Bourbon and Distillery News for May 16, 2026

11 Bourbon Industry News Stories You Need to Know!

Welcome to the latest edition of Bourbon Obsessed Bourbon and Distillery News! It’s been a busy week in the bourbon world, so we have quite a bit to talk about!

Contents:

John G. Carlisle Cafe — RNDC — BBC Second Discrimination Lawsuit — Garrison Bros & Tuff Shed — NYC Buzzkill — Brown-Forman — Certified Craft — Old Fitz Auction — DISCUS CEO — Diageo — Ole Smoky

Bourbon and Distillery News For May 16, 2026

But First, Here’s what’s new on BourbonObsessed.com!

Check out our latest reviews:

• Sazerac Rye Full Proof vs Sazerac Rye 90 Proof Comparison Review – Buffalo Trace expanded the Sazerac Rye lineup with the release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof a few months ago. But how does it compare to the classic 90-proof version? Ray Marcano tastes them side-by-side to find out which offers the better overall experience. Check out Ray’s full comparison review!
• HK Young Single Barrel Bourbon Review | Cinnamon Twist – HK Young Single Barrel Bourbon “Cinnamon Twist” is a 123.8-proof toasted barrel finished bourbon selected by Cinnamon Twist and available exclusively in Wyoming. With savory spice, bread pudding sweetness, plum jam notes, and a dramatic transformation with water, this is one unique pour. Read Craig & Cynthia’s full review to see what they thought!
• High West Bourye 2026 Review: A 101-Proof Legend Returns – The 2026 High West Bourye arrives with an elevated 101 proof and a blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys aged between 10 and 19 years. This national limited release continues the tradition of the jackalope with a complex, high-age statement profile. Read my full review to see how this year’s release measures up!
• The John G. Carlisle Cafe Opens at Buffalo Trace Distillery – The John G. Carlisle Cafe opened on May 11, 2026, with dining, cocktails, and three weeks of special events. We had the opportunity to visit and to sample their sandwiches and flatbreads, and they were great! Carlisle Cafe YouTube Short | Carlisle Cafe Instagram Reel

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Bourbon and Distillery News for May 16, 2026

John G. Carlisle Cafe Officially Opens at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery officially opened the John G. Carlisle Cafe on May 11, 2026, marking the distillery’s first permanent dining destination for guests. Located within the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse, the 4,900-square-foot cafe accommodates 70 guests and focuses on lunchtime service featuring made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and Kentucky classics like the Kentucky Hot Brown. To celebrate the unveiling, the distillery is hosting a three-week lineup of daily activations through May 31, including “Meet the Masters” events and complimentary tastings. The cafe is open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, showcasing historic artifacts such as the only known bottle of Carlisle Whiskey. Check out this short video from my visit on opening day on YouTube and Instagram. Full details about the cafe and associated events can be found in the John G. Carlisle Cafe press release.

Editor’s Note: While the press release states that the capacity is 70 guests, it appeared much larger that that to me. Perhaps they are referring to only the indoor area on the first floor. However, there is a very large dining space on the second floor as well as additional outside seating, adding up to what I would think would be many more than 70 seats.

RNDC to Shed Five Additional Markets

According to VinePair, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) is continuing the dissolution of its business by making arrangements for five additional markets. Marc Sachs, RNDC chief executive, issued an internal memo stating the firm has received a letter of intent from Breakthru Beverage Group (BBG) for its joint-venture operations in Kentucky and Indiana. Additionally, RNDC has reached an agreement with Quality Brands Distribution (QBD) for a “potential transaction” regarding its business in Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

If these transactions for these five markets go through, “they will push the total number of markets RNDC has sold, transferred, or exited in 2026 over 35.” Sachs wrote that the firm is “taking a thoughtful approach to ensure potential opportunities for our associates while maintaining our commitment to the suppliers and customers we serve”. QBD vice president of people Angela Vetter stated the acquisition of the Plains States operations “represents a meaningful step in our long-term strategic direction as we continue to strengthen our position as a leading distribution partner in the Midwest”. Full details can be found in the original article at vinepair.com/booze-news/rndc-to-shed-five-additional-markets/.

Second Former Bardstown Bourbon Employee Files Discrimination Suit

According to Janet Patton of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Sandra Stone, a former employee of Bardstown Bourbon Company, filed a lawsuit on May 6 alleging age and gender discrimination. Stone claims she was passed over for a bottling supervisor position in favor of a younger male colleague who had not sought the promotion. The suit states that Stone, who was 67 at the time, resigned in December 2022 after being denied advancement and being told she could only join the new bottling operation as a clerk with a “substantial pay cut and demotion”.

Stone is represented by James Morris, the same attorney who filed a whistleblower lawsuit in February on behalf of Sylvia Sanders, the company’s former vice president of human resources. Sanders’ ongoing case alleges a pattern of discrimination where executives pushed out at least six female executives despite company policies. While Bardstown Bourbon Company has disputed the claims and filed countersuits, it did not have an immediate comment on this latest filing. Source: Lexington Herald-Leader.

Garrison Brothers and Tuff Shed Create Backyard Bourbon Barn

Garrison Brothers Distillery and Tuff Shed, Inc. have partnered to create a one of a kind backyard bourbon barn, designed as a bourbon lover’s dream. The 10 x 12 Garrison Brothers Tuff Shed Backyard Bourbon Barn is based on Tuff Shed’s PRO Tall Ranch model and is decked out with custom features such as a clerestory roof, metal roofing, and double doors with built-in transom windows. Inside, it’s finished like a private Hill Country bourbon retreat, with barn wood siding, a 6-foot bar, and Garrison Brothers collectible memorabilia. From mid-May through the end of September, guests visiting the distillery in Hye, Texas for tours and special events can experience the barn firsthand. Eligible entrants can enter to win “The Garrison Brothers Tuff Shed Backyard Bourbon Barn Sweepstakes,” where Tuff Shed will deliver and install the winner’s barn and Garrison Brothers will finish out the branded interior. Full details about the partnership and sweepstakes can be found in the Garrison Brothers x Tuff Shed Backyard Bourbon Barn Giveaway press release.

NYC Health Department Launches Anti-Alcohol “Buzzkill” Campaign

According to VinePair, the New York City Health Department has launched a new citywide education campaign dubbed “Buzzkill” to warn residents that drinking alcohol increases cancer risk. The initiative marks the first time a major city has campaigned against alcohol specifically regarding its link to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and “voice box” [sic]. The official press release from the NYC Health Department emphasizes that alcohol is a known carcinogen and that consuming even one drink a day increases these risks.

NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin stated, “To some our data may be a buzzkill, but it’s actually their buzz that can kill.” The campaign, which will run throughout May on subways, social media, and in bars, aims to educate citizens that “drinking less can lower the risk of cancer”. Additionally, the campaign serves to promote early cancer detection and provides links to support services, such as NYC 988, for residents concerned about their alcohol consumption. State Senator Nathalia Fernandez noted that alcohol remains a leading driver of treatment admissions and advocated for a new tax on alcohol to fund prevention and recovery efforts. Sources: VinePair, NYC Health Department

Brown-Forman Rejects Takeover Bids from Sazerac and Pernod Ricard

Brown-Forman, the Louisville-based distiller behind Jack Daniel’s, has formally rejected a $15 billion takeover offer from Sazerac. According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, Brown-Forman advisers notified Sazerac on Monday, May 11, 2026, that the company would not accept the $32-per-share all-cash buyout. The bid, which represented a significant premium over the company’s recent share price, was financially backed by Wells Fargo and Apollo Global Management.

The rejection of the Sazerac offer follows the mutual termination of separate merger discussions between Brown-Forman and the French spirits group Pernod Ricard. On April 28, 2026, Brown-Forman issued an official statement confirming the end of those talks, stating, “We intend to create long-term value for all stakeholders by focusing on our strategic and operational priorities. This includes unlocking future growth by expanding our geographic footprint, continuing to build brands that resonate with consumers, and enhancing operational efficiency.” Despite the interest from major competitors, the Brown family—which controls roughly 73% of the voting power—has chosen to maintain the company’s independence.

Sources: Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal

American Craft Spirits Association Unveils Certified Craft Seal Program

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has officially unveiled the Certified Craft Seal, a TTB-approved certification mark designed to give consumers a clear, reliable way to identify spirits produced by independent U.S. craft distilleries. The initiative was developed over more than two years to help consumers navigate a crowded retail environment by providing an instantly recognizable visual cue—depicting a decanter* to reflect quality, craftsmanship, and responsible enjoyment—to distinguish true craft products on shelves. The development of the seal was led by Colin Spoelman, a longtime ACSA board member and co-founder and distiller at Kings County Distillery, who worked closely with ACSA leadership and member companies to refine the design and qualifications.

To be eligible to use the Certified Craft Seal, producers must be current ACSA members who meet the association’s specific criteria:

• Be an independent licensed distiller with a valid DSP.
• Subscribe to ACSA’s Code of Ethics, and have no more than 50% of the DSP owned (directly or indirectly) by a producer of distilled spirits whose combined annual production of distilled spirits from all sources exceeds 750,000 proof gallons removed from bond.
• Annually produce fewer than 750,000 proof gallons removed from bond (the amount on which excise taxes are paid).

Full details on the initiative and a link to apply can be found directly through the American Craft Spirits Association.

*Editor’s note: I don’t know about you, but to me that symbol looks more like part of a Glencairn glass than a decanter…

And, for those looking for a few bottles to add to their collections while supporting a worthy cause:

Heaven Hill Partners with Sotheby’s for Old Fitzgerald Charity Auction

Heaven Hill Brands has officially announced a partnership with Sotheby’s to auction the Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection, a trio of ultra-rare historic bottles curated from the personal archives of Executive Chairman Max Shapira. The online auction will run from June 11 through June 26, 2026, as part of Sotheby’s broader Whisky & Whiskey sale. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000-acre protected wildlife sanctuary founded in 1929 by bourbon pioneer Isaac Wolfe Bernheim.

The curated collection traces the brand’s evolution across three distinct eras of ownership and production:

• 1934 Old Fitzgerald 18-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1 Pint): Distilled and barreled in 1917 by A. Ph. Stitzel, this pre-Prohibition distilled bourbon was aged through the dry era and bottled just after the repeal of Prohibition.
• 1965 Very Xtra Old Fitzgerald 10-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (4/5 Quart): Distilled in 1955 and bottled expressly for the “Colorado Electric Co.,” this bottle represents the height of the Van Winkle era at the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
• 2015 John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375ml): Comprising liquid distilled in 1992 from the final 12 historic Stitzel-Weller barrels acquired by Heaven Hill when they purchased the brand in 1999, this highly coveted release was limited to just 3,000 bottles.

Source: Heaven Hill

Editor’s note: If you haven’t been to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, you should definitely go the next time you are in the Bardstown area. It is one of my favorite places. Check out my short Bernheim Forest Reel on Instagram or my Berhheim Forest YouTube Short to get a quick feel for it. And, while you’re on those sites I would greatly appreciate if you give them a “Like” and click “Follow” and/or “Subscribe” as well!

DISCUS CEO Testifies on Tariff Crisis

Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), provided official testimony before the Section 301 Committee on May 6, 2026. Swonger urged the federal government to permanently exempt spirits from trade-related tariffs, noting, “… the U.S. spirits and hospitality sectors are facing significant economic headwinds. In 2025, domestic spirits sales declined by 2.2%, the first decline in decades, and U.S. spirits exports fell nearly 4%.” He provided data indicating that the industry lost nearly 1,000 jobs (a 3.5% reduction in the distillery workforce) between September 2024 and September 2025 due to trade frictions and a market slowdown. Furthermore, Swonger warned that the impending August 2026 expiration of the EU’s retaliatory tariff suspension continues to create severe export market uncertainty. Source: Distilled Spirits Council

Editor’s note: According to Gemini: The Section 301 Committee is an official, interagency governmental group headed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). It is the main administrative body responsible for investigating unfair foreign trade practices that hurt American businesses and recommending whether the President should retaliate with trade sanctions or import tariffs.

Diageo Fiscal 2026 Q3 Trading Statement

Diageo reported that organic net sales grew 0.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, supported by strong growth across Europe, LAC, and Africa. Sir Dave Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, noted that while these regions performed well, North America remains the company’s biggest challenge due to soft market conditions. Overall group results were bolstered by a 0.4% increase in organic volume, though this was slightly offset by a 0.1% decline in price/mix. The company’s Accelerate program remains “on track to deliver c.$300m savings by end of fiscal 26,” contributing to the goal of strengthening the balance sheet and increasing financial flexibility.

In the North America region, performance varied significantly by sector, with total regional organic net sales declining 9.4%:

• US Spirits organic net sales declined 15.4%. Nik Jhangiani, Chief Financial Officer, attributed this to category down-trading and “lapping tough comps last year due to the pre-tariff pull forward of imports to distributors as well as tequila restocking”.
• Diageo Beer Company USA net sales grew 9.1%, led by the continued strength of Guinness and Smirnoff RTDs.
• Scotch remained a bright spot globally, leading spirits growth in Europe with strong performance from Johnnie Walker in MENA and Türkiye.

The company reiterated its fiscal 2026 guidance and is currently redesigning its strategy and operating framework to improve competitiveness, with a full update scheduled for August 6, 2026. Regarding production at US distilleries, the provided documents do not mention plans to resume operations at facilities currently on hold; however, Nik Jhangiani noted the company is managing inventory levels and may build additional inventory through advanced production of “business-critical SKUs” to build resilience for 2027. Company website: diageo.com.

Footnotes:
Abbreviations: MENA: Middle East and North Africa LAC: Latin America and Caribbean
Accelerate Program: A strategic initiative focused on increasing financial flexibility and operational efficiency through the redesign of Diageo’s operating framework. The program is on track to deliver approximately $300 million in savings by the end of fiscal 2026 by streamlining global processes and optimizing the company’s supply chain.

Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. to Open Joint Myrtle Beach Location

Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. have announced the grand opening of their first joint location outside of Tennessee, located at Broadway at the Beach (1214 Celebrity Cir.) in the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Scheduled to open on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the 40,000-square-foot entertainment destination features multiple bars, a spacious beer garden, a large sports-viewing TV screen, patio seating overlooking the lake, and a full-service kitchen serving coastal-inspired dishes. The family-friendly venue will offer distillery tours, live music, specialty moonshine cocktails, and guided tasting flights of Ole Smoky moonshine and Yee-Haw craft beers.

The venue will operate daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., offering daily programming, tastings, and live entertainment. While the full bar remains open until 11:00 p.m. every day, guests looking to purchase packaged spirits to-go should note that South Carolina state law mandates to-go hard liquor and moonshine sales must end at 7:00 p.m. and are completely prohibited on Sundays. Packaged to-go beer from Yee-Haw Brewing Co. remains available for purchase during all standard operating hours. For more information: myrtlebeach.olesmoky.com

Bourbon and Distillery News For May 16, 2026

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Well, that’s it! I hope you have enjoyed reading this week’s Bourbon and Distillery News! If you would like our newsletters delivered directly to your inbox, please sign up here. Our next New Bourbon Releases News will be published on Saturday May 23. In addition, the podcast and YouTube versions of this newsletter will go live on Monday May 18. If you enjoy our content, I would greatly appreciate if you would follow us on Instagram and Facebook. I hope you have a great weekend! See you next time! Cheers!🥃

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