Stars, Barrels & Bourbon Dreams: Summer Releases and Spirited Expansions Take Center Stage
B&M Digest, Volume II, Issue 06
Summer’s heating up, and so is the world of bourbon and mead. In this edition, we’re heading to Whiskey Row for Green River’s bold new tasting room, Maker’s Mark is serving up art and cocktails in Loretto, Russell’s Reserve brings the heat with its highest-proof 13-Year yet, and a slew of craft distilleries and meaderies are making waves with expansions, releases, and community flair. Whether you’re chasing cask strength pours, small-town festivals, or honey wine on grocery shelves, we’ve got your summer sipping covered.
Green River Makes a Splash on Whiskey Row with New Tasting Room and Speakeasy
Green River Distilling Co. is set to open a bold new tasting room in downtown Louisville on June 16, bringing the “Pride of Owensboro” to Whiskey Row. The 4,400-square-foot space offers a cocktail and tasting bar, retail shop, lounge, and a cleverly hidden speakeasy called “The Dept. of Spirit Preservation.” Visitors can expect $12-$14 pours and flights (including a candy pairing option), exclusive bottle offerings, and a decanter-fill station for $79.99. The vibe blends vintage charm, like repurposed distillery equipment and historic décor, with modern bourbon hospitality. Owned by Lofted Spirits (also behind Bardstown Bourbon Co.), this new venture adds yet another can’t-miss stop on Louisville’s booming bourbon trail.
Maker’s Mark Launches Summer Art & Culinary Series at Star Hill Farm
Maker’s Mark is blending bourbon, art, and farm-fresh cuisine this summer at its Loretto, Kentucky homeplace. Starting July 19, the distillery will host a stunning nine-piece outdoor glass installation by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, including his 12-foot Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower and new 2025 piece Moonbow Fiori. The immersive experience extends beyond art with a revamped Star Hill Provisions restaurant and bar program led by Chef Richard Knight and cocktail innovator Leslie Krockenberger, featuring dishes and drinks sourced straight from the on-site regenerative farm. Nighttime tours will include rare pours and special cocktails. The exhibition runs through December 7.
Dierks Bentley Drops Limited Bourbon to Pair with New Album and Tour
Country star Dierks Bentley is back in the bourbon game with ROW 94 Broken Branches, a limited-edition release timed to his new album and summer tour. Aged five years and finished with “Branch Aging”—using fire-toasted oak staves seasoned up to 24 months—the 100-proof bourbon is crafted at Green River Distilling Co. in Kentucky. Expect rich vanilla, brown sugar, and smoky spice in this bold, complex pour. With only 1,500 bottles priced at $99.99, fans can register to snag one at ROW94whiskey.com. The release ties in with Bentley’s 30-city tour and is the second expression from his fast-growing brand.
Georgetown Launches ‘Bourbon Genesis’ with Elijah Craig Barrel Pick
Georgetown, Kentucky, has bottled a bit of its bourbon legacy with Bourbon Genesis, a limited single-barrel Elijah Craig release celebrating the town’s historic connection to bourbon’s origins. Rolled out June 13, local leaders and top bourbon influencers picked the 123-proof whiskey during a tasting at Heaven Hill Distillery. Aged 10 years and selected from the historic Schenley rickhouses, this barrel was praised for its bold cinnamon, mint, and unique spearmint finish—an unusual twist for Elijah Craig. The campaign, spearheaded by Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, honors Rev. Elijah Craig’s 1789 contribution to America’s native spirit and marks the start of more community-driven releases to come.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Returns with Boldest Release Yet at 123.8 Proof
After a brief hiatus, Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon is back for Summer 2025, now hotter than ever at a barrel-proof 123.8 — its boldest release to date. Crafted by three generations of the Russell family at Wild Turkey, this year’s expression amps up the flavor with richer notes of vanilla, cherry, brown sugar, and a surprising cola twist, all riding on a robust oak backbone. Aged for at least 13 years and released unfiltered, it’s a dessert lover’s dream in a glass. Future bottles will now carry season and year labels for easier tracking. The suggested retail price is $200, and yes, it’s limited—so good luck grabbing one.
Bluegrass Distillers Debuts Elkwood Farm, a Bourbon Destination Rooted in Tradition
Bluegrass Distillers has officially opened its new $8 million distillery at Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky, marking a huge leap forward for the craft bourbon brand. With a 1,000% increase in production capacity, the 62-acre site includes a historic mansion, on-site heirloom blue corn farming, limestone spring water access, and a towering column still. The grand opening featured state leaders, industry pros, and a celebratory toast. Now a Kentucky Bourbon Trail stop, Elkwood Farm is set to draw over 40,000 visitors annually with tours, tastings, and soon, food-focused experiences.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery Headed to the Heart of Nashville with New Location at Nashville Yards
Leiper’s Fork Distillery is bringing its grain-to-glass whiskey magic to downtown Nashville with a major expansion into the high-profile Nashville Yards development. Slated to open in mid-2026, the new space will feature whiskey production, a restaurant and bar, a retail shop, a private tasting room, and a live music stage—all housed in a striking Corten building overlooking a new green space and amphitheater. Founder Lee Kennedy plans to relocate their iconic 500-gallon still, “Ginger,” to the city, swapping in a 1,000-gallon unit back at the original Williamson County site to boost production. The expansion reflects a bold step for the family-owned distillery, promising to blend Tennessee tradition with downtown buzz and a whole lot of whiskey-fueled fun.
Whiskey House Partners for $100M High-Tech Rickhouse Project
Whiskey House of Kentucky is leveling up its aging game with a new $100 million partnership with The Koetter Group to build 12 cutting-edge rickhouses in Elizabethtown using K-RAX barrel storage technology. Each of these seven-story warehouses will hold over 48,000 barrels and is engineered for better airflow, safety, and longevity—think full-length vented cupolas, vapor-reducing floor vents, and fall protection features. Made from heat-treated Southern yellow pine and CNC-fitted joints, these rickhouses are designed to outlast and outperform traditional builds. With construction underway and set to continue through 2031, the expansion underscores Whiskey House’s commitment to innovation in contract whiskey production, already having churned out 97,000 barrels and 56 mashbills since launching in mid-2024.
Barrell Drops Ultra-Rare 20-Year Triple Rum Cask Bourbon
Barrell Craft Spirits is back with a heavy hitter: a 20-year Triple Cask Rum Finished Bourbon that began life as a 15-year Tennessee bourbon, then spent five extra years soaking up island vibes in barrels once used for Jamaican, Guyanese, and Barbadian rums. This extremely limited release, just 250 bottles at $199.99, goes on sale June 18th (online and in Louisville, sorry TN, and a few others). Expect a layered, indulgent pour with tropical fruit, banana bread, nutty richness, and aged leather, capped off by a finish that hints at toasted marshmallow and vermouth. It’s a bold marriage of age and island spirit, crafted for serious collectors and adventurous palates alike.
D&D Meadery Joins Heinen’s Shelves with Locally Crafted Honey Wines
Ohio’s D&D Meadery is celebrating its first year in business with a major milestone: its handcrafted meads are now available at select Heinen’s grocery stores. Run by brothers Dominick and Derek Zirkle out of Mentor, the meadery produces a variety of honey-based wines using local ingredients—think real fruit, raw honey, and no shortcuts. Offerings range from dry Blueberry, Blackberry, and Red Apple, to a sweet Maple Syrup mead and their classic Traditional Honey. With mead gaining traction as a unique alternative to beer or wine, the Zirkles are expanding their reach through festivals, farmers markets, and now, retail shelves—making it easier than ever for Ohioans to sip a little liquid history.
1792XV: A Bold New Chapter in Cask Strength Bourbon
Barton 1792 Distillery is marking a milestone with the debut of 1792XV, its first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression—and it’s a beast. Based on limited information from parent company Sazerac, the “XV” nods to its full 15 years of barrel aging, making this the oldest release yet in the 1792 line. Bottled at cask strength, this bourbon isn’t for the faint of palate. Expect bold aromas of cola, leather, and vanilla, followed by rich layers of dark cherry and cocoa on the tongue, and a long, warming finish of oak and dark caramel. Complex, unapologetic, and deeply mature, 1792XV is a fitting tribute to patience and power in a pour. A release date and price point are unknown at this time.
Holladay Distillery Builds First New Rickhouse in 60 Years
Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri, is doubling down on its bourbon revival with the construction of its first new rickhouse in over six decades. The $multi-million project signals major confidence in their small-batch comeback, which resumed in 2015 after a 30-year pause. Set to hold up to 11,000 barrels, the non-climate-controlled rickhouse continues Holladay’s tradition of letting Missouri’s natural seasons shape the flavor profile. Master Distiller Kyle Merklein admits the project is both “amazing and terrifying,” as planning shifts to a long-term storage strategy. Construction wraps this fall, but filling the space—at their current pace of 14 barrels a day—will be a slow, intentional roll.
Atheling Meadworks Opens Tasting Room in Downtown Roanoke
Roanoke just got a little sweeter with the grand opening of Atheling Meadworks’ boutique-style tasting room at 123 Campbell Avenue. Owner Steve Ausband hopes the new space introduces more locals to quality mead in a relaxed, social setting. Thursday’s ribbon-cutting marked the official debut, with plans already in motion to add a speakeasy vibe in the back later this fall. Whether you’re a mead veteran or just mead-curious, Atheling invites you to sip, learn, and linger.
Donkey Creek Festival Returns to Big Lost Meadery for Another Year
Thanks to the passion and persistence of Big Lost Meadery taproom manager Rwainer Wilson, the Donkey Creek Festival will return to Gillette, Wyoming, for its second-year post-revival, set for June 21. After being shelved in 2023, Wilson — a transplant with a global background — teamed up with meadery owner Bob Hewitt-Gaffney and local partners to breathe new life into the beloved event. The one-day festival will feature local vendors and a rich lineup of Wyoming musicians, from high school acts to seasoned performers like Gillette native Marlee Holdeman. Though the future of the festival at Big Lost is uncertain, as the meadery eyes expansion, Wilson’s flower-filled patio will once again become the heartbeat of a musical community celebration. Expect great music, strong mead, and good vibes in the heart of Gillette.
Mugen Spirit Bourbon Soars with Sold-Out “Tengu” Release
Louisville-based Mugen Spirit is off to a blazing start with its debut bourbon, Tengu, part of a new Yokai-themed series inspired by Japanese folklore. The first two barrels—aged 9 years and bottled at a fiery 143.2 proof—sold out almost instantly, with one batch gone in just two minutes. Co-founded by investor Justin Delaney and Kojin Tashiro, whose Japanese heritage and bourbon background add cultural depth, Mugen plans to release around 1,700 bottles in 2025, including a 10-year expression. The brand earned top honors from Uproxx’s May whiskey list and is making waves by blending Kentucky tradition with Japanese storytelling and aesthetics.
Chicken Cock Whiskey’s Circa 1856 Celebrates a Spirited First Year in Bardstown
Chicken Cock Whiskey is marking one year since opening its official brand home, Circa 1856, in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky. The immersive destination has quickly earned its stripes, now an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. To celebrate, a June 27th anniversary event will feature live music, games, food trucks, and a special Reserve Cask Single Barrel release available only on-site. With its signature 40-gallon still now operational, Circa 1856 reflects Chicken Cock’s rich 19th-century roots while paving the way for future growth—all led by a passionate, all-female team.
Jim Beam’s Little Book Chapter 9 Leans on Legacy—and Brown Rice—for a Bold New Blend
Jim Beam and Master Distiller Freddie Noe continue to push boundaries with Little Book Chapter 9: None for Granted, a high-proof blend that showcases innovation with a deep respect for tradition. This year’s release is a mix of five Kentucky straight whiskeys—aged between 7 and 11 years and bottled uncut at a fiery 121.8 proof. What makes this chapter stand out? A brown rice bourbon mashbill and extended fermentation (five days instead of the usual three), which adds rich notes of fruit, butterscotch, and spice to the classic caramel and oak profile. Inspired by the foundational flavors of American whiskey and crafted over 18 months, this limited release honors Noe’s grandfather, Booker Noe, while continuing the family legacy of bold experimentation. MSRP is $160, and it’s hitting shelves now—if you’re lucky enough to spot one.
St. Pete Distillery Lifts the Curtain with New Tour Experience
St. Pete Distillery is giving spirit lovers a chance to see what goes on behind the bottle with its new behind-the-scenes tours, now offered Wednesday through Friday. Visitors start at the Florida-grown grain silos and follow the process to the tasting room, where they can sample the distillery’s wide range of spirits — from whiskey and bourbon to gin, rum, and vodka. Highlights include a peek at vintage copper stills from Boston, experimental aging barrels (including gin in wine casks!), and the lab’s high-tech glass bulb distillation setups. For anyone curious about how local spirits are made — or just looking for a good sip in St. Pete — this tour delivers both education and indulgence.
Silver Hand Offers Free Mead Tasting at Williamsburg’s Whiskey and Wine Weekend
If you’re in Williamsburg, Virginia, on June 28, don’t miss a golden opportunity to sample Silver Hand Meadery’s creations for free! From 2–4 p.m., head to Brick and Vine during the city’s Whiskey and Wine Weekend to taste a lineup of meads inspired by Colonial Williamsburg. The full weekend (June 27–29) includes tastings, classes, live music, and more. Plus, check-in at events with your digital pass to earn points for a commemorative glass. Mead, music, and history—what’s not to love?
Last Call!
That’s a wrap on this pour of Bourbon & Mead Digest—thanks for riding along as we chased down the latest barrel drops, mead moments, and spirited surprises from across the country. From high-proof innovation to festival-fueled tastings, the summer sipping season is just heating up. Be sure to join us in the next edition, where we’ll be cracking open Green River’s Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon—an all-American tribute that promises heart, heat, and heritage in every sip. Until then, stay curious, stay thirsty, and keep your tasting glass within reach. Cheers!
I got a chance to see the Green River Tasting Room on their media preview day. It is stunning, and don't sleep on the 130 proof that's available in a vintage-style decanter exclusively onsite. It is a buttery, sippable masterpiece. The Chihuly at MM is on my summer travel list!!