Christopher Osburn
Writer
Author/Co-Author of 1260 articles
Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professionally for almost twenty years. In that time, he has traveled all over the world from San Diego to Sydney in search of mouthwatering food, frosty beer, exciting cocktails, and complex whiskeys and other spirits. He has the pictures to prove it.
He is prolific in the spirits industry as he has tested every major (and some not-so-major) brands, types, and styles of spirits across the globe and reported on them in many of the industry's biggest publications. Outside of The Manual, you can find his expertise in Man of Many, Chilled, Cool Material, Inside Hook, and Uproxx.
Garrison Brothers is launching its second bottle-in-bond whiskey this month
If you’re a fan of bold, high-proof whiskeys, you’ll love what the folks at Hye, Texas’ Garrison Brothers Distillery have in store for you. That’s because the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas is set to release its second bottled-in-bond whiskey: Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond. Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond Distilled in […]
Four Roses is releasing a chestnut wood finished bourbon that you need to try
Four Roses has been crafting award-winning bourbon since 1888. So, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about releasing memorable whiskeys. Recently, the brand announced one of its most creative releases ever: Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut. Four Roses Experimental Series No. 003: Chestnut The third release in the brand’s Experimental Series […]
Just in time for the holidays, Stranahan’s is releasing its oldest whiskey ever
In recent years, more brands have been making American single malt whiskey because it’s finally a recognized category. But one brand has been crafting award-winning single malts long before it became popular: Stranahan’s. The number one American single malt whiskey brand recently announced the launch of its oldest expression to date. Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 14-Year-Old […]
Orphan Barrel is releasing a whiskey Inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday”
Fans of both well-made, long-aged whiskey and superhero movies will love Orphan Barrel’s newest release. That’s because this brand, known for releasing whiskeys made up of forgotten, long-aged whiskey, is releasing an expression inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday.” The movie releases in theaters on December 18th, but the whiskey will be available starting next […]
Classic fall-flavored dark beers you should be drinking this season
These darker beers taste like fall in a pint glass
Heaven Hill is releasing a bourbon featuring whiskey from before a 1996 fire destroyed its original distillery
Everyone loves comeback stories, right? In 1996, lightning struck the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery and destroyed it in a fire. Driven by wind, the 1935 distillery burned to the ground. The inferno destroyed around 100,000 aging barrels. To honor this event, Heaven Hill is releasing Heaven Hill Phoenix, a limited-edition, one-time 18-year-old Kentucky Straight […]
Just in time for the holidays, Wigle Whiskey is releasing a cookie whiskey
For those unaware, Wigle Whiskey is more than simply a whimsically named alcohol brand. This award-winning company is well known for its small-batch, craft grain-to-glass whiskeys. It also sources its grains from local farmers, adding a community feel to the operation. Recently, it announced a whiskey that’s not only perfect for the upcoming holiday season, […]
15 STARS is launching a bourbon specifically crafted to be enjoyed with a cigar
If you’re a fan of fine cigars paired with bourbon, 15 Stars has the perfect expression for you. The popular brand is expanding its First West collection with First West Cigar Blend. 15 Stars First West Cigar Blend This limited-edition whiskey was made for bourbon drinkers and cigar fans alike. This soon-to-be highly sought-after whiskey […]
Chattanooga Whiskey’s new Tennessee whiskey was finished on playable Maplewood records
If you like Bad Santa, Michael Jackson’s “Bad,” or literally anything with the word “bad” in the title (including Leroy Brown), you’ll love the newest innovative whiskey from Chattanooga Whiskey. It’s literally called Bad Chattanooga. But it’s so much more than a whimsical name. Bad Chattanooga Not only is this whiskey called Bad Chattanooga, but […]
The best non-alcoholic fall beers to celebrate Sober October
Fall is perfect for the campfire beer, here are the ones for those of you that don't want the after-effects
Holladay Distillery is celebrating its 170th birthday with its oldest bourbon to date
Holladay Distillery was founded way back in 1865 in Weston, Missouri. To celebrate its 170th birthday, the historic brand is launching its oldest bourbon yet. This week, it’s kicking things off by releasing Ben Holladay 10 Year Bourbon. Ben Holladay 10 Year Bourbon Even though the distillery’s 170th anniversary is on December 5th, it is […]
Booker’s Bourbon is releasing a new, exciting release called The Southern Thunder Batch
If you’re new to the American bourbon landscape, you may have never heard of Booker’s Bourbon. Well, I want to tell you about something amazing. Named for Jim Beam Master Distiller Emeritus Booker Noe, Booker’s Bourbon is an uncut, unfiltered, cask-strength (between 120-130 proof depending on the batch) bourbon that’s released multiple times per year. […]
Old Forester announced a new annual ultra-premium age-stated whiskey release
When it comes to tradition, Old Forester’s history is hard to beat. If you didn’t know it already, this renowned brand was America’s first bottled bourbon. You read that right. Nobody had bottled bourbon before Old Forester. That’s a pretty big deal. To honor this tradition, the brand announced the Tribute Series, a new annual […]
Zacapa is celebrating its 50th birthday with an epic aged rum
If it were your 50th birthday, how would you celebrate? Well, the folks at Zacapa are paying tribute to this milestone by releasing its first limited-edition innovation outside the brand’s core North American portfolio. But, since its bottled to celebrate 5 decades, it’s so much more than that. Zacapa 50th Anniversary Edition This ultra-premium rum […]
The best single malt Scotch whiskies that are available everywhere
The best single malt Scotch whiskies on the shelves
Wheated bourbon fans will be excited about the newest release from New Riff
If you’re looking for a soft, easy-drinking whiskey, you don’t have to shell out a mortgage payment for a bottle of Pappy; New Riff has you covered. That’s because the popular brand is set to release a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. New Riff 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey New Riff 6-year-old Kentucky […]
Copper & Cask is launching a new 10-year-old bourbon whiskey you need to try
If you’ve never heard of Copper & Cask, you’re really missing out on some epic releases. This award-winning brand is known for its sourced and crafted whiskeys. Recently, the popular brand is bucking its trend of releasing only limited-edition expressions by launching its first-ever permanent, year-round whiskey. Copper & Cask X As you might have […]
Isle of Skye Whisky is releasing a blended whisky aged in magma stone toasted casks
In my years of writing about alcohol, I’ve seen my fair share of unique aging vessels and techniques. This includes sonic aging, floating rickhouses, fortified wine casks, tequila barrels, rum casks, and of course Japanese Mizunara oak. But Isle of Skye Whisky’s recent release makes the rest look fairly pedestrian. That’s because this popular brand […]
Bruichladdich is launching the second batch of The Laddie Rye Whisky exclusively in the US
If you’re a whisky drinker, you likely know the Islay-based distillery Bruichladdich for its single malt Scotch whiskies. But last year, the renowned brand launched a rye whisky, The Laddie Rye, in the US. Recently, the brand announced it would release the second batch. The Laddie Rye Made from locally grown rye and Islay malting […]
The best seasonal cocktails to sip this autumn
These cocktails are both warm in temperature and warming in alcohol content
Imperial stouts available everywhere that are perfect for fall
I get it, you’re not happy that summer and its seemingly endless, sun-drenched days filled with light, crisp, refreshing beer are over. Even begrudgingly, you’ve likely already moved onto fall beer with Oktoberfest, Vienna lagers, pumpkin ales, and maltier, dark brews. But even though you’re not ready to put your board shorts and flip-flops away […]
Russell’s Reserve is launching a new limited-edition barrel proof whiskey
Russell’s Reserve’s Single Rickhouse Collection was created to explore how a cask’s location and barrelhouse environment can affect the overall aroma and flavor of the finished product. Recently, the brand announced the launch of the 2026 version of this epic bourbon series called Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D. Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse 2026 […]
Just in time for Halloween, Ghostwood Whiskey is launching 3 Brothers Bourbon
Ghostwood Whiskey was created to honor the tradition of telling stories and legends around the campfire with a glass of whiskey in hand. There might not be a better time of year to do this than October. That’s why we were so excited to learn that the brand is set to launch a new whiskey. […]
This new rum from Appleton Estate was matured for almost three decades
When many rum drinkers think of Jamaica, the first brand they often think of is Appleton Estate, and for good reason. It’s an award-winning distillery with a rich history. With more than 275 years in production, Appleton Estate is the island’s oldest continuously operating distillery. And while you’ll be happy with any of its rum […]
A new bourbon is being launched to pay tribute to a presidential pardon for a family of prohibition-era bootleggers
Back in 1929, Jacob and Abner Taub were known whiskey bootleggers who were eventually caught. Six years later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt pardoned the duo. The family continued making whiskey over the years and decades, culminating in Jacob’s Pardon, a brand of American whiskey launched by the brothers’ ancestors in 2020. Recently, the brand announced […]
Johnnie Walker is celebrating India’s festival season with a new blended whisky
If you’re a blended Scotch whisky drinker, you know about Johnnie Walker’s whisky prowess. You may also know the brand makes multiple whiskies for different palates and price points. But did you know the brand is well-known for its limited-edition expressions? Recently, Johnnie Walker added to this history of unique, special releases by launching the […]
Oklahoma’s Wanderfolk Distillery is launching Tallbird American Whiskey
Wanderfolk Distillery is Oklahoma’s first legal distillery. It’s well-known for its portfolio of craft spirits. And while you can’t go wrong with anything from this brand, the distillery announced the launch of a new, approachable American whiskey. Tallbird American Whiskey This release was crafted as a gateway expression on par with whiskeys made during the […]
Angel’s Envy’s new rye whiskey was finished in peach brandy and toasted oak barrels
Founded in 2010, Angel’s Envy is a popular Kentucky-based brand known for secondary finishing in a variety of unique, flavorful casks. Recently, the brand announced the release of a new rye whiskey finished not only in one special barrel, but two. Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Volume 6: Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Peach Brandy & […]
Cazcanes is launching two High Proof Reposado Single Barrel tequilas
The tequila marketplace is much more than blanco shooters with salt and lime. It’s advanced far beyond the blurry evenings of your college years into something much more nuanced. In fact, it’s as complex as the whiskey world if you know where to look. A great example is Cazcanes. Recently, this popular brand announced the […]
The best bourbons that are available everywhere
Stroll into your local whiskey retailer and grab one of these outstanding bottles
Tools every home bartender needs
Stock your home bar with these tools to elevate your at-home experience
Widow Jane is releasing one of its rarest and longest aged bourbon
Recently, Widow Jane Distillery announced the re-release of one of its rarest, longest-aged bourbons. It’s called Black Opal, and this limited release blends bourbons matured for at least two decades. It’s named for one of the world’s rarest gemstones. Widow Jane Opal The second edition of Widow Jane Black Opal Bourbon is crafted from a […]
Willett Distillery is launching a cask strength version of its popular Willett Pot Still Reserve
In the pantheon of American whiskey brands, few names are as well known as Willett. Founded in 1936, the Willett Distillery is well-known for its iconic Kentucky Bourbon and Kentucky rye whiskeys. Recently, this brand with more than 90 years of history launched a new full-proof version of one of its most popular whiskeys. Willett […]
The Maven is the award-winning bourbon you’ll want to add to your home bar
You might not have heard about The Maven Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and that’s likely because it literally just launched. But it’s not just a random whiskey with no track record or accolades to prove it’s worth buying. As it makes its official release, The Maven is already a 99-point, Double Gold award-winning whiskey. The […]
Recently launched BarrelPick.com will help you finally buy your own barrel of bourbon
So, you’re a big bourbon fan, but you’re tired of constantly searching for an empty bottle when you’re ready to pour yourself an evening dram. What can you do besides buying a case of your favorite booze? Well, you can buy your own barrel. And, thanks to the folks at BarrelPick.com, it’s easier than ever. […]
Classic bourbons to drink for Bourbon Heritage Month
Celebrate "America's native spirit" with these classic bottles
The best tequilas to mix into a Paloma
There's still time to enjoy a Paloma, here are the tequilas to use
Sazerac is bringing back the historic Glenmore Whiskey brand
In recent years, some big-name distilleries have revived historic brands that seemed lost to time. The most recent example is the Sazerac Company’s announcement that it was bringing back Kentucky’s beloved Glenmore Whiskey. It also announced the release of two new whiskeys under the Glenmore name: Glenmore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Glenmore Kentucky Straight […]
Breckenridge Distillery is launching a Denver Broncos limited-edition whiskey collection to honor “The Drive”
The NFL season has officially begun, and week one is in the books. A great way to celebrate the start of another season of tailgating (especially if you’re a Denver Broncos fan) is by cracking open a bottle of Broncos-themed bourbon from Colorado’s Breckenridge Bourbon. Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Broncos Bourbon Blend While you can’t go […]
Milam & Greene is releasing its newest limited-edition whiskey
Milam & Greene is well-known for its award-winning whiskeys. Recently, the popular brand announced its newest limited-edition whiskey. Debuting at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Unabridged Volume 5 is the newest addition to the distillery’s Blender Reserve Selection. Milam & Green Unabridged Volume 5 Unabridged Volume 5 is an uncut, non-chill filtered, cask strength whiskey made […]
Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition bourbon
Buffalo Trace is well known for its coveted special-release whiskeys. The most recent expression is the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition. This isn’t just a new batch of this popular bourbon; it’s the first-ever uncut, unfiltered version of this beloved single-barrel bourbon. Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition Named for former Buffalo Trace Master […]
Heaven Hill Distillery is releasing its 2026 Parker’s Heritage Collection limited edition bottling
Heaven Hill is the kind of distillery that only releases outstanding whiskeys. Its Parker’s Heritage offerings are no exception. Recently, the iconic distillery announced the launch of the 20th edition of this popular Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. 20th Edition of Parker’s Heritage Comprised of only 100 barrels, the 20th edition of Parker’s Heritage began with […]
Jeptha Creed is celebrating its 10th birthday with a solera-aged bourbon
Founded in 2016, Jeptha Creed is a mother-daughter-owned brand known for its whiskeys made with heirloom corn grown on the distillery’s family farms in Shelby County, Kentucky. Over the last decade, the distillery has grown nine varietals of non-GMO corn, including Bloody Butcher, Bruce’s Blue, Blue Clarage, Hopi Blue, Hickory King, Jimmy Red, Oaxacan Green, […]
Johnnie Walker is collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter to launch a limited edition Black Label bottle design
Founded in 1820, Johnnie Walker is the world’s best-selling brand of blended Scotch whisky. Sabrina Carpenter is an American-born, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and pop culture phenomenon. The whisky brand is massive worldwide, and Carpenter is gaining popularity by the minute. It only makes sense that these two household names would combine to create a […]
Classic lagers to drink if you want your beer to “taste like beer”
These beers are what you imagine when you think of the word "beer"
Old Forester is collaborating with an apparel brand to launch a jacket to celebrate its popular Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester is the type of distillery that produces nothing but noteworthy expressions. There’s something for every palate and price range, from The Whiskey Row Series to core expressions like Old Forester 100 and Old Forester 86. But no whiskey is more beloved and eagerly awaited than its annual Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. This year, […]
The Glendronach is celebrating its 200th birthday with a special single malt Scotch whisky
This year, popular Scotch whisky brand The Glendronach is celebrating its 200th birthday. Well-known for its sherry-forward releases, it’s a staple of bars and bar carts throughout the world. Back in 1826, the brand was founded by James Allardice on the Boynsmill Estate in the Scottish Highlands. To pay tribute to two centuries of whisky-making, […]