the uncontested. Uncharted once again pushes us out into unknown waters – a place where we feel right at home.”

At this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition, a blind sample of Uncharted wowed judges. It was

named one of the best wheated bourbons at the competition, receiving a Gold Medal and a score of 95 points.

Uncharted Tasting Notes

• Nose – dried fruit, vanilla, toasted nuts, and coffee

• Palate – graham cracker, honey, light spice with touches of maple and oak

• Finish – a long finish with caramel, cinnamon, apples and light notes of leather and cocoa

The launch of Uncharted continues The Ingram Distillery’s history of making waves in the bourbon world. Numerous awards and accolades have proven time and again that its unique aging process – one that harkens back to the earliest days of bourbon – produces extraordinary whiskey. The team is also currently reimagining its grounds in Columbus, KY and will soon debut the next phase of its hospitality offerings.

Inside the original floating barrelhouses, The Ingram Distillery whiskey barrels spend their years exposed tothe magic of the Mississippi River. The motion of the river, its high humidity, and natural daily heat cyclingensure that the whiskey never stops working. We call it Mellowed on the Mississippi.