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Latest by C. Osburn

Ouzo

What is Ouzo and what are some of the best options to buy?

Ouzo is Greece’s national drink, but what do you really know about it? Often confused with other Mediterranean spirits like sambuca, raki, or even pastis, it’s known for its high-proof and bold, herbal flavors. In my decades of writing about alcohol, I’ve tried many different, unique styles of booze, including ouzo. And, if you’ve never […]
Bartender

Cocktail techniques every home bartender should know

The rise of cocktail culture in America over the last few decades has not only led to countless cocktail bars scattered across the country, from big cities to tiny burgs. It’s also led to a rise in home bartending popularity. But if you’re a novice home mixologist, you need a few things to up your […]
Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark is releasing its 2026 Wood Finishing Series whiskey

There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to epic bottles in the Maker’s Mark portfolio. But, if you really want to try something unique and memorable, you’ll pick up a bottle of the iconic brand’s 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: Stewards Release It’s called Stewards Release, […]
House of Rémy Martin

The House of Rémy Martin is launching a unique white spirit

The House of Rémy Martin is most known for its award-winning cognacs. Recently, the brand decided to pivot from the usual to a unique new expression. It’s not even a cognac. It’s something different altogether. It’s called Rémy V, and it’s referred to as a “modern white spirit”. Rémy V Rémy V isn’t like anything […]
New Riff

New Riff is launching 6-Year-Old Silver Grove Bourbon and Rye

New Riff recently announced the launch of not one, but two unique whiskeys: a straight bourbon and a straight rye whiskey. Both are 6-year-old additions to the Silver Grove series and the oldest to date. 2026 Silver Grove releases The two releases are Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Silver Grove Straight Rye Whiskey. The […]
Wyoming Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey is celebrating Grand Teton National Park’s anniversary with a new whiskey

Since it’s located in the state that’s home not only to epic natural beauty as far as the eye can see, but also to not one but two National Parks, Wyoming Whiskey has a very close relationship with nature. To celebrate that partnership, the popular whiskey brand recently announced the newest release of its National […]
Powers

The best Irish whiskeys under $50

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. That means that the time is right to begin stocking up on Irish beers (specifically Guinness Stout) and, of course, Irish whiskey. But if you think you have to spend the equivalent of a month’s rent to stock your bar cart with a few bottles of well-balanced, […]
Glass, Alcohol, Beverage

Chicken Cock Whiskey is launching its first ever wheated bourbon

Chicken Cock is about to do something it has never done before. It’s launching a wheated bourbon. It’s called Chicken Cock Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and this addition to the core portfolio features the first wheated mash bill in its 168-year history. Chicken Cock Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon For those new to whiskey, the heavy […]
Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is launching a limited-release bourbon made with mesquite wood-smoked malt

The worlds of smoked whiskey and bourbon whiskey are coming together thanks to the creative minds at Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. Recently, the iconic Kentucky-based brand announced the release of a new, limited-edition expression made with an experimental mash bill. Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey It’s called Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt […]
Aviation

Aviation is launching its first ever flavored gin and it’s a great choice for citrus fans

Gin drinkers know about the appeal of Aviation American Gin. It’s crisp, balanced, and easy to mix with. But, up until now, they had to look elsewhere for a flavored gin. That ends now, as Aviation recently announced the launch of its first-ever flavored gin. Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin To say that […]
Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker is launching a new permanent expression matured in ex-bourbon barrels

In the pantheon of blended Scotch whiskies, there are no bigger names than Johnnie Walker. You can’t go wrong with any of the whiskies in its expansive portfolio. But, if you’re looking to try something different, the brand recently announced the launch of a new blended whisky that combines the worlds of American bourbon and […]
Stout beer

The best Irish dry stouts to drink if you like Guinness

You might not realize it, but it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day. March 17th is the date to wear a comically green bowler cap while you nosh on corned beef, cabbage, and bangers and mash. And while you’re likely to sip a glass of Irish whiskey alongside all of that holiday fare, nothing washes down a […]
Alcohol, Beverage, Cocktail

The best rye whiskeys for your winter Old Fashioned

The winter months are the perfect time of year to make boozy, warming cocktails. And in the pantheon of classic drinks, none is more beloved than the timeless Old Fashioned. This popular cocktail has never seemed to go out of style since it was created in the late 1800s. It’s traditionally made with whiskey, sugar, […]
Whiskey barrels

Tennessee Whiskey versus Bourbon: What’s the difference?

When it comes to popular American whiskey styles, it’s tough to beat the appeal of bourbon whiskey and Tennessee whiskey. While we know these are two distinct whiskey styles, you might be struck by how similar they look and taste. This might make you start scratching your head, wondering why they have different names and […]
Rebel Bourbon

Rebel Bourbon is launching a new whiskey hand-picked by NASCAR driver Kyle Busch

Fans of car racing likely already have a few bottles of Rebel Bourbon. The brand is the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing and driver Kyle Busch. On top of its main portfolio of expressions, it makes a handful of NASCAR-themed whiskeys. The newest is a single-barrel Kentucky straight bourbon, hand-selected by Rebel Bourbon Master […]
Redbreast

Redbreast Irish Whiskey is releasing a Moscatel wine cask expression just in time for St. Patrick’s Day

There aren’t many Irish whiskey brands more beloved than Redbreast. If you’re planning to sip Irish whiskey this St. Patrick’s Day, you can’t go wrong with anything from its portfolio. But, if you want something more unique, you’ll be happy to learn that its newest expression has been finished for more than a year in […]
mezcal

Is mezcal actually smoky? That’s complicated

If you enjoy alcohol, chances are you’ve tried mezcal—something less likely a decade ago. Mezcal’s popularity has soared, with production increasing by over 700% in the past 10 years. Still, many drinkers aren’t familiar with this agave-based Mexican spirit. The uninitiated might have heard tales of a smoky, tequila-adjacent bottle that has a worm in […]
Redbreast 12

The best Irish whiskeys for bourbon fans

It’s that time again. No, sadly, it isn’t spring yet. It’s the time of year when you start to think about what you’re going to drink on arguably the number one drinking holiday of the year: St. Patrick’s Day. While you’re likely going to drink a few green beers and maybe a pint of Guinness […]
Southern Distilling

Southern Distilling Company is releasing a bourbon finished in Zinfandel casks

Southern Distilling Company might not be a household name in the spirits world. However, this North Carolina-based distillery is known for its award-winning whiskey portfolio. You can’t go wrong with any of its bourbons or rye whiskeys. Recently, it announced the release of a unique expression. Southern Star Paragon Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks This […]
Proper No. 12

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Proper No. Twelve is releasing Black Reserve Irish Whiskey

Proper No. 12 is one of the most well-known names in the Irish whiskey landscape. You can’t go wrong by adding a bottle of its popular whiskey to your home bar cart. But, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the brand announced the launch of a new, blended Irish whiskey that you’ll want to […]
Herradura

The best tequilas to mix into your Margarita for National Margarita Day

It might seem like February isn’t the right month to drink Margaritas. But it will probably surprise you to learn that it absolutely is. That’s because February 22nd is National Margarita Day. This tequila-centric holiday is an annual celebration of the iconic cocktail. Whether you prefer the drink frozen, on the rocks, with a salted […]
pFriem Pilsner

The Best Craft Light Beers To Take a Break From Dark Winter Beers

Winter’s arrival signals the return of rich, dark, sometimes barrel-aged beers. But, if you’re anything like us, you’ve already had your fill of stouts, porters, barleywines, and other heavy seasonal brews. Just like many are tired of the heavy blanket of snow that covers part of the northern US, it’s time to add a little […]
Christmas beer

The best winter warmers to drink while you wait for spring

Cold, frigid weather calls for a warming, higher ABV beer. Sure, you can grab a double IPA or even a barrel-aged stout, but when the snow is swirling around outside, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of a well-made winter warmer. In my years of writing about (and drinking) beer, I’ve found that nothing hits […]
Whiskey glass

The makers of Shiner Bock are launching Shiner Texas Legend Straight Rye Whiskey

Texas-based K. Spoetzl Brewery & Distillery is most known for its timeless Shiner Bock beer. In 2025, the brand released a limited, distillery-only release whiskey called Shiner Texas Legend Bourbon. Recently, the distillery announced it would be adding to its spirits portfolio with the launch of Shiner Texas Legend Straight Rye Whiskey. Shiner Texas Legend […]
Green River

Green River Distilling Co. is releasing a full proof wheated bourbon

Green River’s wheated bourbon is extremely popular in the whiskey world. Fans of the soft, sippable style love this expression. Recently, the brand announced that it would be upping the ante by launching a full-proof version of this beloved bourbon. Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon Available beginning last week, Green River Wheated Full Proof […]
NA Irish Coffee.

Hot cocktails guaranteed to warm you up this winter

The holidays are over, and the waiting game for spring has officially begun. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so the spring thaw isn’t coming any time soon. For much of the northern hemisphere, the weather is frigid, and some are even looking out their windows at yards blanketed with snow. Fear not, it’s not all […]
Michter's

The 2025 Edition of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey will be available this month

First introduced in 2013, renowned Kentucky-based distillery Michter’s recently announced the return of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey. This is only the fifth time this popular expression has been made available. 2025 Edition of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey Just over 300 bottles of the 2025 Edition of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey are being […]
Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor

Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton are launching Traveller Whiskey Full Proof

Grammy award-winning musician Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley are teaming up again to launch a new version of the company’s popular Traveller Whiskey. While the original version of Blend No. 40 is 90-proof, the new version is a full-proof expression, clocking in at a potent 121-proof. Traveller Whiskey Full Proof […]
King of Kentucky

King of Kentucky is launching a collection of small batch bourbons to celebrate the US’s 250th birthday

If you’ve paid attention to the American whiskey landscape in the last few years, you’re likely well aware of the appeal of King of Kentucky. Originally founded in 1881. This historic brand was revived back in 2018. Recently, this popular brand announced the release of its 2026 release: King of Kentucky Small Batch. King of […]
Whiskey glass

Copperworks Distilling Co. is releasing two expressions finished in St. George Apple Brandy casks

Fans of unique barrel finishing will enjoy the two new expressions from Copperworks Distilling. The Seattle-based brand is releasing two special releases: Copperworks St. George Spirits Apple Brandy Cask Gin and Copperworks St. George Spirits Apple Brandy Cask Finished Whiskey. Copperworks St. George Spirits Apple Brandy Cask Finished expressions Both will be available this month, […]
Alcohol, Beer, Beverage

Winter IPAs are here for the cold season, and these are some of the best

Anyone who tells you that you can’t drink an IPA during the winter months is flat out wrong. First of all, they shouldn’t tell anyone what they can and can’t drink. Also, only drinking darker, malty, and sometimes barrel-aged stouts, porters, Scotch ales, and barleywines in winter really limits your beer drinking. Not only is […]
Lagavulin

Lagavulin is releasing a new, 11-year-old peated single malt whisky   

If you’re already a fan of Lagavulin and its popular 16-year-old expression, you’re going to be excited to learn about the newest expression from the iconic Islay distillery. That’s because Lagavulin is set to release a new 11-year-old peated single malt whisky. Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat Single Malt Scotch Whisky The first new […]
The Macallan

The Macallan is releasing a new whisky in honor of James Bond

Fans of both single malt Scotch whisky and timeless films have reason to be excited about The Macallan’s recent announcement. That’s because the popular single malt whisky brand is releasing an expression to pay homage to the 55th anniversary of the James Bond film ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release […]
Garrison Brothers

The most underrated bourbons, according to experts

If you check the dictionary definition of underrated, you’ll find it described as “not rated or valued highly enough”. People tend to throw around this term too often and end up diminishing its value. But sometimes, it’s the perfect term. This is especially true when referencing lesser-valued bourbon whiskeys. There are countless bourbon whiskeys on […]
Hot toddy

The best blended Scotch whiskies for your wintry hot toddy

In the world of winter cocktails, the Hot Toddy stands above the rest—especially when you’re feeling under the weather. Once prescribed as a remedy, this warm mix of whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon soothes like nothing else on a cold day. But what whisk(e)y you choose to use as its base is important. If […]
Rum barrel

Planteray Rum is launching the “world’s heaviest rum”

Fans of rum know all about the appeal of Planteray Rum. You can’t go wrong with anything from its award-winning portfolio. But if you’re looking for something a little more unique, you’ll be excited to learn about the newest expression from this popular brand. Planteray Hogo Monsta It’s called Planteray Hogo Monsta, and it’s a […]
Garrison Brothers

Garrison Brothers is launching its first ever bottled-in-bond bourbon this month

Garrison Brothers stands tall in the American whiskey scene, acclaimed for its award-winning portfolio—including standouts like Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon and Garrison Brothers Small Batch. Now, the Hye, Texas-based brand is raising the bar once again with the launch of its first-ever bottled-in-bond bourbon. Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond The first bottle-in-bond bourbon from the […]
GREY GOOSE Berry Rouge

Grey Goose is releasing a new flavored vodka perfect for berry fans

There are few bigger names in the vodka world than Grey Goose. The iconic French brand makes one of the most beloved vodkas in the world. But fans of flavored vodkas enjoy the brand as well. These drinkers have reason to rejoice because Grey Goose just announced the release of a new flavor, and it’s […]
Absolut Tabasco

Absolut Vodka is partnering with a famed hot sauce brand for its newest expression

Sweden’s Absolut Vodka, in addition to being known for its award-winning, surprisingly inexpensive original vodka, is beloved for its iconic, memorable flavored vodkas. The newest is perfect for fans of spicy heat. Absolut Tabasco As the name suggests, Absolut Tabasco isn’t your average flavored vodka. Now available throughout the US, this spicy vodka is made […]
Tiki drink

Tropical cocktails to make you forget about winter

There are two ways to take on winter. The first way is to lean in heavily and layer up in warm clothing and heavy coats. They can also drink hot cocktails and heavy, malty, high-alcohol beers when you’re warming up at home in front of a roaring fire. The other option is a strategic fight […]
Buffalo Trace

Bourbons over $300 worth the splurge

All whiskey drinkers need a few value bottles they intend to drink neat (or on the rocks) and use as the base for cocktails. We’re not talking about bottles that are found on the top shelf, but we definitely don’t mean bottom-shelf, plastic-handle bottles either. We’re referencing multi-layered, balanced, everyday expressions in the mid-range that […]
Whiskey glass

StilL 630 is launching a bourbon to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

If you somehow missed it, 2026 is America’s 250th birthday. To celebrate this momentous event, St. Louis, Missouri-based StilL 630 is releasing a new line of rare, single-barrel, bottled-in-bond bourbons crafted to celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial. StilL 630 Indomitable Spirit of America 250th Birthday Bourbon Recently, the distillery launched the first in its series […]
Dos Maderas

Dos Maderas is launching a limited-edition 12-year-old Thai rum

Dos Maderas, the well-known rum brand under Bodegas Williams & Humbert, just announced the first release in its Dos Maderas Origen Series. This new series was created to show the diversity of rum throughout the world, and it all begins with an expression from a country not often associated with rum. Dos Maderas Origen Thailand […]
New Riff

New Riff is relaunching its award-winning Balboa Rye

First released in 2019, New Riff has announced the relaunch of its popular Balboa Rye Whiskey. Crafted with heirloom grains, this award-winning whiskey (unrelated to a certain fictional boxer) earns a place on your bar cart this winter. New Riff Balboa Rye Melding modern technology with tradition, this whiskey’s main grain is Balboa rye, a […]
Don Julio 1942

Tequila Don Julio 1942 is getting in on the Lunar New Year trend with Year of the Horse Edition

If you didn’t know it already, 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Tequila Don Julio 1942 is joining myriad other spirits brands in launching a special-edition expression to pay tribute to the Lunar New Year. Don Julio 1942 Year of the Horse Edition This limited-edition bottle contains the same […]
Scotch whisky

What is Burns Night and what are the Scotch whiskies you should celebrate with?

If you didn’t realize it, a big holiday for Scotch whisky drinkers and fans of epic poetry is coming up on January 25th. Celebrated each year on this date, it’s a night to honor Scotland’s national poet (hence the Scotch whisky imbibing), a man named Robert Burns. It’s also a great time to crack open […]
Lagavulin

The best single malt whiskeys for fans of smoke

When you think of single malt whisk(e)y, there’s a decent chance your mind immediately heads toward Scotland. In the pantheon of single malts, there’s none as well-known and historic as single malt Scotch whisky. But single malt whiskey is produced worldwide, including the US, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, and India. Also, while Scotland’s Islay region is […]
Penelope Bourbon

Penelope Bourbon and home furnishings brand Serena & Lily are releasing a limited-edition bourbon

You might be surprised to learn this, but popular whiskey brand Penelope Bourbon is launching a new Four Grain Bourbon in collaboration not with a brewery, a celebrity, or another distillery, but with a home furnishings brand. Penelope Beaufain Four Grain Bourbon Inspired by the history and allure of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Penelope Beaufain Four […]
Rebel Bourbon

Rebel Bourbon is relaunching the perfect whiskey for soda fans

Rebel Bourbon is one of the most underrated whiskey brands. And while you can’t go wrong with any of its flagship expressions, it recently announced the return of a popular flavored whiskey, and it’s one that soda fans will be fairly excited to try. Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Rebel Root Beer Whiskey uses the brand’s […]
SPYRT'

Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition is packaged in used artillery shell propelling charge cases

Recently, SPYRT Worldwide, a veteran-founded importer, announced the launch of the Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition. At first glance, it seems like just another limited-edition vodka hitting the market, but there’s more to this expression than it seems. Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition Vodka Instead of a classic bottle, Ukrainian Spirit Limited Howitzer Edition Vodka […]