The first month of 2026 is almost over, and this week’s roundup of the best whiskeys that dropped from brands large and small is an impressive list!
This list features offerings from heavy hitters like Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig and New Riff. There are also selections from smaller, more craft-centric brands like Copperworks Distilling Co. Scotch-lovers will also find something for them here, with a rare 36-year-old single malt from none other than the legendary House of Hazelwood.
Read on for the best whiskeys that dropped the week of January 23!
2026 Archive Release, No. 001 by Copperworks Distilling Co.
The Whiskey Wash reported on Jan. 20 that Copperworks released its 2026 Archive Release, and if you’re hopping on the viral 2016 trend, this might just be the whiskey for you. This particular release is a bottle of Copperwork’s first whiskey, and it originally dropped on August 27, 2016. The whiskey clocks in at 52% ABV.
Distilled from a mashbill of pale malted barley, this 2026 Archive Release spent time aging for half a year in new charred American oak barrels. Just 61 bottles of Copperwork’s rare gin and whiskeys will drop for the entire collection, and they are available via lottery. This release is one of one, meaning it is completely unique.
According to Craft Spirits Magazine, this whiskey has aromas of honey and black tea, coupled with a smoky orange palate. Expect bits of pepper and leather on the finish.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey by Heaven Hill
Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof Rye from Heaven Hill made headlines on Jan. 18 at The Robb Report. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A126 clocks in at 120.4 proof, and it hosts an age statement that is just shy of 12 years.
Heaven Hill introduced the inaugural expression of Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof Rye in September 2024, and this first offering marks the first of three releases for 2026. Robb Report’s whiskey critic, Jonah Flicker, tasted A26 and found the proof nicely integrated.
Flicker cited aromas of dried fruit, cinnamon and a pop of grape Jolly Rancher. This whiskey has a nice Kentucky hug on the finish, which leaves a lingering impression. Heaven Hill claims this bold rye has an MSRP of $74.99 — not too shabby.
Warehouse Reserve 36 Year Old Single Malt by House of Hazelwood
The Spirits Business reported on Jan. 21 that House of Hazelwood dropped a 36-year-old blended malt from its Warehouse Reserve Series. The whisky spent time aging in the Gordon family’s warehouse in Scotland and was heavily sherried. It clocks in at 51.4% ABV.
House of Hazelwood claims that the extended-age whisky is a “celebration of Sherry cask maturation.” This sherry bomb hosts rich flavors of cherry. Mid and base tones of the whisky include treacle and coffee.
Just 150 bottles exist within the series, and a bottle has a suggested price of $2,210. The whiskey is available by invitation only.
Year of the Horse Limited Edition Blue Label by Johnnie Walker
Parade reported on Jan. 21 that Johnnie Walker is dropping a limited edition version of its Blue Label to usher in the Year of the Horse for 2026. The whisky hosts a suggested price of $264, and the brand tapped Hong Kong-born fashion designer Robert Wun to design its special label for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
According to the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse begins on Feb. 17. The Horse represents action, dramatic shifts, and rebellion. This differs starkly from the majority of 2025, The Year of the Snake, which was about clearing out the old, ushering in the new, and transformation according to China Highlights.
Johnnie Walker isn’t the only brand to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Kavalan released a sherry cask single malt gift set honoring The Year of the Horse the week of Jan 16.
Balboa Rye by New Riff
On Jan. 16, New Riff unveiled what it calls “one of the most meaningful whiskies” that the brand produces, according to Breaking Bourbon. The brand dropped its culty Balboa Rye, a whiskey that is an experimental heirloom grain release.
According to New Riff, Balboa Rye was used a lot in the 1940s, and New Riff wanted to play with the grain and watch it evolve. This bottled-in-bond whiskey clocks in at 100 proof. It hosts a mashbill of 95% Balboa rye and 5% malted rye.
New Riff shares that this whiskey has a fruity nose with clove, coupled with a peppery and clove-driven palate, with flavors like horehound candy. The whiskey finishes with pink peppercorn and has a MSRP of $59.99, according to Breaking Bourbon.
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