BTAC Just Got Bigger: E.H. Taylor Joins the Lineup

Here’s a pour-worthy headline: Buffalo Trace is shaking things up for the first time in nearly 20 years by adding a brand-new bottle to its legendary BTAC collection, and it’s a name bourbon fans already know and love—E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond.

That’s right. The E.H. Taylor line is leveling up and joining the likes of George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, and Thomas H. Handy in the ultra-collectible BTAC lineup starting this fall.

So what’s the deal with this new Taylor? It’s still bottled-in-bond (100 proof, one distillation season, one distillery, etc.), but it’s been aged over 12 years, giving it a richer, deeper profile than what you’ll find in the standard release.

This is the first new addition to BTAC since 2006 (when they added Thomas Handy), and Buffalo Trace is clearly going for impact. If you thought scoring BTAC bottles was hard before... yeah, good luck now.

Keep your eyes peeled this fall—this bottle’s going to be one of the most talked-about drops of the year.

Maker’s Mark Unveils Star Hill Farm Whisky: A Bold Step Beyond Bourbon

For the first time in over 70 years, Maker’s Mark is expanding its horizons with the release of Star Hill Farm Whisky, a distinctive wheat whisky that marks the distillery's first foray beyond its traditional bourbon offerings.

A New Mash Bill Tradition

Departing from its classic recipe, Star Hill Farm Whisky is crafted from two unique mash bills: one comprising 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, and another made entirely of malted soft red winter wheat. This innovative blend results in a whisky with a rich, layered flavor profile, showcasing the nuanced characteristics of wheat without the inclusion of corn.

Sustainability at Its Core

Star Hill Farm Whisky is more than just a new product; it's a testament to Maker’s Mark's commitment to sustainability. The whisky is produced using grains grown on the distillery's own 1,100-acre Star Hill Farm, employing regenerative agriculture practices aimed at restoring soil health and biodiversity. This initiative is part of the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, which seeks to transition one million acres of farmland to regenerative practices by 2028.

Availability

The inaugural release of Star Hill Farm Whisky is set to launch in May 2025 and will be priced at $100 and can also be purchased directly from the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.

James E. Pepper Distillery: A Bold Bourbon Revival

After more than 50 years of silence, the James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington, KY is making a bold return. Once the largest and most advanced distillery in the U.S., it’s now beautifully restored and once again producing standout bourbon that’s turning heads in the whiskey world.

Their newly released decanter-style bottle is getting major attention—not just for its vintage-inspired design, but for what’s inside. Bourbon expert Fred Minnick called it one of the “best bottles I’ve seen in years,” and it’s landed on his coveted Top 100 list two years running.

But if you're visiting, don’t stop at the decanter. Their on-site gift shop single barrels—both bourbons and ryes—offer something even more special. Personally, I prefer these over the highly touted bottle.

The distillery’s immersive tours include a walk-through whiskey history, live distilling, and plenty of tasting—all set in the heart of Lexington’s buzzing Distillery District.