William Berkele Distillery and Master Distiller Chip Tate will Release Burnt Tavern Bourbon on September 1.
William Berkele Distillery has announced the release of its first product, Burnt Tavern Bourbon, launching September 1 in Central and Northern Kentucky with plans for broader distribution across the state later this year. The bourbon is named for a twice-burned and rebuilt tavern in Garrard County, Kentucky, and seeks to carry forward its history of resilience.
Aged Seven Years and Double-Barreled
Burnt Tavern Bourbon is a 7-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 105 proof. After traditional barrel aging, the bourbon undergoes a second maturation in two specially toasted and charred barrels. This process creates flavors of burnt sugar, caramel, and vanilla, along with oak and subtle wood smoke. The aroma profile includes apple cobbler, blackberry jam, baking spices, smoked caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak.
Chip Tate Leads Whiskey Development
The bourbon was crafted under the direction of master distiller Chip Tate, known for his expertise in wood finishing. “I have a long and storied history making whiskey with fire and smoke. Wood smoke and its ability to impart subtle and complex flavor to spirits has been a part of my distilling journey from the early days,” said Tate. “Burnt Tavern Bourbon represents the intersection of classic Kentucky bourbon with rich new layers of smoke and oak added by our special finishing process – a new medley of classic American flavors.”
William Berkele Distillery President Bennett Clark emphasized the bourbon’s heritage: “Burnt Tavern Bourbon doesn’t follow trends. It honors the history of the fire and the journey of those who came before us. Each sip tells the story of smoke, char, and resilience.”
Legacy of the Original Burnt Tavern
The Burnt Tavern name traces back to 1794, when Rev. James Smith established a travelers’ rest along Zanes Trace in Bryantsville, Kentucky. After surviving two fires and being rebuilt, it became known as Burnt Tavern. The site later inspired William Berkele, who founded his distillery in 1868 near the original location.
Packaging Inspired by History
The bourbon’s branding and packaging were created by designer Tara Lubonovich, who incorporated historical elements from the tavern and distillery into the label design. “We wanted to create a label that draws you into the journey of the Tavern, down to the last detail. The Burnt Tavern logotype was designed to feel like it’s branded into wood, and the shape of the label evokes an old hanging sign from the stagecoach days,” Lubonovich said.
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