Big Wins, Bold Expansions, and Fresh Faces in the World of Whiskey and Mead

Autumn’s in full swing, and the spirits world is matching the season’s energy with some big news and bold releases. From Louisville’s award-winning bourbon tours to a billion-dollar expansion by Buffalo Trace’s parent company, the bourbon industry is flexing its muscle while craft distillers keep things creative and personal. On the mead side, new players are bubbling up with fresh flavors and fresh ideas—proof that honey wine continues to find its groove with a new generation of makers. We’ve got a lot to cover, so grab your favorite pour and settle in; here’s what’s stirring this week in bourbon and mead.

Whiskey JYPSI is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary with Legacy Batch 003: “The Declaration,” a bold reimagining of Maryland-style rye inspired by George Washington’s original mash bill. Blending aged rye, corn, and malt whiskeys — including spirit finished in apple brandy barrels from Mount Vernon — this 57.87% ABV release pays homage to America’s whiskey roots while showcasing modern craftsmanship. Created by whiskey maker Ari Sussman and co-founders Eric Church and Raj Alva, The Declaration embodies the brand’s “no rules” ethos with a sophisticated blend praised by critics for its elegance and restraint. Limited bottles ($199.99 SRP) are available at select retailers and online at buy.whiskeyjypsi.com.

Philadelphia’s newest craft mead brand, MerMead, is the brainchild of Abington High alum and Temple University grad Sophie Whitney, who turned her passion for honey wine into a startup success. Launched this September, MerMead’s debut flavor—a light, sweet 6% Ginger Lemonade mead—is already available through Vinoshipper, the Dickinson Square Farmers Market, Stone’s Beer & Beverage, and Garage Bar Rittenhouse. The brand name playfully nods to Whitney’s love of both mermaids and mead, while future batches promise new flavors like Strawberry Hibiscus, Blueberry Lavender, and Original Honey. Funded through Temple’s entrepreneurial competitions and guided by a professional mead mentor, Whitney’s MerMead is quickly positioning itself as Philly’s next refreshingly fun craft drink.

Louisville’s own Rabbit Hole Distillery has been crowned North America’s Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour for 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, often dubbed the “Super Bowl” of tourism. Located in the city’s NuLu neighborhood, Rabbit Hole’s immersive experience offers a stylish, behind-the-scenes look at modern bourbon-making—from distillation and blending to its innovative use of toasted and charred barrels. Founder Kaveh Zamanian credits the honor to his team’s dedication and the passion of visitors who celebrate the craft. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with $25 admission, and guests can unwind afterward at the Overlook Bar, known for its whiskey flights and craft cocktails.

Fresh off completing a decade-long, $1.2 billion expansion that more than doubled production at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Sazerac Co. is pushing forward with another $1.05 billion in new growth projects. The family-owned spirits giant—maker of Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton’s, Weller, and 1792—is planning a new facility in Campbellsville, Kentucky, creating 50 jobs with an average wage of $33.80 per hour. The project includes major land, building, and equipment investments to meet surging demand. Sazerac also announced a $38 million expansion in New Albany, Indiana, adding 25 more positions. Beyond whiskey, the company has been on an acquisition spree, recently purchasing Western Son Vodka, following last year’s buys of Svedka Vodka and BuzzBallz. The move signals Sazerac’s confidence in continued spirits growth even as parts of the U.S. whiskey industry cool.

Louisville-based Buzzard’s Roost Distillery is rolling out a new Single Barrel Pick Experience at its Whiskey Row tasting room, giving individuals, clubs, charities, and corporate groups the chance to hand-select their own custom bourbon or rye. Guests sample several double-oaked whiskeys—each finished in Buzzard’s signature toasted or lightly charred barrels—before choosing a favorite to be bottled with a personalized seal or logo. Full barrels yield about 210–240 bottles, while half-barrels produce roughly 110. Prices average $95 per bourbon and $85 per rye, with virtual sessions also available. Co-founders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner say the new program brings their small-batch, second-barrel-aged whiskeys directly to fans while offering a fun, charitable, and memorable way to celebrate life’s milestones.

California’s Hinterhaus Distilling is marking its fifth anniversary with the launch of Singularity, a limited-edition American Single Malt Whiskey finished in an 11-year-old California Port French Oak cask. Crafted from malt sourced from Admiral Maltings and Great Western, Singularity delivers rich cherry, toffee, and cereal notes, all non-chill filtered and free of colorants. Founder and head distiller Nate Randall says only the distillery’s rarest casks will bear the Singularity name. This inaugural release is available exclusively at Hinterhaus’s Arnold, CA bottle shop, though future batches may be offered for shipping. The mountain-based distillery continues to define a distinctly Northern California take on American Single Malt, blending transparency, craftsmanship, and terroir-driven character.

Green River Distilling Co. of Owensboro, Kentucky, has earned top honors at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, where its Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon was crowned World’s Best Bourbon. Praised for its smooth, balanced profile with notes of peach, caramel, toffee, and hazelnut, the 90-proof bourbon stood out among elite wheated competitors—despite its modest $34.99 price tag. Master Blender Dan Callaway said the award affirms Green River’s mission to blend tradition with modern accessibility, offering exceptional flavor without inflated pricing. Crafted from a 70% corn, 21% wheat, 9% malted barley mashbill, Green River Wheated continues the distillery’s legacy as Kentucky’s 10th oldest licensed DSP, combining old-school craftsmanship with a contemporary, easy-drinking character that’s clearly capturing global attention.

Celebrate the best of Ohio’s spirits scene this Saturday at the Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival, hosted at Henmick Farm & Brewery—just in time for peak fall colors and cozy sweater weather. This year’s event is the biggest yet, featuring 25 Ohio distilleries pouring their latest whiskeys, along with limoncellos, vodkas, rums, and agave spirits for non-whiskey drinkers. For $50, guests receive eight tastings, access to all distilleries, live music from The Mighty Troubadours, and an on-site OHLQ bottle shop to take home new favorites. Whether you’re a bourbon buff or a curious sipper, this festival is the perfect fall weekend pour.

Colorado’s Hoot + Howl Spirits is now shipping its award-winning lineup nationwide, giving spirits fans across the U.S. access to its mountain-inspired creations. Based in Golden, Colorado, the distillery blends historical techniques—like double distillation and slow temperature curves—with modern craft to produce smooth, complex spirits such as Armagnac Cask Bourbon, Gin, Vodka, Black Tea Liqueur, and Triple Sec. Founder Callan DeLine says the brand was born from the wild joy of full-moon backcountry skiing and aims to capture that same spirit in every bottle. With multiple silver medals and a Best of Colorado nod already under its belt, Hoot + Howl is quickly becoming a name to watch in the craft spirits world.

Middleburg Barrel Company has launched its flagship brand, 1787 Provenance Bourbon, featuring a 7-year Straight Bourbon and a 14-year premium expression sourced from top Kentucky distilleries and curated by whiskey maker Jay West. Founded by Viyas Sundaram, the newly opened Provenance Estate spans 21 acres in Middleburg, Virginia, with over 2,000 casks aging in two rickhouses. The estate offers a reservation-only bourbon experience, including barrel thieving, custom barrel picks, and tours of its scenic property—complete with resident donkeys, Martha and George. Already appearing in DC bars and retailers, Provenance reflects Sundaram’s mission to bring a refined, intentional bourbon experience to Northern Virginia’s emerging whiskey scene.

Blue Run Spirits has unveiled a limited-edition High Rye Bourbon celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Chicago Bears’ iconic 1985 championship season. Partnering directly with the Bears, the commemorative bottle features a custom viceroy butterfly medallion and bold design inspired by the “Monsters of the Midway,” officially marking Blue Run as The Official Bourbon of the Chicago Bears. Bottled at 111 proof and priced at $89.99, the bourbon offers notes of praline, orange peel, brown sugar, and peach, finishing with herbal white tea and clove. The bottles are available exclusively in Illinois through Binny’s, Jewel-Osco, Costco, and online at Seelbach’s.

High West Distillery has released Act 13 of its beloved A Midwinter Night’s Dram, a limited-edition blend of straight rye whiskeys finished in Ruby and Tawny Port barrels. Built from the distillery’s flagship Rendezvous Rye (aged 4–10 years), this year’s act arrives non-chill filtered and bottled at 98.6 proof, offering rich layers of blackberry, fig jam, spiced chai, and chocolate-covered cherries. A seasonal favorite among whiskey fans, Act 13 continues the tradition of balancing elegance with spice and warmth. Priced at $149.99, it’s available in limited quantities nationwide and at the High West Saloon and Distillery in Wanship, Utah.

Portland’s Westward Whiskey is back in business after a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with a group of private investors acquiring the brand and CEO Thomas Mooney remaining at the helm. Despite financial struggles, Westward’s sales grew 53% through September, surpassing 2024 totals. The new ownership includes Luis Fernando Leal, an original investor, and plans to maintain Westward as an independent distillery. Mooney emphasizes that the company will adapt to ongoing challenges in the craft spirits industry, including regulatory delays and market contraction, while leveraging lessons learned to continue growing the brand. The sale is expected to be finalized on November 3, 2025.

After years of enchanting experiences—from Celtic and Pirate festivals to Masquerades—Fae Nectar is closing its doors for good, marking the 5th Age as its final chapter. Regional challenges, rising operational costs, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene made continuing untenable. The Tavern will remain open until Sunday, November 30, giving fans a last chance to celebrate. In a bittersweet silver lining, the distillery has bottled the final batches of its Traditional and Hibiscus Elderberry meads, available while supplies last. The Fae Nectar team invites the community to join in one last magical celebration, raising a glass to the memories made and adventures ahead.

Zymarium Meadery has bottled its fan-favorite Halloween meads for the first time, letting fans enjoy them at home, at a party, or age them for later. All four expressions are available in the Taproom and ship to 40+ states:

This collection brings the spooky season magic of Zymarium’s taproom to your home with bold flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.

Show off your love for fine spirits with Bourbon & Mead merchandise! From cozy tees and hoodies to sleek drinkware and accessories, our merch lets you celebrate your favorite whiskeys and meads in style. Perfect for sipping at home, gifting to a fellow enthusiast, or adding a touch of spirits-inspired flair to your wardrobe. Grab yours and raise a glass in true Bourbon & Mead fashion!

San Diego’s Lost Cause Meadery launches the 6th edition of The Connoisseur, a luxurious blend of four distinctive honey varietals aged 12–18 months in bourbon, red wine, and imperial stout casks. At 15% ABV and $34 (375 mL), this year’s release features carrot blossom, wild buckwheat, meadowfoam, and California orange blossom honey, creating a complex yet approachable traditional mead. Expect aromas of toffee, Maraschino cherry, vanilla, and brown sugar, with flavors of caramel, latte, milk chocolate, and subtle oak, finishing long and balanced with gentle barrel warmth.

The Connoisseur 2025 goes online Saturday, 10/25 at 8 a.m. PT and in-person at the meadery at 12 p.m. PT—a treat for longtime fans and mead connoisseurs alike.

Burton James Distillers of Adairville, Kentucky, is celebrating its 3rd anniversary with a milestone release — its first Kentucky Grit Bourbon, distilled and aged entirely in Adairville. This small-batch bourbon spent 2 years and 2 months in the barrel and clocks in at 96 proof (48% ABV). Crafted from 96% local grain, including Logan County non-GMO yellow corn, rye, and Kentucky-malted barley, plus a touch of Midwestern oat, the release highlights Burton James’ deep commitment to local agriculture and craftsmanship. Bottles will debut in very limited quantities during the anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 8, from 11 AM to 6 PM—a fitting toast to three years of Kentucky grit and growth.

Bozeman Spirits Distillery got an unexpected visitor this week when a bear wandered through downtown Bozeman, casually exploring the distillery’s outdoor seating area before trotting off. The playful encounter, shared by the distillery on Facebook, quickly caught local attention. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds residents that “Montana is bear country,” noting that while grizzlies rarely venture into town, black bears are common across much of the state. Luckily for Bozeman Spirits, their furry guest didn’t stop for a drink—just a quick tour.

Three Michigan producers—Granor Farm, Long Road Distillers, and Traverse City Whiskey Co.—have earned top national recognition in USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Granor Farm ranked among the nation’s best for craft gin, showcasing its organic, farm-grown botanicals. Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids’ first craft distillery, landed on the Best Craft Specialty Spirits list for its locally sourced lineup. Traverse City Whiskey Co. impressed in two categories—Best Craft Whiskey and Best Spirits Tasting Room—cementing Michigan’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in the craft distilling world.

After seven years in business, Littleton-based 52eighty Distilling has closed its doors and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Founded in 2018 by brothers Erick and Drew Demgen and partner Lou Pacenta, the Colorado distillery produced gin, vodka, and whiskey but struggled with declining sales in recent years. Revenue fell from $158,000 in 2023 to just over $72,000 in 2025, prompting the decision to liquidate. Bankruptcy filings list $288,000 in assets—including $175,000 in equipment—and $1.1 million in liabilities, with major debts owed to the SBA and Ready Cap Lending. The tasting room has already closed as the business winds down operations.

The founders of Nearest Green Distillery, Fawn and Keith Weaver, are opposing efforts to expand a court-ordered receivership to include more of their businesses. The Tennessee distillery and its Uncle Nearest whiskey brand were placed under a receiver in September after Kentucky lender Farm Credit claimed the Weavers defaulted on $108 million in loans. The Weavers argue the 10 additional entities in question—including the Humble Baron Bar and Shelbyville Barrel House BBQ—are separate from the distillery and not liable for its debts. They also claim Farm Credit’s “unsubstantiated accusations” have damaged their reputation and operations, while maintaining that Uncle Nearest remains solvent. The dispute follows a wider downturn in the spirits market and comes as Farm Credit seeks to determine whether the Weavers’ interconnected ventures should fall under receivership control.

Kentucky proved once again it’s bourbon country, with four regional distilleries landing among USA TODAY’s top 10 craft distillery tours. Starlight Distillery in southern Indiana ranked No. 4, while Kentucky’s Jeptha Creed, Peerless, and Castle & Key placed 8th, 9th, and 10th, respectively. Peerless and Jeptha Creed also earned spots on the Best Craft Whiskey list, showcasing the state’s continued dominance in small-batch whiskey craftsmanship. Louisville’s Hell or High Water speakeasy took home second place nationally for Best Speakeasy, adding to the state’s growing reputation for world-class spirits and immersive tasting experiences.

Jack Daniel’s has announced its latest limited-edition whiskey, Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye, a barrel-proof Tennessee rye matured atop one of Lynchburg’s oldest barrelhouses. Aged since 2015 in Barrel House 1 on historic Tanyard Hill, this whiskey delivers deep, complex flavors shaped by Tennessee’s seasonal extremes. Crafted from a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, it offers aromas of dark fruit and oak with notes of candied mint, dark chocolate, and baking spice. Bottled between 130.2 and 148.8 proof, the release will hit shelves nationwide this month for $79.99.

Frank August has unveiled Case Study: 06 | Legacy Reserve | 6 Barrel Batch, the latest addition to its award-winning Case Study series. This limited-edition release blends 8-, 9-, and 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbons sourced from three of Kentucky’s legacy distilleries, creating a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Crafted from nine small six-barrel batches, the whiskey showcases balance, depth, and modern character—hallmarks of Frank August’s blending philosophy. Priced at $124.99, Case Study: 06 is now available across 17 U.S. markets, continuing the series’ streak of acclaimed, gold-winning expressions.

In the quiet woods of Palermo, Maine, Mark and Carrie Mancini have transformed a once-forgotten barn into Ægir’s Den Meadery—a Viking-inspired dining hall where local food, small-batch mead, and community spirit come together. Using 100% Maine honey, the veteran-owned meadery produces handcrafted meads like Loki’s Wit and Brisingamen, pairing them with farm-to-table dishes featuring ingredients from nearby growers, including garlic from Carrie’s late father’s farm. Guests share communal tables for multi-course suppers filled with laughter, conversation, and sometimes Viking costumes. Rooted in both Norse myth and Maine soil, Ægir’s Den has become a beacon for slow food, local craft, and neighborly connection in Waldo County.

Ipswich’s 1634 Meadery is turning Halloween into a cause for good with its HOWL-o-Ween fundraiser benefiting Wolf Hollow, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to wolf conservation and education. The family-friendly event, held Saturday, October 25, from 1 to 5 p.m., will feature interactive sessions with educator Chelsea Morey, complete with wolf facts and touchable artifacts. To support the cause, 1634 Meadery will donate $1 from every bottle, glass, or tasting flight sold during the event. Timed right after downtown trick-or-treating, it’s a perfect way for families to enjoy local mead, learn about wolves, and help protect these misunderstood animals that play a vital role in nature.

Pennsylvania’s Liberty Pole Spirits is ringing in the holiday season with a lineup of special-edition whiskeys that blend creativity, collaboration, and craft. Kicking off on October 24, the American Single Malt Collaboration with Rusty Gold Brewery features ale-distilled whiskey aged in new and used oak barrels ($79.99). Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, brings the return of the Triple Single Barrel Release, including a mead-finished rye (in partnership with Apis Meadery), a port-finished rye, and a PX mesquite-finished rye, all bottled at full proof and available exclusively at the distillery ($74 each). Closing out the year on December 20 is the Double Oaked Bourbon, aged first in charred oak and then a second heavily toasted barrel for extra depth ($74). Each release highlights Liberty Pole’s experimental spirit and strong community ties, offering perfect gifts or festive pours for the season.

Celebrate Veterans Day with Jeptha Creed on November 8th, starting at 11 AM, as they release Red, White & Blue Bourbon Batch 4. The event features a color guard ceremony, guest speakers, bottle signings, light appetizers, and more. This limited-edition bourbon continues Jeptha Creed’s ground-to-glass tradition, crafted from heirloom red, white, and blue corn grown right on their Shelbyville farm. “Distilled from on-site heirloom corn for full flavor and vibrant color. Aged to perfection, offering a smooth, full-bodied profile with sweet corn richness balanced by subtle oak and spice. Available in very limited quantities—once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Two distilleries, one mash bill, and a celebration of craft differences—The Confluence Project unites Chattanooga Whiskey and New Riff Distilling in a unique collaborative series. Starting with a shared Tennessee Straight Wheat Whiskey mash bill, each distillery independently cooked, fermented, distilled, barreled, and aged their version, producing 11 experimental single barrels, each at cask strength with distinct profiles reflecting different casks and entry proofs.

The project celebrates a long-standing partnership: the founding distillers of both companies previously worked together in craft brewing, highlighting a shared history and commitment to exploring craft, contrast, and creativity in whiskey.

Starting November 7, Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) members can enjoy a new 90-minute warehouse and barrel tasting experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Members with at least three SBS points can book this behind-the-scenes tour, which includes access to multiple warehouse locations, samples thieved straight from aging barrels, and a take-home single-barrel bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon from their favorite warehouse—plus a branded tasting glass.

Tickets are $35 per person (including the bottle and glass), with reservations opening October 27 via the SBS dashboard. Each member may book for themselves and up to three guests. The experience will run on Mondays and Fridays, offering an immersive look at how different warehouse environments influence Buffalo Trace’s signature flavor profiles.

Red Line Whiskey has announced the debut of its first-ever 11-Year American Whiskey, marking a milestone for the brand’s aging program. Bottled from Barrel 339 at a robust 123 proof, this single-barrel release features a mash bill of 83% corn, 13% rye, and 4% malted barley. Expect a flavor profile rich in caramel, toasted oak, and warm spice, showcasing over a decade of careful maturation. With only limited quantities available, enthusiasts are encouraged to pre-order now and secure a piece of Red Line’s whiskey history.

Hardin’s Creek, the experimental arm of the James B. Beam Distilling Co., has unveiled The Warehouse Series, a limited-edition trio that delves into how different warehouse environments shape bourbon flavor. Each 11-year-old release—Warehouse R “Mushroom,” Warehouse W “Beaver,” and Warehouse G “Owl”—shares the same mash bill and proof (55% ABV, 110 proof) but reflects its own aging climate, from the cool darkness of a single-story rickhouse to the towering nine-story “Owl.” Designed by surrealist artist Max Loeffler, each bottle tells its warehouse story through symbolic artwork. Priced at $149.99 per 700ml, the series celebrates Hardin’s Creek’s ongoing mission to blend innovation with nearly 230 years of Beam family whiskey heritage.

L&T Spirits has unveiled Noteworthy Professor Pepper Cherry Spiced Bourbon Whiskey, a lively new expression that fuses classic bourbon depth with bold cherry and pepper spice. Designed for drinkers who enjoy both tradition and adventure, this release balances ripe cherry sweetness, warm spice, and gentle oak for a smooth yet spirited sip. CEO Larry Sheppard describes it as “a celebration of flavor” — a bourbon meant to spark conversation as much as enjoyment. With its retro-inspired label and playful “Lesson in Flavor” tagline, Professor Pepper stands out as a creative twist on American whiskey craftsmanship.

Three Hands Mead Company is putting mead back on the map in downtown Plant City, offering a fresh take on the world’s oldest alcoholic drink. Founded in 2021 by Cody and his wife, the meadery serves 13 varieties on tap, from light and crisp to indulgent seasonal flavors like pumpkin-spiced coffee and caramel apple slushie. What began as a kitchen experiment after the couple couldn’t find mead locally has grown into a thriving tasting room that invites newcomers to explore the versatility of honey-based wine. With tasting flights and creative blends, Three Hands Mead is making the ancient art of mead approachable — and downright fun — for modern palates.

That wraps up this week’s pour of Bourbon and Mead Digest! Whether you’re chasing the latest small-batch bourbon or sipping a honeyed glass of mead, there’s always something new worth toasting. If you enjoyed this issue, share it with a friend who loves good spirits and better stories.

Stay curious, drink responsibly, and keep your glass half full until next week.

— Walker, Bourbon & Mead