It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 8th 2026. Tariffs between Scotland and the US have been removed, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has unveiled the Certified Craft Seal, and Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey.

Show Notes:

• President Trump pledges removal of 10% Scotch whisky tariffs to restore trade relations
• John McKillop releases novel Bourbon Brothers featuring rare real-world bottles
• Give 270 hosts Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 raffle benefiting Feeding America
• American Craft Spirits Association launches TTB-approved Certified Craft Seal
• Old Fourth Distillery rebrands spirits portfolio starting with Cane-Based Vodka
• Chicken Cock and Laird’s collaborate on Old Glory Rye and Apple Brandy blend
• Jack Daniel’s debuts ultra-premium Halo MK1 McLaren F1 Team collaboration
• Stitzel-Weller releases $3,000 Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon at 163.2 proof
• 15 STARS debuts Kentucke County™ line to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for April 24th 2026. Sazerac has formally offered $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest could be forced to shut down within 30 days, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of Eagle Rare 30.

Show Notes:

• Jeptha Creed Distillery launches new visitor experiences and single-barrel programs to mark 10th anniversary
• Sazerac launches $15 billion acquisition bid for rival Brown-Forman
• Uncle Nearest faces potential shutdown and insolvency amid financial crisis and default
• Diageo opens new $415 million automated manufacturing facility in Alabama
• Buffalo Trace announces Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon, for $12,500
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon and PDJF partner for limited 140-bottle charity release
• Jack Daniel Distillery debuts Special Release Small Batch Rye aged 10 years
• Michter’s announces first-ever release of US*1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash in May
• Hard Truth Distilling Co. unveils limited Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon
• B.R. Distilling launches unfiltered Blue Note Small Batch Wheated Bourbon
• Maker’s Mark releases 2026 edition of wheat-forward Star Hill Farm Whisky
• Four Roses rolls out second rotation of its Single Barrel Collection nationwide

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for April 3rd 2026. Brown-Forman Corp. and Pernod Ricard have confirmed mutual interest in a merger, two lawsuits have been dismissed for competing bourbon brands, and Larrikin Bourbon has released its third annual “Pour for the Roses”.

Show Notes:

• Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard confirm mutual interest in a “merger of equals” to consolidate two of the world’s largest spirits portfolios while maintaining family control
• Green River Distilling parts ways with Head Distiller Aaron Harris as the Owensboro facility faces further workforce contractions
• LF Heritage Distilling Co. property ordered to foreclosure and sale following a $5 million debt dispute with construction contractors
• MGP Ingredients clears securities fraud lawsuit after a judge rules leadership mismanaged market shifts rather than intentionally misleading investors
• Brough Brothers loses appeals court challenge against Fresh Bourbon over the “first” Black-owned Kentucky distillery claim
• Larrikin Bourbon launches “Pour for the Roses – 2026 Running,” a 9-year single barrel expression featuring vintage feed bag packaging for the Kentucky Derby
• Proof & Wood introduces its first Bottled in Bond expression with an 11-year Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon featuring a unique 99% corn mashbill
• Hard Truth Distilling Co. debuts its first 7-year age-stated trio, featuring Sweet Mash Rye, Bourbon, and Wheated Bourbon crafted entirely on their Indiana campus

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for March 27th 2026. Uncle Nearest back at it again, Heaven Hill Distillery has announced the inaugural release of Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old, and Evan Williams is releasing five limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles.

Show Notes:

• Van Gogh Fast feature film set to shoot at Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries this spring
• Receiver requests gag order and $75,000 in sanctions against Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver
• Reyes Beverage Group to acquire RNDC operations across 10 states and Washington, D.C.
• Bardstown Bourbon Co. countersues former HR VP over alleged disclosure of confidential information
• Gulf Coast package stores sue Ruan Transport over state liquor warehouse software glitch
• Remus Bourbon launches Remus Bottle Club quarterly direct-to-consumer subscription service
• Four Roses Distillery debuts permanent “Meet Me With Four Roses” brand campaign
• Heaven Hill Distillery adds Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon to permanent portfolio
• Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. debuts 10-Year-Old Henry Kraver’s Reserve Bourbon
• Jake Norris returns to Colorado craft scene with The Curated Barrel Project online-only releases
• Blue Run Spirits and Atlanta Braves partner for commemorative 60th-anniversary bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Distillery unveils $550 Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat aged 10 years
• Evan Williams drops five limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles
• Jack Daniel’s announces sweepstakes for latest Aged Series bottle releases in Lynchburg
• Lux Row Distillers announces Blood Oath Pact 12 finished in Italian wine casks
• Horse Soldier Bourbon launches ultra-premium 13-year Liberty Edition for America’s 250th anniversary
• National Bourbon Week returns to Bardstown, Kentucky, June 14-21, 2026

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for March 20th 2026. Uncle Nearest Saga has taken a wild twist, Kentucky Bourbon Festival has announced ticket sale dates, and Bardstown Bourbon Company will release its Distillery Reserve Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish.

Show Notes:

• Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and countersues lender for $529M
• Court receiver moves to block Uncle Nearest bankruptcy filing and seeks $75K in sanctions
• Judge stays $2.6M sale of Uncle Nearest Martha’s Vineyard property pending independent appraisals
• Chicken Cock Whiskey rebrands Louisville speakeasy as “The Coupe” with grand opening March 26
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival 35th anniversary tickets go on sale April 14 for September event
• Lux Row Distillers debuts Lux Row Estate Bourbon featuring corn grown on-site
• Evan Williams adds 65-proof Blackberry expression to its nationwide flavored whiskey portfolio
• Barrell Craft Spirits introduces multi-cask finished Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon for $85
• Augusta Distillery launches cask-strength Small Batch and Wheated Single Barrel expressions
• Blue Note Bourbon reveals 2026 Special Reserve featuring a nine-cask finish blend
• Booker’s Bourbon kicks off 2026 with 129.1-proof “Big Easy” Batch
• Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils Distillery Reserve Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for March 6th 2026. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and the Louisville Bats have announced a multi-year partnership, Heaven Hill has 2 new releases, and Pursuit Spirits has the new Sakura Bloom Bourbon.

Show Notes:

• Whiskey Thief and Louisville Bats partner to debut home plate speakeasy and stadium club
• Give 270 announces 20/20 Unicorn raffle featuring 1988 vintage Old Rip Van Winkle
• Hotel Distil launches Peerless Distilling Suite featuring historical artifacts and immersive tastings
• Pursuit Spirits debuts Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon finished in Japanese cherry wood
• Burnt Church Distillery celebrates fifth anniversary with 100% Seashore Black Rye Whiskey
• Bulleit releases Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon as its first permanent rye-free expression
• Barrell Craft Spirits adds 12-Year Toasted American Oak Finish to premium Red Label Series
• Larrikin Bourbon Co. unveils 2026 Rosewater Bourbon proofed with house-brewed botanical water
• Heaven Hill launches Deatsville 13-Year-Old as first entry in commemorative site tribute series
• Heaven Hill Heritage Collection returns with 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon at barrel proof
• Jack Daniel’s and McLaren F1 debut 86-proof limited edition for 1000th Grand Prix milestone
• Log Still Distillery and Archdiocese of Louisville release second annual Bishop’s Blend

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for February 27th 2026. The USDA has awarded the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) over $1.07 million to promote American spirits, Pursuit Spirits has released The Alpha Barrel, and Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Show Notes:

• Hotaling & Co. shuttering Pier 50 distillery to focus on brand building and importing
• Former HR VP files whistleblower lawsuit against Bardstown Bourbon Company alleging corporate misconduct
• American Whiskey Association President addresses industry “normalization” and global growth potential
• Iowa House committee approves bill to end state’s monopoly on liquor distribution
• Mississippi facing severe alcohol shortages due to state-run warehouse technical failures
• North Carolina SBI investigating nonprofit “Greater Carolina” over alleged improper distillery lobbying
• President Trump invokes Section 122 of Trade Act to impose global 15% import surcharge
• USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million to promote American spirits in global markets
• Pursuit Spirits announces “The Alpha Barrel” as its first barrel-proof single-barrel expression
• Limestone Branch Distillery launches “The Branch” members-only whiskey society
• Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey officially launches 95.6 proof six-year expression
• Bourbon & Beyond announces record-breaking artist lineup for September 2026 festival
• Heaven Hill debuts Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
• Kentucky Distillers’ Association launches interactive “Build Your Own Bourbon Trail” trip builder
• Michter’s shipping highly anticipated 2026 release of its 10 Year Bourbon this March

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.

Show Notes:

• E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin
• A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations
• Frey Ranch Distillery debuts “Harvest the Savings,” a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping
• A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down
• A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers
• Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250
• Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February
• Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon “Mineshaft” expression designed specifically for cocktails
• Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices
• Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels
• Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally
• Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof
• Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release
• Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release
• Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for February 6th 2026. The court-appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest, presents a grim financial outlook for the whiskey brand, The Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops, and Brown Forman is releasing King of Kentucky Small Batch.

Show Notes:

• Uncle Nearest faces insolvency with $164M debt and revenue shortfall
• ABC Fine Wine & Spirits enters Colorado with Applejack acquisition
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail expands to record 68 stops statewide
• Barrell Craft Spirits consolidates blending operations to original Gilmore facility
• Supreme Court weighs legality of out-of-state alcohol shipping bans
• Kentucky Bourbon industry economic impact surges to $10.6 billion
• Jim Beam taps Kenan Thompson for 2026 “Refresh Your Season” campaign
• Yellowstone Bourbon partners with Vital Ground Foundation for grizzly conservation
• King of Kentucky announces 250th Anniversary Small Batch three-part series
• Shortbarrel launches Four Grain Straight Bourbon flagship for nationwide distribution
• Buzzard’s Roost unveils 5-year-old Four Grain Double Oak Bourbon
• Chattanooga Whiskey debuts Irish-style Batch 047: Single Pot Still

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for January 30th 2026. Sotheby’s has set a record for the most valuable bourbon ever sold at auction, Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction has announced a historic collaborative lot titled “United We Stand”, and Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have reclaimed and are relaunching their Belle Meade whiskey.

Show Notes:

• Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils packaging redesign for core portfolio and new wheated single barrel option
• Uncle Nearest founders file emergency motion to end receivership amid plummeting sales and market value
• Sotheby’s sets $2.5M record for most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction
• Off Hours Bourbon named “Official Partner of the Detroit Pistons” in multi-year sports collaboration
• Pursuit Spirits and partners announce “United We Stand” collaborative barrel auction for veteran charity
• Old Forester’s 156-year legacy celebrated in new “Whiskeyland” documentary by the Balas Brothers
• Maker’s Mark Cask Strength receives premium bottle redesign and debut age statement
• Garrison Brothers to release first-ever Bottled in Bond Texas Bourbon on Texas Independence Day
• Nelson brothers reclaim Belle Meade brand for independent regional relaunch in Tennessee

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