9. The hotly anticipated follow-up to Blackened's first foray into Rye, the critically acclaimed Willett Master of Whiskey collaboration, the new limited edition Rye the Lightning is a serious 90-proof spice bomb. Exposed to the same unique sonic enhancement process, whereby barrels are exposed to Metallica at a low frequency, Rye the Lightning is expertly finished in Madeira and Rum casks, and represents a unique and innovative piece of whiskey-making. Expect a rye-forward tasting experience with complementary spice and sweetness, with a not-so-distant 'bourbon feel' that brings vanilla and a silky smooth mouthfeel to the affair.

8. Another formidable limited edition release from powerhouse Angel's Envy, the Ice Cider Cask Finish Straight Rye is a unique and innovative Rye Whiskey bottled at 107 proof. The unusual French oak ice cider cask finish used in the final stage of Angel's Envy Rye Finished in Ice Cider Casks comes from an extremely limited release crafted by Eden Specialty Ciders. Their tart, late-season Northern spy apples were pressed in 2018, concentrated in the depth of Vermont's winter, and fermented to perfectly balance the robust autumn spice character of this special heirloom variety. A truly remarkable feat of whiskey engineering and one that is sure to be a collectible in years to come.

7. The latest release from Kentucky's Blood Oath, Pact No. 8 is a blend of three exceptional and complementary bourbons, expertly finished in unique Calvados Casks from Normandy, France and limited to just 51,000 bottles worldwide. Combining a 14-year, 11-year and 8-year old rye bourbon, Pact No. 8 is a complex 98.6 proof whiskey that challenges conventional bourbon with its use of the unfamiliar Calvados French Oak cask (used in the production of apple and pear brandy), exaggerating notes of apple, vanilla, and cinnamon. A remarkably unique bourbon whiskey that's deep amber in color, rich with aromatic stone fruits, butterscotch and the tartness of ripe apples, Pact 8 is one of the most interesting releases from Blood Oath and a must-try for fans of the brand.

6. One of the most exciting up and coming bourbon producers, hailing from humble Indiana, Red Line is a force to be reckoned with. The Toasted Barrel is an extremely limited bourbon bottled at 114 proof, and represents an exceptional statement of considered and calculated whiskey craftsmanship. Taking the Red Line Cask Strength Straight Bourbon and ageing this whiskey in toasted new oak barrels, each bottle is carefully hand selected and made to exacting quality standards, which is why batch T2's total yield is limited to very few bottles. Sweet, smooth and with a cask-strength bite, this highly limited edition toasted barrel is an ideal single-barrel bourbon for connoisseurs of refined and robust whiskey.

5. A unique and balanced French Oak Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the Penelope Architect is aptly named, a considered and well measured end-product that makes use of two styles of distinct French oak stave finishing. The Architect is a robust and remarkably full-bodied whiskey, that expertly balances the textures and tones of French oak with waves of subtle sweetness - so as to not overpower and undo the bourbon's character. Composed of a 4-grain undisclosed mash bill, aged a minimum of 4 years and finished to a barrel strength of 104 proof, this April 2022 release is a fantastic and fresh iteration from Penelope in collaboration with Tonnellerie Radoux of France.