BOURBON NEWS: New Bourbon Releases in March 2026
- Pegasus
- Mar 1
- 6 min read
Pegasus Tours introduces several noteworthy releases: Barrell Black Label 18 Year Whiskey finished in Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauternes barrels, the new Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon with unique cask finishes, Barrell Red Label 12 Year Bourbon with toasted American oak, Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey (Batch A226), and Booker's Bourbon 2026-01 "Big Easy Batch." These selections are set to excite collectors and enthusiasts this month. This is not a comprehensive list but showing the ones we are most excited about!
Barrell Black Label 18 Year Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauternes Barrels
Cask Strength Blended Whiskey | 62.62% ABV (125.24 Proof) | 750 mL | Kentucky & Canada
Process & Profile
Barrell Whiskey 18 Year Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauternes Barrels is a cask strength blended whiskey released as part of Barrell Craft Spirits’ Black Label Series, a program focused on extremely limited, high-age blends and experimental finishing. This expression combines 18-year-old Kentucky whiskey finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels with Canadian whiskies aged 23 to 25 years finished in Sauternes barrels. Each component is matured independently before being blended to create balance between structure, sweetness, and depth.
The Cabernet Sauvignon barrels contribute firm tannin, dark fruit, and savory warmth, while the Sauternes barrels introduce richness, honeyed sweetness, and rounded texture. Bottled at full cask strength, this whiskey preserves its natural intensity, weight, and layered complexity.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Dark berries, honeyed stone fruit, oak spice, and soft sweetness
Palate: Blackberry, caramelized sugar, toasted oak, baking spice, and wine-driven richness
Finish: Long and measured with lingering tannin, sweetness, and warming spice
What Makes It Special
Blend of 18-year Kentucky whiskey and 23–25-year Canadian whiskies
Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauternes barrels
Bottled at 125.24 proof (cask strength)
Part of Barrell’s Black Label Series
Extremely limited, high-age blended whiskey release
Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon
Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, Hungarian oak casks
Process and Profile
Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend from Barrell Craft Spirits is a cask-strength bourbon (111.2 Proof, 55.6% ABV) made by blending whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years and finishing them in Madeira, Armagnac, rum, and Hungarian oak casks. The finish adds fruit warmth and pepper-roasted coffee notes, making it ideal for slow sipping, whether paired with a cigar or enjoyed on its own.
Tasting Notes
Nose: expressive and deep, enticing with aromas of dark fruit, old leather, and sweet oak warmth.
Palate: Plush and energetic. The Hungarian oak shines through with distinct flavors of pepper-roasted coffee and rich toffee, balanced by the vinous sweetness of Madeira and Armagnac.
Finish: Long, warming, and complex. Designed to linger, it leaves a lasting impression of spice and dried fruit.
Why Choose This Bottle?
Complex Finishing: The use of four distinct finishing casks (including rare Hungarian oak) creates a depth of flavor that standard bourbons cannot match.
High-Age Blend: Contains liquid up to 18 years old, providing a mature oak backbone to support the exotic finishes.
Versatile Sipper: explicitly crafted to be equally compelling with or without a cigar, making it a perfect addition to any whiskey shelf.
Learn more here.
Barrell Red Label 12 Year Bourbon Finished in Toasted American Oak Barrels
Process and Profile
Barrell Bourbon 12 Year Finished In French Oak Casks showcases expert blending by Barrell Craft Spirits. This cask-strength bourbon blends 12-year-old whiskeys from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wyoming, then matures in French oak for added spice and sophistication. Expect notes of baking spices, toasted nuts, and a smooth finish.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A complex bouquet of pear brandy, pineapple, and hazelnut praline, with hints of cinnamon donut and hot cocoa.
Palate: Rich waves of allspice, clove, and nutmeg, complemented by sage smoke, lavender, and creamy vanilla.
Finish: Long and evolving, with notes of coffee cake, maraschino cherry, and a peppery, earthy finish.
Why Choose This Bottle?
12-Year Age Statement & Maturity: The blend consists of 12 to 15-year-old bourbons sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, offering a mature, oak-forward profile that is refined rather than overly tannic.
Slow-Toasted American Oak Finish: This specific, secondary finishing process adds deep, rich, and sweet notes—specifically roasted almond, caramel latte, cocoa, and crème brûlée. It enhances the texture, making it creamy and indulgent.
Cask Strength, Non-Chill Filtered: Bottled at high proof (approx. 113.4 for the Toasted American Oak), it ensures a robust, intense, and unfiltered flavor experience.
Limited Edition & Expertise: As a "Red Label" series, it represents a high-end, limited-release from Barrell Craft Spirits, demonstrating their mastery in selecting and marrying diverse, well-aged barrels.
Learn more here.
Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey (Batch A226)
Process and Profile
Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey (Batch A226) is a premium, non-chill filtered whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery, aged 7-9 years. Made with 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley, it boasts a high proof (about 118-125+) and flavors of honey, caramel, and baking spices.
Key Details:
Release: Part of the biannual Bernheim Barrel Proof release schedule.
Profile: Known for a thick, rich mouthfeel, featuring flavors of toasted oak, dark chocolate, and sometimes a spicy, hot, or, in earlier batches, astringent finish.
Usage: Often benefits from the addition of water to soften the high alcohol content and open up deeper flavors.
Awards: The product line has won accolades like Double Gold at the 2023 TAG Global Spirits Awards and Gold at the 2023 SIP Awards.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Aromas of warm honey, caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. There are also notes of fresh-baked bread, specifically pretzel roll or sweet dough.
Palate: A thick, creamy, and sweet experience featuring notes of caramel, brown sugar, toffee, and honey. This is complemented by baking spices like cinnamon and clove, with a distinct, warm, and savory wheat bread flavor.
Finish: Long, warming, and complex with lingering notes of toffee, caramel, and a gentle, dry oakiness.
Profile: Non-chill filtered and bottled at full proof, this whiskey delivers a "sweet and savory" balance that is often described as both rich and smooth.
Why Choose This Bottle?
Premium Quality & Proof: At barrel proof, this release provides a much bolder, more intense, and deeper experience than the standard 90-proof Bernheim version.
Unique Mashbill & Age: It is one of the few prominent wheat whiskeys (51% wheat, 37% corn, 12% malted barley) aged for 7-9 years in open-air rickhouses, offering a soft yet robust, and nutty flavor profile.
Flavor Profile: Expect a sweet, thick, and oily palate with notes of butterscotch, caramel, cinnamon, and toasted oak.
Value Proposition: Generally priced around $65 MSRP, it offers excellent value for a high-proof, aged, non-chill filtered product from a major distillery.
Collectibility: Released twice a year (A and B batches), each batch varies in proof and profile, making it a sought-after, limited-production, and "best-in-class" wheat whiskey.
Learn more here.
Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Process and Profile
This bundle includes the Bottled in Bond whiskey, distilled in Fall 2019 to showcase Texas bonded whiskey, made from Panhandle white corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley. Matured for six summers in 30-gallon oak barrels, it delivers depth and complexity at 100 Proof.
Also featured is the Red, White, and Blue Small Batch, with a tri-color wax seal. This 94-proof bourbon offers rich flavors with notes of caramelized sugar, baking spice, and white chocolate.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Oaky and smoky with prominent notes of campfire kindling, leather, tobacco, and hints of vanilla.
Palate: Thick and full-bodied. It features toasted oak, caramelized wood sugars, sassafras, and a distinct flavor profile reminiscent of maple syrup or homemade root beer.
Finish: Long, warming, and structured, leaving flavors of caramelized dark chocolate, roasted almonds, plums, and toffee.
Why Choose These Bottles?
Intense Texas Aging: Aged for six years in the intense Texas heat, this bourbon develops a deep, rich color and robust flavor, often described as having notes of toffee, caramel, and tobacco.
Rigorous Quality Standards: As a Bottled in Bond product, it is guaranteed to be 100 proof (50% ABV), produced by one distiller, at one distillery, during a single distilling season.
Premium Craftsmanship: Made with Texas-grown corn and handcrafted in Hye, Texas, it represents a commitment to high-quality, local, and authentic production.
Award-Winning Quality: Garrison Brothers has received top honors for its,, bourbons, indicating a high level of, expertise and quality in their craft.
Rich Flavor Profile: The palate features toasted oak and heavy wood sugars, often described as a, mix of maple syrup and homemade root beer, with a, lingering, finish of caramelized chocolate and fruit.
Learn more here.
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?
Pegasus Tours offers both private and group bourbon tours! And they have special rates with The Galt House Hotel.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Pegasus.
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