Best High-End Whiskey for New Year's Eve

Cellar Aged, an annual limited edition expression, begins with fully-matured barrels of Maker's Mark aged in traditional bourbon warehouses. These barrels are then moved to a limestone cellar to age further. This 2024 release blends 15% 12 year-old and 85% 13 year-old barrels making this expression the oldest bourbon released by the brand to date. It's bottled at cask strength of 119.3 proof (59.7% ABV). Availability begins in September 2024 in the US and in the following weeks to the UK, Germany and select global travel retailers. Korea, Japan and Singapore receive its allocations in early 2025. (SRP $174.99)

First released in 2022 to celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary, Knob Creek 18 Year returns to shelves in fall 2024 as a limited edition release. Aged in new, charred American oak barrels for 18 years — twice as long as the flagship bottling in the Knob Creek portfolio — it's bottled at 100 proof. Available beginning October 2024. (SRP $174.99)

This collaboration between High West Distillery and Casa Noble Tequila features a blend of rye whiskeys finished primarily in French oak barrels that once held Marqués de Casa Noble Añejo Tequila. A small portion was finished in amburana wood barrels. Both Indiana-based MGP rye (95% rye, 5% malted barley) and High West Rye (80% rye, 20% malted rye) were used with the whiskeys ranging from 4-10 years-old. Available for a limited time nationwide beginning December 8, 2024. (SRP $174.99)

Bruichladdich Eighteen is one of two single malt expressions to debut in its Luxury Redefined series and the first two of its permanent high age statement whiskies for the brand. Made with 100% unpeated malted barley (combo of Scottish mainland, Islay and organic barley), each varietal and harvest is completely traceable. Distilled in 2004, the whisky was matured on Islay primarily in ex-bourbon along with some Sauternes and port casks. The whiskies were then vatted and married for 9 months before bottling. Bottled without chill-filtration at 50% ABV, it's available beginning February 2024. (SRP $179.99)

The 17th edition of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon features four different bourbon recipes (out of ten available) aged 12-20 years. The recipes are as follows: 12 year OBSV (35% rye, delicate fruit yeast); 15 year OESK (20% rye, slight spice yeast); 16 year OESF (20% rye, herbal notes yeast); 20 year OBSV (35% rye, delicate fruit yeast). The bourbon was crafted by Master Distiller Brett Elliott and is bottled at 108.2 proof without chill-filtration. Approximately 16,680 hand-numbered bottles will be available at the brand's visitor centers in Kentucky beginning September 14, 2024 and at select retailers nationwide in September 2024. (SRP $220)

With the 13th annual Cask Strength Bourbon — and just the second for Master Distiller Owen Martin — Angel's Envy has incorporated Tawny Port finished bourbon with the traditional Ruby Port finished bourbon. This marks the first time the brand has used a Solera Method by creating a continuous aging process. Bottled at a cask strength of 118.8-proof (59.4% ABV), just 23,196 bottles will be available nationwide beginning December 2024. (SRP $229.99)

Crafted by Master Blender David McCabe and Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, this bottling features a triple-distilled single pot still whiskey which has been aged for 18 years in a combination of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, and cream sherry casks with a small portion aged in ruby port barrels. In addition to being the first 18 year-old expression from Redbreast, it is also the first bottling to incorporate cream sherry casks in its production. Available globally beginning September 2024, Redbreast 18 Year is a permanent addition to the brand's portfolio. (SRP $249.99)

This release from Widow Jane features a blend of 20 year-old straight bourbon whiskeys selected by Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov. After blending, the batch was then finished in Mizunara oak casks which had a medium toast and light char. Bottled at 99 proof, there are 5,000 bottles produced and it's packaged in a black steel box. Available in US select markets beginning in October 2024. (SRP $500)

The Juggernaut is the eleventh edition in The Boss Hog series. Here, WhistlePig was inspired by the Indian aromatic drink Thandai which is made with nuts and spices. Rye aged in new American oak barrels was further matured in barrels seasoned with a marriage of aged rye, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, fennel, poppy and black peppercorn. These are single barrel releases with the proof varying between 103.8 - 105.2 proof. Available beginning October 15, 2024 in select markets and via the brand's website. (SRP $599.99)

Approved for release by Michter's Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson and Master Distiller Dan McKee, this Michter's 20 Year Bourbon is bottled at 114.2 proof. Last released in 2022, this 2024 edition of Michter's 20 Year Bourbon will be available in limited quantities as of November 2024. (SRP $1200)