Bourbon Pursuit

The 2026 Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release leans hard into dessert vibes. Think toffee, nougat, and chocolate candy bar richness from toasted oak staves. Smooth, sweet, and seriously interesting… but does it stick the landing?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for May 8th 2026. Tariffs between Scotland and the US have been removed, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has unveiled the Certified Craft Seal, and Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:
President Trump pledges removal of 10% Scotch whisky tariffs to restore trade relations

John McKillop releases novel Bourbon Brothers featuring rare real-world bottles

Give 270 hosts Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 raffle benefiting Feeding America

American Craft Spirits Association launches TTB-approved Certified Craft Seal

Old Fourth Distillery rebrands spirits portfolio starting with Cane-Based Vodka

Chicken Cock and Laird’s collaborate on Old Glory Rye and Apple Brandy blend

Jack Daniel’s debuts ultra-premium Halo MK1 McLaren F1 Team collaboration

Stitzel-Weller releases $3,000 Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon at 163.2 proof

15 STARS debuts Kentucke County™ line to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

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On this week’s Bourbon Community Roundtable, the team is throwing down over the biggest rumor to hit the industry in decades: Is Sazerac really trying to buy Brown-Forman for $15 Billion, or is this the ultimate PR stunt? We’re breaking down the health of these two giants and asking the tough questions: Does Brown-Forman actually need Sazerac, or is this just a shark smelling blood in the water? We dig into the strategic timing of the offer and the massive cultural divide between the two companies. From Sazerac’s "boots on the ground" influencer tactics to the legacy-driven machine of Brown-Forman, we analyze the financial mechanics that make this potential deal both fascinating and terrifying. One thing is for sure: the landscape of your local liquor store shelf might never be the same.
Show Notes:
Sazerac's potential acquisition of Brown-Forman: excitement and implications

Financial dynamics and what they mean for both companies

Brand loyalty's role and its impact on bourbon consumers

Predictions on the merger's likelihood and challenges

Comparing marketing strategies between Sazerac and Brown-Forman

Regulatory considerations in the acquisition talks

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Michter’s 10 Year is back and the lines are real. This 2026 release (94.4 proof) delivers big fruit, creamy soft serve vibes, and rich cherry oak. Is it worth the wait?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for May 1st 2026. Merger discussions between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard are over, four North Carolina lobbyists have been indicted for organizing a bourbon tasting, and Blade and Bow re-releases of its ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:
Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger talks collapse, reopening the door for Sazerac’s $15B bid

Bardstown Bourbon Company launches NFC-enabled "Bourbon Gifting Reimagined" for personalized digital messaging

North Carolina lobbyists indicted for illegal bourbon trip while "Operation High Octane" sweeps illicit secondary sales

Maker’s Mark partners with basketball star Kelsey Plum for "Yam Jam" Private Selection and charity cocktail

Major spirits brands pivot to TikTok as platform finalizes age-gating for organic and influencer content

Blade and Bow re-releases ultra-premium 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon for April 2026

Wenzel Distillery announces Batch 2 of Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon following World Whiskies Award win

A. Smith Bowman returns to rye after 16 years with experimental 11-year Abraham Bowman release

Blue Run Spirits debuts Blueprint Series as its new national flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Starlight Distillery unveils inaugural Dana Huber signature Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon release

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