Bourbon & Whiskey News: August 2025

September 1, 2025August 31, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

09/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from August 2025 >> 54 Stories!

In August 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced significant challenges, particularly with Gen Z’s disinterest and bankruptcies among distilleries. Despite a turbulent market, experts suggested a potential long-term recovery. Numerous distillery developments and new bottle releases continued to unfold, highlighting resilience amidst adversity.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 7 Stories

08/05: Kentucky’s $9B whiskey industry in crisis as Gen Z drinkers shun bourbon, tariffs take toll

08/05: Kentucky whiskey bankruptcies: Which distilleries are broke, and why

08/06: One of the World’s Biggest Spirits Companies Just Saw Its Profits Drop 28%

08/08: What Happens After a Whisky Cask Investment Company Goes Under?

08/19: InvestBev Calls Bourbon Market Adjustment a Healthy Reset — Long-Term Growth Story Remains Intact

08/22: KDA statement on return to zero tariffs on bourbon in Canada

08/26: InvestBev Founder, Brian Rosen, Asserts Trade Headwinds Cannot Derail America’s Native Spirit

Distillery News >> 13 Stories

08/01: One of America’s Biggest Whiskey Distilleries Has Seen Its Sales Plummet

08/04: Multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed against whiskey distiller Uncle Nearest

08/04: Uncle Nearest hit by $100m lawsuit

08/05: Fawn Weaver responds to lawsuit with ‘Operation Clear the Shelves’ campaign

08/05: Bourdon Spirits Company Acquires Copper & Kings from Constellation Brands

08/06: Multiple Kentucky Whiskey Distilleries File for Bankruptcy

08/12: Pursuit Spirits to Open Whiskey Row Location Aug. 14

08/12: Mixologist Molly Wellmann joins Kentucky distillery in new role

08/13: Buffalo Trace’s First-Ever Restaurant Will Serve Lunch, Cocktails, and Kentucky Charm

08/14: RD1 Spirits Ranks No. 1 in Kentucky, No. 280 Nationally on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

08/15: Fawn Weaver loses control of Uncle Nearest

08/21: Middle West Spirits appoints former Old Elk lead as CCO

08/26: Ole Smoky Distillery Appoints Michael Novy Chief Executive Officer

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

08/12: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experts Josh and Victoria Hoff of WhiskMe Transportation Share Trip Planning Advice in HelloNation

08/26: The Trail Hotel Joins Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Awards Announced >> 7 Stories

08/06: The American Whiskey Masters 2025 results

08/10: Top 5 Whiskies In The World From The International Whisky Competition 2025

08/16: The Best American Single Malt Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

08/20: America’s Best Rye Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

08/20: Indiana Distillery Earns Prestigious Honor During Heartland Whiskey Competition

08/26: In Era of Evolution, Michter’s Retains its Crown as World’s Most Admired Whiskey

08/26: AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE NAMES SOUTHERN DISTILLING COMPANY ‘2025 DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR’

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

08/06: Cheers to 35 years: Kentucky Bourbon Festival announces 2026 dates

Bottle Releases >> 23 Stories

08/04: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2025 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

08/04: Jack Daniel’s Announces Launch of Tennessee Blackberry

08/04: A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Oak Series Hungarian Oak

08/05: Garrison Brothers Distillery Releases Rare 8-Year Whiskey

08/06: Cedar Ridge Releases Anniversary Edition Bourbon

08/08: New Riff Revives Award-Winning Red Turkey Wheat Bourbon

08/08: One of Heaven Hill’s Most Collectible Whiskeys, Old Fitzgerald VVS, Is Back—and We Got a First Taste

08/13: Rhythm River Distillery’s new bourbon hitting store shelves on Thursday

08/14: Woodford Reserve Releases New Distillery Series: Its First American Single Malt

08/17: Taste Test: This Indiana Craft Distillery’s New Bourbon Shows How Good Hoosier Whiskey Can Be

08/18: Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX launches in tribute to Prohibition’s end

08/18: Old Forester’s Beloved Birthday Bourbon 2025: 12 years old, 92 proof and sweet mash

08/19: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Returns in 2025 – A Masterful Blend of the Brand’s Oldest Bourbons

08/19: FOUR ROSES SET TO LAUNCH 2025 LIMITED EDITION SMALL BATCH ON SEPTEMBER 3

08/19: Michter’s Continues Its Toasted Barrel Finish Series With Launch of 2025 Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash

08/19: Buzzard’s Roost Distillery Introduces New Cigar Blend Bourbon

08/19: Blue Run Spirits Unveils “Glimmer” — A Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Gin Barrels

08/21: Penelope Bourbon introduces the 2025 Estate Collection

08/22: Baker’s Bourbon Releases Limited 13 Year Old Single Barrel

08/26: Bardstown Bourbon Reveals 2025 Annual Releases: Discovery #13 & Ferrand II

08/27: Pursuit Spirits Releases Highly Limited Old Anvil Bourbon

08/27: Union Horse Distilling Co. Announces Year-Round Release of Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey to Their Stable of Brands

08/28: Heaven Hill Distillery Debuts Artist Series Collection for Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Featuring Kentucky Artist Bri Bowers

Book Releases >> 1 Preview

Expected 09/09: The Whiskey Bible: A Definitive Guide to the World’s Most Storied Spirit” by Noah Rothbaum

Bourbon & Whiskey News: July 2025

August 1, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

08/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from July 2025 >> 36 Stories!

In July 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced notable growth, driven by rising global demand. Key highlights included Heritage Distilling’s 34% surge, new facility announcements, and various distillery news. Innovations included whiskey releases and accolades, underscoring the sector’s vitality and ongoing expansion.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 5 Stories

07/03: Rising Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Fuels Expansion Of The Whiskey Warehousing Market: Core Growth Enabler in the Whiskey Warehousing Market, 2025

07/03: Whiskey Market to Reach $123 Billion by 2034 Amid Rising Global Demand for Premium Spirits

07/11: Heritage Distilling Soars 34%—What’s Fueling the Whiskey Surge?

07/14: Kentucky biotech firm to build $40M facility in Franklin County to repurpose bourbon byproduct

07/17: Flavored Whiskey Market Outlook 2025–2035 | Growth & Trends

Distillery News >> 8 Stories

07/01: Cincinnati distillery listed for sale

07/01: J. Mattingly 1845 to Purchase Founder’s Ownership Equity

07/02: Three Chord Bourbon Appoints Michael Nanula as Chief Executive Officer

07/02: The Woman Behind the Whiskey: Meet Jefferson’s Bourbon’s Master Blender Ale Ochoa

07/18: Newly built Kentucky craft distillery files for bankruptcy protection

07/19: MGP Ingredients: Navigating A Sharp Whiskey Production Slump

07/29: KDA advances Jackson Purchase Distillery to Heritage Member Status

07/30: Wenzel Whiskey opens Covington distillery, breathing new life into historic building

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

07/:18: 9 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Kentucky

07/21: Need an excuse for a trip to Maker’s Mark? Chihuly exhibit is back and bolder

Awards Announced >> 2 Stories

07/27: The Best American Single Malts According to the IWC 2025

07/30: This Kentucky brand was named Distillery of the Year at New Orleans Spirits Competition

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 2 Stories

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

07/31: American Whiskey Festival Set to Return Aug. 16

Bottle Releases >> 17 Stories

07/01: KENTUCKY OWL Releases Batch #13 Bourbon

07/02: One of Texas’s Best Distilleries Is Dropping a Cask-Strength Version of Its Port-Finished Bourbon

07/06: Michter’s releases two legacy whiskeys packed with flavor and heritage

07/08: Uncle Nearest Drops 2025 Master Blend Edition – Crowned World’s Best Bourbon

07/08: Bardstown Bourbon’s Distillery Reserve returns with Hokkaido Mizunara Oak

07/08: Three Chord Bourbon Unleashes Vol 2, A New Look That Underscores Its Roots in Music

07/08: Booker’s Bourbon Launches A New Batch Inspired By Sunny Kentucky Days By The Pond

07/09: BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REVIVES AN ORIGINAL 19TH-CENTURY RECIPE WITH THE RELEASE OF COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR’S DISTILLER’S COUNCIL

07/10: Starlight Distillery Releases First 10-Year Bourbon

07/10: Rebel bourbon announces annual release of 10-year single barrel

07/10: WHEEL HORSE WHISKEY LAUNCHES BARREL MASTER SELECT SERIES WITH 5-YEAR BARREL PROOF BOURBON

07/14: Frey Ranch Releases Five Grain Single Barrel Bourbon

07/15: Old Grand-Dad unveils 7YO bonded Bourbon

07/16: A fan favorite returns: Old Forester 1910 Extra Extra Old

07/17: Jim Beam Lineage Batch #2 Launches as Distillery Exclusive

07/25: Buffalo Trace Reveals Weller 18, Weller Millennium

07/31: Jim Beam Releases New Sunshine Blend

Book Releases >> 1 Preview

Expected 09/09: The Whiskey Bible: A Definitive Guide to the World’s Most Storied Spirit” by Noah Rothbaum

Bourbon & Whiskey News: June 2025

July 1, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

07/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from June 2025 >> 47 Stories!

In June 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including record tourism in Kentucky and notable distillery news such as CEO appointments and expansions. Numerous bottle releases and award announcements highlighted the month, alongside festival updates and market challenges like tariff uncertainties affecting major brands like Brown-Forman.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 2 Stories

06/05: Brown-Forman shares plummet as whiskey maker warns of tariff uncertainty

06/11: Kentucky breaks tourism records for third consecutive year, generating $14.3 billion

Distillery News >> 9 Stories

06/02: Lisa Roper Wicker joins Whiskey Thief Distilling

06/03: Kentucky’s Famed Willett Distillery Breaks Tradition With Its First Long-Term Brand Collaboration

06/11: WhistlePig Whiskey taps beverage industry veteran Charles Gibb as its new CEO

06/11: Where are they on that project: Rhythm River Distillery

06/16: Leiper’s Fork Distillery Announces Nashville Yards Expansion

06/17: Maker’s Mark Celebrates Summer with New Chihuly Exhibition and Reimagined Restaurant Opening at its Kentucky Homeplace

06/18: Belle Meade Bourbon re-emerges in Nashville

06/25: Jackie Zykan leaves Hidden Barn Bourbon

06/30: Whiskey House of Kentucky Announces Amendment to Credit Agreement to Support Continued Growth

Distillery Trail >> 4 Stories

06/10: The Trail Hotel opens in Bardstown

06/11: How to taste 200 miles of bourbon country without leaving Louisville: 6 tasting rooms to visit

06/17: Green River Whiskey Opens Its Doors on Louisville’s Whiskey Row

06/29: Jack Daniel’s Visitor Center Celebrates 25 Years of Southern Hospitality and Whiskey Heritage

Awards Announced >> 5 Stories

06/01: New York International Spirits Competition 2025 – Gold Winners Part I

06/02: FREY RANCH® NAMED “MOST AWARDED DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR” AT THE 2025 ASCOT AWARDS

06/10: Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Class

06/12: Craft Distillery Stuns at ASCOT Awards with Highest Honor

06/18: The International Wine & Spirits Competition Releases Results for the North American Whiskey & RTD Awards

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 5 Stories

ONGOING: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

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

06/08: Beer, Bacon & Bourbon Fest 2025

06/12: Bourbon & Beyond reveals culinary and bourbon lineup

06/30: Watch Hill Proper to Host the 3rd Annual American Whiskey Festival with New Wine Walk Experience

Bottle Releases >> 22 Stories

06/02: Four Branches Releases Limited Edition – The Continental

06/02: Yellowstone Adds Small Batch 107 to Core Lineup

06/03: Your Key To Hospitality: Old Fitzgerald Bourbon Unveils 7-Year-Old Bottled-In-Bond

06/03: Penelope Bourbon makes a big splash in the cigar scene with Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey

06/04: RD1 Spirits’ Latest Whiskey Expression Unites Sister Cities’ Cultures in Limited Release

06/05: Old Forester’s Most Sought-After Whiskey Is Breaking Free of Its Kentucky-Only Status

06/05: Redemption Whiskey Unveils 18-Year-Old Bourbon: A Masterwork of Craft, Time and Character

06/06: How much does climate affect bourbon aging? Milam & Greene has “The Answer”

06/06: Woodinville to Release 8 Year 100% Rye Whiskey

06/09: Stitzel-Weller Distillery Unveils Stitzel Reserve: A Gateway to Bourbon History

06/09: Buffalo Trace introduces all-new Eagle Rare 12 following $1.2 billion distillery expansion

06/09: Remus Bourbon brings back Babe Ruth Reserve

06/09: Stitzel-Weller Just Released A 24-Year-Old Bourbon—And You’ll Have To Go To Louisville To Get It

06/09: Buzzard’s Roost Distillery Releases New Single Barrel Rye Selected by Its Flock of Super Fans

06/11: Redbreast Is Releasing a Cask-Strength Version of Its Excellent 15-Year-Old Whiskey

06/12: Horse Soldier Bourbon Releases Commemorative, Limited-Edition Bottle Honoring the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary

06/13: Green River Distilling Co. celebrates U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with commemorative whiskey release

06/16: Russell’s Reserve 13 Returns at Its Highest, Boldest Proof Yet

06/17: Angel’s Envy Just Dropped Its Rarest Rye Whiskey Yet—and It’s Actually Available Nationwide

06/18: Blue Note Launches Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

06/18: Barrell Craft Spirits Launches Triple Rum Cask 20 Year Old Bourbon

06/24: Michter’s Distillery to Release 2025 Legacy Series Whiskeys Shenk’s & Bomberger’s Declaration

Book Releases >> 0 Stories

Bourbon & Whiskey News: May 2025

June 1, 2025May 31, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

06/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from May 2025 >> 56 Stories!

In May 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced significant events, including record U.S. spirit exports and numerous distillery developments. Several prestigious awards were given at international competitions, reflecting the industry’s excellence. The month also saw new product launches and festival updates, highlighting the growing interest in whiskey culture.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 6 Stories

05/08: U.S. Spirit Exports Hit A Record High In 2024, But Tariffs Threaten To Curtail Growth

05/12: Kentucky tourism leaders stay optimistic amid global uncertainty

05/16: The Council of Whiskey Masters Names 16 New Masters Of Scotch, Masters Of Bourbon And Masters Of Whiskey

05/21: 10 stories on Kentucky bourbon’s industry, culture and challenges in 2025

05/26: United States Whiskey Market Size to Reach USD 26.1 Billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.5%

05/26: Strong Growth Ahead: Bourbon Spirits Market Size To Grow At Arecord 6.5% Cagr By 2029

Distillery News >> 12 Stories

05/03: Nation’s oldest distillery works to recover from historic Kentucky floods

05/05: James E. Pepper Distillery played a key role in Lexington’s bourbon legacy

05/06: Willett Distillery expands distribution to Michigan

05/08: Traveller Whiskey becomes the first official whiskey of MLB

05/08: Heaven Hill Brands promotes longtime whiskey ambassador Bernie Lubbers

05/13: Middle West Spirits Expands National Footprint with Acquisition of Old Elk

05/13: Lofted Spirits Elevates Dan Callaway to Master Blender

05/14: RD1 Spirits Opens Immersive Brand Destination Distillery in Lexington, KY

05/28: The Centuries-Old Distillery That Makes Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bourbon

05/29: Horse Soldier Bourbon to open Kentucky distillery

05/30: Maker’s Mark Isn’t Just Crafting Whisky, It’s Building an Ecosystem

05/30: Bourbon veteran fired by Garrard County snapped by another Kentucky distillery

Distillery Trail >> 6 Stories

05/07: RD1 Spirits Joins Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour

05/09: Explore the Beauty and History of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

05/16: Here are 5 repurposed buildings that have been turned into distilleries in Louisville

05/22: Oxmoor Bourbon Company Names Tim Knittel GM

05/29: Bardstown’s Newest Hotel Is a Bourbon Lover’s Dream

05/29: New whiskey tasting room coming to NuLu in 2025. Here’s where to find it

Awards Announced >> 9 Stories

05/04: This Bourbon Beat Every Other Whiskey at the 2025 London Spirits Competition

05/05: St. Louis distillery wins top whiskey award with brewery collaboration

05/08: Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde is Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

05/09: Ohio distilleries win 29 medals at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

05/09: Wenzel Whiskey wins multiple golds at World Spirits Competition

05/14: Colorado whiskey named ‘America’s greatest’ at international spirits competition

05/14: New Riff Distilling Brings Home 12 Medals from Prestigious International Spirits Competition

05/26: The world’s best whiskey—according to the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Awards

05/30: The ADI International Spirits Competition’s Best Bourbons of 2025

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 4 Stories

ONGOING: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

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

05/12: Bourbon and BBQ Festival ‘Sauced’ Returns to Factory 52 This Summer

05/19: When is National Bourbon Week? Here are 5 things to know and do to celebrate this year

Bottle Releases >> 17 Stories

05/01: 2XO Releases New Vinyl Blend Bourbon

05/02: Filmland Spirits Releases MOONLIGHT MAYHEM! 2 The White Port Wolf

05/04: It’s Official: E.H. Taylor Is Now Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

05/06: Heaven Hill Distillery® Announces Release of 2025 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Launches Family Farms First™ Initiative

05/06: Mississippi’s First Legal Distillery Launches Premium Wheat Whiskey

05/07: Heaven Hill Releases Spring 2025 Old Fitzgerald

05/08: World Whiskey Society Unveils Limited Edition 12-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey in Black Currant Brandy Cask

05/08: Hard Truth Distilling Co. & Mellencamp Whiskey Co. Release American Odd Sweet Mash Straight Bourbon Whiskey

05/10: Elijah Craig’s Latest Barrel Proof Bourbon Is Here, and It’s the Oldest Release in Nearly 2 Years

05/14: Jim Beam’s Knob Creek Just Unveiled New Cask-Strength Single-Barrel Whiskeys

05/14: Blue Run Spirits Announces Third Flight Series Releases

05/15: New Riff Unveils Dual Release of Decade Old Whiskeys

05/19: Green River Distilling Co. Celebrates U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary with Commemorative Whiskey Release

05/20: The World’s Most Admired Whiskey Announces 2025 Release of Michter’s 10 Year Rye

05/21: Rebel Bourbon and Childress Vineyards introduce Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish

05/21: Groundbreaking 5-Year Bourbon Climate Experiment by Milam & Greene called “The Answer” Introduced

05/29: Evan Williams Bourbon Announces 2025 Class of American-Made Heroes to Be Featured on Bottles Nationwide

Book Releases >> 2 Stories

05/05: Mary Dowling Whiskey Releases ‘Mother of Bourbon’ Book

05/07: Smoke & Oak Explores the Intertwined Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars–and Offers a First-of-Its-Kind Pairing Guide

Bourbon & Whiskey News: April 2025

May 1, 2025April 29, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

Bourbon & Whiskey News: March 2025

April 1, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

04/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from March 2025 >> 33 Stories!

In March 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including expected market growth to $12.8 billion by 2031, new partnerships, and multiple distillery news stories. The month featured notable bottle releases, awards announcements, and highlights on women impacting the industry, alongside updates on festivals and distillation workshops.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 3 Stories

Mar 08: Bourbon Spirits Market Growth Expected to Reach $12.8 Billion by 2031: Laws Whiskey House, Conecuh Brands

Mar 13: InvestBev announces partnership to invest up to $100 million in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

Mar 27: 10 Women Changing The Whiskey Industry

Distillery News >> 10 Stories

Mar 04: Southern Distilling Company Strengthens Focus on Decade-Long Contract Services Success with Statesville Contract Distilling

Mar 04: Lofted Spirits Launches as Bardstown Bourbon, Green River Parent Company

Mar 05: Remus Bourbon Launches New Master Distiller Experimental Series

Mar 08: Diageo pauses production at Kentucky distillery

Mar 09: Old Carter Whiskey Co under new ownership

Mar 12: Green River Distilling announces layoffs

Mar 12: Casey Jones Distillery to welcome Distillery University in April for distilling workshop

Mar 17: Journeyman Distillery’s first award-winning whiskey creates community tradition at The American Factory

Mar 17: Buffalo Trace Distillery wraps up $1.2 billion expansion

Mar 24: The woman who pioneered distilling in Wyoming

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

Mar 14: New York distillers launch Trails app

Mar 22: What Every Whiskey Connoisseur Should Know About The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Awards Announced >> 2 Stories

Mar 09: This Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the World Whiskies Awards

Mar 30: World Whiskies Awards 2025 and Icons of Whisky 2025

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 4 Stories

ONGOING: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

ONGOING: BBQ & Barrels • Owensboro, Kentucky

Mar 18: Ky Bourbon Festival tickets on sale April 16-17

Mar 18: Roots Revue Returns With Bluegrass, Bourbon & Family Fun This Memorial Day Weekend in Paristown

Bottle Releases >> 12 Stories

Mar 03: Buzzard’s Roost to Release Toasted French Oak Bourbon Batch 2

Mar 04: Penelope Bourbon releases highly anticipated Rio

Mar 04: 17-year-old Fanged Pursuit latest Bourbon from The Orphan Barrel Collection

Mar 10: JYPSI Spirits Announces Launch of Tribute Double Barreled

Mar 13: Yellowstone Bourbon introduces new permanent addition to family of award-winning expressions with Small Batch 107

Mar 18: Old Forester Releases Its First-Ever Bottled in Bond Rye in 117 Series

Mar 18: Maker’s Mark’s Latest Bourbon Toasts the Team Behind the Barrels

Mar 19: Milam & Greene Whiskey Unleashes Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon

Mar 20: Barrell Craft Spirits® Unveils NewestFinished Bourbon in its Cask Finish Series: P.X. Sherry

Mar 25: Blood Oath Pact 11 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey arrives at retail in April

Mar 25: Michter’s To Release 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Mar 28: Booker’s Bourbon Kicks Off 2025 With a Tribute to a Jim Beam Legend

Bourbon & Whiskey News: February 2025

March 1, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

03/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from February 2025 >> 49 Stories!

In February 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced challenges, including potential trade wars affecting sales. Noteworthy developments included India reducing tariffs and significant growth for various distilleries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail expanded, and new bottle releases were highlighted, showcasing the industry’s resilience and innovation amidst an evolving market landscape.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 5 Stories

Feb 3: In Kentucky bourbon country, the prospect of a trade war feels like a hangover that won’t go away

Feb 10: Bourbon Spirits Market Outlook 2025-2034: Key Trends, Growth Drivers, and Market Share

Feb 11: An unwanted double: US sales fall for American whiskeys as threats of a trade war heat up

Feb 14: America’s Bourbon Whiskey Gets Sweet Deal As India Slashes Tariffs From 150% To 50%

Feb 20: Bourbon Whiskey Market Is Booming So Rapidly | Four Roses, Michter’s Distillery, Beam Suntory

Distillery News >> 17 Stories

Feb 4: Holladay Distillery breaks ground on ironclad rickhouse in latest growth spurt

Feb 5: Jeptha Creed Reports Growth During Whiskey Downturn

Feb 5: Oregon makes history with first tribal distillery

Feb 5: Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Installs First Phase of $2M On-Site Solar Array

Feb 5: Western Wisconsin distillery scene: The craft, the business, the drinks — and the people who help make it run

Feb 5: Meet Whiskey Del Bac’s New Master Distiller and Director of Operations

Feb 7: “The next darling of the American whiskey movement” – Southern Distilling co-founder Pete Barger bets on single malt catching fire

Feb 7: Green River Whiskey Joins NY Racing Team and J.J. Yeley in Quest for The 2025 Daytona 500

Feb 10: Barrel house partially collapses at Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Feb 11: MGP Ingredients, Inc. Investors: February 14, 2025 Filing Deadline in Securities Class Action – Contact Lieff Cabraser

Feb 12: UPDATE: Jack Daniels Whiskey and the Multi-Million Dollar Roof Collapse

Feb 13: Barrel King and Mash & Drum’s Jason Callori Partner to Launch Drum Key Spirits

Feb 13: Frey Ranch joins Estate Whiskey Alliance

Feb 18: Brother’s Bond Bourbon Secures $7.5 Million in Fresh Funding

Feb 19: Green River Whiskey Resurrects Its Legacy – and a Ghostly Visitor – in First Brand Advertising Campaign in 100+ Years

Feb 19: Yellowstone Bourbon Announces Donation Milestone with National Parks Conservation Association

Feb 25: Office of Buffalo Trace whiskey distillery swept into Kentucky River by mudslide

Distillery Trail >> 6 Stories

Feb 6: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Grows to 60 Destinations

Feb 7: Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 15 new locations. Meet the newest distillery members

Feb 7: Wenzel Whiskey added to Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Feb 7: Wenzel Whiskey and Becker & Bird Added to Northern Kentucky’s The B-Line

Feb 14: Bourbon Barrel Retreats may be Bourbon Country’s most unique spot for a nightcap

Feb 21: National Bourbon Week Returns to Bardstown June 10-15

Awards Announced >> 4 Stories

Feb 14: Marlene Holmes, Master Distiller of Milam & Greene Whiskey Makes History

Feb 19: This Mysterious Bourbon Is Suddenly Set to Be One of the Most Hunted Bottles of 2025

Feb 24: Chefs from Louisville restaurants, area distillers win big at Bourbon Classic competition

Feb 25: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Earns Honors at Icons of Whisky Awards

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 3 Stories

Feb 3: 4th Annual Bourbon & Bubbles Festival

Feb 5: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

Feb 28: BBQ & Barrels • Owensboro, Kentucky

Bottle Releases >> 14 Stories

Feb 4: Exclusive: Heaven Hill Announces 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey for 2025 Heritage Collection

Feb 4: Limited release: High West’s new American single malt

Feb 6: Green River Introduces Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon

Feb 11: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company Releases Toasted Rye Batch 1

Feb 12: Evan Williams is releasing a Kentucky Derby Festival Single Barrel Bourbon

Feb 13: Log Still Distillery to Release America’s 47 Bourbon

Feb 17: A. Smith Bowman to Release Annual Cask Strength Bourbon

Feb 18: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Unveils Its First Bottled-in-Bond Expression, Distilled in Spring 2017

Feb 21: INTRODUCING FREY RANCH 100% BARLEY WHISKEY

Feb 24: Jack Daniel’s Introduces 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey for the First Time in Over a Century

Feb 25: Bardstown Bourbon’s Distillery Reserve Brings Innovation to the Small Scale

Feb 25: Michter’s Announces 2025 Release of US*1 Barrel Strength Rye

Feb 26: Rebel Bourbon rolls out Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon

Feb 27: Woodford Reserve’s New Bourbon Tastes Just Like Chocolate and Packs a 139-Proof Punch

Bourbon & Whiskey News: January 2025

February 1, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

02/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

In January 2025, Kentucky’s whiskey industry experienced significant developments, including Brown-Forman layoffs, a focus on regenerative farming, and new distillery expansions. Noteworthy bottle releases included Old Forester’s 1924 bourbon and Buffalo Trace’s 2025 Prohibition Collection. Despite market corrections, industry leaders emphasized Kentucky’s bourbon sector remains robust.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 10 Stories

Jan 14: Kentucky Distilleries and Precision Conservation Management Join Forces to Enhance Regenerative Corn Farming Practices throughout Commonwealth

Jan 14: Kentucky whiskey giant Brown-Forman laying off hundreds, closing Louisville cooperage

Jan 14: Is Kentucky’s bourbon boom over? What’s behind Brown-Forman layoffs, slipping sales

Jan 16: Bourbon Pioneers: How Kentucky Brothers Are Leading a European Craft Spirits Revolution

Jan 16: Amid uncertainty, leaders say Kentucky’s bourbon industry ‘is very strong’

Jan 21: Suntory CEO says the company has stockpiled whiskey in Europe due to possible Trump tariffs

Jan 21: ‘A correction in the market:’ How could Surgeon General’s warning impact Kentucky bourbon?

Jan 21: Distillers, industry experts discuss what the future might hold for bourbon

Jan 23: This New Investment Group Will Focus on Funding American Single Malt Whiskey

Jan 23: Cost highway: American whiskey’s affordable focus

Distillery News >> 6 Stories

Jan 02: Redwood Empire Whiskey owner buys Californian distillery

Jan 09: Buffalo Trace’s $1 Billion Expansion Means More of Your Favorite Whiskey

Jan 14: WhistlePig Whiskey Announces Leadership Transition

Jan 19: A New Distillery Foregoes a Master Distiller

Jan 30: Distillery reopens with finely crafted spirits and Old Vegas swagger

Jan 30: Diageo to end bottling operations at Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively. What to know

Distillery Trail >> 7 Stories

Jan 07: Bourbon is booming: Here are 8 new projects, experiences opening in Kentucky in 2025

Jan 14: Visitor count at Green River doubled in ’24

Jan 20: The best places to explore Kentucky’s bourbon heritage

Jan 21: Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Brand Home Circa 1856 Has Joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Honored with Top Accolades at the 2024 America’s Best Beverage Awards

Jan 21: My Old Ky Home State Park campground getting $4M upgrade

Jan 25: Louisville tourism leaders expect the industry to bring in major economic impact in 2025

Jan 30: Ky Bourbon Trail named Best of Business at World Beverage Innovation Awards

Awards Announced >> 2 Stories

Jan 13: The World’s Best Whiskey—2024 Competition Edition

Jan 30: Ky Bourbon Trail named Best of Business at World Beverage Innovation Awards

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> No stories this month!

Bottle Releases >> 16 Stories

Jan 07: Old Forester 1924 Returns: 10-Year-Old Bourbon Back on the Shelf Nationwide

Jan 08: Heaven’s Door Spirits Unveils Bootleg Series Volume VI: Bob Dylan’s Repertoire of American Whiskies are the Perfect Blend of Art and Craft

Jan 10: Drinking Bourbon with Dierks Bentley

Jan 13: Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked goes national

Jan 15: Penelope Bourbon releases rare American Light Whiskey

Jan 15: Buffalo Trace Unveils 2025 Prohibition Collection

Jan 17: Stranahan’s Just Released One of Its Oldest and Highest Proof Whiskeys to Date

Jan 21: World Whiskey Society Launches Limited Edition Doc Holliday Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Jan 21: Chattanooga Whiskey Introduces Batch 042: Amaro Barrel Finished Rye

Jan 22: Old Commonwealth Distillery Relaunches Colonel Randolph 16 Year Bourbon as a Single Barrel, Selected by Gordon Hue

Jan 22: Old Forester Announces Return of 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old

Jan 24: New Riff Balboa Rye Back for ’25

Jan 28: Lux Row Distillers makes Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish available nationwide

Jan 28: Barrell Craft Spirits® Launches Barrell Foundation Double Barrel Bourbon

Jan 28: Michter’s Adds to Its Legacy Series With First Release of Bomberger’s PFG™: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Precision Fine Grain Oak Barrels

Jan 29: Penelope Bourbon expands its award-winning portfolio with Wheated

Bourbon & Whiskey News: December 2024 Insights

January 1, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

01/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Happy New Year!

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from December 2024 >> 29 Stories!

In December 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including Ken Lewis becoming the new chair of the Kentucky Distiller’s Association and the establishment of American Single Malt as an official whiskey category. Other highlights include record auction prices, industry growth concerns, and various new product releases.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 10 Stories

New Riff Distilling founder Ken Lewis named new chair of Kentucky Distiller’s Association

World Spirits Report 2024: American whiskey

Top 10 spirits acquisitions in 2024

What MGP’s Whiskey Production Scale-Down Signals for the American Whiskey Industry

Founder Wins Old Carter At Auction for $18.7 Million

American Single Malt Is Finally An Official Whiskey Category

KDA says return of tariffs on whiskey is a threat to growth of Kentucky’s distilled spirits industry

A Holiday Surprise for U.S. Distilleries: TTB Unveils Long-Awaited ‘American Single Malt’ Standard of Identity

AI sniffs out whiskey flavor notes as well as the pros

Bourbon Spirits Market Size Expected to Reach $12.8 Billion by 2031

Distillery News >> 5 Stories

Heritage Distilling Co. Expands into Kentucky with Keg 1 River City

Bardstown Bourbon Company and Brindiamo Expand Relationship with First-of-its-kind Barrel Leasing Program

JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO. LAUNCHES “BEAM PRIVATE BARREL CLUB” – THE DISTILLERY’S FIRST CONSUMER SINGLE BARREL PROGRAM

KDA Announces Balance Distilling as Newest Member

Heaven Hill Distillery employee dies at Bardstown rickhouse

Distillery Trail >> No stories this month!

Awards Announced >> 6 Stories

St. Augustine Distillery wins Distillery of the Year award from national distillers group

The Best American Blended Whiskey According To The World Whiskies Awards 2024

Still Austin bourbon named one of the top 10 whiskies of 2024

Green River Distilling gets more honors

BOURBON PODCAST ANNOUNCES 2024 WHISKEY OF THE YEAR

Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2024 Ranked

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> No stories this month!

Bottle Releases >> 8 Stories

Booker’s is releasing its fourth and final batch of bourbon in 2024

Woodford Reserve Announces Release of Batch Proof

Pappy release ‘unusual surplus’ of its coveted Van Winkle Collection. Here’s what we know

Hidden Barn Bourbon is releasing a new whiskey called Slow Fade

Town Branch®️ Releases Oldest Ever Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey

World Whiskey Society Launches 20-Year-Old Family Reserve Whiskey

Blue Run Spirits is releasing a limited-edition holiday bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Just Dropped a New Limited-Edition Whiskey Aged in Maple Barrels

Bourbon & Whiskey News: November 2024 Insights

December 2, 2024 / bourbonjourney / 2 Comments

12/01/24
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from November 2024 >> 25 Stories!

In November 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant highlights, including record-breaking sales, new distillery developments, and market forecasts. Key stories featured Maker’s Mark’s new master distiller, multi-million dollar investments, and notable bottle releases, while Kentucky bourbon continued to thrive, attracting increased whiskey tourism.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 8 Stories

Van Winkle breaks record at $107,715

Global Bourbon Spirits Market Overview 2033 : Forecasted Market Size And Growth Rate

MGP to scale down whiskey production

Kentucky bourbon had another record year. Here’s how much it brought to the commonwealth

Kentucky’s Best Whiskey Blender Just Dropped a Hazmat-Level 33-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

Whiskey Market Opportunities and Key Growth Drivers: Regional Insights for 2024-2031 | Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, William Grant and Sons Ltd.

Bourbon Whiskey Market Size, Forecast 2031 by Key Companies-Beam Suntory, Kirin Brewery, Bulleit Distilling Company, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Heaven Hill Distilleries

Whiskey Tourism Market on Track to Reach $41.7 Billion by 2031

Distillery News >> 4 Stories

Maker’s Mark names new master distiller

US-based High Basin Brands raises $4m, acquires local distiller