Named for a twice burned and rebuilt tavern in Garrard County, Kentucky, Burnt Tavern Bourbon hosted a launch event Thursday evening in Louisville.

The first release is uniquely crafted by esteemed whiskey pioneer Chip Tate. Launched September 1 in Central and Northern Kentucky, the brand is expanding across the state.

“Louisville plays a pivotal role in the bourbon industry, and we’re thrilled to bring our distinctive brand to bourbon lovers in this part of the state,” Bennett Clark, President William Berkele Distillery, said. “Burnt Tavern has been extremely well received. We sold nearly 40 percent of the first release in September, and October is looking to be another impressive month for sales.” 

Burnt Tavern Bourbon is a 7-year-old premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 105 proof. After aging in traditional bourbon barrels, the bourbon is double-barreled in two unique, slowly toasted and charred barrels. In these secondary barrels, the whiskey continues to develop to offer rich and complex layers of burnt sugar, caramel, and vanilla, as well as luscious notes of oak and an elegant wood smoke. 

“Burnt Tavern Bourbon doesn’t follow trends. It honors the history of the fire and the journey of those who came before us,” Clark said. “Each sip tells the story of smoke, char, and resilience. For those who appreciate the slow char and bold character of bourbon, Burnt Tavern delivers.” 

Master Distiller Chip Tate Lends His Vision

Created for the adventurous palate, Burnt Tavern Bourbon was developed by famed master distiller and wood-finishing expert Chip Tate. Inspired by William Berkele’s centuries-old bourbon, Tate infused it with his vision and artistry to craft a distinct new brand that honors the past while illuminating the future.

“I have a long and storied history making whiskey with fire and smoke,” Tate said. “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. 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”

Burnt Tavern’s aroma profile includes a whisper of smoke, apple cobbler, blackberry jam, baking spices, smoked caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak. Flavor notes include caramel, brown sugar, bananas, toffee, ginger, and baking spice.

“We came to Chip with a story rooted in legacy, fire and revival and he turned it into something you can actually taste,” Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, William Berkele Distillery said. “Very few distillers can take a brand’s origin and build a flavor that truly lives up to it. It’s not just bourbon; he captured the soul of Burnt Tavern. In every sip, a Kentucky story is told.” 

The Legend of Burnt Tavern

In 1794, Rev. James Smith and his family built a travelers’ rest along Zanes Trace, in what is now Bryantsville, Kentucky. The tavern was destroyed by fire and rebuilt twice, becoming known as “Burnt Tavern.” It served as a respite for travelers, frontiersmen, and locals alike and stood as a symbol of resilience, strength, fortitude, and pure Kentucky grit. In 1868 William Berkele founded his distillery on land he purchased near the site of the legendary Burnt Tavern and began production of handmade sour mash whiskey. 

Brand and Packaging Tell the Tale

Brand Identity Designer Tara Lubonovich brought the story of Burnt Tavern to life in a visual language rich in Kentucky history. The packaging was designed to illustrate the many characters and events surrounding the historic tavern, notably the two fires and highlights from its unique history since 1794. The design also incorporates the original seal of the William Berkele Distillery. 

“We wanted to create a label that draws you into the journey of the Tavern, down to the last detail,” Lubonovich said. “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.”

Read more: Burnt Tavern Bourbon Debuts Sept. 1

About William Berkele Distillery

The William Berkele Distillery was originally founded in 1868 near the site of the legendary Burnt Tavern in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. The William Berkele Distillery is proud to introduce its first release – Burnt Tavern Bourbon – a premium, double-barreled Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey known for its bold flavor and whisper of smoke. Every bottle reflects the resilience, heritage, and independent spirit of Burnt Tavern. Twice Burned and Reborn.