It’s nearly that time of the year again. The leaves are starting to turn and sweater weather is just around the corner. For most of us, preparations are being made for a journey back home to feast on dry turkey with dry relatives (and avoid talking about politics, religion, or current events).

But let’s not focus on the love/hate relationship many of us have with Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Instead, let’s rejoice in the treasure hunt that is Black Friday bourbon promotions! 

Sure, Black Friday represents commercial consumerism gone wild. As soon as it is brought up, visions of “adults” jawing, wrestling, and stampeding over one another come to mind. 

What shoppers won’t do to save a couple of bucks has become a very short list indeed. But you’re smarter than that. You can find Black Friday bourbon online from the comfort of your own smart device or laptop.

When whiskey-acquisition syndrome sets in for that, you can’t afford to wait until a Black Friday Whiskey sale once a year to pick up a legendary bottling. Finding those ultra-rare crown jewels in our collection requires searching high and low 24/7 365.

In many ways, Black Friday offers a bit of respite for whiskey enthusiasts. It’s the one day we can relax and stop chasing the rainbow and instead look for “drink now” Black Friday whiskey deals. 

In preparation for this article, we’ve scoured our inventory for the best Black Friday bourbons and come up with a list of “buy now” whiskeys for the upcoming Black Friday.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky is owned and operated by Sazerac. First built in 1792, it has been putting out easy drinkers like its namesake ever since. The distillery also oversees the production of premium bourbon brands such as Blanton’s Bourbon.

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is aged 6 to 8 years in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace and bottled at 93 proof. Original Single Barrel is the world’s first single-barrel bourbon. Citrus, oak, creamy vanilla, and butterscotch ensure this whiskey is a crowd-pleaser every time. 

As a premium flagship bourbon, this one won't be on sale very often. During Black Friday bourbon sales, it’s worth nabbing this or the Gold Edition (103 proof)- better yet, get a bottle of each!

While we're still in the sea of Sazerac-owned brands, it’s time for the next stop on our journey, Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon. Named after a whisky visionary who helped promote the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, this small-batch bourbon is worthy of the Colonel himself. 

Every batch of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bourbon is blended from hand-selected casks to create its distinctive character. The Colonel is bottled in bond at 100 proof and features hints of salted caramel, butterscotch, and orange zest–perfect for the holiday season!

Stitzel-Weller is famous for its W.L. Weller brand of wheated bourbon whiskey. Today the W.L. portfolio is produced at none other than the Buffalo Trace Distillery-we promise, this isn’t a paid advertisement for the Sazerac Company!

Topping off our triumvirate of Buffalo Trace distillates is W.L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon. Each bottle contains whiskey aged for around seven years. This bourbon also features an identical mash bill to the vaunted Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year and it is bottled at 107 proof. 

Weller Antique is a punchy, oily bourbon with lashings of cinnamon, dark fruits, and molasses. It is sure to help you stay warm well into the winter!

Booker’s Small Batch Bourbon traces its origins to a distilling legend, Booker Noe. As a long-time innovator and blender for Jim Beam, Booker would hand bottle bourbon straight from his favorite barrels. 

The lucky few who got to try these initial offerings were friends and family. Everyone was blown away by how damn good Booker’s bourbon was, that the brand decided to put out 1,000 cases per year (1988). Initially impossible to find, Booker’s Small Batch Straight Bourbon is here to suit all of your cask-strength needs.

This whiskey is no joke! Its aggressive character is carefully concocted to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing–non-chill filtered and bottled between 121-130 proof! 

It’s a great way to make sure even grandma is full of holiday cheer this season.

Heaven Hill first released Larceny in 2012 as a tribute to John E. Fitzgerald and much revered Old Fitz bourbon. That 150-year-old brand has deep ties to Pappy. The distillery was sold to Julian P. Van Winkle during Prohibition!

Larceny Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon features 20% wheat in the grist to provide a softness you won’t find in bourbons that contain rye malt. Every batch comes from carefully selected barrels aged 6 to 8 years. This dram packs cinnamon, nutmeg, hazelnut, and maple syrup–all at a deceiving 122-130 proof. 

It’s this whiskey that commits larceny as it steals your time and begs you for another pour!

Elijah Craig’s Small Batch bourbon may be non-vintage (NV) but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth snapping it up next Black Friday. Each Small Batch Barrel Proof release is made up of uncut 12 year old bourbon. 

This Heaven Hill brand packs in a fair amount of Rye dryness and spice. Expect baking spikes like caramel and cocoa to be balanced against anise, mint, and herbal character. Each batch of barrel proof sits at around 65%. A heavy hitter, this whisky is meant to be drunk neat but you do you–it’s the holidays after all!

In addition to collecting, many of us need whiskies that are meant to be drunk. Eagle Rare was first introduced in 1975 as a small-batch bourbon. Now part of the Buffalo Trace/ Sazerac family–again, not a paid ad!--the 10 year old has become a regular for many whisky lovers.

Eagle Rare 10 Year old has won several awards including a double gold at the San Francisco Spirit Awards and features notes of toffee, orange peel, basil, oak, and chocolate. 

Pick up multiple bottles with a hefty Black Friday discount and you’ll be sippin’ the good stuff long after the holiday season has passed. 

The formerly-loved Old Forester 90 Proof died so that Old Forester Single Barrel Strenght Bourbon could rise from the ashes. And forget what you know about the 90, this new and improved version is surely here to stay!

Hailing from the Brown-Forman Shively Distillery this bourbon features 18% rye and is a no-age-statement (NAS) release. 

Old Forester has had its share of ups and downs when it comes to single barrel releases but this enhanced release delivers. Its heavy aromatics of spice, black cherries, and oak vanillins make it a perfect sipper for the holiday season. 

Don’t worry, when you pour yourself another dram at the dinner table we won’t mention that it’s bottled at 130 to 135 proof. 

Many of us who travel or aren’t US-based know all about Knob Creek. When you are out in the whiskey wilderness, spotting that stubby rectangular bottle is like finding mana from heaven. However, the limited Knob Creek 15 year Old Bourbon is so much more than an oasis contained in glass. 

Knob Creek 15 year old Kentucky Bourbon is one of only four bourbons annually released in Jim Beam’s Small Batch Bourbon Collection (originally created by Booker Noe). We think this Knob Creek Bourbon would make Booker proud. Expect a toasty, oaky amber dram that finishes with honey, caramel, and a touch of leather. 

Grab yourself one or several bottles of this bourbon and you will be stocked up on Black Friday cheer for days. 

Founded in 1936, there are few American distillers with as rich and storied a history as the Willet Distillery. Most of their whiskies are difficult to find and require a level of spending that demonstrates your hobby has become a full-blown obsession.

Luckily, Willet Pot Still Reserve is an ongoing release that is both delicious and relatively easy to find. In fact, a 750ml bottle will only set you back about $60. 

However, sharing is caring. The good news is that you can pick up a stunning 1.75lt bottle this Black Friday. Shaped like a copper pot still, the bottle alone will impress your family and friends–wait until you open it up and pour everyone a glass of holiday cheer.

What would you buy if a bourbon time machine existed? Anyone who's collected bourbon over the years will know that prices aren't what they used to be. For many new bourbon enthusiasts, the landscape is completely different to the one experienced by collectors 10 years ago. With bottles in greater demand than ever, 10 years ago you'd frequently find bottles at a fraction of the cost they are now. I often ask friends and fellow whiskyphiles the question: what is one bottle you would buy if a bourbon time machine existed? Let's set the scene, you're allowed to go back a decade to 2012 with the knowledge you have now and bring back 1 bottle with you, but only one...

What would you choose? What is the one unicorn you've been searching for over the years that you've never found, that you might've found way back when? There are countless options to choose from, but here are a few of our favorites, why you might pick them, and how they've changed over the years.

2012 Price: $24

2022 Price: $193

A fantastic 107-proof wheated whiskey that has experience a bit of a facelift since 2012, the Weller Antique 107 is a fantastic sipper whose average price has increased around 800% in the last 10 years. Sure, a good bourbon and a decent choice - but not the number 1 time machine whiskey if you had a large enough selection to choose from.

2012 Price: $51

2022 Price: $192

The world's first single-barrel is one of the best pound-for-pound whiskeys ever produced in Kentucky, and with astronomical increases in demand and an outrageously short supply, Blanton's Original has become a highly-sought after commodity. While its value has risen steeply over the past decade, it's not quite the unicorn that warrants time travel based hunting.

2012 Price: $54

2022 Price: $397

The Stagg Jr. silo has sadly been discontinued, replaced by a new slightly more senior iteration 'Stagg' following 2022's Batch 17. As such, this fearsome, fiery barrel proof will never be seen again under the Jr. moniker, which explains the rise in its value over the last decade (up 735%).

2012 Price: $74

2022 Price: $2,590

Now we're talking... if there ever was a bourbon to go back in time 10 years for, this would be it, or any of the BTAC Collection really! With surging growth in bourbon enthusiast numbers over the last few years, in 2022 it's near impossible to get your hands on a bottle of Eagle Rare 17. That's the problem with short supplies and high demand!

2012 Price: $368

2022 Price: $7,052

For many collectors, this is the pinnacle of bourbon whiskey. Pappy van Winkle's 23 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey represents the height of bourbon collecting, and thanks to iconic status as one of the finest whiskeys ever produced, it's a bona fide needle in a haystack. Back in 2012, however, it was much easier to come by, and a far more approachable price point. This would be the first pick for the majority of collectors stepping out of that time machine.

2012 Price: $75

2022 Price: $12,615

If you get in a time machine and can bring a bourbon back with you, this is what you pick. There's no argument here, just pick it up, take it with you and enjoy - either by enjoying one of the most iconic one-off release whiskeys in the history of spirit-making, or by enjoying around 12.5k in profits. It's a win-win.

Well that's my rationale for a few bourbons that I'd be on the lookout for given the chance. What would you pick if you could go back in time and bring 1 bourbon back with you?

*All statistics source from wine-search.com historical data based on avg. price since 2012.

American whiskey has been on a progressive ride over the past two to three decades. Old stalwarts like Pappy Van Winkle and Heaven Hill have enhanced their portfolios while focusing on traditional techniques and products. But it is free-thinking innovators like Jefferson’s Bourbon that are paving the way for modern whisky makers.

The Kentucky company was built with one eye on history and one eye on the future. If you think aging whiskey on boats at sea sounds interesting you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s take a closer look at Jefferson’s Bourbon and its Ocean Aged at Sea whiskey series.

Jefferson’s Bourbon is a collaboration between father and son, Trey Zoeller and Chet Zoeller (a well-known bourbon historian). The Louisville-based company was founded in 1997 as McClain & Kyne–a reference to an 8th-generation grandmother who was arrested in 1799 for moonshining.

With native Kentucky roots and a family history of distilling, Trey Zoeller set out to bring new ideas to the whiskey world. From the beginning, the aim was to buy whiskey from well-established producers and put it through their proprietary aging and blending processes. 

Their early releases included Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Bourbon which is a blend of up to 4 hand-selected whiskies. In 2005, the company was purchased by Castle Brands. 

The acquisition would elevate Jefferson's Bourbon, with Castle purchasing a minority stake in the Copperhead Distillery Company giving them access to the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Today the brand blends a portion of its own whiskey into many of its products. 

Trey and his team have come up with plenty of unique and interesting techniques for finishing, aging, and blending whiskey. Some might be so strange that they didn’t work out or still need polishing.

What has worked out is Trey’s innovative idea to age whisky on ships while at sea.

Anidea popped into Trey’s head while on his friend’s research ship. He was staring at Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon while it rocked back and forth gently in the bottle. A lightbulb came on–what would happen if he were to place whisky barrels on the same ship? 

Trey found the perfect partner in OCEARCH, a global non-profit that monitors the health of our oceans by tracking sharks. Soon after, a handful of barrels were stashed aboard the organization’s mobile laboratory ship.

Jefferson’s Bourbon then spent three years circumnavigating the globe. Finally, it was time to discover the fruits of their labor. Zoeller stated, “I had no idea what it would taste like.” 

All that time the barrels spent bobbing up and down had done something magnificent to the liquid they contained. It was “black, almost syrupy” and packed with caramelized sugar–this would need to be repeated!

Now a regular release, Jefferson’s Ocean represents very unique and rare whiskies. While the process has been refined over time, each voyage has its own journey and character. 

Currently, 26 voyages have been completed. New ideas like the Special Wheated Mash Bill are introduced occasionally.

This one is classic. Now the bourbon spends roughly 5-10 months at sea instead of three years. According to Zoeller, they still cross the equator at least 4 times and visit over 30 ports on a typical journey. 

Jefferson’s Bourbon is first aged 6-7 years in the wood. Next, the barrels are stored in a shipping container with air vents. They are placed on the top deck of the ship where they are subjected to great temperature fluctuations and constant movement. 

Both of these things help to speed up the whiskey's contact with the wood and exchange with ambient air. That’s a lot of Newtonian physics to subject such a beloved spirit to, but is it worth it? 

After cracking open a  bottle, we end up with a smokey, toasty, and dark-gold whiskey that has a hint of salty sea air. Brown sugar and cinnamon and espresso help to complete a smooth and easy drinking experience.

For the most recent voyage (26), Jefferson’s opted to give some of its Rye whiskey a turn at sea. Procured Canadian rye was aged for at least 4 years before setting off on its maritime journey. The whiskey initially spent time in medium (#3) charred barrels before being split into toasted new oak barrels. 

Like Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon, the rye then spent time meandering the earth while hyper-aging. The Ocean Rye really showcases the double barreling with toasty and maple syrup aromas. 

After taking a sip, you will notice a moderate amount of rye spice, seasoned oak, and ginger. You might feel taken back to an evening campfire as you are treated to notes of toasted marshmallows and salted caramel. 

Whatever happened at sea stays at sea, but it should definitely happen again!

On rare occasions, Jefferson’s take their already limited whiskey and bottle it at cask strength. When bottled at 112 proof, a completely new distilled beast is unleashed on the drinker.

Of course, every voyage has its own story to tell. But you can expect everything from Jefferson’s Ocean to be turned up to 11. This whiskey brings oak, vanilla, and other baking spices to the forefront. As it opens up you can pick up citrus, orange peel, burnt sugar, and caramel. 

In some ways, it’s almost like some rye is blended in there–very tasty and well worth grabbing if you spot it. 

Some of the most sought-after whiskies feature a wheated mash bill. So of course, Zoeller and his team thought, why not ferry some wheated bourbon around the globe?

The wheated mash lightens up Jefferson’s Ocean letting the toasty wood character and sea salt really shine through. Compared to the others, Ocean Wheated gives one a journey reminiscent of a calm bay.   

We would be remiss if we didn’t briefly touch upon some of the other unusual and rare libations being released by the Kentucky brand. 

After spending some time at a wine cooperage in Missouri, Trey was inspired to combine different treating processes with Jefferson’s Bourbon. These new woods had been more heavily toasted, seared, or even “slow cooked.”

They took 4-year-old bourbon, spit the lot, and tested them in 13 different vessel/environment combinations. You can pick up a mixed box that contains 5 of these experiments that will broaden your whiskey horizons.

Jefferson’s Presidential Select is about as premium and rare as it gets. Well-aged straight bourbon is hard to find, and the Presidential Select Year Old sits at the apex of this “Ridiculously Small Batch” series. 

Jefferson’s Presidential Select 30 was released back in late 2013 but there are still bottles to be found. It will be the crowning jewel of your collection. Should you crack it open, you will be greeted by a rich, dark whisky full of vanilla, butterscotch, and a mixed berry finish. The 30-year-old comes bottled at 90.4 proof. 

Unless you’ve never been inside an Irish pub, chances are you are at least familiar with Jameson Irish Whiskey. The famous Whiskey has spread to the four corners of the globe. It is popular with budget drinkers, cocktail lovers, and drinks connoisseurs everywhere. 

In fact, Jameson whiskey is as ubiquitous today as nearly any other spirits brand. It is an Irish icon and a gateway to the world of triple-distilled Irish whiskey blends. The brand is also progressive putting out non-traditional whiskies such as Jameson Caskmates, Jameson Cold Brew, and Jameson Black Barrel. 

Jameson Irish Whiskey has been around for well over two centuries, so what makes this whiskey such an international success?

Originally from Alloa in Scotland, John Jameson founded his distillery in Dublin in 1780. After a successful beginning, John Jameson II would take over from his father in 1805. Within a few decades, the Jameson family would become synonymous with Irish Whiskey being sold all over the world. 

By the beginning of the 19th century, Jameson was the second largest producer of whiskey in Ireland. Like all Irish producers at the time, Jameson was making their triple-distilled spirits via single-pot stills. When the Scottish producers switched to column stills, Irish producers like Jameson could no longer keep up with consumer demand. 

In 1966, the company would merge with Cork Distillers and John Powers to form the Irish Distillers Group. A decade later would see the closure of the Bow Street and John’s Lane distilleries as the entire portfolio was being shifted to the New Midleton Distillery just outside of Cork. 

New Midleton now distils whiskey for many big Irish brands including Jameson, Midleton, Powers, Redbreast, and Paddy. The original distillery on Bow Street has since seen several renovations and serves as a museum and award-winning whisky experience. The facility is also used as a finishing space for some of Jameson’s rarest libations. 

As one can infer from the introduction, living under a rock or having been in a century-long coma are about the only valid reasons for being ignorant of this ubiquitous liquid gold. However, just because Jameson Irish Whiskey is relatively affordable and easy to find, it doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of your tumbler–just ask the man himself, Jim Murray, who awarded this whiskey a 95 in his

Jameson Irish Whiskey is triple distilled with pot stills and blended with grain whiskey. The distillate is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of four years. Bottled at 40% ABV, this flagship offering showcases the smoothness and easy, neutral character resultant of Jameson’s production process. It’s floral, grainy, smooth, and balanced with a pot still sharpness that gives it a lager-like crisp finish. Have it neat, on the rocks, or with your favorite cola or ginger ale.

Did someone mention beer? Despite being steeped in tradition and centuries of longevity, Jameson Caskmates demonstrates the company’s ability to evolve and innovate. As the distillery says, Caskmates is a project “for the beer lovers”--keeping in line with the current trends of craft beer. 

For hopheads, there is the IPA Edition which combines the smooth and fruity crispness of an IPA with Jameson Whiskey. For Guinness Lovers, the Stout Edition is sure to please; the brand's signature spirit has been aged in stout-seasoned barrels that add notes of cocoa, butterscotch, and milk chocolate. 

The Caskmates line is always evolving. Expect to see more collaborations with Irish craft breweries such as a pair of Jameson Crested releases put out in conjunction with Eight Degrees based in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. 

The Irish Whiskey giant marries their triple distilled whiskey with double-charred barrels to produce Jameson Black Barrel. The double-charing brings new life to aging oak casks and adds a rich character that will endear barrel lovers everywhere. Expect a clean whiskey that is packed with toastiness, baking spices, and vanillas. 

According to the distillery, it’s the perfect base for an Old Fashioned but we also like to have it neat or on the rocks. It’s a great everyday drinker to have around in your favorite relaxing or hosting spaces.

Part of Jameson’s Whiskey Makers Series, Cooper’s Croze is a tribute to the company’s Head Cooper, Ger Buckley. Naturally, as a cooper, Ger wanted to highlight the effects and importance of wood when working with whiskey. 

Cooper’s Croze is a tapestry woven from virgin oak, bourbon barrels, and sherry casks. When you have a dram of this spirit you are rewarded with thick layers of spice, fruit, vanilla, and other baking spices. 

Other releases from the Whiskey Makers Series include Distiller’s Safe and Blender’s Dog. It’s worth the effort to get your hands on all three and complete your Jameson Whiskey collection.

Any whiskey that’s been aged 18 years will be intriguing to most of us. Jameson Limited Reserve is a blend of rare pot still and grain whiskeys. It is crafted from specially selected casks by the Master Blender, chill filtered, and bottled at an ABV of 40%.

This 18 year old Jameson Whiskey matured in fine oak before spending at least 6 months in fresh American oak barrels before bottling. This limited treat is busting with woody and spicy aromas. 

The aging and blending process all add up to a complex palate- flavors of toffee, vanilla, spice, banana, and sherry take you on a luxurious ride. A drying, spicy finish lingers and begs you to drink more. 

While pouring yourself a dram of the Limited Reserve is an occasion in itself, Bow Street 18 Year Old is the next level on the Jameson ladder. As we mentioned earlier, the original distillery functions as more than just a museum and whisky tasting experience. 

It is at Bow Street where this carefully selected Irish whiskey is married and finished in wood. The first thing any whiskey lover will notice is that this rarity weighs in at 55.3% ABV. Jameson Whiskey might be triple distilled, but this dram packs a severe punch!

As soon as you pour the whiskey, your nose is hit with floral, lemon, raisin, apple, and many other aromas. On the first sip, a full oily mouthfeel carries in rich flavors of freshly baked apple pie, cinnamon, and clove spice. Brown sugar and oak sweetness follow–you know you are drinking something rare and special. 

The New Midleton Distillery isn’t averse to putting out the occasional, uber-limited one-off. The Jameson 2007 Rarest Vintage represents the best of what the distillery can offer. It’s a unique blend of some of the producer’s oldest (some over 20 years old) and rarest whiskies. 

What makes the 2007 Jameson Whiskey extra special is a blend of pot still distillate that was aged in a port pipe. The port character shines through layers of banana, melon, nectarine, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. At 46% ABV, this Irish Whiskey goes down far too smooth. 

Good luck finding one of these in the wild–if you do, it will fit nicely in your collection! Or if you’re like us, buy at least two so that you can drink one!

Written by Kendon Carrera

It's that time of the year, the halfway point of 2022 has been and gone, so let's take a look back at our favorite whiskey releases of the calendar year (so far). Limited releases, eye-wateringly rare allocations and a mix of general, widely available whiskeys, these are the best whiskeys of 2022, featuring a curated list of bourbons and ryes that we've enjoyed in what has been an already unforgettable year in whiskey.

10. Blackened Rye The Lightning

The hotly anticipated follow-up to Blackened's first foray into Rye, the critically acclaimed Willett Master of Whiskey collaboration, the new limited edition Rye the Lightning is a serious 90-proof spice bomb. Exposed to the same unique sonic enhancement process, whereby barrels are exposed to Metallica at a low frequency, Rye the Lightning is expertly finished in Madeira and Rum casks, and represents a unique and innovative piece of whiskey-making. Expect a rye-forward tasting experience with complementary spice and sweetness, with a not-so-distant 'bourbon feel' that brings vanilla and a silky smooth mouthfeel to the affair.

9. Angel's Envy Ice Cider Cask Finish Rye

Another formidable limited edition release from powerhouse Angel's Envy, the Ice Cider Cask Finish Straight Rye is a unique and innovative Rye Whiskey bottled at 107 proof. The unusual French oak ice cider cask finish used in the final stage of Angel's Envy Rye Finished in Ice Cider Casks comes from an extremely limited release crafted by Eden Specialty Ciders. Their tart, late-season Northern spy apples were pressed in 2018, concentrated in the depth of Vermont's winter, and fermented to perfectly balance the robust autumn spice character of this special heirloom variety. A truly remarkable feat of whiskey engineering and one that is sure to be a collectible in years to come.

8. Blood Oath Pact No. 8

The latest release from Kentucky's Blood Oath, Pact No. 8 is a blend of three exceptional and complementary bourbons, expertly finished in unique Calvados Casks from Normandy, France and limited to just 51,000 bottles worldwide. Combining a 14-year, 11-year and 8-year old rye bourbon, Pact No. 8 is a complex 98.6 proof whiskey that challenges conventional bourbon with its use of the unfamiliar Calvados French Oak cask (used in the production of apple and pear brandy), exaggerating notes of apple, vanilla, and cinnamon. A remarkably unique bourbon whiskey that's deep amber in color, rich with aromatic stone fruits, butterscotch and the tartness of ripe apples, Pact 8 is one of the most interesting releases from Blood Oath and a must-try for fans of the brand.

7. Red Line Toasted Barrel Finish

One of the most exciting up and coming bourbon producers, hailing from humble Indiana, Red Line is a force to be reckoned with. The Toasted Barrel is an extremely limited bourbon bottled at 114 proof, and represents an exceptional statement of considered and calculated whiskey craftsmanship. Taking the Red Line Cask Strength Straight Bourbon and ageing this whiskey in toasted new oak barrels, each bottle is carefully hand selected and made to exacting quality standards, which is why batch T2's total yield is limited to very few bottles. Sweet, smooth and with a cask-strength bite, this highly limited edition toasted barrel is an ideal single-barrel bourbon for connoisseurs of refined and robust whiskey.

6. Penelope Architect (Build 1)

A unique and balanced French Oak Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the Penelope Architect is aptly named, a considered and well measured end-product that makes use of two styles of distinct French oak stave finishing. The Architect is a robust and remarkably full-bodied whiskey, that expertly balances the textures and tones of French oak with waves of subtle sweetness - so as to not overpower and undo the bourbon's character. Composed of a 4-grain undisclosed mash bill, aged a minimum of 4 years and finished to a barrel strength of 104 proof, this April 2022 release is a fantastic and fresh iteration from Penelope in collaboration with Tonnellerie Radoux of France. 

5. Jack Daniel's Bonded

Bottled in bond. Smooth 100 Proof. The new permanent fixture in Jack Daniel's award winning collection. Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey is an outstanding bottled-in-bond sour-mash whiskey; and another fine expression that adds depth to the critically acclaimed distiller's range. Distilled in one season, matured for over four years at a single facility, and clocking in at 100 proof - Jack Daniel's Bonded is a statement of patience and quality excellence, brimming with layers of caramel, rich oak and subtle spice, culminating in one of the most well-rounded, flavorsome Tennessee whiskeys produced by JD.

4. Wild Turkey Master's Keep ONE

A one-of-a-kind whiskey, the Wild Turkey Master's Keep ONE Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the latest instalment in Wild Turkey's acclaimed Master's Keep Collection. Rated the 10th best whiskey of 2021 by none other than the Whisky Advocate, the Master's Keep ONE is an expertly crafted and artistically inspired blend of bourbons aged between 9 and 14 years, with an additional maturation in toasted and charred oak barrels. The result is a strong amber spirit, layered with sweet honey, subtle spice and faint herbal notes, before giving way to rich, milky coffee, faint oak, vanilla and caramelized nutmeg, culminating in a long, toasted finish.

3. Woodford Master's Collection Five Malt

Released in late 2021, this one just sneaks in to the 2022 list because we like it so much. Woodford Reserve's Five Malt Stouted Mash is the product of master distiller Chris Morris' innovative approach to whiskeymaking, and the 17th iteration of Woodford Reserve's Master’s Collection series. The Five Malt combines hoppy stout beer notes with the refined decadence of a classic malt whiskey, and is composed of 5 different styles of malt, notably; standard distillers malt, wheat malt, dark roasted pale chocolate malt, dark roasted carafe 1 malt, and dark roasted kiln coffee malt - finished to 45.2% ABV or 90.4 proof and available in remarkably limited quantities. A must-try.

2. Blanton's Honey Barrel Finish

The first-ever barrel finished Blanton's release, the 'Honey Barrel' is a ridiculously rare release, believed to be limited to just 5 barrels and reserved exclusively for the Polish retail market, Blanton's 2021 'Honey Barrel' Poland Edition Single Barrel Bourbon is possibly the most coveted and collectible single barrel bourbon in the world. Never before has Blanton's released a 'finished' spirit, with its variations always previously based on age and proof. The 2021 Poland Honey Barrel Blanton's has broken this mould, beset with a remarkably sweet, honey-inspired profile and a lush, viscous mouthfeel. A stunning collector's item and a bottle deserving of a place on any connoisseur's top shelf, Blanton's Honey Barrel 2021 Poland Edition is a must-have for bourbon whiskey collectors the world over.

1. Blue Run Spirits High Rye

Blue Run Spirits, just a marketing powerhouse or perhaps a phenomenal whiskey distiller? If you're basing your answer on Blue Run High Rye Whiskey, then it’s the latter. Blue Run may be one of the best producers of bourbon and rye whiskey anywhere in America, winning countless awards and acclaim for its limited-edition, expertly crafted spirits. The Blue Run High Rye is no different, a considered small-batch rye that offers peaks and troughs that range between sticky caramel and baking spice, to toasted oak, stone fruits and black pepper. Bottled at 111 proof, this punchy and peppery rye is another highly collectible release from Blue Run that is surely set to increase in value and an absolute must buy for fans of excellent whiskey.

So there you have it, our top 10 favorite whiskeys from 2022? What'd you think? Agree? Disagree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

And if you didn't catch it the last time, why not take a quick glance at our list of the most anticipated whiskeys of 2022!

Rye whiskey is indeed a by-product of the North American spirit. It’s rugged, massive, and beautifully aggressive. Like many things in history, the story of rye whiskey is one of peaks and valleys. Newcomers like WhistlePig Rye represent a progressive evolution of this most-beloved distillate. The distillery is putting out bottlings that rival legends like Booker’s Big Time 13 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey 

American whiskey is steeped in history and tradition. But sometimes, we need someone to come along who thinks out-of-the-box. And there may be nothing as American as the entrepreneurial spirit. 

When Raj Bhakta founded WhistlePig in 2007, he likely didn’t envision just how pioneering his new venture would become. Based in Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig initially began by procuring rescued rye stock from “misuse as a blending whiskey.”

Master Distiller Dave Pickerell would guide this Canadian stock every step of the way. It would be aged in American Oak with a bourbon barrel finish. The combination of skill, well-aged Rye, and unique oak would produce an early flourish of successful releases.

It wasn’t until 2015 that the company acquired its copper pot stills. They currently distil seven days a week and offer a hybrid portfolio based on their own stock and acquired stock.

Bhakta first heard the name “whistle pig” while hiking in Colorado in reference to a groundhog. He liked the name and logged it away for a future opportunity.

When WhistlePig Whiskey was founded, it involved the purchase of a Vermont farm sprawling over 500 acres. The farm is at least 150 years old and includes maple trees, rye, corn, barley, and oak trees. Livestock can be found throughout the property including sheep, goats, horses, and bees. 

As a tradition, two Kunekune pigs have lived on the farm since its inception. The first generation, which has passed on, was Mortimer and Mauve. In essence, the pig had come full circle and WhistlePig distillery was born. 

Let’s just say the branding is pro-pig.

From day one, Whistlepig has been committed to “protect what makes Rye Whiskey great, toss out the rest, and then innovate to make it better.”

Following that mission statement, here are some of the best WhistlePig Whiskey offerings.

We couldn’t make this list without mentioning the whiskey that started things off with a bang. This small-batch rye is a blend of straight rye aged 10 years and weighs in at 100 proof. WhistlePig 10 represents everything that Dave Pickerell stood for as a distiller. It’s a full-on but stupidly drinkable Whistlpig Rye Whiskey.

Expect orange, clove, mint, vanilla, barrel char, caramel, and all of the classic characteristics of good rye. While on the rare side, this WhistlePig Rye can be found (375ml and 750ml) at prices that make it better for drinking than hanging onto. It’s a great way to get acquainted with what WhistlePig whiskey has to offer.

When WhistlePig Rye was first conceived, it was always the aim to produce its own distillate. Farmstock Rye is the culmination and embodiment of a dream achieved. This rye was the first release in the Farmstock series and is referred to as the “quintessential Triple Terroir Whiskey.”

This WhistlePig triptych is crafted from the distillery’s own grain, well water, and locally sourced Vermont Oak barrels. The company has its hand in every single component of the whiskey-making process. There really isn’t anyone else doing something like this. 

It’s an 86-proof dram that provides a gentle rye experience bursting with vanilla, roasted chestnuts, and baking spices. Farmstock Rye does consist of a blend of Vermont and acquired older rye. 

However, occasionally the distillery bottles Farmstock Beyond Bonded, which is 100% WhistlePig's own distillate. This rarer cousin of Farmstock rye turns everything up to 11 at 100 proof.

Double Malt is the oldest offering you can find from WhistlePig Whiskey. Remember, the distillery only began producing its own spirit in 2015 – we’re a long way off a Farmstock 18 year old. For collectors and drinkers alike, we don’t really care where the original distillate comes from; we only care about what ends up in our glass! 

Double Malt is a reference to two components of this premium whiskey. The first refers to the historical technique farmers used in malting part of the mash bill to kick off fermentation. 

The second association is to what may seem more obvious, Rye isn’t the only grain here to give your tastebuds a ride.  The mash includes 6% malted barley alongside 15% malted rye and 79% unmalted rye. 

The added barley makes a noticeable difference in that it adds rich, sweet, and toasted notes that linger just a bit longer than you would expect from big and bold rye whiskey. This dram possesses an elegant balance of spice, fruit, and floral notes. 

This WhistlePig Rye comes bottled at 92 proof and includes a made-in-Vermont glass topper. There are currently 3 editions available and new bottling is released annually.  It is a must-have for WhistlePig Whiskey fans and sure to be a lovely addition to any collection.

Now we’re getting into the real game-changers of American Rye (and arguably Canadian Rye). The Boss Hog represents the most unique and limited of WhistlePig’s releases. There are currently eight movements in this Vermont-made symphony. 

Each annual release is its own creation, but every WhistlePig Whiskey in the series shares a few things:

It will be unique.

The release will range from impossible to find to invisible to the naked eye.

The whisky will blow you away when you drink it.

The Boss Hog stems from WhistlePig’s experimental single-finish program where no concept is considered impossible. Over the years, some of these experiments have brought benefits to its core and yearly released whiskies. For example, WhistlePig’s Old World 12-Year Old Rye comes from the program and is finished in Old World wine casks. 

Each bottle comes with its own unique design and elegantly-crafted, bespoke pewter stopper. The OG release is named The Boss Hog I: The Spice Dancer. It is one of our favorites. You can read all about it in this blog post. 

We think that the Boss Hog WhistlePig Rye series deserves its own article–so watch this space. 

Here is a sneak preview of these  limited Whistle Pig treats::

- this WhistlePig Whiskey was created using a koji fermentation and finished in Japanese Umeshu–a sour plum wine.

after spending 17 years in American Oak it was double-finished in Spanish Oak and then South American teakwood.

- this WhistlePig Rye Whiskey is double finished in high toast, small-batch, single island Philippine rum casks. 

Written by Kendon Carrera.