Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXVI Bourbon Celebrates Bourbon Heritage Month - Cask Strength | 50% Wheated Bourbon Blend

LEXINGTON, Ky, September 1, 2026— Town Branch Distillery, the 7th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the first new distillery built in Lexington, Kentucky since prohibition, kicks off Bourbon Heritage Month (September) with its high-end limited-edition bourbon built on a 50% wheated bourbon foundation, bottled at Cask Strength (115.1 Proof), non-chill-filtered, and offered at an SRP of $119.99. “This is the best of the best for us, and we only have so much to share. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so if you see a bottle, grab it!” notes Dave Bob Gaspar, Head Distiller & Blender at Town Branch Distillery.

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXVI Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Cask Strength (115.1 Proof)

Imperium MMXXVI Bourbon marks the third annual release of this highly anticipated series. As per the bourbons DNA, this year’s edition draws from Town Branch’s most exclusive “Imperium Bourbon Stocks,” which include only the finest barrels from all three of the distillery’s bourbon mash bills:

• Pot-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley
• Column-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley
• Column-still Wheated Bourbon: 70% corn / 22% wheat / 8% malted barley

Each barrel pulled from the rickhouse and arriving at production is evaluated for its highest purpose — base blending, single-barrel program or Imperium stocks.  The tasting of these barrels is like a continuous tryout, much like an athlete re-earning a place on the team each season. Only the best of the best makes the cut, especially for the final blending.

The 2026 release begins with a 50% wheated bourbon base, then marries it with 50% of Town Branch’s other bourbon stocks to create a distinctive hybrid bourbon profile unlike any other bottling from the distillery. Bottled at cask strength (115.1 proof), Imperium MMXXVI delivers depth and power while allowing the wheated bourbon to shine. Eight carefully selected barrels, ranging in age from 6 to more than 9 years, comprise this year’s blend following extensive tasting and test blends designed to explore a range of profiles and flavor notes. The result is a bold, complex bourbon that once again helps crown Bourbon Heritage Month, reflecting Town Branch’s commitment to exceptional bourbon-making and its passion for all things bourbon and bourbon-inspired at the distillery. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month—and to many more Imperium releases to come.

If you’re eager to taste this whiskey, you’re in luck despite its very limited supply. The distillery will offer a custom tasting flight featuring a vertical of the MMXXV and MMXXVI releases throughout Bourbon Heritage Month, including a bottle signing with Distiller & Blender Dave Bob Gaspar on Friday, September 4, from noon–4 p.m. EST at Town Branch Distillery. The distillery team will also be pouring Imperium Bourbon at the upcoming 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown from Friday through Sunday, September 11–13. Needless to say, if you’re into bourbon and especially the art of blending—this is one whiskey worth pursuing.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXVI Kentucky Straight Bourbon (SRP $119.99/750ml)

• A 50/50 blend of our finest bourbon barrels— 50% Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels and 50% Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels. Released annually during Bourbon Heritage Month (September), this bourbon is marked by the year of release in Roman numerals, bottled at cask strength and limited quantity.
• Mash Bill: Multiple Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels
• Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (72C / 15R / 13B)
• SN 3882 / Fill Date: January 28, 2017 (Aged 9 years, 6 months)
• SN 6287 / Fill Date: September 25, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 10 months)
• SN 6387 / Fill Date: May 17, 2018 (Aged 8 years, 2 months)
• SN 6290 / Fill Date: September 25, 2017 (Aged 6 years, 10 months)
• Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (70C / 22W / 8B)
• SN 8655 / Fill Date: March 3, 2018 (Aged 8 years, 5 months)
• SN 16466 / Fill Date: March 5, 2020 (Aged 6 years, 4 months)
• SN 16473 / Fill Date: March 5, 2020 (Aged 6 years, 4 months)
• SN 16479 / Fill Date: March 5, 2020 (Aged 6 years, 4 months)
• Age: MMXXVI Release – Barrel Aged 6 to 9+ Years
• ABV: 57.55% ABV / 115.1 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Very Limited Annual Release | 205 cases (6pks)
• Tasting Notes: 
• Appearance: Rich Mahogany 
• Aroma: Honey, Stone Fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Cinnamon, and Pecans
• Palate: Honey, Dark Cherry, Vanilla, Pecan Pie, Pastry, and Molasses
• Finish: A bittersweet finish with Dry Oak, Spice, Rich Caramel, Dark Toffee and Honey 

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel's legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit our website, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits. For more information, visit our website, or join the conversation Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit our website, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Alltech's portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of "Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™," focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit our website, or join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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