Glenmorangie launched Pride 1974 at Steinway Hall in New York City on mars 23rd. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Glenmorangie)

By Susannah Skiver Barton

How many senses do you use when drinking whisky? You might look at the color, give a good sniff to pick up the aromas, and—of course—you taste it. Now there’s a whisky you can hear . Sort of.

In partnership with legendary piano makers Steinway & Sons , Glenmorangie commissioned an original composition from jazz artist Aaron Diehl to accompany its newest release, Glenmorangie Pride 1974. Diehl composed “Echoes of the Glen of Tranquility” after...

By Susannah Skiver Barton

It’s a mixed bag of new whiskies this week: Johnnie Walker launches the first in its new Blenders’ Batch series; Buffalo Trace has released its latest Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr. bourbon; WhistlePig is debuting its first whiskey made with rye distilled and matured on its Vermont farm; Hochstadter’s has a super-aged rye whisky from Alberta Distillers; and Woodford Reserve ‘s special Derby bottle is rolling out.

Johnnie Walker Triple Grain American Oak

Style: Blended scotch Proof: 41.3% ABV Price: $30 Release: mars 2017 Availability: Nationwide while supplies last

Need to know: In the course of his...

By Susannah Skiver Barton

In the last few years, Irish whiskeys have begun crowding bourbon and scotch on the shelf. In fact, Ireland’s distilling scene is undergoing an exciting renaissance—as detailed in our Winter 2016 issue . So it’s no surprise to see new brands hitting the U.S., especially around St. Paddy’s Day. Check out these four Irish whiskeys rolling out now—two new expressions from Bushmills and Tyrconnell , a unique Irish-American hybrid whiskey from Connacht , and Jameson ’s limited-edition St. Patrick’s Day bottle.

Bushmills Red Bush

Style: Blended Irish whiskey Proof: 40% ABV Price: $23 Release: mars 2017...

By Susannah Skiver Barton

Any day is a good day to drink some Irish whiskey, but Saint Patrick’s Day calls for upping the ante. If you’ve outgrown green beer and tastelessly named shots, why not try your hand at an Irish whiskey cocktail? Check out these six recipes from top bartenders which incorporate a number of Irish whiskey styles, from a traditional blend to single malts.

The Tipperary

Versions of this cocktail have appeared over the last 100 years with varying proportions and ingredients. This one was created by Tullamore D.E.W. brand ambassador Tim Herlihy.

2 oz. Tullamore D.E.W. 1...

Bulleit distillery in Shelbyville, KY is now open. (Photo by ProofMediaMix.com)

Thirty years after Tom Bulleit started the brand, Bulleit whiskey finally has a home of its own. Bulleit—which has sourced from numerous distilleries to supply its bourbon and rye labels over the years, including Four Roses and MGP —opened its distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky yesterday with an official ribbon cutting ceremony attended by executives from parent company Diageo, Kentucky state senator Paul Hornback and other local politicians, Kentucky Distillers’ Association president Eric Gregory, and of course, Tom himself.

Construction on the $115 million distillery began in 2014, and it...

By Susannah Skiver Barton

Ardbeg has announced details of its latest Ardbeg Committee release, while Tamdhu is launching the second round of its Batch Strength edition, and a new bourbon rolls out from moonshine brand American Born.

American Born Bourbon

Style: Bourbon Proof: 41.5% ABV Price: $25 Release: mars 2017 Availability: Tennessee, Texas, and California to start, and later more states

Need to know: This is a new bourbon from American Born, and comes from an undisclosed source. The company is also releasing two flavored whiskeys (35% ABV) at the same time, Peach and Apple.  

Whisky Advocate says: American Born got...

When exploring the Buying Guide in our Spring 2017 issue, don’t miss the top ten highest-scoring whiskies.

10. Spice Tree Extravaganza, 93 points, $140

9. Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt, 93 points, $60

8. Ohishi Single Sherry Cask (cask 1257), 93 points, $75

7. Masterson’s 10 year old Rye (batch PSF3), 93 points, $89

6. Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask, 93 points, $599

5. Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash (bottle 108), 94 points, $5,000

4. Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask, 94 points, $599

3. Black Bull 40 year old, 7th Release, 94 points, $1,400

2.  Masterson’s 10 year old Rye (batch PSA3), 95...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#1— Chivas Regal Ultis , 40%, $160

Captivating, enticing, and wonderfully charming, this first blended malt from Chivas Regal contains selections of five Speyside malts: Strathisla, Longmorn, Tormore, Allt-a-Bhainne, and Braeval. Red apple, cherry, raspberry fudge, peach and mango fruit salad, dusting of cinnamon, and dry heather sprigs. In essence, it’s rich and satisfying, with dark vanilla, apricot, Bourneville-covered...

By Susannah Skiver Barton

This week, there’s a 10 year old Irish whiskey from The Dubliner , and Limestone Branch is launching a new rye brand.

Minor Case Rye

Style: Straight rye whiskey Proof: 45% ABV Price: $50 Release: mars 2017 Availability: Widely available

Need to know: A new brand from Limestone Branch, this 2 year old rye whiskey is named after Minor Case Beam, the great-grandfather of Limestone Branch cofounders Steve and Paul Beam. It’s finished in a sherry barrel.

Whisky Advocate says: Limestone Branch opened their distillery in 2011, but this rye whiskey isn’t made there. The label says it’s...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#2— Masterson’s 10 year old Rye (batch PSA3), 45% ABV, $89

This 100% rye-grain whisky is distilled in Alberta, then shipped to Sonoma, California for final touches. Finished in new American oak, batch PSA3 is one of the tastiest U.S. bottlings of Canadian rye ever. Soft caramels cushion ethereal honeysuckle, blackened firewood, and lusty rye spices on a framework...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#3— Black Bull 40 year old 7 ^th release, 47.6% ABV, $1,400

Jaw-dropping: Aberlour 1973, Bunnahabhain 1968 and 1969, Bowmore 1968, Caperdonich 1972, Glen Grant 1974, Glenfarclas 1966, Glenlivet 1968 and 1970, Highland Park 1967 and 1970, and Macallan 1969. It includes a 14% grain content from Caledonian 1974, Carsebridge 1970, Girvan 1974, Invergordon 1972, Lochside 1966, North of...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#4— Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask, 56.3% ABV, $599

Floor 5 of the Kavalan warehouse is packed with their best sherry casks. The story begins with sultana, Brazil nut, vanilla pod, dates, and chocolate macaroons. The palate has ripe fruit, cherry, date, coffee, candied orange, chocolate, mocha, fruit pastilles, and some pepper, ending with bitter coffee notes. Cutting the strength...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#5— Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash (bottle 108), 58.4% ABV, $5,000

A blend of three rye and three bourbon barrels ranging from 10 to 33 years old. Powerful and mouth-coating. Initially, a French bakery, with caramel, vanilla, and torched brown sugar dominating. Then, more complex notes, such as cinnamon roll, coconut, chocolate, slight hints of oak, allspice, hints of smoked...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#6— Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask, 55.6% ABV, $599

Rich and intense nose, with paradise cake, honey, dried apple, plum, and crème d’abricot. The mouthfeel is dry, nutty, and fruity, with a silky consistency. The cask strength is more noticeable here, but as it dissipates, there is some late complexity of plum skin and coffee bean with wave after effortless...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#7— Masterson’s 10 year old Rye (batch PSF3), 45% ABV, $89

Masterson’s bottles singular rye whisky. Yes, this 100% rye-grain whisky is sourced, but finishing by 3 Badge Beverage in French oak casks makes it their own. Booming, gingery spices cavort on a creamy, leathery, almost oily palate. Snappy sour pickles and vague herbal notes contrast pointedly with sweet...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#8—Ohishi Single Sherry (cask 1257), 43.3% ABV, $75

This dark dram is distilled from malted and unmalted rice along the Kuma river in Hitoyoshi. The nose is redolent of stewed prunes, raisins, plum wine, and walnut, with a palate of treacle, molasses, burnt sugar, licorice, prune, dark fruits, mocha, praline, and nuttier elements. Skillfully, it never veers into bitterness....

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#9— Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt , 40% ABV, $60

There has been an excellent streak of Islay blended malts recently, and here is another worthy contender from the Spencerfield Spirit Company. This one offers the sizzle of bacon fat, thick clods of peat, cocoa, and breezy smoke. The rounded palate has sweet satsuma, spice, generous malty notes, and...

The Spring 2017 issue of  Whisky Advocate magazine hits newsstands in early mars. We’re counting down the top ten highest-rated new releases as reviewed in the  Whisky Advocate Buying Guide. For our Editor’s Choice, Value Pick and more great whiskies,  subscribe now !

#10— Spice Tree Extravaganza , 46% ABV, $140

Recognizably Spice Tree, but it’s richer, more dapper, traveling in style, and wearing better shoes. Peanut brittle, toasted coconut, and pale, light sherry. Honeyed palate with caramelized sugar, red apple, and red berry fruit before the gingersnaps and clove bite. It revs up with another spicy blast for the finish. A...

Dr. Jim Swan signing barrels at Taiwan’s King Car distillery, home of Kavalan whisky. (Photo by Jonny McCormick)

By Jonny McCormick

Fans of whisky from India’s Amrut, Penderyn of Wales, Kilchoman on Islay and Taiwan’s Kavalan all owe a debt of gratitude to one man: Dr. Jim Swan, a magician who turned aspiring distillers’ dreams into reality. His sudden and untimely passing on februari 14 ^th has been mourned internationally, a testament to the sorrow keenly felt by the global whisky community at the abrupt loss.

The foundation of Dr. Swan’s profession placed him within the inner circle of Scotland’s...

By Susannah Skiver Barton

Hold onto your hats: There’s a new Pappy about to hit stores, and it’s the oldest one ever released. Old Rip Van Winkle 25 year old is 50% ABV (100 proof). Available in april, the bourbon’s recommended retail price is $1,800.

Pappy 25 year old came from eleven barrels of bourbon distilled in 1989 at Stitzel-Weller distillery, where they rested until being moved to Buffalo Trace distillery ’s warehouses in 2002. In 2014, the whiskey was moved to stainless steel tanks to keep it from becoming over-aged.

There are only 710 handmade glass decanters available. Each...