Veteran owned and operated whiskey and cigar brand Hooten Young announced the release of its inaugural Bottled‑in‑Bond Bourbon, debuting July 4, 2025. This milestone expression marks an evolution of the brand while maintaining its roots in honoring America’s heroes. 

In 2018, Norm Hooten, U.S. Army MSG (Ret), co-founded veteran-owned American Whiskey and Cigar brand, Hooten Young, otherwise known as the real-life “Hoot” from the Hollywood epic “Black Hawk Down,” Hooten was integral in the epic 1993 Battle of Mogadishu known as Operation Gothic Serpent.

Hooten Young whiskeys and cigars were created around the stories of the fallen and are intended for times of reflection and pause, each product inspired by those defending our freedom and intended for the everyday hero. Their veterans-first approach uplifts causes like Camp Freedom and Green Beret Foundation — grounded in gratitude and purpose.

“This bourbon isn’t just a whiskey — it’s a moment in time for us,” Hooten said in a news release. “The brand began as a cigar created to honor those a part of the Operation Gothic Serpent mission. Now, six years later, we hold a library of award-winning cigars and spirits and have built an entire brand around the stories of the brave men and women who give their lives for our freedom.”

With a competitive price point in mind, it retails at $39.99 making it the most competitively-priced whiskey in the brand’s library. This bourbon was bottled under a new partnership with Green River Distilling and Bardstown Bottling Company based in Bardstown, KY.  Additionally, Hooten Young Bottled in Bond has a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% distiller’s malt.

“Adding a bourbon felt like the natural next step,” Hooten said. “We wanted to challenge ourselves by venturing into a spirit we hadn’t dabbled with entirely and we wanted it to be at a cost that customers felt comfortable buying again and again while being able to savor for life’s special moments as much as the ordinary ones. We can’t wait to release this and can’t think of a better day than America’s birthday – July 4th – to do that. This isn’t just a whiskey. It’s a declaration to drink better bourbon.” 

The official release date of the bourbon is July 4, when it will launch exclusively on hootenyoung.com and through select retailers. Following the July 4 launch, it will gradually become available across all current Hooten Young distribution states — including FL, GA, TX, CA, and more.

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ABOUT HOOTEN YOUNG 

Hooten Young is for those with a refined palate who haven’t lost their grit. Specializing in award-winning whiskey and cigars, Hooten Young was co-founded by retired United States Army MSgt. Norm Hooten. For more information about Hooten Young and their products, or to stay updated on upcoming initiatives and releases, please visit www.hootenyoung.com.