Hey friends,

I filmed three hunt videos last week on our way to Louisville (Bob-O-Link, Cork Liquors, and Old Town Liquors). As I was filming them it became clear the bourbon world is changing and fast. No wonder over 7,000 people tuned into the A1 Liquors video we posted last Monday. I think everyone is curious about what is happening to the industry and no better place to find out than how the liquor stores are reacting. Those 3 videos will be coming out 1 per week starting next Monday. Stay tuned for some amazing hunts.

ZBar News

Come Pour With Us: Store Pick Saturday We’re opening up the ZBar single barrel picks so you can taste them side by side before you buy. That includes our brand-new Blue Note, Russell’s Reserve, and Peerless picks. Saturday, October 24, 12–4 PM at Barrel Proof Liquors, Fort Wayne. Taste first, then take home the one you love. Barrel Proof is offering up to 20% off when you buy 3 bottles, so take advantage. The new ZBar hats and golf divot tools will be there to purchase if you are interested as well. Hit reply and tell me you're coming and which bottle you're most excited about.

ZBar Merchandise Available Many of you have asked recently where you can get ZBar Merch. We actually have an online store (link below). We have all kinds of things on the store from shirts, polos, hats, and glasses. I also plan to have some items available in person at the tasting event Saturday at Barrel Proof, so if something catches your eye, you can skip the shipping. ZBar Merch Site

FWBF Quick Update We are meeting with several local venues about Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest 2027, including Vinland. Lots of good ideas on the table, and we'll share more as plans come together. Missed out on Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest merch? There’s a site for that too. Check out the link below. FWBF Merch Site

• Holladay turns 170 with a 10 Year. Holladay Distillery released its oldest bourbon yet: 10 years old, 111 proof, $125. It debuted at the distillery on 10/17. This is their release, not ours, but we’ve picked Holladay barrels for Barrel Proof and Benstein, so it has our attention. I am trying to get one of these bottles and review it for you soon.
• Old Forester starts a Tribute Series. First up is a 12-Year at 115 proof (about $300), inspired by the distillery’s 1950s and ’60s holiday decanters. It’s rolling out to stores this month.
• Knob Creek 21 is back. Jim Beam’s oldest release returns to shelves nationwide for a limited time: 100 proof, $250 SRP. I picked one of these up last week, so a review will be coming out soon. Is Batch 2 better than Batch 1?
• MGP becomes Sempreon. The Lawrenceburg, Indiana company behind Penelope, Rebel, Ezra Brooks and Yellowstone gets a new corporate name on November 2.

Cheers,
Steve

Sip Together, Learn Together, Have Fun Together.