The Top 5 Up and Coming Whiskey Producers of 2024

The whiskey industry is an ever-evolving landscape, with new players continually pushing the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship. In 2024, several whiskey producers are making a significant impact with their unique offerings and innovative approaches. Here, we spotlight the top five up-and-coming whiskey producers to watch: Dark Arts Whiskey House, Rare Character, Nashville Barrel Company, Found North, and Dream Spirits. Each of these producers brings something distinct to the table, and their dedication to quality and creativity is setting new standards in the industry.

1. Dark Arts Whiskey House

Nestled in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, Dark Arts Whiskey House has quickly become a name synonymous with mystique and mastery. Their approach to whiskey-making is both experimental and meticulous, resulting in some of the most intriguing expressions available today. Marketed as whiskey 'alchemists' whose expertise is blending, rebarreling and finishing, Dark Arts has quickly developed as a cult whiskey producer with a penchant for unique expressions and an iconic style.

Unique Qualities: Dark Arts prides itself on its use of unconventional grains and innovative aging techniques. Their signature release, the "French Oak Stave Small Batch," is a 108-proof cask-strength whiskey composed of a high-rye mash and aged a minimum of 6 years in toasted french oak staves. Awarded 99 points and Double Gold at the 2024 SFWSC, it is no wonder this producer is quickly gathering a head of steam in the eyes of collectors and connoisseurs.

Alcohol Percentage: There are a number of releases in the Dark Arts lineup that range between varying proofs.

Release Frequency: Dark Arts is known for limited releases, single barrels and a handful of standard offerings. New editions typically hit the market twice a year. Each batch is unique, reflecting the seasonal variations in ingredients and aging conditions.

2. Rare Character

Rare Character is making waves with its commitment to rare and exceptional whiskey expressions. A purveyor of fine American whiskeys, this producer is all about celebrating the unique character of each barrel, ensuring that no two releases are exactly alike.

Unique Qualities: Rare Character's focus is largely on single-barrel selections, which means each bottle showcases the distinct characteristics of an individual cask.

Alcohol Percentage: The nature of Rare Character's single barrel ethos means no bottle is alike and therefore, the proof varies across almost every iteration. Many releases are bottled at cask strength, typically between 55-60% ABV, allowing enthusiasts to experience the whiskey in its purest form.

Release Frequency: Given the nature of single-barrel selections, releases from Rare Character are sporadic and highly coveted. Enthusiasts should keep a keen eye on announcements to secure these rare gems.

3. Nashville Barrel Company

Hailing from the music capital of the world, Nashville Barrel Company brings a touch of southern charm and a lot of expertise to their whiskey production. Known for their transparent approach and community involvement, they are quickly becoming a favorite among whiskey lovers.

Unique Qualities: Nashville Barrel Company specializes in sourcing high-quality barrels and crafting unique blends. Their "Single Barrel Rye" is a prime example, boasting a spicy, yet sweet profile with hints of mint, caramel, and black pepper.

Alcohol Percentage: This rye whiskey is typically bottled above 55% ABV or 110-proof, offering a robust and flavorful experience, many iterations are nearer to the 120-proof mark - chest-warming stuff...

Release Frequency: Nashville Barrel Company maintains a steady release schedule, with new single-barrel expressions available quarterly. Each release is carefully curated to ensure the highest quality and uniqueness.

4. Found North

A relative newcomer with a bold vision, Found North is redefining what it means to produce Canadian whiskey. With a focus on age and craftsmanship, their offerings are both sophisticated and adventurous.

Unique Qualities: Found North emphasizes the use of older stocks of Canadian whiskey, blending them to create nuanced and refined spirits. Their extremely limited run small batches are snapped up quickly by connoisseurs soon after each new release, and often feature a complex mix of dried fruit, baking spices, and toasted oak, derived from whiskeys aged up to 25 years.

Alcohol Percentage: Found North's tiny small batch output means each new release offers something new, allowing them to provide a unique, balanced and approachable drinking experience.

Release Frequency: Found North tends to release two to three carefully crafted blends per year, each highlighting different aspects of their extensive aged stock.

5. Dream Spirits

Dream Spirits embodies the essence of innovation and artistry in whiskey-making. Located in California, this producer combines traditional techniques with modern experimentation to create truly unique expressions.

Unique Qualities: Dream Spirits is known for its adventurous flavor profiles and creative use of different barrel types. Our recent collaboration with them is a standout, with a sourced Booker's barrel proof small batch aged 9.5 years.

Alcohol Percentage: The proof varies between releases and depends on the distillate as Dream Spirits sources its whiskey. Our single barrel select is bottled at 117-proof cask strength.

Release Frequency: Dream Spirits releases are relatively infrequent, with new products hitting the shelves roughly twice a year. Each release is eagerly anticipated by whiskey aficionados.

Conclusion

The whiskey world in 2024 is brimming with exciting new producers who are redefining what it means to craft exceptional spirits. Dark Arts Whiskey House, Rare Character, Nashville Barrel Company, Found North, and Dream Spirits each offer unique qualities and innovative approaches that set them apart. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these up-and-coming producers are worth exploring. Their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and creativity ensures that every sip is an adventure. Keep an eye on these brands—they are undoubtedly the future of whiskey.