HIGH BANK TO RELEASE TO ARTIST SERIES BOTTLES IN COLLABORATION WITH CCAD
COLUMBUS, OH — Aging spirits is an art form - and these bottles prove it. High Bank Distillery Co. is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated “Artist Series”, launching Friday, May 29th, 2026 across all retail locations in Grandview, Gahanna, and Westerville.
This year’s release features two imaginative barrel-aged spirits that blend High Bank’s signature craftsmanship with vibrant artistic storytelling—each bottle a canvas of complex flavor and creativity while giving back to the future creatives of our city. These bottles feature original artwork from Columbus-based artist Caleb Aronhalt. This year’s series carries an especially personal connection for High Bank co-founder Adam Hines, as both Hines and Aronhalt are alumni of the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), reinforcing the shared creative roots behind the collaboration.
Inspired by the energy of and partnership with the Columbus Arts Festival & Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), the 2026 Artist Series showcases one inventive Barrel Select Statehouse Gin and one new Whiskey War Barrel Select bottles. Hines talks about this year’s collaboration.
“As creators, we are storytellers. This year’s Artist Series was a joy to create—each spirit expresses something imaginative and unexpected. We’re excited to share these first ever experimental barrel finishes that blend creativity and complexity”
Myself, our Director of Distilling Operations Mike Smith and Creative Director Tony Thomas, are all alumni of Columbus College of Art & Design. For both label designs, we wanted to lean into Caleb’s unique style and for him to be expressive in what he does best. Just like in the distillery, we believe we create the best whiskey when we have creative freedom.”
— Master Distiller and co-founder Adam Hines
These bottles benefit the Columbus College of Art & Design Student Wellness & Success Fund. This fund fosters a holistic approach to student well being, supporting student resources like the campus food pantry, student emergency fund, and mental health and wellness services.
Take a look at the two limited edition bottles.
WHISKEY WAR BARREL SELECT
PX & OLOROSO SHERRY CASKS
BATCH #36
59.22% alc/vol | 118.44 proof | 480 bottles
A blend of cask strength whiskey finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, this release opens sweet and creamy before evolving into a bold, spicy, and dry finish.
Tasting Notes: Caramel buttercream on the nose, followed by vanilla sweetcream, cranberry, leather, spice, and oak on the palate.
BARREL SELECT STATEHOUSE GIN
MADEIRA & SANGIOVESE
BATCH #10
41% alc/vol | 82 proof | 444 bottles
A blend of Statehouse Gin finished in Sangiovese and Madeira casks, this release delivers a sweet, citrus-forward nose that transitions into a zesty, candy-inspired palate — complex, yet crushable.
Tasting Notes: Honeydew, Skittles, citrus soda, spiced orange, and Sunny D on the nose, followed by orange, lemon, and ginger candies, juniper, honeydew, and blood orange on the palate.
The 2026 Artist Series will be released in limited quantities at High Bank’s three retail shops (Grandview, Gahanna, Westerville) starting Friday, May 29th. The Barrel Select Statehouse Gin release will also be available in select OHLQ stores in early June.
About High Bank Distillery Co.
High Bank Distillery Co. is a local Columbus distillery, founded in 2017. Operating an award-winning distillery that obsesses on the creation of high quality, handmade spirits with a focus on blended whiskey. Won Best Blended Whiskey in America in 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as Best Vodka in the World in 2025, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Drink Local. Drink High Bank. For more information, visit highbankdistillery.com