
Welcome to this week’s Bourbon & Mead Digest
We’ve got an overpacked lineup of whiskey and mead news, from major brand shakeups to fresh releases hitting shelves. In this edition, you’ll find updates on distilleries expanding into new markets, special editions tied to sports and heritage, and award-winning bottles making waves across the country. Whether you’re chasing limited single casks, exploring innovative wood finishes, or keeping tabs on the latest bourbon trail stops, there’s plenty here to sip on.
Judge Orders Receivership for Uncle Nearest Distillery Amid $108M Loan Dispute

In a major shake-up for one of Tennessee’s most celebrated whiskey brands, a federal judge has ordered the Nearest Green Distillery, home of Uncle Nearest, to be placed under receivership following claims it defaulted on over $108 million in loans from Farm Credit Mid-America. The decision temporarily removed founders Fawn and Keith Weaver from running day-to-day operations, though the court suggested they could still play a marketing role to help preserve the brand’s reputation. At the heart of the dispute is a $24 million loan increase tied to allegedly fictitious whiskey barrels, which the Weavers say was the work of a deceptive former CFO. The judge, unconvinced, noted that nearly all of the company’s other assets are already encumbered, raising questions about the distillery’s solvency. A gag order remains in place, and both parties must submit proposed receiver candidates by Aug. 20 as the high-stakes battle over control and credibility continues.
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Schramm’s Mead: Supporting Ken’s Retirement

Ken Schramm, often called the “godfather of American mead,” author of The Compleat Meadmaker and one of the most influential voices in modern mead, was recently rushed to the hospital after suffering a cardiac event. Thankfully, doctors were able to stabilize him, and he is now home after receiving an AICD, a combined pacemaker and defibrillator. The Schramm family has since shared that both Schramm’s Mead and Schramm’s Orchards are officially for sale, with the hope of finally giving Ken the retirement he deserves. Operating a small business in today’s climate has taken a heavy toll, and the family is working hard to pay off the orchard. Just 62 more days of strong sales would clear the debt. To help, they have released additional bottles of The Heart of Darkness in 187s and 750s, while the last of their historic Blackberry batch, the first ever produced in tanks, has already sold out. The Schramm family is deeply grateful for the love, support, and orders pouring in from the community as they work toward this bittersweet milestone.
Ingram Distillery Expands West, Now Pouring in Texas

The Ingram Distillery, known for its Mississippi River-aged whiskies, has officially entered the Texas market, marking a major milestone in its westward expansion. Founder Hank Ingram says the Lone Star launch is just the beginning, with more growth planned across the region. All Ingram whiskies, including the award-winning River Aged series and ultra-premium Flagship bourbon, spend their lives aging in floating barrelhouses moored in Columbus, Kentucky, where river motion, humidity, and heat cycles create their signature complexity. Already on shelves in seven states and online, the brand continues to build momentum as it brings its “Mellowed on the Mississippi” style to one of the nation’s biggest whiskey markets.
RD1 Spirits Named Kentucky’s Fastest-Growing Company by Inc. Magazine

Lexington-based RD1 Spirits has earned the No. 1 spot in Kentucky, No. 14 in the U.S. food and beverage sector, and No. 280 overall on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Since launching in 2020, the brand has expanded from Kentucky distribution to 31 states, built a reputation for innovative wood-finishing techniques, and earned over 150 awards. This year, RD1 opened its new tourist destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, featuring immersive bourbon experiences and a state-of-the-art distillery. Its latest limited release—Kentucky Straight Whiskey finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak—continues its mission to push the bourbon frontier.
Single Cask Nation Unveils Trio of Limited American Whiskeys

Independent bottler Single Cask Nation is highlighting American whiskey with three new limited releases, available exclusively online. Hand-selected by founders Joshua Hatton and Jason Johnstone-Yellin, the releases include a 10-year-old New York Rye (123 bottles, $100), a 4-year-old peated Balcones American Single Malt (150 bottles, $80), and a 5-year-old peated Cedar Ridge American Single Malt finished in Sauternes barrels (150 bottles, $80). Known for rich, viscous mouthfeel, each release showcases the brand’s dedication to the tradition of independent bottling—bringing a Scottish-inspired approach to American whiskey and offering enthusiasts a unique tasting experience with every bottle.
Buffalo Trace Reopens After April Floods

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is back to full operations after suffering extensive damage from historic April flooding, when the Kentucky River rose 48 feet above normal. Nearly all 100 buildings on the site were impacted, with almost three feet of water filling the visitor center. After a massive cleanup effort, the 200-year-old distillery is once again welcoming guests seven days a week for tours, tastings, and shopping. Looking ahead, Buffalo Trace also announced plans to open a new café in spring 2026, adding fresh dining options to the visitor experience.
Jim Beam Teases 2026 U.S. Soccer World Cup Bottle

Jim Beam, the official spirit sponsor of U.S. Soccer, looks set to release a specially labeled bottle in 2026 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Recent TTB label approvals hint at the limited-edition design, which will celebrate the global event while tying into Beam’s ongoing partnership with U.S. Soccer. Fans can expect the commemorative bottle to land just in time for the tournament, adding a collectible twist to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Reminder: 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge is Back

Bourbon & Banter’s annual 30 Days of Bourbon Challenge kicks off this September for Bourbon Heritage Month. The idea is simple: enjoy 30 different bourbons in 30 days—no rye, Scotch, or flavored whiskey, though Tennessee whiskey makes the cut. Participants are encouraged to mix it up with Bottled-in-Bond pours, finished bourbons, creative mash bills, and cocktails, all while tracking progress on the official calendar. Share your journey with #30DaysofBourbon, #BourbonHeritageMonth, and #DrinkCurious to join the community celebration of America’s native spirit. Visit Bourbon & Banter for a full guide, a downloadable PDF calendar, and social media overlays.
Switchback’s Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey Strikes Double Gold

Switchback Brewing Co.’s Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey has earned a prestigious Double Gold Medal at the 2025 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, signaling unanimous praise from judges. Born during the pandemic as a collaboration with Split Spirits to repurpose surplus ale, the whiskey has since become a flagship of Switchback’s growing spirits line. Already recognized at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey is now firmly on the map, available statewide in Vermont and at the Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse in Burlington.
Kings County Launches Flagship Empire Rye

Brooklyn’s Kings County Distillery has introduced a new flagship Straight Empire Rye, marking the first time the distillery has sufficient stock to offer it as a permanent release. Bottled at 90 proof with a gold cap and the official Empire Rye insignia, the whiskey is made from 80% New York-grown Danko rye and 20% English malted barley, double pot distilled, and aged at least three years. Co-founder Colin Spoelman calls the release the culmination of a decade-long effort to revive rye production in its Northeastern birthplace. Priced at $69, the Empire Rye now joins Kings County’s core lineup alongside its Straight Bourbon, Peated Bourbon, and American Single Malt.
Twisted Tail’s Whiskey Bonanza Returns for 11th Year
Philadelphia’s Twisted Tail is bringing back its Whiskey Bonanza on Thursday, Sept. 25, just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month. The festival will feature over 100 whiskeys, a cocktail competition, live New Orleans-style jazz and blues, a southern pig roast, and even a cigar lounge tucked into a revamped Airstream. VIP tickets ($85) include early access, rare pours, and first crack at the pig roast, while general admission is $65, and a designated driver option is available for $40. For those who can’t make the event, The Twisted Tail will keep the celebration going all September with Bourbon Club perks, special promotions, and curated whiskey flights.
Luke Grimes Joins High West’s “Protect the West” Campaign

Yellowstone star Luke Grimes has teamed up with Utah’s High West Distillery to champion conservation efforts across the American West. As the newest ambassador for the distillery’s Protect the West initiative, Grimes will help spotlight causes like wildfire prevention, land preservation, and sustainable recreation. Since its 2022 launch, High West has committed over $1 million to grassroots nonprofits, including Protect Our Winters, Wildland Firefighter Foundation, and American Prairie. Grimes says the effort resonates deeply, noting the importance of protecting the wild places people hold dear. High West, founded in Park City as Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, continues to pair whiskey with purpose—inviting others to raise a glass while giving back to the land that inspired it.
Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Raises a Glass to Prohibition’s End

Ross & Squibb Distillery is back with the ninth edition of its celebrated Remus Repeal Reserve series, set to hit shelves this September. Series IX is the boldest yet, clocking in at 104 proof and blending four high-rye bourbons aged 10 to 18 years for a rich, layered profile. Expect notes of cherry, roasted coffee, tobacco, and smoky spice, all crafted to honor the 1933 repeal of Prohibition. With only limited bottles available at $99.99, fans of past releases (many of which have racked up gold medals and rave reviews) will want to act fast—this one’s already being hailed as a standout in the line.
Old Forester Marks 25th Birthday Bourbon with Sweet Mash Twist

Old Forester is celebrating the 25th release of its coveted Birthday Bourbon with a 12-year-old, 92-proof expression that breaks tradition. For the first time, the brand used a sweet mash process—fermentation without the usual “setback”—allowing freshly propagated yeast to fully shine, resulting in a more delicate yet complex flavor profile. The whiskey comes from 210 barrels filled on April 5, 2013, aged in Warehouse K, and bottled with notes of oak, vanilla, citrus, and spice. Available through a national sweepstakes (August 18–21) and select retailers, bottles are priced at $199.99. Winners must pick up their bottles at the Louisville distillery between September 4 and December 20. As always, the September 2 release honors founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday.
Arcane Mead & Winery Brings a Fresh Spin to Rhode Island’s Beverage Scene

Olneyville just got a little sweeter — and maybe a little geekier — with the grand opening of Arcane Mead & Winery. Run by Jamie Burnet and his husband, Jake Tobak, the new meadery swaps vineyards for an industrial-chic taproom where brewing gear doubles as décor and meads run the gamut from classic honey wines to cocktail-inspired pyments. With session meads, high-ABV heavy-hitters, and even mead slushies, Arcane is out to make mead approachable, playful, and unlike anything else in Rhode Island. Expect flavors ranging from apricot Bellini to crème brûlée, with honey sourced to match each recipe. With bottle releases, D&D nights, and plans to pour at local festivals, Burnet and Tobak are betting that Rhode Islanders are ready to embrace mead in all its forms.
Woodinville Whiskey Marks 15 Years with 9-Year Bourbon Release

Woodinville Whiskey is celebrating its 15th anniversary with its oldest release yet — Woodinville Straight Bourbon Aged 9 Years. Launching August 23 at the distillery’s annual Harvest Release event, this limited-edition 100-proof bourbon ($129.99) features a mashbill of 55% corn, 35% rye, and 10% malted barley, and has been aging since 2016 in heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels crafted by Independent Stave Company. Only 500 cases will be available, with the first 500 bottles sold at the distillery before national distribution the following week. Co-founders Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, mentored by the late whiskey legend David Pickerell, plan to follow this release with a 10-year expression in 2026.
World Whiskey Society Debuts 12-Year Amontillado-Finished Bourbon

The World Whiskey Society has unveiled its latest subscription-exclusive release: a 12-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Amontillado sherry casks. As the third quarterly offering for Society members, this limited whiskey layers rich notes of dried fruit, toasted almonds, oak spice, and sherry sweetness over a smooth, warming base. Membership in the Society Subscription runs $150 per quarter, delivering rare and globally inspired whiskeys straight to your door. This Amontillado-finished bourbon underscores WWS’s mission to bring truly unique expressions to adventurous whiskey drinkers.
Sweetens Cove Expands Lineup with Two New Tennessee Bourbons

Sweetens Cove Spirits, the bourbon brand born from Tennessee’s beloved nine-hole golf course, is rolling out two new expressions: a 5-Year Aged Tennessee Straight Bourbon ($45, 93.7 proof) and Dunwoody, a 6-Year Aged Wheated Bourbon ($60, 95 proof). Inspired by the course’s tradition of starting each round with a shot of bourbon, these releases aim to capture that same sense of camaraderie and anticipation. Founded by a star-studded group including Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick, and Drew Holcomb, Sweetens Cove has built a reputation for tying golf’s charm to finely crafted whiskey. The new bottles will be available across select states and online.
Wyrd Leather & Mead Hosts Post–Comic Con Bash

Mark your calendars for September 6, when Wyrd Leather and Mead teams up with Ridgewalker Brewing for a lively after-party following Rose City Comic Con. Held at 4515 SE 41st Ave, Portland, Oregon, the event promises exclusive mead and beer pours, cosplay fun, face painting, and vendors, with plenty of space indoors and in the outside lot. Families are welcome, though minors must leave after 8 PM. If you’re looking to keep the con magic going, this is the place to be.
Maker’s Mark Brings Back Cellar Aged in 2025

Maker’s Mark is once again pushing the boundaries of flavor with the return of Cellar Aged, a limited global release blending some of the brand’s oldest bourbons. The 2025 edition marries 11-, 13-, and 14-year-old Maker’s Mark into a bold yet balanced expression bottled at 112.9 proof. Expect layers of brown sugar, caramelized oak, baked apple, fudge, dark cherry, and a touch of butterscotch and spice. Aged in the distillery’s limestone cellar, the consistently cool conditions coax out deep complexity while avoiding the bitterness that sometimes comes with long aging. Available starting September 5 at the distillery and select U.S. retailers for $175, with international markets rolling out later this year, Cellar Aged 2025 is set to be one of Bourbon Heritage Month’s most talked-about releases.
Jim Beam Marks 230 Years with Limited Pin Bottle Release

To celebrate its 230th anniversary, James B. Beam Distilling Co. is reviving a piece of Beam history with the release of the Jim Beam LTO Pin Bottle. Launching August 23, “Jim Beam Day,” and available only at the Clermont, KY distillery, this special edition pays tribute to the collectible decanters Beam produced from the 1940s through the 1990s. The new release mirrors the original with bourbon aged 8 years in the brand’s 9-story warehouses and bottled at 86.8 proof. With a $99.99 price tag, the commemorative bottle nods to a tradition once beloved by Jim Beam himself and continues to hold special appeal for collectors and fans alike.
Chicken Cock Revives Lost Whiskey Legacy with Miller’s Reserve

Chicken Cock Whiskey is reaching deep into its history with the launch of Miller’s Reserve American Whiskey, a limited-edition blend honoring barrels lost in the 1860 sinking of the A.O. Tyler. Crafted from four whiskeys sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, the 57.5% ABV release includes a mix of 8- and 10-year-old bourbons and whiskeys blended in Bardstown, KY. Set to debut at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival with a launch party September 6 at the brand’s Circa 1856 home, Miller’s Reserve comes dressed in vintage-inspired packaging and will retail for $99.99—a collector’s bottle that resurrects both flavor and lore from one of America’s oldest whiskey names.
Four Roses Unveils 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch

Four Roses has announced its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch, crafted by Master Distiller Brent Elliott and featuring a blend of four well-aged recipes, including one 19-year-old component. The whiskey opens with aromas of apricot, vanilla, caramel, black tea, and mellow oak, leading to flavors of apricot, citrus, crème brûlée, and spiced oak, all finishing with a soft, lingering close. This year’s release combines OBSK (13 years), OBSV (13 years), OESV (13 years), and OESV (19 years), promising a complex yet balanced pour. Collectors can enter the official lottery, now open through August 24, for a chance to secure a bottle of this sought-after annual release.
Michter’s Brings Back Toasted Series With 2025 Sour Mash Release

This September, Michter’s will roll out its 2025 US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey, the latest addition to the distillery’s fan-favorite Toasted Barrel series. Finished in a second barrel that’s toasted but not charred, the whiskey deepens the original Sour Mash’s signature notes with layers of honey, burnt sugar, citrus spice, and smoky vanilla. Bottled at 86 proof, this limited release carries a $110 SRP and follows previous toasted expressions of Michter’s Bourbon and Rye. Known for pushing boundaries while honoring tradition, Michter’s continues to highlight how innovative finishing techniques can elevate classic American whiskey.
Knob Creek and Eli Manning Team Up Again for Bold Picks

Knob Creek is bringing back its Bold Picks campaign with Eli Manning for the 2025–26 football season, blending fantasy football with a bold bourbon release. This year’s highlight is Knob Creek Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon: Eli Manning’s Bold Pick 2026 Batch, an unfiltered, cask strength expression hitting shelves nationwide just in time for postseason celebrations. Alongside the whiskey, Manning will share fantasy insights and cocktail recipes, including his own “Gameday Old Fashioned,” throughout the season. Fans can also enter the Bold Picks Sweepstakes for prizes like Old Fashioned kits or even a VIP watch party at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky. For more information about Knob Creek® Bold Picks campaign and Knob Creek's® bourbon, visit https://www.knobcreek.com/news/bold-picks or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @KnobCreek.
Evan Williams Expands Bourbon Nation With New Schools and ESPN’s Molly McGrath

Evan Williams Bourbon is doubling down on college sports with the expansion of its Bourbon Nation platform, adding Oregon, South Carolina, and Oklahoma to its lineup of partner schools. The campaign, created with Learfield, now spans eight major programs and aims to keep fans fueled for game days with custom cocktails, tailgate activations, and in-arena promotions. ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath joins as the new brand ambassador, bringing her college sports credibility and energy to the role. Launching with the 2025 football season and rolling into basketball, Bourbon Nation continues to blend team spirit, tradition, and bourbon—with a steady reminder to drink responsibly.
Buzzard’s Roost Unveils Limited Cigar Blend Bourbon

Buzzard’s Roost Distillery is back with another cigar-inspired release, this time a 6-year-old, 105-proof Cigar Blend Bourbon crafted with its signature double oak process. Building on the success of its sold-out Cigar Rye, this new bourbon features a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, designed to shine both alongside a fine cigar or on its own. Bottles will be available starting September 5 online and at Whiskey Row, with pours also offered at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival September 4–7. Priced at $85, the release includes limited single barrels of barrel-strength Cigar Blend Bourbon and Cigar Blend Rye for those looking to go even bolder.
Elijah Craig Toasts 2025 Ryder Cup with Limited-Edition Bourbon

Elijah Craig is marking its role as the Official Bourbon of the 2025 Ryder Cup with a special Small Batch release finished on toasted sugar maple and applewood staves. Bottled at 94 proof, the bourbon leads with maple and apple pie aromas, candy apple and caramel on the palate, and a warm chocolate-cocoa finish with a touch of pepper. Priced at $69.99, the release comes in a commemorative Ryder Cup gift box and will be available nationwide. The launch also kicks off Elijah Craig’s “Road to Ryder Cup,” featuring a speakeasy at Bethpage Black and a signature cocktail called The Mulligan — a refreshing mix of Elijah Craig, iced tea, and lemonade designed for fans both on-site and at home.
Blue Run Glimmer: Bourbon Meets Gin in a Bold New Finish and a Chicago Bears 40th Anniversary Release?

Blue Run Spirits, now part of Molson Coors, is shaking things up with Glimmer, a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Barr Hill Tom Cat gin barrels. Developed by Shaylyn Gammon, head of whiskey innovation, this barrel-proof micro-batch offers a fresh twist on tradition. The gin cask finish imparts delicate botanicals, pine, and herbal notes layered with honey, cardamom, cocoa, and char. Bottled at 51.6% ABV, Glimmer also stands out with its iridescent glass design and violet butterfly medallion, a nod to Gammon’s first Blue Run release. With fewer than 90 cases available nationwide at $149.99, this release is aimed at adventurous bourbon fans looking for something truly unique. Blue Run also appears to be preparing a 40th Anniversary release commemorating the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Championship.
Starrlight Mead Turns 15 with a Sweet Celebration

Pittsboro, NC’s Starrlight Mead is throwing a three-day birthday bash from August 30 to September 1, and everyone’s invited! To mark 15 years of mead magic, the meadery is serving up free birthday cake with every paid tasting all weekend long. Guests can also enjoy discounts on bottles, sample Reserve meads, and try their luck at winning door prizes. It’s a perfect way to raise a glass—and a fork—to celebrate Starrlight’s milestone anniversary.
Larrikin Bourbon Co. Unveils Bold ‘Cigar Lounge’ at Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Larrikin Bourbon Co. is set to debut its newest release, Cigar Lounge, at the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival on September 5. This 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is finished in a mix of five exotic barrels—Cognac, Amburana, Spanish Madeira, Maple Syrup, and Brazilian Jaca Fruit—creating a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet profile designed to complement a fine cigar. Bottled at 109.5 proof and priced at $150, Cigar Lounge will be available in limited quantities at the festival, select retailers in a handful of states, and directly from Larrikin’s Lawrenceburg distillery.
Michigan Launches First-Ever Craft Distillers Festival in Monroe

Michigan’s inaugural Craft Distillers Festival will take place September 11–13 in historic downtown Monroe, bringing together 12 of the state’s top distilleries, including Iron Fish, Journeyman, Detroit City, and New Holland. Timed with National Bourbon Month, the festival will feature tastings, live music, local food, and special distiller-led events like the Bourbon on the River kickoff along the River Raisin. Tickets start at $30 for single-day entry, with VIP packages available, making this a spirited new tradition that celebrates Michigan’s grain-to-glass craftsmanship and community.
Watershed Distillery Celebrates 15 Years With Bourbon, Music, and Fall Finishes

Columbus’ own Watershed Distillery is marking its 15th anniversary in style with a one-day celebration packed with bourbon, cocktails, food, and live music. The highlight is exclusive first access to the entire Fall Finishing Series — no waiting, no lottery, just guaranteed bottles for attendees before they hit wider release. With limited tickets available, it’s a chance to raise a glass to 15 years of craftsmanship and community while stocking up on some of Watershed’s most anticipated pours.
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Bernheim Marks 20 Years With Anniversary Limited Edition

Bernheim Original is celebrating two decades of pioneering its signature wheat whiskey with a special 20th Anniversary release. This limited edition is crafted from their soft winter wheat recipe and drawn from barrels aged 10 years, then bottled at a bold 115 proof. The result is a rich, complex pour that pays tribute to both tradition and the innovation that made Bernheim a staple in American whiskey.
Burton James Batch 2 Bourbon Launches August 23

B.H. James Distillers is rolling out Batch 2 of their Burton James Uniquely American Bourbon this Saturday, August 23rd. Bottled at 105 proof and aged 7.5 years, this small batch blend comes from just five barrels across two states. The mix includes three Indiana barrels of 99% corn bourbon (7.7 years), one Indiana barrel of 36% rye bourbon (7.5 years), and one Tennessee barrel of 21% rye bourbon (9 years). With only 5 barrels blended, this release promises a rare, nuanced pour for bourbon lovers. Stop by the distillery on launch day to taste and grab your bottle before it’s gone.
PaPaw’s Ridge Bourbon Debuts in Florida

The Nethery family of Shelbyville, Kentucky, has launched PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a new brand honoring their patriarch, Roy “PaPaw” Nethery. Aged at least 4 years and bottled at 86 proof, the bourbon is made with locally grown yellow corn alongside rye and barley, reflecting the family’s farming roots that date back to the 1800s. The whiskey shows notes of butterscotch, caramel apple, fig, and a touch of campfire smoke, finishing smooth with vanilla bean. Available now in Florida and online, with wider distribution planned for 2026, PaPaw’s Ridge is positioned as a bourbon crafted for sharing stories, laughter, and simple pleasures.
Jack Daniel’s Heritage Barrel Joins Lineup Permanently

Jack Daniel’s is making its Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey a permanent part of the Single Barrel Collection after successful limited releases in 2018 and 2019. Crafted from the classic mash bill (80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye), the whiskey is mellowed through charcoal, then aged at least seven years in specially slow-toasted, low-char barrels that create a deeper toasted layer for added flavor. Bottled at 100 proof, it delivers aromas of soft oak, a palate of honey and candied fruit, and a long brown sugar finish. Available nationwide for $69.99, with international distribution coming soon, this Heritage Barrel expression brings a historic touch of Lynchburg’s barrel-making traditions to Jack Daniel’s core range.
Old Dominick Unveils 8-Year Reserve Bourbon

Memphis’ Old Dominick Distillery is marking a major milestone with the launch of its 8-Year Reserve Bourbon, hitting shelves September 5, 2025. Aged a full eight years in new American oak and bottled at 100 proof, this limited release brings a rich mix of honey, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate, offering a sweet, dessert-like finish. Though it shares the mash bill and charcoal mellowing process of their Tennessee Whiskey, the distillery chose to classify it as bourbon to highlight its bold, sweet character. Priced at $59.99, the bourbon will be available at the Memphis tasting room, select Southeast retailers, and online shipping to 42 states. To celebrate, Old Dominick is hosting a release week with tastings, cocktails, and behind-the-scenes experiences from September 5–12.
Penelope Bourbon Unveils 2025 Estate Collection with New French Oak Finish

Penelope Bourbon has announced its 2025 Estate Collection, a premium lineup featuring five bourbons aged at least 10 years, each highlighting deeper stocks and innovation. Headlining the release is the 13-Year Founders Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon ($199.99), bottled at cask strength, alongside the debut of Omega, an 11-year bourbon finished in Radoux’s high-tech Omega French Oak barrels ($129.99). Returning favorites include 10-Year Single Barrel releases ($89.99) and the 10-Year Private Select ($79.99), all boasting increased allocations and higher age statements. Flavor profiles range from rich caramel, honey, and baking spice to dark fruit, cocoa, and lingering rye spice, catering to both collectors and drinkers seeking depth and complexity. The collection will hit select markets in September, with first access at Lux Row Distillers on September 5th.
Frey Ranch Unveils OAT-RAGEOUS Single Barrels

Frey Ranch is doubling down on oats with two bold new 100% Oat Single Barrel releases dropping this weekend. Up first is Barrel #3001, available online Friday, August 22, at 10 am PT for $114. Coming in at 123.62 proof, this silky whiskey leans into toasted grains, soft vanilla, and a long, warming finish. The follow-up lands Saturday, August 23, at the Frey Ranch Tasting Room: Barrel #3007, a 127.34-proof powerhouse brimming with baking spice, caramel, and rich oat sweetness. With fewer than 200 bottles each, these limited runs are sure to disappear quickly. And if you can’t get your hands on one, don’t worry — September promises even more excitement as Frey Ranch celebrates Whiskey Harvest and Bourbon Heritage Month with fresh releases and events.
Last Call
That’s a wrap for this round, friends! Whether you’re chasing down the latest releases or just sipping something sweet at home, here’s to good pours and better company. Stay tuned for more bourbon and mead news coming your way soon—and as always, drink curious, drink kind, and drink responsibly. Cheers!

