Pull up a chair and pour a finger this week brought a tasty mix of fresh releases, big-time accolades, and festival buzz across bourbon country. Here’s what had us talking on the porch.
New Releases
1792 Bourbon unveils Cognac Cask Finish
1792 rolled out a new Cognac Cask Finish that takes its Kentucky Straight Bourbon and gives it a second rest in ex-Cognac barrels. Expect a familiar 1792 backbone dressed up with a touch of fruit, rancio, and oak polish from the French casks—classic meet-cute right there.
If you’re a fan of finishing programs (and curious how a Cognac overlay plays with Kentucky corn), this one’s worth chasing down. Curious minds and thirsty palates can dig into the full details straight from the coverage here: 1792 Bourbon Launches 1792 Cognac Cask Finish — One More Dram.
Stephen Curry x Gentleman’s Cut “Player Exclusive: José Andrés”
Stephen Curry’s bourbon label, Gentleman’s Cut, dropped a new Player Exclusive dedicated to chef José Andrés. It’s a limited collaboration that keeps the spotlight on Kentucky Straight Bourbon while tipping the hat to one of food’s biggest names—an unexpected pairing that feels right at home at the table and the bar.
Details are still coming into focus, but consider this a buzzy drop for collectors and fans of the brand. Read more: Stephen Curry Presents New ‘Player Exclusive’ Bourbon Whiskey — Black Enterprise.
Big Events & Awards
Frank August Small Batch crowned “World’s Best Bourbon” (IWSC 2025)
Frank August Small Batch snagged one of the year’s biggest bragging rights, taking “World’s Best Bourbon” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025. Even better—Food & Wine notes the bottle clocks in around $70, proof that great bourbon doesn’t always need a four-figure sticker.
This win puts Frank August front and center for anyone chasing value and quality in the same glass. Get the rundown: This $70 Bourbon Is the World’s Best, According to IWSC 2025 — Food & Wine.
Another look at the win: the “mysterious, minimalist” bourbon
Gear Patrol chimed in on the same headline, calling out Frank August’s sleek, low-key branding as part of its charm—clean label, serious whiskey. The takeaway? Don’t let the minimal packaging fool you; there’s plenty going on in the glass.
Read their angle: This Mysterious, Minimalist Bourbon Was Just Named the Best in the World — Gear Patrol.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2025: best pours and popular booths
UPROXX’s festival coverage highlights the standout booths and pours from this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival—think big names, fan favorites, and plenty of tasting-table chatter. Jim Beam’s always a magnet, and Maker’s Mark made its presence known as well.
If you’re plotting a visit next year (or just want the FOMO), start here: The Best Of The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival — UPROXX.
More KBF picks and pours
NewsBreak shares another look at the fest’s can’t-miss booths and sips, echoing the big-crowd energy around legacy names and fresh standouts alike.
Catch their highlights: The Best Booths (And Pours) At The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival — NewsBreak.
Company News
Neat and Noble Bourbon Bar headed to Summerville’s Downtown Nexton
Summerville, SC is getting a new bourbon hangout: Neat and Noble. Expect a polished, welcoming space built around bourbon, cocktails, and small plates. It’s a neighborhood spot with a whiskey heart.
If you’re local (or just passing through), keep an eye on their opening: Neat and Noble Bourbon Bar to Open in Summerville’s Downtown Nexton — WhatNow.
That’s the week’s pour: a Cognac-kissed 1792, a celeb-collab release, a surprise value champ, and plenty of festival stories to swap. Until next time, may your shelves be sturdy and your glasses never empty.
Sources
| Title | Link |
|---|---|
| 1792 Bourbon Launches 1792 Cognac Cask Finish — One More Dram | Link |
| Stephen Curry Presents New ‘Player Exclusive’ Bourbon Whiskey — Black Enterprise | Link |
| This $70 Bourbon Is the World’s Best, According to IWSC 2025 — Food & Wine | Link |
| This Mysterious, Minimalist Bourbon Was Just Named the Best in the World — Gear Patrol | Link |
| The Best Of The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival — UPROXX | Link |
| The Best Booths (And Pours) At The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival — NewsBreak | Link |
| Neat and Noble Bourbon Bar to Open in Summerville’s Downtown Nexton — WhatNow | Link |
