Pour yourself a finger and settle in—this week brought a handful of buzzy bourbon drops, a festive hands-on bottling experience, and some feel-good distillery news. From a beloved bottled-in-bond staple returning in fine form to hometown tributes and holiday customization, here’s what’s worth your attention before it sells out or slips your mind.

New Releases

E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (2025) lands—classic BIB energy, new-year polish

Breaking Bourbon got an early look at the 2025 E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, and the verdict is that the quality trend continues. No surprise there—Colonel Taylor’s bottled-in-bond releases tend to make a lot of shortlists for people who like their bourbon honest, structured, and 100 proof. If this is already a staple on your shelf, you might be feeling good about a re-up.

Allocation realities still apply, but the review suggests this one’s worth the effort if you’re a Taylor loyalist—or if you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to finally try it.

Read the review on Breaking Bourbon

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon debuts in New Orleans

Two-time Grammy-winning musician Irvin Mayfield and restaurateur Danny Conwill have teamed up with Felix’s to launch Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon—named with a nod to Bourbon Street and New Orleans spirit. It’s a new label with hometown roots, the kind of bottle locals will want to try first and visitors will want to bring home.

If your bar cart skews Gulf Coast glam, this one sounds like a conversation-starter—especially with that NOLA pedigree.

Read the announcement in New Orleans Magazine

Top Cat Bourbon honors Owensboro legend Cliff Hagan

Owensboro is raising a glass to basketball great Cliff Hagan with a limited-edition Top Cat Bourbon. The release is part of an annual series, and this year’s bottle was distilled by Casey Jones Distillery—another nice Kentucky touch for a hometown tribute.

Collectors, local pride drinkers, and sports fans: this one checks a lot of boxes. Expect it to be the kind of bottle that disappears fast around the holidays.

Read the release at Owensboro Times

Big Events

Build-your-own bourbon is back: J. Mattingly revives holiday custom bottling

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is bringing back its “ultimate bourbon gift” experience for a third holiday season, letting you customize your own bottle—blend, finish, and all. If you’ve ever wanted to assemble a bourbon that hits your sweet spot (or someone else’s), this is your chance to play master blender for a day.

These slots tend to go quick, so if you’re thinking “perfect gift,” you’re not alone. Book early, bring a friend, and enjoy the ride.

Read the details from Fred Minnick

Company News

Buffalo Trace gives retired barrels a second life

At Buffalo Trace, empty bourbon barrels aren’t just rolling into retirement—they’re getting reimagined in the distillery’s woodshop. From crafts to functional pieces, it’s a small but satisfying peek at the sustainability and creativity orbiting America’s oldest continually operating distillery.

It’s the kind of story that reminds you bourbon isn’t just a drink—it’s an ecosystem, and everyone from coopers to craftspeople helps make the magic.

See the feature on Spectrum News 1

Blue Note Bourbon talks shop

Fred Minnick sat down for five quick questions with Blue Note Bourbon’s Chris Crosbie. It’s a breezy read with insights on the category, how Blue Note sees its lane, and why the brand keeps winning over both newcomers and diehards.

If you like a peek behind the curtain—and you’re keeping an eye on what’s next from Memphis—this makes for a solid porch read.

Read the interview on Fred Minnick

That’s the pour for this week. Keep your eyes on shelves for those tribute bottles and bottled-in-bond restocks, and if you’ve got a bourbon lover on your list, consider snagging that custom bottling slot before it’s gone. Same time next week—bring your favorite glass.

Sources

Item	Link
E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (2025) Review	Breaking Bourbon
J. Mattingly Brings Back Custom Bottling for Christmas	Fred Minnick
Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Launch	New Orleans Magazine
Top Cat Bourbon Cliff Hagan Tribute Bottle	Owensboro Times
Buffalo Trace Woodshop Feature	Spectrum News 1
Five Questions with Blue Note Bourbon’s Chris Crosbie	Fred Minnick