The bourbon world has been buzzing since September 2025, when two of Kentucky's most respected distillers unveiled their latest creation to the public. Now, for the first time, whiskey enthusiasts across America can get their hands on Jackson Purchase Bourbon without planning a road trip to the Bluegrass State.
This marks a significant shift for a distillery that has quietly become one of Kentucky's fastest-growing operations since opening its doors in 2021. While Jackson Purchase Distillery has been producing bourbon for other brands—more than 100,000 barrels for the contract market—the team decided it was time to share their own expression with the world.
The Men Behind the Mash
The driving force behind Jackson Purchase Bourbon comes from a partnership that reads like bourbon royalty. Master Distiller Craig Beam represents the seventh generation of his family's distilling legacy and spent years as Master Distiller at Heaven Hill before this venture. His expertise recently earned him induction into the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the industry's elite.
Working alongside Beam is Head Distiller Terry Ballard, who previously held the Head Distiller position at Willett, another name that carries serious weight in bourbon circles. Together, these two veterans bring decades of combined experience to every barrel that rolls through the Hickman, Kentucky facility.
"Terry and I have been honored and humbled by all the praise Jackson Purchase Bourbon has gotten since our release," Beam said. "Now we're especially excited for the rest of the country to taste how our team is carrying on the tradition of authentic Kentucky bourbon."
What's in the Bottle
Jackson Purchase Bourbon Batch No. 1 – Full Proof isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, Beam and Ballard focused on executing a classic bourbon recipe with precision and patience. The mash bill consists of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley—a time-tested formula that allows each grain to contribute its character to the final product.
The bourbon aged for four years in new white oak barrels featuring a #4 char. The spirit entered those barrels at 120 proof, and after its time in the rickhouse, it was bottled at 117.8 proof. This "full proof" approach means the bourbon wasn't diluted before bottling, preserving the intensity and complexity developed during aging.
Tasters have picked up on layers of flavor in this expression. Cinnamon spice emerges alongside what some reviewers describe as banana notes, while the expected vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors provide a solid foundation. The higher proof delivers those flavors with authority, though the bourbon reportedly drinks smoother than the proof might suggest.
Critical Acclaim Pours In
The reception to Jackson Purchase Bourbon's debut has exceeded expectations. The bourbon landed a spot on Fred Minnick's Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2025, a competitive list that represents the year's finest releases. It also captured a Gold Medal in the Kentucky Bourbon Awards, where it faced scrutiny from experienced judges intimately familiar with the state's distilling standards.
Media coverage has been extensive and enthusiastic. American Whiskey magazine dedicated multiple pages to the release in their December issue, giving readers an in-depth look at the distillery and its first proprietary bourbon. Bourbon and Banter's Steve Coomes offered particularly high praise in his review, stating, "It's hard to beat bourbon this good, but it's freakishly hard to beat it at 4 years of age and for this price."
That last point about age deserves emphasis. The bourbon market has seen products aged four years often dismissed as too young, particularly at higher proof points. The fact that reviewers are praising this bourbon's maturity and balance at that age speaks to the quality of distillation and barrel selection involved in its creation.
Breaking Down the Barriers
Until recently, all this acclaim meant little to bourbon enthusiasts living outside Kentucky. Despite the national attention, Jackson Purchase Bourbon remained available only within state lines. That geographical restriction has now been lifted, opening the floodgates for online orders to most of the country.
The bourbon is now available for delivery to states across America, with only six exceptions: Alaska, Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Utah remain off the delivery map due to various state regulations regarding alcohol shipments. Everyone else can order directly and have bottles shipped to their doorstep.
Jackson Purchase Bourbon Batch No. 1 – Full Proof carries a retail price of $75 per bottle. The distillery is sweetening the deal with free shipping on orders of two or more bottles, making it easier for buyers to stock up or split an order with friends. Given the limited quantities available and the bourbon's growing reputation, those interested might want to move quickly.
The Distillery's Foundation
Jackson Purchase Distillery represents a substantial investment in Fulton County, Kentucky. The facility, equipped with 36-inch and 24-inch copper column stills, can produce up to 60,000 barrels annually. The total investment in the operation exceeds $50 million, demonstrating the owners' commitment to serious, long-term bourbon production.
The distillery's primary business involves contract distilling, producing new-fill barrels for craft brands, distillers needing additional capacity, and companies purchasing barrels for future third-party sales. This approach has allowed Jackson Purchase to grow rapidly while building relationships throughout the industry. The decision to release their own bourbon represents a natural evolution for a distillery that has proven it can produce quality spirit at scale.
Location matters in bourbon production, and Jackson Purchase makes the most of its Kentucky setting. The team uses locally sourced grains and draws from calcium-rich well water, two factors that contribute to the bourbon's character. That calcium content, in particular, is prized by distillers for how it interacts with the mash during fermentation.
Looking Forward
The nationwide availability of Jackson Purchase Bourbon marks an important moment for the distillery. After years of producing bourbon that ended up in other brands' bottles, Beam and Ballard now have their own label gaining recognition and building a following.
The "Batch No. 1" designation suggests this won't be a one-time release. While the distillery hasn't announced specifics about future batches, the numbering indicates plans for additional releases. Whether those will follow the same mash bill and aging profile or explore different expressions remains to be seen.
For now, bourbon drinkers have the opportunity to taste what two Kentucky distilling veterans consider worthy of carrying their names. The combination of traditional methods, quality ingredients, and experienced hands has produced a bourbon that's earning respect from critics and consumers alike.
The price point positions Jackson Purchase Bourbon in competitive territory. At $75, it's asking buyers to spend more than entry-level bottles but less than many of the allocated or luxury bourbons that dominate headlines. Based on the reviews and awards, it appears to be delivering value that justifies that middle ground.
As the bourbon market continues to expand and evolve, stories like Jackson Purchase Distillery's remind enthusiasts why Kentucky remains the heart of American whiskey production. The state's combination of climate, water, tradition, and talent continues to produce spirits that capture attention and satisfy palates.
For those who have been reading about Jackson Purchase Bourbon and wondering when they could try it, that wait is over. The bottle that generated buzz across bourbon media, earned gold medals, and impressed experienced reviewers is now just a few clicks away—no Kentucky road trip required.
