Toasts and Turning Points: Bourbon Releases and a Meadery Farewell

As September gives way to October, we’ve got a mix of excitement and bittersweet news in the world of whiskey and mead. From limited-edition bourbons and bold new releases to a milestone age-stated whiskey from Angel’s Envy, there’s plenty to raise a glass to. But not all stories are celebratory—one beloved meadery is preparing to close its doors, reminding us how much heart and hard work go into every pour. Let’s dive into the latest headlines shaping the spirits community this week.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has filled its nine millionth barrel of bourbon since Prohibition, less than three years after celebrating its eight millionth. The milestone follows the completion of a $1.2 billion, decade-long expansion that boosted production capacity by 150% with new warehouses, stills, and bottling facilities. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley called the moment both a celebration of history and a promise to future generations of bourbon lovers. The nine millionth barrel, signed by employees, now rests in the famed Warehouse V until the eventual filling of the ten millionth. A ceremony with Kentucky leaders and Buffalo Trace’s own Freddie Johnson honored the achievement, reinforcing the distillery’s role as both a bourbon pioneer and a driver of jobs, tourism, and tradition in the Commonwealth.

Lexington’s Dark Arts Whiskey House has officially joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as a Craft-level member, further strengthening the state’s $9 billion Bourbon industry. Founded in 2023 by Macaulay Minton and David Peet, Dark Arts specializes in blending, re-barreling, and finishing Bourbon, Rye, and Single Malt whiskeys using creative maturation techniques and unique barrels. Since starting production this year, the distillery has filled 200 custom barrels and offers visitors an up-close experience of its innovative process at its Manchester Street location. KDA President Eric Gregory praised Dark Arts for bringing fresh energy and unique expressions to Kentucky Bourbon, underscoring the industry’s ongoing growth that drew 2.7 million visitors in 2024.

Oaklore Distilling Co. of Charlotte, NC has released its newest Story Series expression: Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Four Grain Bourbon, a limited run of just 750 bottles priced at $99.95. Bottled at 95 proof, this six-year-old, non-chill-filtered bourbon blends corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley before finishing 12–18 months in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, adding rich Mediterranean influence to its flavor. Crafted under Master Blender Tom Bogan and Co-Founder Matt Simpkins, the whiskey highlights Oaklore’s updated 70/10/10/10 mashbill, which will now be standard across future releases. Available September 22 online, at Oaklore’s tasting room, and select NC retailers, this special release underscores North Carolina’s growing whiskey scene during National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Diageo has halted whiskey production and barrel-filling at both Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas, and George Dickel’s Cascade Hollow Distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee, as part of its cost-cutting and inventory management strategy. The pause, set to last through June 2026, resulted in 17 job losses at Balcones but none at George Dickel. Visitor centers at both sites remain open, and senior leaders, including Balcones’ head distiller Jared Himstedt and Dickel’s Nicole Austin, continue in their roles. The move follows similar slowdowns at Roe & Co in Dublin, Teaninich in Scotland, and Diageo’s Lebanon, Kentucky distillery, as the company ramps up its global efficiency program and trims $625 million in costs. Despite the pause, Diageo says staff will focus on training, maintenance, and strategic projects until production resumes.

Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, Bourbon & Belonging, is back October 3–5, bringing three days of bourbon, culture, and community across Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Paducah. The festival features exclusive distillery tours, drag performances, silent discos, food and history tours, rooftop parties, and brunches with a twist, all highlighting bourbon heritage through queer storytelling. Backed by Old Forester, New Riff, Wenzel Whiskey, and statewide tourism partners, the event raises funds for Queer Kentucky’s advocacy and community programs. After a strong debut in 2024, organizers say this year’s edition will be bigger, bolder, and an authentic celebration of Kentucky’s spirit of belonging. Visit www.bourbonandbelonging.com for the full schedule and tickets.

Granor Farm in Three Oaks, Michigan—best known for its chef-driven farm-to-table dinners—has debuted a micro-distillery producing spirits in true small-batch style, with fewer than 1,000 bottles per release. The first offerings include Granor Dry Gin and Semi-Sweet Vermouth, both praised for their botanical complexity and versatility in cocktails or sipped neat. Later this month, Granor will unveil four whiskeys—Field Grain Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Field Grain Rye, and Single Barrel Rye—crafted entirely from grains grown onsite and aged in American oak. Available only at the farm store and select local partners, these exclusive bottles underscore Granor’s blend of agricultural heritage, culinary craft, and limited-edition spirits.

Jack Daniel’s is adding a new twist to its Distillery Series with the release of Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey, the 15th selection in the experimental lineup. Made from the brand’s signature 80/12/8 mash bill, this expression swaps the traditional sour mash process for sweet mash, then aged nearly nine years on the top floors of Track 2 barrelhouses before being bottled at 117 proof. The result is a rich, complex whiskey layered with butterscotch, candied pecans, berries, and toffee. Launching in early October, the limited-edition release will be sold exclusively in Tennessee at select retailers and the Jack Daniel’s Distillery’s White Rabbit Bottle Shop for $44.99 per 375ml bottle.

Dueling Grounds Distillery has unveiled a bold new single barrel expression: Linkumpinch Bourbon Single Barrel Cask Strength, Barrel #334. Bottled at 124.7 proof (62.35% ABV) and priced at $65, this wheated bourbon features a mash bill of 66% yellow dent corn, 22% red winter wheat, and 12% malted 2-row barley. Distiller tasting notes include butterscotch, toffee, oak, and dried hay on the nose, with a palate of brown butter, pepper, caramel, and more butterscotch. The finish lingers with cherry, raisin, oak, fig, and brown butter, delivering a rich, layered pour for cask strength enthusiasts. Available for pre-order now.

Brown-Forman’s coveted King of Kentucky is back for its eighth release, this time as a 17-year-old single-barrel bourbon bottled between 124.4 and 135 proof. Master distiller emeritus Chris Morris hand-selected 63 barrels filled in 2007, producing about 5,000 bottles for 2025. Aged in heat-cycled warehouses at Brown-Forman’s Louisville site, the whiskey uses the classic 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley mash bill, with each barrel showcasing unique character. Priced at $399, the 2025 edition continues the brand’s reputation as Brown-Forman’s most premium bourbon, with distribution beginning in October—primarily in Kentucky, where demand is sure to outpace supply.

Widow Jane Distillery has announced the seventh edition of The Vaults, its annual limited release showcasing rare, aged bourbon finished in unique casks. The 2025 expression is a 15-year-old minimum bourbon, bottled at 99 proof and priced at $249.99, with 15,672 bottles available. This year’s finishing wood is “mythological oak” harvested from ancient forests near Amfilochia, Greece, where trees often struck by lightning add a mystical edge to the barrels. The oak imparts flavors of wild honey, mountain sage, and dried fig, layered onto Widow Jane’s bold older stocks. As always, the bourbon is non-chill filtered and proofed with limestone-rich water from New York’s Rosendale Mines, reinforcing Widow Jane’s reputation for distinctive, terroir-driven whiskey.

Eric LeGrand Bourbon has teamed up with Rutgers University to debut the Scarlet Knight Series, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey honoring the school’s proud legacy and mascot. Distilled at Kentucky’s historic Green River Distillery, the 5-year-old bourbon carries a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and is bottled at 92 proof. Priced at $54.99, this special release blends smooth character with bold flavor, making it a fitting tribute for Rutgers alumni, fans, and supporters to enjoy at tailgates, celebrations, or casual pours.

Angel’s Envy is marking a milestone with the launch of 10 Year Cask Strength, the brand’s first-ever age-stated whiskey, arriving nationwide on October 10 for $249.99. Aged a decade in new American oak and finished in port wine barrels, the limited release (24,480 bottles) is bottled at a bold 122.6 proof and showcases rich layers of cinnamon toast, fruit nougat, baklava, apricot, crème brûlée, and rum raisin cake. Crafted under Master Distiller Owen Martin, the release honors Angel’s Envy’s original 2010 debut plans while highlighting its signature balance of tradition and innovation, making this collectible bottling a landmark in the brand’s evolution.

According to new Treasury Department data, American whiskey production has slumped to its lowest point in six years, with just 78 million proof gallons produced from January to April 2025—a 28% drop from last year. Exports have been hit even harder, plunging 70% amid ongoing trade tariffs and bans in key markets like Canada. Major distillers, including Brown-Forman, Diageo, and MGP, have scaled back or paused production as U.S. whiskey inventories swell to nearly 1.5 billion proof gallons. Industry groups warn that both large producers and small craft distilleries face mounting challenges from oversupply, inflation, tariffs, and shifting consumer demand, pushing some toward closures in an increasingly difficult marketplace. Find the full story by The Robb Report here.

As we reported back in mid-August, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail has officially launched the Tennessee Collective, its first collaborative bottling featuring barrels from 12 participating distilleries. Blended at Sugarlands Distilling under Master Distiller Greg Eidam, this limited run of just 2,000 bottles highlights the craftsmanship and camaraderie of Tennessee’s whiskey makers. Bottled at cask strength and aged a minimum of four years, the $79 release is available for pre-order only, with pickup set for November 1 at the Townsend Visitors Center. The Collective not only showcases the diversity of Tennessee spirits but also marks a milestone in the state’s collaborative distilling tradition.

In a heartfelt message to its community, Legends Mead announced it will close its tasting room on October 18, citing health challenges and rising costs. Owners Brandon and Raili thanked supporters for making the meadery more than a business, calling it a true community built on shared celebrations and friendships. Before the final toast, Legends is hosting farewell sales: VIP insiders get 25% off and “buy 11, get the 12th free” October 3–4, followed by public sales at 50% off October 10–11 and 17–18. Fans are invited to stock up on bottles, merch, and memories during these last weekends.

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Conecuh Ridge Distillery, home of Alabama’s official state spirit Clyde May’s Whiskey, is nearing completion and on track to open in late 2025. The facility recently installed a 31-foot, 3,000-pound copper still and promises to be more than just a distillery—it will feature a tasting room, retail center, bar, restaurant, and full tourism experience reminiscent of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Backed by strong community support, the project is expected to bring 40–50 jobs to Troy while producing thousands of barrels annually. More than whiskey-making, the distillery will honor founder Clyde May’s legacy and help put Alabama on the whiskey map.

Mead on Main: Viking Festival Returns to Festus This Saturday

Four Brothers Mead is set to host its popular Mead on Main–A Viking Festival this Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. in downtown Festus, MO. The free event will feature live music, Viking combat demos, fire and belly dancers, blacksmithing, more than 50 vendors, and a new kid-friendly “quest” scavenger hunt. Thousands are expected to attend, many dressed in Viking garb, for a day of music ranging from haunting melodies to thunderous Viking metal. With food trucks, local crafts, and plenty of mead, the festival continues to grow as one of the region’s standout cultural events. For more information, visit the Four Brothers Mead Facebook page.

Hollywood’s first distillery opens Oct. 2 inside a former mortuary across from Hollywood Forever Cemetery, transforming a 5,400-square-foot space into an industrial-chic tasting room and event venue. Hollywood Distillery features spirits inspired by LA history, including Zanja-Madre Bourbon made with California grains and Nopalera Gin crafted with local botanicals. Guests can enjoy tastings, tours, and food trucks, all surrounded by vintage photos of Hollywood legends. The launch adds to a growing trend of culinary and spirits ventures reimagining historic funeral homes, such as Tartine Santa Monica and Pasadena’s Eden Garden Bar & Grill.

Holland’s former Coppercraft Tasting Room has reopened as the CraftCo Distillery and Social House, offering an expanded experience that unites all five of CraftCo’s award-winning brands: Coppercraft, Flying Ace, Fox & Oden, Thatcher’s, and Jos. A. Magnus. The revamped space features elevated cocktails, curated bites, exclusive onsite releases, barrel selections, and seasonal events, all designed to celebrate Michigan’s spirit of innovation and community. With its October 1 opening, CraftCo has transformed the original Coppercraft home into a premier destination for spirits, storytelling, and connection.

Chicken Cock Whiskey, one of America’s oldest whiskey brands, is opening a new tasting room this fall in Louisville’s vibrant NuLu district. Following the success of its Circa 1856 home in Bardstown, this second location will showcase the award-winning portfolio through curated flights, cocktails, and limited-edition releases, all in a heritage-inspired space. The move strengthens the brand’s deep Kentucky roots while placing it in the heart of modern bourbon tourism. With accolades from top competitions and a growing presence on the Bourbon Trail, Chicken Cock Whiskey continues to evolve “The Famous Old Brand” for today’s whiskey enthusiasts.

Baltimore-based Sagamore Spirit, best known for its award-winning Maryland rye, has unveiled its first High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey as part of its Reserve Series. Aged six years and bottled at 59% ABV, the mash bill leans 60% corn, 25% rye, and 15% malted rye, blending Kentucky bourbon heritage with Maryland rye character. Expect aromas of cornbread, apricot, and spiced vanilla, with flavors of caramel, orchard fruit, and espresso-tinged rye spice. Priced at $49, this limited release is available now at the distillery and select Baltimore retailers, giving bourbon and rye fans alike a distinctive new pour to explore.

Woodford Reserve has released Barrel Strength Rye, a bold new limited-edition whiskey bottled straight from the barrel at 125.1 proof. Crafted with the brand’s pre-prohibition style mash bill of 53% rye, this expression amplifies the spice, tobacco, fruit, and floral notes typically found in Woodford’s rye, delivering a more intense sip than its standard 90.4 proof offering. Priced at $129.99 for a 700ml bottle, Barrel Strength Rye is available nationwide, at the distillery, and online for select states, giving rye lovers a high-proof taste of tradition.

Town Branch Distillery has released the 2025 edition of Imperium MMXXV, the second annual installment in its ultra-limited bourbon series. Built on a 50% wheated bourbon foundation and blended with select barrels from the distillery’s three mash bills, this small-batch release was crafted from just six handpicked barrels out of thousands evaluated. Bottled non-chill-filtered at 105 proof and priced at $119.99, Imperium MMXXV delivers a bold yet balanced profile designed to showcase both depth and elegance. Released just in time to cap off Bourbon Heritage Month, it’s a rare bottle that celebrates Town Branch’s commitment to quality and innovation.

That’s a wrap on this week’s pours. From bold new rye and bourbon releases to bittersweet goodbyes in the mead world, it’s clear the glass is never empty for long. As Bourbon Heritage Month winds down, we raise a toast to the stories, makers, and moments that keep our glasses filled. And with spooky season just around the corner, it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on bottles that bring a little warmth to those crisp autumn nights. Until next time—cheers!