Last month, we were thrilled to be one of only 75 recipients invited to select a Joseph Magnus Single Barrel from Coppercraft Distillery in Holland, Michigan. Seizing this rare opportunity, I hopped on a plane for a whirlwind 30-hour trip to Grand Rapids to make this pick in person—and what an unforgettable experience it was!

Holland, Michigan, is a gem of a town with its charming beauty and incredibly warm, welcoming people. Coppercraft Distillery, led by the wonderful Ali and her team, rolled out the red carpet for us. Their hospitality was matched only by the exceptional quality of the whiskeys we tasted. After careful consideration and with the help of our expert patrons who joined the pick, we selected a stunning 10-year-old Barrel Strength 36% Rye Bourbon that’s guaranteed to blow you away. Having sampled it again since returning, I can confirm it’s every bit as phenomenal as I remembered.

A huge thank you to the patrons who traveled with me and lent their discerning palates to this special selection. I also want to give a special shoutout to Brandon T. from Bourbon Junkies for joining us, offering his expertise, and capturing the day with his incredible photography. 

Joseph Magnus Single Barrels haven’t been available since 2019, making this an extraordinary release. We’re beyond excited to share this exclusive offering with you, available only on bondedbottleshop.com. As a thank you to our loyal community, patrons will get first access to this limited release. If you’re not yet a patron, don’t worry—there’s a free membership level available, so everyone can join in on the fun, even if your whiskey budget is running low!

Stay tuned for more details on this release, and thank you for being part of our whiskey journey. Here’s to great company, great whiskey, and the promise of another visit to beautiful Holland, Michigan!

The American whiskey landscape is shifting. After years of strong growth and aggressive barreling, U.S. whiskey sales are flattening. At the same time, distilleries have been filling warehouses at scale for over a decade. The result: an inventory mountain whose peak is only now beginning to show on the horizon.

It’s in this environment that Buffalo Trace has stepped on the gas with a flurry of new expressions—and not just slight variants of old ones. The question: are they being proactive in anticipation of a glut, or are they scrambling to manage one already forming?

These are not relics from the past—they’re recent moves, clearly visible in press releases and social media chatter. The pace and direction suggest Buffalo Trace is aggressively reshaping its product architecture right now.

The whiskey industry has walked this road before. In the 1970s and 1980s, bourbon production outpaced demand. Many barrels sat in warehouses for decades or were sold at bulk prices simply to clear space. Distilleries shuttered or consolidated, brands were sold off or discontinued, and consumer interest waned.

The lessons from that era are still relevant:

Buffalo Trace’s current moves look like an attempt to avoid repeating history. By building more branded outlets before things get ugly, they may be trying to stay ahead. But the risk is that the glut is already building—and these releases might be as much reaction as anticipation.

So here’s where it stands: Buffalo Trace isn’t just tweaking around the edges—they’re actively launching new expressions in 2025 (Eagle Rare 12, Sazerac 100 Proof, E.H. Taylor BIB in BTAC, etc.). These moves are bold and visible.

My sense? It’s a hybrid—they are both preparing for what they expect and reacting to pressure that’s already starting to emerge. But I favor the view that the glut is close enough that the reactive element is larger than many want to admit.

What do you think? Are these new releases mostly anticipation or reaction—or somewhere in between?

Redwood Empire Whiskey has officially opened the doors to its stunning new distillery and tasting room on Mare Island, California, marking a bold new chapter for the beloved Sonoma County brand. Nestled within the storied naval shipyard, the new location blends industrial heritage with modern craftsmanship, offering visitors a unique experience steeped in history and flavor.

We were lucky enough to attend the grand opening—and what a celebration it was! From live music and local food trucks to barrel room tours and whiskey tastings, the energy was electric and the hospitality unmatched. One of the highlights? Getting our hands on the exclusive Foggy Burl release, a distillery-only bottling that showcases Redwood Empire’s signature depth and character. It’s a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Even more memorable was the chance to once again hang out with Jeff Duckworth, Redwood Empire’s Master Distiller, and Lauren Patz, their brilliant Master Blender. Their passion, insight, and down-to-earth vibe made the experience truly special. Hearing firsthand about the inspiration behind Foggy Burl and the vision for Mare Island’s future was a rare treat for any whiskey lover.

The new Mare Island location is now open to the public for tastings, tours, and events. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Redwood Empire invites you to raise a glass and explore the spirit of the West.

📍 Visit them at Mare Island, CA

🕒 Open Thursday–Sunday, 12–6 PM

Cheers to new beginnings—and unforgettable company!

Congratulations Kenn!!! We hope you enjoy that special bottle of Old Louisville Double Oaked Bourbon Single Barrel

Look for our next riddle and YOUR chance to win in the October issue of the WB Booze News!