The sophomore release of Wildcask Bourbon, a bourbon brand created by University of Kentucky students at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits (JBBI), is hitting select shelves this spring.  

Students in the Commercialization of Distilled Spirits course have been working since August to perfect Wildcask’s blend and branding. With this edition, the group wanted to continue what was successful from the first release while also creating distinctions between the two. 

“The students continue to impress with this 2026 edition,” said Seth DeBolt, Director of JBBI. “The level of energy, enthusiasm and learning is wonderful. They used the mash bills to blend one of the smoothest whiskies you will meet and I’m truly blown away.” 

The class is made up of 10 students from several UK colleges, including non-traditional students. Its goal is to prepare students for the entrepreneurial endeavor of creating a brand.  

It is not as simple as knowing the recipe of the spirit — one must understand compliance, distribution, supplies procurement, financial obligations like taxes, and more, said DeBolt. 

“The course offers an unprecedented opportunity to learn from the best in the industry while working towards releasing a bourbon onto the market,” said Maksymilian Podraza, a student who travels from Illinois to take the class. “The course didn’t just provide information, it also introduced us to influential people in the industry that helped shape the end product. As someone who’s passionate about spirits and the industry, taking this class was a no-brainer.” 

The second blend consists of four sources: 24% James B. Beam Distilling Co. eight-year (mash bill 78/13/0/9), 24% Four Roses eight-year (mash bill 60/35/0/5), 39% Bardstown Bourbon Co. six-year (mash bill 53/0/39/8) and 13% Bardstown Bourbon Co. five-year (68/0/20/12). 

The Wildcask Bourbon 2026 release will be bottled at 100 proof and the 750 mL bottle will be sold for $69.99. For the first time, Wildcask is releasing a 375 mL option, for $34.99. The goal here is to allow consumers to try the spirit while keeping their full-size bottle sealed. There will be a presale at the JBBI 2026 Industry Conference March 16-18, and attendees will be able to reserve a bottle.  

Bottles will also be available at a launch event on campus to celebrate the 2026 blend’s release—time and date to be announced. Wildcask Bourbon will also be available at a limited number of Kentucky-based retailers starting in April. 

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Writer: Grace Sowards, grace.sowards@uky.edu  

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