Town Branch Distillery Releases Age-Stated Wheated Bourbon

Town Branch 6-Year Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 99 Proof

LEXINGTON, Ky, — Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—releases its Town Branch 6yr Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey this week at the distillery and available in markets nationwide (SRP $49.99 / 750ml).

The Wait Is Over — Wheated Is Here

In recent years, Town Branch has continued shaping its portfolio around bourbon, bourbon-based, and bourbon-inspired offerings as a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Rooted in Lexington, Kentucky — a city whose bourbon heritage dates back to the earliest days of America’s native spirit — the distillery’s newest release proudly continues that tradition.

Introducing Town Branch 6-Year Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This release has been years in the making. In fact, the distillery waited eight long years before introducing a whiskey worthy of joining this coveted category. But while the team patiently anticipated a standalone wheated bourbon release, they also carved their own path toward getting there.

“We realized this whiskey was going to be something very special when we tasted it at six years old, which for us is a sweet spot for our other bourbon mash bills,” said Dave Bob Gaspar, Head Distiller and Blender. “I like to say we waited patiently, but in reality, we could hardly help ourselves, so we found creative ways to distract ourselves for a couple more years.”

By 2024, the distillery’s wheated bourbon stocks had reached six years of age, and the team was eager to enter the category with a dedicated expression. However, releasing it at that moment would have limited the flexibility needed to build a proper blending range across multiple ages. So instead, the team devised a plan: introduce the mash bill through a series of blending projects and immersive distillery experiences that would offer consumers and visitors an early glimpse of what was to come.

In September 2024, Town Branch launched two new whiskey expressions in celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month. The first was Town Branch Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey — a 104 proof blended American whiskey crafted from four styles of Kentucky Straight Whiskey. The blend ultimately consisted of 90% bourbon and 10% rye, including 10% wheated bourbon, delivering a profile that drinks like a high-rye bourbon. Later that month, the distillery released its highly limited annual expression, Town Branch Imperium MMXXIV Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Bottled at 96 proof, the blend featured only the best of the best hand-selected barrels and incorporated 50% wheated bourbon barrels into the final composition.

In 2025, the distillery expanded the experience even further by introducing two new Kentucky Bourbon Trail® offerings for guests. The Straight-From-The-Barrel Experience (30 minutes / $30 per person) allows visitors to sample three single-barrel expressions directly from the barrel, including the wheated bourbon mash bill. Meanwhile, the Town Branch Barrel Thieving & Cocktail Experience (1 hour / $50 per person) gives guests the opportunity to thief wheated bourbon at cask strength before crafting an Overproof Old Fashioned using the whiskey.

Now, in 2026, with a fully developed blending range of wheated bourbons aged up to eight years currently, the distillery’s vision has finally become reality. Town Branch 6-Year Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon is crafted from bourbon aged a minimum of six years, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 99 proof.

But this is only the beginning….

Starting this week, guests visiting the distillery can enjoy complimentary samples of the newest addition to the Town Branch lineup. In addition, the distillery team has selected a special 8-year wheated bourbon for its Fill Your Own Bottle Experience, allowing guests to take home an older, cask-strength, hand-bottled version of the whiskey. Bottle engraving is also available for a small additional fee to truly commemorate the moment. Look for availability on this item to hit shelves in May and June at retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch®️ 6yr Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 99 Proof (SRP $49.99 / 750ml)

• Town Branch 6yr Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon delivers the bold, timeless character of Kentucky bourbon, softened and gently sweetened by the inclusion of wheat in the mash bill. The result is a distinctive drinking experience that sets it apart from traditional Kentucky straight bourbons. Aged for a minimum of six years it offers a rich tasting profile of butterscotch, honey, biscuit, and oak, layered with notes of baked apple and warm spice.
• Classification: Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Mash Bill: 70% Corn | 22% Wheat | 8% Malted Barley
• Cooperage: New American White Oak, #4 Char Level
• Age: 6-years minimum, age stated
• ABV: 49.5% abv. (99 proof)
• Estimated Availability: Available nationwide
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Medium copper
  • Aroma: Subtle and soft oak, floral notes of fruits and cinnamon bark
  • Palate: Rich butterscotch, flakey buttery biscuit, spice, oak, almond, honey, caramel and baked apple
  • Finish: Silky smooth texture and mouthfeel with a gentle sweet and spice finish

 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 Facebook or Instagram.

About the 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®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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 Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of 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 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. Alltech’s portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. 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 and LinkedIn.

The Woodrow’s of Edinburgh GlenDronach 20 Year Old is a limited-edition single-cask bottling distilled in 2006 and released by independent bottler Woodrow’s of Edinburgh. Unlike the distillery’s typical sherry-heavy profile, this expression matured for two full decades in a refill bourbon barrel (Cask #2107), resulting in a unique profile for the Highland malt.

£175.00

Cask Type:  Refill Bourbon Barrel #2107

Distilled: 28/03/2006. Bottled: 13/04/2026

Limited: 205 Bottles

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Poached pear, lychee, honey, almonds and freshly ground coffee

Palate: Slightly waxy in texture, with white chocolate and coffee notes, accompanied by notes of green grape and star anise

Finish: Long spiced finish with marzipan, tobacco, cardamom and nutmeg.

51.9% ABV

The Art of Creating Blended Scotch

Scotch whisky blends tend to have big volumes and broad international reach, while single malt volumes are tiny by comparison. And yet single malt gets all the snob appeal. We explore the complex process of making blended scotch and why it’s so vastly underrated.

What is the Islay Festival?

The Hebridean island of Islay is famous among whisky lovers for its dense concentration of distilleries. A large number of the most recognisable single malt producers in Scotland are crammed onto this small island off the West Coast. The first Islay Festival was in 1986, but it was a very different event to the one we enjoy today. It started out as a celebration of Hebridean culture, with dancing, music, drama, walks around the island, talks about Islay’s history and a single whisky tasting.

Learn more                   Shop Now

KNOB CREEK® DEBUTS BLENDER’S EDITION, A LIMITED SERIES CELEBRATING THE ART OF BLENDING

Knob Creek^® Blender’s Edition 01 is the result of intentional blending craftsmanship, unlocking a sweeter side of the Knob Creek^® flavor profile

CLERMONT, Ky., — The James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™, introduces Knob Creek^® Blender’s Edition, a new series of limited-edition whiskeys celebrating one of the most skilled and nuanced crafts in whiskey making: blending. Born from the passion, precision and devoted pursuit of bold flavor that define Knob Creek^®, the Blender’s Edition series showcases the artistry and deliberate decisions that shape the unique flavor experience in each release.

For the first in the series, eighth generation master distiller Freddie Noe and his trusted team of expert blenders carefully hand-selected barrels to highlight the sweeter side of the Knob Creek^® flavor profile. The result is a bourbon that opens with rich confectionery sweetness and a full mouthfeel, with notes of vanilla bean, finishing long and soft—all crafted with the same intentionality and care that goes into every expression of Knob Creek^®. Knob Creek^® Blender’s Edition 01 is aged a minimum of 10 years and bottled at 106 proof, now available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750mL bottle.

“The Blender’s Edition series is about slowing down and discovering the story each blend tells—with a unique and new experience in each edition of the series,” said Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. “It is thanks to the passion and precision of our blending team who have uncovered the nuanced flavors you taste in Knob Creek^® Blender’s Edition 01.”

Every detail of Knob Creek^® Blender’s Edition is by design. Blending is where precision meets creativity, and this series shines a spotlight on the masters behind the craft. With each release, Knob Creek^® celebrates the blenders who boldly explore new depths of flavor and redefine what’s possible.

For more information about Knob Creek^® Blender’s Edition and Knob Creek^® award-winning bourbon and rye portfolios, visit knobcreek.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek^® Bourbon
Knob Creek^® has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary full-flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek^® bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on their whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek^® is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-Prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek^® has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek^® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012, and later on, Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey. In recent years, Knob Creek^® announced the permanent addition of Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Bourbon and launched four limited releases, Knob Creek^® 15 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® 18 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® Bourbon x Rye and Knob Creek^® 21 Year Old. Knob Creek^® has continued to build out its rye portfolio; the brand announced the addition of an age statement to its flagship rye whiskey, Knob Creek^® 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey, and released Knob Creek^® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam^® and Maker’s Mark^®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki^®, Hakushu^®, Hibiki^® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig^® and Bowmore^®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones^® and El Tesoro^® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith^® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

*Further information on Knob Creek^® awards can be found at www.knobcreek.com
Knob Creek^® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 53% Alc./vol. ©2026 James B. Beam Distilling Company, Clermont KY.

BARREL BEAST  ·  EST. 2020  ·  SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Barrel Beast presents: RAISIN SUN

The fourth exclusive release of the Unleashed Octave Series.

An Inchgower 1st Fill PX Octave — 8 years matured, bottled at its peak.

[Hannover, 2026]

The whisky world is in for another extraordinary experience: Barrel Beast proudly announces the release of its fourth bottling — RAISIN SUN. This strictly limited edition consists of just 99 bottles and continues the acclaimed Unleashed Octave Series at the highest level.

RAISIN SUN originates from the Speyside distillery Inchgower, distilled in 2016. After eight years of careful maturation in a First Fill PX Octave cask, it is bottled at cask strength with 55.3% ABV — natural colour and non-chill filtered, as has always been the standard at Barrel Beast.

The PX Octave Cask

Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks are renowned for their exceptional sweetness and intensity. Using a First Fill Octave — a small cask of just around 50 litres — maximises wood contact and flavour development in a unique way. For RAISIN SUN, this means: maximum complexity, deep fruit and a velvety texture in every sip.

Technical Details:

Distillery: Inchgower | Distilled: 2016 | Age: 8 Years | Cask Strength: 55.3% ABV | Cask Type: 1st Fill PX Octave | Volume: 500 ml | Limited to: 99 bottles only | Bottling: Natural colour, non-chill filtered | Cask Ref.: 300748A

TASTING NOTES

NOSE Fresh Nana mint melds with rich, spicy raisin aromas. A delicate floral elegance meets warm, toasty wheat — a complex and inviting bouquet that instantly sparks curiosity.

PALATE Rustic bread meets bright citrus zest and smooth cocoa notes. Luscious cherry leads the palate with a slightly medicinal edge — a harmonious interplay of depth and vibrancy.

FINISH Medium-long to long, with sweet plum compote and dark rye bread. A hint of spicy ginger and buttery caramel rounds off the finish and invites the next sip.

Availability & Price

All 99 bottles of 500 ml at 55.3% ABV will be available exclusively via www.barrelbeast.com on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 14:00 (CEST). Due to the strict limitation, we recommend signing up for the newsletter on the website to be notified first.

RRP: €115.00

About Barrel Beast

Barrel Beast was founded in 2020 and has since established itself as one of the most exciting independent bottlers in the German-speaking world. With an uncompromising focus on quality, authenticity and exceptional design, Barrel Beast consistently sets itself apart from the mainstream. All bottlings are released natural colour, non-chill filtered and at cask strength.

The Unleashed Octave Series exclusively features whiskies that have completed their full maturation in small 1st Fill Sherry Octave casks. RAISIN SUN is the fourth release in this series — following Dark Malt (Caol Ila, 2022) and Raw Sienna (Inchgower, 2023).

The fifth and final edition of the Unleashed Octave Series, titled Dubh Mòr, will be released in late 2026.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Statement on

Reciprocal, Tariff-Free Trade with Scotland

For generations, Kentucky and Scotland have been close partners in crafting the world’s most sought‑after whiskies. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association applauds President Trump’s decision to remove tariffs and restrictions on Scotch whisky. This action restores reciprocal, tariff-free trade between our historic spirits and is especially important for Kentucky, as Scotch distillers have long been the largest export market for Kentucky’s used Bourbon barrels.

Kentucky Bourbon is a cornerstone of our state’s economy, contributing over $10.6 billion annually and supporting nearly 24,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. While Kentucky Bourbon continues to face its fair share of challenges, this development is welcome news for our signature industry’s ongoing efforts to share America’s only native spirit with enthusiasts around the world.

— Eric Gregory, Kentucky Distillers’ Association President

 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 micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $10.6 billion economic engine generating nearly 24,000 jobs. 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.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

To mark Scotland’s spectacular qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a long 28-year wait, we’re celebrating the only way we know how – with exceptional whisky.

A belter for America is a 35cl half bottle from Distillery 28. At 10 years of age, it offers rich dried fruit notes, a spicy Spanish oak influence and aromas of dark chocolate and coffee grounds. It’s a one-off you’ll want to keep or crack open with your mates when the whistle blows. It’s also a perfectly sized travel companion if you’re making the journey to support the team in June.

Let’s raise a glass together to the boys.
C’mon Scotland!

FIND OUT MORE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

ralfy review 1128 Extras – The ‘journey’ is more than just whisky.

FROM A MAJOR SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION TO A CURATED SELECTION: BONHAMS PRESENTS TWO EXCEPTIONAL WHISKY SALE THIS JUNE

The Glenfarclas Family Casks spanning vintages from 1975 to 1994

London – Bonhams will be holding two distinct spirts sales this June, showcasing the breadth and quality of Bonhams’ offering at the forefront of the global whisky market. The Connoisseur Whisky Collection: Provenance & Rarity – Part I, which runs from 1–17 June 2026 on bonhams.com, presents the first portion of one of the largest and most carefully curated single-owner whisky collection to come to market in Scotland in recent years. Running alongside the single-owner sale will be Liquid Legacy: Finest and Rarest Spirits, running online from 28 May – 9 June 2026. Complementing the single-owner collection by offering breadth and accessibility, the sale maintains a strong focus on rarity and quality. Estimates for auctions are £502,200 – £757,000

Patricia Byott, Bonhams Head of Spirits, Scotland, commented: “At Bonhams, we work very closely with collectors to ensure each single-owner sale is carefully curated and crafted in a way that allows the collection to shine and speak for itself. The Connoisseur Whisky Collection: Provenance & Rarity – Part I is a perfect example of that approach-where provenance, rarity, and thoughtful presentation come together to tell a compelling story. Running this sale alongside a dynamic various-owners sale reflects both the depth of the market and our continued energy in the category. We are continuing to reinforce our position in this market, anchored in Scotland, yet globally connected – delivering auctions that resonate with collectors around the world.”

The Connoisseur Whisky Collection: Provenance & Rarity – Part I

Online | 1–17 June 2026 | Single Owner

This single-owner collection has been thoughtfully assembled with a clear emphasis on provenance, rarity, and completeness – a narrative that speaks directly to the global collector community. The strength of the offering lies not only in individual bottle rarity, but in the cohesion and depth of the collection as a whole.

A defining feature of this auction is the presentation of original cases and complete sets, preserved with exceptional care and attention to detail.

In response to evolving collector demand, Bonhams will also offer select lots by the case – providing buyers with the opportunity to maintain the integrity, scarcity, and long-term value of the collection.

Highlights include:

• The Glenfarclas Family Casks spanning vintages from 1975 to 1994. Estimate: £6,000-10,000.
• Releases from the highly sought-after Prima & Ultima series. Estimate: £11,000-15,000.
• Exceptional bottles from silent distilleries including St. Magdalene, Littlemill, Rosebank, and Port Ellen. Various estimates.
• A comprehensive range of Ardbeg releases, from early Committee bottlings to highly sought-after vintages. Various estimates.
• A Privately Owned The Dalmore, 23 Year Old, Cask No. 8, Exclusive to Bonhams and available by a case of six. Estimate: £6,000 – £8,400

Liquid Legacy: Finest and Rarest Spirits

Online | 28 May – 9 June 2026 | Various Owners

Running alongside the single-owner sale, this various-owner auction brings together an exceptional selection of rare spirits sourced from across Europe. Curated to appeal to both collectors and enthusiasts, the sale offers a diverse range of highly desirable bottles now returning to the market.

Star lots include:

• • • A rare Bowmore 1955. Estimate: £7,000-10,000.
    • A highly collectible Springbank 1952. Estimate: £7,000-10,000.
    • Devil’s Keep. Estimate: £7,000-12,000.

About Bonhams

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world’s leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.

With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind – from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.

Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.

For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com

Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious.