Archive for October, 2025

New Season, New Drams: Our Autumn 2025 Release – Scotch Whisky News

New Season, New Drams: Murray McDavid’s Autumn 2025 Release

Autumn has arrived, and with it comes a brand-new collection from Murray McDavid. True to our reputation as whisky creators, this release showcases the Art of Maturation across single malts, a single grain, and unique blends — each finished in extraordinary casks that bring new dimensions to classic Scotch spirit.

From esteemed 37-year-old treasures to bold, youthful expressions, our Autumn Release celebrates both tradition and innovation in every dram.

3 Mission Golds. 5 Benchmarks. 1 Mystery Malt.

That’s 9 remarkable expressions — truly Clachan A Choin!

From smoky Islay legends to Speyside treasures and beyond, this collection is one to savour, share, and celebrate. Each bottle tells its own story, but together they embody everything Murray McDavid stands for: respect for tradition, love for innovation, and an unwavering passion for the Art of Maturation.

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Which will you raise a glass to first?

Slàinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

 

ralfy review 1100 Extras – The O.S.W.A.’s 2025 – Scotch Whisky News

The Online Scotch Whisky Awards

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GLENFIDDICH UNVEILS GLENFIDDICH XS – A LUXURIOUS COLLECTION OF SINGLE MALT WHISKIES FINISHED IN HAND SELECTED SHERRY CASKS AND CRAFTED TO REVEAL NEW DEPTHS OF CHARACTER

GLENFIDDICH UNVEILS GLENFIDDICH XS – A LUXURIOUS COLLECTION OF SINGLE MALT WHISKIES FINISHED IN HAND SELECTED SHERRY CASKS AND CRAFTED TO REVEAL NEW DEPTHS OF CHARACTER

October 2025: Marking a bold new chapter in the Glenfiddich story, family-owned distillery, William Grant & Sons introduces Glenfiddich XS — a luxurious collection of three single malt Scotch whiskies. Crafted for moments of meaningful connection, this new expression from the world’s most awarded single malt is elevated by hand-selected sherry cask finishes to reveal extra layers of richness. Launching first in China in November 2025, Glenfiddich XS is a collection defined by depth and character revealed over time.

Created under the masterful eye of world-renowned Malt Master Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich XS takes the excep;onal Glenfiddich single malts aged 15, 18, and 21 years, each finished in carefully selected Oloroso, Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Each expression delivers a unique flavour profile that retains the signature vibrancy of Glenfiddich whilst revealing new and surprising depths of flavours.

Designed for celebrating moments of progress, Glenfiddich XS heralds an era of elevated whisky drinking occasions that connect with purposeful enjoyment. Rooted in Glenfiddich’s signature profile, this new Glenfiddich XS collection aims to provoke the senses through enhanced maturation.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master, comments

“Glenfiddich XS is a whisky of gradual and powerful revela:on. An exci:ng whisky that invites explora:on and is designed to mark richer experiences. The mul:-layered secondary maturation has created a subtle and sophis:cated taste that unveils new depths to the liquid profile.

Glenfiddich XS is a whisky crafted with a new genera:on of whisky drinkers in mind, where whisky rituals and drinking moments are being reinvented to mark special moments and meaningful connection. “

The collection begins with GLENFIDDICH XS Fifteen-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This expression takes Glenfiddich’s signature Speyside style and enhances it with an indulgent Oloroso sherry cask finish. Matured for fifteen years in a select combination of American and European oak casks, this whisky offers a sprightly balance of soft green apple notes, with warming cinnamon. Layers of light spice and gentle oak sweetness add depth and vibrancy making this a refined and refreshing expression.

GLENFIDDICH XS Eighteen-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky builds on the richness of the collec;on with added complexity. A harmonious marriage of American and European oak casks is elevated by a rare Moscatel sherry cask finish, impar;ng bold, velvety full-bodied flavours. Fragrant, caramelised fruit, treacle toffee, raisins and dried apricot weave together for a layered, evolving and balanced character.

GLENFIDDICH XS Twenty-One-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the pinnacle of the range, defined by its exquisite depth, opulence and complexity. Matured in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks before a final flourish in rare Pedro Ximénez casks, it delivers woody spice and sun-dried dates and figs, underpinned by full-bodied layers of complex oak. This is a whisky of depth and richness to be savoured slowly, with each sip revealing further character shaped across two decades of craft.

Charlie Maclean, MBE and Master of the Quaich comments,

“All three expressions surprised me. Finishing in different styles of sherry-seasoned casks has given each whisky a greater depth of character an added dimension and complexity, while not masking the original character of the distillate. By design, the sherry influence is subtle and understated.”

A showcase of Glenfiddich’s leadership within global luxury whisky, The Glenfiddich XS collection debuts with a design that fuses ;meless heritage with modern elegance. The refreshed Glenfiddich stag and wordmark embody craft, depth and confident presence, encased within a re-designed box adorned with gold accents and ribbon detail. Together, these elements elevate Glenfiddich into a contemporary symbol of luxury with enduring global resonance.

Dave Broom, Founder of The Whisky Manual comments;

“Using a base of mature stock aged in both ex-sherry and ex-American oak casks then finished in either Oloroso, Moscatel or Pedro Ximénez, three different expressions of the distillery’s character are shown. Its base of fresh apple and grass, the chocolate note which develops over :me; its ability to absorb flavour while retaining an energy that allows it to continue to evolve over decades. This is a welcome extension to the Glenfiddich range which will hopefully introduce its qualities to a new audience.”

Crafted for elevated moments of connection, Glenfiddich XS reveals a richer, deeper character that honour Glenfiddich’s celebra;on of lasting success.

To find out more on Glenfiddich XS, please visit: Glenfiddich.com

Glenfiddich XS will be available from The Glenfiddich Distillery Shop, selective whisky specialist retail and bars and restaurants across China, and in The Distiller’s Library boutiques across Asia
from November 2025.

GLENFIDDICH XS FiIeen-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky £58
GLENFIDDICH XS Eighteen-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky £88
GLENFIDDICH XS Twenty-One-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky £170

About Glenfiddich

Founded in Du.own, Scotland by innovator William Grant, Glenfiddich first ran from the s@lls on Christmas Day, 1887. Adopting revolutionary methods and practices Grant’s maverick attitude to whisky production saw Glenfiddich excel for over a hundred and thirty years, becoming the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be promoted outside of Scotland, and ultimately the most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky[1]. While Glenfiddich is now sold in over 180 countries across the world, the brand is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned and is still produced in the same distillery which William Grant and his family hand-built.

Most Awarded:

The Glenfiddich range has received more awards since 2000 than any other single malt Scotch whisky in two of the world’s most prestigious competitions, the Interna@onal Wine & Spirit Compe@@on and the Interna@onal Spirits Challenge.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons is a sixth-genera@on independent family-owned dis@ller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the Company is run by a professional management team and distils, bottles, and distributes some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky and premium gin.

Its global icons include the world’s most-awarded single malt Scotch whisky Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts, Monkey Shoulder® blended malt Scotch and super-premium Hendrick’s® Gin. Other spirits in the portfolio include Grant’s® and The Famous Grouse® blended Scotch whiskies, Tullamore D.E.W.® Irish whiskey, Sailor Jerry® spiced rum, Drambuie® whisky liqueur, Milagro® tequila, Reyka® vodka, Discarded Spirits Co.® and ultra-premium Silent Pool Gin®.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master Glenfiddich XS Tasting Notes

GLENFIDDICH XS Fifteen Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Nose: Classic Glenfiddich green apple notes with warming cinnamon, toasted oak and light spice
Taste: Vibrant and lively with a zesty frui@ness and a touch of citrus sherbet, evolves into a rich soYened toffee. Long-lingering oak and subtle depth
Finish: Refreshing

GLENFIDDICH XS Eighteen Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Nose: Deep sherry oak with notes of caramelised fruit, treacle toffee, raisin and dried apricot
Taste: Velvety texture balancing indulgent sherry richness, oak tannin and a whisper of antique leather. Lingering oak with quiet authority
Finish: Balance

GLENFIDDICH XS Twenty One Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Nose: Opulent with raw cane sugar, muscovado syrup, and sun-dried dates and figs
Taste: Deep, full-bodied layers of complex oak, woody spice, and dried fruits. Long-lasting with a refined dryness
Finish: Intense

Jim Beam and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team Announce Global Partnership, Fueling a Vision to Reach New Audiences

Jim Beam and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team Announce Global Partnership, Fueling a Vision to Reach New Audiences

Two American originals united on one world stage

Clermont, Kentucky & Fishers, Indiana: Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, are proud to announce a multi-year global partnership that brings together two of the most iconic names in American culture, now united on the world’s fastest stage: Formula 1®.

In 2026, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team will enter the FIA Formula 1 World ChampionshipTM as the first new addition to the grid since 2016, with Jim Beam as its proud Official Spirits Partner. This partnership represents two American originals driving forward together on a mission to usher in a new era by welcoming even more people into Formula 1®.

Formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team brings together a legacy of engineering excellence and a shared commitment to innovation and performance — representing a bold new chapter in American participation on the global Formula 1® stage.

More than a sponsorship, this story has been 90 years in the making. Every evening, Jim Beam, the brand’s legendary founder, would place a mason jar of his proprietary yeast — the living heart of his protected recipe — in the front seat of his Cadillac and drive it home to protect it from fire and prohibition. This daily ritual preserved the essential ingredient that still defines Jim Beam’s unmatched flavor enjoyed today around the world. Today, Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation master distiller, still drives a Cadillac, a quiet tribute to the car that helped safeguard his family legacy.

“We are excited to bring the soul of Kentucky to the global stage of Formula 1 with Cadillac, a brand that’s been part of the Beam family’s story through the ages,” said Rashidi Hodari, managing director, James B. Beam Distilling Co.

“Both car racing and making Jim Beam bourbon require every individual and moving part to come together to create a positive collective outcome. This is very in line with how we bring Jim Beam to the world. The pit crew and our distillery workers both know that it’s the power of their communities that allows for the win. It’s this common understanding of the importance of connection with the next generation of Formula 1 fans that inspires us.”

With a vision to help the sport reach new audiences, the Official Partnership will come to life both on and off the track through immersive fan experiences with a focus on alcohol responsibility, retail and trade activations, and most importantly, a desire to bring people together.

“This partnership brings together two icons of American heritage to create something truly special,” said Cadillac Formula 1® Team and TWG Motorsports Chief Executive Officer Dan Towriss. “Formula 1® is a global stage, and we want to take our fans on this journey with us every step of the way. Our vision goes beyond racing – we’re building a team that lives where sport, technology, and culture collide. With Jim Beam joining our family of partners, the momentum behind this project grows stronger every day as we gear up for our debut next year.”

With a core value of connection, uniting fans across the world, sport and music have always played a role in the Jim Beam brand’s heritage. From sponsoring the National Football League’s (NFL)Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, the Major League Baseball’s (MLB) L.A. Dodgers, and the United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F), to car racing including the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR in the U.S., and Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), Australia’s oldest racing team. The brand has also brought fans together through local music festivals and underground shows around the world, and with global musical acts such as Muse and LeSserafim.

Known as the ‘people’s bourbon,’ Jim Beam is a brand built on community, and that unmistakable feeling of knowing that all are welcome. From a mason jar of yeast in the seat of a Cadillac to the roar of an F1 engine, this is a legacy in motion. Jim Beam is excited to celebrate shared moments of great taste and responsible connection under its rallying cry: Best Enjoyed Together, Best Enjoyed Responsibly.

To learn more about Jim Beam and Cadillac F1 Racing , visit www.jimbeam.com or follow @jimbeamofficial on Instagram @cadillacf1

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh Generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth Generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, and Jim Beam Flavors, among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Cadillac Formula 1® Team: The Cadillac Formula 1® Team is a specialist motor racing team competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the team has operations in Fishers, Indiana (USA); Charlotte, North Carolina (USA); and Silverstone, Northamptonshire (UK). With the confidence to dream big and the passion to deliver, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is building everything from the ground up – from high-performance race cars to an inclusive, values-driven culture. The team will make its Formula 1® debut in 2026.

About TWG Motorsports: TWG Motorsports is the motorsports entity of TWG Global, unifying a robust racing portfolio across the world’s biggest stages in Formula 1®, INDYCAR, Formula E, IMSA, and NASCAR. With strategic partnerships that include General Motors on the Cadillac Formula 1® Team and ownership of Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports, TWG Motorsports combines deep technical expertise, proven competitive excellence and industry-leading business acumen. TWG Motorsports is committed to innovating, growing and winning at the highest levels of the sport. Learn more at TWGMotorsports.com.

About GM: General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

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 whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium 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. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and 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 and www.drinksmart.com.

Edinburgh Whisky Academy “Our 10 Year Anniversary Bottling” – Scotch Whisky News

Our 10 Year Anniversary Bottling

When we were thinking of ways to celebrate our 10th anniversary, a one-off bottling felt like the obvious thing to do. It also sounded really fun! As our teacher Gordon Steele explains in this video about the project: “Of course all the best ideas come out after drinking too much whisky!” Well, now the time has come to launch the finished product and we’re hugely proud to present a rich, full-bodied Glen Moray single malt whisky matured in both bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Limited to 286 bottles, we chose an ABV of 57.9% which, while not cask strength, allows the complementary balance of maturation flavours to shine and gives the option for further dilution as preferred.📖 Learn More | 🎬 Watch the Video | 🥃 Buy a Bottle

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 16 at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Islay Single Malt News

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 16

Uncompromising in its bold flavours and as natural as it comes, this Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 16 has made its way from the storm-lashed Islay in West Scotland, all the way to your dram glass, exactly as it was poured from the barrel. Bottled at a punchy 58.5% abv.

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: Sweet, stewed apples topped with crispy, slightly caramelized pastry. This is underpinned by hints of cereal, tanned leather and vanilla.

Palate: Sweet and spicy notes, with notes of vanilla and sea salt intermingled with savoury notes of pork crackling with hints of freshly ground black pepper.

Finish: Long and warming with notes of gentle spice, charred oak, smoked mackerel and sea salt encapsulated in an oily mouthfeel.

12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more! Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.

Cutty Sark Tam O’Shanter 25 year at D&M California – Scotch Whisky News

Cutty Sark Tam O’Shanter 25 year

$325.99

“In my opinion Cutty Sark 25 year old is one of the great blends, so a new version was always going to be a big ask. This one comes with a lot of packaging, so is it a victory for style over substance? Not at all. This is all about big flavors; burnt orange, juicy raisin, and dark chocolate; rich oak and exotic spice. A treat, and worthy of its heritage.” – 91 PTS., DOMINIC ROSKROW, WHISKY ADVOCATE (Fall 2012).

Arran 25 Year Old (2025) at The Whisky Barrel – Island Whisky News


Isle of Arran

Arran
25 Year Old

2025 release of this remarkable Arran whisky. Not due to be seen again for at least a decade. A combination of sherry and bourbon casks. The Arran 25 Year Old is the oldest age statement in the Arran Distillery’s core range and a true showcase of island whisky craftsmanship. Matured in a combination of sherry and bourbon casks, this rare single malt balances rich sweetness with vibrant fruit character and elegant oak influence. This bottling also marks the final release of the Arran 25 Year Old for more than 12 years, making it a highly collectible expression for whisky lovers worldwide. The Arran 25 Year Old is a whisky of remarkable maturity and balance. With layers of fruit, sherry sweetness, and oak refinement, it represents the pinnacle of the Arran core range—and as the final release for over a decade, it is a once-in-a-generation collector’s dram.

£438.30 GBP

THE BUFFALO TRACE ANTIQUE COLLECTION CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE DEBUT OF E.H. TAYLOR BOTTLED-IN-BOND, A TRIBUTE TO THE BOURBON PIONEER’S ENDURING LEGACY

THE BUFFALO TRACE ANTIQUE COLLECTION CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE DEBUT OF E.H. TAYLOR BOTTLED-IN-BOND, A TRIBUTE TO THE BOURBON PIONEER’S ENDURING LEGACY

 Colonel E.H. Taylor’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation finds a permanent home within Buffalo Trace’s most coveted collection

FRANKFORT, Ky (OCT 8, 2025) – This fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly celebrates the 25th release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) with its first new addition in nearly two decades: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. First introduced in 2000, the Antique Collection honors Buffalo Trace Distillery’s historic whiskey brands and the visionaries behind them, offering enthusiasts some of the world’s most sought-after releases each year. Alongside the new expression are the collection’s five celebrated staples – Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Bourbon” and pioneer who helped define bourbon quality standards, Colonel E.H. Taylor is a fitting permanent addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. After purchasing the O.F.C. Distillery – now Buffalo Trace – in 1869, Taylor modernized operations with innovations such as advanced grain equipment, copper fermentation tanks and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system that remains in use in the distillery’s barrel warehouses today. Beyond modernizing the facilities, Colonel Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement that led to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. As one of the first consumer protection law in the United States, this landmark achievement forever altered the standards and practices of whiskey production.

“Colonel Taylor’s signature graced every bottle produced under his watch as a testament to its quality, a tradition we uphold today as a promise of integrity,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Created in his honor, every sip of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon offers more than exceptional flavor – it’s a taste of history and reminder of his strict tenets that have safeguarded America’s world-leading whiskey quality standards for nearly 150 years.”

Each BTAC expression is presented in a crystal-clear glass bottle that highlights its rich color, while the back label shares its history and tasting notes. Every bottle is accompanied by a letter detailing the whiskey’s intricate production and aging journey, offering authenticity and exclusivity to its owner. These limited-edition bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees may apply). A limited supply will also be available for purchase directly via Legacy de Forge, a new global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles (shipping restrictions apply).

E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is the first new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection since Thomas H. Handy joined the portfolio in 2006. Aged 15 years and 4 months in the Distillery’s warehouses and hand-bottled at 100 proof to meet Bottled-In-Bond standards, this whiskey is crafted from Buffalo Trace’s sour mash recipe. The nose opens with warm vanilla, seasoned oak, charred undertones, and a drizzle of maple sweetness. On the palate, balanced sweetness and baking spices mingle with gentle wood notes, while the lingering finish carries oak and vanilla into soft caramel with a hint of cherry. This Bottled-In-Bond offering bears Colonel E.H. Taylor’s signature, just as every bottle under his watch did, continuing a legacy of excellence he championed.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bottled at 101 proof in recognition of the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, the Buffalo Trace distillers’ hand-selected their finest barrels to craft this exceptional whiskey. Aged beyond its 17-year statement – maturing 18 years and 4 months – the 2025 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon opens on the nose with dark tobacco and well-worn leather, accented by ripe cherry and a lively peppery edge. The palate reveals caramel sweetness intertwined with supple leather and bright cherry notes, while the smooth, resonant finish carries lasting oak, a touch of vanilla, and a gentle echo of sweetness. Last year’s vintage received a Double Platinum award at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.

George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Named in honor of the whiskey pioneer George T. Stagg, who acquired the historic O.F.C. Distillery from Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1878, this powerhouse bourbon embodies his legacy of boldness and vision. Before taking the helm of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg had built a reputation as a successful whiskey salesman, and today his name graces the boldest expression in the Antique Collection. First introduced in 2002 to meet growing demand for well-aged, barrel-strength bourbon, this year’s George T. Stagg Bourbon was drawn from barrels aged more than 15 years and 4 months. The 2025 release is one of the strongest ever, bottled at 142.8 proof to deliver uncut, unfiltered intensity. Opening with a commanding aroma of deep oak accented by a touch of vanilla, the palate reveals bold vanilla layered with dark tobacco and ripe cherry that leads to a long, earthy finish with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and enduring oak. The 2023 George T. Stagg release earned top honors, including Best in Class and Double Gold medals at the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition.

Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey derives its name from the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the iconic Sazerac cocktail (widely regarded as America’s first cocktail) in the mid-1800s. Bottled at 18 years and 5 months and 90 proof, this year’s release opens with bright rye spice on the nose, layered with seasoned oak and a subtle herbaceous lift. The palate delivers a mature balance of spice and oak, accented by woody richness and supple leather, leading to a lingering finish of rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed, and enduring oak. Further underscoring its excellence, the 2024 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey takes its name from the New Orleans businessman and owner of the legendary Sazerac Coffee House, who first used rye whiskey in the classic Sazerac cocktail. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is crafted from barrels aged over six years and bottled at 129.8 proof, up from last year’s 127.2. On the nose of this year’s Handy, lively oak and spice are lifted by bright fruit and a light apple scent. The palate delivers bold spice and oak balanced with gentle fruit notes, leading to a long, warming finish of oak, vanilla, and spice.

William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon

W.L. Weller, the pioneering distiller who first introduced wheat into the mash bill of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, inspired William Larue Weller, a wheated bourbon known for its soft, smooth character distinct from traditional rye-based styles. The Buffalo Trace distilling team filled the barrels for this year’s release at 114 proof; after 14 years of aging, the whiskey now rests at 129 proof. Uncut and unfiltered, the nose offers layers of vanilla, maple, and tobacco, while the palate balances sweet vanilla with toasted oak. Its long finish carries steady oak and vanilla alongside a touch of ripe fruit. Last year’s William Larue Weller earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

About The Antique Collection

Introduced over two decades ago, the Antique Collection comprises six whiskeys released each fall: George T. Stagg Bourbon, William Larue Weller Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old, and, beginning in 2025, E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. Buffalo Trace Distillery has been honored by the numerous awards bestowed on the collection from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine and Spirit Journal. For more information on the Antique Collection visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery    

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DEBUTS NIGHT AT THE DISTILLERY – A NEW HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE AFTER DARK – American Whiskey News

 

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DEBUTS NIGHT AT THE DISTILLERY – A NEW HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE AFTER DARK

Tickets are now available for an immersive nighttime tour of America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, plus the chance to win a private, overnight ghost-hunting experience on site

FRANKFORT, KY (October 15, 2025) – This October, Buffalo Trace Distillery invites guests to discover its all-new Halloween experience, “Night at the Distillery.” For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has crafted award-winning whiskey and inspired tales of spirits that linger beyond the barrel. Now, visitors can explore the Distillery’s storied past through the lens of legend and lore with two immersive after-hours experiences:

  • Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour: Experience Buffalo Trace Distillery under the glow of moonlight on this self-guided walking trail that reveals the legends, folklore and untold stories woven into its two-century history. Along the way, each stop unveils a new chapter brought to life through ghostly tales, live entertainment, photo-worthy moments and expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate generations of bourbon-making tradition.
    • Tickets are $35 per person and include entry to the self-guided walking trail, three signature cocktail tastings, one neat pour and a curated snack box. Each guest will also take home a 1L bottle of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof and a collectible Night at the Distillery reusable tote as keepsakes.
    • The Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour will take place October 23-25 and October 30-November 1. To purchase tickets, please visit HERE
  • Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: For those seeking a deeper thrill, Buffalo Trace is offering the opportunity to win a special Halloween giveaway inviting one winner and a guest (21+) to join professional paranormal investigators for a private ghost-hunting experience inside the Distillery’s most haunted buildings. On Halloween night, the duo will trace the Distillery’s ghostly lore alongside a Distillery tour guide and real-time paranormal investigators before retiring for the night inside Stony Point – Albert Blanton’s former home, reimagined for an unforgettable stay. The prize package also includes:
    • Dinner in historic Frankfort, KY on October 31
    • Complimentary admission to the Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour on October 31
    • A private, after-hours ghost hunt led by professional paranormal investigators and a Distillery tour guide
    • One-night stay in Stony Point, Albert Blanton’s former home, on October 31
    • A daytime Trace Tour and premium shopping experience in the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop on November 1
    • Round-trip coach airfare and ground transportation to and from the Distillery

“For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace has been a place where history and legend intertwine,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Night at the Distillery invites guests to step into those stories and experience that connection firsthand. We set out to create an experience unlike anything we’ve done before, one that lets guests walk in the footsteps of generations past and explore the Distillery’s lore in a whole new light.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s story begins in the late 1700s, when distilling first took root on this site in 1775 and the “Old Taylor House” was built in 1792. For more than two centuries, master distillers and craftsmen have shaped its story – and some say their spirits still linger. Tour guides and guests alike have reported sightings of an older gentleman resembling Albert B. Blanton, appearing in various locations around the Distillery. The lore surrounding these encounters describes them as “friendly,” and many believe that any lingering “spirits” remain to watch over the legacy they created.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Giveaway goes live on October 15 at 12:00pm noon ET and ends October 22 at 11:59am ET. To register and view the full official rules, please visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded New Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21 or older, and able to travel to the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY on 10/31/2025 to accept prize award. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 10/15/2025 and ends at 11:59am ET 10/22/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize description and ARV, visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com. Odds of winning based upon number of eligible entries received. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY


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