The University of Kentucky’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits (JBBI) announced the release of its first student-created bourbon, Kentucky Wildcask Bourbon. Launching in April 2025, the project stems from the inaugural Commercialization of Distilled Spirits course, led by honorary professor and industry veteran Herb Heneman. The release marks a major milestone for JBBI, home to the world’s largest teaching distillery.
Kentucky Wildcask Bourbon Launch Event Detail:
- April 28, 2025
- 4-7 p.m.
- The Cooper House and James B. Beam Institute (JBBI). University of Kentucky
- Registration required to attend.
- Register for the opportunity to purchase Wildcask Bourbon and meet the student creators behind the project. There is a limit of two bottles per guest.
- If you have any questions, please contact Ilka Balk at ilka.balk@uky.edu.
Hands-On Education Combines Craft and Business Skills
JBBI’s Distillation, Wine and Brewing Certificate program emphasizes practical experience in alcoholic beverage production and research. In the new Commercialization of Distilled Spirits course, students not only learned distilling techniques but also developed business skills crucial to the spirits industry. “JBBI does a terrific job teaching students the craft behind making bourbon, but learning how to make money from it was a critical piece of the equation that was missing,” said Heneman. “The Commercialization of Distilled Spirits class was designed to fill this gap. And what better way to learn than by doing?”
Wildcask Bourbon Blend and Tasting Notes
Kentucky Wildcask Bourbon is a blend of three Kentucky Straight Bourbons. It features an 8-year-old 13% rye bourbon donated by Freddie Noe, an 8th-generation Beam Master Distiller, comprising 35% of the blend. Complementing it are a 5-year-old 20% wheat bourbon and a 4.5-year-old 39% wheat bourbon, donated by Heneman. The bourbon is bottled at 100 proof, priced at $54.99 per 750ml, with approximately 2,500 bottles available. Tasting notes highlight a deep amber color with aromas of toffee, cinnamon, allspice, green pepper, dill, and honeysuckle, alongside a soft palate featuring citrus, fresh herbs, tobacco, nutmeg, and dark fruits.
Scholarships and Industry Support Boost Student Opportunities
Proceeds from the Wildcask Bourbon sales will directly benefit JBBI students by funding scholarships, research, and programming, with a projected contribution of over $100,000. “It has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the inaugural course and creating our own bourbon. It will be satisfying to actually bring our Kentucky Wildcask Bourbon to shelves,” said student Paulatai Sevelo.
Industry Leaders and Corporate Partners Contribute to Success
Throughout the course, students engaged with leading industry professionals, including Freddie Noe, Dixon Dedman, Keisha Raspberry, Dan Callaway, and Susie Garvin. Corporate support for the project came from James B. Beam Distilling Company, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Cursive, and W. Bahan design. Seth DeBolt, director of JBBI, praised Heneman’s efforts, stating, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and the step that honorary Professor Heneman took is going to change lives and broaden the reach of the James B. Beam Institute for years to come.”
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