In the heart of Kentucky, where rolling hills meet the scent of aging oak barrels, a piece of American whiskey history is making a quiet but powerful comeback. Burks Spring Bourbon, a name that echoes from the early days of distilling, has just unveiled its Select 7 Year Reserve—a limited-edition release that's stirring up interest among those who appreciate a good pour with a story behind it.
This isn't just any bourbon; it's a nod to a family tradition that stretches back over a century. Picture this: at the dawn of the 1900s, Charles Burks kicked off his distilling venture on a modest farm along Hardin Creek. What started as a small operation grew into the Burks Spring Distillery, churning out respected Kentucky straight bourbons like Old Happy Hollow and Burks Spring Genuine Sour Mash. For close to 115 years, the Burks family kept the stills running, crafting bottled-in-bond whiskies that captured the essence of the region's rich soil and pure springs.
But like so many tales from that era, it all came to a halt with Prohibition in 1919. The family had no choice but to sell the business, and over the decades, it passed through various hands. Today, the original distillery building still stands tall on the grounds now owned and run by Maker's Mark in Loretto, Kentucky—a silent reminder of what once was.
Fast forward to 2018, when Dick Burks, the great-great-great grandson of Charles, felt the pull of his roots. He set out to bring back the family's classic bourbon, drawing straight from the historic recipe and sticking to the original distilling methods. It wasn't about chasing trends or mass production; it was about honoring what his ancestors built. The result? Burks Spring Bourbon, a high-rye expression bottled at a solid 100 proof in standard 750ml bottles. It's got that bold kick from the rye, balanced with the smoothness only time in the barrel can deliver.
The brand's initial rollout happened in April 2024, with just a handful of bottles hitting the shelves on a very limited basis. Folks who got their hands on it raved about the flavor, and it didn't take long for word to spread. As Dick Burks put it in a recent news release, “Our first bourbon that we released in 2024 has been well received and been described as delicious, by many experts. Therefore, we are excited that our new 7 Year version will be even more flavorful.”
And now, the Select 7 Year Reserve is here, aged to perfection and ready to elevate that original profile. But don't expect to find it everywhere—this one's exclusive. Only 600 bottles are up for grabs, scattered across select liquor stores and restaurants in Louisville and the nearby areas. It's the kind of scarcity that turns a simple purchase into a hunt, adding to the thrill for anyone who enjoys tracking down something special.
Burks himself highlighted the buzz around it: “As the supply is so limited, we suggest our customers contact their favorite liquor store to see if they have it on the shelves before making a trip. Just last week, the first case that hit a local store was sold out in less than a day.” That quick sell-out speaks volumes about the demand. Imagine walking into your go-to spot, asking for it, and hearing it's already gone—it's a reminder of how fleeting these releases can be in the world of fine spirits.
What makes this bourbon stand out isn't just the age or the proof; it's the connection to a bygone time. The high-rye mash bill, inspired by those early recipes, brings a spicy edge that's perfect for sipping neat on a cool evening or mixing into a classic cocktail. Think notes of caramel and vanilla mingling with that rye bite, all wrapped in the warmth of Kentucky's distilling heritage. For guys who've spent years building their own collections, this is the bottle that adds a layer of history to the shelf—one that ties back to a family farm and the grit of generations past.
If you're in the Louisville region or willing to make the drive, checking availability is key. The company has made it easy with a full list of locations on their site at burksspringbourbon.com/locations. That's where you'll also find more details on upcoming releases, stock updates, and the full backstory. For those deeper into the hobby, diving into the site's resources can turn a casual interest into a real appreciation for how this bourbon bridges the old world with today.
In a market flooded with options, Burks Spring Select 7 Year Reserve cuts through the noise by keeping things authentic. It's not about flashy marketing or endless supply; it's about quality, limited runs, and a family name that's earned its place. Whether you're toasting to the past or just enjoying a quiet glass after a long day, this release invites you to savor something rare. Head over to burksspringbourbon.com for all the info—because in the world of bourbon, the good stuff doesn't stick around long.
