It’s This Week in Bourbon for August 21st 2026. Heaven Hill is joining the fun on E!’s upcoming mixology competition series, Cocktail Wars, Bardstown Bourbon Company has two new releases, and Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026.

Show Notes:

• Heaven Hill partners with E!’s Cocktail Wars competition series featuring Deep Eddy and PAMA
• Give 270 launches Bourbon Raffles Serial No. 013 benefiting the Hanger Foundation
• St. Louis Bourbon Society announces 2026 St. Louis Bourbon & Cocktail Festival for October 9
• Bardstown Bourbon Company reveals 2026 releases: Lochs of Jura Finish and 2026 Discovery
• Redemption Whiskey introduces Single Barrel Bonded Bourbon and returns 18-Year-Old Ancients expression
• Stranahan’s debuts historic 11-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey
• Branch & Barrel Distilling launches first-ever corn-forward Straight Rye Whiskey in Colorado
• New Riff Distilling brings back award-winning Sherry Finish Malted Rye at barrel proof
• Koopers Whiskey releases limited 8-Year Texas Oak Bourbon finished in local toasted barrels
• Maker’s Mark announces Cellar Aged 2026 release blending 11-, 12-, and 14-year bourbons

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for August 14th 2026. The Bourbon and Beyond line up with set times has been announced, US Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the decision on Bad Spaniels, and Chattanooga Whiskey has announced Chattanooga Whiskey Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished.

Show Notes:

• Festival details and culinary lineup revealed for 8th annual Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville
• 9th Circuit Court rules for VIP Products, overturning Jack Daniel’s dog toy sales ban
• California craft distillers face deadline as direct-to-consumer delivery rights near expiration
• Next Century Spirits acquires Chicken Cock Whiskey and Grain & Barrel Spirits portfolio
• Brown-Forman partners with E! network for new “Cocktail Wars” competition series
• Indianapolis-based Circle City Whiskey Co. celebrates major growth as an independent bottler
• Copper & Kings expands reach with new direct-to-consumer online shipping program
• Hard Truth Distilling announces Master Distiller’s Reserve Dark Roast Rye for fall release
• Garrison Brothers reveals 2026 Cowboy Bourbon at 141 proof for September release
• Chattanooga Whiskey launches Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished bourbon

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for August 7th 2026. Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR, Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #17 High Angel’s Share Straight Tennessee Whiskey, and Uncle Nearest now has a proposed court date.

Show Notes:

• Uncle Nearest legal dispute moves forward as parties propose an October 2027 trial date.
• MGP Ingredients reports a 59% drop in bulk whiskey sales despite growth in premium brands.
• Chevalier Casks launches an online exchange for trading barrels, bulk spirits, and cooperage.
• Author D.T. Poole releases The Men Who Made American Bourbon to explore the real history of six pioneers.
• Overholt debuts its 11-year-old Extra Aged Cask Strength American Rye 2026 Edition.
• Middle West Spirits launches the Old Elk 10-Year Collection following its brand acquisition.
• Historic whiskey brand H. Obernauer & Co. revives in Pittsburgh after 110 years.
• Jack Daniel’s unveils its 10-year, 138.4-proof High Angel’s Share Tennessee Whiskey.
• Wyoming Whiskey releases State of the Union, a limited 6-year-old straight bourbon.
• Dancing Goat Distillery launches Stillman’s Sonder with new bourbon and single malt releases.
• Jefferson’s Bourbon debuts an ultra-rare 20-Year-Old Founder’s Reserve finished in Bordeaux casks.

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for July 31st 2026. 24th class of inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame have been announced, More tariff wars resume, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is launching Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey.

Show Notes:

• Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 24th Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame class
• Apogee 21 acquires Luca Mariano Distillery and Rod & Hammer’s
• President Trump levies 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports
• Uncle Nearest receiver files major counterclaim alleging lender oversight and fraud
• Starlight Distillery celebrates 25th anniversary with limited-edition releases
• Bourbon Women SIPosium returns to Louisville for 15th anniversary event
• Alabama Cooperage to close Trinity plant by September 2026
• US removes 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports
• Moonshine University to cease operations at the end of 2026
• RNDC files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and winds down operations
• James B. Beam Distilling Company announces 2026 Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-In-Bond
• Goose Island unveils 2026 Bourbon County Brand Family stout lineup
• New Riff Distilling brings back annual Headliner release for 3rd year
• B.H. James Distillers launches Spirit 76 line of flavored Kentucky bourbon
• Heaven Hill Distillery debuts Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash 9-year bourbon
• Maker’s Mark launches travel retail exclusive Artist Series – City Edition
• Brother’s Bond Bourbon launches 7-year bottled-in-bond straight bourbon
• Garrison Brothers Distillery announces 1st-ever pre-sale for Hye Rye Bourbon
• Bardstown Bourbon Company debuts Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey
• Old Forester debuts The 117 Series Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• St. Louis Bourbon Festival returns to Lemp Mansion on October 16, 2026
• Bib and Tucker introduces 8-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Bourbon
• Still Austin Whiskey Company opening massive 15,000-sq-ft venue in Austin
• Jefferson’s Bourbon debuts ultra-limited Founder’s Reserve 20-Year-Old

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for July 10th 2026. Fawn Weaver and Keith Weaver have been terminated from Uncle Nearest, a new investigation into Canada’s ongoing boycott of American alcohol, and Barton now has their 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

Show Notes:

• Court-appointed receiver terminates Fawn and Keith Weaver from Uncle Nearest, Inc. amidst Humble Baron’s collapse
• Jack Daniel Distillery partners with USO for national “United We Toast” campaign honoring the Armed Forces
• WhistlePig Whiskey sells Moriah Business Park auxiliary facility for over $17,000,000 to Zags 26
• Wyoming Whiskey returns to local ownership as WW Partners, LLC acquires an 80% stake from Edrington
• Congresswoman Claudia Tenney introduces the “Canada Act” to investigate Canada’s ongoing boycott of American alcohol
• Country Boy Brewing expands into spirits production with Country Boy Distilling launching this autumn
• Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery fights Washington’s direct-to-consumer shipping restrictions in federal appeals court
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail expands to 74 total stops by welcoming four new distilleries to the trail
• Buffalo Trace Distillery debuts “Camp Buffalo Trace” immersive overnight adult summer camp experience
• Knob Creek introduces limited-edition 9-Year-Old Independence Edition with a blue wax seal for America’s 250th
• Redwood Empire Whiskey officially releases Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon, a premium four-grain blend
• Woodinville Whiskey Company launches national rollout of premium Single Barrel Bourbon and 100% Rye program
• Sagamore Whiskey announces nationwide launch of its 108-proof High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Brush Creek Distillery expands 2026 Heroes Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey release to three barrels
• Buffalo Trace Distillery unveils the third limited-edition release of its historic medicinal Prohibition Collection
• B.H. James Distillers launches Spirit 76 line of flavored Kentucky Bourbons at 76 proof
• Jackson Purchase Distillery debuts its first house-branded Bottled in Bond and Select Bourbons
• Barton 1792 Distillery introduces permanent Straight Rye expression alongside ultra-aged 1792 XV Bourbon
• Garrison Brothers Distillery announces the return of Laguna Madre alongside a new Cask Strength companion bottle

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for June 19th 2026. Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon, the debut of SHANG from the whiskey house, and Lost Lantern has announced the launch the United States of Bourbon collection.

Show Notes:

• Spec’s Family Corp. acquires Lee’s Discount Liquor in first move outside Texas
• Give 270 launches restored 1989 Ford Bronco raffle for Kentucky Jailers Association
• Liberty Pole Spirits and MB Roland team up for America’s 250th anniversary blend
• Green River Distilling Company debuts 8-Year Toasted Double Oak Bourbon
• Coors launches exclusive 110.5-proof Blended American Malt Whiskey in expansion into premium spirits
• Whiskey House of Kentucky and global partners debut innovative SHĀNG baijiu whiskey line
• Town Branch Distillery releases groundbreaking Bourbonola Tropical Style banana seltzer
• Industry veteran Jason Wooler makes comeback with launch of Wooler Brands whiskey
• Lost Lantern launches United States of Bourbon featuring first-ever 50-state blend
• Belmark and ADI Distilling partner for distillery packaging and revenue webinar

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for June 12th 2026. $500,000 of Noble Oak bourbon has been stolen in a truck heist, An organized crime ring targeting high-end whiskey collectors has been solved from the Madisonville Police Department, and Booker’s “The Milkshake Batch” Bourbon gets released.

Show Notes:

• Philadelphia Police and FBI Investigate $500,000 Noble Oak Bourbon Heist
• Lawrenceburg Historic Homes to Host Exclusive Screening and Guided Tours This July
• Madisonville Police Disrupt FB Group Whiskey Scam Defrauding Buyers of $86K
• Whiskey House of Kentucky Lays Off 30% of Staff Amid Industry Slowdown
• Give 270 Announces Next 20/20 Unicorn Raffle Featuring Rare Brown-Forman 150th Anniversary Bottle
• Orphan Barrel Unveils 25-Year Night Sage Blended Canadian Whisky
• Allies for Cherry Point Partners with Bespoken Spirits for Final Flight Reserve Harrier Tribute
• Thirty-One Lengths Launches $1,500 Ultra-Premium Bourbon Honoring Secretariat’s Legendary Victory
• Adventure Spirits Distilling Partners with Toledo Mud Hens for Stadium Craft Cocktails
• Hard Truth Distilling Co. Welcomes Back Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye at 113 Entry Proof
• Penelope Flips Strategy to Debut New Classic Everyday Bourbon and Rye Series
• Old Fourth Distillery Teams Up with Dragon Con for 2nd Annual Landmark Anniversary Bourbon
• James B. Beam Distilling Company Rolls Out Booker’s “The Milkshake Batch” Bourbon

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for June 5th 2026. Uncle Nearest May Have A Buyer, Saga Spirits behind True Story has two alleged lawsuits that just became public, and Four Roses Distillery is introducing Anthology, a new 21 year old bourbon.

Show Notes:

• Uncle Nearest receiver signs letter of intent to sell distillery and assets to Black-owned investment firm
• Wes Henderson’s saga spirits group faces $1.5M in debt lawsuits over Kentucky Castle project
• New Riff Distilling drops exclusive 10-Year-Old Bourbon and Rye for High Note Series
• Michter’s rolls out 10-Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye for June 2026
• James B. Beam Distilling Co. elevates classic brand with Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year
• MANORS Golf and Gentleman Jack launch A Gentleman’s Guide to Golf apparel and content partnership
• Bluegrass Distillers brings back highly anticipated blue corn program with new rye-inclusive mash bill
• Penelope Bourbon hits retail shelves with new Blackberry Old Fashioned ready-to-serve cocktail
• 15 STARS debuts First West Explorer, its first bourbon crafted from 100% in-house black corn distillate
• Knob Creek teams up with Huckberry for custom tote bag and Father’s Day pop-up at Grand Central Terminal
• Stoll & Wolfe partners with Alan Bishop to launch colonial-style Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye
• Rolling Fork Spirits revives historic 1906 REWCO Rye brand with limited small-batch release
• Koopers Whiskey gears up for Father’s Day with rare 8-year-old Father’s Office Cigar Blend
• Adventure Spirits collaborates with Task Force 20 to release TF20 Bottled-in-Bond bourbon for veterans
• Four Roses Distillery introduces Anthology series with 21-year-old Chapter One: Origin
• Starlight Distillery announces estate-grown Indiana Straight 10-Year Reserve Bourbon at cask strength
• Wild Turkey honors Eddie Russell’s 45th anniversary with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year and custom documentary

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 29th 2026. New updates happening in the Uncle Nearest case, Wild Turkey brings back the Cheesy Gold Foil, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is going to Mars.

Show Notes:

• A federal judge has expanded Uncle Nearest’s receivership to investigate a secret $20 million loan from Jay-Z’s firm.
• Blending pioneer Nancy Fraley is retiring from Jos. A. Magnus & Co., leaving her legacy with Head Distiller Will Fabry.
• The Kentucky Bourbon Festival introduces a secure, face-value official ticket resale platform via TIXR.
• Filmland Spirits releases The Crimson Cask, a 90-proof noir-inspired bourbon exclusive to Kentucky.
• Blue Run Spirits collaborates with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a limited-edition 111-proof bourbon.
• Evan Williams launches officially licensed America250 commemorative whiskeys, donating $75,000 to Folds of Honor.
• Titanic Hotel Belfast partners with Titanic Distillery to launch an exclusive historic Quarter experience package.
• Heaven Hill designates its 2026 Grain to Glass lineup as the “Year of Wheat” across three limited expressions.
• Remus Bourbon introduces the Lou Gehrig Reserve, donating proceeds to the Live Like Lou ALS charity.
• Shortbarrel announces the return of Sapsquatch Bourbon, utilizing a unique two-stage maple finishing method.
• Bradshaw Bourbon rolls out personalized engraved gift sets for Father’s Day through late June.
• Heaven Hill releases a 10-year-old Rittenhouse Rye commemorative edition for America’s 250th anniversary.
• Buffalo Trace revives Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain and Cured Oak expressions for May 2026.
• Veteran-owned Four Branches Bourbon debuts Liberty Reserve to honor America’s Semiquincentennial anniversary.
• Proof & Wood announces Tumblin’ Dice 13-Year Rye, featuring a 95% rye mashbill at barrel proof.
• 15 STARS debuts First West Explorer, its first bourbon crafted from 100% in-house black corn distillate.
• Garrison Brothers launches the Ranch Reserve Series featuring PX and Oloroso sherry cask-finished Texas bourbons.
• Wild Turkey introduces the Austin Nichols Archives series, debuting with a 16-year-old “Cheesy Gold Foil” tribute.
• Bardstown Bourbon Company debuts a first-of-its-kind Japanese Single Malt co-aged blend with Hombo Shuzo.

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 15th 2026. Brown-Forman has officially rejected a $15 billion all-cash takeover bid from Sazerac, FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny with personalized bottles of Woodford Reserve, and Penelope Bourbon has announced Architects of Golf.

Show Notes:

• Brown-Forman rejects Sazerac’s $15 billion takeover bid to maintain family-owned independence
• Sixth Circuit strikes down Ohio’s unconstitutional ban on out-of-state wine shipping
• “Free Our Spirits” campaign launches to privatize North Carolina’s government-run liquor system
• FBI Director Kash Patel under fire for gifting personalized Woodford Reserve bottles
• Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser” debuts with intuitive blending at 122.6 proof
• New Riff 2026 Single Malt features heirloom British barley and five-cask finishing
• Wenzel Distillery Batch 2 Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon launches as a 119.1 proof limited release
• Green River Honey Finished Bourbon utilizes 100% local, raw honey inside the barrel
• Chattanooga Whiskey marks 10th Bottled in Bond vintage with new five-grain mash bill
• Maker’s Mark honors America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic red, white, and blue bottle
• Town Branch releases 6-Year Wheated Bourbon as its first dedicated wheat expression
• Penelope Bourbon debuts “Architects of Golf” trilogy featuring variable stave finishing intensity

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