Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Fall Whiskey Releases to Watch in 2026 belongs firmly to the latter school.
Fall is the most exciting season for whiskey lovers. Distilleries across the globe release their most anticipated bottles as the weather turns cool, and 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year. Here are the releases and trends we are watching most closely, along with some current favourites to tide you over.
1. Whisky Review: Yamazaki Tsukuriwake Selection Peated Malt
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $450 |
Immediately fills the space with decadent peat smoke. It is a buttery mouthfeel.
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2. Whiskey Review: Westward Whiskey High Desert to Klamath Basin
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $100 | ABV: 45%ABV, 90 proof |
The first thing I get is saline. After taking too big of a swig, there is a lot to unpack.
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3. Whiskey Review: Bushmills 25 Year Old
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $900 | ABV: 46% ABV), 100% Irish barley mash bill, 700ml SRP $ |
Initial notes on the nose include light caramel, orchard fruit, and citrusy oak, all rounded out by hints of rich dark chocolate, sweet buttery almonds, and a touch of molasses. The low burn on the palate offers flavors of sweet green pepper, walnuts, dark cherries, and rich dark chocolate, with hints of molasses and polished leather.
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4. Whiskey Review: Jefferson’s Marian McLain
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $300 | ABV: 51% abv, SRP $300 |
This jumps out of the glass with the dessert and sugar notes. The whiskey is full bodied, oily, and it clings to the teeth just holding.
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5. Whisky Review: Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2023
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $125 | ABV: 43% abv, SRP $125 Immediately fills the space with |
Immediately fills the space with that iconic and robust Lagavulin Islay nose. Charred apple wood, like smelling a smoker as it starts getting going.
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6. Bourbon Review: Remus Repeal Reserve VI Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $100 | ABV: 50% ABV |
The nose is delightful and makes me think of a spiced butterscotch. On the front is a general toffee sweetness with a hint of honeyed fruit, it is surprisingly light for how rich the nose is.
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7. Bourbon Review: Michter’s 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2022)
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $1200750 | ABV: 57.1% ABV, mash bill: undisclosed, SRP $1,200/ 750 |
The nose is high toned and opens with a hint of fresh rubber and a touch of volatile acidity. On the tongue, this offers a stronger kick and firm tannins.
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8. Whiskey Review: Old Fitzgerald Fall 2022 Bottled-In-Bond
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $240 | ABV: 50% ABV |
Warm and inviting. This is drying, syrupy and a bit of a punch of alcohol.
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9. Bourbon Review: RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $80 | ABV: 55% ABV |
This smells like a cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting and caramel. Up front is a dry warming cinnamon.
10. Whisky Review: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Rating: 10.0/10 | Price: $600 | ABV: 46% ABV | Age: 21 years and finished in oloroso
Nectarine and honey are the first thing I get on the nose. The initial taste of this is quite complex.
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Final Thoughts
The fall whiskey season is always packed with exciting releases. Keep an eye on your local shops, sign up for distillery newsletters, and be ready to act fast — the best bottles move quickly.
