Bourbon Pursuit

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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Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2026 brings 14 to 23 year barrels together for a rich, balanced pour. Toasted vanilla, leather, cinnamon rolls, gooey frosting, and that classic sweet oak finish made this one stand out.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 16th, 2026. Ummmm; Wes Henderson, Uncle Nearest Inc. is nearing a potential asset sale, and Pursuit Releases XS Double Oak.Show Notes:
Glenns Creek Distillery fire destroys historic vacant structures without loss of spirits

Federal probe examines hidden cameras seized from former Angel’s Envy founder Wes Henderson

Receivership sale of Uncle Nearest assets nears Chapter 11 filing amid federal probes

ACSA economic study shows U.S. craft spirits volume declined 8% in 2025

Performance fuel maker VP Racing acquires Alamo Distilling in contract expansion

JetBlue adds 50ml bottles of Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon to onboard flights

Fourth annual National Bourbon Week announced for Bardstown, Kentucky, June 14–20, 2027

Lofted Spirits promotes Nick Smith to Master Distiller following 1,000,000th barrel milestone

Pursuit Spirits announces Pursuit United XS Double Oak Rye capped at 720 bottles

Starlight Distillery debuts Estate Collection 7-Year Cask Strength Bourbon at 110.8 proof

Woodford Reserve releases 30th anniversary Triple Pot Still and ceramic decanter offerings

Russell’s Reserve debuts Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D at 120.8 proof

Maker’s Mark debuts World Wood Collection Expedition 01 travel-retail exclusive at 101 proof

High West releases A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 14 finished in Port and Sherry casks

Kentucky Senator Bourbon debuts Thoroughbred Legacy Series dedicated to champion filly Nitrogen

KNOBEL Tennessee Whiskey launches 7-Year Special Edition funding trade scholarships at $99.99

Frey Ranch introduces Harvester Series Third Harvest featuring farm-grown triticale at 90 proof

Old Forester debuts Tribute Series 12-Year Bourbon in historic decanter bottle for $299.99

Wyoming Whiskey launches Queen of the Tetons Second Edition honoring Grizzly 399 at 99 proof

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Some stories are as old as time. A few friends get together, pick a few barrels, then all of a sudden it turns into full blown business. It kind of sounds familiar but I'm not talking about Pursuit, I'm talking about Shortbarrel. In this episode Clinton Dugan and Manny, co-founders at Shortbarrel talk about starting their company after selecting hundreds of barrels across the country. Clinton leveraged his marketing background and self-taught blending skills to focus on the consumer market rather than personal ego. They talk about how warehouse microclimates, high heat, and Kelvin Cooperage barrels shape core lineups like their toasted bourbon, rye, four-grain, Bee's Knees and Sapsquatch expressions. At the very end we talk about industry collaborations like our Found Footage that has now been sold out to our clubs plus scaling into major hubs like Atlanta airport tasting bars, and why staying authentic keeps Shortbarrel ahead of the curve.
Show Notes:
The team sits down with Short Barrel co-founder Clinton and sales head Manny to discuss the brand's evolution from barrel picks to a full-scale whiskey company.

Clinton shares how a marketing background and self-funded growth strategy helped shape Short Barrel's methodical distribution expansion.

The team explores core product development, warehouse aging impacts, Kelvin Cooperage barrels, and blends designed specifically for consumer palates.

The conversation details the creation of the Bee's Knees honey-finished series and the team's approach to using honey as a core flavor ingredient.

Clinton and Manny discuss clear spirits offerings, airport tasting bar expansions, and their collaborative release with Pursuit Spirits.

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Parker’s Heritage 2026 brings a 14 year barrel proof bourbon with a rye backset twist. Cherry limeade, brownie batter, fudge, and rich Heaven Hill oak make this one feel like a return to form.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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