As Bourbon Heritage Month continues, distilleries nationwide are raising a glass to both heritage and progress. From award-winning whiskeys at the Heartland Competition to limited-edition bottled-in-bond releases, sustainable farming initiatives, and conservation-driven bottlings, the industry is proving that bourbon’s legacy is as much about honoring tradition as it is about shaping the future. Here’s the latest from the world of whiskey (and mead).

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has announced winners of the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition, a blind-judging event highlighting corn-based craft whiskeys from across the country. Texas-based 1845 Distilling Co. earned Best-of-Show for its Texian No 01 Texas Straight Whiskey, which also topped the Straight Whiskey category. Starlight Distillery of Indiana was awarded Top Farmer-Distiller, while Wood Hat Spirits (MO) and Pathfinder Farm Distillery (MD) tied for Best Bourbon in the Farmer-Distiller awards. Tobacco Barn Distillery (MD) took home Beyond Bourbon honors for its Maryland Bourbon Cream. Only 20 whiskeys earned gold medals, alongside 91 silvers and 23 bronzes, underscoring the competition’s rigor. Sponsored by state corn associations, the biennial event not only recognizes distilling excellence but also celebrates the deep ties between farmers and the craft whiskey community.

The competition also recognized Best-of-State winners across the Heartland, including Nearest Green Distillery (TN), Cedar Ridge Distillery (IA), Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. (IL), Wood Hat Spirits (MO), and Middle West Spirits (OH), alongside coast-to-coast standouts like Re:Find (CA), New Brighton Distillery (OR), and Wigle Whiskey (PA). With ties in both Colorado (Family Jones & Hoot and Howl Spirits) and Kansas (Smoky Valley & Boot Hill), the 2025 edition showcased the resilience and creativity of craft distillers and the strong agricultural ties that support America’s whiskey heritage.

Four Roses Distillery is marking its ninth annual Salt River Cleanup with both hands-on conservation and a special bourbon release. Employees will tackle debris removal at three river access points near the distillery, while the Kentucky Waterway Alliance joins to provide education on watershed protection. To support the effort, Four Roses is debuting a commemorative Private Barrel Selection, a 9-year, 11-month OBSK recipe bottled at barrel strength and priced at $120. Half of sales benefit the Alliance, and each purchase includes a commemorative water bottle. Available only at the Lawrenceburg Visitor Center, the release ties bourbon enthusiasts directly to protecting the limestone-rich waters essential to Kentucky whiskey.

Brother’s Bond Bourbon, founded by actors and whiskey makers Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, has unveiled its latest release: Regenerative Grain New Batch Bourbon. Made with grains grown through regenerative farming, the 92-proof bourbon (aged 4 years, $59.99) reflects the brand’s mission to restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and support farming communities. Launching nationwide September 16, the new expression debuts alongside a portfolio-wide packaging refresh designed to boost shelf presence, lower carbon emissions, and emphasize “approachable luxury.” With honeyed cornbread aromas, vanilla and cracker-jack notes, and a smooth, warming finish, the bourbon blends bold flavor with environmental stewardship. The release underscores Brother’s Bond’s continued push to pair sustainability with premium whiskey design.

The four veteran founders of Four Branches Bourbon will visit the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro on October 3 for a “Sipping with Seniors” event. Designed to foster camaraderie and storytelling among local veterans, the gathering reflects the brand’s mission to honor service members and strengthen community ties. Since its launch two years ago, Four Branches has donated more than $425,000 to veteran and first responder nonprofits, including Folds of Honor and The Third Option Foundation.

Penelope Bourbon has teamed up with nonprofit FCancer to launch two limited-edition whiskeys, marking their biggest collaborative release to date and pledging more than $500,000 in donations. The lineup includes a 94-proof FCancer blend ($79.99) shipping nationwide this month and a 114.6-proof Barrel Strength edition ($99.99) available exclusively through SharedPour in October. Each bottle features a QR code linking to a donation page, further fueling FCancer’s mission of prevention, early detection, and support programs. The partnership will be celebrated at a live fundraising event in Austin on October 29, headlined by country artist William Beckmann. This annual tribute—born from a teammate’s wish to honor his late wife—has grown into a nationwide movement uniting whiskey lovers in the fight against cancer.

Ole Smoky Distillery has once again tapped football legend Jason Kelce as “Team Captain” for its 2025 tailgating season, bringing his game-day spirit and down-to-earth charm to fans nationwide. As part of the “C’mon Raise The Jar” campaign, Kelce is sharing his personal tips for how to “tailgate like a champ”—from stocking coolers with Ole Smoky Moonshine to firing up the BBQ and repping team gear. Fans can enter a sweepstakes through November 30 for a chance to win one of five Kelce-approved Tailgate Kits packed with exclusive gear. A longtime moonshine favorite, Ole Smoky continues to pair Appalachian tradition with modern flavor, with Kelce spotlighting his go-to Blackberry Lemonade cocktail for easy sipping all season long.

Rolling Fork Spirits has released Batch 4 of its revived Bourbon de Luxe brand, marking the first cask-finished edition in the series. This limited release marries four barrels of seven-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon with Rolling Fork Rum casks, resulting in a 111-proof “summer bourbon” crafted for grilling, poolside sipping, and tropical cocktails. With fewer than 1,200 bottles available, the $65 release is offered in select markets and online at Seelbachs.com. The Bourbon de Luxe brand, which dates back to 1911, was reintroduced in 2024, continuing the Wathen family motto: “No Finer Spirits Can Be Made.”

Liberty Pole Spirits and Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye have teamed up to release a limited-edition rye whiskey blending a 4-year, 7-month-old Liberty Pole barrel with a 6-year, 4-month-old Dad’s Hat barrel. Bottled at 119.6 proof and priced at $79.99, this distillery-only release celebrates Pennsylvania’s Monongahela Rye heritage while showcasing the craftsmanship of both producers. What began as a playful rivalry between East and West Allegheny distillers has matured into a shared blend chosen independently by both teams—a testament to their mutual respect and commitment to collaboration. Quantities are extremely limited and available exclusively at each distillery.

The 12th annual Blazers · Bourbon · Cigars returns to the William Paca House & Garden in Annapolis on September 25, 2025, offering an evening of fine spirits, curated cigars, and gourmet cuisine in support of Historic Annapolis. Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings, hand-rolled cigars, and dishes from top regional chefs against the backdrop of the historic garden. Tickets range from $150 to $500, with VIP guests receiving early access and exclusive perks. Proceeds benefit Historic Annapolis’s mission to preserve the city’s heritage, making this elegant night out both a celebration and a fundraiser for a vital cause.

Elijah Craig has unveiled its first-ever Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, marking a major expansion of the brand’s barrel proof lineup. Debuting with Batch A925, this inaugural release is aged 12 years and 3 months and bottled at 108 proof, offering notes of baking spice, gingerbread, stewed fruits, and a warm rye finish. The new expression will be released three times a year—January, May, and September—following the brand’s well-known batching system. Available nationwide by late September at $74.99 per 750ml bottle, the Barrel Proof Rye joins Elijah Craig’s award-winning bourbon portfolio as a bold yet approachable addition for whiskey fans.

Sagamore Spirit has released its oldest whiskey yet with the debut of a 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey, part of its Reserve Series. Bottled at 110.8 proof and aged in new charred American oak, this limited edition expression delivers notes of peach crumble, roasted nuts, molasses cookie, crème brûlée, floral honey, and lingering white pepper. Marking a milestone for the Maryland rye distillery, the release highlights Sagamore’s commitment to quality and tradition while pushing rye whiskey forward. Available this September at the Baltimore distillery and select premium retailers nationwide, the 10-Year-Old Straight Rye is priced at $79.99.

The financial troubles at Uncle Nearest and Nearest Green Distillery deepened as a federal judge placed the Tennessee operation under receivership, removing founders Fawn and Keith Weaver from control while a bankruptcy specialist was hired. The distillery, which owes over $108 million to Farm Credit, is now entangled in a battle over which assets fall under court authority, including Weaver-linked businesses ranging from a cognac distillery in France to a Lynchburg bed-and-breakfast. The receiver is seeking clarity on these holdings while also being empowered to initiate bankruptcy if needed. Allegations of inflated barrel valuations, questionable asset purchases, and even misuse of company funds to boost book sales add fuel to the dispute, putting the once-celebrated Black-owned whiskey brand at risk of collapse.

Chattanooga Whiskey is leaning into the city’s soft drink heritage with its latest release, Experimental Batch 045: Kola Infused, available September 18 at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery for $49.99. This 90-proof bourbon liqueur blends four mash bills and is infused with kola nut, citrus peel, sarsaparilla, vanilla, cinnamon, and other botanicals steeped for over a week, then sweetened with cane sugar. The result delivers tasting notes of flamed orange, root beer float, cherry cola, and lime meringue, designed to shine on its own or in a fizzy “Chatt & Koke.” Limited bottles will also appear on Seelbachs.com in the coming weeks.

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Jim Beam, the world’s best-selling bourbon, has announced a multi-year global partnership with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, set to make its F1 debut in 2026 as the first new team on the grid in a decade. The collaboration celebrates two American icons—Jim Beam and Cadillac—uniting on the international stage to expand Formula 1’s audience while spotlighting shared values of craftsmanship, performance, and community. The partnership will feature immersive fan experiences, responsible drinking initiatives, and retail activations, all tied to Jim Beam’s heritage as the “people’s bourbon.” This move adds another chapter to Jim Beam’s long history with sports and culture, bringing its Kentucky spirit to the roar of F1.

Lost Cause Meadery is pulling out all the stops for its biggest celebration of the year with the 2025 National Mead Day Party on Saturday, October 4, at the Bay Park tasting room. The all-day event features new releases, including the return of Wolf and the debut of Huldra, plus a special Mead Day flight with pours of unreleased meads. The Mead Geek Society kicks things off at 10 a.m. with a public bottle share, followed by live music throughout the day, a DJ at 2 p.m., a band at 7 p.m., and mead-inspired food specials from Pizza Cassette. It’s a full day of honey, music, and community for mead lovers.

Southern Distilling Company of Statesville, North Carolina, has released its first-ever single malt whiskey, Southern Star American Single Malt. Aged six years and bottled at 114.8 proof, the limited-edition whiskey debuts September 19 for $49.95 at the distillery’s tasting room before expanding to North Carolina ABC stores. The launch follows Southern Distilling’s recent honor as ADI’s 2025 Distillery of the Year, underscoring its reputation for innovation and scale. Already a major player in contract single malt production, the distillery is now making its own mark in the category with this long-awaited release.

Woody Creek Distillers, based in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, has named Stephen Julander as Senior Operations Manager. Julander, who began his distilling career at Laws Whiskey House in Denver, brings more than a decade of experience leading production, distillery builds, and recipe development at operations including Santa Fe Spirits, Sabbatical Distillery, and Brush Creek Distillery. In his new role, he will oversee daily operations, production staff, and supply chain management. CEO Mary Scanlan praised his expertise as the distillery continues to expand, while Julander expressed excitement to help elevate Woody Creek’s award-winning portfolio of spirits rooted in Colorado’s terroir.

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville, NC, will host the Heritage & Harvest Bourbon Showcase on Saturday, Sept. 20, offering an afternoon that blends bourbon, culture, and community. From noon to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy tastings from top North Carolina distilleries, including Oaklore, Buffalo City, Defiant, BHAWK, and Olde Raleigh, alongside seasonal foods and live music from Whiskey Pines. The event also features artisan demonstrations, farm animals, a cigar lounge, hayrides, and children’s activities, making it a family-friendly celebration. With bourbon at its heart, the showcase highlights the region’s agricultural roots, traditional crafts, and thriving distilling scene, all set against the garden’s scenic backdrop. Tickets, including VIP options, are available through the Garden’s website.

HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys has released The Cask Strength Cognac Finish, a bold new expression that marries Kentucky bourbon with French elegance. Aged 5 years, 8 months, then finished nearly two more years in rare 30-Year-Old HINE Cognac XO barrels, this 7-year, 6-month-old bourbon delivers layered notes of almond, citrus, vanilla, and spice with a dry, structured finish. Bottled at cask strength and crafted from a mash bill of 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley, just 3,900 bottles will be available starting in September across select U.S. markets for $180 SRP. Following the award-winning 2022 HIRSCH-HINE collaboration, this release further cements HIRSCH’s reputation for experimental craft rooted in heritage and innovation.

Barton 1792 Distillery has introduced 1792 Cognac Cask Finish, the brand’s first permanent cask-finished bourbon. Building on the award-winning 1792 Small Batch, this 95-proof release is aged in traditional American white oak before an extended six-month rest in ex-Cognac casks placed in the upper rickhouse floors. The result is a layered profile of cocoa, caramel, stone fruit, Bananas Foster, and vanilla with a sweet oak finish. Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen highlighted Cognac’s natural synergy with the high-rye bourbon, bringing dessert-like richness without losing its full-bodied character. Priced at $37.99, 1792 Cognac Cask Finish is now available nationwide, joining the brand’s celebrated portfolio that continues to earn top industry honors.

Song Dog Farm Distillery will officially open October 12 in Boyds, Maryland, offering a farm-to-bottle experience in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. Founded by Megan Draheim and David Harris, the 29-acre farm will produce bourbon, rye, gin, vodka, liqueurs, and cocktails, with its flagship bourbon already winning Silver at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition. Guests can enjoy a 45-seat tasting room, cocktail bar, live music, locally sourced food, and family- and dog-friendly spaces. The grand opening includes a ribbon cutting, free tours and tastings, and food truck fare, showcasing the distillery’s focus on sustainability, terroir, and community.

Widow Jane Distillery has announced the return of its coveted Decadence Bourbon, a small batch release finished in American Oak barrels that once held Crown Maple’s artisan syrup. Bottled at 91 proof and priced at $99.99, Decadence offers a rich seasonal profile with notes of sugared pecans, vanilla, cinnamon bark, and a touch of maple, making it a perfect fit for cozy gatherings and holiday cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Hot Toddies. Released annually in limited quantities, the whiskey captures Widow Jane’s signature bold style while embracing the indulgent spirit of fall and winter.

MB Roland Distillery in Pembroke, KY has brought back two fan favorites just in time for autumn: Single Barrel Dark Fired Bourbon and Hemped Bourbon. The Dark Fired release, bottled at 103.5 proof but drinking smooth like a 90, delivers a smoky, sticky-sweet profile that invites a second pour. Meanwhile, the experimental Hemped Bourbon, offered in pint bottles at 105.7 proof, brings a funky, earthy twist for adventurous palates. Both are available now in limited quantities at the distillery’s gift shop.

Before I conclude this edition, I want to take a minute to tell you a story. Before I retired, I was a police officer at Vanderbilt University. That job gave me a front-row seat (literally) to some very…interesting experiences (like Vandy’s first bowl game in forever, Pat Summit’s 900th win, etc.). One of my regular assignments was working security at Vanderbilt football games. Looking back, I probably should’ve gotten hazard pay for that gig.

If you’ve never been to a Vanderbilt game, here’s the thing: the visiting team usually brings more fans than we do at home. It’s not ideal, but that’s reality. And when you’re a cop in charge of keeping order among SEC football fans, you quickly learn that each fan base comes with its own personality.

Georgia fans? Always seemed ready to fight.

LSU fans? Kickoff might be at 6 p.m., but they’re drunk at 6 a.m.

Florida fans? Every third one was basically “Florida Man” in the flesh.

Tennessee fans? Let’s just…leave that one alone.

But the group I really want to talk about is the South Carolina Gamecock fans, especially since an email from the Gamecock Bourbon Society inspired this story.

One of the last games I worked at Vanderbilt was South Carolina at Vanderbilt. Two big sections on the east side of the stadium were completely filled with Gamecock fans. And in their infinite wisdom, the powers that be assigned only one police officer to cover that section. (Unfortunately, that was me.)

I was dreading this one. Dealing with rowdy fans wasn’t new, but it’s never something you look forward to. And, for the record, the worst fans I ever dealt with were actually our own Vanderbilt fans in black and gold. But I digress.

I did my usual pregame sweep of the section before fans arrived. When I walked back in just before kickoff, it was garnet and black everywhere. I braced myself for a long night.

Then two men walked up to me. They introduced themselves as law enforcement from South Carolina. They explained that the fans in that area were part of a big Gamecock supporters’ group. Then they said something I’d never heard before:

I had to stop for a second. This was new.

Midway through the game, one Carolina fan—let’s just say he was “feeling no pain”—started to get a little rowdy. He never fully crossed the line, but he was definitely tap-dancing all over it.

I caught the eye of one of the South Carolina officers I’d spoken with earlier, pointed at the guy, and he gave me a thumbs-up. Next thing I knew, that fan was a perfect gentleman. He apologized to me and went on his way.

In 21 years at Vanderbilt (and 31 years on the job), I had never seen anything like that.

Then came the third quarter. By that point, I’d been there for six hours, so I headed to the concession stand to grab a brat and a drink. We had vouchers for food during the games—just hand them over and your meal is free.

But this time, a fan from my section stepped up and insisted on paying for my food. I told him it wasn’t necessary, but he wouldn’t hear it.

He explained that one of the things they do when traveling is to pay for an officer’s meal or coffee as a way of saying thank you.

I can usually bullshit with anybody, but at that moment, I was speechless. All I could manage was a heartfelt “Thank you so much.”

As I sit here now, looking at an email from the Gamecock Bourbon Society, I’m still blown away. That day turned out to be one of the greatest moments I ever had working a game.

It was fun. The people were great. They made one of my last games one of the most memorable of my career.

And here’s the kicker: I’m a Kentucky fan. I worked at Vanderbilt. And yet here I am publicly praising South Carolina Gamecock fans.

Who would've thunk it? Now I need to see if I, an outsider, can order one of their GBS T-shirts and glasses.

As Bourbon Heritage Month continues, we’re seeing exciting new releases, seasonal returns, and events that showcase the depth of bourbon tradition and mead creativity alike. Whether you’re hunting down a limited-edition bottle, planning a tasting trip, or simply savoring a pour at home, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass. Cheers to the stories in every sip—until next time, stay curious and keep your glass full.