Old Hickory Bourbon launches 12-year Rye and 15-year Barrel Proof Whiskey. Discover these limited-edition bourbons rooted in 150+ years of American tradition.
There’s something almost rebellious about patience in 2025. We live in a world of instant everything, streaming, shipping, swiping.
But whiskey?
Whiskey doesn’t care about your timeline.
It sits in charred oak barrels for years, maybe decades, transforming into something worth the wait. Old Hickory Bourbon just reminded us why that matters.
The Tennessee-based brand dropped two new age-stated releases—a 12-year-old Rye and a 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey, that showcase what happens when craft meets time. For collectors hunting limited-edition bourbons and enthusiasts craving layers of flavor, these bottles represent more than liquid.
They’re a statement about values in an age when everything feels rushed.
A Legacy That Refused to Die
Old Hickory Bourbon has survived what most brands couldn’t. Founded in 1868 in Fayette County, Kentucky, the distillery weathered Prohibition’s dark years and came back swinging when Publicker Distilling Co. revived it in 1933.
After changing hands to R.S. Lipman Company in 2011, the brand found new life rooted in its Nashville home. That’s over 150 years of American whiskey history bottled up and ready to pour.
“We know our fans want something with history and true depth,”
Trisha Cancilla
Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman Company
“We know our fans want something with history and true depth,” said Trisha Cancilla, vice president of marketing and brand strategy at Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman Company. “Our new 12 and 15-year-old releases bring the best of Old Hickory’s tradition straight to your glass. We take great pride in the time and skill poured into every barrel. Each release reflects our belief that great bourbon is earned, not rushed.”
That philosophy stands out in today’s market, where craft distilling has exploded and new brands pop up monthly. Age statements matter. They signal commitment, investment, and a willingness to let nature do its work.
The 15-Year Barrel Proof: Bold and Unapologetic
The Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey doesn’t whisper—it announces itself. Open the bottle and you’ll catch bold aromas of butterscotch, cake batter, and toasted marshmallow. It’s like walking into a bakery, but one that also serves fire. The first sip delivers sweet spice and brown sugar layers that coat your palate. The finish? Long, buttery, with hints of waffle cone that make you want to pour another glass immediately.
Barrel proof means no dilution, no holding back. You’re tasting the whiskey at full strength, exactly as it came from the barrel. For fun-loving enthusiasts who appreciate intensity and nuance, this is the kind of pour that turns a Tuesday night into an occasion. Whether you’re in a Nashville honky-tonk, a Brooklyn cocktail bar, or your own living room, this expression demands attention.
The 12-Year Rye: Spice Meets Sophistication
Rye whiskey has experienced a renaissance lately, and Old Hickory’s Hermitage Reserve 12-year-old Straight Rye Bottled in Bond joins the party with serious credentials. Bottled in Bond means it meets strict federal standards: distilled at one distillery, by one distiller, in one season, aged at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. These aren’t marketing buzzwords—they’re legal requirements that signal quality.
This rye delivers notes of caramel and vanilla balanced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and mint. It’s full-bodied, flavor-forward, and versatile enough for sipping neat or building a Manhattan that’ll make you forget you ever drank one elsewhere. For collectors and cocktail lovers, this bottle checks multiple boxes: age statement, Bottled in Bond designation, and a flavor profile that walks the line between classic and contemporary.
Why Age Statements Matter in Today’s Market
The whiskey world has complicated feelings about age statements. Some distilleries dropped them to maintain flexibility. Others lean into them as markers of prestige. Old Hickory chose the latter, and it’s a smart move. When you’re competing with established Kentucky giants and innovative craft upstarts, clearly stating “this spent 12 years aging” cuts through the noise.
“For us, whiskey is more than a drink; it’s a legacy,”
Trisha Cancilla
“For us, whiskey is more than a drink; it’s a legacy,” Cancilla said. “These new releases are our answer to the call for quality and story, shared across the table and over the years.”
That resonates with today’s upscale consumer—someone who values provenance, enjoys exploring limited-edition bourbons, and appreciates the story behind the bottle. It’s relatability mixed with aspiration. We all want to believe that patience pays off, that good things come to those who wait.
The Broader Old Hickory Family
These aren’t standalone experiments. The 12 and 15-year expressions join an expanding portfolio that includes Old Hickory White Label Straight Bourbon, Old Hickory Blended Whiskey, and the limited-edition Hermitage Reserve 10-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey. Each bottle targets different moments and moods—from everyday sipping to special occasion celebrating—giving fans options across price points and flavor profiles.
This strategy makes sense for a brand rooted in tradition but operating in modern markets. Collectors want variety. New drinkers need approachable entry points. Old Hickory delivers both without sacrificing its core identity.
Mini FAQ: Old Hickory Bourbon
Q: Where can I buy Old Hickory Bourbon’s new 12 and 15-year releases?
A: Availability varies by state due to distribution laws. Check the Old Hickory Bourbon website at www.oldhickorybourbon.com for retailer information and follow their Instagram for updates on where these limited-edition bourbons are landing.
Q: What’s the difference between Barrel Proof and Bottled in Bond?
A: Barrel Proof means the whiskey is bottled at its natural strength from the barrel without dilution—typically higher alcohol content and more intense flavor. Bottled in Bond requires the spirit be aged at least four years, bottled at 100 proof, and meet other federal quality standards. Both designations signal craftsmanship and quality.
Q: How do these releases compare to other aged bourbons in the market?
A: Old Hickory’s 12 and 15-year expressions compete directly with premium offerings from established distilleries. The combination of age statement, proof, and heritage positioning makes them attractive to collectors seeking limited-edition bourbons with authentic backstories.
The Takeaway: Time Well Spent
Old Hickory Bourbon’s latest releases prove that in a crowded spirits market, authenticity and patience still matter. These aren’t gimmicks or marketing exercises—they’re serious whiskeys from a brand that’s earned its place in American whiskey history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who just enjoys a damn good drink, the 12-year Rye and 15-year Barrel Proof deserve your attention.
Visit www.oldhickorybourbon.com to learn more, find retailers, and join a conversation about whiskey that values story as much as flavor. Because the best bottles aren’t just about what’s inside—they’re about the legacy that got them there.
Old Hickory Bourbon launches 12-year Rye and 15-year Barrel Proof Whiskey. Discover these limited-edition bourbons rooted in 150+ years of American tradition.
Waffle cone finish? I’m either very intrigued or very confused. Probably both.
Butterscotch and cake batter? Okay, I’m listening. This sounds like dessert I can actually justify.
The toasted marshmallow notes have me ready to build a campfire in my backyard
That 12-year rye is calling my name for Manhattans. Bottled in Bond at 12 years? Yes please.
Added to the spreadsheet. Limited edition + age statement + under-the-radar brand = potential winner.
“Whiskey doesn’t care about your timeline” might be the most relatable thing I’ve read all week.