Honoring Veterans and Raising a Glass to Fall Releases

As we approach Veterans Day, we pause to salute those who’ve served and continue to inspire our communities—both at home, abroad, and behind the bar. This week’s lineup celebrates craftsmanship and camaraderie with a fresh wave of bourbon and mead news: limited-edition releases from Iowa to Kentucky, seasonal favorites making their return, and a few can’t-miss tastings to mark the season. Whether you’re a collector, casual sipper, or simply looking for your next pour, there’s plenty to toast as fall deepens and the holidays draw near.

Heaven Hill Distillery is celebrating nine decades of independent, family-owned whiskey-making with a limited 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Bottled at 107 proof, this commemorative release blends 70% traditional bourbon with 30% aged in heavy char “alligator” barrels, resulting in rich layers of caramel, vanilla, toasted spice, and oak warmth. Distilled in 2015 and matured for over nine years in Bardstown’s Rickhouses G and H, the non-chill-filtered bourbon honors Heaven Hill’s heritage of craftsmanship and patience. Available nationwide for $124.99, it stands as both a tribute to the Shapira family legacy and a toast to the future of American whiskey.

Cedar Ridge Distillery is once again showcasing Iowa craftsmanship with the November 7 release of its Annual Double Barrel Bourbon and a brand-new Limited Edition Double Barrel Rye. Under Master Distiller Murphy Quint, both 105-proof expressions highlight Cedar Ridge’s signature double-barrel finishing technique, which deepens complexity through secondary aging in new American oak. The bourbon features a balanced mashbill of corn, rye, and malted barley, while the rye delivers bold spice from its 85% rye content. Each is priced at $59.99 and already boasts major industry accolades, reinforcing Cedar Ridge’s reputation as a Midwest powerhouse in premium whiskey innovation and authenticity.

Sky River Mead is bringing back its beloved Solas Honeywine for the season, and fans won’t want to miss the release celebration on Thursday, November 14, from 5–8 PM at the Sky River Tasting Room. This golden honey wine, known for its rich, elegant character and festive warmth, makes a perfect start to the holiday season. Guests can be among the first to enjoy a fresh pour of Solas while soaking in the cozy, celebratory spirit that has made it a favorite year after year.

Boone County Distilling Company is celebrating the Cincinnati Bengals’ 45th anniversary in stripes with a special set of limited-edition bottles. The collection features three small batch bourbons showcasing classic Bengals uniform designs from years past, while the bourbon cream dons the team’s current stripes. Fans can find the commemorative bottles at the Independence distillery or request them through local retailers across Bengals country — a fitting toast to football, heritage, and Kentucky craftsmanship.

Bourbon lovers will gather at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf on Sunday, November 9, for the 9th Annual Bourbon By the Bay. Hosted by Coastal Alabama Partnership, the event runs from 3–5 p.m. with VIP early entry at 2 p.m., offering tastings of fine bourbons, whiskeys, craft cocktails, wine, and local brews alongside live music and hearty hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds benefit Coastal 150, supporting regional growth initiatives along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Tickets and details are available at bourbonbythebay.com.

Just in time for the holidays, Jack Daniel’s is reintroducing a 3-liter bottle of its iconic Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey — the first U.S. release of this size since Prohibition. Crafted in Lynchburg using the classic mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, the whiskey is charcoal mellowed and aged in handcrafted oak barrels for Jack’s signature smoothness. Bottled at 80 proof and priced at $79.99, the oversized bottle joins the brand’s permanent lineup, offering whiskey fans a bold and gift-worthy way to celebrate the season.

Bluegrass Distillers is celebrating racing greatness with the launch of its Limited Edition Thorpedo Anna 9-Year Single Barrel Elkwood Reserve Bourbon, which debuted October 31. Inspired by 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, the 107-proof bourbon was selected in collaboration with the horse’s owners, trainer, and jockey to capture her strength and spirit. Half of all profits will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, with the first 100 signed bottles available exclusively at Bluegrass Distillers’ Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. Featuring artwork by Aimee Griffith, this limited release offers bourbon and racing fans alike a collectible toast to a true champion.

Nikka Whisky is marking four decades of its iconic From The Barrel expression with a new limited-edition bottling, Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage (51.4% ABV, $69.99). Limited to just 6,900 bottles nationwide, this release doubles the traditional “marriage” period—allowing the whisky to rest an extra three months in used casks for added depth and harmony. Originally crafted in 1985 to capture the richness of whisky straight from the barrel, this blend combines over 100 malt and grain whiskies from Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Alongside the anniversary release, Nikka is also introducing the original 500ml bottle size to the U.S. market. Fans can expect the brand’s signature full-bodied richness, mellow oak, and long, elegant finish—a fitting tribute to one of Japan’s most celebrated whiskies.

Industry veterans Jane Bowie and Denny Potter—known for their work at Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam—are breaking the bourbon mold with Potter Jane Distillery, a $50 million operation that’s equal parts craftsmanship and fun. Based in Springfield, Kentucky, the new distillery ditches the stuffy image for one that includes disco lights, a roller-skating co-founder, and even a pantsless mannequin in the visitor area. But behind the levity lies serious whiskey-making: a focus on traditional fermentation, all-malt conversions, and long-term aging. Their first six-month-old wheated and rye bourbons already show promise, with plans for flagship bottles priced around $25–$30. For now, Potter Jane is contract distilling for brands like Frank August and Kentucky Senator, but their eye is on the 2030s—when the disco ball may still be spinning, and their aged bourbon will finally hit the shelves.

North Carolina’s Southern Distilling Company is bringing back its crowd-favorite Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels, just in time for holiday sipping. Launching November 8, this second batch will be available at the Statesville tasting room and select ABC stores statewide. Bottled at 108.4 proof, the bourbon spends extra time in barrels that once held local wildflower honey, adding layers of toffee, floral sweetness, and toasted oak to its cask-strength profile. The limited-edition run will also feature honey-themed cocktails and gift bundles at the distillery—complete with barrel-aged honey and hot honey brittle—so expect this one to fly off shelves as fast as last year’s release.

Adairville’s B.H. James Distillers is celebrating its third anniversary in a big way with the debut of Kentucky Grit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first barrel distilled entirely in-house. Made from locally sourced grains and aged just over two years in #4 char Kelvin Cooperage barrels, only 72 bottles will be available November 8 for $99.99 at the distillery. Founder Shawn McCormick will also debut the Burton James Uniquely American Reserve, a 10-year barrel-proof bourbon blend at 121.7 proof. The event includes a coat drive benefiting Lucy’s Coat Closet, honoring McCormick’s late mother, and guests can sign a new anniversary barrel. With both limited releases and community spirit, this small-town distillery continues to punch above its weight in Kentucky bourbon culture.

Campari Group’s shares tumbled 5% after Italian tax authorities seized $1.5 billion in company stock amid an investigation into alleged tax evasion by its controlling shareholder, Lagfin, which owns about 17% of Campari’s market value. Officials allege Lagfin, owned by the Garavoglia family, failed to declare €5.3 billion in capital gainstied to a relocation of fiscal residence abroad. The family has denied wrongdoing. Campari, parent to Wild Turkey and Wilderness Trail, now faces heightened scrutiny during a challenging market where U.S. alcohol consumption has dropped to its lowest level in nearly a century, according to Gallup. If found liable, Lagfin could settle or sell shares to cover taxes, Reuters reports.

Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., has unveiled Little Book The Infinite: Edition II, the next installment in his evolving blend honoring three generations of Beam whiskey makers. The expression builds on the 2024 launch of The Infinite, with each new release incorporating portions of the previous batch to deepen flavor over time. This year’s blend combines Booker’s 22-year, Fred Noe’s 10-year, and Freddie’s 7-year extended fermentation bourbon, along with the original Infinite I base. The result offers notes of apple, pear, caramel, and oak-charred smoke. Bottled at 119.8 proof, the 750ml release carries a $199.99 SRP and continues Little Book’s legacy of innovation within the Beam family lineage.

Michter’s Distillery will release its highly anticipated 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon beginning December 1, marking another milestone following its recognition as The World’s Most Admired Whiskey for a record third time. Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson approved this rare 114.2-proof bottling, which showcases two decades of meticulous aging in new oak barrels. Wilson describes it as a masterclass in balance, with deep notes of vanilla, toffee, chocolate, and spice. Priced at $1,200 per 750ml, this limited release continues Michter’s reputation for precision and patience in crafting world-class bourbon.

Barrell Craft Spirits kicks off 2026 with New Year Bourbon 2026, a 110.3-proof blend of bourbons aged 5–16 years from six states, marking a decade of the series. With a mash bill of 74% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, and 1% wheat, it captures both freshness and depth. Expect bright pomegranate and green apple balanced by pumpkin pie spice, oak, and molasses sweetness. A splash of water reveals floral and herbal notes—rose, elderflower, and fennel—making this celebratory release as complex as it is festive. Each bottle reflects Barrell’s signature blending artistry, uniting diverse flavor profiles into a seamless pour. With limited availability, fans will want to raise a glass early before this New Year tradition disappears from shelves.

Doc Brown Farm & Distillers introduces Southern Ember, a 4-year straight bourbon finished with toasted pecan staves that delivers a rich taste of Southern warmth. Bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), it balances tradition and innovation with a smooth, nutty sweetness and depth of flavor that evokes Southern hospitality in every sip. Crafted to be more than just a pour, Southern Ember captures the heart of the South, inviting bourbon lovers to savor its craftsmanship and embrace its slow, glowing finish.

Garrison Brothers Distillery will release its highly anticipated 2025 Cowboy Bourbon on December 6 at its Hye, Texas distillery, with the first 1,000 bottles available first-come, first-served. Now in its 11th annual release, this 8-year-old, cask-strength bourbon (146.4 proof) showcases the bold character that helped put Texas bourbon on the map. Hand-selected by Master Distiller Donnis Todd, Cowboy Bourbon delivers intense waves of dried fruit, toasted marshmallow, and long, fiery warmth. Only 10,000 bottles will be released nationwide at an SRP of $249.99, making this one of the most coveted bourbons in Garrison Brothers’ lineup.

Louisville-based Pursuit Spirits is kicking off its new Founder Hour event series on November 7, giving six guests an exclusive chance to taste and buy some of the brand’s rarest single-barrel whiskeys alongside founders Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil. The debut lineup includes five aged releases, led by Episode 078, a 20-year-old Tennessee bourbon(114 proof) priced at $299.99—the oldest whiskey ever bottled by Pursuit Spirits. Other standouts include a 12-year Bardstown bourbon (133 proof), two Woodinville selections—a 10-year bourbon and an 8-year 100% rye—and the 8-year Episode 081, drawn from the brand’s original Bardstown stock. Episodes 078 and 081 will also be available by the pour at Pursuit’s Trial + Error Lounge on Whiskey Row, while the remaining bottles will follow after sellouts.

San Francisco’s Old Potrero has released its ultra-limited 2025 Christmas Spirit (50% ABV, 700ml, $139.99), with only 462 bottles available. Crafted from a 2015 San Francisco Christmas Spiced Ale, the spirit was double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged nine years in used Old Potrero rye barrels, resulting in festive notes of spiced fruit cake, candied orange, evergreen, malt, baking spices, and fresh ginger. Each bottle comes with a To & From gift card tag and is available in select states and online. This release celebrates Old Potrero’s legacy of small-batch pot-distilled rye, continuing the pioneering craft whiskey tradition started by Fritz Maytag.

Willett Distillery has unveiled its Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon, a new handcrafted release from fifth-generation Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen. The bourbon is a marriage of two distinct mashbills: 70% of a 72% corn, 13% rye, 15% malted barley recipe and 30% of a 52% corn, 38% rye, 10% malted barley recipe, carefully blended from about 50 barrels per batch to achieve remarkable depth and balance. Bottled at cask strength, each batch offers its own unique profile. Continuing the legacy of the late Even G. Kulsveen, this release expands Willett’s acclaimed Family Estate line, honoring nearly 90 years of family tradition rooted in craftsmanship, gratitude, and Kentucky hospitality. Limited quantities will be available nationwide.

The World Whiskey Society has launched the Doc Holliday 16 Year Cigar Blend, a bold and luxurious addition to its acclaimed series. Crafted with master distiller Chip Tate, this 62.1% ABV release marries three distinctive cask finishes — Tokaji, Armagnac, and White Port — to create a layered, complex whiskey designed for the refined palate. Balancing rich sweetness and structure, it showcases WWS’s talent for blending rare, expressive casks. The Doc Holliday 16 Year Cigar Blend is now available through the WWS online shop for $449, continuing the brand’s mission to craft collectible, one-of-a-kind spirits.

Pembroke, KY’s MB Roland Distillery has been selected to represent veteran-owned distilleries at the prestigious Bravo Whiskey Foxtrot tasting in New York, hosted by the Bob Woodruff Foundation for Veterans Day. The event, led by comedian Jim Gaffigan and featuring celebrities like Stephen Colbert, Jon Hamm, and Fred Minnick, will showcase MB Roland’s signature spirits. Founded in 2009 by Paul and Mary Beth Tomaszewski, the distillery is also celebrating the opening of its second Kentucky location in Cave City, developed in collaboration with Dueling Grounds and Cave City Distilling. The new site, styled with a New Orleans theme, aims to boost bourbon tourism in western Kentucky while highlighting MB Roland’s local roots and craft-driven approach.

This Veterans Day, we raise a glass to those who’ve served and to the distillers who pour heart and heritage into every bottle. As bourbon season hits full stride, it’s the perfect time to explore the stories behind the spirits—those of patience, precision, and passion. Whether you’re savoring a pour by the fire or discovering a new bottle for your collection, may your weekend be filled with warmth, gratitude, and good company.

Join us next week in the Bourbon & Mead Digest for more releases, tastings, and spirited news from across the country. Cheers to the veterans, the makers, and the moments worth toasting.