Cornelius Geary

The Van Winkle Whiskey Collection returns this season, showcasing six of the finest wheated bourbons and a standout rye whiskey. This year brings an exciting twist—an unexpectedly generous yield from the 20-Year-Old and 23-Year-Old barrels, offering connoisseurs a better shot at the rarest expressions. Here’s the lineup of 2024’s unicorn-worthy releases: 10-Year-Old Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon ($129.99): 107 proof of rich oak, dark cherry, and a long, satisfying finish.

Born from the vision of winemaking legends—Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi—Opus One is Napa’s answer to old-world excellence. The newly released 2021 vintage reflects that legacy with a depth and richness honed by an uncommonly dry year, which intensified concentration and flavor. This vintage opens with a dark bouquet of cassis, blackberry, and black cherry, punctuated by hints of violet, vanilla, and warming spices.

From luxurious, rare bottlings crafted by well-known names, to tiny, passion-fueled niche products pushed to market by perseverance, the 2014 Drink Me Magazine Elite 150 singles out the 150 most exciting and memorable beers, wines and spirits from the past year. Led by Brian Freedman, Drink Me Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, the team of editors have sipped, sniffed, swirled, spit and at many times, savored, their way through a year’s worth of products in order find and single out the best.