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Bourbon & Whiskey News: March 2026

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04/01/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from Marh 2026 >> 72 Stories!

In March 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including Brown-Forman exceeding quarterly estimates, discussions of legalizing home distilling, and notable distillery updates. Key events included ongoing mergers, new product releases, and various festivals planned for the upcoming months, highlighting an active market landscape.

For those who need the ‘Executive Summary’ before diving into the details, I’ve launched a new curated series: The Proof Report. It distills this month’s massive news cycle into two clear categories: the industry’s strategic Purpose and the monthly liquid Proof. Read The Proof Report for March 2026.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 8 Stories

03/04: Whiskey maker Brown-Forman tops quarterly estimates on steady demand

03/06: Federal case could legalize home distilling, reshape congressional power

03/09: Whisky drags control state spirits sales down in January

03/23: Bourbon and Cognac Market Is Going to Boom | Brown-Forman • Diageo • Pernod Ricard

03/24: Casks and Consequences: The Debate Over Buying Whiskey Barrels

03/26: Is Jack parent company Brown-Forman for sale?

03/26: Kentucky whiskey company Brown-Forman confirms it’s talked merger with Pernod Ricard

03/27: 5 Expert-Recommended Craft Whiskey Producers To Watch In 2026

Distillery News >> 13 Stories

03/02: Woodinville Whiskey unveils new packaging

03/02: MGP Ingredients hit by American whiskey glut, squeeze on cheaper brands in 2025 – results

03/04: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Adds Prova Spirits as Newest Member

03/09: Sazerac Co takes control of shuttered Kentucky whiskey distillery

03/10: Uncle Nearest allegedly hid $20m loan provided by Jay-Z

03/12: Brown-Forman CEO wagers on Woodford

03/16: Ex-Diageo VP joins Redwood Empire Whiskey

03/18: 159-year-old whiskey brand files disputed Chapter 11 bankruptcy

03/19: Kings County celebrates one-millionth bottle sale

03/19: MGP Is Now Letting You Pick Barrels of Whiskey From Its Master Distiller’s Private Collection

03/23: Highly acclaimed Remus Bourbon introduces the Remus Bottle Club

03/27: Holland America Line and Jefferson’s Bourbon Make History with the First Bourbon Aged on Cruise Ships

03/30: Kentucky Distillery Green River Lays Off Its Head Distiller as American Whiskey Woes Continue

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

03/26: The Tennessee Whiskey Trail Launches A New Food-Focused Experience With 40+ Restaurants

03/30: A New Era at Jeptha Creed: Expanded Distillery Experiences Arrive In 2026

Awards Announced >> 6 Stories

03/04: 2026 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Challenge Announces Winners

03/06: DISCUS 2026 Awards Honors Industry Leaders

03/19: KDA Honors Sen. Julie Raque Adams with 100 Proof Award

03/20: KDA Honors Rep. Derek Lewis with 100 Proof Award

03/23: KDA Honors Rep. Stephen West with 100 Proof Award

03/29: This $90 Atlanta Bourbon Won Best Whiskey at the 2026 WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition

Bourbon Festival News,Updates, & Planning >> This Month’s Updates > 3

May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

June 2026: National Bourbon Week Set to Return June 14-21

Aug 2027: Missouri Bourbon Festival, Hermann MO

Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Oct 2026: Bourbon on the Banks, Frankfort KY

Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb 2027: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

Bottle Releases >> xx Stories

03/01: Michter’s Bet Early on an Annual 10-Year Bourbon — and the 2026 Release Shows Why That Call Endured

03/02: Chicken Cock Whiskey Introduces Its First-Ever Wheated Bourbon, Marking a Bold New Era for the Historic Brand

03/02: Pursuit Spirits Captures the Emergence of Spring with Sakura Bloom Bourbon

03/03: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release

03/03: Hard Truth Launches Three New Whiskey Expressions

03/04: Woodford Reserve Releases 2026 Kentucky Derby Bottle

03/06: Augusta Distillery Launches Small Batch & Wheated Bourbons

03/06: New Riff Announces 6-Year-Old Silver Grove Bourbon & Rye

03/09: Midleton Releases Last of its Silent Distillery Collection

03/09: Maker’s Mark Unveils 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

03/09: Milam & Greene Launches Bluebonnet Bourbon, a Texas-Aged Release Honoring Lady Bird Johnson’s Legacy

03/10: Rock Town Distillery Announces Inaugural Winners Circle 2026 Bourbon Release

03/10: Remus Bourbon Introduces Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2, Its First-Ever Wheat Whiskey

03/10: Raising a Glass to 250 Years: Peg Leg Porker Launches “Spirit of America™” Limited Edition Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

03/10: Heaven Hill’s New Bourbon Comes From the Final Barrels Aged in One of Its Historic Warehouses

03/11: Barrell Craft Spirits® Introduces its First Cigar Blend Bourbon

03/11: Kentucky Senator Releases Jim Bunning Edition

03/11: Lux Row Distillers introduces Lux Row Estate Bourbon

03/11: Frey Ranch Distillery Adds To Its Core Line Up With The Launch Of Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Rye

03/11: Lost Lantern Releases High-Low Collection

03/12: Evan Williams® Expands Award-Winning Flavors Lineup with New Evan Williams Blackberry

03/12: Garrison Brothers Announces Launch of 2026 Lady Bird Bourbon

03/16: B.R. Distilling Company Announces its Third Annual Limited-Release of Blue Note Special Reserve

03/17: Bardstown Bourbon Distillery Reserve Returns with Unique Barrel Finish

03/17: Jim Beam Just Dropped Its First Booker’s Bourbon Batch of the Year—and It’s a Good One

03/18: Elijah Craig Introduces 15-Year-Old Bourbon, a New Addition to Its Renowned Single Barrel Lineup

03/18: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Releases 10-Year-Old Bourbon

03/19: Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey Full Proof

03/20: Announcing Shortbarrel Afterswarm Meadowfoam

03/20: Old Forester Unveils Newest Expansion in The 117 Series: High Angels’ Share Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

03/24: Lux Row Distillers announces the arrival of Blood Oath Pact 12 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

03/24: Michter’s Distillery to Release 2026 Edition of Two Legacy Series Whiskeys: Shenk’s Homestead & Bomberger’s Declaration

03/24: Buffalo Trace Releases Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat

03/24: Jack Daniel’s Introduces New Batches of Award-Winning Aged Series Tennessee Whiskeys

03/25: Horse Soldier Bourbon Unveils Liberty Edition

03/27: Larrikin Bourbon Releases 3rd Annual ‘Pour for the Roses’ For Kentucky Derby

03/31: Angel’s Envy Debuts 2026 Cask Strength Dual Release Featuring Annual Bourbon and First-Ever Age-Stated Rye

03/31: Knob creek® debuts blender’s edition, a limited series celebrating the art of blending

Book Releases >> 2 Titles


“Bottom Shelf” by Fred Minnick

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2026

Four Branches Bourbon: 4 Veterans, 4 Grains, One Incredible Pour

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🥃 Four Branches Bourbon: A Salute to Service in Every Sip! 🇺🇸

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a bottle with a powerful story: Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend. Founded by four veterans representing the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, this whiskey is built on the motto: “Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably.”

We picked this bottle up at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY, after being blown away by the founders’ passion. This unique four-grain bourbon (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley) was crafted with the help of legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Is it as “spicy” as a Marine or as “smooth” as the Air Force? We break down the creamy mouthfeel, the surprising citrus notes, and that signature “Kentucky Kiss” on the finish.

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Four Branches Bourbon, Founders Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Four Branches Spirits
  • Mash Bill: It is a unique four-grain blend (65% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley, and 10% Wheat). 
  • Age: 4-7 Years
  • Proof: 96
  • Batch: 013
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $75 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#FourBranchesBourbon #BourbonReview #VeteranOwned #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #FourGrainBourbon #SteveNally #BardstownBourbon #BourbonCon #MilitaryVeterans #WhiskeyLover #DrinkHonorably #BourbonLife #SmallBatchBourbon

Is Sam’s Club Private Label Whiskey Worth the Buy?

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Is Sam’s Club Whiskey Actually Good? | Member’s Mark Bourbon, Scotch & Canadian Review

Can you really find top-shelf quality on a big-box budget? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the world of Member’s Mark spirits from Sam’s Club. We’re putting three “M” bottles to the test: a 10-Year Highland Scotch, a 15-Year Canadian Whisky, and a 110-proof Single Barrel Bourbon distilled at the legendary Barton 1792.

At prices ranging from $19 to $30, these bottles sound like an absolute steal—but do they hold up in the glass? We break down the mash bills, the “hidden” distillery rumors (Clynelish? Sazerac?), and give you our honest tasting notes on the nose, palate, and finish. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost daily sipper or a high-proof mixer for your next cocktail, you won’t want to miss this budget-friendly breakdown.

Whiskeys Tasted Today:

  • Member’s Mark Bourbon Single Barrel ($18.97)
    • Distillery: Barton 1792 | Proof: 110 | Notes: A budget “Full Proof” with heavy cherry and brown sugar.
  • Member’s Mark Canadian Whisky (15 Year) ($29.86)
    • Source: Likely Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery | Proof: 80 | Notes: A mature, blended sipper for fans of smooth Canadian profiles.
  • Member’s Mark Highland Scotch Whisky (10 Year) ($29.98)
    • Source: Alexander Murray & Co. | Proof: 80 | Notes: Light, citrusy, and crisp with a touch of nutty peat.

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✴️ Member’s Mark Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed but widely recognized as Barton’s high-rye recipe: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley.
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), though industry consensus puts it at roughly 4–6 years.
  • Proof: 110
  • Note: Budget-friendly version of 1792 Full Proof
  • Purchased: 01/30/26 for $18.97 at Sam’s Club in Evansville IN

✴️ Member’s Mark Canadian Whisky (15 Year)

  • Classification: Blended Canadian Whisky
  • Bottled by: IWA Distilling Co., Louisville, KY (This is a Sazerac-owned bottling facility, which strongly suggests the juice is sourced from Sazerac’s Canadian assets, likely the Old Montreal Distillery).
  • Mash Bill: Predominantly Corn with some Rye and Malted Barley (Typical for premium aged Canadian blends)
  • Age: 15 years
  • Proof: 80
  • Purchased: 01/30/26 for $29.86 at Sam’s Club in Evansville IN

✴️ Member’s Mark Highland Scotch Whisky

  • Classification: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Source: While the distillery is undisclosed, this is sourced through Alexander Murray & Co., the famous independent bottler that handles private labels for Costco and Sam’s Club.
  • Distillery Rumors: Given the profile (Highland, 10 years, light peat/citrus), many enthusiasts speculate the source is Clynelish or Dalmore, though Highland Park (technically an Island but often labeled Highland) is also a frequent source for Murray’s 10-year blends.
  • Mash Bill: 
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 80
  • Purchased: 01/30/26 for $29.98 at Sam’s Club in Evansville IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#BourbonReview #SamsClub #MembersMark #WhiskeyTasting #BudgetBourbon #YourBourbonJourney #Barton1792 #ScotchWhisky #CanadianWhisky #WhiskeyTube #BourbonJourney #SingleBarrel #SingleMalt #WhiskeyDeals #SpiritsReview

Woodford Double Double Oaked 2026: Way Darker Than 2025!

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Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) | The Ultimate Dark & Decadent Bourbon?

Is the 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked worth the $200 price tag? 🥃 In today’s New Whiskey Monday on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into one of the most coveted annual releases in the whiskey world.

After hunting this bottle down at MSRP, we’re breaking down how this year’s expression compares to the legendary 2025 release. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall promised a “deeper and darker” profile this year—and she delivered. From the heavy toasted second barrel to the complex notes of burnt butterscotch, dark baking cocoa, and espresso, this 90.4 proof powerhouse is an absolute flavor journey.

We explore why the “double-double” process (finishing for two additional years in a second heavily toasted barrel) creates a spicier, more jammy profile than the standard Double Oaked. Does it live up to the hype? Watch to find out!

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✴️ Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Press Release stated: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: January 2026
  • Purchased: 02/11/26 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#WoodfordReserve #DoubleDoubleOaked #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #NewWhiskeyMonday #BourbonJourney #WoodfordDoubleDoubleOaked2026 #KentuckyBourbon #BrownForman #WhiskeyRelease #BourbonHunter #CraftWhiskey #DoubleBarreled #WhiskeyCollector #ElizabethMcCall

The Darkest Irish Whiskey Cocktail You’ll Ever Taste

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The Ultimate Irish Twist: The Pot Still “Black” Manhattan 🥃

If a standard Manhattan is a sharp pinstriped suit, the Pot Still “Black” Manhattan is a heavy charcoal overcoat. In Episode 60 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey explores a dark, viscous, and brooding twist on a classic.

By swapping traditional rye for the powerhouse Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength and replacing sweet vermouth with the thick, Sicilian Averna Amaro, we’ve created a cocktail with a massive, oily “chew” and an earthy profile that commands the palate. Whether you are an Irish whiskey lover or a Manhattan purist, this velvety, buttery build is the perfect way to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

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📋 The Recipe: Pot Still “Black” Manhattan

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Combine: In a mixing glass, add the Black Walnut bitters, Averna Amaro, and the Redbreast Cask Strength.
  2. Chill: Add plenty of ice and stir for 25–30 seconds until the glass is frosted and the cocktail is perfectly diluted.
  3. Prep Glass: Place one Luxardo cherry (and a touch of syrup!) into the bottom of a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into your coupe.
  5. Enjoy: Experience the aromas of dark chocolate and toasted oak before taking that first velvety sip.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

#BlackManhattan #IrishWhiskey #Redbreast #CocktailRecipes #StPatricksDay #HomeBartender #WhiskeyLover #Averna #Mixology #ThirstyThursday #PotStill #CaskStrength #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonJourney #ClassicCocktails

3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

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The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Michters #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #FortNelson #Louisville #WhiskeyRow #MichtersRye #ToastedBarrel #BarrelStrength #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #DrinkResponsibly #DanMcKee

Bourbon from the Hatfield-McCoy Well? Robert’s Reserve Review

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A Pike County Reunion in a Glass: Robert’s Reserve Bourbon Review

What happens when you mix the legendary water of the Hatfield-McCoy feud with one of the most prestigious names in bourbon history? You get Robert’s Reserve from Pauley Hollow Distillery.

In today’s episode, we’re tasting a bottle that is deeply personal. Pauley Hollow, the first legal distillery in Pike County, Kentucky, uses water drawn from the original Randall McCoy family well. But there’s a twist—Wayne’s ancestors, the McBrayers, lived on this same soil and were titans of the 19th-century whiskey world.

This is more than just a bourbon review; it’s a journey back to Wayne’s roots in Eastern Kentucky. We dive into the unique 4-grain mash bill, the use of rare Cypress wood fermenters, and how small-barrel aging (10 and 30-gallon) creates a “Sith Lord” level of dark, rich complexity in a 4-year-old spirit.

Does the 92-proof Robert’s Reserve live up to the McBrayer legacy? Let’s find out.

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Robert’s Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery (Forest Hills, KY)
  • Distillation: They utilize 300-gallon cypress wood fermenters and a 150-gallon cypress pot still with a stainless/copper hybrid column.
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char. Smaller barrels are often used by craft distilleries to accelerate the interaction between the wood and the spirit.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#BourbonReview #PauleyHollow #PikeCounty #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HatfieldAndMcCoy #RobertsReserve #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #KentuckyHistory #BourbonCon #WhiskeyHeritage #FourGrainBourbon #BourbonLover #KentuckyStraightBourbon

Bourbon & Whiskey News: February 2026

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03/02/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from February 2026 >> 56 Stories!

In February 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including over 56 stories highlighting market trends, distillery news, and awards. Key topics included a surge in bourbon sales, new craft distillery memberships, major bottle releases, and festival updates, emphasizing the industry’s continuous growth and evolution.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 7 Stories

02/02: Bourbon Secondary Market Trends: 42k+ Transactions Analyzed

02/03: Bourbon brings more than $10bn to Kentucky

02/03: Bourbon Women Set to Celebrate 15 Years

02/04: American Distilling Institute Launches New Membership Structure to Better Serve the Evolving Craft Spirits Industry

02/05: 2025 Craft Distilleries and Distilled Spirits in the U.S. State of the Industry Report

02/10: Distilled Spirits Council Report Shows Spirits Sales Down; RTDs Surge

02/16: Bourbon Spirits Market to Grow Strongly by 2030, Driven by Rising Alcoholic Beverage Consumption

Distillery News >> 10 Stories

02/02: How A Whiskey Market Reset Is Fueling Shortbarrel Bourbon’s Rise

02/02: Jeptha Creed Distillery Cites Growth Despite Industry Headwinds

02/02: US whiskey firm Barrell Craft Spirits sells facility

02/02: WhistlePig Whiskey parts ways with CEO

02/03: Weaver pushes back in message to investors

02/04: Beloved Whiskey Brand Is ‘Insolvent,’ Creditors Claim

02/06: Kirin to Sell Four Roses Distillery to E&J Gallo

02/12: Resurrecting the Three-Chamber Still—and the Flavor of Pre-Prohibition Whiskey

02/13: Whistleblower lawsuit filed against high-profile Kentucky distillery, CEO

02/25: This Exclusive Spirits Membership Will Get You Allocations of Rare Whiskeys From Lux Row Distillers

Distillery Trail >> 3 Stories

02/05: Dark Arts Whiskey House Joins Kentucky Bourbon Trail

02/25: KDA Annouces New ‘Build Your Own Bourbon Trail’ Feature

02/25: Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Launches New Visitor Experiences at its Louisville Distillery and Tasting Room

Awards Announced >> 7 Stories

02/13: Local distillery wins one of whiskey industry’s highest honors

02/16: Heaven Hill Earns Top Honors at 2026 World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky

02/16: Onyx & Amber Takes Top Honor as World’s Best American Style Whiskey in Debut Year

02/19: The World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon According to the World Whiskies Awards 2026

02/20: This $55 Whiskey Is America’s Best Rye, According to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards

02/21: This Kentucky Distillery Just Won Best Distiller Of The Year At The 2026 World Whiskies Awards

02/28: Chris Fletcher named Master Distiller of Year

Bourbon Festival News,Updates, & Planning >> 9

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

Aug 2027: Missouri Bourbon Festival, Hermann MO

Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Oct 2026: Bourbon on the Banks, Frankfort KY

Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb 2027: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Bottle Releases >> 19 Stories

02/02: NFL Legend Terry Bradshaw Just Dropped a New Hazmat Bourbon—and It’s Actually Great

02/02: Introducing Shortbarrel Four Grain Bourbon: A Wheated Kentucky Whiskey By Way Of The Great State Of Georgia

02/03: Kentucky Artisan Distillery Releases Bottled-in-Bond Additions to Artisan Series

02/03: Buzzard’s Roost Distillery Introduces New Four Grain Double Oak Bourbon

02/05: Woodford Reserve Releases New Distillery Series: Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Finish

02/09: King of Kentucky marks US semiquincentennial

02/09: Award-Winning Alberta Distillers Limited(R) Releases Two New Premium Expressions

02/09: Redbreast Expands Its Iberian Series With Its First-Ever Moscatel Cask Release

02/10: Green River Expands Award-Winning Lineup with Launch of Wheated Full Proof Bourbon

02/10: Michter’s To Release Celebration Sour Mash, The Rarest Whiskey in the Distiller’s Lineup

02/10: Yellowstone Bourbon Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Hand Picked Single Barrel Program

02/12: Barrell Craft Spirits Just Dropped a Hazmat Whiskey Aged in Orange Liqueur Casks

02/17: Rebel Bourbon rolls out Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel 2026 Selected By Kyle Busch

02/18: Penelope Releases 7-Year Barrel Strength Bourbon

02/19: Southern Distilling Co. Finishes Bourbon in Zinfandel Wine Casks

02/25: Barrell Craft Spirits® Introduces a 12-year BourbonFinished in Toasted American Oak Casks

02/25: Heaven Hill Releases 20th Anniversary Bernheim Wheat Whiskey

02/26: Heaven Hill Distillery Honors a Storied Legacy with Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey

02/27: Bulleit Debuts a Mesquite-Smoked Malt Bourbon With Zero Rye

Book Releases >> 1 Title


“Bottom Shelf” by Fred Minnick

The Best of February: Which Bottle Takes the Crown?

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The Hunt for the 2026 Whiskey of the Year Begins! 🥃

Welcome to the official February Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! This isn’t just a review; it’s the debut of our brand-new, standardized 100-point scoring rubric. Wayne and Rebecca are putting four heavy-hitters from BourbonCon to the ultimate test to see which bottles have the “viscosity, complexity, and soul” to land a spot on our live leaderboard.

In this episode, we tackle a diverse lineup featuring a double-barreled powerhouse, a full-proof Kentucky classic, a four-grain artisan blend, and—for the first time in YBJ history—a finished Kentucky Rye!

🥃OUR SCORING PROCESS:

We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. No more “Redundancy”—just pure, data-driven blind competitions. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/ 

THE CONTENDERS:

  • Burnt Tavern: 7-Year, 105 Proof, Double-Barreled Bourbon.
  • Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1: 4-Year, 117.8 Proof, Full Proof Bourbon.
  • Peter E. Hart Rye: 100 Proof, Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels.
  • Trackside Bourbon: 5-Year, 107 Proof, Unique Four-Grain Mash Bill.

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Burnt Tavern

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: William Berkele Distillery (Lead Founder: Royce Blevins)
  • Distilled By: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Sourced)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (thought to be high-rye style)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 105
  • Other: Double-barreled and finished in slow-toasted American oak.

Original Review:

✴️ Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company & Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4
  • Proof: 117.8

Original Review:

✴️ Peter E Hart Rye Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Peter E Hart
  • Distillery: Sourced from Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3 Years (ave blend is reported closer to 4.5 years)
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels

Original Review:

✴️ Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Trackside Distilling Company (Co-Founders Jade Peterson and Jeremy Dever)
  • Distillery: Sourced and blended barrels from Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY)
  • Mash Bill: A unique four-grain mash bill: Yellow Corn, Rye, Distiller’s Malt, and Chocolate Malted Barley.
  • Age: 5
  • Proof: 107

Original Review:

📊SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where this bottle ranks against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us.We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindTasting #BourbonReview #SweetSixteen #WhiskeyScoring #JacksonPurchase #BurntTavern #TracksideBourbon #PeterEHart #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #BourbonCon #WhiskeyCommunity #WOTY2026

Decoding the Pour: The New “Your Bourbon Journey” Scoring & WOTY Process

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At Your Bourbon Journey, our mission has always been to embrace the craft and find the absolute best whiskey sitting on the shelf. As our library has grown, so has our need for a more rigorous, transparent, and “science-backed” way to evaluate what makes a bottle truly elite.

To kick off our next chapter, we are introducing a refined scoring system and a streamlined path to the Whiskey of the Year (WOTY). Here is how we are finding the “Sweet Sixteen” and beyond.

The Road to the Sweet Sixteen

We’ve listened to your feedback and looked at our own data. To ensure only the “best of the best” make it to the winner’s circle, we’ve made a few key changes to our annual competition:

  • Monthly Blind Competitions: Our core remains the same. We will continue to name a Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) through rigorous blind tastings.
  • Farewell to the “Quarterly”: We have eliminated the “Whiskey of the Quarter” format. We found it was a bit redundant and didn’t always provide the most accurate seeding for the year-end finals.
  • The Power of the Rubric: Every bottle we review now faces our new 100-Point Rubric. This ensures consistency whether we are tasting a budget-friendly rye or a limited-edition bourbon.
  • Data-Driven Seeding: Your favorites don’t just move on because they won a single month; their numerical scores determine their rank and seeding for the WOTY blind.
  • The Play-In: In the event of a tie for those final spots in the Sweet Sixteen, we will conduct a Blind Play-In to settle the score on the palate.

The Live Leaderboard

Transparency is key. You can now visit our Live Leaderboard page right here on the website to see how current contenders are stacking up in real-time.

Look for Video Updates: Keep an eye out for dedicated leaderboard deep-dives at the 4-month and 8-month marks to see which bottles are currently pacing to make the finals!

Inside the Rubric: How We Score

We start with a baseline of 80 points for any whiskey that is “eligible” for our journey. The final 20 points—the difference between “good” and “legendary”—are determined by four critical categories:

I. The Nose (5 Points)

Focus on aromatic complexity and ethanol integration.

  • Good (1–2 pts): Pleasant and clear (vanilla, oak) but simple.
  • Great (3–4 pts): Multi-layered with hidden ethanol and distinct secondary notes like fruit or spice.
  • Outstanding (5 pts): A “room-filler.” Exceptional complexity that evolves in the glass.

II. The Taste (10 Points)

The engine of the score. Focus on mouthfeel, transition, and flavor density.

  • Good (1–4 pts): Thin to medium mouthfeel; consistent but predictable.
  • Great (5–8 pts): Oily/creamy texture with a “story” on the palate (sweet start, spicy mid).
  • Outstanding (9–10 pts): Explosive and viscous. Challenging depth with zero “dead spots.”

III. The Finish (3 Points)

Focus on duration and the “exit.”

  • Good (1 pt): Short to medium; clean and simple.
  • Great (2 pt): Long and warming; brings back a specific note like cocoa or leather.
  • Outstanding (3 pts): “The Hug.” Lasts for minutes and evolves without harsh bitterness.

IV. The Wild Card (2 Points)

The “X-Factor” or subjective “wow” moment.

  • Good (0 pts): A solid pour, but not uniquely memorable.
  • Great (1 pt): A “best-in-class” representation of its specific style or mashbill.
  • Outstanding (2 pts): A “unicorn” experience; the kind of bottle you immediately buy a backup of.

Are you ready to see who takes the crown this year? Check the leaderboard often, and we’ll see you in the comments of the next blind!

#YourBourbonJourney #RoadToTheSweetSixteen #YBJWhiskeyOfTheYear #CaskStrengthLeadership #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #BlindTasting #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyGram #BourbonBracket #TheSweetSixteen #WhiskeyEducation #BourbonScoring #SpiritReview #CraftSpirits #ThePerfectPour