Whiskey House to Showcase Client Brands in Two-Story Chalet at the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2026) — Whiskey House of Kentucky, the most advanced distillery in the United States, will again showcase the brands of many of its distilling customers in its two-story chalet at the 35th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sept. 10-13, in the Bourbon Capital of the World. Every featured expression will be available for purchase. 

Whiskey House has no brands of its own and focuses entirely on custom whiskey production for some of the best spirits companies in the world. The chalet reflects its customer-first mission by marketing and promoting its customers’ products.  

“The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the premier whiskey event in the country, and there is no better place to celebrate the brands we’re proud to produce,” said Whiskey House co-founder and CEO David Mandell. “We built Whiskey House to put our customers first, and our chalet at the festival does exactly that by featuring their brands, their stories, and their whiskeys, front and center.” 

The ability to connect fans to the stories and products is a hallmark of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and an opportunity bourbon enthusiasts won’t find anywhere else. 

“Our customers make some of the most exciting whiskey in the world, and the chalet is a chance for festival guests to experience that range in one place,” said president, COO and co-founder John Hargrove. “From bottled-in-bond bourbons to first-of-their-kind releases, everything in the chalet tells the story of a brand we’re proud to produce for — and every bottle is available to take home.” 

At the Whiskey House chalet, festival guests will be able to taste and purchase a curated lineup spanning bourbon, rye, single barrels, cask-strength releases, and first-of-their-kind expressions, including several limited and festival-exclusive bottles.  

Featured customer brands include: 

Altamar Brands — High N’ Wicked 

High N Wicked Straight Rye — Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey made from a mash of 91% rye, and 9% malted barley and aged for 5 years in toasted and charred New American White Oak Barrels. Toasting allows for greater development of vanilla, caramel, chocolate and spice notes — while the Number 4 char enhances the natural filtration processes of the spirit interacting with a layer of charcoal. The final product is proofed to 98.2, a proof point determined after rigorous testing to ensure it was the favorite of bartenders and other industry professionals. It is then bottled without chill filtration to retain maximum flavor, aroma, color and texture. Enjoy notes of caramelized apples and peaches, dark cherries, orange peel, baking spices — cinnamon, clove and a hint of allspice, caramel candies, fresh cracked black peppercorns, dark cocoa, white pepper and a touch of dill.  

High N Wicked Straight Bourbon Cask Strength — Bottled straight from the barrel, uncut, unfiltered, and unapologetically bold. Distilled in Tennessee and aged for over 5 years in new American oak, this high-proof bourbon captures the soul of true craftsmanship. Made from a traditional mashbill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley, it delivers classic bourbon sweetness with a powerful rye kick and rich, oak-driven complexity. Bottled at 125.2 proof with notes of brown sugar, roasted nuts, vanilla bean, and charred oak. 

High N Wicked Straight Bourbon — Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash bill of 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted barley fermented in a sweet mash. Sweet mash requires great attention to detail, especially in cleanliness and sanitization, and from the distillers themselves to not only maintain purity, but to create consistent flavor profiles. Each grain of the mash is introduced in succession to minimize waste of both energy and water. Final product is proofed to 104 proof — determined through rigorous blind tastings for presenting the most character and flavor of this unique spirit. Bottled without chill filtration, and with no additives to retain maximum flavor, aroma, color and texture. Rich dark cocoa and cherries develop as the glass opens, with complex vanilla, caramel and butterscotch in the background. 

High N Wicked Straight Rye Cask Strength — Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is made from a mash bill of 91% rye and 9% malted barley, fermented in a sour mash. Distilled through both a column beer still and doubler, and then aged for a minimum of 5 years, in seasoned, medium toast, New #4 Char American White Oak Barrels from the Independent Stave Company in Missouri. Distilled, aged, blended and bottled entirely in Kentucky. Bottled at cask strength, a special bi-annual limited release. The specific aging regimen, mash bill and final small batch blend are all selected through rigorous internal blind tasting sessions to determine which processes developed the most complex, unique, and balanced flavors. Notes of caramelized citrus, fresh pears, and honey round out with cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of black pepper — far less spice forward than anticipated. Retro-nasal has a lingering hint of leather and apricot. A long and clean yet subtly sweet finish. 

Warlander Whiskey — Warlander blends three-and four-year old Kentucky Straight Rye and Bourbon whiskeys, melding the fruit forward and baking spice notes of Kentucky Straight Rye with the depth and spice of High-Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The result is a bold, layered, and intentional blend. Created by the multi-award-winning team at High n’ Wicked, this special release is finished with original artwork by artist and pro skier Chris Benchetler. Like the whiskey, his design is raw, refined, and fearless. Wild in spirit like the horse it’s named for, Warlander honors tradition while breaking through it. Bold and expressive, extremely layered and a very full palate experience, lots of caramel and lush savory notes, Dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, cherries and blackberries, with black pepper and allspice on the back end.  

Witches’ Tree Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey — The Witches’ Tree — located on the corner of Sixth Street and Park Ave in Louisville, Kentucky — is the core of a great urban legend. Legend has it that the tree was the gathering point for a coven of witches in the late 19th century. The city planning committee removed the tree which greatly displeased the witches and 11 months later to the day after being cut down, the tree stump was struck by lightning and regrew from the very same spot. A blend of 2-, 3-, & 4-year-old rye whiskeys, all adhering to a classic 90+% rye mashbill bottled at 96 proof to deliver expressive character and value. Punctuated and ripe character on the palate that begins with sweet and bright notes surrounded by cinnamon and baking spices reminiscent of fresh apple sauce or apple cider with pops of citrus zest and a subtle pepper note. Finishes clean with a touch of shortbread cookie and allspice. 

Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko.  

Sergeant’s Valor Gratitude — Part of a tribute series in which each batch tells a distinct story, preserved in the Gratitude Room, a living museum at the heart of BHAWK Distillery. A limited tribute release honoring extraordinary service, Batch One recognizes the pilots and crew of Super 62. A premium blend of hand-selected straight bourbon whiskeys, aged 8+ years at bottled at 106 proof, personally chosen and blended by Brad Halling — rich, balanced, and refined. 

Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon — The flagship expression of the series, crafted to honor selfless service. A premium blend of hand-selected straight bourbons aged over 5.5 years, bottled at 93 proof and delivering notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, dried fruit, and dark chocolate with a warm finish.  

Sergeant’s Valor Rye — A bold, balanced expression honoring strength and resolve. A 93-proof blend of 3- and 10-year rye whiskeys offering layered spice, cracked pepper, baking spice, subtle herbal notes, and a dry, warming finish. Named USA Craft Spirits Rye Whiskey of the Year 2024.  

Madam Colonel Pistachio Bourbon Cream — A rich yet versatile expression blending bourbon, Wisconsin cream, and pistachio — the first and only of its kind featuring notes of velvety cream, toasted pistachio, vanilla sweetness, and gentle cinnamon warmth, with 100% natural, nut-free flavoring.  

Lythgoe Bourbon 

Pauline’s Victory — An 8-year-old small-batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 90 proof, crafted by the woman-owned Lythgoe Bourbon brand and inspired by Prohibition figure Cleo Lythgoe and blended by Master Blender Stephanie Shur, daughter of former Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Dave Shur. Nose: vanilla, pears, baking spices, orange zest, raisins, and oak. Palate: a graceful blend of sweet hay, oak, leather, warm pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and subtle smoke. Finish: medium-long, with lingering vanilla, oak, and spice. 

Outsider Spirits — Whiskey Jypsi 

Legacy Batch No 003 — The Declaration is a visionary blend of whiskeys ranging from 8 to 25 years old. It’s a thoughtful salute to independence, quality, and innovation and represents our own “Declaration” — a statement of independent thinking and the way we tell stories through whiskey. Batch 003 revives and reimagines a Colonial-era Maryland-style rye mash bill-crafted with aged spirits from three distinct origins and a finish that directly connects to George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon Distillery. A blend of 60% Indiana Rye aged 8-12 years and partially finished in apple brandy barrels from Mt. Vernon Distillery; 30% Canadian Corn Whiskey aged 20-25 years and re-barreled in New American Oak; and 10% Virginia Single Malt aged 8 years. Bottled at 115.74 proof. 

Finish Seekers No 02, Hungarian Oak — Finish Seekers is what happens when curiosity has no limit. Each release starts with whiskey from Whiskey JYPSI’s award-winning library, finished in rare and exceptional casks sourced from around the world. The second expression of Finish Seekers is a 6-year-old bourbon mashbill finished in Hungarian oak, one of the world’s most prized coopering woods that remains rare in American whiskey making. Its naturally tight grain slows the interaction between spirit and wood, creating a richer, silkier mouthfeel while enhancing fruit, vanilla, and confectionary notes instead of heavy oak or aggressive spice. Bottled at 110 proof. 

Gibson Tonewood: The Collective — This collaboration started with a question: What happens when wood shapes more than sound? Working with Gibson, we sourced maple tonewood from actual guitar offcuts to finish two limited whiskeys. Tonewood: The Collective is a blend of mature, American whiskey with 36% 14-year-old bourbon (84% corn / 8% rye / 8% malted barley) and 64% 8-year-old straight bourbon (75% corn / 21% rye / 4% malted barley). Bottled at 103 proof. 

Gibson Tonewood: Vol.1 — Built with an impressive lineup of older whiskey stocks, including 20-year-old straight bourbon (84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley) and 14-year-old whiskey from a bourbon mash bill (84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley), finished with toasted Gibson maple offcuts and bottled at 109 proof. Extremely limited release includes a custom Gibson case inspired by Gibson’s classic hardshell guitar cases, with a co-branded guitar Gibson strap and two Whiskey JYPSI glasses. 

Legacy Batch No. 002 — This second batch of the Legacy expression is a bold leap in global whiskey craftsmanship. This small-batch release blends three aged world whiskeys that artfully create a high-rye mash bill. Each selected whiskey is over 10 years old and matured in distinct climates and barrels. The heart is a rich Tennessee bourbon, layered with complexity from an 18-year Canadian rye finished in port, sherry and vermouth casks, and completed by a bold Indian single malt. The result is a whiskey that unfolds with complexity and elegance. 60% 11-year-old corn whiskey from Tennessee aged in re-charred American oak barrels; 36% 18-year-old Canadian rye aged in ex-bourbon casks and segmented into thirds and finished for 6 more months in port, Spanish vermouth, or sherry barrels; and 4% 10-year-old Indian Single Malt matured in India’s high temperatures and humidity. Bottled at 114.3 proof. 

Legacy Batch No. 001 — The Legacy Series is based on sourcing individual well-aged whiskey components from various origins and using cross-category blending to reconstruct a traditional mash bill rather than blending the grains before fermentation. This allows us to select from a wider portfolio of international whiskeys and ensure that each whiskey is at the exact right age and flavor profile to perfectly harmonize within this extraordinary blend. Legacy Batch 001 was named “The Journey” because literally and figuratively it has been one. A remarkably crafted blend of three fine aged whiskeys: 70% Indiana bourbon made from 99% corn and 1% malted barley, distilled in Indiana and aged 7 and 8 years for a smooth corn character; 21% Canadian rye made from 91% rye and 9% malted barley, distilled in Alberta, Canada, and aged 20 years; and 9% American Single Malt made from 100% malted barley from Indiana and aged 4 years. Bottled at 115 proof. 

Phifer Pavitt Spirits 

Reserve Bourbon — A Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. This 12-year bourbon was finished for 24 months in Phifer Pavitt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. The Cabernet French oak finish yields rich dark fruit, dark chocolate, and toasted oak, with velvety toffee and espresso deepening into a warm, lingering finish — rare, refined, and unforgettable. 

Late Night Bourbon — A Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. This 11-year bourbon was finished for 13 months in Phifer Pavitt Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon barrels; Cabernet-kissed French oak frames bold vanilla, dark caramel, and spiced almonds, with rich raisin and fig deepening into smoked caramel and almond brittle and a long, warm finish. 

Proof and Wood 

Tumblin Dice 12 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon — This Kentucky exclusive release is 12-year straight bourbon whiskey, bottled-in-bond at 100 proof and aged for a minimum of 12 years in new charred oak barrels with a mashbill of 99% corn and 1% barley with notes of toffee, brown sugar, dried fruit and warm oak with a touch of baking spice. 

Tumblin Dice 11 Year Single Barrel Bourbon — 11-year aging process transforms a traditional high-corn mashbill into something profoundly structured. It takes immense patience to monitor charred American oak for this length of time. Casks easily turn overly bitter. Instead, this release balances its robust barrel influence with inherent grain sweetness, proving that extended maturation can yield elegant results when properly managed. The Bottled-in-Bond designation guarantees strict authenticity and a reliable 100-proof punch. Every sip reveals new layers of toasted spice and dark fruit. Dave Schmier’s team clearly knows how to select prime barrels. You feel the weight of time. It drinks with a heavy, oily viscosity that coats the mouth beautifully, clinging to the palate while offering a slow, methodical release of its intricately layered flavors. Aged for a minimum of 11 years in new charred oak barrels, distilled in a single season to meet strict Bottled-in-Bond standards, and bottled at a robust 100 proof for optimal flavor delivery.  

Matt’s Mitt Bourbon — A special edition heavy rye bourbon inspired by a story connecting two great pastimes — baseball and whiskey — and supporting a cause that matters. At 105 proof and crafted from a 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley mash bill, Matt’s Mitt is a 6-year-old bourbon with remarkable depth and character. The name Matt’s Mitt honors a remarkable moment of curiosity and passion that began decades ago in Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. At just 12 years old, Matt Lurin — an avid baseball fan — noticed something amiss in a museum display. A mitt attributed to a 1920s player looked out of place. His sharp eye and persistence led the Hall to discover that the glove was actually from the player’s 1950s coaching days. Weeks later, Matt received a letter from the curator: his discovery had earned him recognition as the youngest fan ever honored in the Hall of Fame. That spirit of authenticity and attention to detail is now captured in this whiskey. Created in support of Matt’s Water of Life Charity Event, this release also gives back in a meaningful way — all bottle profits go toward fighting cancer, raising a glass that truly gives back.  

Revelette Bourbon 

Revelette Black — The quintessential choice for cocktail aficionados seeking a blend of craftsmanship and flavor. A robust 90-proof, limited-production bourbon, meticulously curated for discerning connoisseurs and produced in limited release with 1-4 barrels per year. 

Revelette Navy — A single-barrel expression and a true embodiment of Kentucky’s bourbon legacy, with traditional caramel and vanilla flavor and an inviting, deep amber hue. Meticulously aged in charred American oak for a complex, full-bodied character best savored over a large ice block; limited to one barrel annually. 

Revelette Crimson — A single barrel designed to captivate those who crave intensity and boldness, with a fiery character within. Carefully aged in charred American oak to reveal a bold, spicy profile perfect for those accustomed to the heat of rye; limited to one barrel annually. 

SHANG Whiskey 

SHANG is a sauce-aroma (jiàngxiang, pronounced johng-shong) baijiu refined through American whiskey craftsmanship, creating a new cross-cultural category the brand calls jiàngxiang whiskey. A first-of-its-kind spirit, it bridges 5,000 years of Chinese baijiu tradition with American whiskey craftsmanship. Born in China’s Chishui River basin and matured in Kentucky, SHANG is produced by Maritine Brands — a joint venture between True Essence Foods and Guizhou Guotai Shuzhi Liquor Group — in partnership with Whiskey House of Kentucky and The Blending House. 

Shang Dàn Ya — The debut jiàngxiang whiskey expression, aged in charred American oak. Complex and layered, with floral aromatics, umami depth, and notes of fruit, chocolate, and baking spice. Bottled at 100 proof. 

Shang East + West Kentucky Blend — SHANG’s jiàngxiang whiskey married with a proprietary American red sorghum whiskey. Bottled at 92 proof, rounder and more accessible, with vanilla, toasted grain, and caramel — perfect for cocktails.  

Western Spirits Beverage Company — Calumet Farm 

Calumet Farm 12-Year-Old — A premium bourbon released in extremely small 19-barrel batches, blended and crafted to meet strict criteria on profile and finish. Each unique batch contains fewer than 3,500 bottles, and each bottle is individually numbered — further showcasing the rare nature of this prestigious bourbon. 

Calumet Farm Ceramic Decanter — A one-of-a-kind ceramic decanter portraying the main stable at Calumet Farm, celebrating 100 years of heritage and the brand’s continuing legacy of crafting spirits at the pinnacle of luxury and taste. 

Calumet Farm 18-Year-Old Decanter — Offered from the depths of the private reserve to mark Calumet Farm’s 100-year anniversary. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted at peak convergence for flavor and a robust, traditional Kentucky profile, reflecting the patience and dedication it takes to be a champion.