Pull up a chair, pour something nice, and let’s catch you up on the biggest bourbon moves of the week. From coveted new bottles to headline-making deals and a few can’t-miss happenings, here’s what’s worth your attention before the good stuff disappears from shelves—or the news cycle.

New Releases

King of Kentucky adds a Small Batch Collection
The cult-favorite label from Brown-Forman is breaking out of its single-barrel lane with a new Small Batch Collection—timed to the company’s 250th anniversary. That’s big news for anyone who’s chased King of Kentucky bottles over the years; small-batch blends can open the door to more nuanced profiles while keeping the brand’s high standard intact. Master distiller emeritus Chris Morris is credited with creating the new collection, which is about as reassuring as it gets for flavor pedigree.
If King of Kentucky is on your must-try list, keep your eyes peeled for details on allocation and timing—they’ll go fast when they land. Read more at Murray Ledger and get a how-to snag guide from Men’s Journal.

Old Hillside’s Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon (limited edition)
Old Hillside Bourbon Company is honoring the legendary “Harlem Hellfighters” with a limited-edition commemorative release. Expect a bottle built around story and soul—one meant to be opened on a night when the conversation runs long and the glass runs deep. It’s a meaningful nod to history and a smart pickup for collectors who appreciate purpose-driven pours.
Availability will be limited, so if the label speaks to you, don’t hesitate. Full details at Fred Minnick.

Big Events

Terry Bradshaw’s bourbon and cigar night hits Vegas—with new single barrels debuting
Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw is hosting a bourbon-and-cigar bash in Las Vegas, and it’s not just smoke and selfies—two new single-barrel expressions are set to debut at the event. If you’re in town, it’s the kind of drop-in that rewards you with first sips and a couple of good stories to take home.
Event details via MSN.

Company & Industry News

Four Roses to be sold by Kirin to E. & J. Gallo Winery
One of bourbon’s most beloved distilleries is changing hands. Kirin has agreed to sell Four Roses to E. & J. Gallo Winery in a deal reported at roughly $775 million. It’s a major swing that underscores how attractive established bourbon brands remain—even as the broader U.S. whiskey market cools a touch. For fans, there’s usually little immediate change in the glass; the bigger question is how the new owner invests over time in stocks, distribution, and innovation.
Get the full picture from Reuters, with additional reporting from Bloomberg and MarketWatch.

Brother’s Bond Bourbon launches in the UK
Brother’s Bond is heading across the pond, tapping into growing international thirst for American whiskey. It’s a smart expansion move that could put more bourbon in more glasses abroad, and it signals continued momentum for U.S. brands in global markets—even as things level off slightly at home.
Details at The Whiskey Wash.

Kentucky bourbon’s economic impact hits $10.4B
Fresh numbers show Kentucky bourbon’s economic footprint swelling to $10.4 billion, with $1.45 billion in planned investments on deck. Translation: more jobs, more barrels, and likely more visitor experiences as the Commonwealth keeps building out its bourbon infrastructure. If you’ve noticed more cranes around rickhouses lately, this is why.
Read the highlights via DistilleryTrail, linked by Wine Business: here.

American whiskey cooled—but only a touch—in 2025
Industry data indicates American whiskey sales (including Kentucky bourbon) dipped by a hair—less than 1% in 2025, roughly $100 million. Call it a breather after years of sprinting. The long view still looks strong, and premium and limited releases continue to drive the buzz (and the bids).
More from the Lexington Herald-Leader.

That’s the pour for this week. If one of these drops is calling your name, move fast—good bourbon has a way of disappearing. We’ll be back on the porch next week with fresh bottles, bigger news, and a couple more recommendations for your Friday night pour.

Sources

Item	Link
King of Kentucky Small Batch Collection (announcement)	Murray Ledger
King of Kentucky Small Batch Collection (how to get)	Men’s Journal
Old Hillside Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon	Fred Minnick
Terry Bradshaw Bourbon & Cigar Event (Vegas)	MSN
Kirin to sell Four Roses to E. & J. Gallo	Reuters
Four Roses sale context	Bloomberg
Four Roses sale update	MarketWatch
Brother’s Bond Bourbon launches in the UK	The Whiskey Wash
Kentucky Bourbon’s economic impact	Wine Business (link to DistilleryTrail)
American whiskey sales dip in 2025	Lexington Herald-Leader