Drink the Bottles

Middle West Spirits and Old Elk Distillery introduce a new American whiskey supporting educational opportunities for military and first responder families. Some whiskey releases are about innovation, others about tradition. The newest expression from Old Elk Distillery brings both together with something even more meaningful: a commitment to honoring the families of America's military heroes and first responders. Middle West Spirits, one of North America's largest independently owned distilleries, has announced the nationwide launch of Old Elk Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey, a new release developed in support of the nonprofit organization Folds of Honor. Founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot and PGA professional, Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Since its founding, the organization has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships totaling ap...

  There's something about fall that invites us to slow down, gather with friends, and embrace the flavors of the season. Crisp apples, warming cinnamon, rich caramel, and, of course, pumpkin spice have become synonymous with autumn. While pumpkin spice lattes may get most of the attention, the season's signature flavors have found an equally delicious home behind the bar. This fall, we're looking beyond the coffee shop and exploring five creative cocktails that bring a little sophistication, warmth, and seasonal personality to the glass. From an indulgent espresso martini to a bourbon cocktail finished with toasted marshmallow, these recipes showcase how premium spirits can transform familiar fall flavors into something worth celebrating. Whether you're hosting a Halloween gathering, planning a Thanksgiving celebration, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these five cocktails offer plenty of inspiration for your autumn entertaining. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Ma...

  Introducing the Drink The Bottles 2026 Holiday Gift Guide: Exceptional Gifts, Unforgettable Experiences The season of giving deserves something extraordinary. The holidays have a way of bringing people together. A beautifully set table, a remarkable bottle shared among friends, and the excitement of finding that perfect gift are among the moments that make the season memorable. At Drink The Bottles, we believe the best gifts do more than impress. They tell a story, celebrate craftsmanship, and create experiences worth remembering. With that spirit in mind, we're thrilled to introduce the Drink The Bottles 2026 Holiday Gift Guide, our curated celebration of exceptional wines, distinguished spirits, and thoughtfully selected lifestyle gifts. A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Discovery This year's guide brings together an impressive collection of products from established names, independent producers, innovative distilleries, and exceptional wineries. From beautifully aged whis...

  An exclusive virtual tasting with Master Distiller Chris Fletcher reveals the craftsmanship, patience, and remarkable character behind Jack Daniel’s latest Single Barrel Special Release. There are certain whiskey releases that command your attention before the first sip. Then there are those rare expressions that completely redefine your expectations of a distillery. The newly released Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Coy Hill Rye belongs firmly in the latter category. Ahead of its October 20, 2026, debut, Drink The Bottles had the privilege of participating in a virtual tasting with Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. The experience offered a fascinating look into the whiskey-making philosophy, production techniques, and distinctive maturation conditions responsible for this extraordinary limited release. And after spending time with our 133.1-proof sample, we can confidently say this: Coy Hill Rye may very well be the finest Jack Daniel’s whiskey we have ...

  Silverthorn Reserve 13-Year-Old Single Barrel Rye: Thirteen Years in the Making An exceptionally limited collection of Indiana straight rye whiskey proves that patience, individuality, and a carefully chosen barrel can make quite an impression. Some whiskeys are designed for the everyday pour. Others deserve a little more attention. Silverthorn Reserve 13-Year-Old Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey falls decidedly into the latter category. Thirteen years in the barrel is an impressive commitment, particularly for rye whiskey. But age alone isn't what makes this release interesting. Silverthorn Reserve has assembled a collection of just ten individually selected barrels, each chosen for its ability to stand on its own merits. No blending to create a uniform house profile. No effort to make one barrel taste exactly like the next. Instead, the collection celebrates the subtle differences that make single-barrel whiskey such an engaging experience. And with only ten barrels in the en...

  Tequila usually gets its biggest moment in the summer, and we gave the category plenty of attention when National Tequila Day rolled around in July. We could have easily left it there for the year. Then Marcado 28 showed up. This tequila is sexy. It's edgy, a little rebellious and unlike anything else currently sitting on our bar. The bottles alone practically demand attention, but what really convinced us that Marcado 28 deserved its own story was discovering just how much substance exists behind all that swagger. There is family history here, generations of tequila-making tradition, loss and remembrance, tattoo culture, Mexican symbolism and, most importantly, some seriously good tequila. So yes, we're talking about tequila again—and Marcado 28 gave us plenty of reasons to do it. At first glance, Marcado 28 seems impossible to separate from its artwork. The bottles are bold, intricately illustrated and unapologetically tattoo-inspired—the kind you set on a bar and immediate...