The Allman Brothers Band, legendary rock icons from the 1970s, have recently partnered with Michigan-based Three Chord Bourbon to release a special edition whiskey. This collaboration marks the latest addition to Three Chord Bourbon’s Backstage Series, a line of custom bourbon blends crafted in partnership with musicians. The series aims to celebrate the rich history of American rock music, and this new release, inspired by the Allman Brothers Band, is no exception.
Image credit: Three Chord
Announced in April and officially unveiled this past Thursday, the Allman Brothers Band-inspired bourbon is a blend of 3.5- and 6-year-old bourbons sourced from distilleries in Indiana and Tennessee. What sets this bourbon apart is its finishing process: the whiskey is rested in toasted peach wood barrels. This choice is a direct nod to the band’s 1972 album, "Eat a Peach," and adds a unique twist to the bourbon.
Peach wood is not a typical choice for aging whiskey; it's more commonly used in the South to smoke meats like poultry and pork. However, whiskey maker Ari Sussman and his team found that the wood imparted a delightful sweetness and structure to the bourbon. The resulting whiskey has a 47.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and features aromas of spice and vanilla, with flavors of caramel sweetness complemented by the toasted peach wood. The finish is long and balanced, leaving a lingering sweetness with hints of spice and caramel.
The collaboration with the Allman Brothers Band is the eighth release in the Backstage Series, which was launched by Three Chord Bourbon in 2017. The series has previously featured collaborations with bands like Dinosaur Jr., The Cadillac Three, Black Stone Cherry, and Halestorm. Each release offers a unique sensory experience, much like a journey through the different eras of American rock music.
Three Chord Bourbon was founded by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Giraldo and is produced by Steel Bending Spirits in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The brand sources its whiskeys from distilleries across Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Indiana, and prides itself on blending and finishing techniques that honor the spirit of the music that inspires them.
The Allman Brothers Band’s percussionist, Jaimoe, expressed excitement about the collaboration, calling it a celebration of the band’s legacy. He remarked, “If you like whiskey, you will dig our collaboration with Three Chord Bourbon. It’s a celebration of our legacy. Far out man. The Road Goes on Forever.”
Fans of both the band and bourbon can now pre-order this limited-edition release online for $49.99. It will also be available at select retailers later in the year. With its distinctive peach wood finish and rich flavors, this bourbon not only captures the essence of the Allman Brothers Band’s music but also adds a new chapter to the Backstage Series, celebrating the art of blending whiskey with the soul of rock and roll.
Three Chord Bourbon x Allman Brothers Band Tasting Notes, From the Brand
- Color: Amber, with shades of red and brown
- Nose: Spice, vanilla, toasted wood, caramel
- Taste: Round and viscous with an added element of sweetness and structure from the toasted peach wood
- Finish: Long, lingering and balanced sweetness with spice and caramel
About Three Chord Bourbon
Three Chord Bourbon is a premium American whiskey brand known for its unique blend and meticulous production process. Named after the foundational concept in music, where many popular songs are built on just three chords, the brand captures the essence of simplicity and harmony in its offerings. Founded by Neil Giraldo, a musician and producer, the brand emphasizes the connection between music and bourbon, striving to create a product that resonates with the same soulful quality as a great song.
The bourbon itself is crafted using a blend of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee bourbons, each selected for its distinct characteristics. This blend is then meticulously aged and finished using a proprietary process called "Perfectly Tuned Taste," which involves exposing the bourbon to various sound frequencies to enhance its flavor profile. This innovative technique aims to refine the whiskey, ensuring a rich, smooth taste that stands out in a crowded market.
Three Chord Bourbon offers a range of products, each with its unique flavor profile. The flagship product, Three Chord Blended Bourbon, is known for its balanced notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, providing a smooth and versatile drinking experience. Other variants, such as the Twelve Bar Reserve and the Amplify Rye, cater to different palates, offering deeper, more complex flavors that appeal to connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
In addition to its commitment to quality, Three Chord Bourbon is also dedicated to community and culture. The brand frequently partners with musicians and music events, aligning its identity with the artistic spirit of the music world. This synergy between bourbon and music not only defines the brand's unique positioning but also fosters a sense of connection and shared experience among its consumers.
