BOURBON NEWS: New Bourbon Releases in February 2026
- Pegasus
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
February 2026 bourbon releases are expected to feature anticipated annual batches like
Booker's 2026-02 "Milkshake Batch,"and new Penelope Havana finishes, with other major distillery releases like Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) & Elijah Craig Batch A126 expected around January/February, though exact February 2026 specifics depend on brand schedules. Expect limited availability for allocated bottles, with many releases announced closer to the time, so monitoring enthusiast sites is key.
Booker's Bourbon: "Milkshake Batch"
The "Milkshake Batch" likely refers to the Booker's 2026-02 "Milkshake Batch", a cask-strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon known for rich, sweet notes of peanut butter, vanilla, caramel, and milk chocolate, balanced by classic Booker's spice and oak, though specific 2026 details are still emerging as of early 2026, with reviews highlighting creamy, sweet profiles often associated with malted milk or milkshakes, typical of Booker's high-proof, small-batch tradition.
Key Characteristics:
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch, Cask Strength.
Flavor Profile: Expect deep notes of peanut butter, vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, and milk chocolate, with warm baking spices (cinnamon, clove) and hints of oak and pepper.
Mouthfeel: Often described as thick, creamy, and full-bodied, with a "Kentucky hug" of heat from the high proof.
Proof: Varies by batch, but generally high (e.g., 125.7 proof for another recent batch).
Naming: Booker's batches are named after people or places significant to the Beam distillery history, like "By the Pond" or "Jerry's Batch".
What to Expect (Based on Similar Batches):
Sweetness: A prominent sweet, almost sugary character, sometimes with fruit or maple notes.
Peanuts: A signature peanut-forward profile, but balanced with other flavors.
Spice & Oak: A warming finish with baking spices and dry barrel char.
If you enjoy classic, bold, and sweet bourbons with a creamy texture, the Milkshake Batch is a strong contender.
Penelope Havana Bourbon Batch 2 (2026 Release)
Penelope Havana Bourbon Batch 2 is a limited-edition, double-cask-finished bourbon from Penelope's Cooper Series, known for its unique sweetness from finishing in Caribbean rum barrels and then maple syrup casks, offering notes of molasses, caramel, tropical fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak, presented at 93 proof (46.5% ABV). It's praised for its dessert-like profile, with a rich nose of caramelized sugar and spice, a palate of brown sugar and candied fruit, and a long, oaky finish, making for an indulgent, collectible pour.
Key Characteristics:
Cask Finish: First in rum barrels (12 months), then maple syrup casks (1 month).
Mash Bill: Shares Penelope's standard four-grain bourbon base (74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, 3% malted barley).
Proof: 93 proof (46.5% ABV).
Flavor Profile: Sweet, dessert-like with molasses, brown sugar, candied fruit, vanilla, maple, toasted oak, and hints of tropical spice and pecans.
Tasting Experience:
Nose: Caramelized sugar, tropical spice, molasses, banana bread, maple.
Palate: Rich brown sugar, candied fruit, caramel corn, pecans, charred oak.
Finish: Long, lingering vanilla, toasted oak, brown sugar, spice.
Release & Appeal:
Part of Penelope's innovative cask-finished collection, often released in bundles.
Considered a standout dessert bourbon, highly sought after and collectible
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Batch A126)
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP) Batch A126 is a highly anticipated January 2026 release from Heaven Hill Distillery, generally a Kentucky Straight Bourbon but some sources suggest a special Rye release for this batch code, featuring high proof (around 120.4 proof for the potential Rye), an ~11-year age statement (for the Rye), standard ~78/10/12 bourbon mashbill, non-chill filtered, offering rich dessert notes like vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice, expected to be excellent but pricey, continuing the beloved ECBP tradition.
Key Details:
Batch Code: A126 (First release, January 2026).
Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bardstown, KY).
Type: Most likely a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, though a Rye version was also noted.
Proof: Around 120.4 proof (for the Rye version), uncut and barrel strength.
Age: Around 11 years, 11 months (for the Rye version).
Mashbill (Bourbon): ~78% Corn, ~10% Rye, ~12% Malted Barley.
Mashbill (Rye): 51% Rye, 35% Corn, 14% Malted Barley.
Filtration: Non-chill filtered.
Flavor Profile:
Aroma: Caramel, toasted oak, apple, orange.
Taste: Vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, black pepper, cinnamon.
Finish: Layered, slow fade with lingering spice.
Overall Impression:Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is known as a high-quality, delicious bourbon, with enthusiasts praising each release for delivering excellent flavor despite higher market prices, often seen as a great value for a premium barrel-strength offering
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Batch A126)
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP) Batch A126 is a highly anticipated January 2026 release from Heaven Hill Distillery, generally a Kentucky Straight Bourbon but some sources suggest a special Rye release for this batch code, featuring high proof (around 120.4 proof for the potential Rye), an ~11-year age statement (for the Rye), standard ~78/10/12 bourbon mashbill, non-chill filtered, offering rich dessert notes like vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice, expected to be excellent but pricey, continuing the beloved ECBP tradition.
Key Details:
Batch Code: A126 (First release, January 2026).
Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bardstown, KY).
Type: Most likely a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, though a Rye version was also noted.
Proof: Around 120.4 proof (for the Rye version), uncut and barrel strength.
Age: Around 11 years, 11 months (for the Rye version).
Mashbill (Bourbon): ~78% Corn, ~10% Rye, ~12% Malted Barley.
Mashbill (Rye): 51% Rye, 35% Corn, 14% Malted Barley.
Filtration: Non-chill filtered.
Flavor Profile:
Aroma: Caramel, toasted oak, apple, orange.
Taste: Vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, black pepper, cinnamon.
Finish: Layered, slow fade with lingering spice.
Overall Impression:Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is known as a high-quality, delicious bourbon, with enthusiasts praising each release for delivering excellent flavor despite higher market prices, often seen as a great value for a premium barrel-strength offering.
Conclusion
How to Stay Updated:
Specialty Retailers: Websites like Blackwell's Wines & Spirits often list upcoming 2026 releases as they're announced.
Bourbon News Sites: Bourbon Bossman® and Breaking Bourbon provide calendars and updates.
Social Media: Follow enthusiasts and brands on platforms like Instagram for real-time announcements.
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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