James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey is
the first expression of small-batch premium whiskey from Ole Smoky Distillery,
one of the nation's fastest-growing spirits companies, with the name James
Ownby Reserve serving to honor family tie.
Ole Smoky Distillery has announced the launch of a
small-batch whiskey brand, James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon
Whiskey.
This 94-proof whiskey aged in American virgin charred oak
barrels. It filtered through the Lincoln County Process, passing through sugar
maple charcoal before aging.
Fewer than 200 barrels of James Ownby Reserve release
this month.
The whiskey commemorates the history and spirit of James
Ownby, the fifth-generation great-grandfather of Ole Smoky Distillery’s
Founder, Joe Baker.
“James Ownby lived a life so epic we still tell his
tale,” says Baker. “A son of the revolution, a soldier, he was dedicated to his
country. He enlisted at 17 and served six tours of duty throughout his esteemed
military career. James fearlessly fought for our young country’s freedom, for
his beliefs and for a better way of life. His most notable service came as a
member of the renowned ‘Overmountain Men’ regiment under the command of Colonel
John Sevier in the Battle of Kings Mountain, the battle which Thomas Jefferson
fittingly deemed ‘The turn of the tide of success’, in the Revolutionary War.”
In the late 1800s, Ownby set down roots in East
Tennessee, near where where Ole Smoky operates the distillery today on the edge
of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Ownby family became known as one of
the original families who settled in the area, the company says.
“James Ownby Reserve pays tribute to my family’s heritage
and legacy,” explains Baker. “This new brand embodies our creativity and
commitment to creating small-batch whiskey and the team at Ole Smoky is proud
to bring the product to market.”
The James Ownby Reserve bottle and label design
celebrates Tennessee with the three stars found on the Tennessee State Flag.
Each represents the areas of Tennessee: middle, east and west.
The label also includes a personal message and signature
of Joe Baker.
