In the heart of Kentucky, where rolling hills meet rich bourbon tradition, Burks Spring Bourbon has made a triumphant return with its second expression, hitting shelves in 2025. This release marks another chapter in the revival of a storied brand that traces its roots back over two centuries. With a deep connection to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, Burks Spring is capturing the attention of whiskey enthusiasts across Louisville and beyond, offering a taste of history in every sip.
A New Chapter for Burks Spring
The second expression of Burks Spring Bourbon is now available at nearly 50 stores throughout Louisville and its surrounding areas, with the Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood joining the ranks by proudly offering bottles in its gift shop. This expansion follows the brand’s initial limited release in April 2024, which reintroduced the Burks family recipe to the world after a century-long hiatus. The Kentucky Artisan Distillery, the production partner for Burks Spring, has been instrumental in bringing this historic bourbon back to life, ensuring each bottle stays true to its traditional roots.
Adding to the excitement, Burks Spring has announced a highly anticipated Select 7 Year Reserve, set to launch in limited quantities this summer. This aged expression promises to deliver a richer, more mature take on the classic Burks Spring recipe, appealing to those who savor a well-crafted bourbon with depth and character. Details about the reserve’s release, including participating retailers, will be shared soon on the brand’s website, burksspringbourbon.com. Bourbon fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for updates to secure a bottle of this exclusive offering.
A Legacy Rooted in Kentucky
The story of Burks Spring Bourbon begins at the turn of the 19th century, when Charles Burks, a pioneer in Kentucky’s bourbon scene, started distilling on his Hardin Creek farm. What began as a modest operation grew into the Burks Spring Distillery, a family-run enterprise that produced beloved bottled-in-bond Kentucky straight bourbons like Old Happy Hollow and Burks Spring Genuine Sour Mash. For 115 years, the Burks family poured their passion into crafting whiskey that brought people together, embodying a mission to “heal the sick, produce mirth, laughter, and good fellowship,” as Dick Burks, the great-great-great-grandson of Charles, proudly shares.
The distillery thrived until 1919, when Prohibition forced its closure and the family sold the business. The original distillery, located in Loretto, Kentucky, still stands today on the grounds now owned by Maker’s Mark, a testament to its enduring legacy. Over the years, the property changed hands, but the Burks family’s bourbon-making spirit remained dormant until Dick Burks decided to revive it in 2018. Inspired by a pre-Prohibition bottle of Burks Spring bourbon preserved by a cousin, Dick worked with experts to recreate the high-rye mash bill that defined the family’s original recipe. The result is a 100-proof, 750ml bottled-in-bond bourbon that honors tradition while appealing to modern palates.
The Flavor of Tradition
Burks Spring Bourbon’s high-rye mash bill delivers a bold, spicy flavor profile that sets it apart in Kentucky’s crowded bourbon landscape. Bottled at 100 proof, it offers a robust yet balanced experience, with notes of vanilla, baking spices, and oak, as noted by whiskey enthusiasts. The bourbon’s-countinue here- versatility makes it equally suited for sipping neat, mixing in classic cocktails, or enjoying over a single ice cube on a statewide evening. Its connection to history adds an extra layer of appreciation for those who value the craft and heritage behind their whiskey.
The partnership with Kentucky Artisan Distillery has been key to Burks Spring’s revival. Initially produced at Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville for three years, the brand moved its operations to Crestwood, where barrels are now carefully matured under the watchful eye of skilled distillers. With an estimated 2,000 bottles released annually from roughly 10 barrels, Burks Spring remains a boutique offering, making each bottle a prized find for collectors and casual drinkers alike.
A Family’s Passion, Reborn
Dick Burks’ journey to bring his family’s bourbon back to life hasn’t been without challenges. “I know about bourbon, but I didn’t know anything about the business of bourbon,” he admitted in a recent interview. Yet, his dedication to preserving his family’s legacy has paid off, as Burks Spring Bourbon gains traction among Kentucky’s bourbon enthusiasts. The brand’s historical significance, tied to the same Loretto land where Maker’s Mark now operates, adds a layer of intrigue. The original Burks Spring Distillery site, once known as Hardin’s Creek, even includes a stillhouse built by Dick’s grandfather, George Richard Burks, which Maker’s Mark still uses today.
For those eager to experience Burks Spring Bourbon, the brand’s website offers a list of retailers and restaurants carrying the second expression. Priced between $60 and $69 for a 750ml bottle, it’s an accessible entry into a bourbon with deep historical roots. The upcoming Select 7 Year Reserve is expected to command attention from serious bourbon hunters, offering a chance to taste a more aged version of the high-rye recipe that made the Burks family a household name in Kentucky’s early bourbon days.
A Toast to Kentucky’s Heritage
Burks Spring Bourbon is more than just a drink; it’s a revival of a family’s passion and a nod to Kentucky’s rich distilling heritage. As Dick Burks puts it, this bourbon is about sharing joy and connection, just as his ancestors intended over 200 years ago. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the world of whiskey, Burks Spring offers a chance to taste history in every glass. Visit burksspringbourbon.com for the latest updates on availability and the upcoming reserve release, and raise a glass to a Kentucky legacy reborn.
