As barrel finishing continues to reshape the premium American whiskey landscape, Koopers Whiskey is introducing its limited-edition Cognac rye whiskey. 

Koopers Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks will be released in limited quantities on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Koopers Whiskey tasting room in Ledbetter, Texas.

Koopers Whiskey is known for its experimentation with whiskey blending and new approaches. Secondary cask finishing has emerged as one of the most popular areas of innovation in American whiskey, driven by consumer demand for more complex, layered flavor profiles and collectible, small-batch releases. Distillers are increasingly turning to wine and specialty casks — including Cognac — to add dimension and nuance to traditionally bold whiskey styles.

“With this Cognac-finished release, we are building contrast and balance by adding a second, elegant voice to a premium whiskey,” Koopers Whiskey master blender Troy Kooper said in a news release. “The spice of the rye speaks first, then a soft, fruit-laced warmth from the French oak, and the kiss of Cognac character finishes the sentence. It’s a conversation between traditions, bridging American whiskey with Old World influence. Rye has always had a confident edge. The finishing brings layered, expressive refinement without losing backbone.”

Koopers Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks was distilled in Indiana and aged for seven years in new, charred American white oak barrels. The whiskey was then finished in hand-selected French Cognac casks in Texas for eleven weeks. The result highlights the interplay between rye’s signature spice and the rounded, fruit and floral notes imparted by the Cognac barrels.

Koopers Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks

• Mash Bill: 45% Corn, 51% Rye, 4% Barley
• Age: 7 Years Old
• Finish: Cognac casks (11 weeks)
• Proof: 96 (48% ABV)
• Release: Single barrel, 225 bottles total
• Price: $80 per 750ml bottle

2026 marks the third year Koopers Whiskey has released an annual Cognac-finished rye. The brand previously released two others, one in 2024 and one in 2025. Notably, Koopers Whiskey remains one of the few Texas whiskey producers to consistently utilize Cognac casks—pioneering the approach at a time when many others focused on more traditional Port and Sherry finishes.

Each limited-edition bottle of Koopers 2026 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks features an eye-catching label that is as intriguing as the whiskey. The artwork depicts a 19th-century-style lady riding a jaguar as it jumps through a ring of fire. 

Only 225 bottles of Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks ($80 each) will be available for purchase beginning at 11:00 a.m. on April 11, exclusively at the Koopers Whiskey Texas Tasting Room located at 100 West U.S. 290, Ledbetter, TX 78945. The release is expected to sell out quickly.

Read more: 2025 Top 100 American Whiskeys — Ranked

About Koopers Whiskey

Koopers Whiskey is a family-owned Texas whiskey brand rooted in time-honored, old-world blending traditions. Founded by Troy Kooper and Michelle Kooper, the company crafts boutique Texas Bourbons and Ryes that reflect both the spirit of Texas and a commitment to quality without pretense. For more information, visit KoopersWhiskey.com.