Basil Hayden® Introduces New Cognac Cask Reserve, Expanding the Boundaries of Bourbon

This limited edition creatively finishes Basil Hayden’s signature bourbon in French Cognac casks, creating a unique bourbon experience with a worldly finish.

CLERMONT, KY – September, 2026 – Today, Basil Hayden, the Bourbon Born to Surprise, announced the introduction of a new limited-edition release: Basil Hayden® Cognac Cask Reserve.

What is Basil Hayden Cognac Cask Reserve?

• Basil Hayden Cognac Cask Reserve is a new, limited-edition bourbon that retains the brand’s signature high-rye mashbill and 80-proof bottling, while combining Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship with French cognac character, creating a beautifully balanced bourbon.
• Embodying the concept of “something familiar made new,” the spirit is finished in specially selected French oak casks that previously held Cognac exclusively for 20–25 years, bringing decades of Cognac character to Basil Hayden’s signature light, bright and approachable flavor profile while imparting layers of elegant complexity.
• The first expression in the Basil Hayden portfolio to reimagine the brand’s approachable high-rye profile as a passport to flavors from around the world.

What does Cognac Cask Reserve taste like, and how should it be enjoyed?

• The Cognac Cask finish reveals tasting notes of warm caramel sweetness and dried fruit, enriched by Basil Hayden’s signature subtle spice, vanilla and oak, adding depth and complexity to this limited release
• Best enjoyed neat, over ice or in sparkling bourbon cocktails like the signature Basil Hayden 75 or the Sparkling Bourbon Sidecar

“Basil Hayden Cognac Cask reflects our commitment to honoring the brand’s original bourbon while continuing to explore what’s possible within the category,” says Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. “This expression was thoughtfully crafted to deliver a distinctive yet approachable experience. French Cognac casks let us take our Basil Hayden signature profile that people know and love and put a twist on it, and we’re incredibly proud to share it with bourbon and cognac drinkers alike.”

Where can I purchase it?

Basil Hayden Cognac Cask Reserve is now available for purchase at exclusive retailers with an SRP of $49.99. To discover more about the release and news from Basil Hayden, visit basilhaydenbourbon.com and @BasilHayden on Instagram.

About Basil Hayden  

Created in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the original Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden was crafted to showcase a different side of bourbon. Booker set out to open people’s minds to what bourbon could be, using a high-rye mash bill to create a brighter, more approachable bourbon that challenged the category’s traditionally bold and intimidating expectations.

The Basil Hayden whiskey portfolio spans three distinct tiers – Versatility, Creativity and Rarity – designed to offer distinct whiskey experiences across a range of occasions and preferences. Across the portfolio, Basil Hayden continues to push the boundaries of American whiskey through distinctive mash bills, finishes, blends and age statements, inviting consumers to experience whiskey in new ways and occasions beyond the traditional bourbon moment. Core expressions include Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Basil Hayden Golden Rye Whiskey, Basil Hayden Toast, Basil Hayden Dark Rye and Basil Hayden 10-Year-Old Bourbon, alongside limited-edition releases that showcase the brand’s ongoing creativity and whiskey-making expertise.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society, and aims to have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Any lover of Single Malt Scotches is undoubtedly familiar with The Macallan, a Speyside stalwart that has been wielding its craft for over two centuries. Founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher, it was one of the first legally licensed distillers in Scotland and since then, has built an unassailable reputation for the consistently outstanding quality and distinctive character of their products which they define as “Mastery of Wood and Spirit”.

Among the key points of distinction in their operations is their use of “curiously small stills”, among the smallest in the region, which give their new make spirit maximum contact with the copper which, in turn, serves to concentrate it and provide the rich, fruity, full-bodied flavors characteristic of their offerings. They also maintain a long-standing tradition of maturing whisky in oak casks which are seasoned with sherry wine in Jerez De La Frontera, Spain. Those proprietary casks themselves are exceptional in that it takes over five years of craftmanship to create them.

Over generations and decades, the Macallan has built a portfolio of Classic Offerings and Limited Releases that their loyal fan base enthusiastically embrace, even with what can be lofty pricing. More recently, in 2021, they launched an innovative set of offerings branded the “Harmony Collection” in which they experiment with new and interesting flavor profiles not typically associated with their famous sherried malt. These intriguing creations not only expand taste horizons for Scotch lovers but also provide a relatively affordable on-ramp to The Macallan’s craftsmanship. We have selected three of our favorites from that collection and invite you to explore these innovative releases, along with other offerings from their portfolio highlighted below.

Cheers!

OUR CLUB PROGRAMS~ Here at D&M we are passionate about American Whiskey and  Single Malt Scotch, . To help make our passions a little easier on your (and our) pocketbook, we have come up with a number of different buying clubs. The purpose of these clubs is to explore these wonderful beverages, trying new things, and to save money. Click HERE to learn more about our club options.

THE MACALLAN HARMONY COLLECTION

Inspired by our deep-rooted connection to the natural world, The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited series that embraces the use of organic materials in its packaging.

Over the years, The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team have taken inspiration from our collaborations with world-renowned chefs, connoisseurs and artistic creators to create innovative whiskies which unveil unique flavour notes.

We have explored flavours including cacao, coffee and tea – now complemented by coconut in this Collection.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

Why Does This Whisky Taste Like That?

Distillation is more than concentrating alcohol. Still design, copper contact and spirit cuts all influence the character of the new make spirit and help define a distillery’s house style. This post explores how the shape of a still can help develop flavour, with tasting recommendations for Glenmorangie, The Macallan and The Dalmore.

📖 Read the Post

Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

ralfy review 1145 – Tormore single cask 15yo @54.8%vol:

Worth the weight

Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection celebrates four of Scotland’s most distinctive heavyweight spirits

Rare Find, the award-winning Edinburgh-based independent bottler, announces the launch of its latest Collection of single cask whiskies, bringing together four exceptional expressions from distilleries renowned for their rich, full-bodied spirit styles.

The Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection explores the relationship between spirit weight, texture and cask influence – showcasing how carefully chosen maturation can enhance the qualities that make each distillery distinctive. Some spirits are defined by lightness and elegance. Others are celebrated for their depth, texture and presence. This collection brings together four whiskies where weight is central to their identity: the waxy complexity of Clynelish, the muscular fruit character of Mortlach, the oily robustness of Ben Nevis and the unmistakable coastal power of Laphroaig.

The Rare Find team has used carefully considered cask maturation to enhance texture, amplify character and reveal new layers of complexity within each spirit. 1st fill oloroso sherry casks introduce richness, dried fruit and spice, strengthening the natural weight of these whiskies without overwhelming their individuality, whilst refill sherry maturation allows the underlying distillery character to remain firmly at the forefront.

The result is a collection that offers fresh perspectives on familiar distilleries – where every cask has been selected to elevate, not eclipse, the spirit within.

As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour and without chill filtration.

RARE FIND AUTUMN COLLECTION

Clynelish 8-Year-Old

Fully matured in a refill sherry hogshead

61.0% ABV | 305 bottles

Ben Nevis 12-Year-Old

Finished for 26 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

56.6% ABV | 167 bottles

Laphroaig 14-Year-Old

Finished for 15 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry hogshead from Bodegas Barbadillo

56.2% ABV | 217 bottles

Mortlach 16-Year-Old

Finished for 28 months in a 1st fill European oak oloroso sherry hogshead

54.6% ABV | 268 bottles

Speaking on the new collection, James Zorab for Rare Find, commented: ” These are four distilleries that naturally produce whiskies with weight, texture and unmistakable character, so our role was not to overpower those qualities, but to find casks that could further enhance them. From the gentle influence of refill sherry maturation through to the richness brought by first-fill oloroso, each cask has been selected because it complements what makes the spirit distinctive. Together, they represent what Rare Find is all about – discovering exceptional single casks and utilising thoughtful maturation to reveal new dimensions of already remarkable spirits.”

The Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection will be available via selected Rare Find stockists from 17th September 2026.

Rare Find Autumn 2026 Collection

About Rare Find

Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.

From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.

www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk

Bruichladdich 10 Year Old The Classic Laddie

£54.95 GBP

Bruichladdich 10 Year Old The Classic Laddie is the signature unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Bruichladdich, now presented with a 10 year old age statement. Nose Fresh barley, lemon zest, green apple, and wildflowers with hints of vanilla, honey, ripe pear, and gentle maritime freshness. Palate Silky and vibrant, revealing flavours of sweet malt, orchard fruits, citrus oils, vanilla cream, honey, and delicate floral notes. Finish Long and refreshing, with lingering barley sweetness, citrus, soft vanilla, orchard fruits, and subtle coastal character.

Bruichladdich 10 Year Old The Classic Laddie is the signature unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Bruichladdich, now presented with a 10 year old age statement. Designed as the definitive expression of the distillery’s character, The Classic Laddie 10 Aged Years showcases Bruichladdich’s distinctive floral, elegant, and fruit-forward house style, placing barley provenance and spirit character firmly at the heart of the whisky. Produced from 100% Scottish barley, sourced from mainland Scotland, Islay, and organically grown crops, this whisky celebrates Bruichladdich’s longstanding focus on provenance and transparency. The barley is unpeated, offering a striking contrast to the heavily peated whiskies more commonly associated with Islay. Carefully trickle distilled and matured for a minimum of 10 years, the result is a vibrant, textural single malt filled with fresh fruit, sweet cereals, citrus, and subtle maritime character. It is bottled non chill-filtered and without added colouring, preserving the whisky’s natural flavour and appearance.

• 10 year old unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky
• The age-stated evolution of Bruichladdich’s signature The Classic Laddie
• Produced using 100% Scottish barley
• Barley sourced from the Scottish mainland, Islay, and organically grown crops
• Unpeated malt showcases Bruichladdich’s floral and elegant house style
• Carefully trickle distilled for purity, texture, and complexity
• Non chill-filtered and colouring free
• A definitive expression of Bruichladdich’s focus on provenance, barley, and Islay maturation

The Bruichladdich 10 Year Old The Classic Laddie is a pure and expressive interpretation of modern Islay single malt, demonstrating that the island’s whisky character extends far beyond peat smoke. Floral, fruity, malty, and elegantly maritime, it is an outstanding introduction to Bruichladdich whisky and an essential choice for enthusiasts of unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky.

2026 RELEASES

HAZELBURN 10

46% ABV

NOSE Sweet and tropical on the nose, notes of baked pineapple, lemon sherbet, honeycomb and dried orange peel introduce this delicate dram.

PALATE Sweet and savoury notes come together on the palate, with notes of green apples complemented by a slight vegetal note. There is a creaminess present in notes of pastel de nata and custard creams.

FINISH There is a subtle earthiness in the finish, along with hints of salted caramel, ginger, toasted coconut and a mineral note.

UK RRP £55.50

New: Glengoyne 17 Year Old Scottish Oak

Slow, sustainable and seldom seen

All Glengoyne is distilled incredibly slowly, as its whisky makers believes excellence takes time, and Glengoyne 17 Year Old Scottish Oak is the distillery’s latest expression. Scottish oak is seldom seen in whisky because the trees are rare and hard to work with – here we have proof that the effort is worth it.

This single malt is finished in sustainably sourced Scottish oak casks, and the wood brings out aromas of heather honey, warming ginger and a long finish of sweet spice.

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