Fall in Kentucky means one thing: the release of new bourbon bottles! While National Bourbon Month is traditionally celebrated in September, distillers in Kentucky spread the joy throughout the entire season. These special premium releases have bourbon collectors eagerly waiting in line for a chance to purchase them. Today, I want to share some of the best and hottest new bourbon releases that you should consider trying and buying at your local stores.

One notable release that caught my attention is Kentucky Owl’s Maighstir Edition. This is actually their third international collaboration, and it was created by John Rhea and Maureen Robinson, a Scotch whisky expert. Rhea has since retired, and Robinson has taken over as the master blender. Together, they crafted a unique bourbon that leans into the flavors of Scotch. Maighstir is a blend of 4-year-old, 5-year-old, 8-year-old, and 9-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons. The goal was to convey a Scottish-inspired flavor profile. Robinson explains, “Our latest limited edition release exemplifies the dedication of Kentucky Owl to offer bourbon enthusiasts a glimpse into the world of Scotch whiskies. It has the citrus-perfumed floral green notes with hints of sweetness and oak reminiscent of a lighter style Scotch but still keeping all the credentials of a bourbon.” Maighstir is 100 proof with a suggested retail price of $150, and it’s available globally, but in limited amounts. The decision to create a bourbon that tastes like Scotch was made to open a door to millions of Scotch drinkers and to provide bourbon fans with something a little different.

Kentucky Owl has even bigger plans for the future. Construction is set to begin next year on the Kentucky Owl Park in Bardstown, a 420-acre distillery and tourism campus that will serve as the brand’s home. This expansion will include two distilleries on-site, one for Kentucky Owl and another for the Wiseman brand. The Kentucky Owl distillery alone will be capable of producing 30,000 barrels a year, while the Wiseman distillery will have three times that capacity. This means that in the future, we may see a lot more Kentucky Owl bourbon available for purchasing.

Another exciting release this fall is Ascension, the first Kentucky bourbon from Heaven’s Door Spirits, the brand founded by Bob Dylan. Ascension is a blend of two Kentucky straight bourbons produced at Heaven’s Door Distillery. It’s a non-chill filtered bourbon aged for over five years, blended in small batches, and bottled at 92 proof. Tasting notes describe it having a nose of baked bread, buttered popcorn, and dried fruit, with a complex palate that includes notes of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Ascension has a suggested retail price of $54.99 and can be found in stores and online at heavensdoor.com. The bottles feature graphics that mimic iron metalworks, paying homage to Bob Dylan’s talents as a musician and artist.

Dixon Dedman, the Kentucky blender who revived the Kentucky Owl brand before selling it to Stoli, also has some exciting releases from his new label, 2XO. Last year, Dedman introduced two small batch blends, The Phoenix Blend and The Innkeeper’s Blend, which won several awards at whiskey competitions. Now, he’s launching American Oak and The Tribute Blend. American Oak combines charred oak with a moderate amount of rye in the mashbill, resulting in a palate of rich caramel, toffee, savory roasted nuts, and a lingering mild spice. This ongoing blend in the Oak Series has a suggested retail price of $49.99. The Tribute Blend is the latest small batch release from the Icon Series, composed of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys from two different distilling partners, one with 35% rye and the other with 16-18% rye.

As the temperature drops and the leaves change colors, the excitement of new bourbon releases fills the air in Kentucky. These premium bottles offer bourbon enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to experience unique flavors and profiles. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional Kentucky bourbon or curious to explore the world of Scotch-inspired bourbons, these releases have something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, explore your local stores, and enjoy the autumn season with a glass of these exceptional bourbons.

Introducing the Fall Lineup from Barrell Craft Spirits and Copper & Kings

As we bid farewell to the warm summer days and welcome the cool breeze of autumn, our taste buds eagerly anticipate the flavors that come with the seasonal change. And for whiskey enthusiasts, this fall promises to deliver an extraordinary experience with the releases from Barrell Craft Spirits and the debut of Copper & Kings Bourbon.

Let’s start with Barrell Craft Spirits, who are celebrating a decade of remarkable releases. Their Tribute Blend immediately catches the eye with its intriguing tasting notes. With rich tones of caramel, toffee, apricot, red cinnamon candy, and a peppery spice, this blend is sure to captivate the senses. Priced at $99.99, it is a testament to their dedication to crafting exceptional spirits.

Continuing their tradition of excellence, Barrell Craft Spirits also has four other bottles gracing the shelves this fall. Barrel Bourbon Batch 35 offers a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. The range of barrels, spanning from 6 to 13 years old, contributes to its complexity. At 116.24 proof, it delivers a bold and intense experience, priced at $90.

For rye whiskey lovers, Barrell Rye Batch 004 is a long-awaited treat. This release marks their return to rye after years of anticipation. With a blend of rye whiskeys aged in Indiana, Tennessee, Canada, and Kentucky, it offers a diverse range of flavors. Ranging from 5 to 14 years old, these barrels result in an exceptional and well-rounded rye whiskey. Priced at $90, it is an offering that should not be missed.

Adding to their impressive lineup, Barrell Craft Spirits introduces the Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series. This series showcases two releases, both priced at $89.99. Amburana, a blend with enticing notes of cinnamon, baking spice, banana bread, and apple fritters, promises a rich and buttery experience. The finish reveals a delightful citrus peel and cider apple fragrance. At 116.42 proof, it is a whiskey that truly tantalizes the taste buds.

A Tale of Two Islands Bourbon is a follow-up to Barrell’s renowned 2018 release, Tale of Two Islands Rum. This unique blend of straight bourbons is finished in peated Islay single malt barrels, resulting in an exquisite fusion of flavors. With hints of smoked malt, grilled peach, and coconut macaron, the nose sets the stage for an extraordinary palate experience. At 118.22 proof, this release is a testament to Barrell Craft Spirits’ commitment to innovation and quality.

While Barrell Craft Spirits dazzles whiskey enthusiasts with their fall releases, Copper & Kings introduces their first-ever bourbon. Known primarily for their brandy, Copper & Kings Bourbon is a remarkable addition to their repertoire. A blend of 5-, 10-, and 15-year-old bourbons finished in American apple brandy barrels for a year, it showcases their expertise and craftsmanship. The tasting notes evoke images of cracked pepper, fresh cut apple, and classic cherry, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. Priced at $65, this bourbon is a steal.

To celebrate the release of Copper & Kings Bourbon, the distillery will host a party on October 19th at their location in the Butchertown neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky. This free event, starting at 6 p.m., is a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the spirit of the brand and raise a glass to this significant milestone.

As we embrace the autumn season, these exceptional releases beckon to be enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Whether it’s the enticing array of blends from Barrell Craft Spirits or the debut of Copper & Kings Bourbon, the fall lineup promises an unforgettable experience for the senses. Cheers to the art of crafting extraordinary spirits!