The best whiskeys that released this week have a distinctively autumnal vibe, and as the temperatures drop and shadows get longer we’re definitely here for it. Some of these offerings possess distinctive cask finishes that scream fall, and others remind us that the holidays are just around the corner.
Be sure to check out this week’s list, which features the highest proof whiskey to ever release from Russell’s Reserve, a limited-release from the iconoclastic bourbon brand Blue Run and more.
Orchard & Vine Kentucky Straight Bourbon by Bear Fight
Bear Fight Whiskey burst onto the scene with an American Single Malt in October 2022. The North Carolina brand owned by Next Century Spirits (NCS) announced on Oct. 14 that it dropped a fall-themed release: a bourbon finished in a mixture of Calvados and port barrels.
With a suggested price of $44.99, Orchard & Vine offers distinctive orchard fruit aromas, with an unmistakable apple-driven throughline interspersed with warm baking spice. The port cask imbues the bourbon with dark berries through to the finish.
Calvados-finished whiskeys are on the rare side, as casks used to hold this apple brandy from Normandy can be hard to come by. Those interested in picking up a bottle of Orchard & Vine can visit the brand’s website here.
Chicago Bears Limited-Edition Commemorative Bourbon by Blue Run
Blue Run — or the brand known for the bottles with the butterflies — unveiled a rare release meant to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Chicago Bears’ 1985 18-1 season victory at the Super Bowl. For this release, each bottle includes a custom butterfly medallion inspired by the NFL team.
As for the juice inside? The bourbon clocks in at 111 proof and hosts a suggested price of $89.99. Blue Run shares that this bourbon leads with bold aromas of orange peel and praline. On the palate, brown sugar, nuttiness and stone fruit take over, until the whiskey finishes with white tea and clove.
The whiskey brand shares that the limited-release high rye bourbon was designed in partnership with the Chicago Bears. The bottles will be available throughout October at retailers like Seelbach’s and Costco.
Whiskey Advent Calendar by Flaviar
Fred Minnick reported on October 13 that Flaviar dropped its whiskey advent calendar, with the holidays just around the corner. The theme celebrates the golden age of travel, and 24 mini pours offer whiskey fans a liquid escape.
The advent calendar hosts an MSRP of $270, and interested parties better act fast — the calendar usually sells out quickly and the order cut-off is November 14.
The set includes whiskeys from Beyoncé’s brand SirDavis, Loch Lomond, Chicken Cock and Raj Bhatka’s BHATKA 1928.
11 Year Old Islay Sherry Cask by Kilchoman
As far as scotch brands go, Kilchoman flies under the radar in comparison to other Islay brands like Laphroaig and Ardbeg. But don’t sleep on this one. Though the distillery has released sherry cask-aged expressions of its scotch whiskies, this release is the first time an offering has dropped with a wider audience in mind.
This single malt spent time aging in a mixture of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks. The whisky was distilled from single-farm harvests and publican barley, and it dates back to 2011, 2012 and 2013. This appears to be a true grain-to-glass scotch whisky, as the barley was grown at Kilchoman from 2010 to 2014.
With a suggested price of $121, the whisky possesses a dark, meaty and fruity profile.
Central Waters Brewing Co. Black Gold Imperial Stout Cask Finish American Single Malt by Virginia Distillery Co.
Virginia Distillery Co. announced on October 16 that it dropped the latest whiskey within its Brewer’s Collection. This release is an American Single Malt finished in Imperial Stout casks from Central Waters Brewing Co. The whiskey clocks in at 100 proof.
This American Single Malt first spent time aging in ex-bourbon barrels for over five years, then it spent time finishing in the Wisconsin craft brewery’s Black Gold Imperial Stout Barrels. Black Gold is considered one of Wisconsin’s top craft beers.
The brand claims this American single malt possesses salted caramel, vanilla cream soda and a hoppy, herbaceous throughline.
2025 Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E. by Wild Turkey
On October 15, Food & Wine reported that Wild Turkey dropped the highest proof bourbon it ever made: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E. The bourbon clocks in at 128 proof.
The brand shares that Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey Third Generation Master Distiller, hand-chose barrels from the brand’s Rickhouse E.’s fifth floor. Russell considers Camp Nelson E to be “one of the most interesting aging environments” at the campus.
The whiskey’s mashbill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley. It possesses a suggested price of $300. The bourbon includes aromas of dried fruit, graham cracker and nutmeg.
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