This week Heaven Hill announced the second release in their Grain to Glass collection, with the latest instalment showcasing the Kentucky distiller's commitment to responsible whiskey-making and their humble support for local businesses in the KY area.

The Grain to Glass collection is the brainchild of Heaven Hill's Chairman Max Shapira, designed to showcase the grain and mash profile of each whiskey release with unadulterated transparency. Heaven Hill works directly with Beck's Hybrids out of Indiana for this collection, selectively identifying seeds that will thrive and proliferate in Central Kentucky, then farming these seeds in partnership with local family-run business, Peterson Farms. Peterson Farms then grows the corn in Nelson County, right next door to the Heaven Hill distillery. Responsible, check. Respectable, check. Refreshing, check.

For this latest release, Heaven Hill has produced a 2018 distilled 6-year-old high-rye bourbon whiskey with Beck's 6225 corn seed varietal, grown in partnership with Peterson Farms and then aged in Cox Creek rickhouses W5 and W6 (floors 3, 4, 5 in case you were wondering). The 52% corn, 35% rye (wow), 13% barley mash results in a dark gold hue, with this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey then bottled at 105-proof. We don't often see this type of honesty or transparency in the greater cosmos of bourbon whiskey, and this is where Heaven Hill deserve some credit for giving bourbon whiskey fans greater insight into the whiskey-making process, akin to smaller craft distillery practices (giving purists raw numbers and data for their releases).

A straightforward, no-nonsense bourbon whiskey, the first release Heaven Hill Grain to Glass bourbon was honestly very good - a spicy and sippable high-rye whiskey that represented fair value, although on the slightly pricier side at $100 MSRP, which was a touch prohibitive compared to other similar products in this price bracket. If the 2025 second Grain to Glass bourbon release is as good as last year or dare I say, even a touch better than its predecessor, then we are in for a treat with another outstanding and hopefully very accessible HH bourbon.

What do you think of the G2G collection from Heaven Hill? Are you looking forward to this one? Let us know in the comments.

In a landmark development for the American spirits industry, December 18, 2024 marked a historic moment when the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau (TTB) officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a distinct category. This represents the first new whiskey classification added to federal regulations in over 52 years, signaling a pivotal shift in America's whiskey landscape. 

While bourbon and rye have long dominated discussions of American whiskey, a passionate movement of craft distillers has been quietly building something different over the past three decades. Beginning in Oregon in the 1990s with the country's first American Single Malt, the category has expanded to include over 250 distilleries across the United States, each bringing their unique regional character to this emerging tradition. 

After nearly ten years of dedicated advocacy by producers across the country, American Single Malt now stands alongside categories like bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey with clear definitions and protections. This official recognition comes with an effective date of January 19, 2025, establishing American Single Malt as a legitimate contender on the global whiskey stage. 

According to the new federal standards, American Single Malt Whiskey must adhere to six specific production requirements: 

These guidelines establish the foundations of the category while allowing American distillers the freedom to innovate and express their regional distinctiveness. 

While American Single Malt shares basic DNA with its Scottish cousins, it has evolved into something distinctly American. The category is characterized by exploration and innovation, with distillers experimenting with diverse barley varieties, yeast strains, production techniques, and barrel types. 

Given the category's youth—just over 30 years since the first modern American Single Malt was barreled—enthusiasts and industry observers are eagerly anticipating how it will evolve and mature in the coming decades. Some distilleries explore native oak species for aging, creating flavor profiles impossible to replicate elsewhere. Others work with locally grown and malted barley varieties adapted to specific American microclimates. Some even experiment with regional peat sources that impart smoke characteristics distinctly different from their Scottish counterparts—lighter, more vegetal, and inviting to those who might find traditional peated whiskies overwhelming. 

As the American Single Malt category continues to grow in recognition and popularity, many whiskey enthusiasts are eager to discover standout expressions. Here are five noteworthy American Single Malts that showcase the category's diversity and craftsmanship in 2025: 

A surprising entry from Tennessee's whiskey giant, this expression demonstrates how established distilleries are embracing the American Single Malt movement. The whiskey combines Jack Daniel's expertise in whiskey-making with the creative possibilities of the single malt category. 

This innovative expression utilizes five different grain types including Barleywine style barley and Scottish Peated Malted Barley, aged in six different cask types for at least 7 years. The complex profile delivers honey and spice notes that evolve into cinnamon, dried fruit, and subtle peated smoke with a rich, medium-bodied mouthfeel. 

Seattle's Westland Distillery creates this approachable flagship whiskey using a combination of barrel types including first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. The result is an inviting spirit featuring notes of chocolate, toasted marshmallow, dark coffee, and a pleasant smokiness that finishes long and flavorful. 

This distinctive whiskey is crafted from estate-grown malted barley smoked on-site with imported Scottish peat and aged upwards of six years in a range of cask types including ex-sherry. The influence of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks brings forward sweet notes accented by spice and subtle smoke, making it an excellent after-dinner option. 

Produced in Portland, Oregon from 100% malted barley, this whiskey presents a unique flavor profile combining citrus, chocolate, and herbal notes. Their pioneering approach and commitment to quality has earned them recognition as one of the definitive producers in the American Single Malt category. 

Remember that these expressions represent just a small sample of the incredible diversity available in American Single Malt whiskey. As the category continues to evolve, there's never been a better time to explore what American distillers are creating in this exciting space. 

Explore our full collection of American Single Malts here.

In the storied world of bourbon collecting, few names evoke the same reverential whispers as A.H. Hirsch Reserve. This legendary whiskey wasn't crafted as part of some master plan to create an iconic spirit—it was the product of serendipity, circumstance, and a remarkable convergence of whiskey history's most fascinating characters. Today at Frootbat, we're diving into the captivating story behind what has become one of the most sought-after bourbons ever produced. 

The story begins in spring 1974 at a historic distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. Known variously as Bomberger's, Pennco, and later Michter's, this facility would produce what would eventually become whiskey royalty. Adolph H. Hirsch, a former Schenley executive in his nineties, commissioned 400 barrels of bourbon—not as a visionary investment, but reportedly as a financial favor to the struggling distillery. 

The whiskey was crafted according to the standard recipe used by master distiller Dick Stoll, who had learned his trade under Everett Beam (yes, of Beam family). The mash bill consisted of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley—a classic bourbon recipe that would prove to be anything but ordinary. 

What happened next was perhaps the most fortunate accident in bourbon history: nothing. The whiskey simply sat, aging far beyond what was typical for bourbons of that era, as Hirsch continued making his warehouse receipt payments with no particular plans for the barrels. 

When Michter's distillery faced closure in 1989, Hirsch's forgotten bourbon found a champion in Gordon Hue, who was fresh off successfully launching Van Winkle Family Reserve. Recognizing something special in these over-aged barrels, Hue purchased the entire lot and turned to his friend Julian Van Winkle III to help bottle what would become A.H. Hirsch Reserve. 

With limited warehouse space at Old Commonwealth, Van Winkle could only store about a third of the barrels. The remaining whiskey was transferred to steel tanks in Cincinnati to halt further aging, with the bourbon then at 16 years old. This preservation decision would prove crucial to maintaining the whiskey's exceptional quality. 

Van Winkle proceeded to bottle the bourbon in small batches, creating various age statements between 15 and 20 years. The first 16-year-old bottling appeared in 1991, featuring bottles with "Lawrenceburg, Kentucky" on the label and the now-iconic blue wax seal. These "blue wax" A.H. Hirsch bottles are among the most prized in the entire bourbon collecting world. 

The bourbon's journey became more complex when Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports acquired the brand. Under his stewardship, a 2003 bottling at Buffalo Trace Distillery (known as the "gold foil" edition) introduced A.H. Hirsch to a broader American audience. As Preiss himself noted: "From the time we started selling Hirsch it just grew and grew in interest and intensity. It was truly a dream brand." 

What makes A.H. Hirsch's legacy so remarkable is how it gained popularity—not through traditional marketing campaigns, but through genuine word-of-mouth among the nascent online whiskey enthusiast community. As whiskey writer Chuck Cowdery (who literally wrote the book on A.H. Hirsch titled "The Best Bourbon You'll Never Taste") observed: "It really became a phenomenon almost exclusively through the community, not through any marketing." 

In 2009, when the final remnants of this storied bourbon were rebottled into handblown decanters imported from France, they hit the market at an unprecedented $1,500 each—setting a standard for premium American whiskey pricing that would influence the entire industry. Today, some A. H bottles are worth thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, placing A.H. Hirsch Reserve among the most expensive bourbons in the world. 

Those fortunate enough to sample A.H. Hirsch describe a masterpiece of balance and complexity. The nose reveals rich sweetness with vanilla and caramel notes complemented by oak and spice. On the palate, it opens softly before revealing rich toffee and vanilla, followed by a moderate finish featuring dry oak, char, baking spices, and black pepper. 

While the liquid itself is undoubtedly excellent, what makes A.H. Hirsch truly special is the complete experience—the knowledge that you're tasting a pivotal piece of whiskey history, a bourbon that helped establish the premium American whiskey market we know today. 

The importance of A.H. Hirsch Reserve in the world of collectible American whiskey cannot be overstated. Before Pappy Van Winkle became the household name it is today in bourbon collecting circles, A.H. Hirsch was setting the standard. As Henry Preiss proudly stated: "Julian and his partners at Sazerac rightfully own their frenzy but we set the standard for what American whiskey is worth. And that will remain iconic because it was the first bourbon valued this way." 

Perhaps most significantly, A.H. Hirsch opened Americans' eyes to the many other premium bourbons that had been exported to Japan and Europe over the years—brands like Very Olde St. Nick and Black Maple Hill that would later become highly coveted collectibles. 

Today, while Anchor Brewers & Distillers maintains a "Hirsch" whiskey in its portfolio, it's important to note that this is not the original "A.H. Hirsch" and contains none of the legendary liquid from that 1974 distillation. 

For those of us at Frootbat fortunate enough to occasionally offer these rarities, we recognize that we're not just selling bottles—we're preserving and sharing pieces of whiskey history. A.H. Hirsch Reserve stands as a testament to the perfect alignment of quality, scarcity, and storytelling that creates true legends in the spirits world. You may never get to taste it, but now you know its story. And in the world of legendary whiskeys, sometimes the story is almost as intoxicating as the spirit itself. 

We sell a wide variety of A. H. Hirsch bottles online: Explore our full A. H. Hirsch Reserve collection.

The Macallan Rare Cask Series represents one of the most prestigious offerings from this renowned Speyside distillery. First introduced in 2014, the Rare Cask was launched as an extension to Macallan's core range, setting a new standard for luxury single malts. What made this initial release particularly notable was its composition – a vatting of 16 different cask profiles, which at the time was claimed to be the most ever used for a single Macallan expression. 

The series showcases two of Macallan's greatest strengths: exceptional sherry-seasoned oak casks and beautiful natural color. Each bottle comes presented in a sculpted, heavy glass decanter designed to highlight the whisky's rich mahogany hue, reflecting the premium positioning of the series. The presentation further includes a mahogany-colored gift box, completing the luxurious experience that has come to define this collection. 

The Rare Cask Series has evolved significantly since its inception. In 2018, Macallan shifted to a batch release approach, initially introducing three batches that year. This was followed by two batches in 2019, though initial plans had called for four releases. Since 2020, however, Macallan has returned to releasing just one batch of Rare Cask expression annually. 

Each batch typically represents a vatting of 50 sherry butts, carefully selected to showcase the distillery's legendary expertise with sherried expressions. The Master Whisky Maker, alongside the Whisky Mastery Team, meticulously selects these casks for their distinctive and complex flavor profiles. 

A significant evolution occurred from 2022 onwards, when Macallan began introducing collaborative elements to the Rare Cask releases. The 2022 release featured a collaboration with acclaimed violinist Nicola Benedetti, who reflected on the sensory experience of the whisky, drawing parallels between musical notes and flavor notes. This artistic direction continued with the 2023 and 2024 releases, which featured collaborations with Charlie Burchill of Simple Minds. These partnerships explored the relationships between sound, aroma, flavor, and color, with wood serving as the common element binding these sensory experiences together. 

The Macallan Rare Cask is a Non-Age Statement (NAS) whisky, which means it doesn't carry a specific age designation on the bottle. However, industry insights suggest that the liquid is typically aged for approximately 12 to 18 years in sherry-seasoned oak barrels. This aging process allows the whisky to develop its distinctive character while maintaining the flexibility for Macallan's Whisky Mastery Team to select casks based on flavor profile rather than age alone. 

Pricing for Macallan Rare Cask varies depending on the batch, release year, and market availability. As a premium offering in Macallan's portfolio, Rare Cask is positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum. Bottles typically retail between $300 and $450 at initial release, though limited availability and collector demand often drive secondary market prices significantly higher. The collaborative artist editions from 2022 onward have generally commanded higher prices due to their unique nature and limited availability. 

For whisky investors and collectors, Macallan Rare Cask presents several compelling attributes that make it a potentially worthwhile investment: 

As with any whisky investment, market conditions, storage quality, and broader economic factors all influence potential returns. While past performance of Macallan releases has generally been strong, individual results may vary. 

For serious whisky enthusiasts, the Rare Cask series offers several compelling reasons for collection: 

For those particularly interested in Macallan's artistic direction, the collaborative releases from 2022 onward represent an especially intriguing collecting opportunity, as they document the distillery's exploration of sensory connections between whisky appreciation and other art forms. 

The production of Macallan Rare Cask exemplifies the distillery's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship: 

This meticulous process, from cask selection through aging and final composition, showcases what Macallan describes as "the magic and science" of their whisky making approach. 

While Macallan has not disclosed specific production numbers for the Rare Cask series, we do know that each batch represents a vatting of approximately 50 sherry butts. Given standard yield calculations, this would typically produce several thousand bottles per batch, though the exact number varies based on factors such as angel's share loss during maturation. 

The shift from multiple batches per year (three in 2018, two in 2019) to single annual releases from 2020 onward suggests that overall production volumes have decreased in recent years, potentially increasing the rarity of newer releases. 

The introduction of artist collaborations from 2022 may have further implications for production volumes, though Macallan has not made specific statements about whether these releases are more limited than previous editions. 

Given the series collector demand and limited availability, many Macallan Rare Cask Bottlings sell out extremely quickly at select retail locations. Many of these bottles are available through resellers and marketplace platforms. You can purchase Macallan Rare Cask bottles on Frootbat.com, we have a large range of bottles from this series from the 2018 releases to the latest 2023 release. See our Macallan Rare Cask page here.  

The Macallan Rare Cask Series stands as a testament to the distillery's exceptional wood management and blending expertise. From its introduction in 2014 through its evolution into artist collaborations in recent years, the series offers whisky enthusiasts a compelling combination of quality, collectability, and sensory experience. For collectors and investors alike, these expressions represent both the heritage of one of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries and its continued innovation in the luxury whisky space. Whether appreciated for their complex flavor profiles or collected for their potential appreciation in value, Macallan Rare Cask bottles remain among the most sought-after releases in world of Scotch.

Are you navigating the diverse world of rum and wondering about the differences between light rum, dark rum, and spiced rum? Whether you're mixing cocktails or enjoying a neat pour, understanding these distinctions can improve your experience when sipping this classic sugarcane spirit. 

Rum is a versatile spirit distilled from sugarcane and its byproducts. When initially distilled, all rum starts as a clear liquid with approximately 40% alcohol content (80 proof), though some varieties can be stronger. The diverse flavor profiles and colors we encounter on store shelves come from what happens after distillation.  Unlike whisky and other spirits, rum isn't governed by strict regulations. There are no legislative criteria around production or labeling of rum as "light" or "dark," leaving these distinctions largely to the producer's discretion. However, there are general characteristics that define each category.  All rums share a common origin in fermented sugarcane, whether from molasses (a thick, dark byproduct of sugar production) or directly from the plant's fresh juices. Those made with sugarcane juice are particularly common in the Caribbean, where they're called "rhum agricole," while molasses-based varieties are often known as "rhum traditional." 

Light rum (also called white or silver rum) is often misunderstood as being simple or lacking character. In reality, this category offers remarkable diversity and serves as the foundation for many beloved cocktails. 

What defines light rum: 

Light rum shines in cocktails where you want the spirit to complement rather than dominate other ingredients. The crisp, clean profile makes it perfect for refreshing drinks like Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Piña Coladas—cocktails that rely on a clean, smooth base that won't overpower the other ingredients. 

However, not all light rums are created equal. Some might be unaged spirits straight from distillation, while others are actually matured rums that have been filtered to remove color. The clarity tells you nothing about production method or quality—a white rum could range from having intense pot-still character to being nearly neutral like vodka.  For cocktail enthusiasts seeking quality light rum, look for brands that balance smoothness with subtle character notes of vanilla, citrus, or tropical fruit. 

Dark rum (sometimes called golden, amber, or black rum) gets its distinctive color and flavor profile from the aging process. Contrary to what some might assume, the darker color doesn't come exclusively from molasses, though heavier molasses can contribute to a deeper hue. The primary source of that rich color actually comes from barrel aging. 

What makes dark rum special: 

Dark rums are often preferred for sipping neat due to their rich character, though they also add depth to cocktails like the Dark and Stormy, Mai Tai, Painkiller, and rum-based Old Fashioned. The longer aging process typically results in smoother sipping experiences with layers of complexity that unfold as you taste.  It's important to note that darker doesn't automatically mean better. Some producers add caramel coloring to give the impression of age, while truly well-aged dark rums develop their color naturally from barrel interaction. 

Spiced rum represents a different approach to flavor development. While dark rum derives its character primarily from the aging process, spiced rum is deliberately flavored with additives. This category features rum (often, but not always, a dark rum base) infused with various spices and flavorings. 

Key characteristics of spiced rum: 

Premium spiced rums are made by macerating actual spices in quality rum, a time-consuming process that results in more authentic flavors. More commercial brands might rely on artificial flavorings for consistency and cost efficiency. 

Spiced rums often appeal to those new to rum appreciation and make excellent mixer spirits, particularly with cola or in tropical punches. 

The right rum for you depends entirely on your preferences and intended use: 

A quality aged dark rum offers complexity and character. Look for rums with age statements (like 15-year expressions) for a memorable experience. 

Light rums tend to be more approachable, while spiced rums offer familiar flavor profiles that ease the transition into rum appreciation. 

Explore the nuances between different aged dark rums from various regions to appreciate how terroir and production methods influence flavor. 

While categorizing rum by color offers a starting point, serious rum enthusiasts know that color alone doesn't determine quality or flavor. Factors like distillation method, sugar source, aging environment, and production philosophy all contribute more significantly to a rum's character than its hue. 

From golden and black to silver and white, traditional to agricole – these are the key differences between the rum varieties. Each style comes with its own unique characteristics and ideal uses, but all are equally deserving of consideration for your next cocktail adventure. 

Whether you prefer the crisp clarity of a quality light rum, the bold character of a well-aged dark rum, or the spice-forward profile of a quality spiced rum, the journey of discovery is part of the pleasure. 

If you're standing in the Bourbon aisle contemplating these two Four Roses bottles, you're not alone. The decision between Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Small Batch isn't just about price - it's about understanding what makes each of these beloved bourbons unique. Having tasted both extensively, I'm excited to break down exactly what sets them apart and help you find your perfect pour. 

Let's get technical about what makes Single Barrel special. Four Roses uses 2 different mashbills and 5 different yeast strains to create 10 unique bourbon recipes, but here's what's fascinating - their standard 100-proof Single Barrel is always the OBSV recipe. In fact, if you spot a Four Roses Single Barrel at 100 proof, you can be certain it's OBSV. 

Four Roses Single Barrel (100 proof, OBSV recipe) uses their The "V" yeast strain which is chosen specifically for creating a flavor profile that features delicate fruit notes, tons of spice, and a distinctive creaminess. I have to tell you, what really stands out about the Single Barrel is its "Flavor Burst" personality. When you take a sip, you're immediately hit with that beautiful rye spice, followed by waves of honey, peaches, and subtle brown sugar.

Four Roses Small Batch blends around 250 barrels from four distinct recipes—OBSK, OESK, OBSO, and OESO—aged between 6 and 8 years. While "small batch" isn't legally defined (some distilleries use as few as 10-20 barrels), Four Roses uses this larger number to ensure consistency in their product. 

The flavor profile highlights rich caramel with a touch of rye spice, making it an excellent choice for newcomers or those looking for a cocktail-friendly bourbon. Small Batch is crafted to deliver a refined, approachable taste while maintaining Four Roses' signature complexity.

Let me break down the main differences that I've noticed between these two fantastic bourbons: 

I find this particularly interesting - Four Roses Single Barrel comes in hotter at 100 proof (50% ABV), while Small Batch takes a gentler approach at 90 proof (45% ABV). This difference really shows up in the tasting experience. 

Here's something fascinating - with Small Batch, you're getting a blend of about 250 barrels, creating a consistent flavor profile you can count on every time. With Single Barrel, each bottle is its own unique adventure since it comes from, well, a single barrel! I once had a bottle of Single Barrel that needed weeks to mellow out, while another was perfect right from the start. That's part of the fun! 

  Here's where I'll get personal - if you're asking me to pick a favorite, it really depends on what you're after: 

In the battle of Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch, there isn't a clear winner. Either wayyou're getting a quality bourbon. I tend to reach for the Single Barrel when I'm feeling adventurous and want that spicy kick, but I always keep a bottle of Small Batch around for cocktails and casual sipping. Remember, the best bourbon is the one you enjoy drinking. Why not grab both and conduct your own taste test? Trust me, that's the kind of homework you won't mind doing! Ready to try them for yourself? You can find both Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch right here at Frootbat.com. Happy sipping!