New Whiskeys From Col. E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, And The Last Drop

Forbes

01-08-2025

The whiskeys within the Sazerac portfolio are among the most sought-after on the market. Across their impressive range, they are responsible for some of the most iconic names in American distilling, in addition to their eponymous brand: Stagg, Eagle Rare, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Blanton's, Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, and more. Taken together, they're impressively and deliciously representative of the heights that American whiskey can achieve, as well as of the breadth of styles.
Recently, the company announced a number of important additions to their catalog of offerings. For all of their differences and individual histories and personalities, what ties them together is that they share the same laser-focused attention to the details that impact the final dram in the glass, a deep respect for the past, and a willingness to continually innovate. Here is a rundown of what's new, what makes them important, and most importantly of all, how they show in the glass.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller's Council Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This is a fascinating nod to the past, and uses a mashbill and techniques that are similar to the ones used by Taylor himself back in the 19th century—it is as close to a whiskey time machine as you'll find. It's an absolutely terrific dram, and while its rarity will make it difficult to come by, the efforts to find it will be highly rewarded. This starts off with an utterly fascinating nose of toasty seckle pear, leather, short bread, dried figs, iodine, and dried violets. On the palate, a lovely freshness sings alongside richer notes. There is a propulsive character here, a power and concentration on the palate that's layered with warm caramel, milk chocolate, caramelized stone fruit, and a bass-note of subtle savoriness in the background. It's a bottled-in-bond winner.
Eagle Rare 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The much-buzzed-about addition to the portfolio delivers on its promise. The extra two years of age have made for a thoroughly unique whiskey that boasts its own personality distinct from the more familiar 10-year expression. With plenty of black cherry, caramel, and singed vanilla, this is immediately appealing as soon as it's poured. The liquid itself—long and balanced, with concentration and generosity to spare—is flashed with Amarena cherries, caramelized apple fritters, and caramel- and hazelnut-coated orchard fruit. It's an excellent addition to the lineup.
The Last Drop Collection
Each year, a highly curated selection of hyper-rare whiskeys from around the globe are bottled in highly limited quantities by The Last Drop. For 2025, the options are especially stunning.
Release No. 37: The Last Drop 27 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the Buffalo Trace Distillery
Blended from three barrels representing distillations in 1995, 1996, and 1997. Just 508 bottles were released, and they are terrific. Distinct aromas of chocolate-coated coconut, cooked honey, pancake batter, and vanilla-seamed baking spices precede a palate that threads the needle between power (this rings in at 121.8 proof) and impressive elegance. A fascinating savory spine lends posture to glorious flavors of coffee beans and cacao nibs, grilled stone fruit, Amarena cherries, and warm dulce de leche and honey. It's a knockout.
Release No. 38: The Last Drop 55 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Tomintoul Distillery
Distilled in 1969—the year that Apollo 11 landed on the moon, for a sense of context—this boasts such a transporting nose of nougat, licorice root, porcini dust, and forest floor before a palate that weaves together threads both savory and more effusive. A sense of earthiness anchors grilled nectarines and baked apples, and a hum of nutty malted barley dances alongside caramelized persimmon. A quiet simmer of back-of-throat spice lingers at the end. Exquisite.
Release No. 39: The Last Drop 22 Year Old Japanese Blended Malt Whisky from the Hanyu Distillery
Blended from two Mizunara casks, just 319 bottles of this whisky, which was distilled in 2000, were released. Absolutely glorious aromas are gently toasty, with coconut, carob, sandalwood, and a gorgeous nuttiness that brings to mind mashed almonds. It's pure silk in texture, with an impossibly long finish that lingers beautifully after haunting flavors of turned earth and dried violets, all of it twirled with warm nougat and a kiss of woodsy spice. It's an astounding dram.