American Whiskey Report August 2026
We’re still in a trade war with Canada, and Canadian officials aren’t in any hurry to cooperate with the Trump administration. Said DISCUS President Chris Swonger, “We appreciate the administration's recognition that American distillers have been unfairly targeted by these Canadian provincial sales bans. This discriminatory treatment of U.S. spirits products has persisted for more than a year and a half, causing significant economic harm to our industry. It is unfortunate that the Canadian provinces' continued refusal to return U.S. spirits products to store shelves has led to this outcome. We encourage policymakers on both sides of the border to pursue a negotiated solution that restores market access for U.S. spirits throughout Canada and returns spirits trade to a zero-for-zero tariff framework.”
September is Bourbon Heritage Month, so look forward to lots of celebrations including the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, and Bourbon on the Banks, all celebrating America’s native spirit. And now on to the American whiskey news you can use!
Stillman’s Sonder Bourbon and American Single Malt
Product Releases
Dancing Goat Distillery has released Stillman’s Sonder in both a Bourbon and an American Single Malt.
Middle West Spirits has released Old Elk Distillery 10-Year Old Collection, which includes Straight Bourbon, Straight Wheat Whiskey, and Wheated Bourbon.
Joseph A. Magnus has released its Cigar Blend Bourbon for the 10th year.
Hard Truth has launched its highly anticipated Dark Roast Rye.
Stetson Bourbon photo credit Tatsuro Nishimura
Stetson, famous for cowboy hats, has released a Bourbon.
Chattanooga Whiskey has released Barrel Finishing Series: Moldovan Ice Wine Cask Finished, a blend of straight whiskeys finished in ice wine casks.
Redemption Whiskey has released a Bottled-in-Bond single barrel Bourbon aged 6 years and distilled at MGP.
Breckenridge Distillery has released a peach whiskey made with Colorado peaches.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. has released 2026 Discovery, a blend of 7, 10, and 11 year old Bourbons from Kentucky and Indiana.
2 Cents Inc. has released Jones & Mack, a 100 proof Bourbon created to honor the founders’ grandparents.
2026 Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar
Flaviar’s annual whiskey advent calendar is available for presale.
Maker’s Mark has released 2026 Cellar Aged, an extra-aged Maker’s Mark matured slowly for additional years in the Maker’s 46 cellar.
Former Sagamore Spirit CEO Drew Thorn has released his own Bourbon and Rye whiskeys, Silverthorn Reserve.
Koopers Whiskey has launched an 8-year barrel proof Texas Oak Bourbon Finished in Toasted Texas-Grown White Oak barrels.
Filmland Spirits has released its first ever American Single Malt Whiskey, Malted Mummy.
New Riff Distilling has released a sherry cask finished malted rye whiskey.
Copperworks Distilling Co. has partnered with Urban Family Brewing Co. to create a Barleywine Cask American Single Malt Whiskey.
Angel’s Envy has released their distillery series for 2026, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in stout and amburana barrels.
John Little and John Foster, fours of Little & Foster
John Little and John Foster have released Little & Foster Marriage of Mashbills Bourbon, a blend of high and low rye Bourbon mashbills aged over 9 years and bottled at 107 proof.
Four Roses has released a honey cask finished whiskey, the second release in the Experimental Series.
Cedar Ridge has released the 2026 version of its Anniversary Edition Bourbon celebrating the distillery’s 21st year in business.
Blue Note has released French wild cherry wood cask finished Bourbon.
Other News
Garrard County Distilling
Sazerac has bought the shuttered Garrard County Distillery in Lancaster, Kentucky to supplement distilling capacity.
Jackson Purchase just opened the Jackson Purchase Bourbon Lounge at Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center.
Frey Ranch has launched the “Tractor Tailgate Club,” a club in partnership with Flaviar which gives members access to virtual events, limited edition whiskeys, and discounts at the distillery.
New Era Distillery opens this week in Lexington, Kentucky at 333 E. Short Street.
Mint Julep Experiences has teamed up with the Samuels Family to offer the Samuels Family Legacy Experience, an 8 hour behind-the-scenes tour with Maker’s Mark’s founding family.
Single Cask Nation is celebrating 15 years as an independent bottler.
Mahogany Fox Spirits opened a tasting room in Louisville called the Velvet Cloakroom. The brand is founded by Sherri Carter, co-Founder of Kentucky Owl and Old Carter. It is a private salon-style members-only whiskey tasting room on Whiskey Row.
Bonus Cocktail Recipe
Mad River Autumn Revolution
Mad River Autumn Revolution
1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
1/2 oz. of Orange Curacao
1/2 oz. of honey ginger syrup
1/2 oz. of lemon juice
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds. Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass. Strain over the large ice cube into the glass. Express a lemon peel over the top, then add as a garnish.