The Most Anticipated Bourbon Releases in 2025: Bourbons to look out for in 2025

Top 10 Most Anticipated Whiskies for 2025 

As 2025 begins to unfold, whiskey enthusiasts are already buzzing about the exciting releases that are just around the corner. From long-awaited annual releases to fresh innovations hitting the shelves, there’s a lot to look forward to in the whiskey world. After a stellar year in 2024, it's time to focus on what’s coming next, and I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 most anticipated whiskies for 2025. Let’s dive in and see which bottles should be on your radar this year! 

1. Old Forester 1924 Whiskey Row 

Kicking off the list is a bottle that made waves last year and is set to become an annual release in 2025: Old Forester 1924. Officially launched in 2024, this 100-proof offering is part of Old Forester’s prestigious Whiskey Row lineup. Last year’s release quickly became a fan favorite in the Whiskey Row series, selling out nationwide in just a few weeks. One of the big questions surrounding this bottle is whether it will be a consistent release or if each batch will bring something new to the table, whether it remains a consistent profile or surprises us with slight variations, Old Forester 1924 is definitely a release to watch. 

2. Jack Daniel's 14-Year Tennessee Whiskey 

In what might be the most anticipated release of 2025, Jack Daniel's is anticipated to unveil their oldest modern expression to date. Building on the success of their 12-Year release (Jack Daniels current oldest release to date), this 14-year-old Tennessee whiskey promises to showcase the exceptional potential of extended aging in the Jack Daniel's warehouses. Bottled at a robust 125 proof (62.5% ABV), this release will offer whiskey enthusiasts the rare opportunity to experience the legendary distillery's craft at its most mature expression. We are excited to see a higher proof Jack Daniel’s release, after the lower proof 10 and 12 releases, bottled at sub-100 proof on Jack Daniel’s 10, and the 107- Proof on the 12-year. The higher proof point suggests a rich, full-bodied experience that should beautifully complement the extended aging period. 

3. EH Taylor Distillers Council Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

One of the most intriguing releases for 2025 is the EH Taylor Distillers Council. The label has been released by Buffalo Trace Distillery, and from what we know, it will be a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond offering. Apart from that, there is still a lot we don't know about this bottle- many have proposed it will be released in 2025, though this is yet to be confrimed by Buffallo Trace.

4. Eagle Rare 12

Eagle Rare 12 Year is a new 95-proof bourbon from Buffalo Trace that fits between their existing Eagle Rare 10 Year and Eagle Rare 17 Year offerings. The label describes it as having sweet oak and vanilla notes with a port wine-like finish. While some speculate it uses barrels that didn't meet Eagle Rare 17 standards, this remains unconfirmed. This release raises questions about how it will affect the existing Eagle Rare 10 Year in Buffalo Trace's lineup. According to the label, Eagle Rare 12 Year will be bottled at 47.5% ABV (95 proof), making it stronger than the beloved Eagle Rare 10, which is 45% ABV (90 proof). This bottle was filed with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on 31st January, however there is still no confirmed release date.

5. Weller 18 Year Old Straight Wheat Whiskey

Weller is releasing a new 18 Year Old, 90-proof, straight wheat whiskey (51% wheat mashbill) joining the W. L. Weller family of whiskeys. This release is a milestone for the brand, with this bottle becoming their first age-stated wheat whiskey, distinct from their wheated bourbons. Expected to be a highly limited 2025 release, it will likely be priced similarly to premium offerings like William Larue Weller, Daniel Weller, and Weller Millennium. Its production may affect the availability of wheat for other premium Weller releases.

6. Penelope Havana Rum & Maple Cask Finish 

Penelope is gaining a loyal following for its innovative finishes, and in 2025, the Penelope Havana is one that’s really piquing my interest. This rum and maple cask-finished whiskey promises a unique blend of sweetness and complexity, and given Penelope’s past releases, there’s no doubt this one will be a treat. According to Penelope Master blender, Danny Polise, “The maple finish is the perfect complement to the initial rum-finished bourbon by further elevating the blend and creating balance between savory, sweet and oak spice.” While I’m generally not a fan of rum finishes on bourbon, Penelope has proven they can deliver, so I’ll be keeping an eye on reviews before deciding whether to add this one to my collection. 

 7. Four Roses Single Barrel New Recipes 

Four Roses is shaking things up this year with the addition of three new recipes to its lineup of single barrel bourbons. In 2025, the core releases will feature OBSF, OESK, and OESO recipes, along with the classic OBVS recipe (released in late 2024). If you’ve been a fan of Four Roses’ versatility and intricate flavor profiles, these new releases will be an exciting addition to the mix. At a reasonable price point, these bottles are an excellent choice for anyone looking to try different variations from one of the most respected distilleries out there.The expanded lineup will feature OBSF, bringing herbal notes and bright rye character; OESK, offering baking spices and mellow oak; and OESO, delivering rich red fruit and brown sugar notes and OBSV' bringing signature rye spice and apricot notes. 

 8. Wild Turkey 101 Aged 8 Years 

Wild Turkey 101 is a staple in the whiskey world, but its age and flavor have arguably been inconsistent in recent years. The 2025 release of an 8-Year-Old Wild Turkey 101 might be just what the brand needs to regain some of its old glory. This release is rumored to provide the perfect balance of age and proof, offering a richer, more complex version of the iconic 101. I’m hopeful that this will turn out to be a standout bottle and potentially reinvigorate Wild Turkey’s standard lineup. 

9. Booker's 2025 Reserve Releases 

Booker’s is known for delivering bold, high-proof bourbons that make a statement, and the 2025 Reserve releases are ones I’m especially excited about. After Booker’s “The Reserves”, were released in 2024, Jim Beam stated that it would become an annual release, allowing master blender Freddie Noe to experiment with the batches. The Booker’s Reserve release last year was well-received, offering a more mature and complex profile than typical Booker’s offerings. Booker’s Infinite Blend release was also noteworthy. The Booker’s lineup is always a treat for collectors and casual drinkers alike, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. 

10. Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2025 

Maker’s Mark has been stepping up its game with its Seller Aged series, and 2025 looks set to continue this trend. After a stellar release in 2023 (blending 11- and 12-year-old bourbons) and a slightly older blend in 2024 (12- and 13-year-old barrels), it’s possible that 2025 could feature a combination of 13- and 14-year-old whiskies. The progression of this series has been fascinating to follow, and each year’s release offers something unique. Maker's Mark has definitely responded to the call for older whiskies, and I can't wait to see what 2025 has in store. 

11. Parker's Heritage 19th Edition 

Parker’s Heritage is always a bottle that piques my interest, and the 19th edition will be no exception. Parker’s Heritage releases are nearly impossible to predict, with previous releases ranging from rye to bourbon to malts. I’m particularly curious about what they will bring to the table in 2025. The past few editions have been stellar, especially last year's 14-year-old Malt Whiskey finished in reconstructed ex-Cognac barrels. I wouldn’t be surprised if this year’s release was just as impressive.  Parker’s Heritage is always a bottle worth getting your hands on, and I’m eager to see how this release stands out. 

12. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925 

If there’s one release that bourbon fans anticipate each year, it’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. This year we are very excited for the release C925 release will likely be a fan favorite- we are confident this will be a fan favorite. The C batches from previous years have been consistently exceptional, including last year's C924 Batch, I expect nothing less from this one. It’s definitely a bottle I’ll be on the lookout for in 2025, anticipated to release in September 2025. 

Final Thoughts 

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year in the world of whiskey, with plenty of releases to keep collectors and casual drinkers alike on their toes. Whether you’re a fan of bold, high-proof bourbons or you're on the hunt for something more experimental, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. What are you most excited to try this year? Are there any whiskies you’re particularly looking to add to your collection? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s on your radar for 2025! Until then, keep drinking good whiskey!