TWiB: Brown-Forman rejects $15 billion from Sazerac, Kash Patel scrutinized over Woodford Reserve, Penelope Bourbon announces Architects of Golf

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 15th 2026. Brown-Forman has officially rejected a $15 billion all-cash takeover bid from Sazerac, FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny with personalized bottles of Woodford Reserve, and Penelope Bourbon has announced Architects of Golf. Show Notes: Brown-Forman rejects Sazerac’s $15 billion takeover bid to maintain family-owned independence Sixth Circuit strikes down Ohio’s unconstitutional ban on out-of-state wine shipping "Free Our Spirits" campaign launches to privatize North Carolina’s government-run liquor system FBI Director Kash Patel under fire for gifting personalized Woodford Reserve bottles Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser” debuts with intuitive blending at 122.6 proof New Riff 2026 Single Malt features heirloom British barley and five-cask finishing Wenzel Distillery Batch 2 Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon launches as a 119.1 proof limited release Green River Honey Finished Bourbon utilizes 100% local, raw honey inside the barrel Chattanooga Whiskey marks 10th Bottled in Bond vintage with new five-grain mash bill Maker’s Mark honors America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic red, white, and blue bottle Town Branch releases 6-Year Wheated Bourbon as its first dedicated wheat expression Penelope Bourbon debuts "Architects of Golf" trilogy featuring variable stave finishing intensity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices