Shawn McCormick, owner & founder of B. H. James Distillers, announced the release of the brand’s first barrel of Kentucky Grit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 

This release celebrates a major milestone for the small distillery which used a tiny 26-Gallon still to produce the spirit. It was mashed, fermented and distilled all in house using 81% Logan County grown Non-GMO Yellow Corn, 10% Logan grown County Rye, 5% Kentucky grown & caramel Malted Barley, and 4% Midwestern Oats. 

The bourbon aged for 2 years and 2 months in a new American white oak 25-Gallon Kelvin Cooperage #4 Char Barrel. Small amounts were removed from the barrel as it aged at 6, 12, and 18 months to be part of a commemorative gift set containing 100ml bottles of the unaged new make whiskey along with the 6-month increments to show how the bourbon changed during the aging process. 

After the angels had their share and removal of small amounts every six months, the remaining bourbon was proofed down to 48% ABV or 96 Proof. Only 72 – 750ml of the historic bottles are available for purchase for $99.99 at the Adairville, KY distillery on Saturday November 8^th during their three-year anniversary celebration 11 AM to 6 PM.

B.H. James Distillers is also launching a new Reserve line of extra aged whiskeys. The first in the line up to be released is Burton James Uniquely American Reserve – Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a two-barrel blend of 10-year-old bourbons. These two barrels are the last of the first 16 barrels McCormick purchased as new make in January 2015 as he pursued his passion of opening a distillery. 

Both bourbons were distilled in Indiana from 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley and patiently aged in charred new American white oak barrels for 10 years before being blended and bottled at barrel proof of 60.85% ABV or 121.7 proof. It will be available for purchase for $99.99 at the distillery starting November 8^th and then a few select Kentucky retailers.

Adding to the excitement of its 3^rd anniversary on November 8th, B.H. James Distillers will be recognized by the Kentucky Corn Growers Association for its Burton James Uniquely American Bourbon – Batch 1 winning Best of Kentucky in the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition at 1 PM. 

All guests to the distillery on November 8th can memorialize their visit by signing a freshly filled 3^rd Anniversary Kentucky Grit Bourbon barrel! As part of the anniversary celebration, B.H. James Distillers will be donating a portion of the sales from November 8^th and collecting new and in-good-conditioned used coats, hats, gloves, scarves and fleece throws to benefit Lucy’s Coat Closet. 

“This is the third time we’re collecting the gift of warmth and donating $1.00 from every bottle of spirits and adult beverage sold during our anniversary,” McCormick said. “It is an honor for me to donate to Lucy’s Coat Closet, a charity of the First Christian Church of Russellville, as my mom Lucy McCormick ran it for many years. The Coat Closet was renamed as a tribute to her after she passed away in 2016.” 

In addition to the coats and other items, new socks and cash donations are also welcomed. These items can be brought to the distillery on November 8^th for collection. The community is welcome to select items from Lucy’s Coat Closet at 201 West 7^th Street, Russellville, KY the following days and times: November 5^th 11AM – 1PM (sack lunches available), November 19^th 11AM – 1PM and 5-7 PM, and December 3^rd 11AM – 1PM (as inventory allows).

Read more: Pre-order Fred Minnick’s New Book, ‘Bottom Shelf’

About B.H. James Distillers

B.H. James Distillers is a small craft distillery owned by Shawn McCormick who was born in Russellville, Kentucky with a family history going back at least five generations in Adairville and Logan County.  It produces the award-winning Burton James Uniquely American Whiskey & Bourbon, James Lake Vodkas, and Kentucky Grit Whiskeys. The spirits are available to taste and purchase at the distillery’s bottle shop which is open 11 a.m. to 6 pm. Wednesdays through Fridays and Noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays; located at 220 W. Gallatin Street, Adairville, KY, 42202. The spirits are distributed throughout Kentucky by Heritage Wine & Spirits, ask for them at your favorite retailer or restaurant. For more information visit: https://www.bhjamesdistillers.com/.