LEXINGTON, KY – Bourbon is more than a spirit in the Bluegrass State; it is a political and cultural currency. Kentucky Senator Bourbon, the award-winning brand co-founded by 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, is proving that heritage doesn’t just belong in textbooks—it belongs in a glass.
What began as a discovered vintage label from the early 20th century has evolved into a celebrated “vertical series” of super-premium whiskeys. Each release is named after a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, bridging the gap between the state’s legislative influence and its world-renowned distilling craftsmanship.
“We wanted to honor the history of Kentucky’s senators,” explains Damon Thayer, former Kentucky State Senate Majority Leader. “Our goal is to tell a story with each bottle.”
A Strategy Rooted in Time
Unlike brands that rely on a single, static flavor profile, Kentucky Senator Bourbon embraces diversity through its Vertical Series. By releasing bourbons of varying ages—currently spanning 7 to 9 years—the brand allows enthusiasts to taste the evolution of the spirit.
Their latest acclaimed offering, the 8.5-year-old “Jim Bunning Release,” honors the Baseball Hall of Famer and U.S. Senator. With a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, it delivers a mellow yet characterful profile of honey, caramel, and orchard fruit—bottled at the brand’s signature 107 proof.
National Expansion and Future Heritage
While deeply rooted in Kentucky through partnerships with Bardstown Bourbon Company and Castle & Key, the brand is rapidly expanding its footprint. Currently available in markets like Florida, Illinois, and Washington D.C., and recently launching the “Louisiana Senator” line featuring Huey P. Long, the brand is successfully taking Kentucky’s story nationwide via direct-to-consumer shipping to 46 states.
“It’s about the heritage of the state and offering high-quality bourbon with a story,” Thayer says. “The focus remains on integrity, age, and telling Kentucky’s story one sip at a time.”
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