Whether or not you’re an off-the-cuff whiskey drinker who values available manufacturers or a severe fanatic searching for out essentially the most compelling expressions in allotted portions, there are ample scorching choices on the open market. The 12 whiskeys that comply with signify the complete spectrum of desirability, from these with distinctive high quality and shortage to these with wider availability.
Culled by scouring secondary markets, fan boards, sub-Reddits, and on-line discussion groups, this record contains bottles on the prime of their class, whether or not from legendary Kentucky rickhouses or rising craft distilleries. Right here they’re:
Redemption 18 yr outdated bourbon (2025), 51.7%, $400
Redemption first launched its Ancients collection of ultra-aged Indiana-distilled bourbon in 2017. (First, an 18 yr outdated rye, subsequent, a 36 yr outdated bourbon.) Then…nothing additional. Till now. Redemption’s Ancients collection makes a triumphant return with an 18 outdated yr mix of 69 barrels, or about 2,400 bottles. It virtually didn’t occur: grasp blender Alan Kennedy advised us that “bourbon at 15 years or older, plenty of occasions, shouldn’t be the perfect.” For Kennedy to get behind this liquid, it needed to be beautiful.
Penelope Cigar Classes Chapter 1 Mix, 50.5%, $80
Danny Polise, Michael Paladini, and the Penelope crew by no means appear to overlook the mark. Bold taste experiments that may in any other case have purists up in arms at all times land for Penelope. Its newest launch, Cigar Classes Chapter 1, succeeds once more. Polise and his mixing wizards labored in partnership with Dissident Cigars and Stolen Throne Cigars to meld straight bourbon, American single malt, and American mild whiskey right into a small batch with a mashbill of 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malt, which then underwent 6 years of getting older. Every of the 45,000 bottles hitting the market is designed to finest complement medium-bodied cigars, although, with enjoyable notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and (in fact) tobacco, it’s compelling sufficient to drink solo.
Russell’s Reserve 13 yr outdated bourbon (Spring 2025), 61.9%, $200
Russell’s Reserve 13 yr exists solely as a result of Eddie Russell grew bored with watching his finest juice disappear into a ten yr outdated mix. That first impeccable drop, in 2021, fared so properly available in the market, it turned an annual launch, save for final yr when a one-off 15-year Russell’s Reserve was supplied. Now, RR13 storms again with a vengeance—and an escalated proof: 123.8. (The 2023 RR13 was 57.4% ABV, for these conserving rating.) That additional firepower solely serves to reinforce that luscious cherry sweet be aware Russell’s followers obsess over. The fan boards and secondary markets are already in a tizzy over this one, so anticipate increased than SRP pricing. With a large quantity, it’s best to nonetheless be capable to snag a bottle.
Little E-book Chapter 9 “None for Granted” mix, 60.9%, $160
Freddie Noe’s annual Little E-book collection is a playful train in storytelling, with some chapters constructing on prior ones. The newest, Chapter 9 “None For Granted,” delivers a enjoyable plot twist that makes you wish to reread your complete collection. Included on this expression: an 11 yr outdated Kentucky straight bourbon, an 8 yr outdated rye, and three further bourbons (aged 7 or 8 years). Like several expert creator, Noe is aware of when to make use of a callback. Right here, it’s an 8 yr outdated brown rice bourbon that first debuted as a 4 yr outdated in Chapter 4 “Classes Honored.” Will it emerge as your favourite Little E-book chapter? Most likely not; Chapter 2 or 3 are powerful to prime. Is Chapter 9 price your money and time? Yep.
Previous Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 yr outdated bourbon, 50%, $60
A 7 yr outdated, 100 proof Previous Fitz for $60? These are simple numbers to like. Whereas it’s more and more widespread to see bottled in bond expressions, these carrying age statements are supremely uncommon—fewer than 10 usually accessible examples exist. So Previous Fitzgerald 7, using Heaven Hill’s beloved wheated mashbill, is in unique firm. Let the flippers chase inflated secondary costs for now. This unallocated, year-round launch will probably be on cabinets at retail quickly sufficient.
Eagle Uncommon 12 yr outdated bourbon, 47.5%, $50
Take Buffalo Hint’s cult-favorite mashbill 1, let it age 10 years, and also you get Eagle Uncommon 10. Let it go for 2 extra and bottle it at 5 extra proof factors? You’ve acquired the brand new Eagle Uncommon 12 yr outdated you’ll be requesting out of your native proprietor. The excellent news: A large manufacturing quantity means your native store is extra prone to get some. The unhealthy information: Like several Buffalo Hint age-stated product, it’s a toss-up whether or not it’ll be wherever close to SRP. The primary drop of ER12s hitting the market will probably be overpriced, however persistence will probably be your pockets’s pal right here.
Previous Swagger 12 yr outdated bourbon, 50%, $175
Per Rising Tide Spirits’ web site, “bourbon requires a protracted stroll from a barrel to the bottle. When every step has rhythm, it’s swagger.” This bottled in bond 12 yr outdated is a batch of 12 barrels of MGP bourbon, and it’s turning into a favourite new launch on boards and gaining traction on secondary. The distinctive handblown bottles definitely don’t harm the attraction, however largely folks perceive Rising Tide founder Ed Bley—chargeable for choosing greater than 250 single barrels for Kentucky’s famed Cork N’ Bottle retailer—is aware of how to decide on a banger. Bley’s observe report stands out as the true swagger right here.
Preservation Property Pot Distilled wheated bourbon, 57.3%, $130
This dropped in December 2024. However this expression—the primary absolutely distilled and blended on-site at Preservation’s Bardstown facility—is created in three to five-barrel batches at any time when it runs low, new releases are rolling out continuously. This 6 to 7 yr wheated mix can also be one of many first choices orchestrated by Preservation’s normal supervisor, Kyle Lloyd (who spent almost a decade at Michter’s, ending as its VP of High quality, Analysis and Improvement), and he hit a house run with this providing. Every time you nostril or sip, you’ll choose up a unique be aware or taste, all inviting and welcome. Preservation doesn’t have large distribution but, which makes monitoring down a bottle trickier, however land one, and those that like complicated spirits won’t be dissatisfied.
Inexperienced River 250th Anniversary bourbon, 55.55%, $49
An homage to the U.S. Military’s founding in 1775, this restricted anniversary launch celebrates Kentucky whiskey heritage whereas showcasing Inexperienced River’s mixing experience with 4 to 7 yr outdated bourbons. The 111.1 proof represents Veterans Day (11/11), including significant symbolism to each pour. The bourbon’s mashbill—77% corn, 14% rye, and 9% malted barley—delivers. Past Kentucky, bottles had been deployed to pick navy bases nationwide.
Stranahan’s 2025 Founder’s Launch American single malt, 60%, $200
This 12 yr outdated boasts a number of distinctive, fascinating qualities that set it aside. Regardless of its 120 proof—ungodly excessive for many American single malts when the majority of Stranahan’s tops out at 94 proof—this one drinks remarkably simply. The mix contains blonde ale cask-finished whiskey, a nod to co-founder George Stranahan’s brewing roots. Head blender Justin Aden continues his exemplary work on the Denver distillery with this standout launch. Excessive-altitude getting older, increased proof, the very best expectations—all delivered.
Uncommon Character Restricted Launch 2025 bourbon (Batch 3), 57.18%, $189
In 2024, Uncommon Character launched a Restricted Launch collection, batches assembled by its mixing guru Chad Watson. The goal is to mix unlikely elements, although it additionally highlights Watson’s palate and prowess. 2025’s Batch 3 represents an enchanting terroir experiment: one mashbill from two states (Indiana and Kentucky), aged throughout 4 completely different areas. The 8-plus yr outdated liquid balances all regional influences with out shedding its unified voice. Components complement fairly than compete, delivering rewarding complexity throughout roughly 2,500 bottles. With Uncommon Character’s increasing nationwide distribution, monitoring down this launch is simpler than earlier than. And really a lot well worth the elevate.
Previous Forester President’s Selection bourbon, 55–62.5%, $225
Brown-Forman traditionally launched Previous Forester’s President’s Selection solely on the distillery, however the single barrel program is now debuting nationally, and including a rye. The bourbon’s been a mainstay providing for the reason that program began again in 1890, however that rye—65% rye, 20% malted barley, 15% corn—is a welcome addition. Proofs fluctuate by barrel, although grasp taster Melissa Rift set the guardrails of 110 and 125 proof to optimize taste expression. Count on competitors from fellow President’s Selection hunters, although much less intense than Birthday Bourbon releases. With nationwide distribution, extra bottles ought to attain extra drinkers. Early procurers advocate giving each expressions ample time to open up earlier than sipping, and counsel a drop of water works wonders.
