Pull up a chair—this week’s pour is loaded. We’ve got fresh bourbon releases that’ll vanish faster than a splash of water in your Glencairn, a landmark celebration in Louisville, and some savvy company moves shaping what you’ll be sipping in 2026. Let’s get to it.

New Releases

Old Hickory is dropping two long-aged whiskeys

Old Hickory is rolling out a pair of mature bottlings, headlined by the Hermitage Reserve 10-Year Barrel Proof Whiskey. If you lean oak-forward and love that seasoned leather-meets-dark-caramel profile, this sounds like your winter sipper. Details on allocation and exact specs are still light, but keep your eyes peeled—these kinds of age-stated, high-proof releases don’t linger on shelves.

Remus Gatsby Reserve keeps its “must-buy” streak alive

The annual Remus Gatsby Reserve release is once again drawing high praise, landing on “best of the year” shortlists. It’s the kind of polished, dessert-leaning bourbon that nails the sweet-spice balance—think rich toffee, candied citrus, and well-placed oak. If you skipped last year and regretted it, here’s your redemption arc—grab it when you see it.

Copper & Cask Cigar Blend Bourbon (Batch 13) makes a statement

Breaking Bourbon took Batch 13 for a spin, and it sounds like a porch-night pour built for big flavors—plush sweetness, spice, and those darker dessert notes that play nicely with a cigar (no surprise from a “Cigar Blend”). It’s part of Copper & Cask’s limited-edition small batch series, so expect rapid sell-through and a bit of a hunt. Worth it if you like your bourbon bold.

Trader Joe’s Cask Head Sherry Finish Bourbon lands with a twist

Tasting Table says TJ’s sherry-finished bourbon is better behind the bar than centerstage in your Glencairn—and that’s not a knock. If you like a sweeter sherry accent in Old Fashioneds or Boulevardiers, this could be a smart, budget-friendly mixer. Provenance remains hush-hush, but the profile sounds tailor-made for cocktail nights with friends.

Big Events

Stitzel‑Weller celebrates 90 years—history you can toast

From “bourbon ghost town” to vibrant craft hub, the Stitzel‑Weller site hits the 90-year mark. It’s both a living museum of bourbon’s boom-bust-boom cycle and a modern distilling spot (home to Blade and Bow). If you’ve been meaning to make the pilgrimage, this anniversary is as good a nudge as any—expect plenty of stories worth sipping to.

Louisville’s tasting room boom reshapes the bourbon crawl

Five new bourbon tasting rooms opened in Louisville this year, tightening up that “park once, taste often” experience downtown. Whether you’re plotting a weekend itinerary or just want to see where brands are staking their flags, the city keeps making it easier—and tastier—to explore.

Company News

J. Rieger pauses Bottled‑in‑Bond to push value pours into 2026

Kansas City’s J. Rieger is taking a pragmatic tack: temporarily halting its bottled-in-bond bourbon and rye while swapping in more affordable bottles that still deliver on flavor. It’s a move aimed at keeping shelves warm and wallets happy as they build toward bigger growth next year. Smart play during a crowded market moment.

Downtown Lexington could score a new bourbon distillery and visitors center

A brand currently contracting its whiskey in Danville is eyeing a distillery and visitors center in the heart of Lexington. If it comes together, that’s another juicy stop on the Bourbon Trail circuit—great for foot traffic, and even better for fans who want to see the operation up close.

Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon team up with TFT on conservation and exclusives

Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon are partnering with TFT in a conservation-focused collab that includes exclusive offerings. It’s always good to see bourbon dollars support the outdoors—and if limited bottles are part of the package, expect enthusiasts to show up early.

Barrel investing and a Bardstown 30 Under 30 nod

A Bardstown native landed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for work at LQD, a barrel investment and bulk bourbon outfit. It’s another sign the bourbon ecosystem keeps expanding—distillers, yes, but also the behind-the-scenes players moving barrels and liquidity to fuel the next wave of releases.

Closing Pour

That’s the week: a couple of can’t-miss bottles, a 90-year toast to Louisville history, and some strategic moves that could reshape what we’re drinking next year. If you spot those long-aged Old Hickorys or the new Gatsby Reserve, don’t hesitate. And if you’re planning a bourbon trip, Louisville and Lexington just keep stacking reasons to visit. Until next time—cheers from the porch.

Sources

Item	Link
Old Hickory long-aged releases	Yahoo
Remus Gatsby Reserve review	MSN
Copper & Cask Cigar Blend Bourbon (Batch 13)	Breaking Bourbon
Trader Joe’s Cask Head Sherry Finish Bourbon	Tasting Table
Stitzel‑Weller 90th anniversary	Courier-Journal
Louisville tasting rooms open in 2025	Courier-Journal
J. Rieger value-focused shift	Kansas City Business Journal
Lexington distillery/visitors center plan	Lexington Herald-Leader
Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon x TFT partnership	Outdoor Wire
Forbes 30 Under 30 (LQD barrel investing)	Paxton Media