Bourbon & Whiskey News: January 2025

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

Maker’s Mark names new master distiller

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

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Offering Customizable Bourbon for Corporate Gifting

This Michigan Distillery Is Making Whiskey With Rye Recovered From an 1876 Shipwreck

Awards Announced >> 3 Stories

Heaven Hill Distillery awarded IWSC’s 2024 Bourbon Producer Trophy

Traveller: double platinum whiskey

MICHTER’S NAMED WORLD’S MOST ADMIRED WHISKEY

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

Angel’s Envy tweaks cask-strength Bourbon

2XO Whiskey Releases Second Vintage of Gem of Kentucky, The Only Double Barreled, Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Rabbit Hole Just Dropped a New Limited-Edition 8-Year-Old Rye Whiskey

Templeton Releases New Flagship Templeton Straight Rye Whiskey

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Returns For The Fall 2024 Season

Remus Gatsby Reserve Returns

Four Roses Distillery Unveils Single Barrel Collection, Honoring 20 Years Of Single Barrel Excellence

Milam & Greene Whiskey Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon Is Ready to Take Flight

Michter’s First Release of Its 20 Year Bourbon in Two Years

Hidden Barn Releases Perfect Harmony Madeira Finished Bourbon for 2024

Bourbon & Whiskey News: October 2024 Insights

11/01/24
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from October 2024 >> 40 Stories!

In October 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced remarkable advancements, highlighted by an impressive boom in whiskey tourism and the expansion of festivals, alongside significant distillery growth. American whiskey production is on the rise, defying stagnant sales. Exciting new bourbons were launched from various brands, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Whiskey Tourism Market Analysis Report 2024: Rise in Gastro-Distilleries, Growth of Whiskey Festivals, US Expansion – Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecasts to 2029

Investing in America’s Spirit: CaskX Highlights Bourbon Investment at 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Why American whiskey is raising its production while sales stay flat – Category Intel

California becomes powerhouse in bourbon business

American whiskey growth stalls in US

InvestBev Commits $50 Million to Fuel Growth in the Distillery and Bourbon Barrel Sector

MGP Ingredients Declares $0.12 Quarterly Dividend

Bardstown Bourbon Company Completes Most Significant Distillery Expansion to Date

Journeyman Opens a New Complex in Valparaiso, Indiana

Legendary Master Distiller, John Campbell, Joins Sespe Creek Distillery

Distillery building ranks among top Henderson projects in September

These two founders left Maker’s Mark to create their own distillery

Descendants of Bardstown’s founders set up distillery in Muhlenberg Co.

Green River Distilling Co. coming to Whiskey Row

Louisville distillery and brand to sell at auction in December

2.55 million tours and counting: Kentucky Bourbon Trail by the numbers

Kentucky Bourbon Trail | Distilleries celebrate 25 years since the iconic trail began

Awards Announced >> 5 Stories

IWSC announces 2024 Spirits trophy winners

Heaven Hill named Most Awarded US Distillery at international spirits competition

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Awarded Bourbon Trophy 2024

See how Kentucky bourbon, distilleries ranked in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

Michter’s Receives The Industry’s Highest Honor: The 2024 World’s Most Admired Whiskey

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

Record-setting attendance helps Bourbon & Beyond win national Festival of Year award

Mary Dowling Whiskey Company Introduces Winter Wheat Bourbon: A Toasted Barrel Masterpiece

Widow Jane Releases 20-Year Black Opal Bourbon

Blade and Bow Re-Releases 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

King of Kentucky Bourbon Releases Seventh Edition

2XO Announces Release of The Sneakerhead Blend Bourbon

RD1 Spirits Unveils 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brazilian Amburana Wood

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Releases Blackberry Farm Collab Whiskey

Milam & Greene Whiskey Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon is Ready to Fly

Brother’s Bond adds 7YO bonded Bourbon

Yellowstone Bourbon announces 2024 Bourbon Giftpack

Woodford Reserve Releases Master’s Collection Madeira Cask Finish

Jim Beam® Unveils Limited-Edition Winter Reserve To Unwrap The Spirit Of The Holidays

Baker’s Bourbon Launches New High-Rye Expression

A Very Rock n’ Roll Holiday: FEW Spirits Releases Icons of Rock Collection Featuring Whiskey Collabs with Legends of Modern Rock

Rabbit Hole Distillery Releases Limited Edition 8-Year-Old Boxergrail Founder’s Collection

‘Distillery of the Decade’ Releases Alberta Premium Batch 10 Legacy Reserve

Buffalo Trace Releases 2024 Antique Collection

Top Bourbon & Whiskey News from September 2024

10/01/24
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from September 2024 >> 30 Stories!

In September 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry showcased significant developments including market reports, distillery news, and new bottle releases. Highlights featured long-standing icons like Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary, new distilleries breaking ground, and the reveal of five inductees into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, reflecting ongoing growth and innovation.

Bourbon Spirits Market Report 2024: Industry Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Forecast to 2033

Bourbon Spirits Market Segments, Drivers, Restraints, And Trends For 2024-2033

Bourbon Whiskey Market Insights: Navigating Opportunities for Growth

An Angel’s Envy Founder Reveals Plans for Ambitious New Distillery

Kentucky bourbon icon Jimmy Russell celebrates his 70th anniversary at Wild Turkey

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Chicken Cock Whiskey as newest member

More than 230 years of history bottled at James B. Beam Distilling Company

Gov. Beshear joins Henderson Distilling Co. to break ground on $5M startup distillery

Casey Jones Distillery kicks off Mash Maker’s Experience

Tennessee Whiskey Trail Adds Two New Members

Kentucky’s Bourbon Boat Might Be The Best Way To Experience The Bourbon Trail

Awards Announced >> 1 Story

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame reveals five new inductees

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Announces Dates

Filmland Spirits Releases QUADRAFORCE BOURBON: Behold the Blend of 4

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Introduces Silver Oak Finish, Discovery 12 in Time for Bourbon Heritage Month

Dierks Bentley To Introduce ROW 94 Whiskey

Maker’s Mark Debuts Its Most Mature Bourbon: Cellar Aged Returns With Highly Anticipated Second Release

Press Release: Wyoming Whiskey Introduces National Parks No. 4 and Old Faithful

Jack Daniel’s goes back to Coy Hill

Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond: Spring 2018 Vintage Release

O.H. Ingram River Aged 2024 Flagship Bourbon has Arrived

Costco’s Whiskey Advent Calendar Is Back For 2024: Here’s What’s Inside

Widow Jane releases amburana-finished Bourbon

Town Branch Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey Release – 90% Bourbon Whiskey and 100% Kentucky

Penelope Bourbon introduces premium 2024 Estate Collection

Rare Character Whiskey to Launch New Line “Rare Character Limited Release”

Barrell Craft Spirits® Unveils Newest Bourbon Blend in its Cask Finish Series: Ice Wine

McBrayer Legacy Spirits to Release Cedar Brook Wheated

Castle & Key Releases Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon

The One Bourbon You Should Bring Home From Every State

Not a Bottle, But Related

Cohiba Releases First Cigar Aged in Weller Bourbon Barrels

August 2024 Industry Highlights

09/01/24
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from August 2024 >> 52 stories!

The August 2024 Bourbon & Whiskey News encompass a wide range of industry updates. Notable highlights include market growth projections, distillery expansions, award recognitions, festival updates, and new bottle releases. Industry shifts like self-distribution benefits and market demands in premium whiskey are also discussed, reflecting a dynamic and evolving landscape in the bourbon and whiskey sector.

MGP Ingredients Declares $0.12 Quarterly Dividend

Distilleries benefit from new law allowing them to self-distribute

If US whiskey glut does emerge, major distillers will be fine – but small may suffer

Irish Whiskey Market size is set to grow by USD 2.40 billion from 2024-2028, Increasing demand for premium whiskey boost the market, Technavio

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Joins Prestigious World Spirits Alliance

‘A fast-growing industry,’ with more potential: 10 years in, Indiana’s craft distillers look ahead

CT’s craft distillery industry has grown, but distribution among key challenges

Drink to that! NY Gov. Hochul signs law allowing distilleries to ship direct to consumers

Single Malt Whiskey Market Overview & Growth Rate Forecast for the Next 5 Years: JB Dewar, Bacardi, Beam Suntory

Horse Soldier Bourbon investing in Somerset with planned dis­tillery

Jim Beam distillery expanding into Fulton County

RD1 Spirits creates R&D master distiller role

Jackson Purchase Distillery opens $10M rickhouse

Infamous Whiskey Announces Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) Permit Approval

Ole Smoky Distillery Makes the Inc. 5000 for the Fifth Year in a Row

Ingram River Aged Keeps Expanding, Purchases 24 Acres of Land

Jim Beam celebrates 90 years in the Kentucky bourbon industry

Whiskey Thief Distilling Company To Expand Signature Single-Barrel Tasting & Thieving Experience Into Louisville

Bourbon distiller Maker’s Mark plans $18.5 million expansion

Green River seeing record number of visitors

Distiller seeks $5m for community-led distillery

Kentucky Castle owner plans new $92 million Versailles whiskey distillery

25th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Whiskey Americana: 4 of the Best Whiskey Trails of the South

Casey Jones Distillery Launches First-Ever Mash Maker’s Experience As Exclusive Bourbon Trail Tour Stop in Hopkinsville, KY

Awards Announced >> 5 stories

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024

New Riff Distilling Wins ‘Best High Rye Bourbon’ at New Orleans Spirits Competition

Elkhart, Indiana: Golden Spike Distillery Wins National Award for Its Bourbon

St. Augustine Named “2024 Distillery Of The Year” By The ADI

Women of Whiskey WOW Award Winners 2024

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 5 stories

Bourbon & Beyond Daily Music Schedule Announced And New App Launched

Bourbon & Beyond Still has Tickets Available

Bourbon on the Banks has Tickets Available

St. Louis Bourbon Festival has Tickets Available

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is SOLD OUT

Woodford Reserve Releases Blended Malt Whiskey

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Announces French Oak, A New Release in the Award Winning Oak Series

Elijah Craig Launches Toasted Rye Whiskey

Four Roses 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon To Launch September 14

Three Chord Bourbon Announces 2024 Backstage Series Bourbon Release with The Allman Brothers Band

Ross & Squibb Distillery celebrates the repeal of Prohibition with the release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VIII

On The Tenth Anniversary of Its Debut, Michter’s is Releasing Its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon Once Again

Penelope Bourbon introduces tastes of Spain with Valencia

Buzzard’s Roost Celebrates Five Years with Pair of Releases

Lux Row Distillers releases the third edition of its Blood Oath Trilogy featuring Pacts 7, 8 and 9

Old Forester announces 2024 Birthday Bourbon

Old Elk® Distillery Announces its First Straight Wheat Whiskey Finished in French Limousine Cognac Casks

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Releases High Wheat Bourbon

Heritage Distilling Co. Launches “War Dogs” Whiskey to Honor U.S. Military Working Dogs

Little Book® Announces Inaugural Series, ‘The Infinite’, A Perpetual Tribute To Three Generations Of James B. Beam Distilling Co. Master Distillers

Heaven Hill Reveals 2024 Parker’s Heritage Release: 14-Year-Old Kentucky Malt Whiskey

The Angel’s Envy Line Expands With Its First Cask Strength Rye Whiskey

Booker’s Bourbon Announces New Annual Series: The Reserves