New Bourbon Releases & Distillery News For March 28, 2026

18 New Bourbon Releases To Try And A Whole Lot Of Distillery News, Too!

Buckle up, because we have a whole lot of new releases and news this week. It’s basically two newsletters in one because I skipped last week to go to the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. So, pour yourself some bourbon and read on!

Contents: Shortbarrel — Jack Daniel’s — Bardstown Bourbon Company — Old Forester — Blood Oath — Michter’s — Horse Soldier — Booker’s — PaPaw’s Ridge — Preservation — Daniel Weller – Elijah Craig — Peerless — Paul Sutton — Tumblin’ Dice — Litigation Updates — National Bourbon Week — Kentucky Bourbon Festival — IWSC — Chicken Cock Louisville — Brown-Forman

New Bourbon Releases & Distillery News For March 28, 2026

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New Bourbon Releases

Shortbarrel Afterswarm Meadowfoam

Shortbarrel has announced the online-only launch of Shortbarrel Afterswarm Meadowfoam, a rye whiskey finished in Meadowfoam honey barrels. This third batch in the “Afterswarm” series features a blend of 6-to-13-year-old, non-chill filtered rye whiskeys sourced from MGP Distillery and Green River Distillery with a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Master Blender Clinton Dugan used new American Oak barrels from Kelvin Cooperage conditioned with Meadowfoam honey from Flying Bee Ranch for a secondary maturation of almost 12 months in Atlanta. Shortbarrel Afterswarm Meadowfoam is bottled at 108.6 proof and is available exclusively online at shortbarrelbourbon.com for $114.99. Read the full press release here.

Jack Daniel’s Aged Series 2026

The Jack Daniel Distillery has announced the release of its annual Aged Series, which includes Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 at 117.6 proof for $149.99, 12-Year-Old Batch 4 at 107 proof for $99.99, and 10-Year-Old Batch 5 at 97 proof for $89.99. These expressions feature the classic Jack Daniel’s mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. For the first time, Jack Daniel’s is offering an online sweepstakes hosted by the White Rabbit Bottle Shop for the opportunity to purchase a bottle in person at the distillery. Learn about the sweepstakes and more release details here.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Unveils Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish

Bardstown Bourbon Company has announced Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish, a limited release in its Distillery Reserve series featuring bourbon finished in barrels crafted from rare Oregon white oak. This release highlights an exceptionally scarce American hardwood known for imparting distinctive character unlike any other in American whiskey. The blend of 9- and 10-year-old bourbons was rested for 10 months in custom Garryana oak barrels, contributing distinctive spice-forward characteristics. Bottled at 107.5 proof (53.75% ABV) and presented in a 375mL format, the release became available beginning March 20, 2026, exclusively at the Bardstown Bourbon distillery gift shop and Louisville Tasting Room for $99.99. Read the full press release here.

Editor’s Note: Don’t expect to find these bottles just sitting on the shelves in the gift shops. I am assuming that, as with the prior Distillery Reserve Series bottlings, these bottles will be released intermittently in small numbers.

Old Forester Releases The 117 Series High Angels’ Share Rye

Old Forester has announced the latest release in its experimental 117 Series: High Angels’ Share Rye, a limited small-batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey showcasing barrels that experienced elevated evaporative loss during maturation. Bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) and released as Batch No. 001, the whiskey is presented in a 375 mL bottle and highlights the concentrated flavors that can develop under unique warehouse conditions. The release retails for $64.99 and will be available at the Old Forester Distillery and select Kentucky retailers. Read the full press release here.

Blood Oath Pact 12

Lux Row Distillers has announced the release of Blood Oath Pact 12 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Montepulciano and Sangiovese Casks, which will be available for in-person purchase at the distillery starting Saturday, April 25, with a limited retail arrival scheduled for June. This latest offering from Master Distiller John Rempe features a blend of 9-year and 12-year ryed bourbons, alongside a 7-year ryed bourbon finished first in Montepulciano casks then in Sangiovese casks. As with all previous Blood Oath releases, this expression is bottled at 98.6 proof. A limited supply of 51,000 bottles will be available, with a suggested retail price of $129.99. Read the full press release here.

Michter’s Shenk’s Homestead & Bomberger’s Declaration 2026

Michter’s Distillery has announced the April 2026 release of Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The 2026 Shenk’s Homestead is bottled at 91.2 proof and priced at $110, utilizing caramel malted barley and cooperage that includes 24-month air dried French oak from the Vosges forest and 60-month air dried American oak. The 2026 Bomberger’s Declaration is offered at 108 proof and priced at $120 and features Chinquapin Oak with the addition of some Hungarian Oak, both naturally seasoned and air dried for three years. Read the full press release here.

New Bourbon Releases & Distillery News For March 28, 2026

Horse Soldier Liberty Edition Bourbon

Horse Soldier Bourbon has announced the release of Liberty Edition, a 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Limited to just 1,776 bottles, this expression is bottled at 100 proof and carries a suggested retail price of $799.00. To reflect the “collector’s piece” positioning, each bottle is “formed from bespoke French glass in recognition of the Statue of Liberty’s origin. An antiqued copper label references its historic metalwork, while a radiant gold flame closure crowns the bottle.” The bourbon itself features a high-rye mashbill of 74% Corn, 18% Rye, and 8% Malted Barley* and was aged in char #4 American oak*. This release arrives as the company continues developing Horse Soldier Farms in Somerset, Kentucky, which is scheduled for a grand opening on July 4th, 2026. Read the full press release here.

*Technical specifications sourced from retailer product data (Nestor Liquor and Empire Wine).

Editor’s Note: I’m not sure what to say here. There are no details given about this bourbon from the distillery other than the age, price and proof. If the information obtained from online retailers is correct, that 74-18-8 mash bill points to Barton. While I am sure this is very good bourbon, they are asking buyers to pay a pretty steep premium for a bespoke French glass bottle, closure and copper label, IMHO.

Booker’s Batch 2026-01 “Big Easy” Batch

Jim Beam has announced the release of Booker’s Batch 2026-01 “Big Easy” Batch, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged 7 years, 2 months, and 15 days. This batch consists of liquid from five separate production dates stored in warehouses G, H, J, M, and O on floors 3 through 6. Master Distiller Fred Noe noted that the release pays homage to the flavors Booker Noe discovered in New Orleans, stating, “Dad found flavors he loved everywhere he went. I hope you’ll be as taken with this bourbon as he was with those Big Easy Lucky Dogs.” Booker’s “Big Easy” Batch is bottled at 129.1 proof and has a suggested retail price of $99.99. jimbeam.com

PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

PaPaw’s Ridge has announced a U.S. national expansion for PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey following its 2025 debut, when it was available only in Florida. Founded by Autumn Nethery and rooted in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the brand honors the legacy of Roy “PaPaw” Nethery. The whiskey is aged a minimum of four years and is crafted from a mash bill of yellow corn, rye, and barley. Concurrent with this expansion in distribution, Jeptha Creed Distillery has named Autumn Nethery as Vice President of Operations. In this new role, she will oversee the distillery, marketing, and sales teams as the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary. PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 86 proof and is available for a suggested retail price of $39.99. papawsridge.com

Editor’s Note: I found this interesting. The PaPaw’s Ridge brand is said to be produced by Rut N’ Strut Distillery, based in Shelbyville, Kentucky. So, presumably, that is Jeptha Creed Distillery. However, this brand is being developed by Autumn as an entirely separate brand, not under the Jeptha Creed umbrella. I’m not sure what the story is behind the initial Florida only launch, which seems like an unusual choice for a Kentucky distillery, but if I find out, I’ll let you know!

Rare Perfection 10 Year Kentucky Bourbon

Preservation Distillery has announced the release of Rare Perfection 10 Year Kentucky Bourbon. This expression is crafted from a traditional mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley and is bottled unfiltered at a cask strength of 130.7 proof. Each three-barrel batch is personally selected by Marci Palatella and Master of Maturation Kyle Lloyd. Suggested retail pricing is currently unavailable. preservationdistillery.com

Editor’s Note: I personally am a big fan of Preservation Distillery + Farm. I just wish they would give a more details when they release a new bourbon.

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Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat

Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat, the second edition in its experimental Daniel Weller series. This 2026 release honors the legacy of Daniel Weller, grandfather of William Larue Weller, by examining how the use of spelt wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain impacts the flavor profile of Weller, the Original Wheated Bourbon. Each release in the Daniel Weller series is designed as a focused experiment, inviting deeper appreciation for how a single variable can meaningfully shape the final whiskey. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley stated, “By avoiding specialized barrel treatments and techniques, we were able to focus on how spelt wheat’s natural sweetness and distinct character influence the Weller mashbill.” The whiskey reached its ideal flavor and balance after 10 years of maturation and is bottled at 94 proof. Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat will be available in limited quantities starting March 2026 at a suggested retail price of $549.99. buffalotracedistillery.com

Editor’s Note: The first release in the Daniel Weller series was Emmer Wheat, back in 2023. I haven’t had the opportunity to try that one, and it’s not too likely I’ll get to try this one, but they do sound interesting.

Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon

Elijah Craig has announced the inaugural release of Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon, a new addition to the brand’s single barrel lineup. This expression is aged in new charred oak barrels and is intended to showcase the “richness and depth that comes with extended aging.” Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll stated, “We were looking for exceptional depth and character in our first 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, and it delivers at a proof that enhances its natural complexity.” The 54% ABV is a “subtle nod to May 4, 1964,” the date the United States Congress officially recognized Bourbon as a distinct product of the United States. Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon is bottled at 108 proof and will be available nationally in 750ml bottles beginning this month for a suggested retail price of $149.99. elijahcraig.com

Editor’s Note: I’m excited to try this one! I think 15-17 years is the “sweet spot” for Heaven Hill’s older bourbons, and 108 seems like a great proof point. I suspect it will be quite good. Have you tried it yet?

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Peerless Distilling Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. has announced the release of its first 10-year-old whiskey, Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Bourbon. Set for release on April 22, 2026, at the distillery in Louisville, the bottling marks 10 years of aging since the family revived the brand. The release pays homage to founder Henry Kraver, who began crafting Peerless whiskey in 1889. Roy M. “Corky” Taylor III stated the release is “to honor my Great Grandfather.” Distiller and Batcher Nick Klee added that the whiskey “is a wonderful representation of a decade’s worth of hard work and patience.” Following the Peerless standard, the bourbon is sweet mash and grain-to-bottle. Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Batch 1 is bottled at a barrel proof of 117.6 and will be available at the distillery with a one-bottle purchase limit for a price that is currently unavailable. kentuckypeerless.com

Paul Sutton Heritage 9 Year Bourbon

Paul Sutton Bourbon has announced the release of The 9 Year Heritage, the most mature expression in the brand’s history. Crafted from a century-old family recipe that was reverse-engineered from original mason jars, this limited release is drawn from only 25 hand-selected barrels. The bourbon is produced using a sweet mash process using Alabama sweet Heirloom Corn, rye and malted barley. According to the distillery, this release “honors the past while raising a glass to the future.” Paul Sutton Heritage 9 Year is bottled at 113.2 proof and is available in limited quantities for a suggested retail price of $89.00. paulsuttonbourbon.com

Editor’s Note: I know very little about this brand, but this bourbon was presumably contract distilled at Wilderness Trail. However, after Campari acquired Wilderness Trail, they have essentially ended contract distilling as far as I know. The brand now lists its home in Bardstown, KY, with the rickhouse shown in their photo looking surprisingly like one of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s. So, I am assuming contract distilling now takes place there.

Tumblin’ Dice 11-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon

Proof & Wood has announced the release of its first Bottled in Bond expression, Tumblin’ Dice 11-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Adhering to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, the whiskey was produced within a single distillation season (Fall 2014) at MGP (DSP-IN-15023) and aged for a minimum of 11 years. This new line extension features a high-corn mash bill of 99% corn and 1% barley. Dave Schmier of Proof & Wood stated, “Bottled in Bond is one of the clearest signals of authenticity and quality in American whiskey, and we’re proud to bring that designation to Tumblin’ Dice for the first time.” The release was bottled by Bluegrass Bottling (DSP-KY-20075) with a yield of approximately 400 cases. Tumblin’ Dice 11-Year-Old Bottled in Bond is bottled at 100 proof and is available in limited quantities for approximately $90.00. proofandwood.com

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions

Evan Williams has announced the release of five limited-edition Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles celebrating the University of Alabama, University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, and the University of South Carolina. Each bottle is “hand-selected from an individual barrel” and features a custom hang tag and a color-coordinated wax-dipped top representing the respective university. “These Bourbon Nation Collegiate Editions give fans and alumni a meaningful way to celebrate their schools, whether they’re cheering during tournament season, marking graduation, or simply sharing a glass with fellow fans,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands at Heaven Hill. The releases will be distributed exclusively within each school’s home state. Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition is bottled at 86.6 proof and has a suggested retail price of $34.99. evanwilliams.com

Editor’s Note: What? No University of Kentucky?!

Litigation Updates

For more detailed explanations click here and use password “litigation”.

Uncle Nearest Legal Update: The Bankruptcy Battle

The legal battle over Uncle Nearest escalated this month when founder Fawn Weaver attempted to bypass a court-ordered receivership by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 17. Weaver publicly claimed the move brought the receivership to an end, but on March 19, a federal bankruptcy judge dismissed the petitions, ruling that the original receivership order vested the exclusive authority to file for bankruptcy in the receiver, Phillip Young, not the company’s officers. Weaver has since appealed that dismissal. Meanwhile, the receiver has filed an expedited motion for $75,000 in sanctions and a “gag order” against Weaver and her entity, Grant Sidney, alleging that her social media posts and internal communications have caused “widespread confusion” among employees and vendors, costing the receivership hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees. The court has ordered the receiver to submit evidence of these violations by April 9, with a response from Weaver due by April 16. For more detailed explanations click here and use password “litigation”.

Sanders v. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Update

On March 6, Bardstown Bourbon Co. (BBC) moved to strike portions of Sylvia Sanders’ complaint*, alleging it contained “scandalous” content and violated a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). While Sanders argued the motion was untimely and denied the NDA’s applicability, the Court ordered her on March 19 to file a redacted complaint omitting specific names. BBC subsequently filed an answer and a counterclaim on March 20, alleging Sanders breached her contract by filing the suit; in turn, Sanders filed an “emergency” motion to dismiss the counterclaim on March 24, characterizing it as a SLAPP suit (strategic litigation against public participation) intended to silence her. Additionally, parent company PPC Investments has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint against themselves and Christian Brickman—claiming Sanders was never their employee—which is set for a hearing on May 6, while the SLAPP motion will be heard in early April. For more detailed explanations click here and use password “litigation”.

*Editor’s Note: If you are not familiar with this lawsuit, you can read our initial post on the subject right here.

Court Orders Foreclosure and Sale of LF Heritage Distilling Co. Property

A Scott County judge has ordered the foreclosure and sale of property linked to LF Heritage Distilling Co., formerly known as Limestone Farms. According to Janet Patton of the Lexington Herald-Leader, the order entered March 23 sends the property at 197 Soards Road in Georgetown to the master commissioner for sale. The distillery, which recently joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, is currently embroiled in multiple legal and financial disputes. “KTF feels vindicated that some of the debt that Dillow owes to KTF and its subcontractors will be paid from this sale,” said Eric Eaton, attorney for contractor KTF. The Soards Road order stems from a 2025 dispute over unpaid construction bills for a distillery and bottling facility, with KTF claiming a debt of nearly $787,000 and Rooftek claiming approximately $39,000.

The company is involved in additional litigation concerning a second property on Paynes Depot Road, where more than $5 million in liens have been reported by LEX18. Thoroughbred Engineering has asked for that property to be sold to satisfy over $741,000 in unpaid debts, while Woodford Excavation and Transport filed a lien for nearly $1.3 million for site development. A hearing regarding the Paynes Depot Road property is scheduled for April 2. kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bourbon/article315181493.html

And, in a related story:

Scott County Distillery Operator Indicted for Theft by Deception

A Fayette County grand jury has indicted Darin Dillow, operator of LF Heritage Distilling Co. (formerly Limestone Farms), on one count of theft by deception. According to reporting from LEX 18, the indictment alleges that in August 2024, Dillow used a neighbor’s farm equipment and cattle as collateral to obtain a $100,000 loan. The neighbor, William McIntosh, stated that his family only discovered the situation after Dillow defaulted on the loan and the property was facing seizure. McIntosh further alleged that Dillow falsely identified McIntosh’s father and uncle as “seasonal employees” to a loan officer. “I could not believe that this would actually happen to us,” McIntosh told LEX 18. “It’s something like out of a movie, but just the betrayal of this person.” This indictment follows a recent court order for the foreclosure and sale of the LF Heritage Distilling Co. property in Scott County. Dillow is scheduled to appear in Fayette Circuit Court on April 24, 2026. lex18.com

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More News & Events

National Bourbon Week 2026: Third Annual Celebration in Bardstown

The third annual National Bourbon Week returns to Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, from June 14–21, 2026. Kicking off on National Bourbon Day, the event features 10 partner distilleries, including new additions Limestone Branch Distillery and Potter Jane Distilling Company alongside Log Still Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Preservation Distillery, Old SteelHouse Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, Maker’s Mark Distillery and Barton 1792 Distillery. According to Sam Lacy, Executive Director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance, the week will include the return of the Bourbon Capital Mash Up and multiple special releases from distillery partners. Tickets for Bourbon Capital Alliance partner distillery events went on sale March 26. Read all the details here.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026 Tickets Go On Sale in April

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival has announced that tickets for its 35th anniversary celebration will go on sale April 14, with early access for “Bourbon Insiders” on April 13. The 2026 festival will take place September 10–13 in Bardstown, Kentucky, and will feature multiple ticket tiers ranging from general admission Bourbon Taster passes to premium VIP experiences, including the Oris President’s Club. Attendees will have access to sampling from more than 60 Kentucky distilleries, exclusive single-barrel selections, educational programming, and special release bottle purchases. Ticket prices range from $225 for general admission weekend passes to $6,995 for the top-tier VIP experience. Read all the details here.

IWSC Returns to Bardstown for 3rd Annual North American Spirits Judging

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) will return to Bardstown, Kentucky, from June 1-6, 2026, for its 3rd annual North American spirits judging. This year, the categories are expanding beyond North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States. Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. The panel of judges, led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, will evaluate entries using the same rigorous process as in the UK, including double-blind tasting and panel discussions. Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding, with top-scoring products advancing to the Trophy Judging round. Winners will be revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London. iwsc.net

Chicken Cock Whiskey Relaunches Louisville Tasting Room as “The Coupe”

Chicken Cock Whiskey has announced the relaunch of its Circa 1856 tasting room in Louisville as “The Coupe,” a reimagined speakeasy-style cocktail destination in the heart of the city. “We wanted to create a space that celebrates the spirit of classic speakeasy culture while giving guests a fresh way to experience Chicken Cock Whiskey through thoughtfully crafted cocktails, events, and community gatherings.,” said Emily Zaborowski, Director of Brand Experiences. The opening weekend began March 26 with a Mover & Shaker pop-up featuring Nick Hogan, followed by a formal menu reveal from bar lead Kelly Nelson on March 27. The celebration concludes March 28 during NuLu Bockfest, where Circa 1856 will sponsor the Chicken Cock Whiskey GOAT Stakes, a lively goat race featuring the brand’s own contender, Whiskey the Kidd. chickencockwhiskey.com/circa-1856-louisville

Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard Confirm Merger Discussions

On March 26, 2026, Brown-Forman confirmed it is engaged in preliminary discussions with Pernod Ricard regarding a potential “strategic combination” of the two companies, rather than one taking over the other. In a simultaneous statement, Pernod Ricard also confirmed the talks, though both entities cautioned that there is no certainty a transaction will occur or what the final terms might be. Following the announcements, Pernod’s stock price briefly dropped and then rose, which Brown-Forman’s stock price rose considerably. Industry analysts estimate that a combined company would have a market cap of approximately $30 billion and control 15 of the top 100 global spirits brands. Both companies stated they do not intend to make further comments until a formal agreement is reached or discussions are terminated. brown-forman.com pernod-ricard.com reuters.com (updated March 30, 2026)

New Bourbon Releases & Distillery News For March 28, 2026

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