If we could pick a word for the best whiskeys that dropped this week, it would probably be “elegant.” With wine and calvados cask finishes, extended age statements, and innovative distillation processes, these drams from all over the world are a special bunch.
This week’s list includes releases from Jameson, Bardstown Bourbon and more. Read on for the best whiskeys that dropped the week of November 21.
Distillery Reserve Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish by Bardstown Bourbon
On Nov. 18, Bardstown Bourbon added a new whiskey to the brand’s Distillery Reserve series, an expression finished in Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrels. This 375 ml bottle costs approximately $99.99, and it is the final Distillery Reserve release of 2025.
This year’s other releases included Bardstown’s Cathedral French Oak and Hokkzido Mizunara Oak expressions. As far as the finishing casks are concerned, there’s a bit of a story there. Calvados is admittedly a lesser-known type of spirit, and at one point it was essentially illegal as part of protectionist legislation to protect French brandy.
For this release, Bardstown sourced Calvados casks from Christian Drouin, and Lofted Spirits Master Blender refers to the casks as “the apple of [his] eye.” The 59-gallon Calvados cask held a custom-blended bourbon, with age statements between 12 and 13 years. They rested for 28 months before release.
30 Year Old Bourbon by Blade and Bow
Blade and Bow operates out of the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery, which initially ceased operations in 1992. Fred Minnick reported on Nov. 14 that the distillery launched what is purportedly its oldest release yet. This whiskey was first laid down in 1993. It hosts a suggested price of $1,200 a bottle.
Blade and Bow’s 30 Year Old Expression clocks in at 54.5% ABV, and the team drew it from 42 barrels. The brand shares that before Diageo purchased Stitzel-Weller, the team consolidated a portion of partially-empty barrels so the liquid spent more time in contact with the wood.
Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey, Nicole Austin, claimed that she tasted them at 30 years old, and their depth impressed her, which encouraged her to pursue this release.
X4 + 19 Edition 01 by Bruichladdich
Bruichladdich unveiled what it reports is the world’s first quadruple-distilled 18-year-old Scotch whisky, according to Dram Scotland. The outlet reported on Nov. 19 about the boundary-breaking release. Just 2,400 bottles exist.
The whisky dates back to 2006, and according to Dram Scotland, Bruichladdich’s former Master Distiller Jim McEwan MBE used a process that was rarely attempted, yet yielded a very strong spirit. The quadruple distilling process dates back to the 17th century, and it is called “usquebach-baul” or “perilous whisky” because it was distilled four times.
This whisky hosts an ABV of 63.5% and possesses aromas of dried apricot, mango, toasted oak, and vanilla fudge according to One More Dram.
Cabernet Cask American Single Malt Whiskey by Copperworks
On Nov. 19, Fred Minnick reported that Seattle-based Copperworks Distilling Co. is dropping an American Single Malt Whiskey that’s part of a partnership with Pondera Winery. The whiskey clocks in at 100 proof and has a suggested price of $89.99.
This American Single Malt was composed of pale malt and spent over seven years maturing in an ex-Copperworks cask before it was finished for six months in a Cabernet Sauvignon cask from Pondera. Just 190 bottles will be available.
According to the brand, the whiskey possesses caramel and incense aromas, with leather, linen, and chocolate orange. The whiskey segues into a finish with cotton candy and vetiver.
21 Year Old Whiskey by Jameson
Falstaff reported on Nov. 12 that Jameson is releasing a limited edition 21-year-old whiskey, and a scant amount of over 2,300 bottles are available.
This extended-age Irish whiskey clocks in at 57.2% ABV, and spent time aging in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks for 18 years at Midleton Distillery.
According to the brand, it possesses dried fruit aromas, loads of spice and has Jameson’s “unmistakably smooth” signature. Each bottle costs $355 a pop, and those interested in ordering this 21-year-old whiskey can do it through an online ballot system.
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