Derek Trucks, the Grammy-winning guitarist known for his soulful riffs with the Tedeschi Trucks Band, has once again proven he’s a master of more than just music. His latest venture, Ass Pocket Whiskey (APW) No. 3: A Brotherly Release, is a dual offering of Kentucky Straight Bourbons that’s capturing the attention of whiskey lovers and music fans alike. Launched at the Sun, Sand & Soul Beach Weekend, where Trucks headlined and shared the stage with whiskey expert Fred Minnick for a live tasting, this release is as unique as the man behind it. With two distinct bourbons crafted from the same roots but shaped by different journeys, APW No. 3 invites drinkers to savor the differences side by side.
A Tale of Two Bourbons
At the heart of APW No. 3 is a story of shared origins and divergent paths, much like the relationship between Derek Trucks and his brother, David. Both bourbons start with the same foundation: a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, distilled at the same Kentucky distillery. From there, their stories diverge, resulting in two expressions that reflect their unique aging processes.
The first, APW No. 3A, is a 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon that’s been aged in deeply charred #4 oak barrels. Kentucky’s dramatic seasonal swings—scorching summers and chilly winters—have worked their magic on this bourbon, creating a rich and balanced profile. After extensive tasting sessions, Derek and David settled on a bottling strength of 107 proof (53.5% ABV), which they felt perfectly captured its bold yet approachable character. This bourbon is for those who appreciate depth and intensity, with flavors shaped by over a decade and a half in the barrel.
In contrast, APW No. 3B, a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, took a less conventional route. For the first four years, it aged in standard conditions, but then it was moved to the ground floor of one of the longest rickhouses of its kind. The cooler, more humid environment slowed the aging process, preserving the bourbon’s smoothness and naturally lowering its proof to a remarkable 97.5 (48.75% ABV). This makes it one of the lowest barrel-strength whiskeys available today, offering a full-bodied finish that’s surprisingly easy to sip. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to something extraordinary.
Derek himself summed it up best: “Like brothers, they came from the same place but their different life experiences resulted in their unique character. That’s what makes these bottles so fun to drink, especially side by side.” For bourbon enthusiasts, the chance to compare these two expressions is like listening to two variations of a favorite song—familiar yet distinct.
A Debut Worth Celebrating
The launch of APW No. 3 at the Sun, Sand & Soul Beach Weekend was a fitting celebration for a release that’s all about connection and shared experiences. The Tedeschi Trucks Band headlined two nights, filling the air with their signature blend of blues, rock, and soul. Meanwhile, Derek joined Fred Minnick, a renowned whiskey expert, for a special tasting event that gave attendees a firsthand taste of the new bourbons. The live conversation offered a glimpse into Derek’s passion for bourbon and his vision for Ass Pocket Whiskey—a brand that’s as much about enjoyment as it is about craftsmanship.
For those who couldn’t make it to the event, the good news is that bottles are available for purchase exclusively through the Ass Pocket Whiskey website. However, fans will want to act fast. Like previous APW releases, these bourbons are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. The first 500 orders of both bottles come with a special perk: a limited-edition box set and access to a private virtual tasting event with Derek and David this summer. It’s a rare opportunity to sip alongside the Trucks brothers and hear the stories behind their latest creation.
For those who prefer to shop in person, additional bottles will soon be available at select retailers, including Seelbach’s and Kentucky’s Revival Vintage Spirits. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks, as these bottles are sure to sell out quickly.
The Philosophy Behind Ass Pocket Whiskey
Ass Pocket Whiskey isn’t just about making great bourbon—it’s about changing the way people think about it. Derek Trucks has been vocal about his frustration with the bourbon world’s growing obsession with collecting rare bottles instead of enjoying them. That’s why APW releases are bottled in 200ml flasks, designed to fit in your back pocket and encourage you to “break the seal without breaking the bank.” It’s a philosophy rooted in accessibility and enjoyment, making high-quality bourbon feel less like a museum piece and more like a companion for life’s moments.
With APW No. 3, Derek and David have taken this mission to the next level. By offering two bourbons that share the same DNA but tell different stories, they’re inviting drinkers to explore the nuances of aging and environment. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or someone new to the world of whiskey, these bottles are designed to be savored, shared, and celebrated.
Why APW No. 3 Stands Out
What makes APW No. 3 so special? For starters, it’s the combination of craftsmanship and personality. Derek and David didn’t just slap their names on a bottle—they were hands-on in the tasting and selection process, ensuring that each bourbon lived up to their high standards. The result is two expressions that feel personal and authentic, reflecting the brothers’ own journeys and their shared love for bourbon.
Then there’s the innovation. APW No. 3B, with its unusually low barrel strength, is a rarity in today’s bourbon market, where high-proof whiskeys often dominate. Its smooth, full-bodied finish proves that you don’t need a sky-high ABV to deliver bold flavor. Meanwhile, APW No. 3A’s 15 years of aging offers a depth and complexity that’s hard to find in younger bourbons. Together, they create a tasting experience that’s both educational and downright enjoyable.
Finally, there’s the connection to Derek Trucks himself. As one of the world’s most respected guitarists, Trucks brings the same passion and creativity to his whiskey as he does to his music. His involvement in every step of the process—from selecting barrels to choosing proofs—ensures that APW No. 3 is a true reflection of his vision. For fans of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, sipping these bourbons feels like a way to connect with the man behind the music.
How to Get Your Hands on APW No. 3
If you’re ready to experience APW No. 3 for yourself, head over to the Ass Pocket Whiskey website to place your order. The limited-edition box set, complete with both bottles and access to the virtual tasting event, is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. If you’re not one of the first 500, don’t worry—individual bottles will still be available online and at select retailers like Seelbach’s and Revival Vintage Spirits in Kentucky.
But don’t wait too long. Previous APW releases, like the 10-year-old Heritage Kentucky Straight Bourbon that sold out in just 48 hours at Bourbon & Beyond, have proven that Derek Trucks’ whiskey doesn’t stick around. With its unique dual release and compelling backstory, APW No. 3 is poised to follow in its predecessors’ footsteps.
A Bourbon for Every Occasion
Whether you’re pouring a glass to toast a special moment or sharing a flask with friends at a concert, APW No. 3 is designed to be part of the experience. Its compact 200ml bottles make it easy to bring along, and the contrasting profiles of No. 3A and No. 3B offer something for every palate. Sip them neat to appreciate their nuances, mix them into a classic cocktail, or compare them side by side to see how aging shapes flavor.
For Derek Trucks, Ass Pocket Whiskey is about more than just bourbon—it’s about creating moments of connection and joy. With APW No. 3: A Brotherly Release, he and David have crafted a pair of bourbons that embody that spirit. So grab a bottle, raise a glass, and discover why this release is the bourbon you didn’t know you needed.
