BOURBON NEWS: The Bourbon & Whiskey Releases Everyone Will Be Talking About This August
- Pegasus Tours
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
By Pegasus Tours
As August 2026 arrives, bourbon enthusiasts have plenty to raise a glass to. From highly anticipated limited editions and annual releases to innovative experimental batches, distilleries across Kentucky and beyond are preparing to showcase some of their most exciting offerings of the year. Whether you're hunting for a coveted allocated bottle, exploring emerging craft producers, or simply looking to discover what's new on the shelf, this month's releases promise a mix of tradition, craftsmanship, and fresh innovation that reflects the ever-evolving world of American whiskey.
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash
Launches nationwide in August 2026 at an MSRP of $49.99. It is a first-of-its-kind 9-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon combining two-thirds traditional mashbill and one-third wheated mashbill, priced at a $49.99 SRP. It releases in limited quantities nationwide starting August 2026.
Release and Specifications
Age Statement: 9 years old
Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
Suggested Retail Price: $49.99
Release Date: August 2026 (Limited nationwide availability
Mashbill Composition
Traditional Bourbon (2/3): 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
Wheated Bourbon (1/3): 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley
Tasting Profile
Nose: Toasted oak, honey, and subtle white pepper
Palate: Bright and rich flavor profile featuring honey and citrus oil
Finish: Warm, lingering notes of rich caramel and baking spices
Learn more here.
Garrison Brothers Laguna Madre (2026)
The Garrison Brothers Distillery will release the 2026 Laguna Madre Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the distillery for $350+ (limited 135.4 proof single barrel drop), with 2,000 bottles hitting online platforms and key accounts on August 14, 2026. Finished in Limousin oak barrels, this 8-year-old bourbon features 4 years in American white oak and 4 years in French Limousin oak. A Cask Strength Single Barrel edition at 135.4 proof will also debut at the distillery for $409.99.
Release and Purchase Details
Release Date: August 8, 2026, at the distillery in Hye, Texas; online and retail availability follows on August 14 and September 2026.
Bottles Available: 3,000 total bottles for the standard 101-proof expression.
Pricing: $349.99 for the 101-proof 750mL bottle; $409.99 for the distillery-exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel (135.4 proof).
Flavor Profile and Aging
Aging Process: 4 years in white American oak followed by 4 rare years in French Limousin oak casks.
Tasting Notes: Vanilla bean, hazelnut, saltwater taffy, and milk chocolate.
Learn more here.
Maker's Mark Private Selection Playmaker Series
The Maker's Mark Private Selection Playmaker Series hits shelves the week of August 3, 2026, priced at $59.99 plus tax. This release features custom cask-strength barrel finishes developed through unique wood-stave profiles.
Release Details
Release Date: Week of August 3, 2026
Price: $59.99 plus tax
Base: Fully matured Maker's Mark Cask Strength
How It Is Made
Custom Staves: 10 finishing staves added to each barrel
Cellar Aging: Aged further in a limestone cellar for unique flavor extraction
Stave Options: Baked American Pure 2, Seared French Cuvee, Maker's 46, Roasted French Mocha, and Toasted French Spice
Learn more here.
Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey
Sazerac’s late-summer allocated blend is expected to surface across tight national allocations during August 2026. Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey is an ultra-limited annual blend of American and Canadian whiskies created by Sazerac. Key details include a 131.08 proof (65.54% ABV) for Batch 4, an MSRP of $299.99, and master blending by Drew Mayville.
Overview and Heritage
Concept: Salutes Sam "Mister Sam" Bronfman, the legendary leader of Seagram's.
Blender: Crafted by Drew Mayville, former final master blender for Seagram's.
Style: Unique cross-border blend combining select American and Canadian whiskey stocks.
Tasting Profile (Batch 4)
Nose: Dark fruits, brown sugar, gingerbread, tobacco, and maple.
Palate: Rich toffee, sweet corn, buttercream, and heavy rye spice.
Finish: Long, warm, and sweet with lingering vanilla oak.
Learn more here.
Final Sip
As the August bourbon wave rolls in, remember that the hunt is half the fun. Whether you manage to snag a highly allocated bottle, discover a hidden gem from a craft distillery, or simply enjoy a favorite pour with friends, there's no wrong way to celebrate another exciting month in whiskey. So keep your shelves ready, your corkscrews handy, and your bourbon group chats active. May your pours be generous, your finds be plentiful, and your lottery entries actually pay off.
Cheers to another month of great whiskey and even better stories!
Pegasus Tours
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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