TWiB: USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million, Pursuit Spirits releases The Alpha Barrel, Heaven Hill releases 20th Anniversary Bottle

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 27th 2026. The USDA has awarded the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) over $1.07 million to promote American spirits, Pursuit Spirits has released The Alpha Barrel, and Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition.Show Notes: Hotaling & Co. shuttering Pier 50 distillery to focus on brand building and importing Former HR VP files whistleblower lawsuit against Bardstown Bourbon Company alleging corporate misconduct American Whiskey Association President addresses industry "normalization" and global growth potential Iowa House committee approves bill to end state's monopoly on liquor distribution Mississippi facing severe alcohol shortages due to state-run warehouse technical failures North Carolina SBI investigating nonprofit "Greater Carolina" over alleged improper distillery lobbying President Trump invokes Section 122 of Trade Act to impose global 15% import surcharge USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million to promote American spirits in global markets Pursuit Spirits announces "The Alpha Barrel" as its first barrel-proof single-barrel expression Limestone Branch Distillery launches "The Branch" members-only whiskey society Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey officially launches 95.6 proof six-year expression Bourbon & Beyond announces record-breaking artist lineup for September 2026 festival Heaven Hill debuts Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Kentucky Distillers’ Association launches interactive "Build Your Own Bourbon Trail" trip builder Michter’s shipping highly anticipated 2026 release of its 10 Year Bourbon this March Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices