Even though it’s the middle of 2022, we’re still going to look ahead. We’re not talking about movies, TV shows, or events. We want to try the best new whiskys that come out in 2023. Even though you can buy many of the same bottles of single malt Scotch whisky, bourbon, rye, and other types of whisky all the time, many limited whisky releases and new expressions are just waiting to be found.
Josh Radigan, in charge of food and drinks at Viceroy Washington DC, says corn whisky will be a big trend in 2023.
Radigan says, “I think corn whiskys have a much softer landing in drinks and tend to mix well with more fruit elements, while straight bourbons have more wood elements.” “Richmond, Virginia’s Reserve Whiskey has a more serious style that’s less about sweetness and more about oak aging. It smells like black cherry and baking spice. This is what I’m excited about for 2023.”
Even though Radigan is all in on whisky made from corn, there are many other styles and expressions to look forward to in 2019. And who better than your friendly local bartenders to help you find them? We asked some of our favorite people what they were looking forward to drinking the most in 2023.
1. Barrel of Bourbon, 2023
“When it comes to whisky, especially American whisky, I’m always excited to see what Barrell Craft Spirits comes out with next. In the bourbon world, they push the envelope regarding blending and aging. Their “New Year’s” batch releases, which come out once a year, are always exciting. Batch 32, which came out last year, was one of the year’s best whiskys. — Will Krepop, who is in charge of drinks at the Wiggle Room in New York City,
2. Widow Jane of the Vaults
“Since we opened in the spring of 2021, our program has focused on local New York spirits and brands like Widow Jane. We liked what Widow Jane’s “The Vaults” had to offer last year at their distillery in Red Hook. Since 2019, The Vaults has been a special holiday release that comes out every year. The first was a 14-year-old, 99-proof bourbon finished in 8-year-old, air-seasoned American oak casks. The last two years have been blends of 15- to 17-year-old bourbons. I’ve heard that Ozark Oak will be used to age the 2022 edition. I can’t wait to try and serve that one-of-a-kind dream, and I’m also looking forward to the one in 2023.” — Frank Caiafa, bar manager at Beast & Butterflies at M Social Times Square in New York City, NY.
3. Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch made with 100% Islay Barley
“Kilchoman’s 100% Islay Barley is the one I’m most excited about. Next year will be the 12th time this bottle has been made, and I’ve liked it for a long time. This is the actual farm distilling, which you rarely see. Kilchoman’s distillers grow their barley, then malt, mash ferment, distill, and age it on-site. This makes a whisky that is indeed influenced by its location. All the years before this one have been great, and I can’t wait to try the one from next year when it comes out. — Adam Montgomerie, the bar manager at Hawksmoor in New York City, NY
4. Rye Barrel Batch 004
“I’m excited for the Barrell Batch 004 Rye to come out in 2023. Barrell Rye has a smooth and well-balanced finish but is also complex and refined. The notes of caramel are soft on the tongue. This spirit is lively whether it’s served straight up or with ice. Each delicate sip shows how well it was made.” — Cosimo Bruno, who is in charge of drinks at the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan.
5. Michter’s Ten-Year-Old Bourbon.
“Michter’s 10-Year bourbon was supposed to come out in 2022, but it was moved back a year so it could get even better. Dan Mckee, the master distiller, is said to be following in the steps of his predecessor, Willie “Dr. No” Pratt, who got his nickname because he never released anything before it was ready. The earthy, woodsy, and rustic notes of Michter, along with the sweetness of corn, get better with age. — Shawn Miller is in charge of drinks at Forsythia in Philadelphia, PA.
6. Cask Strength Angel’s Envy Bourbon
“Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon is a limited-time offer that comes out once a year, usually in November. We’re waiting until 2023 to put it in the lounge. This whisky is worth the wait because it is well-known, strong, bold, and tasty. —Vernice Reyes, bartender at Pivat Cigar Lounge in Rancho Mirage, California
7. A Midwinter Night’s Dram, High West
“High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram” is a phrase to pay attention to in 2023. It’s a rare whisky you can seldom find in Florida. It was finished in Port barrels, and only a small amount was made available. There is an Act, which is the year, and then several Scenes, which are the releases from that year. — Sean Wirtemburg, bartender at Driftlight Lounge in Tampa, FL
8. Uncle Rye Nearest
“Uncle Nearest has been the whisky brand with the fastest growth for a few years. Its master blender has made a wonderful product. This is the first rye I’ve seen, so I’m excited to see how “spicy” it is and how it mixes in cocktails.” — LaShan Arceneaux, a mixologist at Quotes Willowbrook in Houston, TX.
9. Three Chambers Rye by Leopold Brothers
“The Three Chamber Still project was one of the most important changes to rye whisky in hundreds of years.” The first two releases changed how people thought about what rye could taste like in the modern era, and each new release will make it even better. — Jason Snopkoski, owner of the Denver, CO bar Drinks For Days