Michter’s, the Louisville-based distillery, has been awarded the title of "World’s Most Admired Whiskey" for the third consecutive year by a global academy of experts convened by Drinks International. This esteemed accolade highlights Michter’s exceptional standing within the whiskey industry as world-class competitors emerge and adapt to shifting market dynamics.

Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Executive Vice President, expressed his overwhelming gratitude for this recognition, stating, "It’s literally a dream to have Michter’s recognized as the World’s Most Admired Whiskey." He emphasized the dedication of the distillery’s team and the importance of their support network, noting the value of excellent journalism in sharing Michter’s story with the world.

The distinction is decided by an international panel of 100 independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders, and whiskey experts. Shay Waterworth, Editor of Drinks International, remarked on Michter’s blend of tradition and innovation. "Michter’s ticks all the boxes when it comes to being an Admired Whiskey brand," he stated, underlining the distillery’s balance of modern practices while honoring its heritage.

Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, also expressed her pride in receiving this honor, noting the distillery’s commitment to producing excellent whiskey in response to evolving consumer preferences and market challenges. Similarly, Dan McKee, Michter’s Master Distiller, highlighted the appreciation for American whiskey both domestically and internationally.

Michter’s operations span multiple locations in Kentucky, including a facility dedicated to farming estate-grown grain. Their second distillery is located in the historic Fort Nelson Building in downtown Louisville, offering educational tours and tastings.

The distillery’s prestigious legacy is marked by a commitment to quality, producing limited editions of bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. Each product is meticulously aged to reach its optimal maturity, showcasing Michter’s dedication to the craft of whiskey-making.

For more information on the rankings, visit Drinks International. For details about Michter’s and their offerings, check michters.com.

Founded in 2018 by two childhood friends, Penelope Bourbon has rapidly gained recognition as one of the fastest-growing brands in the American whiskey scene. The brand notably sourced its whiskey primarily from Indiana’s MGP, rebranded as Ross & Squibb Distillery, and made a name for itself through grassroots expansion and innovative blends. By 2023, Penelope Bourbon became highly sought after, culminating in a significant acquisition by MGP for an estimated $215.8 million, which included both cash and incentives.

This acquisition has opened doors for growth, leveraging MGP’s resources while still maintaining the distinctive qualities that made Penelope popular. Despite an industry-wide contraction affecting many producers, Penelope has managed to carve out a niche as a leader in growth, moving beyond their initial mass-market affordable blends to embrace premium offerings.

In August 2025, Penelope announced its latest lineup, the Estate Collection, featuring five distinct premium expressions, each aged a minimum of 10 years and priced at around $80 and above. This collection marks an expansion of Penelope’s reach, including not just Indiana-distilled whiskey but also Kentucky bourbons sourced from other distilleries, as part of their integration into MGP’s subsidiary, Luxco.

Highlighted in the collection:

1. Penelope Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: At $199.99 and promising a cask strength of 121.4 proof, this bourbon features a mash bill with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, sourced from an undisclosed distillery, likely related to Heaven Hill.

2. Penelope Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This 11-year-aged bourbon costs $129.99 and is finished in rare Radoux Omega barrels, bottled at 109.8 proof. It shares a similar mash bill as the Founders Reserve.

3. Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon: Priced at $89.99, this offering consists of two Indiana-distilled whiskeys, featuring different mash bills and limited releases of 3,900 and 7,200 bottles, respectively.

4. Penelope Private Select 10 Year Bourbon: The most budget-friendly option at $79.99, this blended bourbon boasts a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, and 5% malted barley, yielding over 40,000 bottles.

Penelope Bourbon’s expansion into the premium segment underscores its commitment to elevating its brand while attracting both bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike.

When Walt Disney World unveiled the menu for its inaugural bar, the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed The Beak and Barrel, two standout items caught attention: the Plunderer’s Punch and the Kraken’s Catch. The Plunderer’s Punch, a spiced rum-based drink served in a collectible pirate skull mug, and the Kraken’s Catch, an inventive octopus dish, were featured during a media preview ahead of the bar’s opening.

Drinks Offered at The Beak and Barrel

During the event, three drinks were sampled from The Beak and Barrel’s menu.

1. Plunderer’s Punch: This signature drink is made with Kraken Black Spiced Rum, blackberry, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. Although not suited to every palate, its boozy character was commendable, and the souvenir mug added to the allure despite its hefty price tag.

2. Cursed Treasure: A non-alcoholic option, this refreshing drink combines coconut milk and cookie crumbs, topped off with vanilla foam and a pirate’s gold cookie. It was well-received for its sweet, balanced flavor.

3. Treasure Trove: This drink doubles as a dessert, featuring ube, lemon, and coconut in a light concoction served with various treats, including a delicious Vanilla Cake Plank.

Food Offerings to Pair with Drinks

Food options included:

• Island Provisions: A shareable plate featuring plantain chips, tortillas, toasted flatbread, and four dipping sauces. Among the dips, the Garlic Chimichurri stood out as particularly delicious.

• Kraken’s Catch: This signature dish features octopus tentacles marinated in a zestful blend with olives, bell peppers, and a piquillo pepper-almond foam. While visually striking, the flavors were praised for being more approachable than expected, making it appealing to a wider audience.

Tips for Enjoying The Beak and Barrel

With a 45-minute time limit to enjoy your food and drinks, it’s vital to arrive with a plan. Prioritize your desired items to ensure a complete experience. The immersive nature of the bar, combined with unique drinkware, enhances the overall dining enjoyment.

For guests eager to explore Disney’s latest dining attraction, The Beak and Barrel not only provides unique offerings but also an engaging atmosphere that makes for a memorable visit.

For more on the menu, visit The Beak and Barrel.

The Estate Whiskey Alliance, established on August 22, 2024, has made significant strides in its first year, nearly tripling its membership and certifying its inaugural products. This coalition includes whiskey producers, farmers, suppliers, and academic institutions, all dedicated to promoting estate whiskey—a category defined by the requirement that at least two-thirds of the grains must come from land owned or controlled by the distillery.

As of now, the Alliance boasts 16 members and has certified 14 products from four distilleries. These products carry a seal that indicates compliance with their estate whiskey definition, which also specifies the percentage of grains sourced from the estate. To obtain certification, distilleries must go through a thorough application process involving detailed disclosures about grain origins and site visits to ensure adherence to the rigorous standards.

The first whiskey to receive the Estate Whiskey Certified logo was Maker’s Mark’s Star Hill Farm Wheat Whisky, reflecting the distillery’s commitment to showcasing its land’s unique contributions to the whiskey-making process. Maker’s Mark intends to release new batches of this whiskey annually, each earning its certification.

In addition to product certification, the Alliance has initiated a research grant program aimed at funding projects related to agriculture and terroir that will shape the future of estate whiskey. Recently, grants were awarded to two research projects focusing on regional barley cultivation and consumer perceptions of certified estate whiskeys, further underscoring the Alliance’s dedication to transparency and quality in whiskey production.

For more information, visit the Estate Whiskey Alliance certified products page.