We talk a lot about bourbon bringing people together—but earlier this month, we proved it. A crew of Bourbon & Banter community members hit the road to Indianapolis for a weekend packed with barrel picks, backwoods adventures, and late-night pours that stretched well into the morning hours.

This wasn’t just about drinking whiskey—it was about sharing it. About making memories in rickhouses and over cigars. About arguing over blind samples and then toasting the winner. About turning a group of bourbon fans into something a little more like family.

Scroll down to read the full trip recap, and while you're at it, catch up on some big headlines shaking up the booze world—plus news on our upcoming events, new releases, and a Colorado trip that didn’t quite make it off the runway.

It’s all below. You bring the glass—we’ll bring the good stuff.

INDY OR BUST: A WHISKEY WEEKEND WITH THE BOURBON & BANTER CREW

Earlier this month, the Bourbon & Banter crew packed up the Glencairns and hit the road for a weekend getaway to Indianapolis. It was the latest in our ongoing mission to connect whiskey lovers offline—over killer pours, great food, and conversations that last longer than your average bottle of Blanton’s.

First stop: West Fork Whiskey Co., just outside of Indy. These folks rolled out the red carpet for us with a behind-the-scenes tour of their modern facility. We got the lowdown on their brand’s evolution, walked the production floor, and capped it off with some sneaky barrel samples that had more than a few of us rethinking what Indiana whiskey is capable of. Spoiler: it’s damn good.

But we weren’t just there to drink—we had work to do. Our mission: pick a private single barrel worthy of the Bourbon & Banter community. West Fork gave us six blind samples (no proof, no age, just taste), and the group did the hard work of sipping, debating, and eventually landing on a standout barrel. Turns out it clocked in at 8 years old and a punchy 128.6 proof. We’ll have more details soon on how you can get your hands on this beast of a bottle.

After the pick, we tucked into dinner at the distillery before lighting up cigars at a nearby lounge recommended by one of our local Drinking Class legends.

Day two, we pointed our compass south—down to the rolling hills of Brown County for a visit to Hard Truth Distilling Co. If West Fork was business, Hard Truth was pleasure. This place is part distillery, part outdoor whiskey wonderland, spread across 325 acres of woods, hills, and backwoods trails.

We kicked things off with a laid-back lunch and cocktails at their on-site restaurant, followed by a private tour led by Kelsey Price. From the stills to the rickhouses, the team gave us a full taste of the Hard Truth lineup, including some single barrels that went straight to the top of our “wish I had another pour” list.

But the real highlight? Their Get Lost ATV Tour. Imagine riding shotgun in a custom off-road vehicle, weaving through the woods, making pit stops to sip whiskey in the middle of nowhere. It’s part tasting, part trail ride, and 100% badass. If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner bourbon-loving Indiana Jones, this is your chance.

We wrapped things up with a group photo and hugs all around, then headed back to Indy for one final round of food, pours, and cigars—this time at Brent’s house. The bottle share didn’t wrap until 3 a.m., which tells you everything you need to know. Nobody wanted it to end.

These trips aren’t just about chasing great whiskey—they’re about building community and making memories with people who get it. Huge thanks to the teams at West Fork and Hard Truth for the hospitality, and to every Drinking Class member who made the weekend unforgettable.

If you’re not a member yet, now’s the time. We’ve got more coming.

BOOZE BIZ BUZZ

Is the Bourbon Boom Going Bust?

Kentucky’s $9 billion bourbon industry is starting to feel the hangover. In the last few weeks alone:

• A new distillery shut its doors before even getting started.
• Another owes millions before opening day.
• One is battling a lien.
• And even Brown-Forman—home to Jack Daniel’s and Woodford—saw its stock crash 18% in a single day.

So what’s going on? In short: demand is down, financing is shaky, and consumer habits are shifting fast. Blame everything from Ozempic to tariffs, Gen Z, and shrinking wallets. While big players may weather the storm, smaller and contract-based distillers are starting to sweat.

Industry vets like Chuck Cowdery say the smart ones will scale back, focus on quality, and remind drinkers why bourbon earned its following in the first place. But make no mistake—some brands are about to learn the hard way that you can’t build your future on hype and borrowed money. Read More

???????? SIP REP: There’s a bourbon reckoning brewing, and the market’s calling everyone’s bluff. For years, some brands banked more on trend-chasing and expansion than solid footing—and now the tab’s come due. If you’re a fan of quality whiskey made by people who actually drink it, you’re probably safe. But for the investor-backed, contract-distilled crowd with champagne dreams and bottom-shelf execution? It might be last call.

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Don't just sip on the frustration – wear it proudly! Grab yours now and be part of the change you want to see in the bourbon world.

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Spirits Decline Slowing, Says New SipSource Forecast

SipSource’s latest quarterly forecast suggests the worst may be behind us when it comes to declining spirits sales. After several years of sharp drop-offs across key categories like U.S. whiskey, vodka, and rum, the new data shows those declines flattening by mid-2026—though still in negative territory. Tequila remains the exception, inching toward +1% growth thanks to ongoing demand for premium bottles priced $20–$100.

Key takeaways:

• Core spirits overall will hit bottom at -4.56% by the end of 2025
• Declines in categories like rum, whiskey, and vodka will stabilize (not reverse) by mid-2026
• Tequila/Agave shows slight growth, driven by premium tiers
• Short-term forecast accuracy now exceeds 90%, making SipSource one of the most trusted models in the industry

It’s not boom time again just yet—but for brands, distributors, and retailers looking for a footing, this may be the bottom they’ve been waiting for.

???????? SIP?REP: Flat is the new up—or at least that’s what the folks reading SipSource want to believe. And to be fair, when you’ve been sliding downhill for a while, hitting a plateau does start to feel like progress. But let’s not pour a celebratory dram just yet. Stabilization isn’t the same as recovery, and while agave spirits might keep nudging forward, the rest of the shelf is still gathering dust.

From where I’m sitting, this sounds more like “we’ve stopped bleeding… mostly.” Which is good. But it also means the industry’s going to have to work a lot harder—and smarter—to win back drinkers who’ve moved on to mocktails, microdoses, or just smaller pours.

Brown-Forman Offloads Shuttered Cooperage to Barrel-Making Giant

Brown-Forman has officially sold its now-closed Louisville cooperage to Independent Stave Company (ISC) for $13.66 million. The 16-acre site, once responsible for half of the barrels used across the company’s portfolio, ceased operations earlier this year as part of a cost-cutting initiative that included global workforce reductions.

Despite purchasing the property, ISC has no plans to reopen the cooperage and intends to sell it later. Brown-Forman cited rising wood costs and evolving industry efficiencies as reasons for the closure. Instead of producing barrels in-house, they’ll now rely on external suppliers—a move expected to save them up to $80 million annually.

The sale is part of a broader strategy to offload assets and reallocate capital toward growth. Just last year, Brown-Forman sold its Alabama cooperage to ISC as well. Read More

???????? SIP REP: This isn’t just another real estate flip—it’s a sign of the times in barrel sourcing.

Brown-Forman’s decision to shut down the Louisville cooperage and outsource barrels reflects big-picture efficiency moves—I’m told the site was no longer financially sustainable, and the company estimates annual savings of up to $80 million. They’re clearly leaning on external suppliers instead of maintaining legacy operations in-house.

Now, ISC is stepping in and scooping up the property without reopening? That tells me they’re betting on resale value, not barrel-making. The ink on their US$30?m facility investments across other sites shows they’re doubling down on strategically located cooperages, not this one.

Does all of this mean there's a shift in the barrel industry where the barrels have become nothing more than a commodity, rather than as a craft-built ingredient used in whiskey production?

I’m all for smart business, but at some point production can become disconnected from purpose—and that’s when the flavor might follow. Let’s watch closely, bourbonheads—the angels are stirring.

Rare Agave Spirit Review: Nuestras Raíces by Cazcanes

The palate is delicious and adventurous, racing from sweet to tart to vegetal to minty to petrichor and back ... all in the first few seconds of sip No. 1.

BOURBON & BANTERSteve Coomes

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Review: Big Spice, Bold Proof

The nose on this Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye takes me directly to the dump trough where tour guests get to stick their Glencairn glasses directly into the stream of whiskey glug-glug-glugging from the cask.

BOURBON & BANTERSteve Coomes

Green River 250th U.S. Army Special Anniversary Bourbon

Tasting this and knowing you’ve spent just $49.99 will make you wonder why you part with any more on any bottle. From sniff to sip, this is precisely what bourbon whiskey should taste like and cost in 2025.

BOURBON & BANTERSteve Coomes

Legal Trouble on the Rocks: Luca Mariano Opens Distillery Amid Lawsuits and Liens

Just as Luca Mariano Distillery cut the ribbon on its new Danville, KY location, it's already knee-deep in legal trouble. Multiple lawsuits and contractor liens—totaling millions—have hit the fledgling operation.

• Construction firm Keystone Industrial claims it's owed $1.28 million for work on the distillery, while several other contractors have filed liens.
• White Dog Trading & Storage is suing for the return of a $1.6 million deposit after alleging Luca Mariano failed to deliver contracted bourbon barrels.
• The distillery has brought on Summit Investments, a firm specializing in distressed debt, as its new lender.

Despite the courtroom chaos, the brand held its grand opening and is moving forward with public tours. Whether it can keep that momentum going—especially with six+ liens and a shrinking whiskey market—is another story. Read Full Article

???????? SIP REP: Here we go again—another new distillery betting big on the bourbon boom, only to find themselves drowning in lawsuits before their first tour group finishes the welcome cocktail. Look, I’ve said it before: the bourbon gold rush made a lot of folks believe every distillery would print money. But when the market cools off and interest payments come due? It gets real—fast.

Don’t get me wrong, I hope Luca Mariano finds its footing. But this whole situation is a warning shot for would-be whiskey barons: building a legacy in bourbon takes more than ambition, Italian fonts, and a Godfather vibe. You need capital, contracts that get honored, and maybe a little patience. Because right now, it looks like the only thing aging faster than the whiskey is the debt.

High West & Luke Grimes Team Up to “Protect the West” with Conservation Campaign & Sweepstakes

High West Distillery has tapped Yellowstone star and musician Luke Grimes to help drive its ongoing Protect the West initiative—an effort dedicated to conserving the landscapes that inspire their whiskey and lifestyle. Since launching the program, High West has donated over $1 million to environmental causes. With Grimes on board as a brand ambassador, the distillery aims to amplify its conservation message and rally more support through storytelling and community engagement.

To kick things off, High West is celebrating the summer solstice by launching a Protect the West Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will score the ultimate Park City, Utah getaway—a chance to explore the High West lifestyle in person.

???? How to Enter (June 20–July 25):

• Follow @DrinkHighWest on Instagram
• Comment on the collaboration post with the Western location you’d most like to protect
• That's it—you’re entered!

???? Full sweepstakes rules: rules.dja.com/protectthewest

NEW RELEASES

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

Remus Brings Babe Ruth Back to the Bottle

Remus Bourbon is stepping up to the plate once again with the return of its ultra-limited 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve, a high-rye tribute to the Sultan of Swat. This year’s release features a medley of three mash bills (a nod to Ruth’s iconic #3), blending bourbons from 2016 and 2017 with rye contents of 44%, 49%, and 36%.

Clocking in at 111 proof, this collector’s pour offers up brown sugar, cinnamon, and fig on the nose, followed by toasted marshmallow and nutmeg on the palate, and a finish laced with oak and baking spice. Only 8,399 bottles are available—one for every at-bat in Ruth’s career—at a suggested $149.99 per 750ml.

The bottle’s design? Pure vintage swagger: art deco styling, pinstripes, a bat-shaped cork, and a QR code that links each bottle to a specific moment in Ruth’s career. Learn more

???????? SIP REP: I sampled last year’s edition and appreciated the creative high-rye mash bills and collectible theme—mash?bills & marketing were strong, but the price point was a hard sell. This year’s version delivers more of the same: well-blended, flavorful whiskey that carries a thematic punch. The packing is top-shelf—a true collector’s piece. Still, it’s the same 6–7 year old juice at $150. As much as I dig themes, that’s a stretch. I’d rather see more maturity before I swing that hard. So: nice step up on the theme, solid whiskey—but I’m staying on deck until I can taste it with my own bat.

D-Day Bourbon Soars for a Sacred Cause

Just in time for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, D-Day Bourbon has landed—and it’s carrying a story that goes well beyond the barrel.

This limited-release bourbon was aged mid-flight aboard the legendary WWII C-47 Placid Lassie, a combat aircraft that flew during D-Day. As it crossed the Atlantic once again, commemorating its wartime mission, a small batch of bourbon matured inside the fuselage, shaped by high-altitude turbulence, temperature swings, and time. The result? The first bourbon ever aged during a transatlantic flight on a combat aircraft with real D-Day history.

But this release isn’t just about innovation—it’s about honoring sacrifice. Every bottle sold supports the nonprofit Tours of Duty, a veteran-led mission to recover America’s missing POW/MIAs from past conflicts. Their all-volunteer teams—comprised of combat veterans, Gold Star families, Vietnam pilots, and forensic specialists—deploy worldwide to bring the fallen home.

Learn more and support the mission: www.ddaybourbon.com

???????? SIP REP: Let’s be honest—aging bourbon on a WWII plane is definitely in the “gimmick” zone. Cool story? Sure. Necessary for the whiskey? Probably not. But when the bottle is tied to a mission like this, I’m not here to nitpick.

The real value of D-Day Bourbon isn’t in the barrel—it’s in the cause. Every bottle helps fund Tours of Duty, a veteran-led effort to bring home our missing POW/MIAs. That kind of work deserves a spotlight—and if a little airborne aging helps get more eyes (and dollars) on it, then pour me another. This one’s worth supporting, even if you never crack the seal.

Dierks Bentley Drops New Album & Bourbon with Broken Branches Release

Country music star Dierks Bentley is back with another pour—and this one hits both the playlist and the palate. Introducing ROW 94 Broken Branches, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted at Green River Distilling Co. and released alongside Bentley’s new album and national tour of the same name.

Bottled at 100 proof and aged for 5 years, Broken Branches gets a flavor boost from a process dubbed “Branch Aging”—where seasoned, fire-toasted Oak staves are added to the barrel to deepen the profile. Just 1,500 bottles will be available at $99.99. The release features a bold 70/21/9 mash bill and promises vanilla, caramel, stone fruit, brown sugar, and a finish full of cinnamon and subtle smoke.

Fans can register for a chance to purchase a bottle here: Pre-order at ROW94whiskey.com

???????? SIP REP: Let’s be clear—this isn’t a knock on the bourbon itself. It’s made at Green River, and we’ve long said they’re turning out some of the most underrated whiskey in Kentucky. So yeah, the juice is probably solid. But at $99 for a five-year, 100-proof bottle? That’s a hard pass from us.

The whole “Branch Aging” thing (read: tossing in some seasoned staves) feels like a dressed-up gimmick to justify the price. We’re not buying the idea that it magically adds enough character to double the cost of something we know you can snag cheaper straight from the source. Dierks may be a hell of a performer, but this one feels more like tour merch than craft whiskey.

Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Returns — Now Even Bolder at 123.8 Proof

Russell’s Reserve is bringing back its fan-favorite 13 Year Old Bourbon for 2025, this time with a fresh twist—bottled at barrel proof (123.8) for the first time. Aged for over a decade and selected by Eddie Russell and his team, this non-chill filtered, limited-release batch builds on its signature flavor profile with a deeper layer of cola and molasses notes.

This year’s bottling kicks off a new chapter: each future release of the 13-Year will display its unique proof and production season, giving collectors a little something extra to geek out over. Expect the usual Russell’s flair—vanilla, brown sugar, dark fruit—but with a few richer surprises this time around.

The bottle will retail for $200 and be available later this summer in limited quantities online, at the Wild Turkey Visitor Center, and select retailers.

???????? SIP REP: Russell’s 13-Year continues to hold its ground as one of the best limited editions in the game—and this year’s higher proof? Yes, please. At 123.8, it's still smooth enough to sip but packs a little more heat to keep things interesting. Wait, did you say $200?

Damn. I understand that diehard Russeel's fans won't even blink at the $200 price tag on this release, but for me, I can't justify dropping two C-notes to add this one to my collection. Fingers crossed someone will share a sample, or I'll find a deal at a bar for a small pour in the future.

Pursuit United Cognac Cask Rye Launches with Bold Finish & Podcast Roots

Pursuit Spirits—the whiskey brand from the folks behind the Bourbon Pursuit podcast—has dropped its latest limited release: Pursuit United Cognac Cask Rye. This 108-proof blend takes the award-winning foundation of their rye (sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Sagamore Spirit) and finishes it in XO Cognac barrels for a rich, complex profile.

The whiskey blends 4–7-year-old ryes and leans into dessert-like notes—think baked apricots, bread pudding, date syrup, and even jasmine tea on the finish. With a mash bill that brings together high-rye and more balanced components, it’s crafted to be as adventurous as the brand’s podcast origins.

Members of their P.Club subscription get early access, with a broader release beginning July 3rd at their Mellwood Ave. distillery in Louisville. Learn more or sign up at PursuitSpirits.com.

???????? SIP REP: Leave it to the Bourbon Pursuit crew to keep us on our toes. Cognac-finished rye might sound like a risky move, but they’ve clearly done their homework—and their homework drinks damn well.

It’s rich, layered, and just weird enough in the best way. Is it a traditional rye? Nope. But that's the point. If you're still pouring the same old stuff out of habit, this is your cue to shake things up. And hey, anyone turning podcast clout into genuinely interesting whiskey? That’s worth a toast.

Buffalo Trace Adds Eagle Rare 12 to Core Lineup with Summer Launch

Buffalo Trace has officially added Eagle Rare 12 to its permanent lineup, marking a new chapter for the brand as it completes its $1.2 billion expansion. This new expression builds on the success of Eagle Rare 10 by adding two more years of aging and a slightly higher proof point—bottled at 95 proof. Made from Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1 and aged a minimum of 12 years in hand-selected barrels, Eagle Rare 12 delivers notes of sweet oak and almond on the nose, with vanilla, toasted oak, and toffee on the palate and finish.

Set to roll out this summer at a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 750ml bottle, the release aims to be both aspirational and accessible. It joins the rest of the Eagle Rare family, including the 10 Year, 17 Year, Eagle Rare 25, and Double Eagle Very Rare. Distribution begins in the U.S. with international availability expected this fall.

???????? SIP REP: Buffalo Trace dropping a permanent 12-year Eagle Rare release is the kind of news that makes bourbon fans sit up straighter… or roll their eyes, depending on how long they’ve been burned by the great allocation game. On the one hand, we like seeing a real age-stated product with a sub-$50 price tag. On the other, we’re bracing for the inevitable wave of hoarding, flipping, and shelf ghosts—because we’ve all seen this movie before.

There are whispers in the industry that BT may finally pull most of its core products off allocation later this fall. If that’s true, the Eagle Rare 12 release could be a signal that the distillery's long-promised expansion is finally paying off. But if this bottle launches and immediately vanishes into “ask behind the counter” purgatory, it might just be more fuel for the scarcity fire. Either way, collectors will likely scramble for it—whether they plan to sip it or just post it on Instagram.

???? 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 to stay up-to-date.

June Group Therapy Session ??| 6/24

Join your fellow Drinking Class members for our monthly group therapy session on June 24th 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 a Drinking Class member and subscribed to Service Announcements.

???? Colorado Trip Update: A Quick Pour of Real Talk

Well, folks, it’s one of those moments where we have to swap our glass of excitement for a neat pour of reality. After digging into the logistics for our planned Colorado whiskey trip, we came to a tough call: we’re pulling the plug.

Between higher-than-expected costs and the general economic weirdness happening right now, this one just doesn’t pencil out the way we hoped. And while we hate cancelling something we were genuinely excited about, we’d rather pause than push something that doesn’t meet the standard we set for our experiences.

But don’t hang up your hiking boots just yet—we’re already shifting gears and focusing our energy on this October’s Annual Summit (details coming soon), and we’re eyeing a new trip for the spring that’ll hopefully bring the adventure, community, and pours you’ve come to expect.

Thanks for understanding—and if you’ve got strong opinions on where we should go next, hit reply and let us know. We’re all ears (and all whiskey).

Union Horse Distilling Co. Virtual Community Tasting - July TBD

We’re thrilled to welcome Union Horse Distilling Co. from Lenexa, KS for our next virtual community tasting this July. We’re locking in the date and final details now, so keep an eye on your inbox for the official invite and registration link to claim your free sample kit.

And a quick reminder—Drinking Class members always get first dibs on kits. If you’re still riding with a Free Membership, now’s the perfect time to upgrade and improve your odds of securing your spot in the tasting sample line.

Annual Bourbon & Banter Summit | October 10/24-26

It’s that time again. The Bourbon & Banter Summit is back for another round of whiskey-fueled good times in Louisville, KY.

If you’ve joined us before, you already know the drill—barrel picks, unforgettable blind tastings, behind-the-scenes distillery visits, bourbon-soaked meals, and a raffle table that could start a turf war. And if you haven’t? Just know this isn’t your average bourbon gathering. It’s family-style chaos in the best possible way.

???? Mark your calendar for October 24-26th.

We’re still finalizing the full weekend agenda, but you can expect one-of-a-kind pours, unique experiences, and the kind of unfiltered camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else.

DrinkCurious members get first dibs on registration, so if you're not already part of the crew, now’s the time to fix that. Seats are limited and they will go fast.

Pricing, schedule, and full details coming soon. Until then, clear your calendar, pack your Glencairn, and get ready to raise a glass where bourbon history was born.

Until Next Pour…

If this newsletter felt like a lot, that’s because it was—and that’s just how we like it. Whiskey might take its sweet time in the barrel, but around here, things move fast. Barrel picks, behind-the-scenes distillery access, virtual tastings, insider news… it’s all part of the pour.

And truth be told—this kind of content? It may not stay fully public forever. We’re leaning more and more into rewarding our Drinking Class members with the good stuff first (and maybe exclusively). If you’ve been enjoying the ride, now’s a good time to lock in your spot at the table.

Because whether it’s the next big barrel pick or just an invite to the kind of tasting most folks never hear about, you don’t want to be the one stuck outside the rickhouse.

Stay curious. Stay ready. And I’ll see you soon.

—Pops

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