Bourbonola Makes History Again with New Bourbon & Banana Seltzer

Introducing Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer – 8.0% abv

LEXINGTON, Ky, June 11, 2026— Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—is shaking up the spirits-based ready-to-drink category with something nobody saw coming. Introducing Bourbonola Tropical Style, a Bourbon & Banana Seltzer that blends authentic bourbon character with bold tropical flavor. Crafted with 2 shots per can of Town Branch Bourbon and layered with notes of banana, mango, citrus and a touch of honey, with a crisp, light sparkling body for an exceptionally refreshing experience. Real bourbon, real flavor and pushing bourbon culture somewhere entirely new. Available in select markets nationwide. (SRP $14.99 per 4pk x 355ml Slim Cans).

Bourbonola Prohibition Style & Bourbonola Tropical Style

If you already know Bourbonola, then you know the legend started with Bourbonola Prohibition Style — nearly 3-shots of Kentucky Straight Bourbon per can blended with a proprietary cherry cola to 12% ABV as a ready-to-drink beverage that doesn’t play by modern rules. If you don’t know Bourbonola yet, now’s the time to catch up. Scan the QR code to watch the Bourbonola Origin Story and learn its storied history.

The story begins in 1922, deep in the heart of Prohibition, when Lexington Brewing Co. was forced to pivot from beer to non-alcoholic beverages to survive. One of those creations was boldly named Bourbonola, because while the government could regulate what went into the bottle, they couldn’t regulate the name on it.

Fast forward 100 years. While expanding its bourbon-based portfolio, the team at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. and home of Town Branch Distillery uncovered the forgotten Bourbonola name painted across an old brewery photo. The history was real. The assets still existed. Bourbonola was reborn.

Now the next chapter begins. Bourbonola Tropical Style, a bourbon-based tropical hard seltzer built around one of the world’s most iconic flavors: banana. Made with real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it pushes Bourbonola even further into uncharted territory while staying rooted in whiskey culture. Just like Prohibition Style proudly carries the year 1922 on its can, Bourbonola Tropical Style features 1876 — the year bananas exploded into American culture at the Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia. Exotic, unexpected, unforgettable. Sound familiar?

Alongside the launch of Tropical Style, both Bourbonola expressions are receiving refreshed packaging, including new outer cartons with a QR code to tell their historic origin story and updated artwork featuring each drink’s signature spirit animal. Bourbonola started by breaking rules during Prohibition. A century later, it’s still doing exactly that while making history.

This Is Bananas! But Why Bananas?

The answer is actually pretty simple. For years now, innovation at Town Branch has centered around one core idea: bourbon-based or bourbon-inspired to celebrate it’s origin on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Bourbonola Tropical Style delivers both.

Built on a base of real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Bourbonola Tropical Style is bourbon-based by design celebrating the native spirit of the United States. But it’s also bourbon-inspired in flavor. Anyone familiar with younger bourbons knows they often carry notes of banana, banana bread, baking spice, and sweet grain before extended barrel aging shifts those profiles to oak, caramel, and vanilla. To celebrate that vibrant younger bourbon character, and minimum 2-year-old bourbon at the heart of the drink — banana became the lead flavor.

But why else bananas? Because bananas are one of the most iconic fruits on the planet, with more than 100 billion consumed globally every year. They also have one of the greatest stories in food culture. Bananas exploded into American consciousness at the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia, where the tropical fruit became an overnight sensation. Also, local legend in Kentucky’s sub-tropical climate tells of a fruit called the pawpaw which tastes like a tropical mixture of bananas, mango and pineapple. Plus, did you know bananas float in water and so do Bourbonola Tropical Style cans.

And now, 150 years later, banana is once again having a moment, this time behind the bar. Some of the world’s best bartenders are embracing banana in cocktails and as part of their beverage program, while the broader beverage category still has surprisingly few banana-forward offerings. “So we looked at the landscape and thought: why not bananas? The category is ripe for the picking.” notes Robert Krass, Managing Director at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. “While developing Bourbonola Prohibition Style, we created our own cola from scratch using cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa nibs, and kola nut. For Bourbonola Tropical Style, we approached it the same way — building our own seltzer using banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, ginger, and sparkling water – full flavor!”

Bourbonola has always been about celebrating history, making history, pushing boundaries, and giving people the unexpected — all while using real ingredients, real flavors, and real bourbon to create something better, something unexpected. Cheers to making history with Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer.

Scan the QR code to watch the Bourbonola Origin Story and learn its storied history.

Image Assets: Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer Assets

Brand Highlights:

Bourbonola Tropical Style: Bourbon & Banana Seltzer – 8.0% abv (SRP $14.99 / 4pk Slim Cans)

• Bourbonola Tropical Style is an 8.0% ABV Bourbon & Banana Seltzer made with Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon and blended with a proprietary tropical seltzer featuring notes of banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, and ginger.
• Classification: Bourbon-based Ready-to-Drink Seltzer
• Bourbon Mash Bill: 72% Corn | 15% Rye | 13% Malted Barley
• Age: Bourbon base is 2-years minimum aged
• Flavor Blend: Proprietary tropical seltzer featuring banana, mango, pineapple, lemon, honey, ginger, water, and carbonation.
• ABV: 8.0% abv. (16 proof)
• Estimated Availability: Available in select markets nationwide
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Bright golden straw with lively carbonation and a slight natural haze of fresh tropical juice.
  • Aroma: Fresh banana immediately rise from the glass, layered with hints of ripe mango, citrus zest, wildflower honey, and subtle baking spice from the Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
  • Palate: Smooth and vibrant up front with notes of banana cream, tropical fruit, and fresh lemon balanced by hints of honey and ginger spice.
  • Finish: Crisp, lightly sparkling, and surprisingly refreshing with lingering notes of candied banana and citrus.

About Bourbonola:

Bourbonola is a bourbon-based and bourbon-inspired ready-to-drink brand family developed by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Rooted in American history, each release draws inspiration from a distinct cultural moment while using real Kentucky Straight Bourbon, real ingredients, and proprietary mixers crafted in-house. Bourbonola Prohibition Style launched in 2022 — exactly 100 years after the original non-alcoholic Bourbonola debuted during Prohibition. Bourbonola Tropical Style followed in 2026, celebrating 150 years since bananas first captivated America at the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair in Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on TikTok. 

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

About Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of barrel-aged beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).

This One’s

A Real

Throwback.

We’re a bit excited about this one. We loved working with Living Souls to create this; it’s a blend we are very proud to put our names to, and by a margin, the oldest whisky we have ever created. Grains from closed distilleries of Central Scotland, representing Living Souls (Irony) and an Aberdeenshire Malt (cough ASM) from the late 70s, representing LBD and the North East of Scotland.

If you didn’t already know, Living Souls are an annoyingly good Independent Bottler of whiskies. We love what they do, and so when they suggested working together, we jumped at the chance. We wanted to make a whisky that represented both companies, and pooling our resources made it possible to use such bonkers stock to build this epic, one-of-a-kind blend.

LIVING SOULS X LITTLE BROWN DOG 46-YEAR BLEND

The age of the *youngest* stock in this blend – 26th March 1979.

46 years old – or about 322 dog years!

It’s everything you want from a well-aged whisky: superb balance, that wonderful old tropical note that you only get with very old whiskies, and no cask domination. The low ABV is cask strength, and you guys know how we love a naturally low strength, with the concentration of flavour that comes with that.

Our notes:

Colour – Highland Coo Toffee

Nose – Tinned Lychees in syrup, pink grapefruit, antique shop.

Palate – Candy floss, blueberry panacotta, Haribo starmix

Finish – Sherbert Dib Dab and rooibos tea.

Their (Living Souls) notes: Imagine stepping into the kitchen where you’ll pick up the scent of cream soda, fudge and banoffee pie. Ripe peach and a gentle wisp of smoke dance on the palate, with a touch of pineapple adding depth to a long, balanced finish. Makes us sound less pretentious, doesn’t it?

LEARN MORE

A Moroccan goal after 70 seconds in that caught us napping – and the penalty that should have been, but the Tartan Army are still standing. They always are. From Argentina in ’78 to Spain in ’82 to this — Scotland supporters have never needed winning to keep believing. They need one result now. They need Brazil. And they need every single dram of support the north of Scotland can muster.

The Big Yin. In Scotland, that means exactly what it sounds like. The one that matters most. The one you tell your grandchildren about. Wednesday 24th June in Miami, Scotland versus Brazil is the game that decides whether this World Cup campaign becomes something historic, or something we carry quietly home and never quite stop thinking about.

We’ve had one bottle for every group game. We kept the biggest for last. Twelve years ago, we filled these casks in our distillery on the north coast of Scotland, where the wind (and rain) comes off the Pentland Firth and whisky matures on its own terms. Nobody was thinking about a World Cup. Scotland was in the middle of one of the longest qualifying droughts in their history. We were making whisky the way we always make whisky: properly, patiently, without shortcuts.

Now those twelve years of maturation have produced something worth opening on a Wednesday night in June when Scotland wants three points against the most decorated football nation on the planet.

Like every Scotland World Cup campaign, every moment of glory or heartbreak that makes this whole thing worth caring about.

An Instant Father’s Day Gift From Glengoyne
Experience Gift Vouchers Opens Our Doors For Discovery

A Glengoyne Experience Gift Voucher opens the doors to our distillery, where time slows, stories are shared, and every dram is crafted with care. Whether he’s a lifelong whisky enthusiast or simply curious to discover something new, a gift voucher is a thoughtful way to celebrate Father’s Day. Find out why we’re been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

EXPERIENCE GIFT VOUCHER OPTIONS

BROWSE LISTINGS

DEWAR’S SCOTCH WHISKY Celebrates the Start of the 126th U.S. Open with the Sixth Edition of the Champions Edition 19 Year Old Whisky

Finished in Cabernet Franc casks from Southampton’s Wölffer Estate, the limited-edition release honors Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and the enduring connection between Scotch whisky and golf.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the Official Scotch Whisky of the U.S. Open, proudly celebrates the start of the 126th U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club with the release of the sixth iteration of DEWAR’S 19 Year Old The Champions Edition. Crafted to commemorate one of golf’s most prestigious championships, this year’s limited-edition expression is finished in Cabernet Franc red wine casks from Long Island’s renowned Wölffer Estate, showcasing DEWAR’S pioneering craftsmanship through a whisky that pays tribute to both the host venue and the region that surrounds it.

Building upon a partnership that began in 2021, DEWAR’S 19 Year Old The Champions Edition continues the brand’s celebration of the shared heritage of golf and Scotch whisky through innovative cask finishes inspired by each year’s championship. For 2026, six-time Master Blender of the Year Stephanie Macleod collaborated with Southampton-based Wölffer Estate, bringing a distinct sense of place to the whisky while honoring Shinnecock Hills, one of the USGA’s five founding clubs and one of the most revered courses in American golf. The result is a release Dewar’s spirit of innovation and its pursuit of distinctive flavors inspired by people and place.

Crafted from up to 40 of Scotland’s finest single malt and grain whiskies, the expression is matured for 19 years in ex-bourbon and sherry casks before being harmonized in refill oak casks and finished in Cabernet Franc barrels from Wölffer Estate. This exceptional finish creates an exhilarating trans-Atlantic partnership between Scotland and Long Island, resulting in a rich and complex whisky where elegant floral notes of violets and golden honey open to a medley of red berries and blackcurrant, while layers of cinnamon and dried orange peel add depth and complexity before giving way to a long, balanced finish accented by toasted oak and refined sweetness.

“There is a natural synergy between whisky and wine; both are shaped by time, place and oak cask,” said Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S. “For this year’s Champions Edition, we used Cabernet Franc casks sourced from a renowned Southhampton, NY winery to finish Dewar’s 19. We have created an expression that not only showcases the complexity of our Dewar’s Double-aged Scotch but also reflects the terroir of the wine region hosting this year’s Championship. The Cabernet Franc casks bring beautiful layers of red fruit, floral character and gentle spice, resulting in a whisky that feels both distinctive and unmistakably DEWAR’S – reflecting our ongoing pursuit of enriching discoveries through flavour.”

In addition to The Champions Edition, DEWAR’S once again returns as the Official Cocktail of the U.S. Open with the Lemon Wedge, the championship’s signature serve. Crafted with award-winning DEWAR’S 12 Year Old, lemonade, and club soda, the refreshing cocktail offers a contemporary and approachable way to enjoy Scotch whisky, bringing a vibrant spirit to the tournament experience.

“At DEWAR’S, we believe life’s defining moments deserve to be celebrated, from Father’s Day gatherings with family to championship weekends at the U.S. Open,” said Brian Cox, Global Vice President of Scotch Whisky at Bacardi. “Rooted in the shared Scottish heritage of whisky and golf, The Champions Edition is our annual toast to the 19th hole and the stories that bring people together. We’re proud to continue that tradition with a release inspired by Shinnecock Hills and the vibrant character of Long Island.”

The 2026 DEWAR’S 19 Year Old The Champions Edition is available in limited quantities at select fine wine and spirits retailers nationwide and online while supplies last, offering consumers the opportunity to experience the premium quality and craftsmanship that have defined DEWAR’S since 1846.

For more information on DEWAR’S whisky products, please visit www.dewars.com or on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
©2026. DEWAR’S AND ITS TRADE DRESS ARE TRADEMARKS.

DEWAR’S 19 YEAR OLD “THE CHAMPIONS” EDITION
Limited edition bottles on shelves nationwide HERE
MSRP $79.99 (750ML)
ABV: 43%

DEWAR’S LEMON WEDGE COCKTAIL
Ingredients:

1½ oz. DEWAR’s 12 Year Old
3 oz. Club Soda
2 oz. Lemonade
Method: Combine ingredients over ice and stir for desired dilution. Garnish with lemon. Cheers!

About DEWAR’S

DEWAR’S is the World’s Most Awarded Blended Scotch Whisky, celebrated for its exceptional quality and taste. Founded in 1846, DEWAR’S grew from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. DEWAR’S core range includes the iconic DEWAR’S White Label and DEWAR’S Cask Series. The Premium range comprises DEWAR’S 12 Year Old, DEWAR’S 15 Year Old and DEWAR’S 18 Year Old; these expressions are crafted using DEWAR’S Double Ageing technique, which involves a two-stage maturation process for a smoother mouthfeel and silkier texture. The Luxury and Prestige collections include older rarities such as DEWAR’S 21 Year Old and DEWAR’S 38 Year Old and are crafted using a meticulous four-stage ageing process for ultimate smoothness. DEWAR’S spirit of discovery and approach to the art of blending results in a taste that continues to win applause and capture the curiosity of today’s whisky drinkers. The DEWAR’S brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ rum, PATRÓN tequila, GREY GOOSE vodka, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.

About the USGA
The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves, and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

Our June 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 28th June

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenfarclas – 1954 (Family Cask #1259) Summer 2014

Glen Grant – 72 Year Old (1948) Gordon & MacPhail

Springbank – 21 Year Old (1990s)

Clynelish – 17 Year Old (Manager’s Dram)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Brave New Spirits

Islay/Speyside Blended Malt 19 Years Old

ABV: 54.4% 70 cL

Certificate in Scotch Whisky

Our bestselling online course continues to introduce thousands of whisky lovers around the world to the history, production, flavours and culture of Scotch whisky – all in an accessible, flexible format.

“The modules were set out very well and easy to understand. I was glad I was able to do the tastings here in Australia. I enjoyed all six very much. Being able to download the information at the end was great, as I can refresh my knowledge going forward.”
Leigh, Australia

Immediate start / self-paced

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Canada’s Own Whisky Sanctuary

Join Adam (and a nearby black bear) in the woods for a sneak preview of a very special Red & White Edition of Sanctuary whisky from Phillip’s Fermentorium.

THE VIDEO