Independent bottler Whisky 1901 reveals new whisky range:

“The Ledger Series”

Independent bottler Whisky 1901 today announces the launch of its new whisky range: The Ledger Series – a collection of carefully chosen casks that celebrate the provenance, individuality and flavour of some of Scotland’s most acclaimed distilleries.

Founded as a modern independent bottler with a classic, luxury ethos, Whisky 1901 is dedicated to sourcing exceptional casks from highly respected distilleries, presenting each whisky in a way that honours its distillery heritage, story and character.

The first release in The Ledger Series, a Miltonduff Aged 18 Years, was bottled at the end of 2025, with an additional five expressions bottled in April 2026, joining it to offer an exceptional variety within the Series this month.

The Ledger Series takes its name from the tradition of record-keeping, giving a nod to the importance of documenting and showcasing each cask’s journey. Every release in the series is selected for its distinct profile and sense of place, offering whisky enthusiasts and collectors a curated snapshot of flavour, maturation and distillery ‘house style’. All of the bottlings carry age statements, currently ranging from 11 to 21 years.

The debut release, Miltonduff Aged 18 Years, set the tone for the range, bringing notable depth, richness and balance. It is followed by five further bottlings under The Ledger Series:

• Dailuaine Aged 12 Years
• Tamnavulin Aged 13 Years
• Ardmore Aged 12 Years
• Glen Garioch Aged 11 Years
• Invergordon Aged 21 Years

In addition to The Ledger Series, Whisky 1901 previously released its first bottling in 2024 of The Collection: a luxury annual release of an extremely rare cask carefully chosen by Matt Chambers, Whisky 1901’s Master of Whisky. Just two casks have been released under The Collection to date: *multi award-winning Edition One: Glenburgie Aged 35 Years (Best Single Cask Single Malt: Speyside, at The World Whisky Awards 2025) and Edition Two: Jura Aged 25 Years – setting the tone for future ultra-premium bottlings, available in very limited quantities.

Matt Chambers, Master of Whisky at Whisky 1901, commented: “The Ledger Series gives us the opportunity to focus entirely on the cask and the liquid’s personality. With the range, we’ve handpicked every whisky not just for its age, but for how it expresses its own distillery character. From the richness and depth of the Miltonduff Aged 18 Years to the vibrancy and structure found in the Ardmore Aged 12 Years, each cask tells its own story. Our aim has been to ensure that every bottling is balanced, distinctive and genuinely compelling in the glass. And because each cask bottling is different, once that cask has gone, it’s gone – offering a little piece of each distillery and cask history.”

Aaron Damiano Sparkes, CEO of Whisky 1901, said: “Whisky 1901 was founded to shine a light on exceptional casks, alongside the people and stories behind them. As a niche independent bottler, we believe in giving whisky lovers a careful selection of drams to enjoy, alongside genuine transparency,  letting each whisky speak for itself. Our new collection represents the beginning of that journey, and we’re proud to introduce whiskies that reflect the heritage and character of each distillery we’ve selected from.”

The Miltonduff Aged 18 Years was launched in March 2025, with the remaining expressions from The Ledger Series now available in limited quantities through specialist retailers and partners including Master of Malt and directly at  Whisky 1901 RRPs range from £125 – £160.

The Collection releases are available via registering to purchase at www.whisky1901.co.uk/the-collection.  Edition One: Glenburgie Aged 35 Years RRP: £1,325. The Collection Edition Two: Jura Aged 25 Years RRP: £500.

Whisky 1901 plans to continue expanding both ranges with future releases that explore a diverse range of distilleries, cask types and flavour profiles, building a portfolio that appeals to both seasoned collectors and curious enthusiasts.

Explore more about the new Whisky 1901 independent bottlings at www.whisky1901.co.uk

*Award-winning Edition One: Glenburgie Aged 35 Years has previously won Gold at The Luxury Masters 2024 (Spirits Business), Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). It was most recently award was Best Single Cask Single Malt in the Speyside category at The World Whisky Awards 2025. 

About Whisky 1901:

Whisky 1901 was originally founded as a cask investment business, giving the team extensive experience in sourcing, evaluating and managing high-quality Scotch whisky casks. This foundation naturally led to the creation of its independent bottling arm, allowing the company to explore and bottle its own casks in collaboration with some of Scotland’s finest distilleries.

This evolution provides Whisky 1901 with exceptional access to rare and high-quality casks, underpinning its commitment to releasing distinctive and characterful whiskies.

The Whisky 1901 brand is now the dedicated independent bottling business with the investment business rebranding as The 1901 Group.

The company will release between five and ten casks per year under The Ledger Series, alongside just one cask per year under its ultra-premium range, The Collection.

Whisky 1901 has already received industry recognition, with its whiskies earning awards at leading international spirits competitions, reinforcing its position as an emerging name in the independent bottling category.

The art of contrast

Rare Find explores four distinct journeys of maturation

in latest single cask collection

Rare Find, the award-winning Edinburgh-based independent bottler announces the launch of its latest collection of single cask whiskies, exploring the diverse relationship between spirit character and cask influence.

Following continued momentum throughout 2026 and growing demand for the company’s distinctive single cask releases, Rare Find’s newest collection brings together four carefully selected whiskies that demonstrate how different styles of maturation can shape, enhance and transform some of Scotland’s most compelling distillates.

From the clarity of 1st fill bourbon to the richness of Napa Valley red wine to the intensity of 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter casks, each release offers a unique perspective on the art of maturation. Together, they showcase the remarkable breadth of flavour that can be achieved when exceptional spirit is paired with exceptional wood.

This latest Rare Find collection brings together four distinctive single cask expressions that explore the relationship between spirit and wood across Highland, Speyside and Islay whisky styles. As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour and without chill filtration.

Blair Athol 12-Year-Old

Matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

Blair Athol is renowned for its rich, characterful spirit and distinctive Highland style. This single cask release has been matured a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, a perfect partnership that enhances the distillery’s natural depth and elegance while allowing its classic honeyed character to shine through.

Deanston 14-Year-Old

Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique

Known for its bright and approachable Highland character, Deanston’s waxy, cereal-led spirit has been matched with a first-fill Napa Valley red wine barrique. The result is a whisky that balances the distillery’s trademark sweetness with layers of ripe fruit, gentle spice and rich complexity.

Dalmunach 9-Year-Old

Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

As one of Speyside’s modern distilleries, Dalmunach produces a light, fruit-forward spirit that responds beautifully to active maturation. A 17-month finish in a first-fill oloroso seasoned quarter cask has amplified the whisky’s naturally vibrant character, adding depth, richness and a generous sherried influence.

Mystery Islay 9-Year-Old

Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

This unnamed Islay distillery produces a bold coastal spirit shaped by its maritime surroundings and traditional production methods. An extended finish in a first-fill oloroso sherry quarter cask has introduced layers of dried fruit, spice and richness, creating a compelling interplay between smoke, salinity and sherry influence.

Speaking on the new collection, James Zorab, Whisky Supply Manager for Rare Find, commented: “Every cask tells a different story, and this collection is all about showcasing those contrasts. Whether it’s the modesty of bourbon maturation, the influence of premium wine casks or the intensity that quarter cask sherry maturation can bring, each whisky demonstrates how carefully selected wood can reveal different dimensions of a distillery’s character. Together, they represent exactly what Rare Find seeks to achieve – exceptional single casks that offer something distinctive, memorable and genuinely worth discovering.”

The Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection will be available via Rare Find stockists from 2nd July 2026.

Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection

Blair Athol 12-year-old

Maturing in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

56.1%, 205 bottles

£75.00

NOSE Buttery shortbread, golden syrup, baked apples, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.

PALATE Rich and syrupy with orchard fruits, pastry, iced buns, and a touch of lemon.

FINISH Long on brown-sugar apples with subtle oak.

Deanston 14-year-old

Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique

57.3%, 268 bottles

£95.00

NOSE Balsamic strawberries, fresh raspberries, buttery flapjack, with hints of cinnamon and ginger.

PALATE Ripe berries, plums, sultanas, golden syrup, and a touch of peppery spice.

FINISH Long, fruity, with drying cask spice. 

Dalmunach 9-year-old

Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

60.6%, 126 bottles

£70.00

NOSE Lemon sponge, vanilla custard, toffee, hedgerow berries, and a hint of ginger.

PALATE Fresh apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrants, with toffee, chocolate walnut, and gingerbread.

FINISH Long, fruity, with developing citrus notes.

Mystery Islay 9-year-old

Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask

57.9%, 186 bottles

£85.00

NOSE Briny, medicinal, lemon zest, maritime smoke, olive, sea salt, and malt.

PALATE Creamy toffee, berries, smoke, iodine, citrus, nuts, and mineral peat.

FINISH Long on driftwood, smoked lemon, and salt.

About Rare Find

Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.

From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.

www.rarefindwhisky.co.uk

Hebridean Whisky Festival Announces 2026 Lineup

HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND – The Hebridean Whisky Trail is proud to announce the return of the Hebridean Whisky Festival, taking place from 5–12 September 2026. Marking its fifth year, this annual island-hopping adventure continues to offer a world-class exploration of Scotland’s established and new maritime distillery locations.

The 2026 festival links multiple island distilleries through a week-long programme of open days, exclusive tastings, masterclasses, and guided tours. Beyond the dram, visitors will experience the heart of island life through live music, traditional ceilidhs, local food, and Gaelic culture. An annual highlight for staff and visitors alike, this festival is an opportunity to enjoy the best of the Hebrides on a wild and beautiful whisky adventure.

2026 Festival Calendar

The trail winds through the Inner and Outer Hebrides, culminating in a grand finale with all distilleries present at the Isle of Raasay:

● 5 Sept: North Uist Distillery Day
● 6 Sept: Tobermory Distillery Day
● 6–7 Sept: Benbecula Distillery Day
● 7–11 Sept: Celebrations at Torabhaig Distillery
● 8 Sept: Isle of Harris Distillery Day
● 10 Sept: Isle of Tiree Distillery Day
● 11 Sept: Talisker Distillery Day
● 12 Sept: Festival Finale at Isle of Raasay Distillery

The Festival Finale

The Festival Finale will be hosted this year by the Isle of Raasay Distillery, named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards 2026. In addition to the many activities on offer that day, including a special festival bottling, special tours and tastings, a unique whisky blending session, and interactive cocktail experiences, Raasay Distillery will be joined by the other members of the Hebridean Whisky Trail. Bringing together spirits from as far away as Tiree, this is an eagerly anticipated event, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 20 at 7pm. Full information and tickets can be found on the Hebridean Whisky Trail website at https://hebrideanwhisky.com

A Growing Celebration

This year’s festival is set to be the most ambitious yet, bolstered by support from VisitScotland. This funding will enable the festival to reach a wider audience, develop exclusive festival merchandise, and create a formal sponsorship programme.

Rebecca Edser, Head of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is an exciting year‑round destination, with every season and region offering something distinctive to enjoy. Whisky remains a powerful draw for attendees and combining that with the stunning landscapes and unique local spirit of the Hebrides creates something truly special.

“Supported through our National Events Programme, the Hebridean Whisky Festival is an important part of Scotland’s diverse events landscape, bringing communities and visitors together to share memorable experiences.

“By helping organisers deliver high‑quality, well‑designed events, we support positive impacts for local communities and the wider visitor economy. It is wonderful to see the festival return this year as a standout fixture in Scotland’s events calendar.”

The investment also allows the festival to extend a warm invitation to groups, such as international whisky clubs and travel organisations, further cementing the Hebrides as a premier destination for luxury and cultural tourism.

Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch with the Hebridean Whisky Trail development manager Cindy Campbell, cindy.campbell@hebrideanwhisky.com.

Join the Adventure

Whisky enthusiasts and travelers are encouraged to mark their calendars for this unique maritime journey. While tickets will be released in the coming weeks, organisers promise an immersive experience that captures the true spirit of the islands.

To be the first to receive updates on the full programme and ticket releases, subscribe to the official newsletter at hebrideanwhisky.com.

● The Hebridean Whisky Trail is a collaboration of eight single malt Scotch whisky distilleries in the Hebrides, including Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay Distillery, Isle of Harris Distillery, North Uist Distillery, Benbecula Distillery, Isle of Tiree Distillery and Tobermory Distillery.
● Festival Dates: 5–12 September 2026, across the Hebrides.
● Festival Finale: Saturday, 12 September 2026 at Isle of Raasay Distillery.

Prophecy Wins Silver Medal

We’re thrilled to share that Prophecy has been awarded a Silver Medal for Taste at the International Spirits Challenge. Sampled blindly by a group of industry expert judges, our spirit was graded on the taste experience alone.

This recognition celebrates the craftsmanship, character, and flavour profile that define Prophecy, and our vision for future Benbecula whisky.

To our members, cask owners, and supporters: thank you for being part of the journey. Your belief in what we’re building has helped shape this milestone in our distillery’s foundation.

Prophecy was created to deliver a glimpse into the future of Benbecula, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our vision recognised on the international stage.

Whether you’ve followed us from the beginning or discovered Prophecy more recently, we’re raising a dram to you today.

EXPLORE PROPHECY

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Honors Sen. Julie Raque Adams With Top “100 Proof” Award 

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is honoring Sen. Julie Raque Adams with its prestigious “100 Proof Award” for her bold leadership in championing landmark legislation in the 2025 session to protect Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Sen. Raque Adams, R-Louisville, was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 202, which established a basic set of standards for the state to regulate THC-infused intoxicating beverages as it does alcohol. The category has largely avoided regulation since it was created in 2018 from a loophole in the federal Farm Bill.

KDA President Eric Gregory praised Sen. Adams’ diligence and dedication. “Sen. Adams’ outstanding leadership has provided a balanced, thoughtful and comprehensive framework to regulating this new category of intoxicating beverages, which has become a model for other states.

“Senate Bill 202 ensures Kentucky leads with responsibility, transparency and parity for these new producers of intoxicating beverages. On behalf of our members, we’re honored to present Sen. Adams with this award and thank her for her tireless efforts to strengthen oversight in this evolving space.”

The KDA created the “100 Proof Award” in 2009 to recognize elected officials who exhibit exceptional care, diligence and initiative in promoting and protecting Kentucky Bourbon. Nominees must receive a unanimous vote from the KDA’s Governmental Affairs Advisory Group and the KDA Board of Directors.

It is the highest honor bestowed by the state’s iconic Bourbon industry on elected officials.

KDA officials will present Sen. Adams with a commemorative barrel head in Frankfort in the coming weeks.

Previous recipients of the non-partisan award include U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Rep. Susan Westrom, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and more.

For a complete list, visit https://kybourbon.com/industry/advocacy/.

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured signature industries, generating $10.6 billion in economic impact every year, supporting 24,000 workers with $2 billion in salaries and benefits, and pouring more than $370 million into local and state taxes.

Bourbon also plays a vital role in the state’s tourism efforts through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure, attracting nearly 3 million visitors from all over the globe every year to this bucket-list phenomenon.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon®. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging craft distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s signature spirit. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Lost Lantern Launches the United States of Bourbon, the First-Ever Blend of Straight Bourbon from All 50 States

 The inaugural release includes a recurring 100 Proof expression, a recurring Cask Strength expression, and a limited 1776 Edition created for America’s 250th anniversary.

VERGENNES, VT  — Award-winning independent bottler Lost Lantern today announces the launch of the United States of Bourbon, the first-ever blend of bourbon from all 50 states, and the widest-ranging American whiskey ever created.

At a time when bourbon is being made everywhere from Hawaii to Alaska, Vermont to Texas, the United States of Bourbon captures a remarkable moment in American whiskey history. Bringing together one distillery from every state into a single blend, the project serves as a snapshot of the extraordinary growth, diversity, and creativity that has transformed American bourbon in recent years.

The culmination of a vision that predates Lost Lantern itself, the United States of Bourbon has been in development for more than five years. Over that time, Lost Lantern co-founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski traveled extensively across the country, visiting distilleries and evaluating whiskey in pursuit of a bourbon worthy of representing each state. In some cases, multiple distilleries and countless samples were considered before the final whiskey was identified for the project. Every cask in the blend was hand-selected from distilleries personally visited and vetted by the founders, providing the foundation for what would become one of the most ambitious blending projects in American whiskey.

The inaugural release debuts in three expressions: United States of Bourbon 100 Proof (SRP $79.99), United States of Bourbon Cask Strength (SRP $99.99), and the limited United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition (SRP $199.99), a one-time-only 13-state blend created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. In keeping with Lost Lantern’s commitment to full transparency, every component distillery is listed on each label.

While bourbon has historically been associated with a handful of states, the United States of Bourbon reflects the dramatic rise of craft distilling across the country over the last two decades. The blend includes bourbons aged in coastal climates influenced by salty sea air, estate whiskey from family-run grain-to-glass distilleries, bourbon from states with generations of moonshining traditions, and whiskey from some of the country’s newest distilleries, including producers younger than the idea for United States of Bourbon itself. Together, they create a singular portrait of the diversity, innovation, and character defining American whiskey today.

“The United States of Bourbon has truly been years in the making and has been part of the vision for Lost Lantern since before we launched the company,” says Adam Polonski, co-founder and Head of Whiskey Sourcing at Lost Lantern. “From the earliest stages of dreaming up Lost Lantern, we envisioned crafting a fifty-state blend to showcase the diversity and breadth of bourbon. Shortly after, in 2021, we began sourcing barrels specifically for this whiskey, work that continued through 2025. I have visited and vetted every distillery in this blend in person.”

“This is certainly the most ambitious whiskey Lost Lantern has ever made,” says Nora Ganley-Roper, co-founder and Head Blender at Lost Lantern. “But it has also always had true clarity of vision. I blended this to give a bird’s-eye view of bourbon from across the country. This whiskey provides a snapshot of the complexity and current landscape of bourbon.”

While the United States of Bourbon celebrates the extraordinary diversity of bourbon today, the 1776 Edition offers a more historical perspective. Created to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, this limited release blends bourbon from the first 13 states that came together to form a new nation. Unlike the recurring 50-state expressions, the 1776 Edition was conceived as a one-time release, serving as both a tribute to America’s founding and a snapshot of the bourbon being produced across those original states today.

THE INAUGURAL EXPRESSIONS

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon 100 Proof

This first-of-its-kind release is a blend of straight bourbon whiskies from all 50 states, sourced from distilleries personally visited and vetted by Lost Lantern. Blended in Vermont and carefully slow-proofed to 50% ABV, the 100 Proof expression presents a warmer, more approachable profile while maintaining the whiskey’s depth and complexity. Tasting Notes: Warm vanilla and wood spice on the nose, with hints of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, notes of chocolate, raspberry, and orange zest. Balanced and deep.

• SRP: $79.99
• Proof: 100
• Quantity: 6,780 bottles
• Age Statement: 2 years; components range from 2–10 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added 

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon Cask Strength

The Cask Strength expression features the same blend of bourbons from all 50 states as the 100 Proof release, blended in Vermont and bottled at its natural proof. Tasting Notes: Rich wood spice and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, oak, spice, and fruit intermingle into a deep and balanced whole, with notes of black raspberry, dark chocolate, and leather.

• SRP: $99.99
• Proof: 122.9
• Quantity: 3,300 bottles
• Age Statement: 2 years; components range from 2–10 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added 

Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition

Created especially for America’s 250th anniversary, the limited 1776 Edition is a special 13-state blend of straight bourbon whiskies sourced from the first states that came together to form a new nation in 1776. Blended in Vermont, bottled at cask strength, and limited to just 1,776 hand-numbered bottles, this one-time-only release will never be repeated. Tasting Notes: Warm, complex, and spicy on the nose, with orange zest, dark chocolate, and walnut notes. The palate bursts with fruit and spice, with hints of fresh-baked bread and notes of leather leading into a very long, spicy finish.

• SRP: $199.99
• Proof: 121.4
• Quantity: 1,776 bottles
• Age Statement: 4 years; components range from 4–8 years old
• Non-chill filtered; no color added

United States of Bourbon is available via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in CA, IL, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT, and VA, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT. 

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, Vermont. Inspired by the tradition of independent bottling in Scotland, Lost Lantern seeks out distinctive whiskies from across the U.S., releasing them as single casks and blends with a commitment to transparency.

Named Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky America Awards and the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Lost Lantern has also seen both founders honored as Drinks Visionaries of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine, Drinks Innovators of the Year by SevenFifty Daily, named to the VermontBiz Rising Stars list, and named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40.

For more information, explore current and past releases, visit the tasting room, or sign up for the newsletter or Discovery Club at LostLanternWhiskey.com. Follow @lostlanternwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Participating Distilleries in United States of Bourbon (listed in order of statehood)

*Part of the 1776 Edition blend

Painted Stave Distilling (DE)*, Liberty Pole Spirits (PA)*, Sourland Mountain Spirits (NJ)*, ASW Fiddler Distillery (GA)*, Litchfield Distillery (CT)*, Triple Eight Distillery (MA)*, Baltimore Spirits Co. (MD)*, High Wire Distilling Co. (SC)*, Cathedral Ledge Distillery (NH)*, Reservoir Distillery (VA)*, Kings County Distillery (NY)*, Broad Branch Distillery (NC)*, South County Distillers (RI)*, Stonecutter Spirits (VT), New Riff Distilling (KY), Leiper’s Fork Distillery (TN), Tom’s Foolery Distillery (OH), Distillerie Acadian (LA), Starlight Distillery (IN), Rich Grain Distilling (MS), Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. (IL), Dread River Distilling Co. (AL), Hardshore Distilling Co. (ME), J. Rieger & Co. (MO), Rock Town Distillery (AR), New Holland Distilling Co. (MI), St. Augustine Distillery (FL), Balcones Distilling (TX), Cedar Ridge Distillery (IA), Wollersheim Distillery (WI), Corbin Cash Distillery (CA), Far North Spirits (MN), Oregon Spirit Distillers (OR), Union Horse Distilling Co. (KS), Smooth Ambler Spirits (WV), Frey Ranch Distillery (NV), Brickway Distillery (NE), Boulder Spirits (CO), Proof Artisan Distillers (ND), Blackfork Farms (SD), Montgomery Distillery (MT), Woodinville Whiskey Co. (WA), Day’s Defile (ID), Backwards Distilling Co. (WY), High West Distillery (UT), Hochatown Distilling (OK), Safe House Distilling (NM), SanTan Distilling (AZ), Denali Spirits (AK), and Ko‘olau Distillery (HI).

Kentucky Senator Bourbon and Louisiana Senator Bourbon Earn Top Honors at 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 2026 ASCOT Awards

LEXINGTON, KY – June 2026 – Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC announced Kentucky Senator Bourbon and Louisiana Senator Bourbon expressions have received multiple prestigious awards from two of the industry’s most respected competitions, further cementing the brands’ reputations for excellence in the American whiskey category. These honors reflect the unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship that co-founders Damon Thayer and Andre Regard have built into every bottle.

Jim Bunning Release – 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold, 96 Points

The Jim Bunning Release, Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s seventh small-batch expression, earned a Double Gold Medal and a score of 96 points at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. The Double Gold distinction is awarded only to spirits that receive a Gold Medal from every judge on the panel, representing the highest recognition the competition confers. For an eight-and-a-half-year, 107-proof small-batch bourbon to earn unanimous Gold from an elite judging panel is a testament to the depth, complexity, and character that defines Kentucky Senator Bourbon.

John Edwards Release – 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Medal and 2026 ASCOT Double Platinum Award

The John Edwards Release earned recognition at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, receiving a Silver Medal. This is a strong commendation from a panel of judges that evaluated hundreds of spirits across all categories, and a further confirmation that Kentucky Senator Bourbon consistently performs at the highest level of American whiskey craft.

Additionally, the John Edwards Release was named a 2026 ASCOT Double Platinum Award Winner. The ASCOT Awards (American Spirits Council of Tasters), founded by spirits expert Fred Minnick, represent one of the most rigorous evaluation processes in the domestic spirits industry. Spirits are judged blind on a 100-point scale, and a Double Platinum designation is reserved for spirits scoring between 95 and 100 points.

Huey P. Long Release – 2026 ASCOT Platinum Award Winner

Louisiana Senator Bourbon Huey P. Long Release earned a 2026 ASCOT Platinum Award. This distinction is achieved through blind evaluation on a 100-point scale by a panel of industry experts, and a Platinum designation is reserved for spirits scoring between 90 and 94 points. This recognition places the Huey P. Long Release among the most celebrated small-batch bourbons.

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term), but often longer.

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• • Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine 
  • Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025
  • Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won multiple Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design
  • Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release

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Triple Double Golds, 99/100 Scoring Highlights Wenzel Distillery’s Strong Whiskey Line Up At 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

COVINGTON, Ky. – Wenzel Distillery is proud to announce an exceptional showing at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), earning five medals across its portfolio — including three Double Gold awards. The distillery’s Double Oaked Bourbon and Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon each received a Double Gold with a near-perfect score of 99, while its Toasted Oak Bourbon earned a Double Gold with a score of 97. The Wheated Bourbon earned a Gold Medal, making 2026 one of the most decorated years in Wenzel’s history.

The SFWSC is recognized as one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world, honoring excellence through a rigorous blind tasting process conducted by a panel of industry experts. Judges are tasked with reviewing and grading over 5,000 entries every year. A Double Gold Medal signifies that every judge unanimously awarded a gold rating, the highest standard of recognition the competition bestows.

Wenzel’s 2026 SFWSC medal results are as follows:

• Double Oaked Bourbon — Double Gold | Score: 99
• Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon — Double Gold | Score: 99
• Toasted Oak Bourbon — Double Gold | Score: 97
• Wheated Bourbon — Gold Medal

“Winning three Double Golds with near perfect 99 scores at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a tremendous honor for our team. We’re proud to bring these awards back to our distillery in Covington and to represent the bourbon heritage of Northern Kentucky on one of the world’s biggest stages. As Covington’s only distillery, we’re honored to carry our city’s bourbon story forward and look forward to sharing our award-winning spirits with bourbon lovers across Kentucky and beyond.” — Austin Dunbar, Partner, Wenzel Distillery

These awards continue a remarkable streak for the young distillery. In 2025, Wenzel received recognition at the World Whiskies Awards, where its Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon was named “World’s Best Finished Bourbon,” and at SFWSC, where its Barrel Proof Rye was named “Best American Rye Whiskey.” The 2026 SFWSC results affirm that Wenzel’s quality is not a one-time achievement; it is a standard.

Wenzel’s award-winning spirits are available at select retailers throughout Kentucky, on its website through the online store, and at the Wenzel Distillery’s tasting room and production facility at 412 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky — the first producing distillery in Covington since Prohibition. Wenzel is featured on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s bourbon tour experience.

About Wenzel, LLC:

Founded in 2022 and located at 412 Madison Avenue in the heart of Covington, Kentucky, Wenzel Distillery is dedicated to producing exceptional whiskies that honor the region’s rich bourbon heritage. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a relentless pursuit of quality, Wenzel creates storied spirits that embrace tradition and define distinction. For more information, visit www.wenzeldistillery.com.

New Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Is A True 250th Anniversary Representation of American Whiskey History

Drawn directly from a colonial-era booklet, this unique expression by two craft distillers with a love for the past showcases a genuine attempt to recreate early American distilling practices using documented historical recipes, heritage grains, and period-appropriate techniques. It is a true representation of a 250th anniversary whiskey.

LITITZ, Pa. – Stoll & Wolfe, a storied craft distillery at the forefront of high-quality Pennsylvania rye whiskeys, is proud to announce Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey, a unique collaboration between two masters of the distilling arts, Stoll & Wolfe head distiller Erik Wolfe and southern Indiana farmer distiller Alan Bishop (formerly of Spirits of French Lick). This whiskey is based upon an old colonial-era recipe and serves as a true testament to the journey of this noble spirit through America’s 250 years.

Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey draws its inspiration from a pamphlet written by Frederick Heinrich Gelwicks, an important piece of early American distilling lore from the late 1700s to early 1800s, documenting actual working recipes used by Pennsylvania distillers during that era. A recipe from that publication resulted in a whiskey with a unique grain combination of rye malt, wheat, rye, and oats, fermented with wild yeast and cheese culture, and aged in new American oak barrels at 105 proof.

“Collaborating on translating a nearly 300 century old recipe is a unique opportunity to explore the roots of our local distilling traditions by bringing this whiskey to life and allowing modern consumers to experience a spirit nearly lost to history,” said Erik Wolfe.

Wolfe and Bishop, sharing a fundamental distilling philosophy and ethos that values flavor over efficiency and also honors traditional production methods balanced against modern concerns, began collaboration on this whiskey back in 2023. The challenge for them was how to adapt for today’s distilling world a recipe of 1 bushel rye malt, 1 bushel wheat, 1 bushel rye, and 3 pecks of oats.

Sourcing heritage grains from Pennsylvania family farms, including the Kline farm that’s tied to Stoll & Wolfe, the two set out on an epic undertaking to recreate something few in the modern era would even consider. A testament to their combined creativity and fine attention to historical details, the expression is designed to give today’s whiskey drinker a glance at what was being enjoyed at the birth of a nation.

“Bringing the knowledge brought to Indiana by early PA Germans back East to PA is one of the highlights of my career,” said Alan Bishop. “That we stuck to the ideals of the colonial distillers while implementing modern technological advantages speaks to just how well versed in the art of distillation our forefathers were. To do such great work alongside Erik and Aviana is a rare opportunity!”

Besides these nods to the past, other elements of historical consideration were factored in as well, such as the addition of dried fruits during the distillation process and aging in a colonial-era tobacco farm. The Wolfe & Wilson straight rye, given all of this, presents itself as an authentic representation of a bygone era with legitimate colonial ties, explicitly differentiating it from more generic 250th anniversary products.

Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey, Batch 1, was aged a minimum of two years in new charred American oak before being bottled at 100 proof. The product name Wolfe & Wilson carries layered personal and historical significance, as “Wolfe” represents Erik’s surname (Wolfe), while “Wilson” is Alan’s mother’s maiden name.

Available at a price point of $80, only 1000 750 ml bottles of Batch 1 will be available starting July 4th through Stoll & Wolfe’s tasting room in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and online in the contiguous United States.

About Stoll & Wolfe

Founded in 2016 in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Stoll & Wolfe revives the core flavors of Pennsylvania rye with a modern toolkit and a historian’s respect. The team employs open cypress tank fermentation, runs a column still with a thumper/doubler (with pot-still spirit runs when the profile calls for it), and matures whiskey in varied warehouse conditions to shape structure and depth. The Kline family farm supplies—and increasingly anchors—the grain: Rosen Rye, Lancaster County corn, and rye are all grown there. The result: grain-forward whiskeys that honor Dick Stoll’s legacy while pushing the category ahead.