Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 15th 2026. Brown-Forman has officially rejected a $15 billion all-cash takeover bid from Sazerac, FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny with personalized bottles of Woodford Reserve, and Penelope Bourbon has announced Architects of Golf.

Show Notes:
Brown-Forman rejects Sazerac’s $15 billion takeover bid to maintain family-owned independence

Sixth Circuit strikes down Ohio’s unconstitutional ban on out-of-state wine shipping

"Free Our Spirits" campaign launches to privatize North Carolina’s government-run liquor system

FBI Director Kash Patel under fire for gifting personalized Woodford Reserve bottles

Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser” debuts with intuitive blending at 122.6 proof

New Riff 2026 Single Malt features heirloom British barley and five-cask finishing

Wenzel Distillery Batch 2 Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon launches as a 119.1 proof limited release

Green River Honey Finished Bourbon utilizes 100% local, raw honey inside the barrel

Chattanooga Whiskey marks 10th Bottled in Bond vintage with new five-grain mash bill

Maker’s Mark honors America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic red, white, and blue bottle

Town Branch releases 6-Year Wheated Bourbon as its first dedicated wheat expression

Penelope Bourbon debuts "Architects of Golf" trilogy featuring variable stave finishing intensity

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Ever wonder what’s really going on behind the counter of your local liquor store? On this episode we go back to the retail side of the business. We sit down with Bill Derham, the man behind Frankfort Avenue Liquors here in Louisville Kentucky to talk about his journey from the early days at Liquor World to building a standout store-and-bar destination. The retail world has its own hurdles like navigating inflation, shifting consumer trends, and how shops are handling the pressure of today’s market. Bill shares his take on the explosive rise of vintage spirits, the return of cocktail culture, and why building a community becomes key with rising competition. So whether you’re curious about how local retailers are keeping their shelves stocked or you just want to know the truth about the current state of the industry, Bill lays it all out for you here.
Show Notes:
Bill's transition from Liquor World to Frankfurt Avenue Liquors

The crucial role of community in bourbon retail

Insights into shifting consumer trends in the bourbon market

The effects of inflation on pricing in liquor sales

Addressing the competitive bourbon landscape and allocation challenges

The growing interest in vintage spirits and craft cocktails

The necessity of local relationships for liquor retailers

Future plans and community engagement at Frankfurt Avenue Liquors

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The 2026 Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release leans hard into dessert vibes. Think toffee, nougat, and chocolate candy bar richness from toasted oak staves. Smooth, sweet, and seriously interesting… but does it stick the landing?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.
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It's This Week in Bourbon for May 8th 2026. Tariffs between Scotland and the US have been removed, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has unveiled the Certified Craft Seal, and Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey.
Show Notes:
President Trump pledges removal of 10% Scotch whisky tariffs to restore trade relations

John McKillop releases novel Bourbon Brothers featuring rare real-world bottles

Give 270 hosts Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 raffle benefiting Feeding America

American Craft Spirits Association launches TTB-approved Certified Craft Seal

Old Fourth Distillery rebrands spirits portfolio starting with Cane-Based Vodka

Chicken Cock and Laird’s collaborate on Old Glory Rye and Apple Brandy blend

Jack Daniel’s debuts ultra-premium Halo MK1 McLaren F1 Team collaboration

Stitzel-Weller releases $3,000 Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon at 163.2 proof

15 STARS debuts Kentucke County™ line to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

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On this week’s Bourbon Community Roundtable, the team is throwing down over the biggest rumor to hit the industry in decades: Is Sazerac really trying to buy Brown-Forman for $15 Billion, or is this the ultimate PR stunt? We’re breaking down the health of these two giants and asking the tough questions: Does Brown-Forman actually need Sazerac, or is this just a shark smelling blood in the water? We dig into the strategic timing of the offer and the massive cultural divide between the two companies. From Sazerac’s "boots on the ground" influencer tactics to the legacy-driven machine of Brown-Forman, we analyze the financial mechanics that make this potential deal both fascinating and terrifying. One thing is for sure: the landscape of your local liquor store shelf might never be the same.
Show Notes:
Sazerac's potential acquisition of Brown-Forman: excitement and implications

Financial dynamics and what they mean for both companies

Brand loyalty's role and its impact on bourbon consumers

Predictions on the merger's likelihood and challenges

Comparing marketing strategies between Sazerac and Brown-Forman

Regulatory considerations in the acquisition talks

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