Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for April 17th 2026. Sazerac has reportedly approached Brown-Forman regarding a potential merger, MGP stops distilling operations at Limestone Branch Distillery and Lux Row Distillers, and Oscar Mayer has announced its first bacon innovation in five years with the launch of Maple Bourbon Bacon with Evan Williams.
Show Notes:
Sazerac has approached Brown-Forman with a rival merger bid, complicating Brown-Forman’s ongoing "merger of equals" talks with Pernod Ricard

Sazerac has rebranded its La Vergne, Tennessee, site as the AJ Bond Distillery and will launch its first Tennessee whiskey this summer

MGP Ingredients is idling distilling operations at two Kentucky facilities for at least 12 months starting May 1, 2026, to address market oversupply

Kentucky Artisan Distillery Program launched a new single barrel program offering smaller 15- and 25-gallon barrels to increase accessibility for consumers

A new 60-seat speakeasy focused on bourbon history and Prohibition-era legends will open beneath Louisville's Hotel Distil on May 5, 2026

Give 270's 19th Whiskey Wednesdays round, the "Bourbon Buddy Bonus," features weekly raffles for rare whiskey through June 24, 2026

GALLO has acquired Four Roses Bourbon from Kirin Holdings, bringing the historic brand back under U.S. family ownership

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail hosted 2.7 million visitors in 2025, with 80% traveling from outside Kentucky and 62% reporting household incomes over $100,000

Foley Family Wines & Spirits launched Gambit No. 6, a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in six different barrel types, priced at $69.99

James B. Beam Distilling Co. launched the Blender's Edition 01, a 10-year-old, 106-proof release priced at $44.99

New Riff/Rhinegeist released DUET American Whiskey, a 6-year-old, 111.2-proof blend of malted barley, raw barley, and rye priced at $79.99

Hard Truth French Oak Finished Bourbon, a sweet mash whiskey finished in French oak casks, is available now for $69.99

Rabbit Hole Raceking’s new 6-year-old, 5-grain mash bill bourbon debuts on April 14, 2026, at its Louisville distillery

Buffalo Trace is releasing the Single Oak Rye Bourbon ($74.99) and the Experimental Collection Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon ($46.99) this April

Oscar Mayer partnered with Evan Williams to launch a new maple bourbon-cured bacon as part of an annual innovation strategy

Koopers is releasing 225 bottles of a 7-year-old, Cognac-cask finished rye on April 11, 2026, priced at $80 per bottle

The third "Greats of the Gate" bottle, honoring Hall of Fame horse Northern Dancer, releases April 16, 2026, to support Kentucky nonprofits

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Does the whiskey industry need another corporate documentary, or does it just need a better script? Today we’re joined by Ryan and Alec Balas, the creative minds behind Whiskeyland TV, to talk about their transition from professional filmmaking to capturing the soul of the bourbon trail. From shooting childhood home videos to their serendipitous entry into the spirits world with their film Runner, the brothers share how a candid "bathtub epiphany" led to a vision for whiskey-centric storytelling that bypasses the big brands to focus on the authentic narratives of smaller producers. In a saturated market that often favors flashy, 15-second clips over substance, Ryan and Alec are focused on nuanced storytelling that resonates with enthusiasts on a personal level. I've been a fan of their work and ever since their debut of Whiskeyland of Pursuit as episode 1, they have certainly made a name for themselves in this space.
Show Notes:
How childhood experiences influenced Ryan and Alec's creativity

The origin story of Whiskeyland TV

The importance of authenticity in whiskey storytelling

Challenges faced in today's content creation landscape

Balancing audience engagement with genuine narratives

What to expect next from Whiskeyland TV

The connection between bourbon culture and personal stories

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Leiper’s Fork’s 8 year Single Barrel Cask Strength Tennessee Whiskey completely caught us off guard. At 121.6 proof and $85, this bottle delivers rich raspberry, chocolate mousse, deep barrel char, and layers of syrupy flavor that left us asking: is this one of the best Tennessee whiskeys we’ve ever had?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 time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re diving straight into the tectonic shift that just rocked the industry. In this episode, we dissect the confirmed mutual interest between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard. Following the massive news of Gallo’s acquisition of Four Roses, we’re debating what this level of consolidation means for the "little guy" and whether craft producers are about to get squeezed off the shelf entirely. We’re navigating the anxiety surrounding job security and brand identity, wondering if icons like Old Forester and Woodford Reserve can maintain their soul under Pernod’s management. We’re breaking down the hype, the heartbreak, and the reality of a changing landscape in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation.
Show Notes:
In-depth analysis of the Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger

Discussion on distribution effects for smaller whiskey brands

Concerns regarding Brown-Forman's community contributions and local charities

Insights into the future of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve

Speculation on changes in Kentucky Derby sponsorships

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Angel’s Envy’s 2025 10 year cask strength release brings port-finished richness, deep oak, dark fruit syrup, and wild berry pastry vibes at 122.6 proof. We break down why this limited annual release might be one of their most balanced yet.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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