Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 30th, 2026. Fawn Weaver’s attempt to halt the sale has been denied, Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching Fireside Tennessee, and Heaven Hill Phoenix.Show Notes:
Judge denies Fawn Weaver's bid to pause Uncle Nearest asset sale amidst receivership

Tennessee Whiskey Trail launches seasonal Fireside Tennessee experience across eight distilleries

Kentucky Distillers' Association honors Brown-Forman's Chris Morris with Lifetime Board designation and UK scholarship

Heaven Hill unveils Phoenix 18-Year Bourbon featuring pre-1996 fire whiskey to mark 30th anniversary

Barton 1792 Distillery announces new 1792 Wheated Full Proof Bourbon at 125 proof

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So what happens when a retail guy from D.C. decides he’s going to jump into the whiskey business? We're sitting down with Sid Dilawri, Founder and CEO of Filibuster Distilling, to talk about his journey. After moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007, Sid got his start working at a local liquor store where he discovered orange flavored vodka. He wasn't much of a drinker at the time. But In 2010, his family bought a struggling D.C. liquor store and Sid helped turn it around growing annual sales from under $400K to over $1.2 million simply by changing up the product mix and introducing customers to great bourbon.

After an eye-opening trip to Four Roses to select his very first single-barrel, he worked towards his new idea. Sid launched Filibuster using sourced barrels but eventually transition to a full-scale distilling operation in Virginia, including figuring out how to run a column still himself. With lots of tenacity, Sid gives us an honest look at building a legacy brand for his kids and crafting a true everyday pour.
Show Notes:
Sid Dilawri shares his journey moving from Delhi to the U.S. in 2007 and learning the retail ropes on the liquor store floor.

How turning around a struggling D.C. shop in 2010 by pushing bourbon sparked his passion for the industry.

The Four Roses barrel pick that convinced Sid to leave retail and launch Filibuster.

Starting with MGP sourced juice, early French oak finishes, and navigating distributor portfolios when craft bourbon was just taking off.

Transitioning to distilling in Virginia, installing a column still, and teaching himself how to run the equipment when his team walked out.

The ins and outs of local grain sourcing, fermentation practices, and managing over 6,200 aging barrels.

Why patience, product quality, and smart pricing matter when building a legacy brand for the next generation.

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Jefferson’s Founder’s Reserve brings a 20 year Kentucky bourbon finished in French Bordeaux wine casks. With only 250 bottles available, this rare release delivers old oak, dried cranberries, leather, and tobacco. But does it live up to its $500 price tag?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 October 23rd, 2026. As Uncle Nearest Comes to an End, Fawn is still appealing, Bourbon and Board Games Are hot this week, and Old Elk Distillery Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey.Show Notes:
Judge sets accelerated briefing schedule on Uncle Nearest asset sale appeal

Bib & Tucker collaborates with Hasbro to launch MONOPOLY collector's edition

Old Fitzgerald and Jonathan Adler partner on luxury backgammon gift set

Bulleit and Mike’s Hot Honey announce 15-city nationwide mobile bar tour

MGP Ingredients rebrands corporate identity as Sempreon with CASK ticker

Knob Creek brings back 21 Year Old Bourbon at 100 proof for $249.99

New Era Distillery debuts Marquee Exclusive Small Batch Bourbon at $49.99

Liberty Pole Spirits launches High Rye Straight Bourbon at 100 proof

Penelope Bourbon releases FCancer Batch 5 alongside $250,000 donation pledge

Booker’s Bourbon unveils Southern Thunder Batch at 127.3 proof for $99.99

15 STARS launches First West Cigar Blend finished in three cask types

Jack Daniel’s debuts 2026 Coy Hill Rye Single Barrel at barrel proof

Chattanooga Whiskey introduces Bad Chattanoogan finished with playable wooden records

Middle West Spirits and Old Elk launch Blended American Whiskey for Folds of Honor

15 STARS First West Cigar Blend sells out online in one day

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Van Winkle announced the 2026 collection on September 11 with price increases. This lands in a year of a 16-million-barrel glut, craft sales down a third straight year, a distributor in liquidation, and a softening mid-tier secondary. Back on BCR #42 in 2020 this panel specifically praised Sazerac for not pricing Pappy at what the market would bear. Six years later they moved the number up in a down market. Was the restraint we praised always temporary? Look at October’s release calendar. Woodford’s 30th anniversary bundle is distillery-only at $225. New Riff’s six-year wheated went to whiskey club members with distillery pickup only. Pursuit’s own XS Double Oak to P. Club members before anyone else. Is thi the beginning of a much larger shift where allocation migrating out of retail?
Show Notes:
What does the Van Winkle price increase mean for demand

Has Pappy’s appeal changed among bourbon enthusiasts

Who benefits more from the Van Winkle–Sazerac partnership

Could Pappy be released through the Buffalo Trace gift shop

Are limited releases shifting from retailers to distilleries and clubs

How can brands balance direct sales with retail distribution

Could regional and online releases provide other ways to reach buyers

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