First off—apologies for ghosting you final week. I used to be out in San Francisco spreading the bourbon gospel with a DrinkCurious pub takeover through the RSA Convention. Between the barrel banter and late-night pours, the schedule acquired a bit of… aggressive. However I’m again, hydrated (largely), and able to dive into one other packed version.
This week, we’re kicking issues off by elevating a well-deserved glass to somebody who’s spent a long time doing the identical for all of us—Bernie Lubbers. Should you’ve ever had the privilege of sipping whiskey with Bernie, you already know: he doesn’t simply speak about bourbon—he lives it. His current promotion to Whiskey Ambassador Emeritus at Heaven Hill is greater than only a title change—it’s a reminder that this trade, at its finest, has all the time been about individuals, not simply pours.
From there, we’re diving into recent releases, new collaborations, trade shakeups, and some tales that’ll make you snort your bourbon ( you, THC-in-a-can crowd). Buckle up, refill that Glencairn, and let’s get again to enterprise.
Folks Earlier than Pours: Cheers to Bernie Lubbers
Should you’ve been fortunate sufficient to share a pour with Bernie Lubbers, you already know: bourbon isn’t simply what’s within the bottle—it’s in regards to the individuals behind it. And Bernie? He’s top-of-the-line we’ve acquired.
I first met Bernie again in 2012 when Bourbon & Banter was simply beginning to catch fireplace. I reached out to Jim Beam in search of somebody to host a bourbon dinner for our first VIP Bourbon Pilgrimage. Bernie confirmed up and introduced the home down—not with ego, however with character, heat, and that unmistakable mix of humor and information that will finally earn him the nickname The Whiskey Professor. We grew to become quick associates, and never lengthy after, he made the transfer to Heaven Hill, the place he’s been pouring his coronary heart and soul into the trade ever since.
So it’s solely becoming that Heaven Hill has named Bernie Whiskey Ambassador Emeritus, a well-earned honor that displays not simply his experience, however the relationships he’s constructed throughout a long time of labor.
For these of us who’ve seen Bernie in motion—touring 100,000+ miles a yr, breaking down the historical past of Bottled-in-Bond with a guitar in hand—it’s no shock. His ardour for whiskey training has modified the way in which the trade teaches, talks, and toasts. He’s helped reintroduce a era to one in every of bourbon’s most trusted traditions, and alongside the way in which, proved that kindness and information go a hell of a good distance on this enterprise.
Personally, one in every of my favourite issues to do after I’m in Louisville is to satisfy Bernie off the overwhelmed path, sit down over just a few drinks, and simply speak store—with no agenda. Simply two guys who love bourbon and this trade, checking in. That’s the form of man Bernie is. No flash, no fluff—simply actual hospitality and a deep-rooted love for what bourbon means.
As Bernie steps into this new chapter with Heaven Hill, we elevate a glass to one in every of bourbon’s truest champions. This isn’t a goodbye—it’s a continuation of a friendship and a legacy constructed on individuals first, whiskey second.
Congratulations, Bernie. The bourbon world is healthier since you’re in it.
BOOZE BIZ BUZZ
Glenfiddich & OpenTable Workforce Up for Premium Whisky Dinners Nationwide
Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky has partnered with OpenTable to launch unique “Glenfiddich Whisky Experiences” at high-end eating places throughout the U.S. From Could 1 by way of June 30, diners can reserve curated experiences at spots like Le Jardinier (TX), Il Mulino Prime (NY), and the Waldorf Astoria (CA). Every reservation features a welcome Glenfiddich pour—served neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail—and an opportunity to take pleasure in elevated taste pairings in a refined setting. With extra diners craving distinctive food-and-drink moments, this partnership blends Scotch sophistication with OpenTable’s attain to make luxurious whisky extra accessible, sip by sip. Be taught extra and ebook your expertise right here
🥃📋 SIP REP: This sort of transfer makes complete sense as whiskey gross sales sluggish and types search for methods to remain prime of thoughts—and prime shelf. Glenfiddich linking up with OpenTable is a basic Scotch-world first-mover play: create an expertise, make it really feel premium, and switch a pour into an evening out. Sensible. However it’s additionally an indication of the instances—mark my phrases, we’re going to see extra of this as manufacturers attempt to increase on-premise engagement in a tricky market. The actual query is: how lengthy till bourbon begins enjoying this sport in an enormous means? As a result of at this level, Scotch is setting the desk—and bourbon may wish to begin sending out RSVPs.
Pursuit Spirits Expands Lineup with New Proofs and Packaging Refresh
Pursuit Spirits, the whiskey model born from the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, has unveiled a significant growth of its Pursuit United lineup. The model is introducing new 88 proof and Barrel Proof variations of each its bourbon and rye, aiming to supply one thing for each form of whiskey drinker—from approachable sippers to daring, cask-strength pours.
- 88 Proof Pursuit United Bourbon and Rye are designed for on a regular basis enjoyment, priced at $39.99 every.
- Barrel Proof expressions clock in at 119.8 (Bourbon) and 121.2 (Rye) proof, with wealthy, dessert-like profiles and an SRP of $79.99.
Alongside the brand new proof factors, Pursuit Spirits has launched a whole packaging redesign. All bottles are actually customized 700ml glass with up to date labels that emphasize mash invoice transparency and completed kinds.
Because the model prepares to open its new Whiskey Row location in Louisville, the refreshed look and expanded portfolio mark a daring subsequent chapter.
🥃📋 SIP REP: We’ve watched Pursuit Spirits construct this model brick by brick, and this transfer reveals they’re not slowing down. New proof factors? Sensible. Fancy new bottle? Sharp. Nonetheless no plans for a Costco-sized podcast-host-shaped decanter? Missed alternative—however we’ll let it slide.
Diageo Sued for Allegedly Deceptive Shoppers About Casamigos and Don Julio Tequilas
A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in federal court docket accuses Diageo of deceptively labeling Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas as “100% agave” whereas allegedly mixing them with cane or different non-agave alcohols. The go well with claims these merchandise fail to satisfy each U.S. and Mexican laws for being labeled as pure tequila, and that customers—believing they had been getting premium 100% Blue Weber Agave spirits—had been duped into overpaying.
Filed in New York by shoppers and a restaurant, the go well with seeks over $5 million in damages and calls for an finish to what it calls false promoting practices. Diageo, unsurprisingly, denies the claims and says it is going to “vigorously defend” itself in court docket. Learn Extra
🥃📋 SIP REP: Wow—Diageo being lower than clear about what’s in your bottle of Casamigos? I, for one, am surprised. (That’s sarcasm, in case the neat pour didn’t give it away.) Actually, between the CRT silencing “additive-free” claims and now this lawsuit suggesting Clooney’s money cow is likely to be chopping corners, it’s beginning to really feel like transparency in tequila is extra fable than mission. If this lawsuit holds any weight, it simply confirms what a few of us have suspected for some time—fancy branding and movie star hype don’t all the time add as much as trustworthy tequila.
Maker’s Mark Wooden Ending Sequence ‘The Keepers Launch’
I’ve to confess that after I realized of this new launch, I assumed, “How lengthy can this Wooden Ending Sequence go on?” Effectively, it took just one style of The Keepers Launch to persuade me that this extension of the sequence is a superb thought.
Tequila Ocho Outdated Fitz Añejo Evaluate: Bourbon-Soaked Boldness
Excessive notes of lemon cream sweet, butterscotch, hibiscus, agave nectar, oak and baking spice mix for an extremely balanced pour whose end is vibrant, tingly, clear and quick.
Maui’s Waikulu Agave Spirit: Higher than your fav tequila?
Waikulu Distillery is situated on the windward facet of the island in Makawao. The setting of this place is beautiful. Sure, it’s Maui, every part seems to be wonderful, however the farm is nestled on 6 acres on the facet of a hill/mountain/volcano. It’s gorgeous.
Misplaced Lantern Launches Discovery Membership to Highlight Rising American Whiskey
Misplaced Lantern—an unbiased bottler recognized for curating standout American whiskies—has launched the Discovery Membership, a $90/month subscription service delivering a brand new unique 750ml whiskey to members each month. These bottles, sourced from lesser-known or rising distilleries, received’t be accessible wherever else. Together with the month-to-month pour, members get early entry to different Misplaced Lantern releases, digital tastings, and behind-the-scenes content material. The membership is capped at 180 members and begins Could 1, that includes preliminary bottlings from two of Misplaced Lantern’s hottest companions, adopted by a yr of recent distillery collaborations throughout varied whiskey kinds. 👉 Be a part of or be taught extra right here
🥃📋 SIP REP: Misplaced Lantern’s all the time had a watch for unearthing hidden gems, and this membership appears like a pure evolution—curated whiskey for the curious drinker who’s uninterested in looking by way of hype and taters. With the bourbon world choking on $80 sourced bottles of sameness, $90 for one thing unique, vetted, and really totally different may simply be the perfect new pour you didn’t know you wanted.
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Devils River Whiskey Recordsdata for Chapter Safety
Devils River Whiskey, a Texas-based model launched in 2017 and backed by actor Dave Bautista, has filed for Chapter 11 chapter. Regardless of increasing into 36 states and 5 international locations—and claiming over 60 trade awards—the corporate is now making an attempt to reorganize amid monetary challenges.
Court docket filings reveal liabilities between $1 million and $10 million, with main money owed owed to Sazerac and a outstanding regulation agency, amongst others. Whereas the model has made waves with bourbon, agave, and occasional whiskey choices—and tried to diversify bourbon tradition—it now faces critical questions on long-term viability. Learn Extra
🥃📋 SIP REP: Look, I’ve had this whiskey—and even when an area retailer in St. Louis put it on sale and added a $5 neck-tag rebate, making it free, I nonetheless walked away unimpressed. It is one factor to wrestle as a small model, however when the whiskey doesn’t ship even at zero {dollars}, it’s no shock the funds adopted go well with. Celeb buyers and glossy awards may flip heads, however on the finish of the day, it’s what’s within the glass that counts.
THC in a Can: The New Pleased Hour Wild Card
THC-infused drinks are making their means into mainstream markets—even in states the place weed isn’t authorized—due to a authorized loophole from the 2018 Farm Invoice. These drinks promise a buzz with out the booze, luring shoppers away from alcohol with claims of fewer energy, higher sleep, and hangover-free mornings. However consultants warn they carry the identical dangers as edibles: delayed results, potential overconsumption, psychological well being points, and impairment. Efficiency varies wildly by model, and the results hit quicker than edibles however slower than smoking. Add in inconsistent labeling and questionable oversight, and it’s a choose-your-own-adventure in altered states—with unknown long-term penalties. Associated story.
🥃📋 SIP REP: What might probably go flawed with semi-legal, THC-laced drinks bought subsequent to arduous seltzers with labels that really feel extra like a dare than a dosage information? Let’s see… delayed results that lull you right into a false sense of “I am fantastic,” inconsistent potencies, zero FDA oversight, and science nonetheless enjoying catch-up on how these items even work in your physique. Toss in the truth that your fizzy little buzz bomb might hit tougher with meals and that you simply’re extra more likely to discover it at a comfort retailer than a dispensary—and yeah, we’re deep in “maintain my drink” territory. At this level, grabbing a thriller THC seltzer off the shelf is about as protected as accepting a cocktail from a man in cargo shorts at a dive bar. The advertising and marketing’s slick, however don’t let the zero-cal claims distract you: this isn’t a more healthy joyful hour—it’s only a riskier one with higher packaging.
NEW RELEASES
Listed here are some new releases value a glance—shared for consciousness, not endorsement. #DrinkCurious, however select correctly. 🥃
Frey Ranch Launches Restricted “Harvester Sequence” to Have fun 10 Years of Distilling
Frey Ranch Distillery is marking its tenth anniversary with the launch of the Harvester Sequence: tenth Anniversary Version, additionally dubbed “First Harvest.” This high-proof (121.14) American whiskey blends over 100 barrels and 14 mashbills, all crafted from grains grown fully on the Frey household’s Nevada farm. With whiskey as previous as 7.5 years and a collaborative mix effort between Colby and Ashley Frey, Grasp Distiller Russell Wedlake, and famend Grasp Blender Nancy Fraley, this launch places provenance and taste entrance and middle.
The outcome? A grain-forward whiskey that drinks like a deconstructed s’extra—suppose custard, marshmallow, oatmeal cookie, and Nevada pinenuts. Packaged with a metallic tractor topper and silo-inspired case, the bottle pays homage to the household’s five-generation farming legacy.
Solely 500 bottles had been produced, and so they bought out inside one minute after they went on sale this previous week for $249.99. Nevada retail drops to observe.
🥃📋 SIP REP: I had the prospect to style an early model of this launch final yr when Frey Ranch despatched me a pattern for suggestions. Again then, it was promising however a little bit of a brute—daring, however not fairly balanced. I’m thrilled to report that what they’ve bottled right this moment is a significant step up. This refined model delivers massive taste with out overwhelming the palate and reveals simply how far they’ve come. It’s a very one-of-a-kind pour that proves you may rejoice grain, craftsmanship, and complexity all in the identical sip. Dear? Certain. However in a market drowning in overpriced sourced whiskey, this one could earn its sticker.
Chattanooga Whiskey Releases Its Most Restricted Bottled-in-Bond But: Spring 2021 Classic
Chattanooga Whiskey has introduced the Spring 2021 Classic—its most restricted Bottled in Bond launch up to now. Blended from barrels stuffed between January and June 2021, this version options three mash payments, together with a standout new one dubbed “Barrel 78”. That five-grain recipe—constructed with chocolate malted barley, double roasted caramel malt, and cherrywood smoked malt—makes up 20% of the mix and provides wealthy notes of chocolate malt and baked apple.
The remainder of the mix leans closely on the distillery’s beloved wheated recipe, creating a light-weight, spring-forward taste profile with butterscotch sweet, cream soda, recent plum, and lemon curd. Solely 20 barrels had been used, making this the rarest Bottled in Bond Chattanooga has ever launched.
Out there beginning Could 9 at their Experimental Distillery and rolling out in restricted portions in choose states and on-line at Seelbachs.com for $52.99.
🥃📋 SIP REP: I’ve been a Chattanooga Whiskey fan for a very long time and all the time maintain a watch out for what they drop subsequent. Whereas I haven’t tasted this Spring 2021 Classic simply but, the brand new “Barrel 78” mash invoice sounds prefer it might add an actual twist to the standard BIB taste profile. Chocolate malt, cherrywood smoke, and lemon curd? I’m intrigued. Should you’re fortunate sufficient to snag a bottle, don’t sleep on it—this one’s restricted and loaded with potential.
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Should you’ve laughed, realized, or rolled your eyes so arduous you wanted a neck adjustment whereas studying Proof of Life, do us a stable: share it with somebody who wants a bit of extra reality (and loads much less influencer fluff) of their bourbon life.
We’re constructing one thing actual right here—and the extra of us we get into the Consuming Class, the higher the pours, the picks, and the banter get. Ahead the e-mail, tag a buddy, shout it from the rickhouse rooftop. Simply assist us maintain the sign robust.
As a result of bourbon’s higher when it’s shared—particularly with individuals who really get it.
Hen Cock 10-Yr Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey
Hen Cock Whiskey has doubled down on its Double Oak expression—actually. The brand new 10-Yr Aged Kentucky Whiskey builds on their unique 8-year-old launch by giving it an additional two years of ageing in a second American oak barrel. The outcome? A 98-proof sipper bursting with taste, from darkish chocolate-covered berries and toasted coconut on the nostril, to waffle cone, vanilla bean, and heat spice on the palate. The end is wealthy and dessert-like, with notes of crème brûlée and cinnamon flan. SRP: $79.99 | 46% ABV
🥃📋 SIP REP: I haven’t had the prospect to style this one but, so I can’t say for certain if the additional oak time provides depth or simply double hassle. However at 10 years previous and $79.99, it’s priced to tempt (in comparison with different new releases). This is likely to be value a shot in case you’re into dessert-forward pours with a toasted oak spine. Simply maintain your expectations grounded—double the barrels doesn’t all the time imply double the bliss.
Oaklore 4 Grain Bourbon Expands Nationwide
After making waves in its residence state, Oaklore Distilling Co. is releasing its flagship 4 Grain Bourbon nationwide. Crafted from a mix of five- to six-year-old wheated and rye bourbon barrels, the whiskey encompasses a distinctive mash invoice (72% corn, 11% wheat, 10% rye, 7% malted barley) and undergoes a second ageing in North Carolina’s Piedmont area—recognized for its secure local weather and perfect ageing situations.
The result’s a 92-proof, non-chill filtered sipper with notes of toasted pecans, honey butter cake, toffee, crème brûlée, and a butterscotch-spice end. Priced at $69.99, it’s now delivery to 42 states through oakloredistilling.com.
🥃📋 SIP REP: Gotta be trustworthy—I don’t know a lot about Oaklore but. Haven’t tasted it, haven’t visited, and nobody’s slid a pattern my means (not a touch, simply information). However I respect a model attempting to place their area on the map the precise means—utilizing actual age, a singular 4 grain mash invoice, and never chopping corners on proof or course of. Time will inform if it’s extra than simply good packaging and a sophisticated press launch. Should you give it a shot, let me know what you suppose. I’ll be over right here ready for the whiskey—or the reality—to seek out me.
Woodinville Tequila End Bourbon: A Curious Collision of Agave & Oak
Woodinville Whiskey Co. is getting into surprising territory with its new Tequila End Flagship Bourbon (100 proof, $69.99). Head distiller Brett Carlile admits he was hesitant at first, however his curiosity received out—and now the result’s a bourbon completed in Additional Añejo Tequila barrels, bringing collectively two daring spirits in a single bottle.
Crafted from regionally grown Washington grains and aged practically six years in air-seasoned American oak, this restricted launch spent its last stretch in Tequila barrels deep inside Woodinville’s secretive Warehouse 1. Solely 2,000 bottles exist, with the primary 500 launching Could 3 on the distillery and the remaining on-line Could 5 through woodinvillewhiskeyco.com.
🥃📋 SIP REP: I’ll admit it—bourbon completed in tequila barrels made me elevate an eyebrow too. However Brett Carlile’s curiosity is the sort I respect, particularly when it results in one thing this wild. Woodinville’s no stranger to placing out stable whiskey, and with lower than 2,000 bottles on the market, this one’s acquired collector bait written throughout it. I haven’t tasted it but, but when this mashup works half in addition to Brett says, it’d simply be the bizarre experiment that pays off. Maintain your eyes (and Glencairns) open.
Outdated Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Spring 2025 Version (9-Yr)
Heaven Hill has unveiled the Spring 2025 launch in its Outdated Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Sequence—a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted from barrels stuffed in Spring 2016 and bottled in Spring 2025. This marks the fifteenth nationwide launch within the sequence, that includes the signature inexperienced label for spring editions and the elegant decanter bottle that’s develop into a collector favourite.
Clocking in at 100 proof (50% ABV) and assembly all Bottled-in-Bond requirements, this version gives a vibrant copper hue with aromas of apple pie crust, adopted by notes of vanilla, butterscotch, toasted cereal, and cinnamon-spiced baked apples on the palate. The end? Creamy, wealthy, and layered with oak and spice.
Count on it on cabinets quickly—allotted and priced at $129.99 (750ml).
🥃📋 SIP REP: The decanter’s fairly, the pedigree’s robust, and 9 years in bond is nothing to sneeze at—however let’s be actual: most of us will solely see this on a shelf if we’re fortunate (or flush with retail connections). Nonetheless, Heaven Hill is aware of ship age, proof, and presentation in a means that not often disappoints. Simply don’t let the shiny glass idiot you—it is a stable whiskey, not shelf sweet. Should you land one, pour it proudly.
Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon (2025 Version) & Household Farms First Initiative
Heaven Hill Distillery has dropped the second version of its Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted with Beck’s 6225 corn grown by Peterson Farms in Nelson County, KY. This 6-year-old bourbon encompasses a mashbill of 52% corn, 35% rye, 13% malted barley, bottled non-chill filtered at 105 proof, and aged at their Cox’s Creek rickhouse. The result’s a daring, richly layered bourbon that celebrates American farming at its roots.
Coinciding with this launch, Heaven Hill additionally launched the Household Farms First™ initiative, pledging as much as $300,000 by way of 2028 to assist family-owned farms through a brand new partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit offering emergency help to farmers impacted by harm, pure disasters, or different hardships.
Heaven Hill will donate as much as $100,000 per yr from Grain to Glass bottle gross sales to assist this trigger—linking each pour to preserving the livelihoods of American farm households.
🥃📋 SIP REP: That is precisely the form of launch that makes you wish to pour a dram and name your grandparents. I haven’t had this yr’s version but, but when it follows the standard of the primary, we’re in good condition. Excessive rye, barrel proof, and farm-sourced? That’s my form of pedigree. And bonus factors for Heaven Hill doing extra than simply slapping a barn on the label—this initiative really helps the individuals who develop the rattling grain. If you are going to spend cash on whiskey, may as nicely purchase the bottle that does extra than simply look good in your shelf.
📆 DATES TO REMEMBER
I suck at remembering dates. As such, I’ve developed a stable behavior of placing issues on my schedule as quickly as I get the data. Let my lack of reminiscence show you how to maintain monitor of key dates associated to booze.
Bookmark our neighborhood calendar so that you’re all the time within the know.
Our subsequent neighborhood tasting, on 5/20/25, will concentrate on Onerous Reality Distilling. Register right here to convey your individual bourbon and be a part of us.
West Fork Whiskey VIP + Personal Barrel Decide – 6/6
Able to drink like an insider? Be a part of Pops, Brent, and fellow Bourbon & Banter Consuming Class members for a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes expertise at West Fork Whisky’s 35,000 sq. ft. whiskey wonderland. We’re getting a personal VIP tour and selecting a personal barrel for the Bourbon & Banter Group. Replace: Registration is now closed, and attendees have been notified. SOLD OUT
Onerous Reality Distilling VIP Expertise + Get Misplaced Tour – 6/7
We’re holding the weekend rolling after the West Fork Whiskey barrel choose with a Saturday all about whiskey, vast open areas, and a bit of journey. Collectively, we’ll head to Onerous Reality Distilling for lunch, a behind-the-scenes VIP tour, and an unforgettable afternoon exploring the 325-acre Onerous Reality property through ATVs. SOLD OUT
Could Group Remedy Session ⚕️- 5/27
Be a part of your fellow Consuming Class members for our month-to-month group remedy session on Could twenty seventh at 7:00 p.m. CT. A Zoom hyperlink shall be despatched through electronic mail and Discord earlier than the session date. To obtain these updates, be sure you’re subscribed to Service Bulletins.
Should you’re eyeing any of those occasions and pondering, “Rattling, that appears like my form of celebration”, here is your signal: be a part of the Consuming Class.
Our paid members get first dibs on barrel picks, tastings, and particular occasions—plus entry to the form of unique experiences we do not put up throughout social. In order for you in, it is easy: improve your membership and pull up a stool. The great things begins right here. 🥃💼🧔🏻♂️
Till Subsequent Pour…
As a lot as this text is about bottles, manufacturers, and bourbon buzz—it’s actually about individuals. That’s all the time been the guts of Bourbon & Banter.
Working example: final Friday, longtime neighborhood member Cesar Berenguer made the journey to St. Louis, and we linked up with native legend Kevin Myers for what become an epic bottle share that ran deep into the night time. We sipped, smoked cigars, and swapped tales till 2 a.m.—zero agenda, simply good firm and even higher dialog. That night time wasn’t simply enjoyable (although it completely was); it was a reminder of why we began this factor within the first place.
So yeah, perhaps that gathering was one more reason why the publication took per week off. However I’d commerce inbox litter for bourbon-soaked fellowship like that any day.
Whether or not you’re catching up on the newest releases or simply in search of a cause to attach over a pour, bear in mind: the whiskey is nice—however the individuals make it matter.
Keep curious, keep variety, and pour one thing value sharing.
—Pops
Chief Consuming Officer 🥃💼🧔🏻♂️
