Lexington, Kentucky’s Town Branch Distillery kicks off Bourbon Heritage Month (September) with its 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: IMPERIUM MMXXVI.
Imperium MMXXVI Bourbon is a relative newcomer to annualized limited edition bourbon releases, with 2026 marking just the third installment in the series. Town Branch has built this series around drawing from the best barrels of all three of their bourbon stocks:
- 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
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 bourbon profile unlike any other bottling from the distillery. Bottled at cask strength (115.1 proof), Imperium MMXXVI delivers depth and power while allowing the wheated bourbon to shine. 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. The result is a bold, complex bourbon that once again helps crown Bourbon Heritage Month, reflecting Town Branch’s commitment to exceptional bourbon-making and its passion for all things bourbon and bourbon-inspired at the distillery. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month—and to many more Imperium releases to come.
