It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.

Show Notes:

• E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin
• A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations
• Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping
• A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down
• A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers
• Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250
• Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February
• Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails
• Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices
• Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels
• Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally
• Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof
• Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release
• Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release
• Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks

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