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.

Jack Daniel's 2025 Heroes Selection Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey

 Jack Daniel’s Honors Military Service with 2025 Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey 

Selected by two veteran brothers who have worked at the Jack Daniel Distillery for decades, the third annual release is now available at military duty-free stores 

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 8, 2025) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces the 2025 edition of its annual Heroes Selection – a limited release of Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey selected by heroes, for heroes. This year’s expression, chosen by U.S. Army veteran twin brothers and longtime Jack Daniel’s employees JB and LB McGowan, is now available exclusively at U.S. military outlets. 

Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey is offered at proof points between 125 and 140 and features a bold, complex profile developed through aging in the highest reaches of barrelhouse in Lynchburg. The aroma opens with rich notes of sweet brown sugar, while the palate offers smooth layers of warm baking spices balanced by toasted oak and a hint of smoke. The finish is long and lingering, with touches of vanilla, tobacco, and spice. The bottle is packaged in a collectible gift box and adorned with a medallion embodying Jack Daniel’s long-standing connection to the military community. 

“At Jack Daniel’s, every barrel tells a story, and the Heroes Selection is our way of honoring the courage, dedication and service of the military community,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “It’s a privilege to craft a whiskey that reflects the strength and character of those who inspire it, and even more meaningful when it’s selected by veterans who’ve been part of our distillery family for decades.” 

The annual Heroes Selection release is part of Jack Daniel’s ongoing commitment to those who serve. Since 2011, Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home campaign, in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA, has raised over $4 million to help more than 14,000 junior-enlisted service members and their families travel home for the holidays. The 2024 campaign marked a record year for both funds raised and service members assisted. 

Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey (750ml) is available for a suggested retail price of $69.99 at select military retail locations and in limited quantities at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop at the Jack Daniel Distillery beginning this month.

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.

Hidden Gems: The World’s Most Underrated Wine Regions

Alright, so when you think “great wine,” you probably picture Bordeaux chateaux or those misty Napa hills, right? Yeah, same. Those names have been drilled into our heads thanks to decades of hype and, let’s be real, some pretty epic marketing. But, honestly, there are some killer wine spots out there getting zero love—and Armenia is right up there with the best of ‘em. 

Let’s get into why these places are still flying under the radar, what makes them so cool, and, honestly, why you need to quit sleeping on them.

Armenia: Where Wine Was Basically Born

Here’s a fun fact to drop at your next dinner party: Armenia’s been making wine since before the Romans figured out togas. In the Areni-1 cave—seriously, go Google it—archaeologists found a whole winery set-up that’s over 6,000 years old. Clay pots, grape seeds, stained presses… the works. Basically, people were getting buzzed on Armenian wine while Stonehenge was still a construction site. But don’t think it’s all history and no flavor. Armenia’s having a massive comeback moment right now. The stuff they’re bottling today? It’s a wild blend of ancient vibes and modern winemaking magic.

Image source: National Geographic

The Armenian Highland: Where the Grapes Have Altitude

So, picture this: high mountains, volcanic dirt, wild weather, and vineyards chilling at 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level. That’s Armenia’s wine country. It’s so high up, you’d need a Sherpa just to harvest the grapes. This insane altitude, plus a ridiculous amount of sunshine (we’re talking 300+ days a year), and day-to-night temperature swings that’ll make your head spin, all come together to make grapes that are basically flexing with:

• Zippy, fresh acidity that keeps everything lively
• Super concentrated flavors (slow ripening = flavor bomb)
• Subtle mineral vibes from all that volcanic soil

Long story short, Armenian wine tastes alive—there’s a brightness and energy in the glass you don’t find just anywhere.

Indigenous Grapes: Areni and Voskehat—Names You Can’t Pronounce, Wines You’ll Remember

Forget your basic Cab Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Armenia’s all about its own native grapes. Top of the list:

• Areni Noir (aka Sev Areni): It’s kind of a cool cousin to Pinot Noir, knocking out medium-bodied reds with cherry, pomegranate, and a little spicy kick. Throw in some oak aging and you get earthy, smoky notes too—total crowd-pleaser.

• Voskehat: This one’s called the “queen” of Armenian grapes. Think perfumed white wines: citrus, apricot, wildflowers, herbs. It’s got richness but still stays crisp, so it’s awesome with food.

These grapes are not just unique; they are deeply tied to Armenia’s cultural identity. Drinking Armenian wine means experiencing flavours that have been cultivated for thousands of years.

Image source: Freepik

When Old School Meets New School

Quick history detour: during the Soviet era, Armenia’s wine scene got totally hijacked for brandy. Real wine production? Pretty much dead. But now? There’s a whole new crew of Armenian winemakers bringing the old ways back—clay amphorae, hands-on techniques, the works—and using modern tech to make sure the wine’s actually good (not just “historically interesting,” which is code for “tastes like dirt”).

The coolest part? A lot of these are family-run wineries, pouring their hearts into tiny batches. Quality over quantity. Although, yeah, there are some bigger names now getting Armenian wine out into the world, so you don’t have to fly to Yerevan to try it. (Or you can, if you’re feeling fancy.)

Why You Should Care—And What to Drink It With

Here’s the thing: Armenian wine isn’t just some hipster curiosity for your next wine club flex. It’s legit. Here’s why you want it in your stash:

• Heritage: You can literally taste 6,000 years of history. Not many places can say that.

• Terroir: Those high-altitude vineyards crank out wines with freshness, minerality, and elegance (and yeah, I know that sounds pretentious, but it’s true).

• Uniqueness: Areni and Voskehat are grapes you won’t find in Napa or Bordeaux, so every bottle is something new.

• Food Pairing: The reds are a dream with lamb or roasted meats. Whites? Killer with fish, cheese, anything Mediterranean.

As word gets out, Armenian wine’s going from “wait, where’s that?” to “I need three bottles ASAP.” Drinking it is like time-traveling, but with better snacks.

Ready to try? Dive in. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!

Georgia: Home of the Qvevri—Yeah, That Big Clay Pot Thing

Alright, so Armenia’s got its wine game, sure, but Georgia? Georgia’s been stomping grapes since thousands of years. Like, actual forever. We’re talking thousands of years before your great-great-grandpa even thought about sipping a glass. And the real kicker? Their secret weapon: the qvevri. Basically, these are massive clay pots they chuck in the ground and let the wine do its thing—ferment, age, get weird (in a good way).

What’s the vibe? Qvevri wines are wild. They come out this wild amber color—some folks call it “orange wine,” which sounds fancier than it is. The taste is… well, imagine dried apricots, a handful of nuts, a sprinkle of spice, and maybe a whiff of history. It’s funky and rich and not like your basic supermarket vino, that’s for sure.

And get this: UNESCO stamped the whole qvevri thing as “intangible cultural heritage.” So yeah, it’s not just a party trick. It’s old school, it’s tradition, it’s Georgia’s soul in a bottle.

Lately, you’ll catch those hipster sommeliers and trendy wine bars name-dropping Georgian wine like they discovered the stuff. But, honestly, most people still have zero clue. It’s kind of like that amazing band you loved way before everyone else caught on.

Long story short: If you want a wine that’s ancient, weird, and totally different from your usual glass of red, put Georgia on your must-drink list. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you—or at least be seriously confused in a good way.

Image source: Freepik

Uruguay: Where Tannat Reigns Supreme

Let’s be real, Uruguay isn’t the first country that pops up when you think “wine.” Most folks just shrug and move on. But honestly? They’re sleeping on some killer reds.

The hero grape here is Tannat—yeah, it started out in southwest France, but Uruguay totally adopted it and gave it a makeover. Down here, Tannat gets a little less moody and a lot more approachable: think juicy black fruit, those tannins are smoothed out (nobody likes a mouthful of sandpaper), and the stuff ages like a dream.

What’s wild is how close the vineyards are to the Atlantic. You’ve got salty breezes blowing in, which keeps things fresh and stops the grapes from turning into jam bombs. The wines end up balanced and kinda zippy—your palate will thank you.

And let’s talk food for a sec. Uruguayans love their grilled beef—like, REALLY love it. Tannat and steak? That’s the kind of pairing people write love songs about. If you’re into red meat, you’ll be obsessed.

Everyone knows Argentina has Malbec and Chile does Carménère, but Uruguay’s Tannat is still flying under the radar. Honestly, that just means you get to brag about discovering it before it was cool.

Image source: Freepik

Slovenia: Small Country, Big Wine Energy

Slovenia doesn’t exactly scream “wine powerhouse” at first glance. Wedged in between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, it’s kinda easy to miss on a map, let alone in a wine shop. But man, if you sleep on Slovenian wine, you’re missing out.

They’ve got three main regions—Primorska’s got that laid-back Mediterranean thing going on, while Posavje and Podravje lean more “cool climate, moody forest” vibes. Each spot does its own thing with both local grapes and the big-name international ones. You want variety? This country’s got it dialed in.

Now, let’s talk natural wine. While other places are just catching on, Slovenia’s already buzzing. Tons of small winemakers are throwing out the rule book—minimal intervention, biodynamic, all that jazz. It’s kinda like the indie music scene of wine.

And the whites? Forget boring Pinot Grigio. Ever heard of Rebula or Šipon (sometimes called Furmint)? These grapes crank out zesty, crisp, super drinkable whites that can totally go toe-to-toe with the fancy French or Italian stuff.

Basically, Slovenia might be tiny, but when it comes to wine, it’s throwing serious punches. If you’re not paying attention yet, what are you even doing?

Image source: Freepik

Why Even Bother with Underrated Wine Regions?

Look, cracking open a bottle from Bordeaux or Napa is fine and all, but honestly, isn’t it a little… predictable? Those lesser-known regions? That’s where things get spicy. We’re talking wild, weird grapes you’ve never heard of and winemaking traditions that actually mean something, not just marketing fluff. You taste a wine from, say, Armenia or Moldova and you’re basically drinking history. 

Plus, who doesn’t love a bargain? These spots don’t have the hype (yet), so your wallet doesn’t take a beating.

And let’s be real—half the fun of wine is pretending you’re some globe-trotting adventurer, right? Pop open a bottle from Uruguay and suddenly you’re on a mental vacation, no flight required. It’s way more exciting than grabbing the same old California Cab for the hundredth time.

Bottom Line

Wine’s a massive world, and sticking to the usual suspects is just playing it safe. The true gems? They’re hiding in places most people can’t even find on a map. Armenia’s got vines older than your grandma, Georgia still buries its wine in clay pots like it’s the Bronze Age, Uruguay’s rocking some crazy bold reds, and Slovenia? They’re out here making whites that’ll blow your mind. So next time you’re staring blankly at the wine aisle, skip the usual and roll the dice on something underrated. Who knows—you might just stumble on your new go-to bottle. Cheers to drinking outside the box.

Guest Author Bio

Anna Grig is a wine enthusiast and digital marketing specialist with a passion for uncovering hidden gems in the world of wine. She loves exploring Armenia’s rich winemaking heritage and sharing insights on Armenian wine, the Armenian Highland, and unique varietals with wine lovers worldwide.

2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition 10 Year Bourbon

 

Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025

release of Yellowstone Limited Edition

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 2, 2025) – To celebrate a decade of excellence across its award-winning annual Limited Edition collection, Limestone Branch Distillery released its 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition, a unique blend of straight bourbon whiskeys thoughtfully aged 10 years. The series debuted in 2015 to honor the finest spirits worthy of the Yellowstone Bourbon name.

In the pioneering spirit of Yellowstone Bourbon, Founder and Master Distiller Stephen Beam and the team at Limestone Branch Distillery collaborated with the blending team at Ross &  Squibb Distillery – one of the most historic distilleries in America – to create the 10 th anniversary release. For the first time, the combined team chose barrels from the Indiana and Kentucky distilleries to blend for this year’s unique and high-quality commemorative expression.

The 2025 release includes three unique mash bills aged 10 years and is bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV) in tribute to the debut of Yellowstone Limited Edition in 2015. An allocation of 10,000 (3-in) cases will be on shelf in September at retail and Limestone Branch Distillery, just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month, for a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle.

“We’ve done something different with this special annual release every year since 2015,” said Beam. “This year’s 10-year anniversary Limited Edition represents my natural progression of experimenting with blending, using three unique mash bills to create a remarkable product. In partnership with the Ross & Squibb team, we pushed the boundaries of innovation by creating our first blend featuring barrels from the Indiana and Kentucky distilleries – without compromising on our commitment to quality that has kept the Yellowstone Bourbon brand on shelf for more than 150 years.”

The 2025 Yellowstone Limited Edition release features an aroma of vanilla, oak and hints of citrus. The body includes tastes of rich caramel, vanilla, toffee and hints of stone fruit on the palate, and a lingering finish of charred oak with notes of honey, cherry and cinnamon.

Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition Presented in a custom-designed embossed Yellowstone Limited Edition bottle, the 2025 anniversary edition features a high-quality natural cork, and a unique black and gold label highlighting the bold 10-year age statement, anniversary details and Beam’s signature.

The 2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition release earned gold medals at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

2019 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Napa Valley has been on our mind a lot these days with the Pickett Fire still burning.  Although 90% contained, at this writing the fire has been burning about 2 weeks.  There has been much discussion and speculation already about grape taint from the smoke, as was the case for many wineries that experienced repurcussions from the 2020 Glass Fire.  Fingers crossed for all!

The 2019 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a nearly textbook example of what we are looking for in a Napa Valley Cab.  Dark blackberry color in the glass, this wine has lifting aromas of blue and red raspberries, star anise, beef steak tomato and hints of blackcurrant.  This expression is unctuous, providing a lush and mouth-coating experience from beginning to end.  More dark fruits, freshly sawn timber, wisps of vanilla curd, dry earth, dried herbs and leather.

This wine is another example of the talents of winemaker Michael Coode and a nod to Napa Valley.  The Reserve Cabernet is absolutely delicious and will drink remarkably well for another 15-20 years.

ABV:  15.1%

Napa Valley AVA

Winery:  Pope Valley Winery

Suggested retail price:  $92.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

Hooten Young Bottled In Bond Bourbon

 

Norm Hooten, US Army MSG (Ret) is a co-founder of the Hooten Young Whiskey brand.  He is a real-life hero who not only spent time on the battle lines but also in the battle of the opioid crisis as a pharmacist for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  They take patriotism very seriously, committing to support non-profit organizations for veterans and the military.

Like many iconic brands, this one started with a dicussiopn and a "what if" dream by a fire.  As whiskey and cigar enthusiasts, Hooten and his small team knew what they wanted to do and where they wanted to go.  And so eventually the Hooten Young brand was born and they are building a legacy to last a lifetime.

This is the second expression from Hooten Young that we have had the pleasure of tasting.  This is their Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  We have long been fans of BiB bourbon, partly because of the specific guidelines imposed by Uncle Sam that allow a distillery to bestow the Bottled-in-Bond label.  

We tasted this neat and it quickly put a smile on our faces.  Subtly sweet from beginning to end, the chestnut colored whiskey provided us with apple spice cake, toffee, peppercorn and hints of eucalyptus on the nose.   First sips introduced us to layers of caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon toast, allspice, white pepper and baked earth.  While we don't smoke, the folks at HY recommend pairing this with one of their Ma Deuce Cigars and sipping this slowly with friends.  We think that's a fine idea.

You can use code DRINKTHEBOTTLES at checkout for free shipping from their website!

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  MGP Ingredients for Hooten Young

Suggested retail price:  $41.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Penelope Bourbon 2025 Estate Collection Lineup

Penelope Bourbon introduces the 2025 Estate Collection

Highly anticipated collection showcases higher age statements, new innovation and increased allocations across each release

St. Louis (August 21, 2025) - Award-winning Penelope Bourbon announced its 2025 Estate Collection - a bold array of five distinct expressions with minimum age statements of 10 years - for fans of premium and ultra-premium straight bourbon whiskey.  The expanded collection includes a reimagined Founders Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the introduction of new Omega Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Omega French Oak barrels, and the award-winning Single Barrel and Private Selection bourbons.  

This release includes:

Penelope Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon - MSRP $199.99

Cask strength 121.4 proof (60.7% ABV) with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12 % malted barley.

Penelope Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey - MSRP $129.99

109.8 proof (54.9% ABV) with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley.

Penelope Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon - MSRP $89.99

This 99 proof (49.5% ABV) has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.

Penelope Private Stock 10 Year Bourbon - MSRP $79.99

106.8 proof (53.4% ABV) offering has a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat and 5% malted barley.

If we receive samples of these we will provide full reviews!