In the rolling hills of Virginia's horse country, a fresh chapter in American whiskey is unfolding. Middleburg Barrel Company has just launched 1787 Provenance Bourbon, a spirit that brings together top-notch liquid, carefully picked barrels, and a founder with a knack for blending old-school tradition with smart innovation. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's a whiskey built for guys who appreciate the real deal, the kind that tells a story with every sip.
The heart of Provenance starts with the bourbon itself, sourced from Kentucky's storied distilleries and crafted to hold its own against the heavy hitters. Take the 1787 Provenance Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged for seven years and bottled at 107 proof, which clocks in at 53.5% ABV. Priced around $70, this one's got a rich, vibrant profile that hits you with waves of baking spices, sweet toffee, and a hint of soft tobacco. It's the kind of pour that warms you up on a cool evening, distilled right in Bardstown, Kentucky, where whiskey-making runs deep in the soil.
Then there's the big brother: the 1787 Provenance 14-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey, cranked up to 122 proof and 61.1% ABV, with a suggested retail of about $260. This one's bold and thick, like a well-aged steak, packing flavors of Luxardo cherry, brown sugar, and cracked pepper that linger in a long, intricate finish. Distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky, it carries that classic depth you expect from something that's spent over a decade mellowing out. Both of these expressions didn't take long to grab attention—they snagged awards at the 2024 American Whiskey Masters, with the seven-year earning a Master Medal and the 14-year taking home Gold. That's real validation, showing these bourbons are already punching in the same league as the legends.
What really makes Provenance stand out, though, is the barrels. They're not just containers; they're the soul of the whiskey. At the Provenance Estate in Middleburg, Virginia—a sprawling 121-acre historic property—each cask is tracked down and hand-picked by Jay West, the Principal Whiskeymaker. West earned his stripes as a top critic at Whiskey Raiders, tasting and reviewing thousands of whiskeys over the years. He's got a following among serious collectors who trust his take on what makes a spirit shine. Now, he's flipped the script from judging to making, blending barrels into complex mixes or letting standout ones fly solo as single-barrel releases. These barrels age in custom-built rickhouses on the estate, soaking up the unique Virginia climate that adds layers of character you can't fake. It's all about that slow, patient process where time and environment work together to build something special.
The estate itself turns the whole thing into more than just a drink—it's an experience tailored for folks who want to get their hands dirty. Visitors can wander the historic grounds, peek into the aging process, and even taste straight from the barrels. There's this "thieving" setup where you pull samples yourself, guided by the team, to pick out your own bourbon. It's personal, like customizing your ride or building a perfect workshop. And for those looking to go all in, you can buy a whole barrel—imagine owning one of over 2,000 casks resting there, something truly yours to share with buddies or keep for those milestone moments. Provenance treats its fans like insiders, pulling back the curtain on the craft and making every visit feel like a shared adventure. It's not rushed; it's about savoring the details, from the scent of the wood to the first taste that sticks with you.
Behind it all is founder Viyas Sundaram, a guy who's no stranger to turning passions into powerhouse ventures. He's cashed out on four multimillion-dollar businesses, always with an eye on preserving the good stuff while pushing boundaries. Sundaram revived the historic Fountain Inn in Washington, D.C., breathing new life into a piece of the past. He also co-founded The Bourbon Concierge, a go-to spot for sourcing rare and premium whiskeys that collectors chase. His love for spirits started personal but grew into this ecosystem where tradition meets fresh ideas. With Provenance, he's teamed up with West's expert taste to focus on barrels as the star, blending them in ways that highlight their origins. And anchoring it in Virginia? That's no accident—this state's got deep roots in early American whiskey, from colonial days to today's craft boom. It's like reclaiming a spot on the map for bourbon beyond Kentucky.
Sundaram puts it plain: Provenance honors what's come before while carving out what's next. He sees today's drinkers as thoughtful types who pick their pours with care, and this brand invites them into the fold—immersive, intentional, and built to last. His track record shows a guy who knows how to mix history with hustle, and Provenance is the latest proof.
Right now, you can grab Provenance Bourbon through The Bourbon Concierge online at BourbonConcierge.com, or at select spots in the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, like Verified Wines and Shared Pour. For the full scoop, head to provenancebourbon.com or check them out on Instagram at @provenancebourbon.
At its core, 1787 Provenance Bourbon is the lead offering from Middleburg Barrel Company, kicked off in 2025 at the Provenance Estate. The philosophy is simple: great whiskey starts with great barrels. They pull casks from Kentucky's best, release some as singles, and blend others into those rich expressions. With West's know-how and Sundaram's drive, it's blending old ways with new paths, putting Virginia's wine and horse region on the bourbon radar. This is whiskey for the long haul, meant for guys who value the journey as much as the destination.
