There’s something for everybody in this week’s lineup of the best whiskeys that dropped from major brands like Ballantine’s and Elijah Craig.
Audiophiles and sports fans will likely find themselves drawn to some of these releases, especially the collaboration between Jack Daniel’s and the WNBA team, the Minnesota Lynx, in celebration of the team making it to the NBA playoffs. This list also includes some major news from Heaven Hill’s iconic Elijah Craig brand.
True Music Icons Series KISS & Gorillaz Tribute Bottles
The Spirits Business reported on September 17 that Ballantine’s dropped two new bottles within its True Music Icons Series, celebrating The Gorillaz and Kiss. The bottle honoring the virtual band, The Gorillaz, features a rare illustration from the band that has never been made available to the public.
As far as rock fans are concerned, the second whisky pays tribute to KISS, the legendary band known for its black and white face paint. The bottle is inspired by Kiss’ album, Destroyer. Both whiskies are set to be available in specific markets starting in October.
For the True Music Icons Series, Ballantine’s has celebrated John Lennon, Elton John, and ACDC.
26 Year Old Single Malt by Bushmill’s
The Robb Report described Bushmills’ 26-year-old single malt with a suggested price of $1,000 as “an ode to chocolate” on September 11.
The oldest Irish whiskey brand in the world chose to work with crystal malt barley for the mashbill before the team triple-distilled it on November 20, 1997. The whiskey was bottled at 46% ABV after it spent 26 years aging in first-fill bourbon barrels.
According to Robb Report, the whiskey is a liquid love letter to chocolate and malt, coupled with a grassy and fruity through line, with a caramel-driven finish.
Barrel Proof Rye by Elijah Craig
Forbes reported that Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig dropped its first barrel proof rye on September 16. The permanent expression’s inaugural release is a little over 12 years old and clocks in at 54% ABV. Distilled from a mashbill clocks in at 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley.
The first batch to drop is A925, and this release possesses lots of spice, but possesses a Kentucky rye style nose, according to Forbes. This means the rye whiskey leans towards a more confectionary vibe, with less herbaceous characteristics. The whiskey has some green notes on the palate, and finishes with mint chocolate.
Elijah Craig’s first Barrel Proof Rye has an MSRP of $74.99.
Minnesota Lynx & Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Personal Selection
On September 16, the WNBA team, the Minnesota Lynx, announced a collaboration with the Tennessee whiskey brand, Jack Daniel’s to commemorate the 2025 playoffs.
The release is available throughout the state. According to the basketball team, it features a richly toasted oak profile coupled with spices.
The whiskey clocks in at 47% ABV and is available throughout the state of Minnesota.
10 Year Old Whisky by Sagamore Spirit
On September 16, Sagamore Spirit announced that it was releasing its oldest rye whiskey to date. Sagamore’s 10 Year Old Reserve Series features a 55.4% ABV and has a suggested retail price of $79.99.
VP Of Operations at Sagamore Ryan Norwood referred to the launch as a “defining moment” for the brand. The whiskey is a grain-to-glass whiskey, celebrating Maryland’s terroir.
It possesses aromas of roasted nuts and peach crumble. The floral and fruity qualities persist on the palate, coupled with a white pepper-driven finish.
American Single Malt by Southern Star
North Carolina’s very own Southern Star Distilling Company announced that it was dropping its American Single Malt. The team distilled the whiskey and bottled it at the brand’s campus, and it clocks in at 114.8 proof.
Those interested in picking up a bottle of Southern Star’s American Single Malt can expect to shell out $49.95, according to the MSRP.
The whiskey possesses a nose full of mint, toasted oak and grass. The palate is creamy and thick, with notes of honey, and a finish that evokes bitter chocolate.
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