Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXVI: Cask Strength Bourbon Release

Limited-edition 50% wheated bourbon blend marks the third annual Imperium release, bottled at 115.1 proof

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sept. 1, 2026 — Town Branch Distillery, the seventh member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the first new distillery built in Lexington since Prohibition, kicks off Bourbon Heritage Month with Town Branch® IMPERIUM MMXXVI, a high-end limited-edition bourbon built on a 50% wheated bourbon foundation. Bottled at cask strength (115.1 proof), non-chill-filtered, and offered at an SRP of $119.99, the release marks the third annual edition of the highly anticipated Imperium series.

“This is the best of the best for us, and we only have so much to share. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so if you see a bottle, grab it!” said Dave Bob Gaspar, Head Distiller & Blender at Town Branch Distillery.

About the Blend

As per the bourbon’s DNA, this year’s edition draws from Town Branch’s most exclusive “Imperium Bourbon Stocks,” pulling from all three of the distillery’s bourbon mash bills:

Pot-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley
Column-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley
Column-still Wheated Bourbon: 70% corn / 22% wheat / 8% malted barley

Each barrel pulled from the rickhouse is evaluated for its highest purpose — base blending, single-barrel program or Imperium stocks. The tasting of these barrels functions like a continuous tryout, with only the best of the best making the cut for final blending.

The 2026 release begins with a 50% wheated bourbon base, then marries it with 50% of Town Branch’s other bourbon stocks to create a distinctive hybrid profile unlike any other bottling from the distillery. Eight carefully selected barrels, ranging in age from 6 to more than 9 years, comprise this year’s blend following extensive tasting and test blends designed to explore a range of profiles and flavor notes.

Where to Taste It

The distillery will offer a custom tasting flight featuring a vertical of the MMXXV and MMXXVI releases throughout Bourbon Heritage Month, including a bottle signing with Distiller & Blender Dave Bob Gaspar on Friday, September 4, from noon–4 p.m. EST at Town Branch Distillery. The distillery team will also pour Imperium Bourbon at the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, September 11–13.

Brand Highlights

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXVI Kentucky Straight Bourbon (SRP $119.99/750ml)
A 50/50 blend of Town Branch’s finest bourbon barrels — 50% Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon and 50% Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Released annually during Bourbon Heritage Month and marked by the year of release in Roman numerals.

Mash Bill: Kentucky Straight Bourbon (72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley); Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (70% corn / 22% wheat / 8% malted barley)
Age: Barrel-aged 6 to 9+ years
ABV: 57.55% ABV / 115.1 Proof
Availability: Very limited annual release — 205 cases (6-packs)

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich mahogany
Aroma: Honey, stone fruit, vanilla, oak, cinnamon and pecans
Palate: Honey, dark cherry, vanilla, pecan pie, pastry and molasses
Finish: Bittersweet, with dry oak, spice, rich caramel, dark toffee and honey

About Town Branch Distillery
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition and part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The distillery produces Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt and Bluegrass Sundown, a bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Every used barrel is upcycled to craft barrel-aged beers, including Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. Learn more at lexingtonbrewingco.com.