Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest is 11 days out — and there's a small window

We released a batch of VIP tickets to the waitlist this week, and something useful is happening: when people upgrade from General Admission to VIP, their GA ticket gets refunded and goes back on sale. GA has been sold out since August, so if you missed it, check Eventbrite this week — seats are popping up one and two at a time and they don't last. I'm working my way through the VIP waitlist in order, so if you're on it, watch your inbox.

Five barrels at the door, 30+ Distilleries, the Bourbon Stage, and a room full of people who'd rather talk about mash bills than the weather. September 26th. I can't wait.

Old Carter VIP Experience

And if you want the closest thing to a private tasting with Mark Carter, the Old Carter VIP Experience on Friday 9/25 still has a handful of seats. Kentucky Owl, Carter Cellars wine, three Old Carter whiskeys, and the founder pouring them. That one won't come around again.

I am shocked this has not sold out yet - grab one before it does.

Kentucky Bourbon Fest was everything

I posted a pile of photos on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Patreon over the weekend if you want the visual version. The short version: great people, great pours, and I got to shake hands with a few folks I've only ever texted. Videos start dropping this week — two Shorts and a full recap by Thursday.

Here's my favorite moment. Thursday morning Brown-Forman unveiled a bourbon called Kentucky Boy — a one-time release honoring Chris Morris's 50 years at the company. I was standing in that crowd thinking about how many bottles that one guy has touched in half a century. I picked one up, along with Booker's The Reserves 2026 and a couple of the new Bardstown releases. Reviews are coming soon, and I'll tell you honestly which ones are worth the price and which ones are worth the story.

You voted. Bottle Share moves to October.

Thank you to everyone who answered the poll. The September weekend didn't work for most of you, so we're holding off until October — I'll send the date as soon as I lock it. This is exactly why I ask. It's your bottle share.

This Week in Whiskey News

Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary — Buffalo Trace's first bottle lottery, and it closes Thursday — For the first time ever, Buffalo Trace is releasing Elmer T. Lee uncut and unfiltered: single barrels ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, $99.99 plus tax. Also a first: instead of the daily bottle rotation, this one goes by lottery. Entry opened this morning at buffalotracedistillery.com/draws and closes Thursday 9/17 at 11:59 p.m. ET. One entry per person, entry order doesn't change your odds, names are drawn 9/21–22, and winners have to pick up in person at the distillery between 9/28 and 10/11. If you've got a Kentucky trip planned in early October, this is worth the 30 seconds it takes to enter.

Kentucky Boy Bourbon (Brown-Forman) — 100 proof, $99.99, one-time release crafted by Elizabeth McCall and Caleb Trigo to honor Chris Morris's 50-year career. Sold at the Old Forester Distillery and select Kentucky retailers starting 9/11. A portion of proceeds goes to Second Stride, an equine adoption nonprofit.

Neeley Family Distilling — PaPaw's Legacy Reserve — a 10-year bourbon honoring the family's roots, debuted at KBF. I've got one, and it's on the review list.

Booker's The Reserves 2026 — this year's Reserves is a rye: six years old, 125.1 proof, finished in French apple brandy casks and steeped with cinnamon sticks. Freddie Noe built it on his grandfather's holiday "apples, bourbon, cinnamon" wassail idea. Around $130–135.

Pappy Van Winkle 2026 collection announced — six bottles, $169.99 (Old Rip 10) up to $499.99 (Pappy 23). Prices are up again this year. Good luck out there.