Industry News - BOURBON & BANTER

If you enjoy Bourbon & Banter, please consider becoming a paid member or buying us a drink.

Industry News

A collection of 102 posts

Now Distilling: First barrel filled at Heaven Hill Springs plant in Bardstown

Now Distilling: First barrel filled at Heaven Hill Springs plant in Bardstown

“It's more than the state-of-the-art facility, more than a place to make whiskey,” O’Driscoll said. “It is a symbol of bold thinking and believing, inspired by our legacy, driven by sustainability, and it's designed for the future. It reflects not only where we've come from, but where we are going.”

The Secret Stash: What's Under the Table at Whiskey Festivals?

The Secret Stash: What's Under the Table at Whiskey Festivals?

It’s a well-known secret at whiskey festivals—some brands stash away something special for those who are in the know. Maybe it’s a rare single barrel, a high-proof experimental batch, or even a unicorn bottle that never sees a retail shelf. But you won’t find it on display—you have to ask.

Whiskey in the Winter 2024: Exploring the Future of Bourbon

Whiskey in the Winter 2024: Exploring the Future of Bourbon

Last December, Pops (@chief.drinking.officer) and Patrick Pho (@districtofbourbon)hit the Whiskey in the Winter Festival in St. Louis to dive deep into the hottest topic in bourbon: Is the bubble about to burst? Armed with cameras and questions, we connected with industry insiders to get their take on

Bourbon slowdown is officially and undeniably real

Paid-members only

Bourbon slowdown is officially and undeniably real

Whether viewed from the 10,000 foot perspective of a publicly traded global company or the grass roots of 'Merica, the story is the same. The whiskey industry that we’ve fallen in madly in love with—and sometimes hatefully mad at—is no longer the juggernaut it was 10 years ago.

MGPI CEO to resign as sales slide, inventories swell, stock sinks

MGPI CEO to resign as sales slide, inventories swell, stock sinks

MGPI’s struggles with soft sales and high inventory appears to reflect similar battles being fought at American whiskey makers large and small. Since about the middle of 2023, all American whiskey sales have declined steadily.

Beam Launches "Beam Private Barrel Club"

Beam Launches "Beam Private Barrel Club"

Jim Beam®, is excited to announce the launch of the Beam Private Barrel Club, a community of whiskey fans and enthusiasts who, for the first time, can buy and personalize their own single barrel directly from the distillery, creating an entirely new way to experience the iconic distiller.

Henderson’s high energy, imaginative mind, give life to True Story whiskies

Henderson’s high energy, imaginative mind, give life to True Story whiskies

“I was at home one evening, and all of a sudden, it popped into my head, ‘Hey, wow, The Kentucky Castle. Wow! What a place to do a bourbon; have a bourbon affiliated with the Castle! Have the Castle as a destination.’ That's really where it started with just that crazy-ass idea.”

Bardstown Bourbon doubles capacity with distillery expansion

Bardstown Bourbon doubles capacity with distillery expansion

Bardstown Bourbon announces the completion of its most significant expansion to date, which pushes the organization’s capacity to more than 18 million proof gallons while focusing on conserving natural resources.

Wyoming Whiskey names Brendan Cook as new Master Blender

Wyoming Whiskey names Brendan Cook as new Master Blender

Cook’s leadership is poised to elevate Wyoming Whiskey in the category, strengthening the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional spirits that are a true expression of Wyoming’s rugged and pristine landscape.

Wes Henderson launches new portfolio of premium American whiskey: True Story

Wes Henderson is joined at True Story by his six sons, continuing the legacy of his father, Lincoln Henderson, who was responsible for creating some of America’s most beloved spirits.

Are popular whiskey festivals a good gauge for bourbon’s ‘health’?

This Round's Mine

Are popular whiskey festivals a good gauge for bourbon’s ‘health’?

But does such enthusiasm truly reflect the health of the bourbon category? Are events like the Bourbon Festival and WhiskeyFest and myriad other whiskey-centric events around the country truly indicative of the category’s health?

Buffalo Trace offers Master Distiller "Day in the Life" Opportunity

Buffalo Trace offers Master Distiller "Day in the Life" Opportunity

“If you are a bourbon enthusiast, now is your chance to become an honorary member of the Buffalo Trace Distillery team during this rare opportunity,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

Casey Jones Distillery Launches First-Ever Mash Maker's Experience in Time for Bourbon Heritage Month

Casey Jones Distillery Launches First-Ever Mash Maker's Experience in Time for Bourbon Heritage Month

Designed for everyone from enthusiasts to those out for a fun day of sightseeing and bourbon tasting, the Mash Maker’s Experience focuses on the primary bourbon grains and how they affect the taste profile of the bourbon from grain to glass.

20-year Beam Bourbon Among Bardstown Collection Releases On Sale June 12-14

Lucky me, I got to try them all, including the 20-year-old bourbon released by James B. Distillery. Bottled at 109 proof, the 259-bottle batch came from six barrels aged on the first floor of a nine-story rickhouse on its Clermont, KY, campus.

Old Forester Releases President’s Choice for Father's Day

Old Forester Releases President’s Choice for Father's Day

President’s Choice dates to 1964 when former Brown-Forman President George Garvin Brown II offered the first private single barrels to customers. That tradition continues today as Old Forester surprises consumers with a summer release of President’s Choice.

Proof° Equity Provides ‘Set It and Forget It’ Whiskey Barrel Investments

Proof° Equity Provides ‘Set It and Forget It’ Whiskey Barrel Investments

While Proof° Equity can purchase bulk whiskey from multiple American distilleries, it has partnered for its first offering with Coal Pick Distillery, located near Drakesboro, Ky., in the western third of the Bluegrass State.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Opens Doors to Buffalo Trace Distillery London

Buffalo Trace Distillery Opens Doors to Buffalo Trace Distillery London

Buffalo Trace Distillery London features an immersive, sensorial experience that brings a taste of Kentucky to the nation’s capital.

Bourbon Women Announces 2024 SIP Scholarship Program

Bourbon Women Announces 2024 SIP Scholarship Program

The SIP Scholarship Program gives individuals interested in moving into the spirits industry or furthering their careers access to the Bourbon Women SIPosium National Conference, August 15 – 18, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville.

Barrel Global™ Launches New, High-End American Whiskey Experience with its “Kentucky Bourbon Retreat”

Barrel Global™ Launches New, High-End American Whiskey Experience with its “Kentucky Bourbon Retreat”

“Our Kentucky Bourbon Retreat democratizes barrel ownership by allowing individuals to create their very own batch of barrels with a truly bespoke mashbill."

West Fork Whiskey Co. Partners with M/I Homes for Transformative Development

West Fork Whiskey Co. Partners with M/I Homes for Transformative Development

The design is intended to create a community hub that people can enjoy through outdoor experiences and is meant to enhance both the live and play experience with shared programming initiatives between the distillery and broader community.

Maker's Mark Bourbon recognizing 'Spirited Women' with Personalized, Limited-Edition Label for consumers

Maker's Mark Bourbon recognizing 'Spirited Women' with Personalized, Limited-Edition Label for consumers

Throughout the year, consumers can create a custom Maker's Mark gift for anyone with the brand's personalized label program.

Taylor Swift to Launch Exclusive Whiskey Collection Inspired by Iconic Albums

The result is a collection as diverse as Swift's discography, featuring barrels aged 7-8 years, each corresponding to one of her iconic albums.

Staghorn Names Lisa Wicker Master Distiller of New Garrard County Distilling Co.

Staghorn Names Lisa Wicker Master Distiller of New Garrard County Distilling Co.

Wicker brings more than 20 years of distilling and winemaking experience to Garrard County Distilling Co.

Woodford Reserve To Debut ‘Flavor Notes Collection’

Woodford Reserve To Debut ‘Flavor Notes Collection’

The Flavor Notes collection will bring Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavor notes to life and showcase how its bourbon is a spectacle for the senses.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Opens the Door to “House of Bardstown"

Bardstown Bourbon Company Opens the Door to “House of Bardstown"

“The House of Bardstown is not just an experience; it's a journey into the soul of Bardstown Bourbon Company."