Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.Show Notes:
E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin

A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations

Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping

A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down

A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers

Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250

Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February

Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails

Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices

Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels

Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally

Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof

Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release

Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release

Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks

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What happens when you put a pioneer of American Single Malt in a room with a master of Irish heritage? Well we’re finding out today as we step outside the bluegrass to explore the global world of malt. We’re joined by Justin Aden from Stranahan's and Alex Thomas from Bushmills to break down the art of the blend and why local ingredients become a key competitve advantage in this market. Justin talks to us about the high-altitude of aging in Colorado and the rise of the American Single Malt category, while Alex gives us a masterclass on Bushmills' legendary triple distillation and the weight of managing a distillery with centuries of history. We dig in further in to how two completely different climates and traditions approach the task of building a consistent, world-class whiskey. We also get into the "friendly" rivalries of the whiskey world and discuss why American Single Malt is finally getting the seat at the table it deserves.
Show Notes:
American single malt production insights

The legacy of Bushmills and blending techniques

The evolution of Irish whiskey and its relation to Scotch

Tasting highlights from Stranahan’s and Bushmills

Cultural dynamics and the rise of American single malts

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Willett Purple Top is legendary and usually ultra-premium. So what happens when Willett turns that DNA into a 4-year small batch bourbon at 127 proof and under $70? We break down the mash bills, the sweetness, the funk, and whether this bold move actually works. This one sparked a real debate.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and the panel is locked, loaded, and ready to talk about the one number that drives every enthusiast crazy: The Proof. We look at how we all start with those easy-drinking, low-proof staples like Kentucky Tavern before eventually finding ourselves chasing the high-octane allure of barrel-strength pours. We even get into some fun hypotheticals—if you could sample the same bourbon at every proof point from barrel to 80, how would that change your understanding of your favorite brand? Whether you’re a 90-proof purist or a barrel-strength junkie, we’re breaking down why the best bottle on your shelf is ultimately the one that tastes the best to you. Is the industry pushing proof too far, or have we finally found the sweet spot? We’re debating it all.
Show Notes:
Evolution of bourbon drinking from low proof to high proof

Insights into how proof affects whiskey blending and flavor

Discussion on consumer perception of barrel-proof vs. proofed-down expressions

Exploration of notable brands and their proof characteristics

Fun hypotheticals regarding proof sampling experiences

Final thoughts on the importance of proof in the bourbon journey

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Yellowstone celebrates 10 years with a special anniversary blend featuring multiple mash bills aged 10 years or more. At 105 proof and $100, this Whiskey Quickie dives into sweet oak, tobacco, citrus, malted chocolate notes, and a bold, well-layered palate. A milestone release worth a closer look.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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