Raise the Flag & Fill Your Glass: July’s Here and the Bottles Are Popping
B&M Digest, Volume II, Issue 08
Happy 4th of July, friends! This edition of Bourbon and Mead Digest kicks off with a bang as we toast America’s birthday with bold new releases, big moves in craft spirits, and some mead-fueled mayhem worth circling on your calendar. Whether you’re chasing rare ryes, planning a pirate party in Missouri, or eyeing a patriotic bourbon born from battlefield stories, there’s something for every flavor fan this week. So fire up that grill, pour something worth sipping, and let’s dive into what’s brewing and buzzing across the bourbon and mead world.
Ahoy, Mead Mates: Pirate Party at Four Brothers!
Mark your maps, er, calendars for Saturday, July 12, as Festus, Missouri’s Four Brothers Mead transforms into a pirate’s haven for an epic night of music, mischief, and honeyed libations. The tasting room stays open late while sea-shanty bands 3 Pints Gone and Totally Lost rock the ship. Expect food trucks, festive chaos, and a hearty welcome for anyone decked out in their finest pirate garb. No landlubbers allowed. No tickets, no fuss, just show up and get rowdy. It’s going to be a mead-soaked night to remember!
Bourbon & Belonging Returns October 3–5 to Celebrate Kentucky’s Queer Community
Queer Kentucky’s Bourbon & Belonging is back for a second round this October 3–5, offering a vibrant mix of bourbon, culture, and community across the Commonwealth. Modeled after other inclusive beverage fests like Gay Wine Weekend, this statewide celebration welcomes LGBTQ+ folks and allies into bourbon spaces with curated events, distillery tours, queer performances, and culinary experiences. After a breakout debut last year with 60+ events in eight cities, the 2025 edition returns to Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, and Northern Kentucky, with support from major players like Maker’s Mark and Old Forester. More than just a party, the event champions inclusivity in Kentucky’s bourbon culture and all proceeds help fund Queer Kentucky’s mission to uplift LGBTQ+ voices through storytelling and community building.
Founders Edition “88” Bourbon Honors Legacy, Launches Limited Release
After more than three years in the making, Patriots Landing has unveiled its first private label bourbon: the Founders Edition “88”, a 110.5 proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey with deep personal roots. Limited to just 88 bottles, the release pays tribute to founder Joseph B. Montgomery’s late father, a proud Marine who passed away at the age of 88. The project was brought to life with help from Army veteran Matt Carter and his bourbon distribution venture, Bourbiskey. Bottled in Kentucky, each bottle will be hand-numbered and signed — a small-batch release meant to honor service, legacy, and community. Proceeds support the ongoing mission of Patriots Landing.
Lost Cause Meadery Unleashes Double Trouble: Banshee Part II & Goblin King
San Diego’s Lost Cause Meadery just dropped a bold double release with Banshee Part II: Cocos Nucifera and Goblin King, both available for online ordering and local pickup as of Saturday, June 28. Banshee Part II ($40, 12% ABV) returns with a tropical twist, black currant and tart cherry layered with vanilla and toasted coconut, described as a dessert lover’s dream with vibrant acidity. Goblin King ($30, 13% ABV) is a mead made with maple syrup that leans into cozy fall flavors with notes of toffee, dark chocolate, and toasted nuts. Pours and growlers are available in the tasting room; shipping goes out weekly.
Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Returns August 21 in Jacksonville
Get ready to dig in! Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ is back for its 12th year on August 21 at Bowing Oaks in Jacksonville. Hosted by the historic Florida Theatre, this popular fundraiser features live blues music, all-you-can-sample craft beer and bourbon, and a feast of local BBQ favorites. General admission is $50, while VIP tickets ($100) get you early access, exclusive tastings, and a commemorative gift. Attendees can vote for the best bites and enjoy a silent auction, all while supporting a good cause. The event has already raised nearly $400K for the nonprofit theater since its launch. Tickets are available now at the Florida Theatre’s website.
Cincinnati’s Karrikin Spirits Up for Sale as Owner Eyes Retirement
Karrikin Spirits Co., a 30,000-square-foot craft distillery in Fairfax, is officially on the market for $4.5 million as owner Dan Hueber prepares to retire. Opened in 2018, Karrikin made a name with its diverse lineup of spirits and bustling restaurant, though the latter closed in 2022 as the business shifted to private events. Hueber, who took full control in 2024 after buying out former partners, says the pandemic hit the business hard, but the facility remains state-of-the-art and full of potential. The sale includes all assets, equipment, and staff contracts, plus a 4.5-acre property with an auxiliary building. While Hueber hopes the next owner shares his vision, he’s open to the space taking on a new identity, be it a revived Karrikin or a fresh concept entirely.
Three Paths Distillery Brings Craft Spirits to Comfort, Texas in 2025
Comfort, Texas, is getting a new landmark this year with the launch of Three Paths Distillery, the passion project of Army veteran and award-winning Master Distiller Parker Dolphin. Set in a lovingly restored historic building at 723 Front Street, the distillery will feature a full production setup, an eclectic tasting room, and a nod to local history through its vintage decor. The name Three Paths reflects Dolphin’s journey, his connection to community, land, and spirit. Slated to open later in 2025, the distillery aims to become both a craft spirits destination and a vibrant piece of Hill Country’s cultural fabric.
Veritable Distillery Debuts with Ship’s Bell Bourbon & Southwick’s American Gin
Newcomer Veritable Distillery is making waves with its first two spirit releases: Ship’s Bell Bourbon and Southwick’s American Gin, both steeped in historical tradition and crafted with a nod to 18th-century New England. Ship’s Bell is a thoughtful blend aged in new American oak and ex-rye casks, developed in partnership with Bardstown Distillery. Southwick’s Gin takes a unique turn by using aged rum as its base and employing centuries-old fractional botanical distillation methods. With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and authenticity, Veritable aims to revive traditional craftsmanship in an era of mass production. Both spirits are now available in select Northeast markets and online.
Breckenridge Distillery Releases Fifth Collectors Art Series with Miles Toland
Breckenridge Distillery has unveiled the fifth edition of its Collectors Art Series, spotlighting a collaboration with acclaimed artist Miles Toland and the launch of its Calvados Cask Finish Bourbon. Known for his mystical, dreamlike murals, Toland designed both the bottle label and a mural in Denver to complement the 95-proof limited release. The bourbon, finished in Calvados casks, delivers notes of baked apple, vanilla, and warm spice. Only available at the distillery and its Main Street Tasting Room for $125, the release includes a $5-per-bottle donation to Keep RiNo Wild, supporting creative spaces in Denver. As one of the nation’s most decorated craft distilleries, Breckenridge continues to blend art, culture, and whiskey in style.
American Whiskey Festival Returns August 16 with Wine Walk Twist
Louisville’s American Whiskey Festival is back for its third year on August 16, hosted by Watch Hill Proper at North Village Square in Norton Commons. What began as a whiskey-centric celebration has grown into a full-on summer bash, now featuring a brand-new Wine Walk alongside the beloved Whiskey Garden. With over 40 distilleries and wineries, live music, local vendors, food trucks, a cigar lounge, and family-friendly fun, the free event runs from 4 to 10 PM. Tasting experiences range from $35 to $250, with VIP access including exclusive pours and cuisine from Chef Michael Crouch. Tickets are on sale now at whpfestival.com.
Homebrewers Shine at 47th Annual National Homebrew Competition in Kansas City
The American Homebrewers Association wrapped up its 47th National Homebrew Competition on June 28 at Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City, celebrating the best amateur beer, cider, and mead from across the globe. With nearly 3,000 entries from 1,086 members spanning 48 states and 7 countries, the event handed out 120 medals across 40 style categories. Top honors included Homebrewer of the Year Wayne Doucette (MN), Meadmaker of the Year duo Doug Brown & Alexandria Horn (CA), and Cidermaker of the Year James Werner (WI). Arizona Society of Homebrewers took Club of the Year, with standout wins in both beer and mead. Notably, mead made a strong showing this year, with entries ranging from classic traditional styles to spiced and experimental creations. For a full list of winners and details on the 2026 competition, visit homebrewersassociation.org.
Over The Moon Farmstead Blends Mead, Music, and Pizza in a Hilltop New Hampshire Haven
Tucked on 100 scenic acres in Pittsfield, NH, Over The Moon Farmstead is a passion project turned destination from Michael Fairbrother and Berniece Van Der Berg. Home to award-winning Moonlight Meadery and Hidden Moon Brewing, the farmstead pairs handcrafted meads and small-batch beers with wood-fired pizza (baked in a 5,000-lb Italian oven), live music, and a cozy, community-driven vibe. Fairbrother, a former software engineer, and co-brewer Michael Robinson—once a banker—embrace a wide range of flavors and styles, brewing everything from dry fruit meads to classic beer styles that haven’t been seen since the ‘90s. While Moonlight is distributed worldwide, Hidden Moon is only available onsite, adding a sense of exclusivity to the farmstead’s offerings. With a farm-to-table ethos, hand-built spaces, and a focus on experience over volume, the venue is quickly becoming a must-visit gem in New Hampshire’s craft scene.
Uncle Nearest Master Blend Hits Shelves Nationwide in First-Ever Public Release
After years of buzz and limited in-house tastings, Uncle Nearest has officially released its Master Blend Edition to the public, and fans aren’t wasting time getting their hands on it. Only 8,888 bottles of this exclusive blend, crafted by the award-winning Victoria Eady Butler, are being distributed nationwide to celebrate the brand’s 8th anniversary. Early sightings have been reported from Tennessee to California, with ReserveBar offering a small stash online (for now). Whether you’re a longtime collector or just love a good whiskey treasure hunt, this is one bottle worth tracking down.
Manatawny Still Works Closes Its Doors After 11 Years in Pottstown
In a surprising announcement, Manatawny Still Works, a beloved small-batch distillery in Pottstown, PA, abruptly shut down operations on June 29 after 11 years in business. Known for its American whiskey, vodka, gin, and more, the distillery also closed its three tasting rooms in Ardmore and Philadelphia. The company cited tough economic conditions and changing market trends, but gave no detailed explanation. Fans were left stunned by the short notice—just 48 hours between announcement and closure—and some lamented the inability to use remaining gift cards. While a few Manatawny bottles will remain on local shelves for a bit longer, the closure marks the end of a once-promising regional spirits pioneer that began with local investors and grew into a familiar name across Pennsylvania.
Blue Flag Distillery Takes Over Former Rahr & Sons Space in Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s craft spirits scene is getting a major upgrade as Blue Flag Distillery moves into the former Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. building on Galveston Avenue. Set to open in fall 2025, Blue Flag will become the first North Texas distillery focused solely on American single malt whiskey—a newly recognized category by the federal TTB. The 37,000-square-foot facility will feature a private tasting room and event space, and will also produce gin and beer. Founded by Will Rucker, Blue Flag aims to channel front-porch hospitality into a large-scale whiskey experience. Meanwhile, Rahr & Sons is temporarily brewing at Wild Acre while searching for a new home, but plans to keep the community spirit alive with its annual Oktoberfest run at Flying Saucer downtown.
Hooten Young Honors Heroes with Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Release
Veteran-owned whiskey and cigar brand Hooten Young is set to release its first Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon on July 4, 2025—fittingly launching on Independence Day. Co-founded by U.S. Army MSG (Ret.) Norm Hooten (yes, the real “Hoot” from Black Hawk Down), the brand continues its mission to honor military heroes through premium spirits. This new release, crafted in partnership with Green River Distilling and Bardstown Bottling, boasts a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malt, and comes in at a highly accessible $39.99. The bourbon will be available on hootenyoung.com and through select retailers in states like Florida, Texas, and California. For Hooten, this bottle isn’t just about whiskey; it’s a salute to those who serve, designed to be enjoyed both in quiet reflection and everyday celebration.
Old Potrero Unveils Two California-Finished Ryes in Cellar Series
Old Potrero is turning up the West Coast flavor with the latest entries in its California Cellar Series, a duo of rye whiskeys finished in barrels from standout California producers. The first, a 5-year, 8-month-old rye finished in Gundlach Bundschu Gewürztraminer wine barrels, delivers a refined, floral twist. The second spent over six years in oak before finishing in stout-seasoned barrels from Almanac Beer Co., layering in notes of dark malt and milk chocolate. Both bottles clock in around 57% ABV, retail at $79.99, and celebrate California’s collaborative, craft-forward spirit. Limited quantities are headed to shelves and select online retailers this month.
Final Pour: Until Next Time, Drink Deep and Stay Curious
That’s a wrap on this red, white, and boozy edition of Bourbon and Mead Digest. From pirate parties to patriotic pours and everything in between, we hope you found something to stash on your shelf or mark on your map. Wishing all our readers a safe, happy Fourth of July. May your glasses be full, your fireworks legal, and your grill properly fired up. Until next time, support your local makers, tip your pourers, and raise a toast to freedom and flavor. Cheers, y’all!
