As we look ahead to 2026, the bourbon landscape is shaping up to deliver some truly exceptional releases. From ultra-aged expressions pushing proof boundaries to innovative cask finishes and resurrections of historic bottlings, these are the bottles generating the most excitement among enthusiasts. Whether you're a collector planning your purchases or simply a bourbon lover eager to see what's coming, here are the most anticipated bourbon releases we're watching for in 2026.

Following the incredible success of the 2025 edition—which Breaking Bourbon described as "one of the most exciting releases from a major Kentucky distillery this year"—Maker's Mark is back with the 2026 Star Hill Farm release. This expression features a fascinating mashbill of 51% soft red winter wheat, 27% malted soft red winter wheat, and 22% malted barley, with grains harvested, distilled, and barreled in fall 2016 and fall 2017. Bottled at 114.7 proof, it showcases whiskey from the company's 1,100-acre farm that's home to the Maker's Mark Distillery. The 2025 edition set incredibly high expectations, and if this year's release maintains that quality, it'll be one of the standout wheat whiskeys of the year.

This is probably the release we—and many others—are most excited for. The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 2026 features a 22-year-old bourbon bottled at a near-hazmat 68.5% ABV (137 proof), making it the highest proof Heaven Hill bourbon ever released. The mashbill is classic Heaven Hill: 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. Since the Heritage Collection's introduction in 2022, there have been four annual releases, making this the fifth—and the most ambitious in terms of both age and proof. Heaven Hill doesn't mess around with their limited releases, and a 22-year at 137 proof? That's the kind of bottle that starts fights at allocation time.

Ten years in a barrel represents a sweet spot in bourbon maturation—long enough for serious depth and complexity, but not so long that oak overtakes everything else. In 2025, we're seeing more distilleries proudly sporting double-digit age statements, a welcome trend after years of younger releases. Whether you're looking for a special occasion sipper or building out your home bar, these five 10-year expressions represent the best of what this age category has to offer.

Michter's 10 Year continues to set the standard for decade-aged bourbon. The single-barrel program sources barrels at least 10 years old, with some rumored closer to 15 years depending on barrel quality. Each expression goes through Michter's bespoke filtration process before being proofed down with Kentucky limestone water to a very drinkable 94.4 proof.

This is quintessential sipping bourbon that also makes one hell of an Old Fashioned. The nose can be a touch oaky, but that helps prepare you for the insane depth this whiskey delivers. Michter's 10 balances maturity with elegance, never letting age overwhelm the distillate character. The single-barrel nature means each bottle varies slightly, but quality control remains consistently excellent—earning the top spot for its uncompromising quality and exemplary patient aging.

As we reach the latter half of 2025, it's time to look back at the exceptional Scotch whiskies that have graced our shelves and ignited our passion for single malt this year. From heritage barley experiments to award-winning expressions, 2025 has delivered some truly spectacular releases that span the breadth of Scotland's whisky-making regions. Whether you're a peat enthusiast, a sherry bomb devotee, or someone who appreciates innovative cask work, this year's lineup offers something extraordinary for every palate. If you're looking to expand your collection or simply indulge in some of the finest Scotch available, here are our top ten best Scotch releases of 2025 that deserve a place on your shelf.

The most anticipated J&A Mitchell annual release continues to set the bar impossibly high, and this year's iteration might just be the best yet. What makes the 2025 release truly special is the shift to Bere barley from High Ranachan farm—a heritage variety rarely seen outside Bruichladdich releases. Heritage barley contains less starch but more proteins and congeners that contribute exceptional flavor and texture. Matured 50/50 in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 58.1% ABV, this is Campbeltown at its most elemental. The nose delivers gloopy, oily aromas of old tools, earthy farminess, cocoa nibs, and Campbeltown funk. With water, it transforms into creamy carbonara territory with black pepper. The palate is superbly rich and oily with stunning mouthfeel—malty, farmy, with milk chocolate, black pepper, and beef fat. The finish is creamy and sweet with chocolate, ending on spicy chili and black pepper. While it has youthful edges at 8 years, this is already a masterpiece. This years release sold out almost immediately—but if you find a bottle, it's worth every penny.

After a stellar 2024 that saw some truly exceptional releases, 2025 has opened with a bang that has us scrambling to reorganize our top shelves. From long-awaited age statement returns to innovative finishing techniques, this year's bourbon landscape is proving that American whiskey continues to evolve while honoring its storied traditions. 

The first half of 2025 has delivered some genuinely surprising releases that have caught even seasoned bourbon hunters off guard. We've witnessed legendary distilleries flexing muscles they haven't shown in decades, while others have doubled down on what makes them special in the first place. Whether you're hunting allocated bottles, building a serious collection, or simply looking for that next spectacular pour, these early 2025 releases represent some of the finest releases thus far. 

Here are our top picks for the best bourbons of 2025 so far – releases that have not only exceeded expectations but have set the bar impossibly high for what's still to come this year. 

Taking the crown this year is Heaven Hill's latest Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond release, and honestly, we should have seen this coming. The Spring 2025 edition marks the seventh year of Heaven Hill's bi-annual Old Fitz releases, and they've absolutely nailed the sweet spot with this 9-year-old wheated beauty. What makes this release so special isn't just the age – though nine years seems to be the magic number for this particular mashbill – it's the complete package Heaven Hill has delivered. From the moment you nose this bourbon, you're greeted with an symphony of barrel spice and fresh mint that gives way to rich, buttery toffee notes and that signature banana character that Old Fitz lovers know and cherish. But this isn't the subtle banana note from previous releases; this is full-throttle banana pudding territory, complete with caramelized Bananas Foster richness. 

For bourbon enthusiasts, few releases generate as much excitement as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP). Since its introduction in 2012, this cherished expression from Heaven Hill Distillery has earned Bourbon lovers hearts its place among the most sought-after American whiskeys. Heaven Hill releases these batches three times a year - January, May, and September. If you're new to the series, each batch name has four characters: the first (A, B, or C) shows which release of the year it is, followed by the month and year. In mid-2023, Heaven Hill announced they would remove ECBP's 12-year age statement, instead varying the age statement with each release to allow for greater blending freedom.  

We will be looking at the best Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches so far, however we will be excluding Elijah Craig batches prior to 2016. There were  of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof released between 2012 and 2016 which were dubbed the “Pirate Bottles” due to their squat and rounded shape.  

When Heaven Hill announced they would remove ECBP's standard 12-year age statement in 2023, some enthusiasts worried about the future of this beloved bourbon. However, the distillery had something spectacular in store. Released in September 2023, Batch C923 stands as perhaps the finest expression in the series' history, featuring an impressive 13-year, 7-month age statement, making it the oldest Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release to date. Bottled at a fairly punchy 133 proof- this batch particularly special because it manages to balance its age and proof beautifully. The nose opens with rich caramel and an interesting sangria-like fruitiness that's unique for bourbon. On the palate, you'll find complex dark fruits, while the finish brings classic barrel-proof notes of oak and molasses, with what I can only describe as a warm brownie note. Breaking Bourbon even awarded this batch, Whiskey of the Year in 2023. If you are going to try out any batch from the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series, this would definitely be it. 

Eagle Rare 17 Year stands as a cornerstone of Buffalo Trace's prestigious Antique Collection (BTAC). Known for its remarkable balance of aged complexity and approachability, this expression exemplifies how extended aging can enhance rather than overwhelm a bourbon's character when managed skillfully. 

Eagle Rare 17 has undergone significant evolution since its inception in the BTAC lineup. Perhaps the most notable change came in 2018 when Buffalo Trace increased the proof from 90 to 101, marking a new era for the expression. While the name suggests a 17-year aging period, many releases actually exceed this age statement, with Buffalo Trace treating it more as a minimum requirement than a target. Evaporation loss has become increasingly significant for Eagle Rare 17 releases, with recent vintages showing some of the highest rates in the collection's history.   

We think the most recent 2024 release stands as the pinnacle of Eagle Rare 17's achievements, particularly in the 101-proof era. Despite being younger than 2023's record-setting age (17 years, 4 months vs. 19 years, 3 months), this release achieves an exceptional balance between vibrant fruit notes and mature oak character. This 2024 release had a remarkable 86% evaporation loss, meaning the combined remaining amount left in barrels that were batched for 2024’s bottling was only 14%, likely resulting in a highly concentrated flavor profile. The bourbon masterfully combines stone fruits and raspberry brightness with deep leather and tobacco notes, all unified by a distinctive funky aged oak undertone. It proves that Buffalo Trace can achieve excellence at 101 proof, matching or exceeding the celebrated lower-proof releases of the past. It is a near perfect example of what high aged, moderately proofed quintessential Kentucky bourbon should taste like.