Between a major distillery acquisition, a lawsuit that just opened up the liquor industry for small brands, and Buffalo Trace putting Pappy bottles to work for a good cause, it’s been a big couple of weeks in whiskey. But let’s start with something closer to home—and a little more personal.

Private barrel picks used to feel like a secret handshake. Now? They’re feeling more like a mass marketing campaign with a sticker slapped on. This week, I’m digging into why that shift matters, how we’re handling it at Bourbon & Banter, and what “special” should actually mean when you’re paying premium.

Plus: some big moves from Middle West, a smart climate experiment from Milam & Greene, and Knob Creek finally giving their single barrel program the cask strength upgrade we’ve all been waiting for (just... don’t flood the shelves, okay?).

Let’s pour one and get into it.

Are Private Barrel Picks No Longer Special?

Remember when getting invited to a private barrel pick felt like winning the whiskey lottery? You’d show up, thieve straight from the barrel, debate flavor notes with friends, and walk away with something rare. Dare I say...something yours. It was intimate. It was exciting. It was actually… well, special.

But somewhere along the way, things shifted.

Now, it feels like everyone and their uncle has a barrel pick. Retail chains are doing them. Bars are doing them. Your neighbor’s fantasy football league probably has one. What used to be a rare, meaningful expression of taste and craftsmanship is starting to feel a little... rinse and repeat.

Don't get me wrong, there are still great picks out there. But when brands crank out private selections like they're printing t-shirts, it raises a question: is this still about curating something unique for a community of whiskey lovers, or just another SKU to keep the shelves full?

We still do them for the Bourbon & Banter community, and the ones we release are ones I personally stand behind. But we’ve also scaled back. Why? Because chasing quantity over quality doesn’t do anyone any favors. And frankly, more often than not, the picks out there today just aren’t that special.

Yeah, they’re usually higher proof—but that alone doesn’t make them worth the price tag. A lot of them taste just like what you can already get from the distillery’s standard shelf offering. No real wow factor. No meaningful difference. Just a sticker and a slightly bigger bill. And what do you do when that “exclusive” pick ends up costing more than a top-shelf retail bottle that delivers better complexity and finish? That’s not just underwhelming. It’s a bad value.

Barrel picks used to be a way to share something unique with your people. Now they’re often just another release.

That’s why we’re keeping our focus on picks that matter. Fewer barrels, more intention. I want our community to get bottles they can’t wait to open, talk about, and share—not just another bottle to park on the shelf.

So I’ll ask: do you still get excited about private picks? Or are they starting to feel more like a marketing gimmick than a meaningful experience? Please share your thoughts in the comments and let me know what you see.

BOOZE BIZ BUZZ

Middle West Spirits Acquires Old Elk Distillery

Middle West Spirits—Ohio-based and one of North America’s largest independently owned distilleries—has officially acquired Old Elk Distillery, folding the award-winning Colorado whiskey brand into its expanding portfolio.

This move pairs Old Elk’s strong brand recognition, customer loyalty, and signature Slow Cut® proofing process with Middle West’s grain-to-glass production model and large-scale capacity. The acquisition aims to preserve what made both brands special while boosting innovation and scaling distribution.

Old Elk CEO Luis Gonzalez emphasized the role of relationships and craftsmanship in shaping the brand’s journey, giving special credit to Master Distiller Greg Metze and founders Curt and Nancy Richardson. For Middle West, it’s a milestone that signals growth with a continued focus on transparency, quality, and long-term potential.

???????? SIP REP: We didn’t see this one coming—but we’re glad it happened. Old Elk has built a strong following with distinctive blends and branding, and this acquisition gives the brand a future it might not have secured on its own. What’s even more surprising? That MGP didn’t step in, especially considering Master Distiller Greg Metze’s long history with the brand and his former role at MGP. Instead, Middle West—quietly growing into a serious force—swooped in and gave Old Elk a new home. Let’s hope they keep what made Old Elk special while building something even bigger together.

Dan Callaway Named Master Blender at Lofted Spirits

Lofted Spirits has promoted Dan Callaway to Master Blender, a move that formally recognizes his creative leadership and blending expertise across the company’s expanding whiskey portfolio. Previously VP of Product Development at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Callaway now oversees blending not only for Bardstown’s Kentucky Straight Whiskeys but also for Green River and Lofted’s Custom Spirits clients.

With a background in music and certified sommelier creds, Callaway’s known for blending precision with wild creativity—helping Bardstown Bourbon earn critical acclaim for its collaborative finishes and bold experimentation.

This promotion signals Lofted’s ambition to lead whiskey innovation at scale while giving Callaway more room to play, explore, and shape the next wave of American whiskey.

???????? SIP REP: Given Dan Callaway’s long-standing role in leading product development at Bardstown Bourbon and his increasing involvement across Lofted Spirits’ portfolio, this promotion tracks. With Lofted growing its custom spirits business and Green River gaining ground, formalizing Callaway’s role as Master Blender signals a strategic move to streamline blending oversight under one voice. Whether his blends continue to resonate with drinkers is a separate (and personal taste) matter—but from a company structure standpoint, it makes sense.

BHAKTA 1928 Review: A Unique Blend of Rye & Vintage Spirits

The nose is warm with apple pie filling and dark, caramelized sugar. Despite a mostly rye recipe, it’s quite plush, almost buttery, with little in the way of lively spice.

BOURBON & BANTERDrew Beard

Old Elk Slow Cut: Smooth Sipper with a Unique Proofing Twist

On the palate, things are once again unsurprisingly approachable, dangerously approachable even. In fact, this is one of the easiest drinking whiskeys I’ve encountered.

BOURBON & BANTERDrew Beard

Knob Creek® Launches Single Barrel Select Cask Strength Program

Knob Creek® is turning up the volume on its Single Barrel Select Program with the introduction of Cask Strength Bourbon and Rye—available as hand-selected, uncut, and unfiltered expressions picked by retailers. The barrels will vary in proof (Bourbon: ~110–130, Rye: ~100–120) and showcase bold, full-flavored whiskey in its purest form.

Retail partners can choose their own barrels either on-site at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. or remotely via sample kits. The experience includes exclusive access to Warehouse K, a comparative barrel tasting, and a curated meal at The Kitchen Table restaurant. These new Cask Strength Single Barrel Select offerings are rolling out nationwide with an SRP of $69.99 per 750mL.

???????? SIP REP: The previous Knob Creek Single Barrel program—capped at 120 proof and available just about everywhere—always felt a little meh for something labeled “single barrel.” It was solid, sure, but hardly special when you could find it in every aisle endcap and Costco cart. This new Cask Strength version is a welcome upgrade: uncut, unfiltered, and more flexible proof-wise, giving retailers a better shot at picking something that actually stands out.

That said, let’s not kid ourselves—the more barrels they unleash, the quicker this could flood the market and lose the punch it’s promising now. We’re cautiously optimistic, but keeping one eye on the shelf creep. Here’s hoping this new program lives up to the hype before it starts feeling like the old one all over again.

Provi Wins Big Against Southern & RNDC—and That’s Huge for Craft Distillers

In a major shakeup for the liquor industry, the two biggest U.S. wholesalers—Southern Glazer’s and RNDC—have settled an antitrust lawsuit filed by online ordering platform Provi, which accused them of conspiring to block access to their portfolios. The suit alleged that Southern and RNDC had done nearly $200 million in sales through Provi between 2016 and 2021, before abruptly boycotting the platform in a coordinated attempt to shut it down.

Provi, which allows retailers to compare offerings and place orders from multiple distributors (including self-distributing craft brands), was seen as a disruptive force—cutting into Southern and RNDC’s dominance. By pulling support, the giants tried to starve Provi of inventory and market share.

Fast forward to 2025: Provi survives, the big guys settle, and the industry just got a little more open. The settlement signals a win for free-market access and a huge opportunity for small, independent distillers looking to get their products in front of more retailers without being tied to the “big two” distributor model. Full story

???????? SIP REP: Provi just body-checked the liquor industry’s gatekeepers, and we’re here for it. If you’re a craft distiller, this is more than just legal drama—it’s a lifeline. The duopoly of RNDC and Southern was never built to make room for small brands. But now, thanks to Provi refusing to be bullied, more doors are open. It’s still not a level playing field—but at least someone built a new stadium.

Cuba’s Sugar Crisis Puts Rum Industry on the Rocks

Cuba’s once-dominant sugar industry is collapsing, with 2025 production expected to fall below 200,000 metric tons—a level not seen since the 1800s. That’s a massive drop from 1.3 million tons in 2019. The culprit? A mix of economic mismanagement, U.S. sanctions, fuel shortages, and the lingering effects of COVID.

This nosedive in sugar output is devastating Cuba’s rum industry, which depends on local cane and ethanol for distillation. The country’s production of 96% ethanol—vital for making premium rum—has plummeted by 70% since 2019, and most distilleries are now scraping by on dwindling reserves.

While provinces like Sancti Spiritus hit modest goals, sugar-heavy regions like Villa Clara and Las Tunas dramatically underperformed, highlighting a nationwide production crisis. With summer rains now further limiting harvest and processing, things may only get worse. Read more

???????? SIP REP: Sugar shortages in Cuba? That’s like Kentucky running out of corn. The rum industry’s in trouble, and there’s no quick fix in sight. With distilleries running low on ethanol and government excuses piling up faster than harvested cane, the real casualty here may be one of Cuba’s most iconic exports. We’ve always said rum needs more respect—but if this keeps up, it might need a lifeline too.

Buffalo Trace Launches “Pour it Forward” Fundraiser to Aid Kentucky Storm Victims

Buffalo Trace Distillery, in partnership with BlockBar, has launched the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” charity fundraiser to support communities impacted by devastating spring storms and tornadoes across Kentucky. All proceeds from the auction and sweepstakes will go to the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund.

Starting May 22, bourbon fans can bid on ultra-rare bottles and exclusive experiences, including:

• A barrel pick of Blanton’s Gold + VIP tour and lodge stay
• A full Pappy Van Winkle collection, Eagle Rare 25, and Double Eagle Very Rare
• Signed memorabilia and whiskey from Chris & Morgane Stapleton
• A behind-the-scenes trip to a Yellowstone spinoff set in Fort Worth

Sweepstakes prizes include a bottle of O.F.C. Vintage 2006 and a PGA Sawgrass golf package. Every $50 donation counts as one entry.

All auction lots start at $100 with no reserves. Bidding closes June 5.

???????? SIP REP: Credit where it’s due—this is how you turn collector madness into something meaningful. With a killer lineup of bottles (hello, Weller Millennium and full Pappy set), Buffalo Trace is giving bourbon fans a shot at the unattainable, while actually helping real people in Kentucky recover. If you’re going to go broke chasing unicorns, at least let it be for a good cause.

NEW RELEASES

Here are some new releases worth a look—shared for awareness, not endorsement. #DrinkCurious, but choose wisely. ????

Green River Salutes 250 Years of the U.S. Army with Special Release Bourbon

Green River Distilling Co. is honoring the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a commemorative limited-edition bourbon set to debut on June 14, 2025. Bottled at 111.1 proof—a nod to Veterans Day (11/11)—this small batch release blends 4- to 7-year-old barrels made from a mash bill of 77% corn, 14% rye, and 9% malted barley.

Tasting notes include rich caramel, black cherry, cocoa, and peppermint, with a full-bodied mouthfeel of toffee and toasted oak leading to a bold, lightly spiced finish. It will retail for $49.99 and be available on military bases, Green River’s Kentucky locations, and select online/retail outlets nationwide.

A portion of proceeds will support quality-of-life programs for soldiers and their families through initiatives like sports, wellness, and recreation.

???? Learn more: army250.greenriverwhiskey.com

???????? SIP REP: I’ve made it clear before—Green River is one of the few newer brands that actually gets it. They’ve got the history, the whiskey, and they don’t try to dress it up with a bunch of smoke and mirrors. This release keeps that trend alive. It’s a well-priced, age-stated, limited release that happens to also honor the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary—and it does it without making it feel like a marketing ploy.

I haven’t tasted this one yet, but based on what we’ve reviewed in the past, I trust Green River knows what they’re doing. And at $50 for a small batch at 111 proof, this sounds like one worth snagging. Whether you care about the tie-in or not, the whiskey inside is probably going to speak for itself.

New Riff Drops First-Ever 10-Year Bourbon and Rye in Limited Whiskey Club Release

New Riff Distilling is celebrating its 10th anniversary with its first-ever 10-year-old whiskeys: First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon and First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye. Both are part of the distillery’s High Note limited edition lineup and will be released exclusively to members of the New Riff Whiskey Club (free to join) for pickup only starting Thursday, May 22.

• Both expressions are non-chill filtered and bottled at 120.5 proof
• Bourbon mashbill: 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley
  • Tasting notes: cinnamon coffee cake, stewed fruit, cherry cola, and a warm wood spice finish
• Rye mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted rye
  • Tasting notes: spearmint, raspberries, plum, tobacco, mint and peppercorn finish
• Price: $89.99 each
• Available: Pickup only at the distillery via the New Riff Whiskey Club

???????? SIP REP: New Riff's always played the long game—and now they’ve got the barrels to prove it. Their first 10-year-old releases feel like a milestone moment, not a cash grab, which is saying something in today’s market. I’ve been impressed by New Riff’s bottled-in-bond stuff from the jump, so I’m expecting good things here.

At $90 and barrel proof, it’s hard to call this anything but a solid value—especially when you consider the proof, the age, and the brand’s track record. Just keep in mind: you’ve got to pick it up in person, so unless you're within road trip range, you might be out of luck. Still, these feel like bottles worth making a little detour for.

Milam & Greene Launches “The Answer” — A Groundbreaking Climate-Aging Bourbon Experiment

Milam & Greene is rolling out “The Answer,” a limited-edition two-bottle bourbon set that dives headfirst into the effects of climate on whiskey aging. Distilled in Bardstown, KY in 2019, half of the bourbon aged in Kentucky while the other half was immediately shipped to Blanco, TX to mature under the intense Hill Country heat. Now, five years later, both barrels are ready to pour—and compare.

Each set includes:

• One bottle aged in Kentucky (final proof: 108)
• One bottle aged in Texas (final proof: 116)

The differences? Think estery and fruit-forward from Kentucky, bold and oak-laden from Texas—resulting in two uniquely expressive bourbons from the same source distillate.

Only 800 sets are being released starting May 28, available through the Milam & Greene website, their distillery, and select retailers.

???????? SIP REP: I’ll be tasting this one soon, but let me just say—it’s about damn time someone did this side-by-side for real. I’ve been a fan of Milam & Greene’s thoughtful blending and innovative work for a while now, and “The Answer” looks like it’s bringing the science and story together in a big way. The climate angle isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s built into the juice. Can’t wait to dig in and report back.

???? DATES TO REMEMBER

I suck at remembering dates. As such, I've developed a solid habit of putting things on my schedule as soon as I get the information. Let my lack of memory help you keep track of key dates related to booze.

Community Calendar Reminder ?????

Bookmark our community calendar so you're always in the know.

West Fork Whiskey VIP + Private Barrel Pick - 6/6

Ready to drink like an insider? Join Pops, Brent, and fellow Bourbon & Banter Drinking Class members for a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes experience at West Fork Whisky’s 35,000 sq. ft. whiskey wonderland. We’re getting a private VIP tour and picking a private barrel for the Bourbon & Banter Community. Update: Registration is now closed, and attendees have been notified. SOLD OUT

Hard Truth Distilling VIP Experience + Get Lost Tour - 6/7

We’re keeping the weekend rolling after the West Fork Whiskey barrel pick with a Saturday all about whiskey, wide open spaces, and a little adventure. Together, we'll head to Hard Truth Distilling for lunch, a behind-the-scenes VIP tour, and an unforgettable afternoon exploring the 325-acre Hard Truth property via ATVs. SOLD OUT

May Group Therapy Session ??- 5/27

Join your fellow Drinking Class members for our monthly group therapy session on May 27th at 7:00 p.m. CT. A Zoom link will be sent via email and Discord before the session date. To receive these updates, make sure you're subscribed to Service Announcements.

Until Next Pour…

If this week’s edition felt a little like a reality check, good—that’s the point. Whether we’re talking about barrel picks losing their magic, distilleries swapping hands, or the fight to keep the spirits world open for the little guys, the common thread is this: things only stay special if we treat them that way.

I’ll keep chasing the good stuff for this community. That means fewer fluff releases, more honest takes, and always calling it like I taste it.

In the meantime, if you scored a bottle recently that blew your mind—or one that made you question your life choices—hit reply and tell me about it. I want to hear what you’re seeing out there, because we’re all better when we share what we sip and what we’ve learned along the way.

Stay curious, stay critical, and most importantly—stay thirsty.

—Pops

Chief Drinking Officer ???????????????????