We're in the thick of it now. New whiskies are coming out left and right in the leadup to the holidays. It's the time of year when hotly anticipated limited editions, like the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (and its cousin, Pappy Van Winkle), "hit shelves"—or, more likely, arrive at retail stores to be raffled off or distributed via lottery.

And less fervently demanded whiskies—though by no means of lesser quality—are making their annual showing too: Angel's Envy Cask Strength, Westland Garryana, Tincup Fourteener, King of Kentucky, Old Overholt 11-Year-Old Cask Strength, Knob Creek 18-Year-Old. And, for like the 48th year running, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old. And many more.

But let's focus on the actual new stuff: whiskies that will hopefully excite and delight. Read on for details on new bourbon, rye, scotch, Japanese whisky, and single malts from India and the United States.

New Whiskies for November

Nikka Nine Decades ($3,000)

A celebration of the 90th anniversary of Nikka's founding, this blend features some seriously old whisky that justifies the price. It incorporates 150 different whisky batches from Nikka's various distilleries, including single malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo; grain whisky from Nishinomiya; and liquid from Moji and Satsuma Tsukasa, two shochu distilleries that are now also producing grain whisky. The components from Yoichi include whisky distilled in 1945. You read that right. That's by far the oldest Japanese whisky I've ever heard of being released, and a true piece of history. (Recall what happened in Japan in 1945…)  

The 48 percent ABV blend also includes 1960s single malt scotch from Ben Nevis, which Nikka has owned since 1989. That means this release is not technically Japanese whisky. But it is consistent with Nikka's history and a fitting tribute to company founder Masataka Taketsuru, who learned how to make whisky from the Scots.

Lost Lantern 10-Year-Old Collection ($150)

This indie bottler—whose founders recently joined us on Slack for a subscriber-only chat—has pushed American craft whiskey into the spotlight like none other, highlighting unique barrels and flavors from 25 states. The latest batch of bottlings, dropping on November 7, showcases only whiskey with a decade of age—something that's still rare for craft—from the likes of New York Distilling Co., Spirit Works, and cult favorite Tom's Foolery. Oh, and a peated single malt from Westland that was bottled one day shy of its 10th birthday. 

Balvenie 12-Year-Old Single Barrel ($80)

An old favorite that disappeared a few years ago is back—another sign that, while positive for drinkers, may indicate an oversupply crisis for scotch. Still, we won't look a gift horse in the mouth, will we? Matured only in ex-bourbon barrels, without the sherry cask finish of its same-age sibling, DoubleWood, this 47.8 percent ABV bottling shows off Balvenie's honeyed house style to great effect. Notably, this is the first release of 12-Year-Old Single Barrel under the eye of malt master Kelsey McKechnie, who stepped into the role upon the retirement of the legendary David Stewart in 2023.

Baker's High Rye ($75)

The regular Baker's bourbon is a perennial favorite in these parts, thanks to its high proof, 7-year age statement, and general under-the-radar-ness. So this variant, made with 26 percent rye, twice the usual amount, in the mashbill, got our attention. It's still 107 proof and 7 years old too—though the price is a 25 percent premium on Baker's usual $60.

Old Potrero Christmas Spirit ($140)

Beer fans of a certain age may still have a bottle or two of Anchor Brewing's Christmas Ale (RIP) tucked away somewhere. And they may even remember that back when Anchor Distilling was joined to its brewery sibling, the Christmas Ale that didn't get bottled was distilled into an unaged spirit. The distillery, now called Old Potrero for its flagship whiskey brand, split from the brewery several years ago, taking a few barrels of Christmas Spirit with it. That whiskey is now 12 years old and ready for sale, bottled at 50 percent ABV. It's an unusual flavor, since the base ale was hopped and generously spiced, but a real piece of history that would make a special gift (even if you're giving it to yourself).

Royal Tiger Maharaja Single Malt ($90)

Indian single malt has become more than a curiosity, and brands like Amrut, Paul John, Rampur, and Indri are now rightly celebrated for their vivid flavors. This newcomer, made at Goa's Ocean King Distillers, joins the category alongside three other releases. It's aged for 10 years, an extreme rarity for Indian whisky, where evaporative loss—the so-called angel’s share—can be as high as 10 percent each year. Even more eyebrow-raising is the price, about one-tenth that of Amrut's 10-year-old Greedy Angels. The verdict's still out on the whisky itself, but it has certainly intrigued this critic.

Widow Jane Black Opal ($500)

Over the last few years, Widow Jane has released several extra-mature expressions, and they've pretty much all been quite good to extremely good. I expect this 20-year-old blend of straight bourbons, sourced from Kentucky and Tennessee, to measure up. Yes, sourced—like almost everything Widow Jane offers. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but they could be much more transparent about it. In the meantime, though, try finding a 20-year-old Michter's at this price.

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