This Week in Bourbon

This Week in Bourbon is your source for the weekly news of what’s happening in bourbon.

TWiB: Scotland is experiencing a whiskey glut, Brown Forman announced the 2026 King of Kentucky, Lost Lantern 2026 George Dickel Collection



It’s This Week in Bourbon for October 2nd, 2026. Scotland is experiencing a whiskey glut, Brown Forman announced the 2026 King of Kentucky, and Lost Lantern is preparing to launch its highly anticipated Fall 2026 George Dickel Collection.

Show Notes:

  • Bourbon Mixer reaches $1 million raised for Coalition for the Homeless
  • Scottish distilleries pause production amid massive Scotch supply surplus
  • US enforces import ban on Canadian alcohol as trade tensions escalate
  • Copper & Kings relaunches interactive Bottle Your Own distillery experience
  • Brown-Forman announces 2026 release of 14-year King of Kentucky Single Barrel
  • Lost Lantern prepares Fall 2026 launch of rare George Dickel Collection

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TWiB: The Brown Hotel holiday cocktail competition, Eastern Light Distilling’s new $60M distillery, Willett Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength



It’s This Week in Bourbon for September 25th, 2026. The Brown Hotel is holiday cocktail competition titled “Top of the List”, Eastern Light Distilling is moving forward with building a $60M distillery, and the release of Willett Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength.

Show Notes:

  • The Brown Hotel hosts “Top of the List” holiday cocktail competition benefiting Toys for Tots
  • Eastern Light Distilling secures $23.1M investment to build $60M contract facility in Morehead
  • Willett Distillery unveils Willett Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength wheated bourbon
  • B.R. Distilling Co. expands allocation for Blue Note Honey Bourbon and Rye Cask releases

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TWiB: Southern Glazer’s to pay a 12.5M penalty, More Canadian liquor tariffs, Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves 2026



It’s This Week in Bourbon for September 18th 2026. Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits will pay a 12.5M penalty, More tariffs and bans of canadian liquor into the US, and Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves 2026 and Little Book The Infinite, Edition III.

Show Notes:

  • Kentucky Bourbon Festival announces dates for 2027 event in Bardstown
  • Evan Williams expands college football presence with tailgates and collegiate bottles
  • Bluegrass Distillers launches quarterly Bottle Club membership program
  • Southern Glazer’s pays $12.5M penalty to resolve federal trade practice investigation
  • President Trump announces plans to remove 10% tariff on Irish whiskey
  • Crown Royal avoids Canadian spirit import ban via bulk shipping strategy
  • Shady Rays and Pappy & Co collaborate on limited-edition sunglasses and giveaway
  • Charlotte Bourbon Society announces 9th Annual Bourbon Hearts Dinner Benefit
  • Mark Pringle releases The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide reference book
  • MGP debuts Chapter One 10-Year Straight Bourbon as flagship brand
  • Neeley Family Distillery debuts PaPaw’s Legacy Reserve 10-Year Triple Pot-Stilled Bourbon
  • Koopers Whiskey releases repackaged Prodigal Son Bourbon for Bourbon Heritage Month
  • Breckenridge Distillery debuts Broncos-themed commemorative whiskey lineup and seltzer
  • Joseph Magnus returns to rye whiskey with 10 Year Cask Strength release
  • Penelope Bourbon releases Cigar Sessions Chapter 2 in collaboration with Alec Bradley
  • Buffalo Trace and Van Winkle announce 2026 Van Winkle Whiskey Collection lineup
  • Wilderness Trail debuts exclusive whiskeys for Hall of Fame induction of co-founders
  • Angel’s Envy announces Cellar Collection Volume 6 Straight Rye Whiskey release
  • Ingram Distillery debuts Batch 6 of river-aged Flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Buffalo Trace debuts Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition uncut bourbon
  • Brother Justus Whiskey Company releases Brother Justus Founder’s Reserve IV
  • The Maven Distillery launches flagship 104-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Garrison Brothers announces Hye tailgate event featuring 2 new cask-strength single barrels
  • Beam Distilling announces Booker’s Bourbon The Reserves 2026 and Little Book Infinite III
  • Knob Creek introduces 12 Year Old Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Jack Daniel’s launches Tennessee Blackberry mixed with Lemonade canned cocktail

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TWiB: The KY ABC auctions off confiscated bourbon, The New Era Whiskey Distillery opens in Kentucky, Heaven Hill announces 20th Parker’s Heritage



It’s This Week in Bourbon for September 11th 2026. The KY ABC is going to be auctioning off rare bottles of confiscated bourbon, The New Era Whiskey Distillery and Social Club has opened in Lexington KY, and Heaven Hill announces 20th Edition Parker’s Heritage Collection.

Show Notes:

  • A Thanksgiving raffle win turns into an intense family debate when a collector snags a $100 Pappy Van Winkle instead of her brother-in-law.
  • Team Kentucky opens virtual bidding on 70 seized collectible bottles to support campus alcohol responsibility programs.
  • Downtown Lexington welcomes its first combination distillery, tasting room, and private social club founded by Zane Brammell.
  • Elijah Craig and Evan Williams secure official bourbon partnerships and naming rights across UK Athletics venues.
  • Silverbelly Whiskey announces a new flagship craft distillery, museum, and venue coming to Nashville.
  • Brown-Forman resurrects the “Kentucky Boy” label to celebrate Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris’s 50-year legacy.
  • New limited fall releases debut from Woodford Reserve, Remus, Penelope, Four Roses, Proof and Wood, Chicken Cock, and Heaven Hill.
  • Bourbon with Heart partners with Give 270 to raffle custom hand-painted barrel heads paired with Elijah Craig 21-Year Single Barrel.

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TWiB: Kentucky Bourbon Boys launches KBB Reserve, American Whiskey Scholars program, Starlight has 2 brand new releases



It’s This Week in Bourbon for September 4th 2026. Kentucky Bourbon Boys has officially launched KBB Reserve, the American Whiskey Scholars program, and Starlight has 2 brand new releases.

Show Notes:

  • Kentucky Bourbon Boys launches KBB Reserve three-tier travel concierge service
  • American Whiskey Scholars debuts three-level self-paced online certification program
  • Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour returns with four-city complimentary roadshow
  • BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque event set for October 24 in Evansville, Indiana
  • Old Forester unveils 2026 Birthday Bourbon and Alpha Industries jacket collab
  • Oak & Grist Distilling debuts nine-year American Single Malt Whiskey Barrel #09
  • Shortbarrel launches fifth-year limited-edition Cigar Batch #4 with Sherry finish
  • Sagamore Spirit debuts nationwide eight-year Bottled in Bond Straight Rye
  • Baker’s Bourbon returns 13-year Single Barrel release for Baker Beam’s 90th birthday
  • Chattanooga Whiskey introduces Bottled in Bond Vintage: Fall 2018 four-grain bourbon
  • Town Branch Distillery debuts IMPERIUM MMXXVI cask-strength wheated bourbon blend
  • Starlight Distillery announces 5th Annual Pink Bottle Release for breast cancer support
  • Starlight Distillery launches rare 10-Year Mizunara Reserve via lottery and distillery sale

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TWiB: USA and Canada trade talks break down, Uncle Nearest faces Chapter 7 liquidation, Larrikin Bourbon unveils new Australia Series



It’s This Week in Bourbon for August 28th 2026. Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have officially broken down, Humble Baron from Uncle Nearest is facing a change from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 liquidation, and Larrikin Bourbon Co. unveils its new Australia Series.

Show Notes:

  • Brown family members clash over falling profits and cratering stock price at Brown-Forman
  • Sazerac acquires Garrard County Distilling facility in Lancaster, Kentucky
  • Humble Baron bankruptcy shifts toward total liquidation as judge delays final judgment
  • Trade negotiations collapse as 50% U.S. tariff on Canadian alcohol goes into effect
  • Legal analysis highlights growing AI compliance risks under federal and state alcohol ad laws
  • Uncle Boojie’s research links F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby to Louisville bourbon history
  • Angel’s Envy unveils Distillery Series finished in Stout and Amburana barrels
  • Belle of Louisville and Brough Brothers partner on commemorative bourbon expressions
  • Larrikin Bourbon Co. debuts Australia Series with exotic wood finishes at Kentucky Bourbon Festival
  • Redwood Empire Whiskey launches inaugural limited-edition series with The Hyperion Batch 001
  • Jack Daniel’s releases American Single Malt Whiskey nationwide across the U.S.
  • B.R. Distilling Company launches Blue Note Cherry Wood Cask finished in wild-cherry barrels
  • Four Roses Distillery unveils Experimental Series No. 002 Honey Cask Finish
  • Actor Chris Hemsworth joins Archie Rose Distilling Co. as co-owner ahead of U.S. launch
  • Dueling Grounds Distillery celebrates 10-year anniversary with Bourbon Harvest Picnic 2026

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TWiB: Heaven Hill is joining E!’s Cocktail Wars, Bardstown Bourbon Company has two new releases, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026



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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TWiB: Bourbon and Beyond line up announced, US Circuit Court Bad Spaniels decision reversed, Chattanooga Whiskey announces Wine Cask Finish



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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TWiB: Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11YR, Jack Daniel’s Series Selection #17, Uncle Nearest now has a proposed court date



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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TWiB: KY Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees announced, More tariff wars resume, Bardstown Bourbon new Victoria Pineapple Whiskey



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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