Summer 2026 Issue Preview
What You’ll Find Inside: Summer Issue 2026
Ahhh, the summer months—a time when the sun shines (mostly), the weather turns warmer, and the whiskey cocktails get a little stronger.
For our cover story, we go beyond the bourbon trail. As much as we love to partake in the bourbon trail activities, there are things to do after you get your tastings on. Bourbon+ writer Kellie Walton took a trip to the area, visiting and scouting it. There is so much to do in the surrounding towns—Shelbyville, Georgetown, and Simpsonville. We share places to stay, places to eat, and things to do during your downtime between distillery visits. Check out our cover story on page 46 to start putting your itinerary together. We’ll see you on the trail.
This issue has some great stories throughout. Since it is summer, we are sharing some summer cocktails for you to enjoy in the warm weather. Our mixology section reveals how to create cocktails called Peach on Canvas, Penelope in Low Light, and In Good Company. Interesting, right? Just writing the names down is making me thirsty. This trio of recipes will surely impress your guests and refresh your palate. Check out Mixology on page 30 and enjoy.
If that weren’t enough, we also connected the music world with the bourbon world (in a way). We talk to rancher Jack Swanson, who feeds his Black Angus cattle bourbon mash and supplies
his beef to the executive chef at Reba’s Place (the music connection) in Atoka, Oklahoma. Swanson started 8AESS distilling for that purpose. You’ll not only learn about what Swanson puts in his whiskey barrels, but where he keeps them.
In addition, Bourbon+ travels to Fort Worth, Texas, where Restless Spirits uncovers the city’s bourbon culture and standout attractions, to Horse Neck Bourbon, where lifelong Texas friends transform their passion into a growing brand. We also explore Canada’s rich collection of bourbon-style whiskies, step inside Eddie’s Klub in Portugal to discover its unique hospitality, visit the Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee, Georgia, a known destination that blends contemporary design and spirits for locals, and so much more.
As you flip through the pages of Bourbon+, I hope this Summer issue helps you slow down and savor the stories behind every pour. We hope to introduce you to the incredible and inspiring people and places that shape today’s whiskey and bourbon culture. Here’s to an enjoyable Summer and most importantly, full glasses. Enjoy!
Cover Photo by Luke Sharrett-Bloomberg via Getty Images
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