BOURBON NEWS: The Must Have July 2026 Releases Every Whiskey Lover Is Chasing
- Pegasus Tours
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
By Pegasus Tours
Get ready for an unforgettable July 2026, as bourbon and whiskey fans are in for a treat with some of the most exciting new releases hitting shelves across the country and select regional hotspots! Blade and Bow is shaking things up with its brand-new solera expression, while Heaven Hill rolls out their wheat series, making this month a true celebration for collectors and enthusiasts. The star of the show? Blade and Bow’s 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve—a limited annual release bottled at a bold 104 proof and aged with the legendary Stitzel-Weller Solera System. This exclusive rollout will light up Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas, guaranteeing a thrilling chase for anyone looking to snag one of these coveted bottles.
Top July 2026 Releases
Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve
A brand-new annual expression from Stitzel-Weller. Bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV) with an MSRP of $64.99, this solera-aged bourbon rolls out in July across Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Proof: 104 (52% ABV)
Mashbill: Undisclosed (Stitzel-Weller Solera System)
Nose: Bright green apple, toasted pecans, and a prominent layer of sweet vanilla bean.
Palate: Dried apricots and rich honeycomb balanced by a sharp hint of cracked black pepper.
Finish: Medium-long with lingering notes of seasoned oak, warm baking spices, and dark brown sugar.
Learn more here.
Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Series
The distillery is dropping its "Year of Wheat" lineup. This highly sought-after collection features three distinct variations: a 3rd Edition Wheated Bourbon, an Extra-Aged 9-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon, and a specialty release aged in French Oak.
Proof: Varies by expression (typically 100 to 107 proof)
Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Wheat, 13% Malted Barley (Estate-grown grain)
Nose: Freshly baked wheat bread, red berries, and a soft undertone of creamy caramel.
Palate: Incredibly soft mouthfeel featuring layers of honey, vanilla custard, and a touch of citrus zest.
Finish: Smooth and delicate with sweet oak, cinnamon, and a clean, buttery aftertaste.
Learn more here.
Rare Character - Pride of Anderson County
The 2026 release of this coveted single barrel transitions from Wild Turkey distillate to an ongoing series, launching with a 9.5-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon at 121.58 proof.
Proof: 121.58 (60.79% ABV)
Mashbill: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
Nose: Deep, heavy aromas of charred oak, dark molasses, and rich leather.
Palate: A massive wave of bold spice, heavy rye herbaceousness, dark chocolate, and stewed plums.
Finish: Long, intense, and warm, packed with barrel proof heat, clove, and a sweet tobacco finish.
Learn more here.
Regional / Seasonal Drop Watchlist
Keep an eye on regional distributions and lotteries for these seasonal or staggered drops:
Old Forester 1924 10 Year Old Bourbon (2026 Release)
Expected to hit shelves this summer, offering a unique mashbill and 100 proof. Unlike the traditional 18% high-rye mashbill used across most of the Old Forester lineup, the 1924 expression utilizes a 79% Corn, 11% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley recipe (originally sourced from the Early Times mashbill). This reduction in rye softens the upfront spice, resulting in a deeper, more dessert-forward, and oak-driven profile.
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
MSRP: $115.00 – $119.99
Nose: Rich dessert notes dominate. Initial aromas of chocolate-covered cherries and vanilla custard are supported by sweet oak, warm cinnamon, cookie butter, and deep molasses.
Palate: A thick, oily mouthfeel. Upfront flavors deliver dense layers of fudge brownies, chocolate-covered graham crackers, and baking spices. The mid-palate transitions into rich caramel, dark stone fruits, and sweet tobacco.
Learn more here.
Woodford Double Double Oaked (2026)
Continues rolling out through mid-summer, a fan-favorite finished longer in heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels.
Proof: 90.4 proof
MSRP: $199.00
Nose: Sweet Notes: Heavy maple syrup, dark butterscotch, brittle caramel, and burnt marshmallow. Rich Layers: Bittersweet chocolate balanced by sweet hickory smoke
Palate: Dark Fruit: Rich dried cherry, cranberry fruit, and thick blackberry jam with subtle hints of ripe apple. Baking Spices: Deeply complex chai tea and prominent, warming clove notes that temper the heavy wood sweetness.
Learn more here.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye (Batch A126)
A 120.4 proof powerhouse aged nearly 12 years that started its regional rollout heading into late summer. It is the highly acclaimed January 2026 uncut and unfiltered whiskey release from Elijah Craig. This bottle has received widespread praise from for its incredible value, rich viscosity, and exceptionally well-integrated proof.
Proof: 120.4 Proof (60.2% ABV)
MSRP: $74.99
Nose: Sweet Foundations: Molasses, candy corn, brown sugar, and rich honey. Herbal & Fruit: Fresh mint, strawberry, cinnamon, and a distinct hint of nutmeg.
Palate: Mouthfeel: Highly viscous, thick, and oily. Flavors: Rich dark cherry, vanilla bean, flamed orange, and Ghirardelli chocolate mint. Spices: Bold white pepper and cinnamon candies balanced by deep, dignified oak tannins.
Learn more here.
Final Sip
So whether you’re chasing the bold heat of a barrel-proof powerhouse or savoring the smooth sweetness of a wheated classic, July 2026 is shaping up to be a dream month for bourbon lovers. From limited drops to regional treasures, every bottle tells its own story—and half the fun is the hunt. So grab your glass, call your friends, and keep your eyes on those shelves… because you never know when your next favorite pour might be waiting right around the corner.
Cheers to great finds and even better sips!
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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