Fred Minnick
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USA Today and WSJ-Bestselling Author. I drink bourbon.
Books: Bottom Shelf, BOURBON, Bourbon Curious, Whiskey Women MEAD, Rum Curious
Articles by Fred Minnick
Bowmore Teams with Snarkitecture on New Captivo Collection
Bowmore, Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and internationally acclaimed design studio, Snarkitecture, have announced the release of the limited-edition Bowmore Captivo Collection. The collaboration brings together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, creativity and the pursuit of discovery. Just as Bowmore’s whiskies reveal layers of flavor with every sip, Snarkitecture’s work encourages people to look deeper and experience the unexpected.
Jack Daniel's Releases Single Barrel Coy Hill Rye
The Jack Daniel Distillery announces Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Coy Hill Rye, a barrel proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey matured atop the distillery’s highest elevation point. Serving as this year’s expression in the annual limited series, it marks the first time a rye whiskey aged in the famed Coy Hill barrelhouses has been bottled as a Single Barrel release.
MB Roland Distillery Goes Up for Sale
After 18 years of building one of Kentucky’s first craft distilleries by hand, the owners of MB Roland Distillery are retiring and have brought the business to market, together with the real estate it sits on. The offering includes the operating business and the full 26-acre property: the 10-acre distillery campus and adjoining 16-acre undeveloped land.
15 Stars Releases New First West Cigar Blend Bourbon
15 STARS is expanding its First West collection with the debut of First West Cigar Blend, a limited-release expression crafted with both cigar and bourbon enthusiasts in mind. Bringing together high-aged straight bourbons and distinctive finishing casks, the bold blend is designed to complement a cigar or savor on its own. First West Cigar Blend combines 11 and 15 year old straight bourbons finished in cognac, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and tawny port casks.
Penelope Bourbon Celebrates FCancer Partnership with New Release
Penelope Bourbon is marking five years of its partnership with FCancer with the release of Batch 5, a six-year-old blend of straight whiskeys available at select retailers nationwide starting this October. The annual limited release reflects Penelope’s ongoing commitment to supporting FCancer’s mission of changing the way people think about cancer through prevention, early detection and support. This year, Penelope is pledging $250,000 to the nonprofit.
Liberty Pole to Release New High Rye Bourbon Oct. 23
Liberty Pole Spirits will release its new High Rye Straight Bourbon on Friday, October 23, adding a distinctly Pennsylvania expression to its permanent core lineup. The inspiration came from an unlikely source: rye whiskeys made with just 51% rye, the minimum required for the category. For a distillery with a deep appreciation for Pennsylvania’s rye whiskey heritage, those “barely legal” ryes raised a playful question: Why not put nearly that much rye into a bourbon?
MGP Ingredients to Rebeand as Sempreon
MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI), a leading provider of branded and distilled spirits and ingredient solutions, announced plans to rebrand as Sempreon. Sempreon represents a new corporate identity that brings together the company’s three businesses and reflects its evolution over 85 years. The Sempreon brand will officially launch on November 2, 2026, alongside the company’s planned transition to its new Nasdaq ticker symbol, CASK.
New Era Distillery Releases Expert-Selected Bourbon
New Era Distillery is unveiling a new bourbon they didn’t even come up with themselves, sort of. The new distillery in Lexington asked bourbon experts for help tasting and selecting barrels to comprise the first batch. Together, they selected the first batch of Marquee Bourbon, comprised of eleven Kentucky Bourbon barrels ranging from 5 to 9 years of age and seven different mash bills. The suggested retail price is $49.99.
Old Forester Launches New Tribute Series Expressions
Old Forester launched the Tribute Series, a new annual ultra-premium age-stated release representing the pinnacle of the brand’s craft. The Tribute Series debuts with a 12-year-old, 115 proof bourbon. Presented in a timeless decanter inspired by the brand’s iconic holiday collection, the series pairs one of the brand’s most mature whisky with mid-century sophistication.
Old Fitzgerald Debuts Jonathan Adler x Old Fitzgerald Backgammon Set
Old Fitzgerald Bourbon and renowned potter and designer Jonathan Adler debuted their limited-edition Jonathan Adler x Old Fitzgerald Backgammon Set. As analog pastimes enjoy a resurgence amid a renewed desire to unplug, slow down and reconnect face-to-face, the collaboration from two icons puts a stylish new spin on a timeless game, ideally enjoyed with a superior pour.
Garden County Irish Whiskey Set to Debut in U.S.
Garden County Irish Whiskey, a family-run distillery with a focus on reviving historic Irish whiskey styles, is making its U.S. debut with an initial portfolio of four craft spirits. Garden County has appointed Henderson, NV-based A21 Wine and Spirits to represent the brand in the U.S. and oversee distribution and sales. The initial portfolio includes Garden County 5-Year-Old Single Grain, 8-Year-Old Single Grain, and 7-Year-Old Single Malt, along with Garden County Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur.
Roaming Road Spirits Expands into American Whiskey Single Barrels
Roaming Road Spirits, having launched single cask offerings globally in categories such as rum, Armagnac, Cognac, and Irish whiskey, is now focused on strengthening its domestic single barrel program in the United States. Brand owner Mike Gilmore brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience in bourbon and American whiskey to the program.
Bib & Tucker Teams with Hasbro for New Collector's Edition MONOPOLY Release
This holiday season, Bib & Tucker and Hasbro are launching the debut of MONOPOLY: Bib & Tucker Collector’s Edition. The limited-edition board game brings together two distinctly American stories. Available exclusively on ReserveBar.com beginning October 2026, MONOPOLY: Bib & Tucker Collector’s Edition transports players into Bib & Tucker’s world of turn-of-the-century progress, adventure, and discovery—creating a holiday gift designed to be played, shared, and collected.
Barrell Craft Spirits Releases 12-year French Toast(ed) Bourbon Whiskey
Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) introduced a 12-year French Toast(ed) Bourbon Whiskey. The new expression is part of the company’s Red Label Series, which features age-stated whiskeys and uses finishing casks to elevate blends. These whiskeys offer a twist on BCS’ classics and pay homage to its origins and some of its favorite products.
Pursuit Spirits Releases Pursuit United XS Double Oak
Pursuit Spirits announced the release of Pursuit United XS Double Oak. Short for “Extra Special,” the XS series represents a premium evolution of the brand’s double oak whiskeys, taking barrel proof Pursuit United Bourbon and Rye through an extended secondary maturation process from custom craft cooperages. The inaugural release, Pursuit United XS Double Oak Rye, spent nearly two years maturing in custom American oak barrels from Seguin Moreau’s Napa cooperage.
Elijah Craig Brings Back Old Fashioned Week with New Tavern Trail
Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American whiskeys, announced the return of Old Fashioned Week, now in its seventh year. Running through October 18, the annual celebration honors the age-old cocktail and the hospitality professionals behind every serve. New for this year is the Old Fashioned Tavern Trail, a collection of taverns comprised of Old Fashioned Week participants across the US that foster community, connection and a love of great bourbon.
Ghostwood Whiskey Releases New 3 Brothers Bourbon
Montana-based Ghostwood Whiskey is introducing Ghostwood 3 Brothers Bourbon, a six-year-old, premium three-grain, high-rye bourbon inspired by founder Lucas Perks’ memories of spending nights outdoors around the campfire with his two brothers. The new 3 Brothers Bourbon is the fourth whiskey in Ghostwood’s core portfolio and offers an accessible introduction to the brand at a suggested retail price of $49 per 750ml bottle.
Wyoming Whiskey Releases Queen of the Tetons Second Edition
Wyoming Whiskey announced Queen of the Tetons Second Edition, a limited-edition bourbon honoring Grizzly 399, the legendary bear who was killed in a car accident near Grand Teton National Park on Oct. 22, 2024. The release arrives ahead of the second anniversary of her death, and for the first time, whiskey fans across the country can bring a bottle home. An icon of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Grizzly 399 drew photographers and visitors from around the world for nearly three decades.
Russell's Reserve Releases Single Rickhouse 2026
Russell’s Reserve introduces Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D, the highly anticipated fifth addition to its acclaimed Single Rickhouse Collection. The Collection explores whiskey “terroir,” how the precise location and environment of a rickhouse can influence a whiskey’s character even when the foundational elements and recipe remain constant.
Frey Ranch Releases Premium Series Third Harvest
Frey Ranch Distillery announced the latest release in its Frey Ranch Harvester Series: Third Harvest, a one-of-a-kind, ultra-premium whiskey that highlights the sustainable and slow grown grains cultivated and harvested exclusively on the Frey Ranch farm in Northern Nevada.
Kentucky Senator Launches New Thoroughbred Legacy Series
When Kentucky Senator Bourbon sought to create a private-barrel Thoroughbred Legacy Series, the award-winning small-batch bourbon reached for the stars for the inaugural subject: D.J. Stable’s champion filly Nitrogen. The 113-proof bourbon — selected and bottled by Potter Jane Distilling Company of Springfield, Ky., for Kentucky Senator Spirits — commemorates the multiple champion favored for the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Oct. 31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington.
Lofted Spirits Elevates Nick Smith to Master Distiller
Lofted Spirits announced the elevation of Nick Smith to Master Distiller, responsible for production at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Whiskey and Lofted Custom Spirits. Smith has been there since the beginning; he joined Bardstown Bourbon Co. 2016 and has helped build the operation from the ground up, guiding its growth from an ambitious startup to a leader in modern spirits, today one of the largest suppliers of American Whiskey.
Last Drop Distillers Releases 22-Year Old Barbados Rum
The Last Drop Distillers announced Release No. 43: The Last Drop 22 Year Old Barbados Rum, marking the brand’s first rum Signature Creation and the oldest rum ever released by Foursquare Distillery. Created by celebrated Foursquare Distillery Owner and Distiller Richard Seale, a founding member of The Last Drop Assembly, the release brings together one of rum’s most revered producers with The Last Drop’s pursuit of exceptional aged spirits.
Maker's Mark Launches New World Wood Collection
Maker’s Mark announced the World Wood Collection, a new Global Travel Retail-exclusive series celebrating the influence of oak from around the world. The inaugural release, Expedition 01, marks the first Maker’s Mark whisky to feature three oak finishes across three continents: Japanese Mizunara, French and American white oak staves.
Buffalo Trace Announces Second Annual 'Night at the Distillery'
Buffalo Trace Distillery invites guests back after dark for the second annual Night at the Distillery, an immersive Halloween experience that brings more than two centuries of history, folklore and mystery to life across the historic grounds. Expanded for 2026 with additional dates, new stories and new locations, guests will wander through the nighttime glow past illuminated warehouses, trees, pumpkins and barrels as seasonal soundscapes set the scene.
ACSA Study Shows 8% Decrease in Craft Spirits Sales in 2025
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Park Street this week presented highlights from the 2026 Craft Spirits Data Project (CSDP) at its Annual Craft Spirits Economic Briefing. Tom Bard (President, ACSA and Co-Founder of The Bard Distillery) and Emily Pennington (CEO, ACSA) shared key sales data and insights from the 2025 calendar year.
Foley Family Wines & Spirits Releases Gran Nota Tequila
Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announced a new spirit that explores what happens when a legendary whiskey maker applies decades of whiskey-making knowledge to the craft of tequila. Introducing Gran Nota Triple Oak Reposado – a modern tequila shaped by the discipline and patience of renowned whiskey distiller Chip Tate in collaboration with the Bañuelos family.
Copper & Cask Launches 10-Year-Old X Bourbon
Copper & Cask announced the launch of Copper & Cask X. This 10-year age-stated Bourbon is the brand’s first permanent release, aiming to be available year-round in ongoing small batch drops. The inaugural batch of X is crafted from hand-selected barrels of 10 to 12-year Bourbon, distilled at MGP Indiana and aged in various locations, including: Kentucky, Indiana and Copper & Cask’s HQ in Rhode Island.
Brother's Bond to Be Served on JetBlue Flights
Brother’s Bond Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey brand founded by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, is taking to the skies through a new partnership with JetBlue. Beginning October 1, Brother’s Bond 50ml Straight Bourbon will be available onboard JetBlue, giving travelers a new way to discover and enjoy the brand while they fly. The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Brother’s Bond as the brand continues to expand its presence across the U.S. and internationally.
Buzzard's Roost Releases Newest Cigar Blend Bourbon
Buzzard’s Roost, the Kentucky distillery known for its innovative approach to blending and double oak finishing announced the newest expression of its acclaimed Cigar Blend Bourbon. Designed with cigar enthusiasts and bourbon aficionados in mind, the latest release builds on the character of the original while offering a distinctive new taste profile. Buzzard’s Roost Cigar Blend Bourbon has earned a devoted following for its rich, layered character and affinity for a fine cigar.
Jacob's Pardon Whiskey Brand to Release First Bourbon
Jacob’s Pardon, the American whiskey brand rooted in documented Prohibition-era family history, is launching its first-ever bourbon. The four-grain, multi-distillery blend was developed by the Taub family in collaboration with whiskey expert F. Paul Pacult, bringing together liquid from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
Heaven Hill Brands Appoints Earthbound Brands as Licensing Agency
Heaven Hill Brands announced that it has appointed Earthbound Brands as its exclusive licensing agency. Founded in 1935, Heaven Hill has grown from a single Bourbon barrel into the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon and third-largest supplier of Tequila while remaining family-led across three generations. Today, its portfolio spans American Whiskey, Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Canadian Whisky, Liqueurs and more.
Starlight Distillery Releases Annual Estate 7-Year Bourbon
Starlight Distillery announced the release of its Estate Collection 7-Year Cask Strength Bourbon, an annual expression produced in collaboration with the Estate Whiskey Alliance. Starlight Distillery’s Estate Collection is a true reflection of commitment, passion and family legacy. Made entirely grain-to-glass on the Huber family estate, with 80% of its grain grown and harvested on estate land, this limited release represents the highest level of craftsmanship the distillery can offer.
Brown-Forman Releases 2026 King of Kentucky
King of Kentucky, one of the most sought-after bottles in American whiskey from Brown-Forman, returns in 2026 with a high-proof single barrel expression aged for 14 years. This year’s release is drawn from two 14-year-old lots totaling 99 barrels, with proofs ranging from 125 to 135. Of the 99 barrels selected, 51 matured on the third floor of Warehouse I and 48 matured on the first floor of Warehouse L at the Brown-Forman Distillery.
Widow Jane Releases Second Edition of Black Opal Bourbon
Widow Jane Distillery released the second iteration of Black Opal Bourbon, the Red Hook, Brooklyn distillery’s exploration of marrying its oldest and rarest bourbons. Black Opal 2026, a limited release named for one of the world’s rarest gemstones, is a blend of bourbons aged for a minimum of 20 years and finished for 13 months in old-growth Mizunara oak casks. Befitting a bottling decades in the making, the bourbons blended to create Black Opal were distilled in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Copper & Kings Relaunches Bottle Your Own Experience
Copper & Kings is relaunching its Bottle Your Own experience, offering guests an immersive journey into the intertwined heritage of American brandy and bourbon. Visitors can fill, cork, label, and sign their own bottle to take home, creating a unique, personal memento of their visit. The one-hour guided tour begins with a complimentary welcome cocktail featuring American brandy aged in bourbon barrels.
Highland Park Releases 'Between You and I' 17-Year Single Malt
In the second edition of its ”Between You and I” whisky—created in conversation with leading talents from the worlds of food, art and fashion—Orkney distillery Highland Park, led by Master Whisky Maker Marc Watson, has partnered with New York-based artist Laila Gohar to create a 17-year-old single malt that, with its elegant spiciness and enigmatic smoke, uses flavour to offer a window into her playful, surreal and endlessly imaginative world.
Wanderfolk Distillery Launches Talbird American Whiskey
Oklahoma-based Wanderfolk Distillery has announced the launch of Tallbird American Whiskey. Crafted to be as affordable and approachable as Whiskey of the Golden Age, Tallbird American Whiskey is a blend of straight, seven-year-old bourbons distilled in Kentucky (Bardstown Bourbon Company) and Tennessee (TN Distilling), then aged in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in 53-gallon, New American White Oak barrels with a Level 3-4 char.
Lost Lantern Set to Release George Dickel Collection
This fall, Lost Lantern, the Vermont-based independent bottler of American whiskey, follows up the release of the United States of Bourbon–the first blend of bourbon from all 50 states–with another milestone. Lost Lantern’s Fall 2026 release is its first collection devoted entirely to one distillery, and its first partnership with a large, heritage distillery: George Dickel.
Beam Distilling Co. Announces Fall Activities Calendar
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. announced its fall/winter 2026 lineup of experiences at its historic Clermont, Kentucky campus with a packed schedule of events bringing together whiskey, food, live music and Kentucky hospitality through the end of 2026. From now through December, the Clermont campus will host a slate of immersive experiences that bring the James B. Beam Distilling Co. story to life through rare whiskey, Kentucky foodways, live music and Beam family hospitality.
Garrison Brothers to Celebrate Duck Season with New Release
Garrison Brothers Distillery will partner with Texas-based outdoor apparel brand Duck Camp for a seasonal partnership in celebration of Texas duck hunting season. There will be a special distillery event on Saturday, October 31, featuring a limited-edition Garrison Brothers Single Barrel designed with a commemorative camouflage Duck Camp label being released along with exclusive Duck Camp x Garrison Brothers merchandise.
Distilled Spirits Council to Host 2027 Conference March 15-17 in Washington, D.C. - Fred Minnick
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced that registration is open for its 2027 Annual Conference which will be held March 15-17 at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, D.C. “The DISCUS Annual Conference has earned its reputation as a premier gathering for industry insights and meaningful networking,” DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger said in a news release.
Larrikin Bourbon Expands Distribution into Florida
Larrikin Bourbon Company and Koala Bare Spirits are heading south, announcing a statewide distribution partnership with Green Light Distribution in Florida. The Florida launch marks another major step in Larrikin’s national expansion, bringing the proudly Australian-founded, Kentucky-distilled brand to its 15th state. “Florida is a bloody important market for us,” Greg Keeley, founder and distiller of Larrikin Bourbon Company, said in a news release.
Laphroaig Brings Back 15-Year-Old Expression
Laphroaig has brought back its 15-Year-Old expression as a new permanent addition to the Islay distillery’s portfolio. Joining Laphroaig 10-Year-Old and Laphroaig 18-Year-Old as a complete permanent set, the new age statement offers whisky fans a richer and more nuanced expression of the spirit. Matured for 15 years in American oak bourbon casks, the new expression captures the unmistakable intensity of Laphroaig.
Willett Releases Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength
Willett Distillery announced Willett Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength, a new full-proof expression of the distillery’s small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The release brings greater intensity and body to the familiar wheated bourbon while preserving one of American whiskey’s most recognizable presentations: the pot still-shaped bottle designed by the late Even Kulsveen. The new expression will be released twice each year, on the occasions of the Spring and Fall Equinox.
Deerslayer Venison Flavored Whiskey Gets a Size Upgrade
What began as an experiment has officially earned its place in the herd. Tamworth Distilling’s The Deerslayer Venison Flavored Whiskey is graduating from its small-format House of Tamworth roots and joins the distillery’s full spirits lineup in a new “Buck-sized” bottle ($45) – following a response from distillery visitors, online buyers, hunters, outdoors enthusiasts, and adventurous whiskey drinkers.
Hooten Young Releases Jack Carr Warrior Select Bourbon
Hooten Young announced the release of the Hooten Young x Jack Carr Warrior Select Bourbon, a 10-year-aged Batch No. 1 bourbon developed in collaboration with Jack Carr—retired Navy SEAL sniper and now #1 New York Times bestselling author. The release is timed to the return of the acclaimed series: all eight episodes of The Terminal List Season 2, starring Chris Pratt as Navy SEAL Commander James Reece, premiere on Prime Video on October 21, 2026.
Copperworks Releases Single Malt for Craft Malt Month
In celebration of Craft Malt Month (September), an annual celebration bringing the community together to honor the artistry and impact of craft malt, Copperworks Distilling Co. has released Copperworks Craft Malt Month 2026 American Single Malt Whiskey (Single Cask No. 488).
Jefferson's Bourbon Updates Packaging, Proofs
Jefferson’s Bourbon has unveiled a fresh new look across its portfolio. However, while the bottle packaging has changed and select expressions feature meaningful updates, the philosophy behind Jefferson’s remains the same: a belief that the best bourbon isn’t made by following tradition, it’s made by breaking it. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of an 8-Year age statement for Jefferson’s Reserve, along with a proof increase to 96.
Blue Note Bourbon Increases Allocation of Honey Cask Expressions for 2026
Blue Note Bourbon this year has significantly increased the allocation for its popular Honey Bourbon and Honey Rye Cask Whiskey, which sold out quickly the past two years. These two expressions are where bold bourbon and rye along with natural sweetness find perfect harmony. Blue Note finishes its award-winning whiskey in American Oak barrels that have been seasoned with wildflower barrel-aged honey for between six and nine months, creating a unique fusion of flavor.
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