October is when the big allocated bottles start landing and the hunt kicks into high gear. Here’s what’s out or on the way, what it should cost, and my honest take on whether it’s worth chasing. Prices are suggested retail. Expect markups on anything allocated, and don’t pay double just because a shelf tag says “limited.”
The value pick: Starlight Estate Collection 7-Year Cask Strength
Out: October 3
Proof: 110.8
Price: $59.99
Where: Limited, at the distillery in Borden, Indiana and online
Grain-to-glass from the Huber family farm, cask strength, seven years old, and under $60. That’s a rare combination right now, and it’s the one I’d chase first.
The splurge: Parker’s Heritage Collection 20th Edition
Out: Since September, limited national release
Age / proof: 14 years, 118 proof (barrel proof, non-chill filtered)
Price: $199.99
The twist: Fermented with backset from Heaven Hill’s rye whiskey production, using their standard 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley bourbon mash bill. Only 100 barrels.
A portion of proceeds benefits the ALS Association. $200 is fair for a 14-year barrel-proof bourbon. Retailers asking $300 or more are not.
For the cask-finish crowd: Bardstown Bourbon Company fall releases
2026 Discovery: A blend of mature Kentucky bourbons, the latest in Bardstown’s annual blending series.
Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish: A bourbon and rye blend that spent an extra 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from Scotland’s Isle of Jura. Technically a blended whiskey, not a bourbon, but a fun one for scotch drinkers.
On the way: King of Kentucky Single Barrel
Brown-Forman has announced this year’s fall single barrel release, a 14-year-old bourbon. Pricing and allocation details are still to come. Earlier this year the brand also released a Small Batch Collection for America’s 250th: three batches at 105, 107.5 and 110 proof, blended from barrels aged 12 to 18 years, at $299 suggested retail.
Still waiting: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
BTAC traditionally lands in the fall, but the 2026 lineup and pricing haven’t been announced as of this writing. I’ll update you when they are. Expect long lines and big markups.
For the road trip: Garrison Brothers Duck Camp Single Barrel
A 400-bottle camo-labeled single barrel from the Texas distillery, released at the ranch in Hye, Texas later this month. Check the distillery’s site for the exact date.
Distribution dates and how to get them
Quick cheat sheet for the bottles above and a few more worth knowing. For the full month-by-month list, see our new Release Calendar section.
Parker’s Heritage 20th Edition: limited quantities at select retailers, no firm shelf date announced.
Garrison Brothers Duck Camp Single Barrel ($109.99): October 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 200 bottles at the distillery in Hye, TX and 200 online, first come, first served.
Four Roses 2026 Limited Edition Small Batch (about $140 to $150): pre-allocated through retailers, so ask your store about its list.
Pappy Van Winkle 2026: expected to ship to distributors in late October and reach retail in November, with shelf dates varying by state and local lottery.
Old Forester 2026 Birthday Bourbon ($199): sweepstakes winners only, in person at the Louisville distillery through December 19.
Dates come from distillery announcements and release trackers and can shift, so confirm before you travel.What are you hunting this month? Drop it in the comments.
Please drink responsibly.