02/02/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from January 2026 >> 48 Stories!
In January 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced notable developments, including the announcement of a new Leadership Academy by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, significant investments in Kentucky tourism, ongoing distillery closures, and a rising global bourbon market. Additionally, various distilleries celebrated awards and new product releases.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 9 Stories
01/06: Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 2026 Leadership Academy Class
01/08: US spirits bankruptcies pile pressure on bar menus
01/20: More Bourbon Distilleries Are Closing. So What Happens to the Whiskey?
01/21: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Names New 2026 Board
01/21: Major Spirits Brands Are Sitting on a Massive $22 Billion Glut of Unsold Inventory: Report
01/22: Global Bourbon Whiskey Market Set to Reach $13.81 Billion by 2032 with a 7.4% CAGR
01/22: Best Online Bourbon Price Comparison Website
Distillery News >> 17 Stories
01/06: Jackson Purchase Distillery Wins Sustainability Award
01/07: Ownership transition at Iron Fish Distillery aims for continued success
01/08: Uncle Nearest Founders Accuse Former CFO of Fraud in New Lawsuit
01/08: Group interested in acquiring Uncle Nearest assets
01/09: Kentucky distillery boosting local economy in face of tariffs on bourbon
01/13: Casey Jones Distillery to enter new ownership, local brand to be preserved
01/13: B3 Beverage Adds Casey Jones Distillery to Their Family
01/16: Bankrupt Luca Mariano Distillery seeks buyer
01/16: Acclaimed Distillery Kentucky Owl Faces an Uncertain Future
01/19: Tennessee’s Company Distilling names CEO
01/19: Sustainability, creativity, drinkability: Inside Stillwagon Distillery
01/19: Buzzard’s Roost targets double-digit growth in 2026
01/19: Parent company of Kentucky Owl bourbon files for bankruptcy, moves to liquidate operations
01/20: ABD to acquire distillery in $7.7m deal
01/23: Top 10 distillery openings of 2025
01/24: Craft Whiskey Makers Are Turning to Heirloom Grains — Here Are 7 Bottles to Try
01/27: Lofted Spirits unveils fresh Bardstown Bourbon Co packaging
Distillery Trail >> 5 Stories
01/06: 6 Distillers Turning Virginia Into A Must-Visit Bourbon Destination
01/22: A First-Timer’s Guide to Soaking Up Louisville’s Bourbon Scene
01/22: Former home of bourbon great E.H. Taylor turned into boutique Ky. hotel
01/23: 7 Things You Should Know About Castle & Key, the Kentucky Distillery Housed in a Stunning Castle
01/29: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adds 10 New Destinations
Awards Announced >> 3 Stories
01/10: 9 Standout Bourbons Crowned at the New Orleans Spirits Competition
01/21: Windsor-made whisky named Canadian Whisky of the Year
01/29: The World’s Best Whiskies of 2026: World Whiskies Awards Winners
Bourbon Festival News, Updates, & Planning >> 6
Feb 2026: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY
Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival
May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY
Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY
Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY
Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY
Bottle Releases >> 8 Stories
01/08: New Riff announces Single Malted Rye
01/08: Wyoming Whiskey Releases Highly Limited Barrel Strength #6429
01/12: Woodford Reserve and Compartés Return With Limited-Edition S’mores Chocolate Bar
01/13: Rebel Bourbon brings back Rebel Root Beer
01/16: One of Old Forester’s Most Popular Limited-Edition Bourbons Is Back
01/22: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Now Comes With An Age Statement
01/26: The Founders of Green Brier Distillery Just Relaunched Their Premium Bourbon Brand
01/27: Garrison Brothers to Release its First-Ever Bottled in Bond
Book Releases >> 0 Titles
Your Bourbon Journey 