Chilled’s Top 10 Drops for May 2026

Bringing you what’s new and noteworthy each month. Designed for bartenders and connoisseurs, we choose our favorite bottles, barware and bold ideas stirring up the scene.

Below are ten standout spirits worth sipping, sharing and showing off. 

Fettercairn 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Fettercairn expands its U.S. presence with the launch of its 12-Year-Old Single Malt, an inviting entry into the Highland distillery’s signature tropical style. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, it opens with vanilla and pear before unfolding into nectarine, warm spice, and a silky finish. Bottled at 46% ABV (750ml, SRP $54.99), it’s now rolling out nationwide. Also launching is the 16-Year-Old expression (750ml, SRP $89.99), offering a richer, more complex take on the same fruit-forward profile.

Lewis Cellars Medallion Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Lewis Cellars debuts its most exclusive release yet with the inaugural Medallion Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a pinnacle expression of Napa Valley winemaking. Crafted from just 10 standout barrels selected from 1,500, this 100% Cabernet delivers powerful structure, deep concentration, and long-term aging potential after 20 months in French oak. Limited to fewer than 300 cases (750ml, SRP $275), the 2022 vintage is available now exclusively via the winery and its Napa Valley tasting room.

PATRÓN 100 Tequila

PATRÓN raises the bar with PATRÓN 100, a 100-proof, small-batch tequila distilled to proof at 50% ABV with no dilution. Crafted using 100% tahona stone production, it delivers bold, full agave character layered with notes of cooked agave, minerality, and peppery spice—built to shine in cocktails or on its own. Available now nationwide (750ml, SRP $49.99), it’s a high-proof release that balances intensity with signature PATRÓN refinement.

Maker’s Mark “Yam Jam” by Kelsey Plum Private Selection Bourbon

Maker’s Mark teams up with WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Plum for a limited-edition Private Selection release, “Yam Jam.” Bottled at 111.3 proof (55.65% ABV), this bold, custom expression layers chili spice and citrus with notes of sweet potato pie, toasted pecan, and baking chocolate for a rich, complex finish. Launching May 7 in Los Angeles (750ml, SRP TBD), a portion of the release—including the first barrel—will benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

bubly wine refresher Rosé RTD

Just in time for Mother’s Day, bubly wine refresher introduces a bright, easygoing take on rosé, blending dry rosé wine, sparkling water, and natural fruit flavors into a crisp, 100-calorie sip. Available in Strawberry Peach and Blackberry Lemon, this ready-to-drink option is made for everything from backyard hangs to well-earned “me time.” Available now nationwide (12 oz cans, 4-packs and variety packs, SRP varies).

Jack Daniel’s debuts Special Release Small Batch Rye

Jack Daniel’s unveils a highly limited Small Batch Rye, featuring five barrel-proof batches drawn from Coy Hill, Boiler Hill, and Fire Brigade Fields. Aged around 10 years and bottled between 142.7–146.1 proof, this high-impact release delivers bold notes of black pepper, oak, caramel, and warm spice. Available in very limited quantities this month exclusively at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop (375ml, SRP $64.99).

Tequila El Mexicano Añejo

Tequila El Mexicano expands its portfolio with the national debut of its Añejo, a Highland Jalisco expression crafted by the Bañuelos family. Aged 14–16 months in a combination of new American and French oak, it delivers notes of cooked agave, orange marmalade, roasted pineapple, cocoa nibs, and soft spice with a smooth, structured finish. Bottled at 40% ABV (750ml, SRP $50), this limited release highlights traditional craftsmanship and agave-forward character rooted in generations of tequila-making.

A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey

A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues its experimental Abraham Bowman series with Special Release #26, an 11-year-old rye whiskey distilled in 2015 and bottled at 110 proof. Aged in Warehouse A for extended maturation, this limited release explores the impact of time and higher proof on structure and flavor, delivering notes of maple syrup, vanilla, apricot, orange zest, and black pepper with a minty, spice-laced finish. Available via online lottery beginning May 4 (750ml, SRP $79.99).

Gray Whale Vodka + Surfrider Foundation Partnership

Gray Whale expands beyond gin with the launch of Gray Whale Vodka, a coastal-inspired spirit distilled from grain and California grapes for a soft, slightly sweet profile with floral lift, citrus, and a crisp finish. Crafted without additives or added sugar, it’s designed for both simple cocktails and easy sipping. Alongside the debut, Gray Whale announces a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation to support ocean conservation efforts, including nationwide beach cleanups and initiatives to remove over 750,000 pounds of coastal waste over the next three years. Available now (SRP varies).

Stitzel-Weller Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey

Stitzel-Weller unveils the second release in its Stitzel Reserve collection with a 31-year-old bourbon distilled in 1992 and aged in new charred oak for over three decades. Bottled at a powerful 163.2 proof, this ultra-rare expression comes from just 13 barrels, yielding only 176 bottles with notes of waxy orchard fruit, dark oak, burnt sugar, and baked apple. Available exclusively at Stitzel-Weller Distillery beginning April 30 (750ml, SRP $3,000).

 

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About Chilled’s Top Ten Drops

Chilled’s Top Ten Drops is a monthly editorial series highlighting the most exciting new releases in the world of spirits and mixology. Designed for bartenders, brand partners, and enthusiasts alike, the series celebrates craftsmanship, innovation, and the art of today’s cocktail experience.