It’s finally autumn, and every bourbon lover knows what the means: New releases.
New bottles are falling into stores as thick as leaves.
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Most major distillers have special annual whiskeys that come out in the fall. (September is National Bourbon Month, although isn’t every month bourbon month in Kentucky?)
And many distillers time their releases to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the annual September celebration in Bardstown where new bourbons often are unveiled.
But there are lots of smaller brands to look for, as well as big releases. And many will be available outside of Kentucky, too.
J. Mattingly 1845 Classic Bourbon
J. Mattingly Distillery in Frankfort has released its first flagship bourbon, called Classic Bourbon, that is a 6 1/2-year blend, bottled at 119 proof. Like all their releases, this one is “double staved,” meaning the whiskey inside the barrels has been exposed to additional charred barrel staves for more flavor and color.