Jefferson’s Bourbon announced the second release of its Marian McLain series, an expression that pays homage to one of the earliest documented women in American whiskey.

The namesake bourbon honors founder Trey Zoeller’s 8th-generation grandmother, Marian McLain. To support her five children after her husband died in the Revolutionary War, Marian turned to the illegal production and distribution of liquor. 

Arrested in 1799, she became one of the first women officially documented for her involvement in making American whiskey. It is that legacy of determination and defiance that endures in Jefferson’s boldest blend to date.

“Marian’s arrest isn’t what defines her,” Zoeller said. “I believe it’s proof of her resilience, her entrepreneurial drive, and her role as a trailblazer in American whiskey-making. That resilient spirit has always been in Jefferson’s DNA. With Marian McLain, I think we’ve captured that same trailblazing spirit in the bottle. It’s a whiskey that isn’t afraid of taking a little risk, just like the unforgettable character of the woman it honors.”

Marian McLain is a blend of five distinct bourbons, each chosen to represent an element of Marian’s story: Kentucky 13-year-old bourbon (62%), Indiana 11-year-old wheated bourbon double-barreled oak (15%), Kentucky rye barrel wine finish (11%), Kentucky rye barrel run finish (6%), and Kentucky 9-year-old bourbon (6%). 

“Creating Marian McLain was about creating a spirit that feels alive with history and heart,” Ale Ochoa, Jefferson’s Master Blender, said. “Each of the five distinct bourbons was selected for its unique flavor and complexity. As a woman in the craft today, it’s rewarding to help bring attention to someone like Marian, who helped lay the foundation centuries ago.”

Bottled at cask strength (106 proof), Jefferson’s Marian McLain is available now at select retailers nationwide and online.

Read more: Jefferson’s Reserve Launches New 8-Year Cask Strength at Red Rocks

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN DISTILLERS

North American Distillers (NADL) is a global brand company within the Pernod Ricard group, dedicated to overseeing and expanding the company’s American whiskey portfolio. NADL brings together a dynamic collection of American whiskey brands, including Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Skrewball, and TX. NADL’s mission is to harness the immense potential within the American whiskey category, leveraging its global marketing capabilities and commitment to operational excellence to support the growth of a world-class portfolio. For more information, visit jeffersonsbourbon.com.