When Kevin Plank, the assured founder of sports apparel powerhouse Under Armour, set his sights on whiskey back in 2012, it wasn’t just another bold business move—rather it was a love letter to his home state’s long forgotten rye heritage. Plank, along with partner Bill McDermott, wanted to invest in Maryland in a way that resonated with the region’s past. Their inspiration? The limestone-rich spring at Sagamore Farm, a thoroughbred horse racing estate Plank had purchased in 2007.

That spring water—long prized in whiskey-making—sparked research that led them to uncover Maryland’s once-booming rye industry. Before Prohibition, more than 40 distilleries thrived in the state, their spicy, full-bodied ryes renowned across the country. By the 1970s, they were all gone, casualties of war, changing tastes (aka the infamous whiskey crash) and consolidation. So Plank and McDermott saw a chance to resurrect rye in Charm City with Sagamore Spirits.

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The early days were about building a foundation. While they steadied themselves, and built their distillery in Baltimore’s Port Covington neighborhood, Sagamore Spirit initially sourced whiskey from Indiana’s MGP. One of the largest rye producers in America, renowned for their 95% rye / 5% malted barley mash bill, MGP’s recipe built labels like Templeton, Bulleit, High West and Redemption, while also being used by the likes of Angel’s Envy, Smooth Ambler, George Dickel and more. 

From the beginning, however, one of the ways Sagamore distinguished itself was utilizing a unique mash bill philosophy. Instead of leaning solely on MGP’s now-classic “high-rye” 95% rye, Sagamore uses two recipes—adding a “low rye” (52% rye, 43% corn, 5% malted barley) to the mix. By blending this other rye that hovers close to a bourbon in its high-corn grain bill, Sagamore creates a whiskey with rye’s spice but also a softer, sweeter profile. “We’re trying to educate the consumer,” Ryan Norwood, the brand’s Vice President of Operations, tells Maxim. “At the same time we’re trying to bring bourbon drinkers into rye.”

Those barrels gave the fledgling brand a foundation while their own Baltimore distillery took shape. In 2017, steel and copper finally met in Sagamore’s Patapsco River waterfront home, and the brand began laying down its own whiskey—mostly replicas of those twin MGP high- and low-rye whiskeys which built the Sagamore name. But the team made a deliberate choice: instead of flipping a switch, they slowly transitioned, blending their own whiskey into the MGP juice until Sagamore’s flagship Small Batch and Cask Strength expressions were fully Maryland-made—an achievement the former only achieved last year, and latter earlier this year.

That approach comes to full expression in Sagamore’s latest Reserve Series release: a 10-Year Rye, bottled at just over 110 proof (55.4% ABV). Made from some of the earliest MGP stock Sagamore ever purchased, the whiskey is both a farewell and a milestone—one of the last sourced barrels before the brand fully transitions to its own distillate. For Norwood, it’s a fitting capstone: “For me, rye kind of has that sweet spot between about six and ten years.”

Despite being sourced from Indiana, Maryland’s climate leaves its own fingerprint on the spirit. With humid summers and frigid winters, the state’s seasonal swings push whiskey deep into the oak barrels’ wood and back again, extracting flavor in bold strokes. Unlike Kentucky or Indiana, Norwood reveals Sagamore’s rickhouses often see proof rise during maturation, adding another layer of character. The result in the 10-Year is a whiskey the VP describes as “super balanced… with notes of peach crumble, roasted nuts, rye spice, with just enough sweetness to round it out.”

The 10-Year release is limited, and rye aficionados will likely snap it up for its SRP of $80. But for Sagamore it’s less about chasing hype than telling a story—about water and wood, about Maryland’s forgotten past, and about a decade-long gamble slowly paying off. Beyond being Sagamore Spirits oldest rye to date, the newest addition to its award-winning Reserve Series is also both an ending and a beginning, a tribute to the barrels that carried them this far, and a promise of what’s to come as more of their whiskey carries the unmistakable mark of Baltimore.

Follow our Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.

Luxury automaker Aston Martin and famed French Champagne house Bollinger have forged a prestigious global partnership, the two brands announced. The upscale union brings together two icons of the luxury market known for their enduring heritage, impeccable craftsmanship, and pursuit of excellence–as well as joining James Bond’s preferred automobile and the superspy’s favorite Champagne under one experiential umbrella.

Champagne Bollinger was named the Official Champagne Partner of Aston Martin, which in turn becomes Bollinger’s Official Automotive Partner. “This partnership is a natural alignment of two iconic brands,” said Charles-Armand de Belenet, Managing Director of Champagne Bollinger. “We are proud to see Champagne Bollinger become part of Aston Martin’s most exceptional moments around the world.”

Founded in 1913, Aston Martin is a symbol of British performance and handcrafted excellence. The marque’s century-long history of creating celebrated sports cars, which combine cutting-edge engineering with timeless design, mirrors the values held by the 196-year-old Champagne house. Since its founding in 1829, family-owned Bollinger has maintained a distinctive balance between heritage and forward-thinking excellence, even holding a continuous Royal Warrant from the British Royal Household since 1884.

Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification at Aston Martin, said the partnership exemplifies the automaker’s spirit of creating “unforgettable experiences that blend performance, craftsmanship, and artistry.”

As part of the agreement, Champagne Bollinger will be present at key Aston Martin VIP events and customer gatherings globally, from exclusive launches to intimate unveilings. The strategic partnership aims to reinforce both brand’s commitment to elevating lifestyle experiences for discerning global audiences. Stay tuned to see what the collaboration has in store for fans of both brands.

The Dalmore is a staple of many great whisky cabinets, but for 2025 the scotch distillery is going after space in another important storage space for great booze: the wine cellar. The Dalmore Cask Curation Series: The Red Wine Cask Edition is a collection of three whiskies aged in barrels that once matured French red wines — a departure from their typical port and sherry finishes, for which the distillery is best known. The collection comprises three red wine casked whiskies: a 24-year, a 34-year, and a 43-year. 

The distillery’s official partner for this collection is Château Mont-Redon of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southeast of France. The winery, which is the largest single property in the appellation, was founded in 1923 — a full 13 years before the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation was even created. Founder Henri Plantin recognized the potential of the land’s terroir early, and the result of that decision has been more than a century of complex wines (and now, whiskies). 

This is not the first time that red wine has been used to make a Dalmore malt. Bottles like The Dalmore Quintessence have previously used red wine, though in the case of Quintessence, the barrels hailed from wineries in California, and featured Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. The Dalmore launched the Cask Curation line in 2023 with its sherry series, and followed last year with an exploration of port casks. This third collection is the first to touch unfortified wines, specifically wines made from Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache Noir. Dalmore describes these wines as “rich and plummy,” with savory notes and a jammy character.

Red wine has been an increasingly popular theme across malt whiskies in recent years, and generally speaking it’s been a reliable way for distilleries that specialize in things like sherry and port to showcase the range of their spirit. Red wine maturation delivers similar flavors to port and sherry, but typically these flavors are more bright, fresh, ripe, and juicy than the nutty, dark, concentrated flavors of fortified wines.

The Dalmore’s collection seems to be keeping in line with that rule. Tasting notes provided by the distillery suggest that the youngest whisky in this collection (the 24-year-old) teases notes of red berries, citrus, roasted coffee, and creme brulee. The 34-year-old builds on these flavors with wood spice, overripe berries, and a “touch” of licorice. As for the 43-year release, it adds dark chocolate, tropical fruits, and a more defined backbone of wood spice running through the palate, with a hint of leather on the nose.

Cask Curation 2025’s price is, thankfully, for all three bottles  — a full $47,750 (Cask Curation is sold exclusively as a set). Speaking of the set, there are just 150 of them for the entire global market, available from the beginning of October. 

G. Clay Whittaker is a Maxim contributor covering lifestyle, whiskey, cannabis and travel. His work has also appeared in Bon Appetit, Men’s Journal, Cigar Aficionado, Playboy and Esquire. Subscribe to his newsletter Drinks & Stuff for whisky reviews and trends, perspectives on drinks, and stuff.

It’s right there in the lyrics of his inescapable hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” after all: As Shaboozey sings, “they know me and Jack Daniel’s got a history.” The song has been positively everywhere since its release just last April, spending 19 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and leading to four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, for the singer (real name: Collins Obinna Chibueze).

In fitting fashion, its success led Shaboozey to team up with the iconic Tennesse whiskey maker as part of the Jack Daniel’s “Highway No. 7” cross-country music series. Ahead of a show sponsored by Old No. 7 at New York City’s Terminal 5 earlier this month, Shaboozey was grateful to see his dreams and hard work taking shape and paying off, saying Jack Daniel’s is “like my number one fan.”

For the singer, it’s still all about being authentic as he kicks his “The Great American Roadshow” Tour into high gear. “I’m big on just putting parts of myself in the music,” he told Maxim as he prepared to head to New York City. “It’s just really cool that… with, the mention of Jack Daniel’s, so much support could come from it.”

The ultra-stylish 30-year-old singer added that working with Jack Daniel’s feels like family, and feels like a more-than-natural fit. “That’s something I’ve kind of done my whole career is… putting some of my favorite things in life into my music,” he added.

More than 1,000 guests got to see the singer-songwriter debut a new song, “Move On,” and the Grammy-nominated artist naturally brought plenty of Old No. 7 onstage. For a distillery with as much heritage (and modern innovation) as Jack Daniel’s, Shaboozey favors the classics when it comes to whiskey. “I like JD, you know what I mean? Some of my friends call me… the Jack Man,” he said with a laugh.

Of a hectic past year, Shaboozey described it as “rewarding” and “exhilarating,” and notes that he’s eager for more, describing his mindset as “go, go, go, go” as he works to build off the success of his breakout third album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.

Musically, the singer lists everyone from Gillian Welch to Johnny Cash as inspirations, along with the gritty outlaw country of Townes Van Zandt, and naturally, the singer is a fan of any music with a focus on “great storytelling,” he says. Those inspirations should give the artist plenty to go off as he plots his next album, and Shaboozey noted his band will bring a mobile recording rig to try out new songs on tour for the first time.

His perspective goes well beyond whiskey and songwriting, though. The self-described “jeanhead” is also a big fan of Levi’s and even starred in a short film for the brand’s recent Global Icons campaign. “I wear a lot of jeans, a lot of Western shirts, and it’s always about style and how I can feel good up on stage,” he said.

Shaboozey’s rise in the music scene has taken him to the likes of legendary rock clubs like Washington, D.C.’s 9:30 Club, and helped him dial in his setlist and stage design (Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottles, like any good rock show, are certainly par for the course).

“The set is really awesome. We spent a lot of time dialing it in and trying to make it as great as possible,” Shaboozey added, noting that “it takes a village to get here.” As Shaboozey brings his global smash hit (and plenty more fun) out on the road, check out his setlist here and be sure to bring your dancin’ boots (and an appetite for Jack Daniel’s whiskey).

The Great American Roadshow Setlist

1. “Last Of My Kind”
2. “Anabelle”
3. “Blink Twice”
4. “Tall Boy”
5. “Drink Don’t Need No Mix”
6. “Vegas”
7. “Highway”
8. “Move On” (with Kevin Powers)
9. “Family Traditions” (Hank Williams Jr cover)
10. “Amen”
11. “Finally Over”
12. “Fire And Gasoline”
13. “East Of The Massanutten”
14. “Horses & Hellcats”
15. “Good News”
16. “Let It Burn”
17. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

Godzilla just invaded your six-pack. To celebrate the King of Monsters’ 70th birthday, Pabst Blue Ribbon joined forces with Toho International to unleash a limited-edition run of more than 60 million Godzilla-branded cans and boxes this fall.

PBR has long used its art can program to push packaging into collectible territory, but this collab feels like a kaiju-sized flex. The brand tapped Attack Peter, a Cuban American artist revered in kaiju circles for his bold linoleum block prints, to create four original designs. Each one brings Godzilla’s destructive energy to life, joined by fellow legends Mothra, Mechagodzilla, and my personal favorite, King Ghidorah.

The standard 12 and 16-ounce cans feature Godzilla’s snarl in stark black and white. The 25-ounce tallboys go even bigger, rotating through the other three kaiju. A limited number of cans will even pack a party trick: a cold-activated “atomic breath” effect that glows blue when the beer hits frosty perfection.

“Bringing the legendary Godzilla character into PBR’s world is massive on its own, but teaming up with Attack Peter on the designs completely leveled this partnership up,” says Rachel Keeton, Senior Brand Director at PBR. “His style and process of hand-carving these illustrations continues to push the boundaries of what the PBR art series is all about.”

For Toho, owners of the beloved Godzilla license, the mashup ensures his cultural reign continues unabated—like a friendly stroll through downtown Tokyo. “Partnering with Pabst Blue Ribbon, a historic brand with a rich legacy and passionate following fit for the King of Monsters, allows us to engage fans in a fresh and dynamic way,” says Kristin Parcell, GM of Toho International.

The cans land in October, timed perfectly for Halloween parties, dive bar nights, and tailgates—possibly to pair with Pabst Light, which PBR just launched earlier this year. Beyond their utility, they double as instant collectibles, a marriage of cult beer and cult monster that actually makes sense. Seventy years after first leveling Japan, Godzilla still looms large. Now, thanks to PBR, you can crack him open cold and carry him into the night.

Follow Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.

Apple TV+ has debuted the trailer for the new docuseries Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars, executive produced by Gordon Ramsay and premiering on October 10. The eight-part series, hosted by Jesse Burgess, co-founder of the global food and travel platform TopJaw, takes viewers inside the high-stakes world of fine dining—capturing the pressure and ambition that define the road to Michelin recognition. Check out Apple’s official plot synopsis below:

Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars travels to some of the most compelling culinary destinations on Earth. Across eight episodes, the series visits restaurants in New York (Coqodaq, The Musket Room, Nōksu), Chicago (Cariño, Esmé, Feld), the Nordics (Aure, Jordnær, Knystaforsen), the U.K. (Caractère, House, Wilsons), Mexico (Em, Máximo), Italy (Agriturismo Ferdy, Kresios) and California (The Harbor House, Pasjoli, Pasta|Bar). At each stop, chefs open their doors and their kitchens, as they chase their first, second, or even third Michelin star.

With unprecedented access to Michelin—including rare, on-the-record interviews with anonymous inspectors—the series serves up a chef’s-eye view of one of the culinary world’s most elusive honors. Watch the trailer here.

The idea that one can snap your fingers and be transported to a different locale entirely is an intoxicating prospect, but the new Shinola Hotel City to Shore Travel Experience is about as close as one can get to an instantaneous change of pace.

Arriving just in time for peak fall leaf-peeping, the exclusive travel package brings together the lovely tranquility of Northern Michigan’s recently opened Otis Harbor Springs alongside the mix of Motor City grit and modern refinement that is the Shinola Hotel, as Maxim found out during an exclusive visit to both properties earlier this season.

Both share a curious, highly stylish throughline in terms of handsome design DNA: Former Shinola Creative Director Daniel Caudill was at the helm of the Otis Harbor Springs, as well as the impeccable Shinola Hotel, which brings the illustrious Detroit watch brand’s vision to life in stunning clarity. Complete with a Shinola boutique in the hotel and access within minutes to the company’s Cass Corridor HQ and production facility, you could very well say that the Shinola Hotel is the most stylish property in Detroit. Now, it has a northern Michigan partner to match in the Otis Harbor Springs.

Available now for $2,400 plus taxes and fees across select fall dates, the Shinola Hotel City to Shore Travel Experience sees lucky travelers start their journey across the lovely autumnal scenes of Pure Michigan with two nights in Detroit at the hip boutique hotel. To kick off a prime fall weekend, guests then embark on a self-guided journey north to Harbor Springs for a two-night stay at the revamped, luxe Otis Harbor Springs. At the Otis, custom furnishings, Flamingo Estate grooming products and a chic outlook on Mid-Century Modern design speak to Caudill’s vision for a fashionable and yet heritage-minded update to a long-running motor lodge.

The experience kicks off in elevated fashion, bringing visitors into an elegant Shinola Hotel Cass King room. Each property is offering $100 in dining credits, plus breakfast for up to two guests. It’s as if each property thought of every carefully considered detail, then improved upon even that high bar for hospitality.

In addition to prime access to buzzing Motor City culture (and the hotel’s excellent San Morello restaurant), the Shinola Hotel watch lending program is an astoundingly cool draw for guests who stay in suites on the property. The VIP personalized concierge visit gives you the chance to select your choice of a luxury Shinola timepiece during your stay. To say that Shinola watches add some wrist game flair alongside an Old Fashioned is an understatement. There are even rarities like Shinola’s Petoskey stone dial watch available through the program: Putting a covetable Shinola watch on one’s wrist only heightens the entire experience.

Guests at the Shinola Hotel are also encouraged to visit the property’s speakeasy-esque Evening Bar, where cocktails like the Spirited Away (a rich and sumptuous blend of rye and cognac, plus a smoky hint Scotch and a dash of honey) are especially delectable.

San Morello’s rich, elevated Italian-American cuisine also serves as hearty sustenance ahead of an evening exploring Detroit’s many delights on foot. The property’s culinary offering includes more casual fare, like tantalizing fried chicken at Penny Red’s or refreshing steins of beer at The Brakeman.

The same meticulous attention to detail can be found further north after one’s journey to the bucolic, revamped motor lodge at the Otis Harbor Springs. Set across 10 acres and boasting a “long-spanning legacy of Mid-Century Modern design,” the Fireplace Lounge is an utterly cozy, luxe-meets-rustic place for a round of cocktails.

Complete with its original stone fireplace and sturdy wooden beams, the Fireplace Lounge boasts a visitor-favorite Otis Fashioned (a buttery blend of maple, rye spice and walnut bitters), while the About Last Night delivers the spice of mezcal and habanero with a cutting touch of floral blanco. Seasonal cocktails and small plates deliver suitably premium, utterly delicious variety for a weekend visit, and the bar’s mixology team says the destination is even popular among locals.

The property blends rich and warm tones with a considered take on Mid-Century Modern design, with one story of 31 exclusive rooms set around an inner courtyard complete with lawn games and prime access to a series of lovely rolling meadows. In nearby Harbor Springs, perfectly classic autumnal Michigan pursuits await, from blazing lakeside sunsets to vibrant dining at NOMAD Harbor Springs (don’t miss out on its spritz menu, boasting Fernet, CYNAR and more).

For those who crave the modern style of the Shinola Hotel (and the chance to try a Shinola watch on for size), the new Shinola Hotel City to Shore Travel Experience is a prime introduction to the famed brand. And just in time for gorgeous fall foliage, the program’s offerings at Otis Harbor Springs couldn’t be more perfectly suited. Book your Pure Michigan getaway now, and be on the lookout for future partnerships between the two premium properties.

Alila Ventana Big Sur, the iconic “luxury inclusive” resort rising from the cliffs of California’s Central Coast, recently unveiled a multimillion-dollar, property-wide revamp in celebration of its 50th anniversary—and the results are phenomenal. Back in 1975 movie producer Lawrence A. Spector built the Ventana Inn using profits from the cult classic Easy Rider starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson, establishing the first true luxury retreat in then-bohemian Big Sur and helping to make the town into a cultural touchstone and byword for rugged, coastal cool. 

We’ve been hearing about the legendary Ventana for years, and after staying at Alila’s epic Napa Valley property in Saint Helena, we knew to expect great things from the brand; waiting until the 50th anniversary turned out to have been a brilliant move. Alila are masters at revamping and rejuvenating existing, sometimes historic, hotels, and doing something completely new while preserving tradition. The Big Sur property first became part of the impressive Alila portfolio following it’s last major transformation in 2017, and it has thrived ever since.

Alila Ventana Big Sur features 54 guest rooms, suites and villas, most with working fireplaces; the stunning Spa Alila; two pools with outdoor Japanese hot baths; and a widely acclaimed restaurant, Sur House. “Alila Ventana Big Sur has always been a place where people come to reconnect: with themselves, with nature, and with something larger,” says General Manager Matt Skaletsky. “As we celebrate 50 years in this special community, we’re thrilled to unveil a thoughtful evolution of the Ventana experience—one that honors our roots while looking boldly to the future.”

Set in 160 acres of rolling meadows, majestic redwoods and ocean vistas, guests can partake in complimentary Signature Activities such as fitness classes, daily guided nature walks, Tai Chi, meditation, and nightly s’mores at Social House, the property’s hub. The resort’s Alila Experience Program offers one-of-a-kind mind, body, and soul experiences, including falconry, wild foraging hikes, photography and axe-throwing workshops, plus a number of immersive hiking excursions.

Guest rooms and suites have been artfully reimagined with sustainable materials and modernizations that “pay homage to the rich history, character, and singular spirit of Big Sur,” the property notes. “The aesthetic reflects a refined natural minimalism—clean architectural lines paired with soft, organic textures, local craftsmanship, and warm, tonal surfaces that draw the outside in. Every element has been carefully considered to remove distraction and elevate calm, resulting in spa-inspired spaces that feel simultaneously modern and deeply grounded.”

In addition to the guest room refresh, Alila Ventana Big Sur has also made major upgrades to The Sur House, its beloved indoor-outdoor restaurant with panoramic ocean views and a “Mediterranean‑inspired, California‑sourced” vibe. The Sur House has debuted a new dinner menu “marrying vibrant coastal flavors with California’s finest hyper‑local ingredients, including herbs and produce sourced from the resort’s organic garden.” As the property’s rates now include an inclusive experience—an “all encompassing, highly customized approach” that includes meals and more, you can make the most of it.

Signature Sur House dishes include a 24-oz bone-in ribeye served with shishito peppers, duck‑fat–dusted potatoes, and peppercorn au poivre, plus an exclusive caviar add‑on option from San Francisco’s The Caviar Co. House‑made pasta offerings include a squid‑ink dish that pays homage to nearby Monterey Bay. A new brunch menu has also been introduced showcasing shareable plates and Mediterranean flavors. The wine and cocktail lists are also impeccably curated, and you’ll find some of the most knowledgable and genuinely friendly service at any coastal California resort here.

“Throughout the property, we’ve reimagined our culinary approach to reflect a sense of place, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean while remaining deeply rooted in California’s seasonal abundance,” says Ventana’s Executive Chef Andrew Lauer. “It’s about creating food that feels both elevated and grounded, where every dish tells a story of our surroundings and the people who craft it. From garden-grown herbs to locally caught seafood, every dish is rooted in a sense of place.”

One of the most appealing offerings at the property is the Classic Cars, Classic Highway experience, which allows you to choose from a carefully-selected fleet of 40 classics provided by Monterey Touring Vehicles, from vintage Porsche Spyders to classic Shelby Cobras and even a DeLorean, with which you can “create your ideal adventure vibe with the car of your dreams,” and explore the beauty of the coast roads around Big Sur along the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

To commemorate the resort’s golden anniversary, Alila Ventana Big Sur has also debuted a limited-time, ultra-luxury 50th anniversary Legacy Package offered at $50,000. The once-in-a-lifetime experience includes first-class airfare from select cities paired with private jet service by Schubach Aviation into Monterey Airport, plus a three-night stay in one of the resort’s newly refreshed guest rooms.

Guests arrive at Monterey Airport to be greeted by a vintage car circa 1975; upon arrival, they are invited to toast with a rare 1975 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Carte Or Brut, and enjoy the dedicated services of a private butler throughout their stay. The package also features an exclusive spa experience, a private dinner in the property’s Glass House, and a private garden breakfast with live culinary stations and ingredients foraged fresh from the property’s organic garden.

Alila Hotels and Resorts—the name means “surprise” in Sanskrit—was founded in 2001 by Franky Tjahyadikarta, Mark Edleson, and Frederic Simon. The brand emerged from a takeover of two hotels in Bali, The Serai and The Chedi, which later became the very first Alila properties. The company’s focus is on “creating unique, sustainable luxury experiences that blend contemporary design with local culture and natural surroundings.” Part of the Hyatt portfolio since 2018, the next Alila set to open will be in Mexico’s iconic Mayakoba, which we hope to visit in the new year.

You’d expect South Africa to be hot, right? The sun-soaked plains outside of Stellenbosch and the colossal mountains that crown every landscape. Further north, a healthy population of giraffes, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants. 

But wind up, up, up those mountains to find the cooler side of South Africa. It snows here, which doesn’t make it an outwardly appealing wine region but Cederberg trudges on anyway. All the work is worth it–Cabernet Sauvignon ripens to its most elegant here, so expect breathy, complex, highly ageable Cabernets packed with cedar wood, black current, pine, and cassis. It’s dense and dark but mineral and cool.

The best part? These Cabernets are exacting in quality but incredibly value driven—this one costs the same as entry-level Napa, but tastes as if you should add a few zeros to its sticker price. $70

Kate Dingwall is a sommelier and wine writer. Her work frequently appears in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, Vogue, and Food & Wine, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.

The Balvenie Fifty might be having its Empire Strikes Back moment in 2025. After releasing a rare 50-year-old single cask scotch in 2024, this year’s release adds complexity, depth, and a bit of flexing from Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie.

She started this trilogy with a single European oak refill butt laid down in 1973 — a testament to the whisky making talent of her forbearers. For the record release, McKechnie has taken a more hands on approach, marrying some of that original European oak liquid with whisky from an American oak hogshead filled the same year, making this a two-cask creation. 

”For The Second Edition,” explains McKechnie, “we selected an American oak hogshead filled in 1973 to build on the legacy of the inaugural release. The time spent maturing in American oak has nurtured a beautifully balanced character, with notes of sweet honey and warming oak. This profile was chosen to complement the European oak influence of The First Edition, creating a marriage of casks that brings both contrast and continuity to the flavor thread running through the trilogy.”

The Balvenie Fifty is a planned collection of three releases. The first, launched in 2024, had an ABV of 52.3, while the second dips a bit lower to 49.8. According to tasting notes provided by the distillery, it seems to make up for the lower proof with darker flavors and aromas — violets, roses, currant and multiple layers of toffee, butter, and oak. 

What the third release will look like is anyone’s guess. McKechnie could continue her pattern and add a third cask to create the final liquid, or release the American hogshead as a standalone bottle. She could likewise do something completely new and different — or draw on whiskies of the past for inspiration. Balvenie is known for its more eccentric age stated releases and collections. The David Stewart Compendium collected incredible bottles from rare vintages, and the Balvenie Tun releases are among the distillery’s most coveted bottles. But this undertaking is substantially bigger and more ambitious.

Now for the bad news: only 97 bottles of this rare whisky were even filled, which a crushingly small portion of just 13 allocated for the US market. Suggested retail for batch two of Balvenie Fifty is $55,000, which isn’t a bad price by current standards for whiskies half a century old. Trilogies are always a challenge (just ask JJ Abrams), so it’s entirely possible that this could end up as the best bottle in the collection. But Balvenie has a long, rich history of incredible whiskies.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be expecting McKechnie to stick the landing, and hoping that you’re able to try a flight next year when all three are out in the world.

G. Clay Whittaker is a Maxim contributor covering lifestyle, whiskey, cannabis and travel. His work has also appeared in Bon Appetit, Men’s Journal, Cigar Aficionado, Playboy and Esquire. Subscribe to his newsletter Drinks & Stuff for whisky reviews and trends, perspectives on drinks, and stuff.