The University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits announced on April 15 that its students have completed the bottling of the Wildcask Bourbon 2026 release, which will soon be available for purchase.
The new bourbon marks the second annual release from the university’s only bourbon brand, offering students hands-on experience in all aspects of distilled spirits commercialization. The project allows participants to learn blending, branding, and distribution skills while working alongside industry professionals.
This year’s blend is different from last year’s inaugural edition, combining bourbons from four sources: James B. Beam Distilling Co., Four Roses, and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Isaac Downs, a senior majoring in Business Management at UK, said: “Being involved in the blending process was one of my favorite parts of the class. We talked a lot about branding in the first semester and how to put your story in every part of your product from the packaging to the stuff inside the bottle. We drew on that knowledge when we learned to blend, and we developed a bourbon that is unique, approachable and full of flavor.”
Students took part in various activities throughout their two-semester course including visits to label printing facilities and distilleries as well as discussions with professionals about blending, finance, procurement, and distribution. Gavin Lincavage—a winemaker at Talon Winery taking this course—said: “The business side of the alcohol industry has always felt mysterious to me. We had so many great members of our team and such amazing support from the Beam Institute that we were able to make a bourbon that any Wildcat would be proud to drink.”
Bottles can be reserved online now; customers must pick up their bottles at the Beam Institute by April 27 after receiving detailed instructions via email regarding parking and pickup times.
Seth DeBolt, director of JBBI said: “The students continue to impress with this 2026 edition. The level of energy, enthusiasm and learning is wonderful. They used the mash bills to blend one of the smoothest whiskies you will meet, and I’m truly blown away.”
Support for Wildcask comes from several partners including Suntory Global Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Company.
The program operates within a larger context at UK Cooperative Extension Service—which functions as an affiliated unit of University of Kentucky according to its official website. The service supports programs enrolling more than 3,000 students according to its official website, secures funding through grants such as $450,000 from USDA along with over $3 million in private gifts according to its official website, promotes diversity through multidisciplinary collaborations according to its official website, utilizes facilities like Scovell Hall in Lexington according to its official website, and has gained recognition through honors such as being named among top MANRRS chapters nationally according to its official website.
Looking ahead, organizers hope continued collaboration between academic programs like JBBI’s Commercialization course and industry partners will further enhance educational opportunities for future cohorts.
