Bourbon and Distillery News for September 4, 2026

15 Bourbon Industry News Stories You Need to Know!

Well, it’s Bourbon Heritage Month, and we already have quite a bit of news! This newsletter will be followed in a few days by my New Bourbon Releases News newsletter since I won’t be putting out any newsletters during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

This week we focus on Bourbon Industry News. If you want to find out about new releases instead, our latest New Bourbon Releases Newsletter can be found here. To receive my weekly newsletters in your email inbox, subscribe here.

Contents

Brown-Forman — Pernod Ricard — RNDC — Kentucky Wildcats — American Whiskey Scholar — Old Louisville — New Era — Contest — Bourbon Barn Sweepstakes — Buffalo Trace — BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque — Kentucky Bourbon Festival — Luxco — Whiskey House — Phifer Pavitt

Bourbon and Distillery News For September 4, 2026

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

• It’s Back – The 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Survival Guide by Bourbon Obsessed – Heading to the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival? My updated survival guide covers the details that can make or break your weekend—from pro tips, ticket options, wristbands and Will Call to bourbon sampling, bottle purchases, food, transportation, lodging and events beyond the festival grounds. Read my complete guide online, or sign up for the Bourbon Obsessed newsletters to download the free, printable PDF edition!
• Ten Day Prohibition Blend Bourbon Review – Ten Day Prohibition Blend combines six- and eight-year-old Kentucky high-rye and wheated bourbons at 107 proof. How does this limited release come together? Read my full review to find out!
• Angel’s Envy Stout & Amburana Finished Bourbon Review – Angel’s Envy Distillery Series 2026 combines Imperial Stout barrel finishing with a small component finished in Brazilian Amburana wood. How do these potent finishes come together? Read my full review to find out!
• Locke + Co. Big Blaze Bourbon Review – Locke + Co. Big Blaze Bourbon is finished with hand-cut, naturally burned aspen sourced from private property affected by Colorado’s 2020 East Troublesome Fire. Ten percent of every bottle sold benefits Grand Fire Protection District No. 1. Read Craig and Cynthia’s review to learn what they thought about this unconventional bourbon!

Bourbon and Distillery News For September 4, 2026

OK, now let’s move on to the news!

Bourbon and Distillery News For September 4, 2026

Brown-Forman Sales Slip 1% in Fiscal 2027 First Quarter

Brown-Forman reported net sales of $911 million for its first quarter of fiscal 2027, down 1% on both a reported and organic basis from the same period last year. Reported operating income declined 3% to $252 million, while diluted earnings per share increased 6% to $0.38. Whiskey sales were flat, with the international rollout of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry offset by declines for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and Gentleman Jack. The ready-to-drink portfolio was a bright spot, with net sales increasing 20% on a reported basis and 11% organically. New Mix led that growth, increasing 48% on a reported basis and 36% organically, fueled by strong demand in Mexico and its launch in the United States. U.S. net sales declined 3%, and tequila sales fell 12%. Brown-Forman reaffirmed its fiscal 2027 outlook, calling for approximately flat organic net sales and a 3% to 5% decline in organic operating income. Sources and links: Brown-Forman

Pernod Ricard Reports 3.9% Organic Sales Decline

Pernod Ricard‘s American whiskey portfolio includes Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, TX Whiskey and Skrewball. The fiscal 2026 results only provided individual performance figures for one of those brands. The company said Skrewball declined in the United States but grew in the rest of the world, although its U.S. sell-out trend was improving with help from small-format bottles. Overall, Pernod Ricard reported net sales of €9.404 billion, approximately $10.95 billion (based on the European Central Bank’s August 27 reference rate), down 3.9% organically and 14.2% on a reported basis. Sales in the Americas declined 10%, including a 14% decline in the United States. Profit from recurring operations totaled €2.423 billion, approximately $2.82 billion at the same exchange rate, down 5.2% organically and 17.9% on a reported basis. For fiscal 2027, the company expects organic net sales to remain broadly stable, with continued declines in the United States and China offset by growth elsewhere. Sources and links: Pernod Ricard results | Pernod Ricard American whiskey portfolio | European Central Bank exchange-rate history

RNDC to Close Georgia Operations and Eliminate 558 Jobs

Republic National Distributing Company and affiliated businesses filed four Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices covering 558 employees at facilities in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. Required under federal law, WARN notices provide employees, state officials and local governments with advance notice of qualifying large-scale layoffs or facility closures. The permanent layoffs are expected to begin October 19 or within the following two weeks and include employees of RNDC, RNDC of Texas, Young’s Market Company and Young’s Market Company of Arizona. RNDC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection July 26 to pursue potential sales and wind down operations that could not be sold. National Distributing Company, a separate legal entity that is not part of the bankruptcy, will remain at the Atlanta facility, and its employees are not included in the layoffs. Sources and links: CBS News Atlanta | U.S. Department of Labor WARN overview | RNDC bankruptcy case site

Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Named Official Kentucky Wildcats Partners

UK Athletics announced a multiyear partnership with Heaven Hill Brands naming Elijah Craig the Official Small Batch Bourbon Partner and Evan Williams the Official Bourbon Partner of the Kentucky Wildcats. The Mezzanine Club at Kroger Field will become the Elijah Craig Club, while the Bourbon Club at Rupp Arena will become the Elijah Craig Speakeasy. Evan Williams will participate in tailgates and fan-zone activations through its Bourbon Nation program. The agreement also calls for a series of limited-edition, co-branded Elijah Craig and Evan Williams bottles. The first will feature an Elijah Craig barrel selected by UK Athletics Director and Champions Blue CEO J Batt. Sources and links: Heaven Hill Brands

Editor’s Note: Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown, KY, and its identity is firmly rooted in Kentucky bourbon. Evan Williams Bourbon Nation nevertheless partnered with eight out-of-state universities during its first two years before adding UK in September 2026. It is certainly nice to see the program finally find its way home!

American Whiskey Scholar Launches Online Certification Program

Peggy Noe Stevens, Colin Blake and Susan Reigler have launched American Whiskey Scholar, a three-level education and certification program for enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, retailers and people entering the whiskey industry. The self-paced online curriculum combines written and video material covering whiskey history, production, sensory training, cocktails, food pairing and other subjects. Level 1 is now available and contains 10 modules intended to build a foundation in American whiskey. Level 1 costs $495 and includes 10 self-paced online modules, one certification exam, an American Whiskey Scholar credential and a lapel pin. Levels 2 and 3 are still under development, with pricing yet to be announced. Level 2 is expected near the holidays, with Level 3 scheduled for spring 2027. Individual modules may also be purchased separately, and the group plans to offer monthly online office hours beginning in October. Sources and links: americanwhiskeyscholar.com

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Opens Their New Production Facility and Tasting Room in Historic Seagram’s Warehouse

Nestled within the historic framework of the former Seagram’s Warehouse F at 2600 S. 7th Street Road, the Old Louisville Whiskey Co. tasting room and gift shop offers visitors an immersive journey into Kentucky’s rich distilling heritage and maturation chemistry education. The location breathes new life into a storied industrial site, blending decades of bourbon lore with a modern, welcoming atmosphere for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

Guests can elevate their visit with hands-on attractions booked ahead of time, including a unique “bottle-your-own” experience and the chance to thieve whiskey straight from the barrels. These interactive offerings allow enthusiasts to engage directly with the aging process and take home a completely personalized souvenir.

Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. The bar offers pours and flights of different Old Louisville expressions. oldlouisvillewhiskey.com

Editor’s Note: I was fortunate to be able to visit their new tasting room during Old Louisville’s soft opening and really enjoyed my time there, and of course, their whiskey, which is always excellent. Don’t hesitate to make them a stop on your next visit to Louisville!

New Era Whiskey Distillery and Social Club Is Officially Open

New Era Whiskey Distillery opened September 2 in downtown Lexington with a distillery, gift shop, tasting room and members-only social club. Visitors can sample the company’s cask-strength, single-barrel whiskeys, browse its library of previous releases and see the bottling area. The brand is known for newspaper-inspired release names and labels, including Stage Diver, Frankenfurt, Lefty and The Heart. Social Club memberships include one bottle per month, invitations to special events and access to a private club space with seating, a kitchen, games and televisions. Sources and links: New Era Whiskey

Find Your Perfect Bourbon Contest Returns

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Find Your Perfect Bourbon contest will send two winners and their guests to a private dinner and barrel-selection experience during New Hampshire Distiller’s Week. The winners will sample, select and name single barrels from Elijah Craig, Angel’s Envy, Knob Creek and Jack Daniel’s, then receive a bottle from each selected barrel when it is released. Entry is free and, according to confirmation provided to Bourbon Obsessed, open to residents of the continental United States, not just New Hampshire residents. The accompanying sale runs through September 27, with discounts of 10% on three bottles, 15% on six bottles and 25% on 12 or more participating single-barrel bourbons and American whiskeys. Sources and links: Enter Find Your Perfect Bourbon

Almost One Month Remains to Enter the Backyard Bourbon Barn Sweepstakes

Garrison Brothers and Tuff Shed say more than 25,000 entries have been received from 46 states for their Backyard Bourbon Barn sweepstakes. The free contest is open to eligible entrants aged 21 or older and closes September 30. The winner will receive a 10-by-12-foot Tuff Shed based on the company’s PRO Tall Ranch model, with a Garrison Brothers-designed interior that includes a bar, shelving, seating, memorabilia and other bourbon-inspired details. The winner must meet local permitting, installation and site requirements.

Editor’s Note: We covered the original announcement back in May, and I am surprised to learn that the contest is still going on, so don’t miss out on your chance to win! Read my original post for complete details.

Sources and links: Enter the giveaway | Original announcement and full details

Buffalo Trace Takes Its Traveling Tasting Experience to Four Cities

Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour returns this fall with complimentary guided tastings in Branson, Kansas City, Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver. Each stop will offer 14 sessions across four days. The approximately 75-minute experience includes Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller Antique 107 and Sazerac Rye 100 Proof, along with information about the whiskeys and the distillery. City-specific barware will be available for purchase while supplies last. Advance reservations are required, limited to four tickets per person and available only to guests age 21 and older. Since reservations went live before publication time, they unfortunately may be gone. Sorry! Keep checking back in case there are cancellations for this free event. Sources and links: Reserve complimentary tickets

• Branson, Missouri – Big Cedar Lodge, October 1-4
• Kansas City, Missouri – The Bauer, October 8-11
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas – The Laurel, October 14-17
• Denver, Colorado – Church Ranch Event Center, November 12-15

BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque Returns to Evansville

Matthew 25 AIDS Services will hold its second annual BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque fundraiser Saturday, October 24, at Warehouse 410 in Evansville, Indiana. Green River National Brand Ambassador Caryn Wells will lead the bourbon programming, and guests will also be able to sample products from Heaven Hill, Hard Truth, Larrikin Bourbon Company, Old Dominick and Purple Toad Winery. The silent auction will include more than 30 bourbon-themed packages. Its top experience includes two places on Matthew 25’s November 13 Green River single-barrel selection team, which will choose the organization’s exclusive 30th-anniversary commemorative bourbon. Proceeds support Matthew 25’s healthcare, testing, prevention and support services. Sources and links: Buy tickets | Matthew 25 AIDS Services

The Latest Kentucky Bourbon Festival News

Volunteer for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival – Get a Free Ticket

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is looking to fill a few remaining volunteer positions. This opportunity is ideal if you missed out on this year’s tickets. Volunteers who work at least 6-8 hours receive a volunteer staff t-shirt, a lunch coupon and a free 3-day GA pass to the festival. Visit the link below to check out the positions still available and sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549AEAD2EA2F8C16-64561480-2026#/

Luxco Events and Releases at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Luxco will host tastings, bottle sales and maker appearances at Lux Row Distillers, Limestone Branch Distillery and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival grounds. Meet the Makers takes place at Lux Row on Thursday, September 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., with release celebrations, brand activations, music and food; general admission is $125. Penelope’s backyard activation continues Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the festival booth, Ian Stirsman appears Friday from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a Penelope Cigar Session from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. John Rempe appears Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., followed by Steve Beam and Stephen Fante from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Biscuits & Barrels with Stephen Beam takes place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Limestone Branch; tickets are $50. Sources and links: Meet the Makers tickets and information | Biscuits & Barrels tickets and information

Editor’s Note: The new releases being unveiled will be covered in our upcoming New Bourbon Releases News. 

Whiskey House Chalet Will Feature Client Brands

Whiskey House of Kentucky will again operate a two-story chalet at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, using the space to showcase its clients’ brands rather than a brand of its own. Festival attendees will be able to taste and purchase bourbons, ryes, blends, single-barrel whiskeys and cask-strength releases, including several limited and festival-exclusive bottles. Every featured expression will be available for purchase while supplies last.

The chalet lineup includes:

• High N’ Wicked Straight Rye, High N’ Wicked Straight Bourbon Cask Strength, High N’ Wicked Straight Bourbon, High N’ Wicked Straight Rye Cask Strength, Warlander Whiskey and Witches’ Tree Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey from Altamar Brands/High N’ Wicked
• Sergeant’s Valor Gratitude, Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon, Sergeant’s Valor Rye and Madam Colonel Pistachio Bourbon Cream from Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. (BHAWK)
• Pauline’s Victory from Lythgoe Bourbon
• Legacy Batch No. 003 — The Declaration, Finish Seekers No. 02: Hungarian Oak, Gibson Tonewood: The Collective, Gibson Tonewood: Vol. 1, Legacy Batch No. 002 and Legacy Batch No. 001 from Outsider Spirits/Whiskey Jypsi
• Reserve Bourbon and Late Night Bourbon from Phifer Pavitt Spirits
• Tumblin’ Dice 12 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, Tumblin’ Dice 11 Year Single Barrel Bourbon and Matt’s Mitt Bourbon from Proof & Wood
• Revelette Black, Revelette Navy and Revelette Crimson from Revelette Bourbon
• Shāng Dàn Yǎ and Shāng East + West Kentucky Blend from SHĀNG Whiskey
• Calumet Farm 12-Year-Old, Calumet Farm Ceramic Decanter and Calumet Farm 18-Year-Old Decanter from Western Spirits Beverage Company/Calumet Farm

Sources and links: Whiskey House of Kentucky

Phifer Pavitt Opens Late Night and Reserve to Public Sale

Phifer Pavitt Spirits will sell Late Night and Reserve to the public for the first time at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The two Cabernet Sauvignon barrel-finished bourbons were previously reserved for Phifer Pavitt wine-club members. Festival attendees can taste the whiskeys at the Whiskey House chalet from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and purchase bottles throughout the festival weekend while supplies last. Online sales are also available through a Phifer Pavitt Spirits membership. Late Night is an 11-year straight bourbon finished 13 months in Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and bottled at 107 proof. Reserve is a 12-year Tennessee straight bourbon finished 24 months in Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and bottled at 115 proof. Sources and links: Phifer Pavitt Spirits

Bourbon and Distillery News For September 4, 2026

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 in a few days, since there will not be a newsletter during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. In addition, the podcast and YouTube versions of this newsletter will go live on Monday, September 7, 2026. If you enjoy our content, I would greatly appreciate it if you would follow us on Instagram and Facebook. I hope you have a great weekend! See you next time! Cheers!🥃

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!