September historically is a big month for whiskey releases, particularly within the bourbon category. Why? Because it’s Bourbon Heritage Month, of course! This week’s list still gives some love to America’s native spirit, with eclectic, boundary-pushing releases from Garrison Brothers, Laws Whiskey House and 15 Stars.
However, we also wanted to highlight some other innovative releases, such as 2XO’s first rye whiskey, crafted by the legendary Dixon Dedman. If you want to check out the most intriguing whiskeys that released this week, read on.
White Oak Rye by 2XO
2XO, the bourbon brand helmed by iconic whiskey blender Dixon Dedman, announced a first on Tuesday. Dedman was releasing his first Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The whiskey costs $49.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
Though 2XO focuses on bourbon and its relationship to oak aging, Dedman is no stranger to the “other whiskey” and spent a lot of time blending critically-acclaimed ryes for Kentucky Owl, a brand started by his great-great-grandfather that Dedman relaunched in 2014.
This spicy rye whiskey features a mashbill of 95% rye and has a distinctively alpine quality, with pine, mint, peppery spice and sweet flavors from the charred white oak barrel. It clocks in at 92 proof.
Artisan Collection by 15 Stars
Dessert fans will be delighted by the latest release from the culty bourbon brand, 15 Stars. Fred Minnick reported the brand dropped Artisan Collection, a limited release with just 1,290 bottles, on September 5.
“What makes Artisan Collection special is that the bourbon’s mashbill contains a high corn content, which gives the liquid a dessert sweetness,” 15 Stars Co-Founder Ricky Johnson said, according to Fred Minnick.
The blend of bourbons spent between 12 and 15 years aging, and the 15 Stars sourced the juice from none other than Indiana. Those interested in picking up a bottle of this 109-proof bourbon can purchase one for $179.00 from the 15 Stars Artisan Collection.
Sonora Seven-Year Rye Whiskey Barrel Finished Bourbon by Garrison Brothers
Garrison Brothers Distillery announced on September 10 that it just dropped a seven-year-aged bourbon that spent four years aging in new white American oak and then three years in rye whiskey barrels.
The project was a collaboration with Garrison Brothers Master Distiller Donnis Todd and Samantha Olvera. Olvera is the first female Latina in Texas to make a grain-to-glass bourbon.
The whiskey clocks in at 108 proof, and has aromas of corn, oak and rye spice. Other aromas of almond tea and wildflower honey segue into a palate of cinnamon, black pepper and crème brûlée.
The whiskey hosts a price of $159.99 and it will be available on October 18.
30- and 40-Year-Old Scotch Whisky by Glendronach
Extended age statements appear to be a theme for The Glendronach in 2025. The Brown-Forman-owned company released a revitalized version of its 21-year-old scotch in June.
On September 9, The Spirits Business reported that the brand added two limited releases: a 30 and 40-year-old scotch whisky expression. Both whiskies were created under Master Blender Rachel Barrie’s expertise.
The outlet reports that the 30-year-old spends time aging in three sherry casks: Pedro Ximenéz, Oloroso and Amontillado, which marks a first for Glendronach. The Spirits Business reports that the whisky features aromas of Brazil nut toffee, medjool date caramel and sultana cake. The dram features an ABV of 46.8% and a hefty price of $1,345.
As for its older sibling, the Glendronach 40-Year-Old includes liquid drawn from hand-picked casks that date back to 1978, 1983 and 1984. 300 bottles exist, and the whisky is housed in a dark-stained rosewood presentation box, made with a golden plinth. The whisky spent time aging in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and Spanish oak Oloroso casks.
The Glendronach shares its 40-year-old expression hosts a suggested price of $6,715.
Founder’s Select Bourbon by Law’s Whiskey House
Fred Minnick reported that Laws Whiskey House dropped Founder’s Select Colorado Straight Bourbon on September 9. The new release is the latest addition to the brand’s Four Grain Bourbon collection.
Grains are the primary focus of the series. This whiskey features a mashbill of 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye and 10% heirloom malted barley. The whiskey contains an ABV of 45%.
The bourbon spent over 4 years aging in new 53-gallon oak barrels. Laws shares that the whiskey “embodies the flavor of Colorado,” according to Al Laws, the founder of Laws Whiskey House.
As far as flavors are concerned, Laws Founder’s Select Colorado Straight Bourbon contains aromas of vanilla wafer, buttered cupcake and apple peel. The whiskey tastes like toffee pudding, caramel corn and apple pie crust.
Though we don’t know what the whiskey’s suggested price is, we know it is available at the Laws Whiskey House Whiskey Sanctuary Visitor Center & Cocktail Lounge in Denver and specialized Colorado shops.
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