The Best New Whiskeys to Seek Out This Fall
As we usher in the fall season, whisky enthusiasts can look forward to an array of new releases that are not to be missed. From the intricate flavors of Japanese whiskies to the masterful expressions emerging from Kentucky, this season celebrates the rich diversity of whisky available worldwide. Bourbon Heritage Month may have come to an end, but the world of whisky awaits avid collectors and casual drinkers alike with exceptional offerings at every price point.
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series: The Port Edition 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
Experience aged luxury in a glass
ABV: 43.9%
Average Price: $44,450 (for the set of three)
With its 30-year maturation process, The Dalmore’s Port Edition offers a complex nose filled with rich malt notes, Brazil nuts, and a tantalizing aroma of juicy blood oranges paired with caramel. On the palate, the creamy texture reveals hints of nougat, Tahitian vanilla, and a light touch of flan, concluding with medium-length finish notes of toasted walnuts and sweet red berries.
SirDavis Rye Whisky Finished In Sherry Casks
Rich and memorable flavors await
ABV: 44%
Average Price: $90
This rye whisky offers a delightful experience from the very first nose, with an inviting bouquet of cherries, rye spice, and honeyed wheat toast. The palate follows suit, delivering fresh mint sprigs blended with vanilla pod, nutmeg, and ripe cherries. The finishing notes of prominent sherry complemented by fresh hazelnuts and black pepper make for a captivating dram.
Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B
Crafted in small batches for complexity
ABV: 60.1%
Average Price: $305
Highly regarded for its intense yet balanced flavors, this bourbon offers aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, dates, savory bacon, and Tahitian vanilla. The palate is a delightful mix of ginger candy and apple galette, showing off the depth of this carefully crafted whiskey. Its finish lingers beautifully with tones of vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Kinfolk Trust American Whiskey
Where American innovation meets tradition
ABV: 62.8%
Average Price: $108
Kinfolk Trust offers characteristics brightened with beeswax, butterscotch, and oak on the nose, while a juicy palate coats the mouth with bubblegum and orange pith followed by caramel sweetness. The journey ends with a beautiful finish of nougat intertwined with black pepper.
Octomore 15.2
Bold yet refined expressions of smoke
ABV: 57.9%
Average Price: $245
Known for pushing boundaries, Octomore 15.2 intrigues with a nose that evokes brie cheese, lime zest, walnuts, and cherries. On the palate, it presents a delicate vanilla custard layered with moss, concluding with the infusion of smoke and subtle pink peppercorn, illustrating the complexity attributed to this peaty essence.
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2024
Celebrating craftsmanship with every sip
ABV: 54.1%
Average Price: $350
This limited edition offering captures the imagination with its floral notes paired with ripe apples and butterscotch. The palate’s mellow black pepper and baking spice, alongside hints of cinnamon bark, create a rich tapestry of flavors that endures on the palate.
Westward Milestone Edition 2 American Single Malt Whiskey
An experience celebrating innovation and heritage
ABV: 48.5%
Average Price: $250
A proud expression of American single malt, this whiskey wafts with scents of orange marmalade and cinnamon. Smooth and decadent, the palate features luxurious flavors with an alluring finish highlighted by orange blossom and Brazil nuts.
Shenks’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey Small Batch 2024 Release
Embracing artisanal techniques
ABV: 45.6%
Average Price: $185
This release delights with its nose of chocolate wafers and orange buttercream, further developing into a palate that showcases chocolate truffle dust and almond. The finish leaves a rich persistence of oak and malted chocolate.
Yamazaki Mizunara 18-Year-Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
Japanese whisky at its finest
ABV: 48%
Average Price: $3,000
Celebrating a distinguished heritage, the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old combines black cherries and peaches on the nose, followed by a delicate palate of spiced orange wheels, concluding with finish notes of clove and sandalwood.
King of Kentucky 2024 “Representative Barrel”
Exceptional rarity for collectors
ABV: 65.2%
Average Price: $2,500
A masterpiece on its own, this offer features rich aromas of chocolate-covered coconut and vanilla bean, transitioning into a bold palate of dark sweet chocolate and toasted coconut, leading to a long-lasting finish rich in caramel and oak.
Keeper’s Heart 21-Year-Old Irish Single Malt Finished in Tokaji Barrels
Colors of storytelling intertwined with flavor
ABV: 48.5%
Average Price: $1,000
This elegant Irish offering has a beautiful nose echoing apricots, honey, and vanilla custard, evolving on the palate with butterscotch and soft dates, concluding with a silky finish that reveals dessert wine hints.
The whisky landscape is vast and vibrant, with new expressions continuously enriching our experiences. From decadent bourbons to refined Japanese whiskies, there’s never a shortage of remarkable options to explore this fall. Whether indulging in a single vintage pour or diving into a flight of diverse selections, whisky lovers are sure to find something that captivates the palate.