12/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from November 2025 >> 52 Stories!

In November 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw notable developments, including declining sales for a large distillery, opportunities for American blended whiskey, and significant growth in craft spirits. Key events included distillery construction, award recognitions, and numerous new bottle releases, reflecting a dynamic market landscape.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 12 Stories

11/03: One of the Largest Whiskey Distilleries in the U.S. Just Saw Its Sales Plummet Again

11/05: Why American Blended Whiskey’s Time Has Finally Come

11/05: Is American whiskey in trouble?

11/05: DISCUS Hosted Successful Trade Mission of U.S. Distilleries to Europe

11/06: ‘Painful Evaporation of Opportunities’: Government Shutdown Takes a Toll on Craft Distillers

11/09: India to emerge as largest scotch market, exploring partnership with Indian malt makers: Scotch Whisky Association

11/11: Buffalo Trace unveils most remote tasting room in US

11/14: Malt Whiskey Market May Set New Growth Story

11/19: Bourbon Whiskey Market Growth Outlook Strengthened by Strategic Collaborations and R&D Investments Through 2033

11/24: Big Things Are Happening in the Small World of Wheat Whiskey

11/24: The US states selling the most Tequila and American whiskey

11/29: Distillery Ups and Downs of 2025: Craft Spirits Industry Is Shifting, but Not Shaken

Distillery News >> 7 Stories

11/01: Construction Begins on Large, New Spirits Distillery

11/03: B.R. Distilling Company Selects Ben E. Keith Beveragesto Grow Blue Note Straight Bourbon Whiskey Footprint in Texas

11/10: Copper & Kings Launches New Core Portfolio, Ushering in a Bold New Era for American Brandy

11/10: Tennessee Distilling in talks to acquire Waterford Whisky for €6m

11/13: A Well-Known Kentucky Distillery Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

11/26: Uncle Nearest Distillery Makes New Move in Fight Against Receivership

11/28: Catoctin Creek seeks investors

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

11/11: I Biked 175 Miles Through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

11/12: This Kentucky Distillery Was Just Named The Best Bourbon Tour In The Country

Awards Announced >> 6 Stories

11/05: Every Award-Winning Whisky From The New York World Spirits Competition 2025

11/06: Wood Hat Spirits Recognized As National Winner In Whiskey Competition

11/11: Covington distillery wins top honor at world’s most prestigious spirits competition

11/12: Sazerac wins IWSC 2025 Bourbon Whiskey Producer Trophy

11/18: The Best World Whiskies From The 2025 New York World Spirits Competition

11/27: World’s Best Whiskies From The Top Shelf Awards 2025

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 3 Upcoming

Jan: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

Bottle Releases >> 19 Stories

11/03: Knob Creek Just Released Its Oldest Bourbon Ever

11/04: Heaven Hill Distillery Celebrates 90 Years of Independent Family Ownership with Limited 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release

11/06: Michter’s To Release Its 20 Year Bourbon

11/06: Willett Releases Family Estate Small Batch

11/07: Castle & Key Releases Two Cask Strength Expressions

11/07: WhistlePig’s Golden Pig-Shaped Bottle of Rye Whiskey Is Back Just in Time for the Holidays

11/07: Jim Beam Just Dropped a New Edition of Its Stellar Experimental Whiskey

11/07: World Whiskey Society Releases Doc Holliday 16 Year Cigar Blend

11/08: Cedar Ridge Distillery drops its highly anticipated double barrel whiskeys

11/10: Old Forester to Honor Allen with Single Barrel Release

11/10: Barrell Craft Spirits® Releases Barrell Bourbon New Year 2026

11/13: Buffalo Trace Launches Sazerac Rye Full Proof

11/13: Blade and Bow Unveils Its Oldest Whiskey Ever, a Rare 30-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

11/18: Bardstown Bourbon Releases French Brandy Barrel Finish

11/18: World Whiskey Society Unveils 12-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Pear Brandy Casks

11/20: Milam & Greene Whiskey Releases Very Limited Quantity of Unabridged Volume 4

11/20: Wyoming Whiskey Releases Fifth National Parks Expression

11/21: New Riff Brings Back Winter Whiskey, Sherry Rye for Holidays

11/24: Buffalo Trace brings 2025 Antique Collection to UK

Book Releases >> 3 Titles

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Updated 12/2025 (Amazon): American Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Bourbon, Rye, and Other American Whiskeys

Pre-Order: Experiencing American Whiskey!

Pre-Order for 12/09 (Amazon): Savour: A guide to tasting and exploring whiskies of the world

11/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from October 2025 >> 64 Stories!

In October 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced challenges, including a drop in whiskey production and U.S. exports. Distillers struggled with tariffs and changing consumer preferences. Despite difficulties, notable milestones included aging barrels reaching a record in Kentucky and significant investment announcements from major distilleries. New whiskey releases generated interest as well.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 12 Stories

10/01: Whiskey Production Has Hit Its Lowest Level Since 2019

10/06: Cold shoulder from Canada is costly for American distillers struggling with global trade tensions

10/06: American distillers call for ‘zero-for-zero trading environment’ as exports fall

10/06: US spirits exports tumble as drinkers shun American brands, industry warns

10/09: Distillers group reports skyrocketing aging barrel taxes, amid tariff challenges

10/09: Kentucky reaches bourbon milestone with record 16.1 million barrels aging across Commonwealth

10/16: U.S. liquor consumption plummets, Canadian products not seeing proportional boost: Spirits Canada

10/22: Whiskey Market Size Is Likely To Reach a Valuation of Around $86.38 Billion by 2027

10/22: US craft distillery numbers drop 25%

10/23: Whiskey Company Scales Back Operations, Citing ‘Consumer Shifts’ Toward Marijuana As Alcohol Alternative

10/24: Distilleries Navigate Solvency Issues Following Covid Sales Boom

10/31: Whiskey glut weighs on MGP as Q3 sales fall 19%

Distillery News >> 12 Stories

10/01: Buffalo Trace fills nine-millionth barrel

10/03: A drink with… Lisa Roper Wicker, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co

10/05: Distilling up new trends: American Single Malt Whiskey in Montana

10/05: Jack Daniel’s cuts off free cattle feed to Tennessee farmers after 45 years, could destroy local town. Who’s at fault?

10/06: Hollywood’s ‘first’ official distillery opens in LA

10/17: Heaven Hill’s New $200m Distillery: What It Really Means for Bourbon Fans

10/17: Sazerac investing $38M to expand in New Albany with 25 new jobs

10/21: Investors save Westward Whiskey from bankruptcy

10/23: Buffalo Trace’s Parent Company Is Investing $1 Billion to Expand Despite Industry Struggles

10/23: Uncle Nearest Founders Push Back Against Expanded Court Control Amid Receivership Battle

10/26: Castle & Key Distillery appointments Moore as plant manager

10/26: Four Roses parent company considering $1 Billion sale

Distillery Trail >> 5 Stories

10/02: A New Era for “The Famous Old Brand” Begins in Louisville: Chicken Cock Whiskey Opening Tasting Room in NuLu

10/03: Buffalo Trace Distillery creates new dining experience for guests

10/03: Casey Jones Distillery Launches Bottle-Your-Own Experience

10/23: Top Tier Bourbon Tours Highlights Fall Conditions for Bourbon Tours in Louisville, KY

10/24: Nashville distillery tour among the best in the country per USA TODAY. See where it ranked

Awards Announced >> 2 Stories

10/23: Green River Wheated Bourbon named ‘World’s Best Bourbon’ at New York competition

10/26: 7 Craft Bourbons That Just Won Big at the ADI Awards

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> None

Bottle Releases >> 23 Stories

10/01: ANGEL’S ENVY RELEASES A 10 YEAR CASK STRENGTH, THE BRAND’S FIRST AGE-STATED WHISKEY

10/01: Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release 50% Wheated Bourbon Blend

10/01: Widow Jane Distillery Releases 2025 The Vaults

10/02: Woodford Reserve releases its highest proof rye whiskey ever.

10/02: Sagamore Spirit Debuts Their First High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey

10/02: Tennessee Whiskey Trail Launches Tennessee Collective

10/02: World Whiskey Society 16-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

10/07: The Ingram Distillery Proudly Introduces 2025 Flagship Bourbon

10/07: Buzzard’s Roost to Release Jim Gaffigan Collab Bourbon

10/08: The 2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Is Here — With Its First New Addition in Nearly Two Decades

10/09: Copperworks Distilling Co. Releases an Ultra-Rare, Limited Release Whiskey Eleven Years in the Making

10/13: Milam & Greene Releases Guadalupe Bass Bourbon

10/13: Pursuit Spirits Releases Kodama Mizunara Bourbon

10/14: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces First Release of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass® Specialty Barrel Series

10/15: Russell’s Reserve Releases Camp Nelson E Bourbon

10/21: Liberty Pole Spirits Announces a Season of Exceptional Whiskey Releases Just in Time for the Holidays

10/22: Jack Daniel’s Tanyard Hill Rye Climbs to a Fiery 148.8 Proof

10/23: Hardin’s Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Unveils the Warehouse Series: A Three-Part Exploration of Flavor and Discovery

10/28: Ross & Squibb Releases 2025 Remus Gatsby Reserve

10/28: Knob Creek 21-Year Is Here — the Oldest Whiskey Ever From James B. Beam Distilling Co.

10/29: Bloomington’s oldest whiskey to be released by Cardinal Spirits, who won USA Today awards

10/30: Jeptha Creed Distillery Unveils The Fourth Edition of Red, White & Blue Bourbon

10/30: Town Branch Releases 16-Year Single Malt

Book Releases >> 1 Story

10/05: The World’s Best Whiskey—According To The Author Of ‘The Whisky World Tour’

10/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from September 2025 >> 43 Stories!

In September 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including 43 stories on market news, distillery highlights, and bottle releases. Key events included new distillery openings, prestigious awards, and notable bottle launches, such as the 2025 Pappy Van Winkle collection and innovative releases from various distilleries across Kentucky.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 2 Stories

09/11: Global Bourbon Market Size, Share, Forecasts 2023 – 2033

09/15: World whisky: from global gloom to local boom

Distillery News >> 9 Stories

09/03: Nashville Barrel Co plans Kentucky distillery

09/05: Heaven Hill Commemorates Opening of New Distillery

09/08: This 29-Acre Farm Distillery Is Embracing the Terroir of Montgomery County

09/11: Inside the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

09/15: Uncle Nearest Whiskey Under Federal Receivership

09/23: Kentucky distillery bounces back from massive flood that briefly halted bourbon production

09/25: Diageo pauses production at two US distilleries

09/25: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Dark Arts Whiskey House As Newest Member

09/29: Buffalo Trace Distillery fills its 9 millionth barrel since Prohibition

Distillery Trail >> 3 Stories

09/03: KDA Adds Purple Toad Winery & Distillery as Craft Member

09/10: Von Payne Spirits to Transform Historic Louisville Bakery into Distillery and Tasting Destination

09/24: 7 Bourbon Trail Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes, According To A Bourbon Butler

Awards Announced >> 4 Stories

09/05: America’s Best Bourbon, According To The 2025 IWSC

09/05: Starlight Distillery wins award at Heartland Whiskey Competition

09/12: American Bourbon Back on Top: Four Bourbons Win Highest Gold at IWSC 2025

09/17: Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Inducts 2025 Class

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

09/25: Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival returns with record 23 distilleries

Bottle Releases >> 23 Stories

09/01: Log Still Distillery Launches Remington Reserve

09/02: Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition

09/02: Rabbit Hole Regallier Showcases French Oak Finish

09/02: Heaven Hill Returns To Bardstown With Master Distillers Unity Bourbon

09/03: Barrel Global Partners with Award-Winning Middle West Spirits To Offer Old Elk Wheated Bourbon New-Fill Single Barrels

09/03: Jackson Purchase Bourbon ‘Batch No. 1’ to Debut at KY Bourbon Festival

09/03: Milam & Greene Launches Provisions Bourbon

09/03: The Ingram Distillery Ventures into the Unknown with New Wheated Bourbon: Uncharted

09/05: Angel’s Envy Just Unveiled a Pair of Unusual Limited-Edition Whiskeys

09/09: Woodford Reserve 2025 Master’s Collection Revealed

09/09: 2XO Whiskey Launches White Oak Rye, Renowned Blender Dixon Dedman’s First Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Release

09/09: Beam Releases Booker’s The Reserves 2025 Edition

09/11: Garrison Brothers to Releases Sonora Bourbon in October

09/11: Pappy Van Winkle 2025 Bourbon Collection Has Launched

09/11: 2XO Debuts White Oak Rye Whiskey With 95% Rye Mash

09/16: Elijah Craig Launches Its First Ever Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

09/17: This new Milam & Greene bourbon is a collector’s dream

09/17: Sagamore releases its oldest rye whiskey

09/17: Southern Distilling Releases its First Single Malt

09/18: 1792 Bourbon Welcomes Cognac Cask Finish To Its Portfolio

09/23: Wild Turkey Announces Master’s Keep Beacon, the Final Release in the Celebrated Series

09/24: Dierks Bentley Releases ROW 94 Full Proof Bourbon

09/24: Booker’s Bourbon Releases Jerry’s Batch to Honor Non-Family Master Distiller

Book Releases >> 1

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

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