Augusta, KY, July 3, 2025—It's back! Augusta Distillery is re-releasing the bourbon that captured the “World’s Best Bourbon” title from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023. This eagerly awaited re-release celebrates the whiskey that put Augusta Distillery on the map as a world-class bourbon producer. Bourbon lovers everywhere can purchase bottles of the 13-year-old bourbon for $219.99 online or in person at Augusta Distillery. Each bottle released on site will be at least 135-proof.

"Buckner's 13 holds a special place in our hearts—it's the bourbon that earned us global recognition as the World's Best Bourbon," said Ryan Edwards, president of Augusta Distillery. "This re-release celebrates the heritage, craftsmanship and tradition behind each bottle of Buckner’s: never blended, never diluted and always unique.”

Buckner's 13 is a single-barrel, cask-strength, unfiltered bourbon that has matured for 13 years, creating deep copper brilliance. According to master distiller Alex Castle, the nose offers leather, cherry and toffee, with subtle hints of floral notes and spice. The palate delivers cherry, rye and dark chocolate layered perfectly with smoke. “The finish is medium to long and leaves you wanting more,” she adds.

How to purchase Buckner’s 13
Public presales open online Wednesday, July 9 at 3 p.m. at augusta.kybourbondirect.com. The public release takes place Saturday, July 19 at Augusta Distillery—located at 207 Seminary Ave, Augusta, KY 41002—from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The celebration includes a personalized “Pick Your Proof” selection that allows guests to purchase from some of the distillery’s offerings, including B13 that is at least 135-proof. Distillery tours, bottle signings by Castle, a cookout catered local restaurant The Beehive Augusta Tavern and music by D. Boone Pitman round out the celebration. The Beehive Augusta Tavern will also offer made-to-order breakfast sandwiches from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for early risers in line.

Tickets now available for exclusive pre-release tasting event
Augusta Distillery is also offering bourbon enthusiasts an extraordinary opportunity featuring the distillery's entire premium bourbon collection—including its 10-, 15- and 17-year expressions, each of which earned Double Gold distinction at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition from The Tasting Alliance—one day before the official Buckner's 13 public release.

Inside the Vault with Alex Castle takes place Friday, July 18. Priced at $599.99, this premium ticketed event includes:

• All five of Augusta Distillery’s award-winning bourbons: Old Route 8, Buckner’s 10, Buckner’s 13, Buckner’s 15 and Buckner’s 17
• Commemorative 150-proof bottle of the Buckner's 13 re-release, our highest proof to date
• Two Glencairn glasses
• Guided tasting, intimate discussion and one-on-one conversation with Augusta’s Master Distiller Alex Castle

Tastings are being held at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available here and are extremely limited.

"We wanted to create something special for our most dedicated bourbon enthusiasts. This tasting event gives guests an unparalleled opportunity to experience our complete bourbon collection while celebrating the return of our flagship expression."

Edwards notes that every release of the Buckner's series has sold out rapidly, and he anticipates this release will be no exception, especially given the bourbons’ prestigious award history.

About Augusta Distillery 
Augusta Distillery is nestled on the banks of the Ohio River in its Northern Kentucky namesake town, Augusta. The distillery, housed in a late-1800s-era factory building, is the region's premier bourbon distillery and guest experience center. Powered by two 35-foot-tall Vendome copper column stills, Augusta Distillery has an annual distilling capacity of 14,000 barrels. Augusta's premier retail bourbons are Old Route 8 and limited releases of Buckner's 10, Buckner's 13, Buckner's 15, and Buckner's 17. All Augusta products are Kentucky bourbon aged eight years or more, single-barrel, cask-strength, and unfiltered. The Company's first release, Buckner's 13, was named World's Best Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023, and all Augusta releases have been multi-gold medal winners at various blind tasting competitions.