BOURBON NEWS: New Bourbon Releases in May 2026
- Pegasus
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
As May 2026 arrives, bourbon enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate—this month’s lineup of new releases is nothing short of thrilling. From innovative barrel finishes to limited-edition gems, the latest bottles showcase the creativity and craftsmanship shaping the whiskey world. Whether you’re hunting for unique collaborations or rare aged expressions, these anticipated releases promise to spark excitement and elevate your collection to new heights.
The Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish Bourbon
Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish: Available in May 2026, marking a unique collaboration between Brooklyn and Jalisco. Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish Bourbon, released in May 2026, is a limited-edition whiskey bottled at 91 proof (45.5% ABV). This small-batch spirit features Widow Jane’s signature 10-year bourbon, which spends an additional 8 months aging in barrels from the acclaimed Tequila Ocho—a first-time collaboration for the tequila brand. Retailing for about $74.99–$79.95, the bourbon delivers flavors of rich oak, dark fruits, bright citrus, and herbal agave.
Key Details for the 2026 Release:
Production: Non-chill filtered and proofed with limestone-rich water sourced from the Rosendale Mines.
Cask Origin: Tequila Ocho has never before supplied its barrels to another distiller for a bourbon finish.
Collaboration: While Widow Jane barrels have previously been used for aging tequila, this release flips the process, bringing the influence of agave to their 10-year bourbon.
Flavor Profile: The result is a blend of classic bourbon depth with lively spice, vibrant citrus, and smooth agave accents.
Availability: Released in May 2026 as a limited, small-batch offering.
Learn more here.
The Penelope Rio (2026 Release)
The 2026 release of Penelope Rio is a limited-edition straight bourbon whiskey introduced as part of the Cooper Series in March/April 2026. This expression undergoes a double-cask finishing process in American honey and Brazilian Amburana oak barrels, resulting in a refined, dessert-inspired profile.
Continuing the established use of Amburana wood, the 2026 batch delivers an intricate flavor experience, showcasing pronounced notes of cinnamon, caramel, and baking spices. This combination offers a sweet, complex finish that appeals to enthusiasts seeking distinctive and layered whiskeys.
Key Details for 2026 Release (Batch 26-901):
Proof: 98 Proof (49% ABV)
Mashbill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
SRP: ~$80 / 750mL
Tasting Notes: Noted for intense notes of gingerbread, honey-roasted nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a strong, warm, and spicy finish.
Availability: Known to sell out quickly, often found at specialty retailers.
Learn more here.
Pursuit United Double Oak Rye (2026 Whiskey Row Series)
The Pursuit United Double Oak Rye: Whiskey Row Series 2026 is a highly limited private selection released on April 22, 2026, to coincide with Louisville's racing season. In a departure from the series' usual focus on bourbon, the 2026 committee unanimously chose a rye whiskey to showcase the city's diverse whiskey scene.
This single barrel selection features a custom "tobacco" toasted stave profile developed by the Independent Stave Company. This marks only the second time Pursuit Spirits has used this profile and the first time it has been available to the public.
Key Release Details
Availability: Only 160 bottles were produced for this release.
Price: $69.99 per 750mL bottle.
Proof: Bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV).
Tasting Notes: Nose: Aromas of fresh-baked cherry pie, cranberry, cardamom, and nutmeg. Palate: Layers of black walnut, maple, buttered brown sugar, and a rich berry medley jam, balanced by tart fresh cherries. Finish: Sophisticated notes of sweet cherry pipe tobacco followed by the lingering warmth of charred, toasted oak.
Learn more here.
Four Roses 2026 Single Barrel Collection
Four Roses just announced three new bottles we’ve been expecting for quite some time. Starting in May 2026, the distillery will release three recipes in its Single Barrel Collection line. The recipes—coded OESQ, OESF, and OBSK—mark the second such annual “rotation” of recipes to hit shelves. Each year, Four Roses will highlight three of its 10 recipes for nationwide distribution, in addition to its always-on single barrel bottling of the OBSV recipe. That means individual recipes will hit shelves once every three years.
To give you a brief overview, every Four Roses recipe uses a four-letter code for identification.
They all start with “O” to signify the company’s former name as the Old Prentice Distillery.
The next letter indicates mash bill and is either “E” (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley) or “B” (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley). The distillery recently began running some other grain recipes, though it will be years before we see those hit shelves in any capacity.
The third letter is always “S,” which indicates straight bourbon.
The fourth letter is one of the five yeast strains currently in use at the distillery: V, K, O, Q, or F. (As Four Roses proves, yeast can have a massive impact on flavor!)
Below is a breakdown of the 2026 rotation for the Four Roses Single Barrel Collection, with tasting notes from the distillery’s marketing collateral.
OESQ (20% rye mash bill, “Floral Essence” yeast strain)
Nose: Red Berries, Honey, Caramel, Light Oak. Palate: Floral Aromas & Vanilla
OESF (20% rye mash bill, :Herbal Note" yeast strain)
Nose: Candied Fruit, Clove, Oak, & Creamy Vanilla. Palate: Light Mint & Soft Grains
OBSK (35% rye mash bill, "Slight Spice" yeast strain)
Nose: Allspice, Cocoa, Vanilla, and Cinnamon. Palate: Rye Spice & Caramel
Learn more here.
Conclusion
As May 2026 unfolds, these releases capture everything that makes today’s whiskey landscape so compelling—experimentation balanced with tradition, bold flavors paired with thoughtful craftsmanship, and limited bottlings that reward curiosity and patience. From unexpected cask finishes to carefully differentiated recipes, this month’s bourbons and ryes invite drinkers to slow down, explore, and savor the details in every pour. Whether you’re tracking down a single bottle to enjoy now or setting your sights on a standout addition to the shelf, May’s lineup is a reminder that innovation in American whiskey isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting more interesting.
Keep in Mind: Release dates are often estimates, so check with your favorite local liquor stores for actual availability!
DID YOU KNOW?
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Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Pegasus.
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