Most Anticipated Bourbon Releases of 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, the bourbon landscape is shaping up to deliver some truly exceptional releases. From ultra-aged expressions pushing proof boundaries to innovative cask finishes and resurrections of historic bottlings, these are the bottles generating the most excitement among enthusiasts. Whether you're a collector planning your purchases or simply a bourbon lover eager to see what's coming, here are the most anticipated bourbon releases we're watching for in 2026.

Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm 2026 American Wheat Whiskey

Following the incredible success of the 2025 edition—which Breaking Bourbon described as "one of the most exciting releases from a major Kentucky distillery this year"—Maker's Mark is back with the 2026 Star Hill Farm release. This expression features a fascinating mashbill of 51% soft red winter wheat, 27% malted soft red winter wheat, and 22% malted barley, with grains harvested, distilled, and barreled in fall 2016 and fall 2017. Bottled at 114.7 proof, it showcases whiskey from the company's 1,100-acre farm that's home to the Maker's Mark Distillery. The 2025 edition set incredibly high expectations, and if this year's release maintains that quality, it'll be one of the standout wheat whiskeys of the year.

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 2026, 22-Year Bourbon

This is probably the release we—and many others—are most excited for. The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 2026 features a 22-year-old bourbon bottled at a near-hazmat 68.5% ABV (137 proof), making it the highest proof Heaven Hill bourbon ever released. The mashbill is classic Heaven Hill: 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. Since the Heritage Collection's introduction in 2022, there have been four annual releases, making this the fifth—and the most ambitious in terms of both age and proof. Heaven Hill doesn't mess around with their limited releases, and a 22-year at 137 proof? That's the kind of bottle that starts fights at allocation time.

Elijah Craig 15 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon

A new label was approved for a 15-year-old Elijah Craig single barrel release, and we're confident this will hit shelves sometime in 2026. Scheduled to be bottled at 90 proof on April 1, 2026, this represents an intriguing addition to the Elijah Craig lineup. While we don't have full details yet, a 15-year age statement from Heaven Hill under the Elijah Craig banner is noteworthy—especially at a relatively modest 90 proof that suggests they're prioritizing drinkability over proof flex.

Jack Daniel's 14 Year Old Batch 2

"When we released our first Jack Daniel's 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey a few years ago, we set out to honor the legacy of Jack Daniel himself and replicate the lineup of age-stated whiskeys available during his time," said Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. "This year's releases build upon that as we re-introduce our new 14 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey, the oldest age-statement for Jack Daniel's in the last 100 years or more." The inaugural 14 Year was one of the most anticipated releases of 2025 and did not disappoint. Batch 2, set to release in February 2026, is sure to be one of the year's best releases, showcasing how extra time in Jack Daniel's barrels produces something truly special.

Blood Oath Pact No. 12 Finished in Montepulciano and Sangiovese Casks

Luxco's Blood Oath series continues its tradition of innovative cask finishing with Pact No. 12, featuring a blend finished in Italian wine casks—specifically Montepulciano and Sangiovese. Expected in April 2026 and bottled at 98.6 proof, this offers a unique profile distinct from its predecessors like Pact No. 11, which utilized tequila casks. The shift to Italian wine finishing suggests red fruit and tannic complexity layered over Kentucky bourbon. Your mileage may vary with Blood Oath releases, but when they hit, they really hit.

Penelope Cooper Series: Madagascar, Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon

Penelope continues expanding its Cooper Series with a Madagascar cognac cask finished bourbon. Details are still emerging, but given Penelope's track record with thoughtful cask finishing on quality MGP stock, this should deliver. Cognac cask finishing has become increasingly popular in bourbon, adding fruity complexity and elegant sweetness—though it can also go wrong quickly if overdone. Penelope has earned enough trust at this point that we're optimistic.

Barrell Whiskey Grey Label: 18 Year American Whiskey Finished in Islay Scotch Cask

An underrated upcoming release that hasn't received enough attention yet—the clear highlight here is the balance between age, unique Islay cask finish, and the most impressive feature: being bottled at a staggering 146.8 proof. This 18-year-old American whiskey rested for 6 years in Islay scotch casks, creating what should be a fascinating marriage of aged bourbon character with peaty, maritime influences. At 146.8 proof with 18 years of age and an Islay finish? This is going to be polarizing as hell, and we're here for it.

Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives: Gold Foil Edition, 16-Year Bourbon

This exciting release, suspected to drop sometime in 2026, pays homage to older-style Austin Nichols bottlings and is described as "an ode to the original gold foil release." Bottled at 120 proof, the label captures the spirit perfectly: "There's something about a Wild Turkey from the past. It's different, it's raw, it's loud, it's honest." For fans of Wild Turkey's bolder, more uncompromising profile from decades past, this 16-year expression promises to deliver that classic character that made the brand legendary. If you grew up on the funky, full-throttle Turkey of the '80s and '90s, this might be your nostalgia bottle.

Booker's Little Book Chapter 10

The Little Book Series continues with Chapter 10, featuring bourbon finished in sherry and toasted bourbon casks and bottled at 121.8 proof. Expected to release in June 2026, this represents another chapter in the experimental blending series. The combination of sherry influence (typically adding dried fruit and nutty complexity) with toasted bourbon casks (emphasizing vanilla, caramel, and wood sugars) should create layers of sweetness and spice. Little Book releases are always a gamble—some chapters absolutely sing, others fall flat—but at this point in the series, they've figured out what works.

Old Forester 117 Series: Triple Char

Set to release in July 2026 and bottled at 115 proof, this small-batch expression comes in a 375ml bottle with an intriguing production twist. The label explains: "Charring barrels allows for complex flavor development. The barrels used to craft this small batch were charred 3 times as long as the standard Old Forester barrel profile." Triple charring creates deeper caramelization of wood sugars and more aggressive extraction of vanilla, spice, and oak character. The 375ml format is smart here—at 115 proof with that level of char, a little goes a long way.