Bourbon Buzz: Heroes, Heritage, and New Horizons
B&M Digest, Volume II, Issue 03
As summer kicks into gear, the bourbon world is heating up with bold releases, heartfelt tributes, and exciting firsts. From limited-edition bottles honoring American heroes to new ventures from up-and-coming distilleries and celebrity brands, there’s plenty to raise a glass to. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just getting your feet wet, here’s the latest batch of bourbon news worth knowing.
Bourbon Veteran Lisa Wicker Joins Whiskey Thief Distilling as Director of Distilling
Bourbon powerhouse Lisa Roper Wicker has landed a new gig at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Franklin County, Kentucky, after a short and rocky stint at Garrard County Distillery. Known for its signature “thieve-it-yourself” barrel tastings, Whiskey Thief announced Wicker will step in as director of distilling to boost both production and quality. Wicker brings deep experience from notable brands like Widow Jane, Limestone Branch, and Starlight, as well as her consulting firm, Saints & Monsters. Owner Walter Zausch praised her blend of large-scale and craft distilling expertise, even down to farming heirloom grain. Wicker called joining the team—complete with live music, goats, and great whiskey—a “privilege.” Visitors can still enjoy pulling barrel-strength pours straight from the source at the distillery or fill their bottles in the recently opened Louisville tasting room.
Northern Row Enters Bourbon Game with First Release on National Bourbon Day
Cincinnati’s Northern Row Brewery & Distillery is stepping into the bourbon spotlight with the release of its first-ever bourbon on June 14—fittingly, National Bourbon Day. Dubbed Northern Liberties Whiskey, the name nods to the neighborhood’s historic, rebellious roots just outside the city’s original borders. This six-year-old bourbon, fully distilled, aged, and bottled in-house, marks a personal milestone for distiller Josh Quattlebaum, who crafted it start to finish. Only a few hundred bottles will be available initially, sold exclusively at the Over-the-Rhine location. The release celebrates not just good bourbon, but Cincinnati’s spirited past and bold distilling future.
Brother’s Bond Drops Eco-Friendly Single-Barrel Bourbon, But You’ll Need a Hotel Key
Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley’s Brother’s Bond Bourbon just released a new limited single-barrel bourbon made with regenerative grains—sustainably grown crops that improve soil health rather than deplete it. This 95-proof, seven-year-old expression is a collaboration with luxury, eco-conscious hotel chain 1 Hotels and was distilled in North Carolina using a unique mashbill of corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. Expect flavors of toasted oak, dark cherry, spice, and a leathery finish. The catch? It’s only available at 1 Hotels—full-size bottles at the bar, and mini bottles in your room’s minibar. Sustainability never tasted so exclusive.
Evan Williams Honors Six Veterans as 2025 American-Made Heroes
Evan Williams Bourbon has named its 2025 class of American-Made Heroes, spotlighting six veterans whose service and community leadership will be honored on special edition bottles of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and 1783 Small Batch. This year’s honorees are: Ralph Galati (U.S. Air Force), a former POW and Pentagon officer; Chuck Ziegenfuss (U.S. Army), founder of Hero Labradors; Son Nguyen (U.S. Navy), founder of VETCares Inc.; April Brown (U.S. Army), a longtime advocate for veteran rights; Alvin King (U.S. Army), who started Range Fore Hope Foundation; and Erica Walker (U.S. Army), Executive Director of Warriors for Freedom Foundation. Each hero is affiliated with nonprofits supported by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, which has contributed over $675,000 to veteran communities since 2015.
Oaklore Distilling Launches Charitable Cocktail Campaign for Hurricane Relief
Oaklore Distilling Co., based in Charlotte, NC, is rallying local bourbon lovers to aid Hurricane Helene recovery efforts with a sip-and-support campaign throughout June. For every Oaklore cocktail sold at participating Charlotte-area venues, the distillery will donate $5—up to $10,000—to the Community Foundation of Henderson County. Funds will help rebuild the storm-hit Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas, where Oaklore is also developing its future mountain property and aging site, Oaklore Ridge. Co-founder Matt Simpkins says it’s about community as much as craft, and the effort follows last fall’s successful $50K “Clear the Shelves for Carolina” fundraiser.
That’s a Wrap on This Round of Bourbon News!
From honoring heroes to helping communities and launching fresh, bold expressions, the bourbon world keeps proving it’s about more than just great whiskey—it’s about passion, purpose, and connection. Whether you’re raising a glass at a distillery event or savoring a new single barrel at home, here’s to the stories behind every pour. Cheers until next time!
