05/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from April 2025 >> 41 Stories!

In April 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced notable activity, including rising craft distilleries, demand challenges, and significant lawsuits affecting major distilleries. New product releases and tourism records highlight the sector’s dynamism, while festivals and events contribute to ongoing consumer interest and engagement within the whiskey community.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 5 Stories

04/03: Bourbon: The Rise of Craft Distilleries

04/06: Bourbon demand fueling barrel business: “The magic comes from the barrel”

04/17: California Distillery Takes On New York Over Shipping Restrictions

04/21: The American Whiskey Industry Is Getting A Much-Needed Boost

04/24: Spirits Capital’s Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange DBFEX(TM) Partners with Lofted Spirits to Offer Barrel Inventory

Distillery News >> 12 Stories

04/02: Employees at Garrard County Distilling have been furloughed, Lancaster mayor confirms

04/04: Large, new Kentucky distillery closes amid $2.2 million lawsuit, liens

04/07: ‘Homecoming for Heaven Hill’: Distillery returns to Bardstown, will double capacity

04/07: Kentucky flood forces Buffalo Trace Distillery to temporarily close

04/09: Heaven Hill fills first barrel at new distillery

04/09: Westward Whiskey files for bankruptcy

04/11: Buffalo Trace Distillery working to reopen in ‘limited capacity’ after historic flooding

04/11: Frankfort distilleries work to reopen to visitors after flood

04/17: RD1 Spirits to open Lexington distillery

04/21: Closed Kentucky bourbon distillery taken over by court. Bank alleges $26m+ owed

04/22: Four Branches Bourbon Appoints Industry Veteran Gregg Snyder as Advisor

04/23: Distiller at shuttered KY distillery: I was fired 11 days after hiring announced

Distillery Trail >> 6 Stories

04/02: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Sets New Tourism Record in 2024

04/03: Kentucky Bourbon Trail sees 2.7m visitors

04/12: Oxmoor Bourbon Company joins the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: First-of-its-kind historical tour and tasting experience

04/15: RD1 Spirits to Open New Brand Destination Distillery in Lexington This May

04/16: Kentucky Lottery, Kentucky Distillers’ Association Roll Out ‘Kentucky Bourbon Trail®’ Lottery Games

04/22: Tour 15 Small Towns Along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail Where It’s All About Crafting Local Flavors

Awards Announced >> 1 Story

04/22: The World’s Best Bourbon, According To The London Spirits Competition

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 4 Stories

ONGOING: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

ONGOING: BBQ & Barrels • Owensboro, Kentucky

04/15: Almost 40 distilleries on board for bourbon tasting in BBQ and Barrels

04/23: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sold Out – Waitlist Option

Bottle Releases >> 13 Stories

04/02: Wild Turkey Releases Fan Favorite Bourbon in the U.S. for the First Time in Decades

04/08: 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Releases The Vinyl Blend, Renowned Blender Dixon Dedman’s Sixth Limited-Time Small Batch Blend

04/08: For the First Time in 70 Years, Maker’s Mark Is Releasing a New Type of Whiskey

04/10: Misunderstood Whiskey Releases Orange Blossom Bourbon: The First Bourbon Release Since Inception

04/10: Pursuit Spirits Revives Iconic Louisville Bourbon Brands with Mellwood Legacy Collection

04/12: Trackside Distilling Company Releases First Kentucky Bourbon

04/14: Rolling Fork Spirits Releases Second Batch of Bourbon de Luxe

04/14: Jefferson’s Reserve Launches New 8-Year Cask Strength at Red Rocks

04/15: ANGEL’S ENVY ® Releases Newest Cellar Collection Series, Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels

04/22: Sagamore Spirit Releases New Batch of Cask Strength Rye Whiskey

04/24: Barrell Craft Spirit® Launches its First Barrell Full Proof Bourbon

04/25: Calumet Farm Releases 100th Anniversary Collection

04/28: New Riff Announces 2025 Single Malt Whiskey