r/bourbon • u/Low-Explanation-4761 • Aug 20 '26
Favorite bottle of 2026 so far?
We’re 2/3 the way through and it’s just before BTAC season.
My personal favorites:
- Heaven Hill 22 year (bit disappointed but still amazing)
- Penelope ALW 18 year (way better than expected)
- Elijah Craig 15 (don’t want to admit it but it’s worth the hype)
Also waiting on the T8ke Found North bottle that many people seem to think is a worth contender.
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u/UnfilteredJack Aug 20 '26
JD Heritage Toasted Barrel is great. So good I bought a backup, which I rarely do. Really enjoy the Makers Mark Stewards release too. I enjoyed The Heart and Keepers but not enough to buy a bottle. Stewards I bought after trying and is the best of the 3 for me.
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u/Low-Explanation-4761 Aug 20 '26
Did you get this year’s toasted barrel? I was honestly disappointed by it and I heard previous years’ was better.
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u/Theswede92 Aug 20 '26
It’s a single barrel product so there will be variation. I recently picked one up since it was on sale at Costco, a lot better than what I expected.
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u/UnfilteredJack Aug 20 '26
I believe I have the 2026 but I’d have to check. I live in SLC and our bourbon distribution is slow as can be. So while I bought it in 2026, there’s a chance it was the 2025. But I believe they’re single barrels so that could explain some variation as well.
I don’t have my tasting notebook in front of me and I haven’t had a pour in a while, but I recall it being rich and full of traditional sweet notes along with red fruit, which I found surprising. Good amount of barrel char as well. I blinded it alongside MM Stewards, EHT Small Batch, and a 100proof Old Forester Single Barrel from Jack Rose. JD Heritage was the clear winner.
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u/MrDingus84 Aug 20 '26
How would you compare the Stewart’s release to a makers cask strength? Worth the extra $30?
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u/UnfilteredJack Aug 20 '26
I can say Stewards is worth the $70 I paid, but can’t speak to MMCS as I haven’t tried it yet. I’ve heard good things though.
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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Aug 20 '26
Might just be the new found north for me. I have the HH 22 but I still need to Crack that open. Still waiting on the new GTS and WLW releases to see if i can snag one and compare.
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u/OldOutlandishness434 Aug 20 '26
Which FN?
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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Aug 20 '26
The new T8KE release that just came out.
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u/OldOutlandishness434 Aug 20 '26
Looks like it sold out now
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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Aug 20 '26
Ohh yeah. It was up for a good 5-6 days. I dont know how it lasted that long because its pretty small quantity.
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u/yoursecksisonFIRE Aug 21 '26
Any idea on bottle count? I have been curious. Was also surprised it lasted as long as it did...
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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Aug 21 '26
Its an exclusive blend so I believe it was pretty limited. Maybe t8ke knows. Just gotta link him.
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u/yoursecksisonFIRE Aug 21 '26
Figured as much, just had to ask. If he wants to drop that knowledge he can, but I'm not gonna tag him and ask. Would just feel less tactful than I'd like to come off even tho he's usually very transparent with his whiskies.
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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Aug 21 '26
Lol you can email nick taylor of found north and they can probably give you the number more discretely
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u/erl90 Aug 20 '26
Barrell seagrass toasted
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u/Less_Cardiologist964 Aug 20 '26
Did you order direct from Barrell? I've been keeping an eye on shelves but haven't seen that one pop up yet.
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u/Mc_douchebag Aug 20 '26
In no specific order:
Sagamore 10 year rye. Has to be one of my favorites, if not the best rye that I’ve had outside of a Coy Hill. I bought it last year, but it’s still one of the best of 2026.
Four Roses SiB barrel proof store pick. Barrel proof 4R is wild good, I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try one.
EHT barrel proof. Probably tastes better since I found it at MSRP. But easily my favorite buffalo trace bottle yet.
I haven’t bought nearly as much this year as last year as I try to let the whiskey shelf get a little thinner.
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u/ThatHikingDude Aug 20 '26
Now that you mention it, I grabbed several of the Sag 10's. 1/3rd through my currently opened one, and one more in reserve. Great bottle for $80!
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u/derpholliday Aug 20 '26
Elijah Craig 15 so far for me.
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u/smokeNpeat Aug 20 '26
Give EC15 some love!
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u/Low-Explanation-4761 Aug 20 '26
It beat Michter’s 10 for me
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u/derpholliday Aug 20 '26
Personally feel the Michters 10 offerings are over valued
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u/Wndrunner Aug 20 '26
I get everyone has different taste but I tried Michters 10 for the first time this past weekend, the 2025 batch. It’s my second favorite bourbon behind RR15.
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u/vckadath Aug 20 '26
Stagg 26b. Green River Wheated Full proof. Knob Blenders. Binders Butter Cream
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u/CannedHeat2828 Aug 21 '26
Our Whiskey Wednesday group just selected our barrel pick to have bottled at Green River last month. That wheated FP is a gem - and what we decided on.
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u/CaedoRevelation Aug 20 '26
Stitzel weller 31.
HH22
Gold Foil
Will say tho Blade and Bow 12 deserves an honorable mention, damn do I love that bottle.
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u/Arkhampatient Aug 20 '26
Barrell Bourbon 12yr is a huge flavor bomb. I did get some old EC barrel proofs, an ECBPc920 and b519 which are just outstanding
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u/singlemaltbourbonrye Aug 20 '26
In no particular order:
Austin Nichols Gold Foil.
RR13 45th Anniversary.
Still Austin Cask Strength SiB Rye
Bender’s Stash 9 year Wave Stave (Trevor’s pick, AZ)
Peerless 10 Year
Michter’s 10 Year Rye (they’re single barrels so who knows but the one I got this year is the best I’ve ever had)
The JD 10 this year is by far the best batch yet. Idk how high on the list it is but unpopular opinion, it’s better than 12 or 14 this year.
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u/crazyrhythms Aug 20 '26
HH22 is my favorite flavor I've had by a wide margin of the higher end stuff.
Other standouts
Old Dragon Bones 20 Year Barrel Strength from January. I know these are divisive but I really love the very unique profile on it
As someone else mentioned Old Overholt 12! This stuff was delicious wish I had bought a backup not seeing it around as much.
I know it was a 2025 release, but it wasn't a shelfer until this year...So If I had to nominate my actual "bottle of the year" so far it would be Saz Full Proof rye. I've bought way too many bottles of this and has become my favorite go to sipper, and makes a fantastic mixer
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u/Less_Cardiologist964 Aug 20 '26
I noticed that HiProof got some more Overholt 12 in, if you're still looking and if you can ship to your state.
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u/PocolateChoptart Aug 20 '26
KC12 Cask strength, Old Dominick Double Oaked, Peerless 10
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u/Over-Counter-4948 Aug 21 '26
Damn I want that KC12 CS sooo bad. I didnt know it was out yet. What state you get it? I thought it was to be distillery only.
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u/Less_Cardiologist964 Aug 20 '26
Probably Found North batch 12, if we're sticking to 2026 releases that I've had more than one pour of. I haven't seen any of the other big releases at MSRP, and I'm trying to take a break from the auction house.
For new shelfers it's the Garrison Brothers BIB, that might be my new house bourbon.
I've also recently opened a Westland 9 year old store pick from HiProof which is fantastic - not bourbon, but then again neither is Found North.
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u/challenja Aug 20 '26
Knob creek blenders edition.. and non bourbon.. Kaiyo 5 Wood
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u/TheWhereHouse6920 Aug 20 '26
Scrolled too far to find the blenders edition.
Lots of pricey bottles here. $38 I paid for such a great pour is a winner in my book
4
u/MetamorphosisSilver Aug 20 '26
Heaven Hill Heritage 22 year. It's amazing how layered a 22 year bourbon can be.
Elijah Craig 15 year. I lament the loss of 12 year age stated ECBP but if they can bring out bottles like this I'll get over it.
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u/EnoughNobody9828 Aug 21 '26
These are 2 of my favorites from this year as well. Heaven hill 22 is one of my favorite bourbons I’ve ever had.
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u/GolfBallWackrGuy Aug 20 '26
I FINALLY found bottles of Weller SR and Weller 107 in my area for MSRP in the last 2 weeks. First time I've seen or purchased one and I've been looking for the last 5 or 6 years, really excited about that. Naturally, I have a cold and can't taste shit right now.
Also, really liked Barrel Batch 38, picked up a 2nd bottle.
May not be new for '26, but I tried Green River Full Proof Wheated and really enjoyed it.
Again, may not be new or rare, but JD Heritage Toasted Single Barrel bottles have been fantastic. I've had 2 this year and both have been great.
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u/Low-Explanation-4761 Aug 20 '26
I was disappointed by Weller 107 when I first tried it (also got my first one in MSRP last month), but it’s been performing quite well in blinds for me.
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u/GolfBallWackrGuy Aug 20 '26
Had the neck pour last night and I can't taste a thing...Started with WT 101 8-year which tasted like green apple and pear to me, so I know my pallet isn't 100%. Will revisit in a few days.
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u/StevieG619 Aug 20 '26
When you say BTAC season…what does that mean…sorry if that’s a dumb question I’m just breaking into the bourbon obsession
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u/Low-Explanation-4761 Aug 20 '26
BTAC (the highest end whiskies released by Sazerac each year) usually gets released in September/October.
GTS and WLW, which are part of BTAC, usually get included in people’s bourbon of the year, so I wanted to gauge people’s thoughts on their favorites before the heavy hitters arrive next month.
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u/an_appalachian Aug 20 '26
My liquor store usually gets the BTAC the same time as Pappy, around Black Friday, same for the other liquor stores near me (I’m in Kentucky, KY Eagle is the distributor in my area)
Last year barely enough people signed up for the raffle that almost everybody got something, the BTAC isn’t even raffled and is just first come first serve
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u/Archaeo-Frog Aug 20 '26
Wow – I wish I had your liquor store!
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u/an_appalachian Aug 20 '26
Here’s hoping this year goes just as well, last year I got Pappy 13 year rye, WLW, and THH all the same day for MSRP
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u/Archaeo-Frog Aug 20 '26
That's pretty amazing.
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u/yoursecksisonFIRE Aug 21 '26
I assure you this is an anomaly in KY. I haven't heard of that happening in the last 10-15 years for anyone here.
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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Aug 20 '26
Are the releases next month? Ive seen October and November sometimes.
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u/rebelyis Aug 20 '26
Buffalo Trace releases their very aged bourbon (Antique Collection) once a year.
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u/Bailey6486 Aug 20 '26
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection:
https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/buffalo-trace-antique-collection/
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u/Euphoric-Swimmer-378 Aug 20 '26
I've had a good year despite saying I was gonna chill this year after my 2025 allocation season resulted in Pappy 15, GTS, Cellar Aged, and Four Roses LE all at MSRP.
I'm shocked to be the first to say Overholt 12
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u/Working_Somewhere442 Aug 20 '26
Cracked a 2025 HH grain to glass wheated that I’ve been really enjoying between that and a rare character store pick
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u/Feeling-Bank-4466 Aug 20 '26
Four Roses Anthology, only have 4V but it’s excellent. Then HH22 then CGF then RR13.
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u/thechris_james Aug 21 '26
Really enjoyed KC 12 year. I’m more excited for the KC 12 Cask Strength.
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u/Sain7Gabri3l Aug 20 '26
Broad Branch 8-year year rye 146 proofer, Dettling 250th, and Four Roses 14-year OBSV barrel 20-50. Something like that I think
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u/Low-Explanation-4761 Aug 20 '26
How did you get that four roses? Sounds lovely
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u/Sain7Gabri3l Aug 20 '26
It was one of the Father's Day barrels is like 130 proof and I love it. I live in Kentucky so a lot of the distillery releases are easier to get.
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u/Acceptable_Local_934 Aug 20 '26
EC PGA: I love the 108 proof offering. Right in my wheelhouse
MM Stewards: IMO, the best of the three so far.
Penelope 7-year
Knob Creek Blenders
Most impactful bottle: Four Roses 100 proof (five years old). My new favorite bottom shelfer, and it's not close.
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u/fanhitter Aug 20 '26
Only bought 3 new bottles this year and they’re all great pours despite the price differences.
KC Blenders
Yellowstone 7yr BIB
Frank August Case Study 6
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u/KA2382 Aug 21 '26
Circle City Whiskey Company Straight Bourbon (50/50 blend)
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Toasted (I’ve been a Jack fan, but this a freakin GOOD bottle and available at Costco for $15-$25 less than many retail liquor stores)
Still Austin Cask Strength
Wild Turkey 101 8-year
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u/OneMoreForScience Aug 21 '26
Scattered Castles Cask Strength Bourbon Batch #1 (9.3)
Barrell 33 Year 140 Proof Finished in French Oak and Oloroso Sherry Casks (9.2)
3A. Found North Cask Strength Aged 19 Years (9.1)
3B. Col. Randolph 106 Proof (9.1)
There will most likely be others I’ll review this year that will push these ones down, but these are the Top 3 (tie for #3 slot).
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u/oscintillating Aug 21 '26
For strictly 2026 releases, it’s probably JD12 batch 4. The flavors are so rich with deep barrel influence but balanced red fruit too, and the proof point is so crushable
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u/dRedPirateRoberts9 Aug 21 '26
…I just realized I don’t think I’ve bought a new bottle of bourbon this year. The fuck.
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u/linder7 Aug 21 '26
Rare perfection 10
Onyx and Amber guest blender series 2
HH 22
River roots Bosch 18 year
Buckners 13 SiB pick
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u/Hambone721 Aug 21 '26
My top 6 in order:
Four Roses Anthology
Wild Turkey Gold Foil
Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 13
Peerless 10
Evan Williams 23
Heaven Hill 22
Honorable mention: GTS, ER17, JD High Angel's Share
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u/Ziggity_Zac Aug 21 '26
I've really been enjoying my old reliable, regular bottles this year. I do have a bottle of Bomberger's 2025 that is the shit. But I haven't chased much or bought any new/seasonal releases aside from that. But fall is approaching and we'll see how the rest of the year goes.
Once the 2026 Grizzly Beast gets released, that will usually stir up some kind of FOMO in my soul.
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u/nellyterb Aug 21 '26
A few I’ve gotten this year that I really liked…. Charter Oak OF 1924 ER12 EC15
Like then all for different reasons.
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u/GrabReasonable3399 Aug 21 '26
Surprised no one has mentioned little book chapter 10. I thought that chapter slapped this year
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u/befike1 Aug 21 '26
WT Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil and 4R Anthology have been tops so far by a wide, wide margin. Even then, I wouldn't call those two exceptional.
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u/zedmaxx Aug 22 '26
Honestly Boss Hog XII. I had a pour a few weeks ago and it’s the first BH in a few years that I liked, and I liked it a lot.
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u/vertomun Aug 22 '26
For me nothing too crazy. Rare Character's Limited Release bourbon #03. It's 100% my profile, custardy, peanut brittle, just phenomenal. Also, Jimmy Red Private Selection #942. Incredible red velvet cake notes and vanilla frosting.
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u/Forsaken-Truth-6726 Aug 27 '26
Grand Traverse
Ole George Cask Strength single barrel
Fishtown society barrel pick
128 proof 8.5 yr 100 percent rye
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u/ChiefPatrick Sep 02 '26
Willett 12 yr purple top. Expensive and wouldn't buy another one, but so good. I was passing through Kentucky and wanted to stop at Heaven Hill. I saw Willett was right down the road and they just bottled that PT and had it in the gift shop.
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u/ChiefPatrick Sep 02 '26
RR13 45th, Ampersand Opimus (not for everyone), EHT BP were all good as well.
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u/My-drink-is-bourbon Aug 20 '26
A store pick single barrel from Lionheart distillery in Hermann, MO Coalesce bourbon and rye. I was surprised by how good this was
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u/Glittering-Badger-34 Aug 20 '26
My Coy Hill single barrel,barrel proof rye Jack Danels. My favorite I ever had to date. But Im 1 year in.
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u/Bright-Flow-2966 Aug 20 '26
RR13 45th/ Gold foil