DramMaster Daily Whisky News - April 6, 2026

Top Whisky News Roundup

1. Sazerac enters Tennessee Whiskey with AJ Bond Distillery
Sazerac has officially announced AJ Bond Distillery, its first Tennessee whiskey operation, with its inaugural release expected this summer. This marks a significant expansion for the company behind Buffalo Trace and marks a strategic move into the increasingly competitive Tennessee whiskey category dominated by Jack Daniel's and George Dickel.

2. Lost Lantern Spring Collection explores high vs. low proof
Indie bottler Lost Lantern has released its Spring 2026 Collection featuring Far-Flung Bourbon 100 Proof, the first non-cask-strength release in its flagship series. The collection also includes limited releases from Boulder Spirits (138.7 proof), Copperworks Distilling (120.6 proof), and Day's Defile (154.4 proof). The range explores how entry proof affects whiskey character.

3. English Whisky Awards voting now open
Voting has opened for the Online English Whisky Awards 2026, with winners to be announced on April 24. A new "Best New English Whisky Distillery" category joins the lineup, reflecting the rapid expansion of England's whisky scene and the emergence of new producers beyond established names like The English, Cotswolds, and Ad Gefrin.

4. Midleton launches 200th Anniversary limited edition
To celebrate two centuries of Irish whiskey excellence, Midleton Very Rare has launched a limited edition 28 Year Old Single Pot Still. The release marks a significant moment for Irish whiskey's prestige category and reinforces Midleton's position as the pinnacle of the craft ahead of its bicentenary celebrations.

5. Tariffs impact American whiskey industry
Industry reports indicate Kentucky bourbon producers are facing softer demand and rising inventories amid continued trade pressures. However, long-term employment in the sector has grown 142% since 2010, suggesting the current challenges are a market correction rather than a structural decline. Employment data remains strong despite short-term headwinds.

(Total: 298 words)

Sources: Fred Minnick (AJ Bond announcement), Whisky Intelligence (Lost Lantern Spring 2026), Whisky Magazine (English Whisky Awards), GreatDrams (Midleton 200th Anniversary), Lane Report (Kentucky bourbon employment data).