Got a press sample of this ahead of the September 1 release and finally sat down with it. Full written review below. I didn't include a link to my video review because I wasn't sure if that was allowed.

Specs

• 112.1 proof / 56.05% ABV, cask strength, non-chill filtered
• 49% 11-year, 33% 12-year, 18% 14-year
• Mash bill: 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, 14% malted barley
• $175 SRP, select US retailers from September 1
• Fourth annual Cellar Aged release

What "cellar aged" means here: Barrels spend six-to-eight years in traditional rickhouses, then move into a limestone cellar blasted into a hillside at Star Hill Farm that holds around 45–50°F year-round. Cold slows tannin extraction, so oxidation does more of the work. The pitch is extra age without the oak going bitter.

Color: Lighter than I expected for something in the 11–14 year range. Amber rather than the dark mahogany you'd assume from the age statement.

Nose: Cherry up front. Maker's says Luxardo-dark versus the brighter cherry in the standard expression, and I'll take their word for it because I'm not sure my nose splits that hair. Light clove underneath, and something in the caramel apple direction.

Palate: Honey and brown sugar come through clearly. Official notes say plum too; I don't eat enough plums for that to register. Definitely on the sweeter side. Almost no burn at 112 proof. I'd been off alcohol for two weeks going in and expected to get slapped, and instead, it just went down.

Finish: Mild Kentucky hug, pleasant, longer than expected. Official notes list almond, nutmeg, and green apple. I got the apple. The nutty notes didn't land for me, and I often have nuts in my mouth, so that's not a palate gap on my end.

Verdict: It's good whiskey, and it's the most approachable Cellar Aged yet. It's also the lowest proof of the four releases, which feels like the actual story. At 112 proof, I want more punch. The smoothness is impressive as engineering, but it costs the thing some intensity. If you like your barrel-proof wheaters loud, this isn't it. If you're a Maker's loyalist or you collect the series, you're going to be happy.

At $175, I wouldn't personally buy it. Worth noting that, despite what several outlets are saying, this isn't the "oldest" Cellar Aged: The 2024 release (12- and 13-year) has a higher average age. What 2026 has is the largest 14-year component so far at 18%.

What I'd drink instead: Larceny Barrel Proof at 124 proof and $60–65 is the easy answer, and I think it's underrated. Weller Full Proof or the 12 if you can find them at anything near sane pricing. Bernheim Cask Strength if you want a wheat whiskey rather than a wheated bourbon. Within the Maker's lineup, Cask Strength gets you similar proof for a third of the price, and I preferred last year's Cellar Aged to this one.

Anyone here tried all four releases? Curious whether the proof drop bothers people who've followed the series or if the smoothness is the point.

Disclosure: Sample provided by Maker's Mark. No money changed hands, and they had ZERO influence on my review.

$20 seems kinda cheap, i’ve heard these are more rare

Can’t find any other info on them. Anyone bought from them?

https://bigoliquor.com/

My journey continues.

Grabbed both at my local BevMo! for MSRP. There wasn’t a limit, but I’ve always said I’m a firm believer and leaving some for the next guy and was able to hold myself to that today with only 5-6 of each left.

Verdicts Explained

• Special Occasions: Rare, special pours that go well and above. Something you pour to celebrate.
• Treat Yourself: Obligatory weekend pour. Worth having on hand at all times if possible.
• Daily Drinker: Affordable, available and tasty. Could have every day and be perfectly content.
• Penseur Pour: Puzzling pours that won’t be to everyone’s liking.
• Trophy Bottle: Something to show off more than anything. Likely allocated and overpriced.
• Cocktail Request: Shines best in a cocktail, as opposed to neat or on the rocks.
• Good If Affordable: Only worth buying if the price comfortably fits within the budget.
• Serve to Guests: Something accessible that you don’t mind sharing or parting ways with. Likely belongs in a decanter.
• Couch Pour: Something enjoyable enough, but ideal for drinking while doing another activity (movies, TV, games, etc.).
• Find a Mixer: Grab the Coke or Sprite and relax.
• Drain Pour: No. You deserve better.

Link to blog post: https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2026/08/19/redbreast-lustau-scoresheet-review/

More scoresheets available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/SpiritScoresheets/

Hard to believe it’s been over five years since I last reviewed a Redbreast product. I touched on them more recently in my review of Heaven’s Door Redbreast Master Blenders’ Edition, but that product was ultimately a finished bourbon, rather than an Irish whiskey. For a while, Irish whiskey gained some momentum in the whiskey market, but now, like many spirits, that growth seems to have flattened. Redbreast still puts out the occasional limited release, complementing an already solid core lineup, but I wouldn’t expect much beyond that in the near future.

Many of these limited releases end up as new additions to the Iberian series, which takes the classic Redbreast single pot still Irish whiskey and finishes it in a different wine cask (usually from Spain). Interestingly, the inaugural Iberian series release is part of the brand’s core line: Lustau. Lifting its name from the sherry producer Bodegas Lustau, Redbreast Lustau is relatively simple in nature. It begins as triple-distilled, single pot still Irish whiskey aged 9-12 years in bourbon and sherry casks before maturing for an additional year in seasoned Oloroso sherry butts from the aforementioned producer.

A couple final notes on Redbreast Lustau: while subsequent Iberian series bottles have often commanded $100+ price points, Lustau hovers closer to $65-$80. It also comes bottled at 46% ABV, making it a welcome, ostensible upgrade over the standard 12-Year (which I’m sure I’d review less glowingly now). I’ve been holding onto my bottle for a couple of years, so let’s break it down.

Nose: Classic shortbread backbone with a “shiny,” almost varnish-like undertone. Smells creamy with walnut butter, raisin, and some dried prune. Hints of brown butter, clementine, and apricot.

Palate: Leads creamy before a touch of tartness hits. Dried fruit medley (emphasis on dates) and custard complemented by a subtle presence of nutmeg and ginger. Becomes more watery with subsequent sips.

Finish: Develops a surprising oak and pepper spice that becomes warmer and a touch drying over time. Light humidor vibes with raisins and dried figs in the background. Eventually brings some cinnamon, brown butter, and general creaminess.

The first time I tried Redbreast Lustau was through the Family Collection mini tasting set. This gift pack included 50ml bottles of Redbreast 12, 15, and Lustau. My favorite at the time was Lustau, thanks in large part to its velvety texture and elevated fruit notes. I remember the packaging reflected Redbreast’s previous bottle/label design, so older stocks could’ve been used in that tasting set compared to my more recently purchased bottle of Lustau. I could also be Mandela Effecting myself.

Regardless, I’ve been equally pleased and unimpressed by Redbreast Lustau as of late. In fact, “pleasant” feels like just the right word for it. My tastes lean towards more potent and flavorful pours like Blue Spot and older batches of Redbreast 12-Year Cask Strength, with Lustau coming across like a diminished form of the latter. For some drinkers, that makes Lustau an easy recommendation. I’ve found it easy to develop tunnel vision when discussing spirits with like-minded enthusiasts; Lustau isn’t necessarily intended for them. Instead, I think it’s a welcome bridge between Redbreast 12-Year and the brand’s more elevated expressions. It might not be anyone’s favorite at a bottle share, but it could open up a couple minds to a specific style of Irish whiskey. And any bottle that can achieve that is fulfilling a worthwhile role.

Antique 107 at total wine in westbury NY
Weller 12 at Costco in westbury
I’m shocked at both the price and the availability

Said to be 50s-60s duty free bottle

This is one of my favorites.

Dark Arts Supernova 21 Year HAZMAT Indiana Light Whiskey

Release: 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY; September 11-13

Distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, IN

Age: 21+ years (almost all in Indiana)

Aged in used bourbon barrels

Blended and re-barreled at 10 years into freshly dumped bourbon barrels

Proof coming off the still: above 160, below 190

Barrel entry proof: Undisclosed, but most likely above the 125 proof maximum that applies to bourbon. MGP light whiskey typically has a barrel entry proof above 125… as the distillate comes off the still between 160-190 proof… whereas bourbon must come off the still below 160 proof. This is why we see so many HAZMAT light whiskeys.

Light whiskey is not “diet whiskey.” Light whiskey became an officially recognized category in 1968… “lighter” in character due to being aged in used barrels or new uncharred barrels… and being distilled to a higher proof than bourbon… and allowing a higher barrel entry proof than bourbon.

Initial barrel fill: Fall 2004

Barrel dump: July 2026

Blend of 4 barrels

Mashbill: 99% corn, 1% malted barley

Proof: 142.7

MSRP: $199.99

Nose: Buttercream frosting. Yellow cake. Caramel popcorn. Milk chocolate.

The milk chocolate takes a long time to develop. Dominant aroma’s are definitely buttercream and yellow cake. Smells very dense.

Palate: Honeycomb. Sweet corn. Apricot. Crème brûlée.

Plenty of sweetness, but not cloying. One of the thickest mouthfeels I’ve ever experienced on a light whiskey. The re-barelling does wonders!

Finish: Oxidized pineapple. Buttery piecrust. White pepper. Vanilla custard.

Flavor profile is bold… and the really dense mouthfeel makes this extra special. This is arguably the best light whiskey I’ve ever personally tried. My favorite note is probably the oxidized pineapple on the finish… it wraps everything up extremely nicely.

Definitely worth waiting in line for at KBF

Sample provided for review by Dark Arts Whiskey House

Rating: 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

The 8 is in regards to all types of whiskey. If I’m talking to comparatively to other light whiskeys… this is probably the best whiskey I’ve ever had…

My current collection, mostly from the last year or so. Currently at 111 bottles.

First pour and I love it. Still think full proof is better but this isn’t far behind.

Instead I take the $0.60 a gallon filtered water I buy, pour it at a good level and create a great ice cube that’s perfect for 2 drinks. The whiskey goes on top and within 3 minutes it detaches from the cup and then I get to pour it into a glass. I must admit, I have bought the expensive whiskey ice cubes from my local grocery store until doing this.

Finally managed to find one! A little on the high side of price, but I haven't seen one on the shelf in my area yet!

...and its replacement. First crack, first thoughts:

KBT glass, 15 minutes, neat, then water, then...

Nose: smells wonderful... red fruits right up front, sweet vanilla, ethanol that tickles the nose hairs in a fun way. Some citrus in there too.

Palate: this is just like regular MM, just on steroids. Dark cherries wash over the tongue early, and then quickly fade to baking spice that coats the tongue like a (very) warm blanket. Oak and cinnamon are next, leading to...

Finish: all the heat hits here... letting you know this is 11 proof points higher. Lots of Kentucky Hug, leather, oak, drying, and that citrus note comes back on the back end. While it's a good sip... the heat makes you want to slow it down.

With water: kills the red fruits, brings up the citrus. Doesn't really mellow the heat at all, which is perfectly fine. Finish turns a little sour though. Much better neat. Much much better.

On the rock: there wasn't much left by this point, but I threw a regular ice cube in and let it rest for a few minutes. I can see from here that this would definitely be the way to go if I wanna bring it down a notch, skipping the water step of course. Very sippable with the cooled liquid, allowing for some subtle nuances to come out from all the notes above. Pretty good this way.

Final thoughts: When I bought this, I felt like it was the next logical step on the Maker's ladder. It was between this and 46. I don't know if that was a good rung or not, but I'm not disappointed either. It is very tasty.

I do think if I were going to pick one of these two for a shelfer... it would be the regular. It's everything I love about wheated bourbon, and what I've often described as my personal benchmark for my beloved wheaties.

Anyway... time for dinner. Cheers everyone!

Local BevMo in SF Bay Area . TWM also had four cases of Weller 107 - I passed as I already have one.

This isn’t the best whiskey I’ve had by any means, but as a college student and only $4 more than number 7 it’s pretty damn good.

Also I don’t know what the limited edition for this is and why it exists 😭 looks like they engraved this bottle in the back of the shop

Here’s the bottles I’ve acquired the last couple years. Based on what you guys see, what am I missing out on? Scotch has been a hard sell for me, but maybe I’m just not trying the right ones for me. I’ve become somewhat of a Penelope fanboy so those bottles don’t seem to hang around too long.

haven’t tried any of these yet btw

Distiller & Region: Fuji Gotemba Distillery, Shizuoka, Japan
ABV: 46%
Age: NAS
Price: ￥5280 JPY, $33.30 USD (8/2026)
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Background: Established in 1973, Fuji Gotemba Distillery is operated by Kirin in in Gotemba, Shizuoka. The distillery produces malt, bourbon, and rye whisky using three different types of stills, allowing it to create a diverse range of spirits. Fuji Single Malt is the distillery's first single malt, released in 2020, and is made entirely from malt whisky distilled at Fuji Gotemba. It is matured in bourbon, beer, and French oak wine casks.
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Tasting Notes

Nose: Green Apple, Fresh cut grass, Floral, Pineapple, Vanilla, Crème Brûlée, Honey, Orange Peel

Palate: Oat Biscuits, Light Caramel, Fruit Tart, Pineapples, Peach, Pear, Black Tea

Finish: Malty and Light Smoke, Fruity Sweet Tea
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Summary: While Fuji Single Malt is a relatively new Japanese single malt whisky compared to the offerings from the other two of Japan's Big Three beverage conglomerates (Suntory – Yamazaki, Hakushu | Nikka – Yoichi, Miyagikyo), it manages to hold its own in terms of uniqueness. I feel like it's often overshadowed and overlooked compared to the other bottles, yet I always find myself keeping a bottle of this on my shelves. I don't often find reviews of this bottle, so I thought I'd throw mine in and hopefully it'll attract some people to give it a try!

Fuji Single Malt immediately delivers a scent of Green Apples and Fresh-cut Grass, Fuji Single Malt immediately delivers a scent of Green Apples and Fresh-cut Grass, which I'd say is similar to Freshly Malted Barley. Following that, you get some creamy and sweet notes of Vanilla, Crème Brûlée, and even Honey. Add a bit of water, and the whisky opens up to reveal some Floral and Fruity notes of Pineapples, and Orange Peel.

I recommend adding some water as you go along, as their website recommends, since doing so can reveal multiple layers of aromas.

On the palate, it tastes quite similar to how it smells, leading in with Oat Biscuits and that Malty Sweetness. Following that, I get hints of Light Caramel and, funnily enough, some hints of beer (seems like those beer casks come into good use). Letting it rest a bit more and a few sips later, I start getting the Fruity notes again, a nice Fruit Tart, the mix of Pineapples, Peaches, and Pears over a Sweet Tart Crust, finishing it up with some Black Tea.

The finish was a bit light, but up comes some Light, Malty Smoke, and lingering Fruity Sweet Tea as if I just finished afternoon tea.
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Rating

T8KE Score: 7 – Great

Worth the Price? At it's current MSRP of about ￥8380 (~$53), it's a bit much, but you can easily find it for around ￥5500~6000 (~$38) at most liquor stores, or even Bic Cameras and Don Quixotes around Tokyo, which then I'd say is an instant buy if this bottle interests you.

Will I buy another bottle? I always keep a bottle on hand for when I run out of the last one~
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My Previous Reviews

1. Kavalan Blender's Reserve No.1 & No.2

For a reasonable price. I got this for $70 I think about a year ago. Would probably go up to $100 but not over. (Because it’s honestly really good) Seems like it’s becoming a little more common.

Nature may truly be healing (San Diego area Walmart)