“Freedom” is First Auction Lot, in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery is first offering
• Winner gets to select their own barrel of Elijah Craig Bourbon, one of the most awarded bourbons in esteemed Heaven Hill Distillery’s portfolio
• Selecting a personal barrel for bottling is a rare opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) have announced the launch of the “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Between now and the end of the year, KBCA will unveil 12 outstanding lots of the many prestigious bourbons to be auctioned in a spirited nod to the classic “12 days of Christmas,” culminating with the twelfth lot announcement upon the arrival of 2026, America’s 250th anniversary year. More lots will be announced up until the event culmination in February.

“The 12 Lots of Bourbon campaign is about more than simply revealing the hard-to-find, once-in-a-lifetime bourbons that people will have the opportunity to taste and own at our event,” said Andrew Varga, KBCA Founder. “It’s about telling the story of bourbon with the same excitement as a kid awaiting Christmas and celebrating our native spirit as a uniquely American art that honors the values that have shaped our nation for nearly 250 years.”

The First Lot of Bourbon

The “First Lot of Bourbon,” entitled “Freedom,” pays tribute to the most fundamental American value and sets the tone for a series of extraordinary offerings rooted in history and craftsmanship.

The Freedom lot features an exclusive Elijah Craig single-barrel selection experience at Heaven Hill Distillery, inviting the winning bidder to step inside one of Kentucky’s most storied bourbon houses and participate in the deeply personal art of barrel selection. The experience includes guided tastings with distillery experts and the chance to choose a barrel for bottling, a rare opportunity for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike.

Elijah Craig is widely credited as the “Father of Bourbon” for allegedly being the first to age whiskey in new, charred oak barrels. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey was recently named Whisky Advocate’s  Whisky of the Year, further elevating the significance of this “First Lot of Bourbon” and reinforcing its place among the most prestigious offerings in American whiskey.

“Elijah Craig stands as an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship and ingenuity,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “We are honored to showcase what this brand stands for at the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction with this unforgettable experience that embodies freedom, tradition and the time-honored spirit that connects us all.”

Proceeds from the KBCA will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, reinforcing the event’s mission to honor America’s native spirit while giving back to those who have protected its freedoms.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on social media.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great holiday season. While January is a quieter month for distillery visitors, it’s certainly not a quiet month for Whisky!

Our friend, whisky writer, and our country’s most knowledgeable whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux is in town from Ottawa and is coming to our distillery to present the masterclass The Story of Canadian Whisky along with whisky samples from across the country.

The masterclass will happen on Friday, January 23rd 6pm-8pm. For $50 a ticket, you’ll get a copy of his latest book, The Definitive Guide To Canadian Distilleries and a chance to sample 6 incredible whiskies.

GET MASTERCLASS TICKETS

The Story of Canadian Whisky

Learn the surprising story of one of North America’s best-selling spirits, and the only one that, by law, must be made in Canada (But don’t tell Harry Hatch!)

“The story of its whisky is one of Canada’s greatest adventures yet one of its least known. It is a story populated by odd characters, dedicated craftspeople and more than a few con artists. A story replete with family rivalries, failed dynasties and phenomenally successful ones. One brimming with innovations and brands that still set the pace for whisky and brown spirits globally.

During the pandemic, I settled behind my computer following every new lead in my notes. The result, almost five years later, is another book, one which brings new insights to the story of Canadian whisky, and includes new voices, new distillers, and over a dozen overlooked historical distilleries. 

Canada’s First Distillers – gone and except for the myths, almost forgotten.”

Bio:

Spirits writer, author and presenter

For over a quarter of a century Davin has been researching, writing and publishing articles about whisky and spirits on the web and in consumer magazines. He has contributed chapters to 9 spirits, cocktail and whisky books, such as Michael Jackson’s Whisky, The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, Canadian Cocktails, and so on. As well, Penguin Random House has published his four Canadian spirits/Canadian whisky books internationally. Since 2010 his research and writing has focused on Canadian whisky. According to The New York Times “To call Davin de Kergommeaux the soul of Canadian whisky is an understatement—he is its guide, its historian, and its leading advocate.” Davin works independently with no brand affiliations or obligations. They say, “Do something you love, and you will never work again.” For him this means whisky, and his passion to share his knowledge has grown stronger as the years and decades have gone by. 

I hope to see you there if you can make it!
In good spirits,

Brennan Colebank
Owner / Master Distiller

Exciting Online Diploma Update: Dave Broom & Iain Russell

Our Online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky is being refreshed for 2026 and it’s our most exciting update yet. You can expect a newly authored World Whiskies module by Dave Broom, bringing fresh insight, storytelling and decades of global whisky expertise. There’ll be an updated tasting pack curated by Dave, featuring six representative world whisky styles. What’s more, in the History module, you’ll find four fascinating new video discussions with Dave Broom and the respected whisky historian Iain Russell.

Global whisky is evolving faster than ever and this refresh ensures our Diploma remains current, authoritative and world-class, while retaining the depth and rigour candidates expect. It is still SQA-certified and trusted by 450+ candidates since 2021. The updated material launches in early January.

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

www.clickwhiskyauctions.com

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 “Whisky of the Year”

First-Ever Barrel Proof Rye from the Elijah Craig Family Earns the Top Spot in the Prestigious Whisky Advocate Top 20 Ranking

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  (December 2025) – Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American Whiskeys, is proud to announce that Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye has been named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 Whisky of the Year, topping the publication’s coveted Top 20 list. This honor recognizes not only the exceptional quality of this inaugural Barrel Proof Rye release, but also Elijah Craig’s continued leadership in defining excellence within American Whiskey. It also adds to Heaven Hill’s distinguished barrel proof accolades, including Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon’s Whisky of the Year win in 2017 and Larceny Barrel Proof’s top ranking in 2020. Elijah Craig Rye is no stranger to the list—Elijah Craig Straight Rye debuted in the top ten in 2020 at No. 7—and this year’s recognition marks the first time a rye whiskey has earned Whisky Advocate’s highest honor, a historic achievement for both the brand and the category.

Released in September 2025 as the first Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the Elijah Craig portfolio, this inaugural release showcases the brand’s signature balance of bold character, nuanced flavor, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, the team selected barrels that delivered extraordinary depth and approachability. Aged 12 years and 3 months and bottled at 108 proof, this uncut, non-chill filtered expression quickly earned praise from whiskey enthusiasts and critics alike.

As someone who helped bring the Elijah Craig brand to life and guide its growth for decades, Max L. Shapira holds a uniquely personal connection to this milestone. “To have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye recognized as Whisky of the Year during our 90th anniversary year is profoundly meaningful,” said Shapira, Executive Chairman, Heaven Hill Brands. “For nine decades, our family has remained committed to elevating American Whiskey with patience, integrity, and a deep respect for tradition. This award is a remarkable tribute to the generations of craftspeople who have shaped Heaven Hill, and to the bright future of American Whiskey that we continue to build together.”

Crafted to showcase Rye Whiskey in its purest form, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye reveals aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses, followed by a complex palate of stewed fruits and cinnamon. The finish lingers with nutmeg and a generous burst of rye spice, delivering a warm, satisfying close that reflects its extended aging and meticulous barrel selection.

“We are honored to see Elijah Craig’s first-ever Barrel Proof Rye recognized at the highest level,” said Max Stefka, AVP Global Whiskey Brands for Heaven Hill. “To be chosen as Whisky of the Year is a proud milestone for our entire team and we thank Whisky Advocate for the recognition and the value they provide to all whiskey fans.”

Batch A925 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof lineup and further expands the brand’s commitment to offering whiskeys in their purest, most distinctive form. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is available nationwide in 750 ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $74.99.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com

A whisky tasting and live music gig with The Rhythm and Booze Project!

Sometimes an event comes along that shouldn’t be missed; this is one of those times.

SMWS Canada is beyond thrilled to welcome to Calgary, for one night only, The Rhythm & Booze Project, a blues duo out of the UK which incorporates whisky tastings into their roots, folk, and blues live music gigs. Blending infectious showmanship with their high-energy music, you’re in for an amazing evening of fantastic music and delicious SMWS whiskies.

Wednesday, January 14th

The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary)

$65 – doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start (should wrap up around 9:30pm)

GET TICKETS HERE

Here’s a little teaser of what to expect (ignore the whiskies in the video; we’re pourin’ SMWS drams!):