EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON TOASTS AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OFFICIALLY LICENSED AMERICA250 COMMEMORATIVE RELEASES

Limited-edition offerings honor the shared legacy of America’s founding and Kentucky’s first licensed distiller

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 18, 2026) — Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the world’s #1 American-owned bourbon, proudly announces a new series of officially licensed America250 commemorative products in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Arriving on shelves beginning May 2026, these special releases invite consumers to raise a glass ahead of the nation’s historic Semiquincentennial milestone in July.

Rooted deeply in American history, Evan Williams’ story has long run in parallel with that of the nation itself. In 1783 – the same year the United States formalized its independence at the end of the Revolutionary War – Evan Williams became Kentucky’s first licensed distiller.

“Evan Williams has always been intertwined with American history,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we are honored to celebrate this historic moment with a collection that reflects the spirit, perseverance, and craftsmanship that define both our country and our bourbon. These special releases are a tribute to where we’ve been and a toast to the future.”

The America250 lineup includes three expressions of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each crafted to commemorate this once-in-a-generation occasion:

• Evan Williams Black Label (86 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($24.99)
• Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch (90 proof) – Available in 1.75L ($37.99) and 750ml ($23.99)
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (117.76 proof) – A special higher-proof release with a limited selection of 250 barrels ($39.99)

Each bottle features patriotic packaging and storytelling that underscores Evan Williams’ enduring connection to America’s founding. The Black Label and 1783 Small Batch bottles, in particular, bring this heritage to life by highlighting the brand’s origins and its enduring commitment to American values. The Single Barrel expression is hand-dipped in blue wax to match the coordinating blues in the bottle’s depiction of the Statue of Liberty. From its founding to today, Evan Williams stands for American craftsmanship and pride and will raise a glass in the same enduring spirit that built the country as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

In addition to honoring history, Evan Williams will continue its more than 10 years of ongoing partnership with veteran causes across the country. The brand is proud to announce a new partnership with the non-profit Folds of Honor, and a $75,000 donation to provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

“America250 is proud to collaborate with iconic American brands like Evan Williams that embody the heritage and values we seek to celebrate,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250. “This partnership helps bring the Semiquincentennial to life for consumers across the country, inspiring reflection, pride, and participation in this historic moment.”

With the rallying call to “Toast to 250 years with the #1 American-owned bourbon,” Evan Williams invites consumers nationwide to join in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking ahead to the next 250 years.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. For more than a decade, the brand has contributed over $750,000 to initiatives that benefit veterans, helping provide resources, recognition, and support to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University, University of Alabama, the University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur, A Bold Twist On Tradition

From the makers of the original Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur offers a bold twist on centuries of German tradition, blending the sweetness of 100% natural honey with premium bourbon, creating a uniquely rich and balanced whiskey liqueur where German craftsmanship meets American spirit in every pour.

Crafted from an 18^th century German recipe and made with real honey – 225 grams per bottle! – Bärenjäger is legacy in a bottle. Rich notes of vanilla, oak and spice blend perfectly with the warmth of honey, creating a liqueur that is both robust and refined. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or in cocktails (see below) for a touch of golden sweetness. (SRP $34.99, 35% ABV)

Originally crafted as a potent lure for bears in the rugged forests of 18^th century Germany, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur emerged from a secret recipe passed down through generations. As time went on, hunters discovered that this blend wasn’t just a tool for their pursuits; it was a treat to savor. The hunters began to enjoy it as a cordial around campfires and as years passed, Bärenjäger, which translates to “bear (bären) hunter (jäger),” transformed from a hunting lure into a beloved liqueur, cherished for its rich history and unique flavor. 

Honey Old Fashioned

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

orange peel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add bitters to a rocks glass, followed by a large ice cube. Pour Bärenjäger on top and stir gently to mix. Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry.

German Mule

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

4 oz ginger beer

lime wedge and mint sprig, for garnish

Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice. Add Bärenjäger and lime juice, stir. Fill with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig.

Whiskey Sour

3 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 egg white

2 dashes Angostura bitters

orange twist and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Add Bärenjäger, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters to a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake until cold. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange twist and maraschino cherry.

Honey Bourbon Lemonade

2 oz Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon Liqueur

4.5 oz fresh lemonade

lemon wedge, for garnish

Fill a glass with ice. Add Bärenjäger and lemonade. Stir. Garnish with lemon wedge.

www.barenjagerhoney.com   @barenjagerhoney

The Quiet Splendor of Komagatake
Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) ($179.99)
“An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye-opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.” —David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Shuzo is the quiet giant of Japanese whisky. The best kept secret in the whisky world are the two exceptional distilleries, Komagatake and Tsunuki. While both have been available on occasion in single malt form, they are almost never seen in the US as single casks, and typically a single barrel of either commands a significant premium. The company can trace its roots to the origins of Japanese whisky through their founder, Kiichiro Iwai. Just like Suntory, Hombo Shuzo was there from the start. It was in fact Iwai who enlisted Masataka Taketsuru to travel to Scotland in order to learn the age old techniques for making the worlds most complex whisky. Upon his return, Hombo was not able to construct the distillery, so Taketsuru-san took the plans to Suntory.

But in 1949, Kiichiro Iwai would complete his dream of building pot stills and distilling Hombos own malt whisky. And while Iwai-san represents one of the three pillars of Japanese whisky, their modern commitment to the category rests squarely on the shoulders of one great man, Kazuto Hombo. Hombo-san is a true lover of the finer things, and his love of whisky kept the wonderful old stills running. His belief that Japanese whisky would one day be a worldwide success is singularly connected to the construction of the Nagano plant where the original stills were moved, and while Hombo-san was ahead of his time, the plant would see very little production over the next 30 years. He was ready when the whisky boom began and production restarted in 2014.

Now Komagatake is making some of the world’s best whisky. Stylistically, the distillery offers an elegant and refined malt, but this single cask is truly superb. Peated to 20 ppm, you might expect something very smoky and forward, but instead you have an elegant, ultra complex expression of malt that is on par with the very finest available anywhere. Let’s dive in! One of the old single casks out there. The color is a shimmering yellow gold (0.5). The nose is an explosive mixture of maritime flavors and sweet orchard fruit: oyster shell, yuzu peel, galangal, creosote, white ash, pear preserves, licorice root, salted grilled lemons, and lanolin. The palate is razor sharp and chiseled, with a big citrus note and a strong saline character up front, followed by similar white ashy smoke, which does not dominate whatsoever the fresh, juicy fruit: greengage, apricot, green grapes. It absolutely adores water, softening the smoke and reminding me of a well matured, less tarry style Caol Ila. An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye-opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.

— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) ($179.99)

This singular cask from Mars Komagatake offers a direct link to the origins of Japanese whisky and one of the category’s most important pioneering producers. Crafted by Hombo Shuzo, a family owned company founded in 1872, Mars traces its whisky lineage to the earliest era of malt distillation in Japan, long before Japanese whisky achieved global acclaim. Hombo was among the first producers to seriously pursue domestic malt whisky, helping establish the foundation of what would become a national tradition. The Komagatake distillery was founded in 1985 high in the Japanese Alps of Nagano, chosen for its pristine mountain water, cool climate, and dramatic seasonal temperature swings. These conditions proved ideal for maturation, allowing whiskies to develop remarkable depth and structure even at younger ages.

Like much of the industry, Komagatake experienced periods of dormancy during market downturns, but its revival in 2011 marked a pivotal moment in the modern resurgence of Japanese whisky. Today, Komagatake is widely regarded as the spiritual and technical heart of Mars, producing some of the most authentic and characterful single malts in the country. This single cask, bottled exclusively for K&L at natural cask strength and limited to just 160 bottles, is not only exceptionally rare but historically significant. As the very first Komagatake barrel selection in K&L’s history, it stands among the finest examples of Japanese whisky available anywhere in the world.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

We’re excited to share some big news! This autumn, we’re taking the in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky on the road with back-to-back courses in New York, Kentucky and London. From 7 World Trade Center with Moët Hennessy USA (26 & 27 October), to Moonshine University in the heart of bourbon country (29 & 30 October 2026), to WSET School London (3 & 4 November), it’s a triple header that truly reflects how far we’ve come with building a global whisky education community.

Early Bird booking is now open with a £200 saving until 19 June 2026.

Read the full announcement and all the details on our blog.

📖 Read the Post

ralfy review 1132 Extras – Some Old Whisky Bottles From Auctions.

The GlenAllachie adds to Masters of Wood series with Ex-Solera Sherry cask matured single malt

The GlenAllachie Distillery has unveiled the latest release in its award-winning Masters of Wood Series, a 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky that celebrates exceptionally rare casks and long-term wood character.

The Masters of Wood Series showcases the influence of The GlenAllachie’s most unusual and scarce wood stocks. The series debuted in 2024 with a 17-year-old Mizunara Virgin Oak and Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured expression, which went on to be named Best Scotch Speyside Single Malt aged 13 to 20 years at the World Whiskies Awards 2026.

The second edition of the series, The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured is a luxuriously complex single malt. Notes of brandied plums, mocha, cinnamon and dark cherries are woven through with ginger and The GlenAllachie’s signature heather honey, revealing a whisky of remarkable depth and a viscous, velvety texture.

In creating this expression, Master Distiller Billy Walker selected a small number of vintage casks that had previously held Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry as part of their respective traditional solera ageing systems for more than 55 years, before being filled with The GlenAllachie spirit. Solera casks are an important part of a bodega’s operation and are seldom removed from the system, making them extremely difficult to acquire.

The solera method gradually blends younger and older sherries over many years, creating consistency and depth of flavour. Over five and a half decades of sherry maturation within this system, these casks absorbed intense layers of sherry character, developing notes of dried fruit and spice that remain within the oak. This depth of sherry influence continually shaped The GlenAllachie whisky during maturation, with slow oxidation occurring in parallel.

Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie, Billy Walker, commented:

“These are casks that already carried over half a century of sherry history before interacting with our spirit. You are working with time, memory and a structure that has been quietly evolving for decades.

“Over fifty years of experience in this industry has taught me where to look for casks of real distinction – from partners who, like us, refuse to compromise. The relationships built on that shared philosophy have given me the opportunity to work with some of the most intriguing and remarkable casks. This Masters of Wood release is one of the very finest examples of cask influence and stands among the most special projects of my career.”

The 19-year-old whisky developed notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, coconut and gentle spice from its initial maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred into the ex-solera sherry casks for secondary maturation. The Pedro Ximénez casks bring layers of fig, raisin and dark molasses sweetness, while the Oloroso casks add drier notes of walnut, dark chocolate and warming spice.

The packaging references the solera system through hand-illustrated detailing on the outer box, which is presented in a deep merlot tone intended to reflect the whisky’s natural hue development in cask.

Bottled at 50% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtration, this release showcases The GlenAllachie’s signature sherried Speyside character, elevated through exceptional vintage casks and unparalleled wood management.

The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood: 19-year-old Ex-Solera Sherry Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available now from The GlenAllachie Distillery and online at  www.glenallachie.com with a UK RRP of £224.99. It will become available globally in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit www.theglenallachie.com.

About The GlenAllachie Masters of Wood Ex-Solera Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt

ABV: 50%
RRP £224.99
Natural colour and non-chill filtered

Tasting notes:
COLOUR: Intense Mahogany.

NOSE: Brandied plum, intense mocha and honeycomb, with caramel snaps, molasses tart and rich cocoa.

TASTE: Plum syrup, treacle and warmed heather honey, followed by black cherries, mocha and brandied orchard fruits, with crystalised cinnamon and ginger.

About The GlenAllachie Distillery

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, The GlenAllachie Distillery have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

Since re-emerging under independent ownership in 2017, The GlenAllachie has made bold, strategic choices rooted in flavour integrity over volume. By fine-tuning fermentation practices, streamlining production, and investing heavily in cask management, the distillery has cultivated a house style renowned for depth, complexity, and individuality.

Beyond the stillhouse, The GlenAllachie’s influence continues to grow, with high-profile and innovative releases such as The Sinteis Series, and age-stated limited editions earning global acclaim. The distillery’s commitment to transparency – bottling at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and often at cask strength – underscores its dedication to the discerning whisky drinker.

Prioritising the production of quality spirit, the GlenAllachie Distillery chose to reduce its production capacity from four million to around one million litres of alcohol and increase its fermentation period to 160 hours – almost three times the industry standard – for an ester-rich, fruity spirit.

The GlenAllachie also maintains a strong focus on sustainability and provenance, with local sourcing and traditional methods guiding much of its ethos. Supported by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF), a state-of-the-art Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) system was installed at the distillery to capture and recycle waste heat from distillation, using it to reheat the stills. The result is a distillery that not only honours Scotch whisky heritage but actively shapes its future.

About Billy Walker
With a career spanning over 50 years, Billy Walker is a legendary figure in the Scotch whisky industry, renowned for his transformative leadership of distilleries like Benriach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh. Celebrated for his innovative use of casks and unwavering commitment to quality, he is now the owner and Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie.

Under his stewardship, the company has achieved widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades, The GlenAllachie has claimed ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards twice – in 2021 for the 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 4, and in 2025 for the 12-year-old.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.

NEW | Little Book Chapter 10 – “All The Wiser”

Chapter 10 doesn’t just celebrate a decade of boundary-pushing blending but captures the evolution of one of American whiskey’s most innovative makers. After years of chasing precision and “perfect” blends, Freddie shifted his philosophy for this release. “All The Wiser” reflects a more intuitive approach, one that embraces the unpredictability of blending and allows the whiskey itself to lead. The result is a whiskey that feels more discovered than past releases.

This year’s blend draws from a spectrum of aged expressions across The James B. Beam Distilling Co. portfolio, including components finished in sherry and toasted bourbon casks.

SRP: $159.99.

NEW | Booker’s Bourbon Batch #1 2026 – “The Big Easy Batch”

The first Booker’s Bourbon Batch of 2026 is inspired by one of Booker Noe’s favorite cities in the world: New Orleans. It pays homage to a place Booker returned to time and again – for the food, the people, and the unforgettable flavors that stayed with him long after each visit.

This Batch is made up of five separate production dates and were stored in five different storage warehouses. The age is 7 years, 2 months and 15 days and bottled at a bold 129.1 proof. The result is a bourbon that’s big and unmistakably Booker’s, with aromas of vanilla and spice, a warm and robust palate, and a long, lingering finish.

SRP: $99.99.

TRIED & TRUE | Baker’s 13-Year-Old Bourbon

Baker’s 13-Year-Old Bourbon is named for Baker Beam, the truck-driving, motorcycle-riding, grandnephew of the legendary Jim Beam. With each bottle from a single barrel, Baker’s 13-Year-Old is unapologetically individual, like the man it was named for.

This liquid is distilled to a 107 proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 13 years.

SRP: $149.99.

Iron Gate Announces Summer Fine Spirits Auction Opening June 15, 2026

Iron Gate Auctions will open its Summer Fine Spirits Auction on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT, presenting collectors with an exceptional selection of rare and highly collectible spirits from some of the world’s most sought-after producers.

The timed auction runs through Monday, June 22, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Featured highlights include the Ardbeg Double Barrel Single Cask Set, Yamazaki Hospitality 25 Year Old, Bowmore Hart Brothers Dynasty Decanter, and Benromach 68 Classic Speyside Aged 55 Years—bottlings recognized for rarity, age, provenance, and collector appeal.

“This auction brings together bottles that speak to true spirit collectors in Canada,” said Ajay Bhardwaj, Vice-President of Spirits at Iron Gate. “From bespoke Scotch whisky releases to exceptional Japanese whisky and “The Pappy Family”, the June sale offers whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike an opportunity to acquire bottles rarely seen in the Canadian market.”

Iron Gate is Canada’s dedicated fine spirits auction house, serving collectors with a focus on provenance. Bidders may register in advance and view the auction catalogue through Iron Gate’s online auction platform.

Please note that a buyer’s premium of 19.5% applies to this sale. The auction is operated under license by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis and under the applicable Alberta auction license.

Auction Details
Event: Iron Gate Fine Whisky Auction
Start: June 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. EDT
End: June 22, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Format: Timed online auction

About Iron Gate
Iron Gate provides fine wine and spirits auction services for collectors across Canada, combining specialist expertise with a commitment to provenance, trusted handling, and a seamless online bidding experience.

Spirits Contact
Ajay Bhardwaj, VP Spirits Iron Gate Auctions
Email: ajay@irongate.wine

Islay Through Independent Bottlers

Independent bottlers have long offered a different perspective on Islay whisky, uncovering rare casks and distinctive expressions beyond the distilleries’ core ranges. From smoky peat and coastal character to rich sherry influence and long-aged complexity, this selection showcases the many sides of the island’s unmistakable style.

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Bigger Badder John’s Northern Promise Cask Strength

Adam talks us through the brand new full proof version of the Strath’s very own Big Bad John’s Northern Promise whisky from Fermentorium at Phillips in Victoria BC. Order now via the link HERE