(Per-Breakingbourbon.com)- This year’s edition of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged continues to lean into its aged flavor profile thanks to the highest percentage of 14-year bourbon in the series to date.

Originally started in 2023, the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series is now in its fourth iteration. Differentiating itself from the Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series, the Cellar Aged series focuses on aging standard Maker's Mark for between 4 and 7 additional years in the company’s limestone cellar. This cellar has an average year-round temperature of 47 degrees Fahrenheit. For the 2026 release, the series sees the highest percentage of 14 year old bourbon used in the line. In fact, compared to the 2025 release, the average age in the blend skews higher across the board.
This year’s Cellar release opens with an incredible, intoxicating aroma that beautifully showcases the bourbon barrels selected for the blend. A gaggle of sweet scents greets you, including brown sugar, blackberry turnover, and crème brûlée. A scent of aged oak is present and carries over to kick off a midpoint that shows the bourbon's age. Aged oak and drier flavor notes are much more forceful versus past releases, but baking spices, vanilla streusel, and a faint buttered sweet roll note add pleasing diversity. Leather and dry cinnamon cake notes are present, and this dryness translates into a finish that carries over what the palate started. Focusing on more grounded notes, the ending highlights chewy dry oak, leather, and a cinnamon spice tart apple pie combo before ending on a lingering dry heat.
The Cellar Aged series continues to be a highlight for the brand, demonstrating what the company can do when they’re given room to experiment with aging conditions, and more importantly, time. This year’s release certainly leans into its age, as the sip progressively displays more aged oak and other supporting flavors starting on the palate. While it doesn’t quite live up to last year's exceptional release, it still delivers an excellent, albeit expensive, pour that consumers, and especially Maker’s fans, will want to get their hands on.

Whisky Advocate Magazine Senior Editor Julia Higgins stops by with the guys to discuss 2026 Whiskey Fest. Cheers!

13 years minimum, though the 2026 blend incorporates older handpicked barrels aged up to 18 years.

121.2 proof (60.6% ABV), making it one of the highest-proof releases in the line's history.

Retails around $200 (though secondary market values often run higher between $400 and $500). Cheers!

The Four Roses Father's Day 2026 release is a limited-quantity, single-barrel private selection barrel-strength bourbon, aged around 14 years,

The Four Roses Mother's Day 2026 Limited Edition is a 14-year-old single barrel bourbon featuring the floral OBSQ recipe (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley with Q yeast), bottled at cask strength ranging around 115 to 118 proof with an original retail price (SRP) of $139. Cheers!

Preston is the fourth generation member of the Van Winkle family to enter into the bourbon business. He is the great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. and son of current Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery President, Julian P. Van Winkle, III.

Louise Van Winkle Breen

Recycling lady and bill payer--not necessarily in that order. She manages the back end of the business (the books, accounting, finances, etc.), HR and oversee daily operations.
Favorite cocktail: definitely tequila on the rocks with a splash of Freshies margarita mix. Cheers!

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon has returned for 2026 as an ongoing annual limited release from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof (50% ABV) and aged for 10 years. Notes of sweet caramel, vanilla, cherry candy, oak, and clove spice, with the wheat adding softness and the rye providing structure. Cheers!

A legendary, highly coveted Bottled-in-Bond expression from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Revered by collectors as a true "unicorn" bottle, this unprecedented 17-year-old masterpiece was crafted from Buffalo Trace’s iconic low-rye Mash Bill #1. It pays homage to the meticulous standards of the "Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry," Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.

What sets the original Cured Oak apart is an extraordinary focus on barrel engineering. Standard white oak barrel staves are typically seasoned for six months. For this special project, the white oak staves were left to air-dry in the open elements for a full 13 months before being coopered into barrels. This extended, more-than-doubled curing period allowed natural weather cycles and microbes to deeply alter the wood's composition. The process reduced harsh wood tannins while drawing immense terpene development to the surface.The result is a bourbon that pulled deep, highly localized complexities from the wood during its nearly two decades of slumber inside the historic, steam-heated Warehouse C. Cheers!

Old Charter Oak "Finest Oak" is crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery, honoring the historic Old Charter brand established by Adam and Ben Chapeze in 1874. The bourbon pays tribute to the iconic white oak trees that have long shaped the character of American whiskey, emphasizing the critical role of oak in flavor development. This expression is part of the Old Charter Oak series, which explores how different oak origins and barrel treatments influence the final bourbon. Cheers!

The fifth installment in Heaven Hill's annual limited-edition Heritage Collection series. Released in early 2026, it stands as the oldest bourbon featured in the collection to date, crafted from roughly 270-275 barrels originally distilled in 2003 and aged on the upper floors of Bardstown's famous Rickhouse Y.

The Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives: Gold Foil Edition is a 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 120 proof. Released in May 2026 with an MSRP of $400, this inaugural expression launched a new collector series paying tribute to the historic "cheesy gold foil" bottlings from Wild Turkey's past. Cheers!

The vintage Old Fitzgerald Colonial Decanter is a collectible 1960s–1970s bottled-in-bond bourbon release from the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. These 100-proof, 4/5-quart decorative glass bottles featured colonial-themed prints or shields. Often featuring age statements around 6 years old, such as distilled in 1963 and bottled in 1969. Cheers!

Dixon Dedman is a 42-year-old blender who has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific American whiskey blenders in the industry known for his high-proof, robust bourbon and rye blends. He grew up on the whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his family’s business, the famed and James Beard award-winning Beaumont Inn. His credentials are unsurpassed among high-end whisky retailers, writers, and collectors. He’s a foodie, a wine connoisseur, runs marathons, and is a sneakerhead who connects with a broad range of drinkers, from millennials to boomers. Cheers!

Jack Daniel’s 14-Year Batch 2 is an ultra-aged Tennessee Whiskey released in Spring 2026. Part of the brand's premium, age-stated lineup, this limited release features the classic mash bill (80% corn, 12% rye, 8% malted barley) and is bottled at a barrel proof of 117.6 (58.8% ABV). Cheers!

Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser” is the 10th release in the brand’s Chapter line, and it pays respect to Little Book Chapter 3: "The Road Home" and the company’s Small Batch Collection. Chapter 3 was a blend of bourbons: 9 year old Knob Creek, 9 year old Basil Hayden, 11 year old Booker's, and 12 year old Baker's. Like Chapter 10, that blend was bottled uncut at 122.6 proof. For the current release, Master Distiller Freddie Noe takes the same approach but shuffles the age of each component, while also throwing in a finished component. The end result is a blend of 11 year old Knob Creek, 14 year old Basil Hayden, 10 year old Booker's, 9 year old Baker's, and 4 year old Jim Beam finished in sherry and toasted casks. Chapter 10 is also bottled at 122.6 proof. Cheers!

The Gem of Kentucky is the premiere offering from 2XO. The only double barreled single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the market. The barrels are exclusively selected by Dixon from his double barreled stocks of the high rye bourbon mash bill (35%) that spend up to a year in new charred oak barrels before bottling. It is a full-bodied, full-flavored expression that leans on Dixon’s unique double-barreling process for a richer and more viscous mouthfeel. The differing char levels on the secondary barreling allow complex flavors to develop and balance the spicy finish from the high rye distillate. Cheers!

The Four Roses Single Barrel 2026 collection highlights three new, rotating recipes (OESF, OBSK, and OESQ) alongside the brand's flagship OBSV bottling. Each bottle in the collection is aged 7 to 9 years, bottled at 100 proof, and available for a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of $49.99 per 750ml. Cheers!

Uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Released as an early-season batch, this highly allocated whiskey is bottled at a bold 129.3 proof (64.65% ABV) and is prized for its signature rich, cask-strength profile. Listen to what the guys think of this coveted bottle. Cheers!

In the fall of 2022, Owen Martin was appointed the Angel’s Envy Master Distiller. A Kansas City native, Owen now proudly calls Louisville home where he redefines and crafts the future of bourbon at the Angel’s Envy distillery. With a history and passion for maturing, blending, and the art of secondary finishing, he is always searching for new ways to offer an unparalleled bourbon and rye experience by continually pushing distillation boundaries.

With Owen’s extensive knowledge of secondary casks, he will ensure the exceptional quality standard across all expressions, core offerings and limited-edition collections. Today, he takes pride in his role at a leading distillery on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. Owen’s demonstrated experience in product development and experimentation regarding what’s next for the industry make him the perfect fit to lead Angel’s Envy into its exciting future. Cheers!

An inaugural limited-release bourbon from Jim Beam that highlights a sweeter, confectionary profile compared to traditional Knob Creek offerings. It features a 10-year age statement, is bottled at 106 proof (53% ABV).

Developed by eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe and team, this limited release dials back the traditional dry, nutty, and heavily charred notes of standard Knob Creek in favor of a sweeter, richer drinking experience.

Knob Creek Blender's Edition No. 1 is widely considered one of the best value-driven bourbons on the market. Compared to other Knob Creek expressions, it hits a very competitive sweet spot. Cheers!

A cask-strength (uncut and unfiltered) rye whiskey produced by Frey Ranch Distillery, a "farm-to-glass" estate operation in Fallon, Nevada.

Prav Saraff is a widely renowned whiskey expert, retailer, and producer, best known as the Director of Operations at 1 West Dupont Circle Wines & Liquors in Washington, D.C. He is highly regarded in the bourbon community for his expertise, his private barrel picks, and his brand, Dream Spirits. Cheers!

Gil Schwarz is a well-known wine and whisky broker, collector, and consultant with over three decades of experience in the global beverage industry. Founder of The Wine Institute of Las Vegas, Gil has built an international career advising retailers, importers, auction houses, and producers—particularly in the fine and rare segment.

A frequent judge at international competitions and a seasoned journalist, Gil has contributed to leading publications including World of Fine Wine and FINE Wine Magazine. He is also the author of a newly released book on Pappy Van Winkle, exploring the legacy of one of America’s most storied bourbon families.

Through his ventures Enotechnica and The Distinctive Spirits Company, Gil continues to serve high-net-worth clients worldwide with rare cask releases and premium spirits trading. Originally from Denmark and fluent in multiple languages, he now resides in Las Vegas, where he remains deeply involved in the global whisky market.

As of April 2026, Jack Daniel's has released highly sought-after "hazmat" (over 140 proof) single-barrel rye whiskeys, with special releases like the Tanyard Hill or Small Batch variants often ranging between 142.7 and 146.1 proof. These limited, uncut, and unfiltered, Tennessee straight rye whiskeys feature a 70% rye mash bill and are known for intense heat and complex, dark fruit flavors

Prav Saraff is a prominent Washington, D.C.-based bourbon connoisseur, owner of 1 West Dupont Circle Wines & Liquors, and creator of the independent bottling label "Dream Spirits". Known as a major figure in the whiskey industry for sourcing rare bottles and exclusive single-barrel picks, he is highly regarded for his expertise and customer-focused approach.

With over two decades of experience in the spirits industry, Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise in whiskeys. As the East Coast Ambassador, he represents the brand by educating consumers, trade professionals, and media on the rich history and craftsmanship behind Heaven Hill’s renowned portfolio.

Edwards, a Louisville native, has deep roots in Bourbon country, which fuels his commitment to sharing the heritage of Bourbon Whiskey with enthusiasts nationwide. In his previous roles, Edwards gained extensive experience in brand advocacy, trade marketing, and education with many respected names in the industry. Most recently, he served as a National Brand Ambassador for Heaven’s Door, where he was responsible for developing trade relationships, executing events, and educating consumers about the brand’s portfolio. Additionally, he spent time as a Field Marketing Manager for Heaven’s Door Whiskey, focusing on trade advocacy and development for the rapidly growing whiskey brand. Prior to these roles, Edwards worked as a Digital Brand Ambassador and was later promoted to Whiskey Specialist and Single Barrel Experience Manager at Rabbit Hole Distillery, contributing his expertise for nearly four years.

Edwards holds several notable certifications, further emphasizing his qualifications in the spirits industry. He is a Certified Executive Bourbon Steward and holds the Spirits WSET II with Distinction Certificate. Edwards also holds a Degree in Music Performance from the University of Louisville, highlighting his diverse background and passion for arts and culture.

Released in February 2026, the King of Kentucky Small Batch is a premium, limited-release bourbon from Brown-Forman, featuring a blend of 12-to-18-year-old barrels. The 2026 series introduced three distinct batches (105, 107.5, and 110 proof) with a $299 SRP. It offers12-year aged, high-proof, complex flavors with a 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley mash bill. Cheers!

The 2026 Elijah Craig Small Batch PGA Championship Commemorative Edition is a limited-release bourbon bottled at -proof ( ABV) to honor the 108th PGA Championship, launching nationally in April 2026 for a suggested retail price of . The release features special packaging with a gold coin cork and is sourced from select barrels in rickhouses N and S. Cheers!

Brad Boswell is the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Stave Company, a leading manufacturer of oak barrels and staves for the beverage industry.
As CEO, Brad oversees the strategic direction and overall operations of the company, driving innovation and growth within the plastic, packaging, and containers sector. With a proven track record of success, he previously served as the President of Independent Stave Company, where he was responsible for expanding the company's global footprint and diversifying its product portfolio.

(Episode originally released on 4/6/23)2XO is an award-winning Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand from renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman. 2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to the blending process Dixon pioneered where every 2XO expression has additional oak exposure. The additional oak interaction builds the sweetness to balance out the spice from the rye in the mash bills, creating a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each expression.

Dixon’s vision is to revolutionize the category, a shift away from the overplayed nostalgic American whiskey storyline, and create an innovative Brand backed by the incredible liquid in the bottle.

The 2XO brand consists of an everyday blend offering (Oak Series), a series of limited-time, small batch blend offerings (Icon Series), and a series of single barrel releases (Gem of Kentucky).

(Per breakingbourbon.com)-Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is named in honor of the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Bernheim Distillery was founded in 1992 by United Distillers (who became Diageo in 1997), and then sold to Heaven Hill and renamed Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery in 1999. It would later become Heaven Hill’s primary distillery after the 1996 distillery fire destroyed Heaven Hill’s Bardstown Distillery along with 90,000 barrels of whiskey. Cheers!

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is a highly sought-after, uncut and unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled at over 125 proof, it offers a robust, intense flavor profile featuring rich caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruit, designed to replicate pre-Prohibition whiskey. Cheers!

(Per BreakingBourbon.com)-In the spring of 2018, Brown-Forman finally answered fans' calls to release a high proof  Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bourbon. Now, more than 7 years later, the company has decided to release a high proof version of their standard Woodford rye. This release seems unexpected, as the standard Woodford Rye is often overshadowed by its more well-known bourbon counterparts and various limited edition bourbon offerings that the company delivers. This new limited-edition release is presumably intended to be an ongoing series and will most likely see future releases carrying various proof points, much like Batch Proof Bourbon does. Cheers!

To sip Barrel Proof Rye is to experience our Straight Rye Whiskey in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each bottle is labeled with its unique proof, batch number, and age; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig.'

Each batch of Barrel Proof Rye is bottled with a unique age statement, including the month
and year of the youngest barrel from the batch. The proof also varies with each release.

The batch number on the label provides specific information about each batch. The first
letter indicates the order of the release for that year, starting with "A.” The first number
represents the month of the release. The third and fourth digits indicate the year. Cheers!

Highly acclaimed, high-proof (often 125–135+ proof) bourbon noted for rich, intense flavors of caramel, brown sugar, oak, and baking spices. It is generally considered excellent, earning ratings around 8.5/10 to 87/100, offering a, complex, and sometimes hot, "Kentucky hug". Cheers!

The Heaven Hill 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a limited-edition, 107-proof (53.5% ABV) release honoring the distillery's 1935 founding. Released in late 2025 for $124.99 MSRP, it features a 9-year-old blend of 70% standard barrels and 30% heavy-char barrels filled in 2015. Cheers!

Pappy 12: Highly coveted 90.4-proof (45.2% ABV) Kentucky straight wheated bourbon, known for its balanced, smooth profile featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. While the MSRP is approximately $149.99, high demand drives secondary market prices often exceeding $1,000.

Highly sought-after, wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace known for its 12-year aging process, 90 proof, and smooth profile with notes of lanolin, almond, vanilla, and oak. It is generally considered a premium yet accessible "allocated" bourbon, with a retail price around  but often selling for much more on the secondary market.Cheers!

Another great Proof Positive by the guys! Cheers!

The Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon is a commingling of two classic Willett family mash bills. A new addition to the Willett family of brands with legendary roots and fresh elegance. Both mash bills enter the barrel at 125 proof with a final bottling proof to vary among batches based on the discretion of Master Distiller and fifth generation whiskey maker, Drew Kulsveen. Cheers!

Kentucky straight bourbon finished in a second, custom-toasted, lightly charred oak barrel. It features notes of toasted oak, caramel, spice, and milk chocolate. While the standard release is 94 proof, rare, high-proof (120+) single barrel, 8-9 year old is your barrel proof. Cheers!

Highly sought-after, limited-edition Kentucky bourbons and ryes, especially the "Christmas Dream" release, known for rich holiday spice, dark fruit notes (like eggnog, cinnamon, clove, cherry), and complex profiles, often from older, rare casks bottled by Preservation Distillery for Japanese export or select markets, making them prized collector's items. These unique bottlings offer intense, flavorful experiences, with aromas and tastes reminiscent of festive baking and classic Christmas candies. Cheers!

Blanton's Gold Edition is a higher-proof (103/51.5% ABV), limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, known for its richer, spicier, and more complex flavor than the Original Single Barrel, featuring notes of honey, rye, fruit, oak, and vanilla, and is highly sought after by collectors for its intensity and smoothness, offering a bold experience for bourbon enthusiasts. Cheers!

Highly anticipated, limited-edition, cask-strength Texas bourbon, released in December 2025, notable for its extreme 146.4 proof (73.2% ABV) and aged at least 8 years, offering rich notes of burnt wood, spice, dried fruits, and toasted marshmallows from its unique Texas aging, with only 10,000 bottles available globally at an SRP of around $250. Cheers!

It is that time of the year again! The boys wrap up 2025 by picking their whiskey of the year for 2025. See which one the guys pick! Cheers!

Merry Christmas! Each limited edition of William Heavenhill is a unique expression of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. For William Heavenhill, distilling was a family tradition. By some accounts Heavenhill’s Corn Whiskey supplied Bardstown’s historic Talbott Tavern in the early 1800s. But our connection to his legacy runs even deeper. The limestone spring Heavenhill used to make his Bourbon was the same spring that inspired our original name—Old Heavenhill Springs Distillery.

King of Kentucky has cemented itself as one of the most consistent, great-tasting bourbons year after year ever since Brown-Forman began releasing it in 2018. The 2025 version marks the eighth edition for the brand, and like the 2024 release, it is seeing a $50 increase over the previous year. But if one brand has consistently proved its worth, it would be the rightfully named King of Kentucky.  
Age statements for the brand tend to fluctuate by only a few years with each release. The 2025 edition features a 17 year age statement, and you’ll taste every bit of it. Released as a single barrel product, this year’s release consists of 63 barrels, which, according to Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, were “personally selected and tasted from the highest-quality warehouses, are a true masterpiece.” It's a big talk, but once again, the bourbon speaks for itself. The barrels for this year’s release were pulled from the fourth floor of Warehouse J and the first floor of Warehouse G, and ranged in proof from 124.5 to 135. The total yield for this year’s release was 5,000 bottles, which, while still small, is larger compared to some of the releases in years past.

Chris Fletcher is Vice President, Master Distiller and Director of Distillery Operations at the Jack Daniel Distillery. In this role, he uses an extensive knowledge of the whiskey-making process to supervise and ensure the world’s top-selling whiskey is both in constant supply and true to Jack’s guiding belief that “Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.” 

Chris is one of only a handful of individuals to have held the title of “Master Distiller” in the distillery’s history, which began production in 1866. A native of Lynchburg, Tennessee, he is proud to accept the enormous responsibility that comes with having one of the most envied jobs in the world. 

Chris joined the Jack Daniel Distillery first as a tour guide, coming home to work summers during his college years. After earning a degree in chemistry, he gained a complete knowledge of production at Jack Daniel’s including milling, mashing, fermenting, distillation, mellowing and maturation, all passed down first-hand by his grandfather, the late Master Distiller Frank “Frog” Bobo, and other Jack Daniel’s employees with decades of experience. 

After his stint in Lynchburg, Chris worked for Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky on Jack Daniel’s quality control. Following two years of gaining valuable experience working for distilleries across North America, he returned to the Jack Daniel Distillery in 2014. This experience primed him to spearhead the quality operation at Jack Daniel’s. Chris plays a key role in any potential new offerings and considerations from the distillery.

As the grandson of Bobo, making Jack Daniel’s TennesseeWhiskey comes naturally to Chris.  He recalls visiting his grandfather at the distillery, following closely at his heels and hearing stories about those who came before them. Chris’s first memory of the distillery is watching his grandfather make sour mash and operate the stills. 

Fletcher not only has a foothold into the heritage and authenticity of Jack, but he also brings a fresh approach to product innovation. As his grandfather often reminded him, the incredible growth Jack Daniel’s has experienced since his days at the distillery is a result of the process and quality controls established by its founder.  

Knob Creek 21 Year Old is a limited-edition, 100-proof straight bourbon whiskey that became the oldest expression in the brand's history upon its release in October 2025. It features complex notes of charred oak, caramel, and fruit from its long aging period, with a rich and robust profile designed to be bold yet balanced

The mighty Sam Bronfman, Seagram’s first master blender, revolutionized the art of blending as he built his Seagram Company into a massive spirits empire. Their Master Blender, Drew Mayville, comes from this Seagram master blender lineage. Before he came to Sazerac, Mayville was the last master blender at Seagram’s and his mentor was Seagram Master Blender Art Dawe, who worked directly with Sam Bronfman. Mayville created this perfect blend through experimentation and precision and it is fittingly bottled at their Old Montreal Distillery in Montreal, Quebec. Cheers!

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. 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.

A limited-edition rye whiskey from High West Distillery that continues its annual winter release series, which is inspired by Shakespeare's play. The 2025 release was crafted from a blend of straight rye whiskeys and finished in ruby and tawny port barrels, resulting in a luxurious, fruit-forward whiskey with notes of spice, plum, and dried fruit.  Cheers!

As Eric Church and Raj Alva began the development of Whiskey JYPSI, they sought the help of experienced whiskey masters and blenders who could help them reimagine traditional whiskey industry conventions. After countless meetings with master distillers and blenders, they decided Ari Sussman was the first man for the job.
After all, Ari had been the head of Spirits Development for Michigan State’s Artisan Distilling Program and an award-winning whiskey maker. But he also had a healthy dose of the JYPSI Spirit in him. Before entering the whiskey world full time, Ari’s career included winemaking in France, bartending on multiple continents, and working with seed banks to revive historic grain varietals for whiskey making. He also raised ostriches and almonds with Bedouin tribes in the Middle East. And when it comes to whiskey, it turns out he is a remarkable experimenter, tinkerer and innovator. “The mad scientist,” they call him. Which made Ari the perfect choice for creating something new. Called Whiskey JYPSI.