Jackie Zykan is a modern legend in American bourbon. As master taster for Old Forester, she had a hand in crafting some of the brand’s most beloved labels, including Birthday Bourbon and President’s Choice. In fact, she was the first woman to have her signature on an Old Forester label in the company’s entire history. … Read more
President Donald Trump announced a potential 25 percent blanket tariff against Mexico and Canada, which set off major alarms for an alcohol industry already facing numerous headwinds. It can be challenging for consumers to understand the impact of tariffs on their own bank accounts when the products with rising prices are components used to make something else, such … Read more
I write about whiskey for a living, so that means that I have to taste a lot of it—in moderation, of course. Generally speaking, I don’t really gravitate towards bourbon. rye, or any other type of whiskey that’s bottled at the minimum required 80 proof, 40 percent ABV. It’s just a bit too thin, watered … Read more
Last year, The Glenlivet turned 200 years old. To celebrate, the iconic Speyside brand rolled out a variety of new releases, including its oldest ever bottling. But even with its bicentennial now in the rearview, the Pernod Ricard-owned whisky maker isn’t stepping away from age and innovation. Instead, it’s adding those qualities to its permanent … Read more
Highland Park is reaching a new milestone with its rare, extra-mature single malt Scotches. For 2025, the distillery is releasing its oldest malt to date: a 56-year-old, first laid down to age in 1968. Highland Park 56 is the oldest single malt ever released by the Orkey-based Scottish distillery in its more than 200 year … Read more
William Grant & Sons, the company behind beloved Scotch brand Glenfiddich, has unveiled the Ladyburn Ha Chong-Hyun Edition, a collection of 50-year-old single-cask whiskies. It’s the latest expression from the shuttered archives of the once pioneering distillery brings together the worlds of rare single malt and contemporary art. The story of Ladyburn is short for … Read more
I’ve spent the past two decades writing about alcohol with an emphasis on whiskey. In that time, I’ve learned a few things. Especially about American whiskey. There are a ton of over-the-top, highly coveted bourbons on the market. I’m talking about the likes of E.H. Taylor, Weller, and especially Pappy Van Winkle. The last of … Read more
Ancient stones sit on a rugged coastline. Green hills crumble into the North Atlantic, cold waves shape the crisp wind that shakes the barley. This is Bushmills’ terroir, the sea, sky, and earth responsible for Northern Ireland’s most iconic whiskey, and the inspiration for its latest creation: 26 Year Old Crystal Malt. Rocky shores and … Read more
I’ve been writing professionally about spirits for almost twenty years. In that time, I’ve learned a few things about whisk(e)y and how it’s perceived by the masses. While I could spend a whole article writing about the complexities, nuances, and myths about bourbon whiskey, today it’s single malt Scotch whisky’s turn. Instead of writing a long … Read more
For many modern drinkers, brandy might not be among the first additions to their home bar. Many imbibers reach for Scotch, bourbon, or even Japanese whisky. Often considered a vintage cocktail ingredient or older generation nightcap, brandy is underrated and unjustly cast to the side in favor of trendier options like vodka and tequila. Yet, … Read more