BOURBON NEWS: New Bourbon Releases in April 2026
- Pegasus
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
April 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting month for bourbon enthusiasts across the country. With the unveiling of highly anticipated releases like Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.'s first-ever 10-year-old Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Bourbon and the limited-edition 2026 Garrison Brothers Lady Bird bourbon, collectors and casual sippers alike have plenty to look forward to. From exclusive releases at historic distilleries to nationwide launches, these new bottles are set to make waves in the whiskey world and offer unique tasting experiences for fans eager to expand their collections.
10-year-old Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Bourbon
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. is pleased to announce the release of its first 10-year-old whiskey. The 10-year-old Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Bourbon is set to be released at the Peerless Distillery, 120 N 10th Street, Louisville, Kentucky, on April 22, 2026. There will be a 1-bottle purchase limit per person. Kraver’s Reserve Bourbon will be released once a year on Henry Kraver’s birthday, making the next (Batch 2) release scheduled for April 22, 2027.
Celebrating not only the release of their first official age-statement bottle, but paying homage to the founder of Kentucky Peerless, Henry Kraver, Peerless set out to honor their heritage. This release marks 10 years of whiskey aging since the family revived the Peerless brand. Henry Kraver started crafting Peerless whiskey in 1889. The 4th- and 5th-generation descendants of Kraver operate under the same DSP-KY-50 as Kraver did in the 1800s.
Since the revival, Peerless has earned accolades worldwide, including ‘World’s Best Bourbon’ in 2024 in the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Vowing to set new quality standards in the industry, they craft from grain to bottle in-house using sweet mash. The 10-year-old bourbon and package have been years in the making. It features a distinct label that stands out from its Peerless counterparts. Like all Peerless whiskey, it is barrel proof, with Batch 1 boasting a proof of 117.6 (58.5% ABV).
Tasting Notes
Nose: The nose opens warm and deeply layered with sweet, smoldering pipe tobacco and the nutty richness of candied peanuts with a light touch of almond extract. Classic notes of old-fashioned French vanilla ice cream and roasted vanilla bean bring a creamy sweetness, while soft hints of port wine and ripe grapes add a dark, fruity depth. As the whiskey opens up, comforting bakery aromas begin to rise: bread pudding and buttered French toast, woven together with a subtle sweetness of applewood that gives the nose a warm, nostalgic character.
Palate: The palate is rich, expressive, and slightly wild in the best way. It opens with the caramelized intensity of burnt brownie edges layered with mocha coffee and deep toffee. Bright candied orange peel cuts through the richness, followed by a jammy blend of pear, apple, and cranberry that adds balance and lift. A gentle touch of sweet clove spice appears alongside graham crackers spread with natural peanut butter, carried by a soft, sticky marshmallow-like texture that coats the mouth.
Finish: The finish leans rustic and mature, unfolding notes of tobacco barn, sweet pipe tobacco, and charred applewood, leaving a lingering vintage funk that speaks to well-aged Kentucky bourbon.
The 2026 Garrison Brothers Lady Bird Bourbon
The 2026 Garrison Brothers Lady Bird bourbon release is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, with the first 2,000 bottles available at the distillery in Hye, Texas, starting at 8 a.m.. A limited number of bottles will also be available on the distillery's online store on Monday, April 13, 2026, followed by a wider release in select restaurants, bars, and retailers in May 2026, notes Garrison Brothers Distillery.
The 2026 release consists of 7,000 bottles of the Cognac-finished bourbon, with an additional, smaller allocation of a "Cask Strength Single Barrel" version.
The creation of Lady Bird Bourbon is a testament to the dedication and passion of Nancy Garrison, co-founder of Garrison Brothers Distillery, and Master Distiller Donnis Todd.
Inspired by the legacy of its namesake, Lady Bird Johnson, this exceptional bourbon honors her commitment to the environment and native wildflowers. To craft this masterpiece, Donnis begins with our Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged 4-5 years in new white American oak barrels, then infuses it with Burleson’s Wildflower Honey for 8-9 months, creating the exquisite Cask Strength HoneyDew. The honey-infused bourbon is further aged in exceptional French Cognac XO casks for an additional 3 years, resulting in a harmonious blend of unparalleled flavor and elegance.
In tribute to Lady Bird Johnson’s enduring impact, $5 from every bottle sold is donated to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, dedicated to preserving the native plants of North America and fostering an appreciation for nature’s awe-inspiring beauty. Enjoy the fruits of Nancy and Donnis’ hard work by sipping and savoring the exquisite taste of Lady Bird Bourbon.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Inviting aroma of freshly cut grass and sweet honey accompanied by subtle notes of black cocoa waffle cone and honey wafers.
Palate: warm buckwheat pancakes, dark chocolate-covered cherries, and malted milk balls. The complex profile also includes the indulgent essence of cognac cherries, dried figs, and plums.
Finish: long and satisfying; lingering on the tongue, leaving a lasting impression of the succulence derived from the harmonious marriage of honey and cognac flavors.
Color: Lavish golden chestnut.
Legacy Series: Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon
In April 2026, Michter’s Distillery will release the 2026 editions of their Legacy Series: Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey ($110) and Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon ($120). These limited releases honor the distillery's roots, with Shenk’s featuring rye-forward caramel bread pudding notes and Bomberger’s utilizing Chinquapin and Hungarian oak.
Key Details of 2026 Legacy Series Releases
Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2026): Features rye-forward notes combined with caramel malted barley, aged in 24-month air-dried French oak and 60-month air-dried American oak.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Often described as having toasted oak, vanilla frosting, caramel, orange zest, and baked goods like raisin bread or mincemeat pie.
Palate: Creamy and oily, with flavors of caramel, honey, dark cherry, dark chocolate, baking spices (cinnamon, clove), and noticeable toasted wood or earthy undertones.
Finish: Long, warm, and smooth, featuring lingering sweetness, cocoa powder, caramelized sugar, and soft baking spices.
Bomberger's Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2026): Showcases notes of rich chocolate and cherry, utilizing naturally seasoned Chinquapin and Hungarian oak, aged for three years, and bottled with a custom toast and char.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich, with aromas of dark fruit, berry compote, buttered caramel, roasted pecans, and maple syrup, often with a hint of cinnamon.
Palate: Full-bodied and bold, featuring heavy oak, dark chocolate, and molasses, balanced by notes of vanilla, toasted nuts, and cherry. The Chinquapin oak often brings a distinct savory, earthy spice.
Finish: Long, warm, and dry, lingering with baking spices, charred oak, leather, and hints of cocoa.
Availability: Both releases are expected to be available in limited quantities starting April 2026. These bottles are highly sought after, following Michter’s reputation as a top-tier distiller.
Conclusion
April 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting month for bourbon enthusiasts, with a lineup of remarkable releases that celebrate tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re seeking the rich history behind Kentucky Peerless, the honeyed complexity of Garrison Brothers Lady Bird, or the distinguished legacy of Michter’s, these bottles are sure to make a lasting impression. Mark your calendars, savor the stories behind each pour, and enjoy the unique flavors this month has to offer. Cheers to discovering your new favorite bourbon!
Keep in Mind: Release dates are often estimates, so check with your favorite local liquor stores in late January and February for actual availability!
DID YOU KNOW?
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