LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American Whiskeys, is proud to announce that Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye has been named Whisky Advocate's 2025 Whisky of the Year, topping the publication's coveted Top 20 list. This honor recognizes not only the exceptional quality of this inaugural Barrel Proof Rye release, but also Elijah Craig's continued leadership in defining excellence within American Whiskey. It also adds to Heaven Hill's distinguished barrel proof accolades, including Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon's Whisky of the Year win in 2017 and Larceny Barrel Proof's top ranking in 2020. Elijah Craig Rye is no stranger to the list—Elijah Craig Straight Rye debuted in the top ten in 2020 at No. 7—and this year's recognition marks the first time a rye whiskey has earned Whisky Advocate's highest honor, a historic achievement for both the brand and the category.

Released in September 2025 as the first Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the Elijah Craig portfolio, this inaugural release showcases the brand's signature balance of bold character, nuanced flavor, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll, the team selected barrels that delivered extraordinary depth and approachability. Aged 12 years and 3 months and bottled at 108 proof, this uncut, non-chill filtered expression quickly earned praise from whiskey enthusiasts and critics alike.

As someone who helped bring the Elijah Craig brand to life and guide its growth for decades, Max L. Shapira holds a uniquely personal connection to this milestone. "To have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye recognized as Whisky of the Year during our 90th anniversary year is profoundly meaningful," said Shapira, Executive Chairman, Heaven Hill Brands. "For nine decades, our family has remained committed to elevating American Whiskey with patience, integrity, and a deep respect for tradition. This award is a remarkable tribute to the generations of craftspeople who have shaped Heaven Hill, and to the bright future of American Whiskey that we continue to build together."

Crafted to showcase Rye Whiskey in its purest form, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye reveals aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses, followed by a complex palate of stewed fruits and cinnamon. The finish lingers with nutmeg and a generous burst of rye spice, delivering a warm, satisfying close that reflects its extended aging and meticulous barrel selection.

"We are honored to see Elijah Craig's first-ever Barrel Proof Rye recognized at the highest level," said Max Stefka, AVP Global Whiskey Brands for Heaven Hill. "To be chosen as Whisky of the Year is a proud milestone for our entire team and we thank Whisky Advocate for the recognition and the value they provide to all whiskey fans."

Batch A925 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Elijah Craig's Barrel Proof lineup and further expands the brand's commitment to offering whiskeys in their purest, most distinctive form. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is available nationwide in 750 ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $74.99.

Penderyn Distillery’s new Icons of Wales No.13, “Penderyn Bad Wolf”, steals the spotlight this winter, headlining the Welsh single malt’s festive range while bringing together icons from television, Welsh business, and the entire Penderyn team in a landmark Christmas celebration of creativity and craft.

At the recent 10-year commemorative celebration for Bad Wolf Studios - producers of his Dark Materials and global TV hits - national treasure Russell T. Davies, the creative mind behind Doctor Who, hoisted a dramatic bottle of Penderyn Bad Wolf centre-stage. Meanwhile, Penderyn’s COO Neil Quigley spoke with Jane Tranter and the original founders of Bad Wolf, uncovering the inspiration behind a decade of storytelling that has transformed Cardiff into a creative hub of the UK and beyond.

This special edition is more than a bottle: it’s a symbol of Welsh innovation, shaped by the collaboration between two of Wales’ most recognisable contemporary exports. For the first time, Penderyn’s craft and Bad Wolf’s cinematic spirit have bridged industries, linked in story and spirit by the Tregenna siblings - Jon and his sister Cath - whose family connections lie at the heart of both companies, exemplifying the power of homegrown Welsh exploration and accomplishment.

The whisky itself is a tale in a glass: a 10-year-old single malt, fully matured in Tawny Port pipes that previously held port wine for six decades, personally selected from Penderyn’s cellars by Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter and her team. It offers a sensory journey in true Welsh drama fashion - florals of orange blossom and rose petal unfold into fruitcake, fig jam, and stewed dark fruits on the nose. The palate delivers waves of marzipan, bittersweet marmalade and sea-salt caramel, leading to a long finish of dried apricot and gentle spice. 

This elegant, collector’s piece showcases the very best of Penderyn’s innovative distilling, with packaging depicting the legendary Bad Wolf in mid-howl - a bold tribute to Welsh creative energy.“The ‘Bad Wolf’ release is the most exciting bottling Penderyn has ever produced,” said Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn. “It fuses the dynamism of Welsh television with the subtle complexity of Welsh whisky, honouring both our team’s artistry and the explosive imagination of Bad Wolf Studios. 

To dedicate a 10-year-old whisky to mark ten years of storytelling feels absolutely right”. Behind the scenes, the making of Penderyn Bad Wolf was a labour of love for the entire distillery team. 

From master blender Aista Phillips - whose expertise shaped the spirit’s layered complexity - to design lead Lauren Tutssel - who conjured the dramatic bottle and packaging - every department contributed ideas, hours, and heart. Distillery staff say the project represents “everything they love about working for Penderyn: innovation, collaboration, and the ambition to put Wales on the global map.” 

Over a dozen behind-the-scenes interviews, the team shared stories of tasting trials, creative spark sessions, and meticulous cask selection, reflecting the project’s roots in both drama and distillation.

The Icons of Wales series, now on its thirteenth edition, has celebrated the likes of Bryn Terfel, Dylan Thomas, and Rhiannon, but staff say Bad Wolf is unique in uniting two living, vibrant Welsh companies and generations of creative talent. 

“Great things come to those who wait,” said Jane Tranter, who described how the whisky and studio matured together in parallel - a story in which both patience and passion paid off. 

Available to order online for £65 and set to headline Penderyn’s Christmas range at major retailers and partner stores, Penderyn Bad Wolf is anticipated to be one of the season’s most sought-after bottles - a must for collectors, fans of Welsh arts, and lovers of world-class single malt whisky alike.

GATLINBURG, Tenn., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- , the most awarded moonshine and flavored whiskey brand in the U.S. and America's most visited distillery, today announced the nationwide release of its newest whiskey: Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Crafted to showcase Ole Smoky's deep Tennessee distilling roots, the new Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey represents the brand's expansion into the premium straight whiskey category. Barrel-aged for four years, this full-bodied bourbon delivers a smooth, sippable profile true to Tennessee tradition. Following a highly successful debut at the brand's Tennessee distillery locations in 2023, the high-quality bourbon will be available on shelves at retailers across the U.S. beginning this month.

"This bourbon reflects everything Ole Smoky stands for: authenticity, craftsmanship and exceptional quality," comments Will Ensign, VP Marketing, Ole Smoky Distillery. "Based on tremendous excitement and demand at our distilleries as well as growing consumer interest in premium American whiskey, we're thrilled to make our Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey available to bourbon enthusiasts and our loyal fans nationwide."

In recent years, there has been a strong and sustained rise in consumer demand for American whiskey, especially in the premium and craft segments. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), between 2003 and 2024, nine-liter case volumes for American whiskey increased 125.9%, reflecting a long-running surge in consumer interest for the category.

This launch marks a significant milestone for Ole Smoky as the company expands its whiskey offerings beyond its renowned flavored spirits, which include more than 25 authentic moonshine and 17 inventive whiskey varieties. With its Appalachian heritage, decades of distilling expertise, and trusted reputation among whiskey drinkers, Ole Smoky continues to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality, approachable whiskeys.

Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey features rich, warm notes of smoke, char, and caramel, offering a premium and refined flavor experience without a premium price. Retailing at $24.99, the whiskey is now available at retailers across the U.S.

For more information on Ole Smoky products, visit olesmoky.com, and be sure to follow along on , , , , and .

MONTREAL, Dec. 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada has a new reason to raise a glass! Marie-Louise Roy-Bilodeau, a Montreal bartender and the reigning Canadian Ultimate Bartender Champion, has officially claimed the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC) Americas title--beating out 26 of the top bartenders from North, South and Central America.

Hosted by Monkey Shoulder, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is one of the world's most rigorous tests of real-world bartending skills. Unlike traditional cocktail competitions, UBC challenges competitors across every facet of the job--from knowledge and speed, to accuracy, hospitality, and technical execution.

This year's Americas Final was one of the most competitive to date, with an exceptionally strong field of contenders and a packed crowd who watched each bartender advance through six high-pressure skill stages, including: The Quiz, Pouring, Nosing, Table Service, The Perfect Serve, and the highly demanding Round Building final.

Roy-Bilodeau excelled across the board, advancing to the semi-finals as the only woman remaining in the top four. In the final round--where competitors are tasked with producing five cocktails and a shot at top speed with flawless technique and balance--she delivered a performance that outpaced the region's best.

Her victory marks a major milestone for Canada on the international bartending stage.

"I wasn't expecting to win," said Roy-Bilodeau. "When I saw how many people, I was competing against I was very nervous --but everyone was so welcoming and made me feel included even though I was the only competitor who didn't speak Spanish! I'm so grateful to Monkey Shoulder for making his competition possible."

UBC's signature "SKILLS THAT PAY THE BILLS" is a unique bartending competition format as it puts as much weight on service and technique as on mixology itself--reflecting the real-world pace and pressure of a working bar. Whether precisely measuring pours to within one millilitre, identifying 10 spirits by aroma alone, or building round after round at speed, consistency is critical.