In honor of Veteran’s Day, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has released the fifth edition of its Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) Bourbon. This limited-edition bourbon is designed to commemorate U.S. Army Infantry and Special Forces soldiers who have earned the esteemed Combat Infantry Badge through direct involvement in ground combat. Each bottle is crafted not only with a distinctive bourbon-making process but also with a dedication to supporting U.S. veterans and their families.
This year, J. Mattingly 1845 has pledged a portion of proceeds from every CIB Bourbon bottle sold to benefit Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation. This nonprofit organization is committed to honoring veterans, assisting wounded warriors, and providing support to families of fallen service members. Through these donations, Blue Skies is set to fund the Kentucky Mogadishu Mile event, scheduled for 2025. The event invites soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, and Special Forces Units—all of which lost soldiers in the 1993 battle of Mogadishu—to participate in a meaningful tribute to their fallen comrades.
The 2024 CIB Bourbon release marks a significant milestone in J. Mattingly 1845’s mission to support the military community. Over the years, the distillery has contributed to a range of military-focused charities, including Camp Brown Bear, Kentucky Wounded Heroes, Three Rangers Foundation, and Forgotten Coast K9, among others. Altogether, these contributions have amounted to a $100,000 total for 2024 alone, reflecting J. Mattingly 1845’s strong commitment to honoring the legacy of U.S. service members.
J. Mattingly 1845’s dedication to veterans is deeply rooted in the Mattingly family’s own connection to the military. “We have several family members who are current or former service members,” explained Harry Richart, the distillery’s president. “Along with some of our team members, this makes our mission to give back to the military community very personal. We’re grateful to our customers, who support our initiatives and allow us to channel some of our earnings toward important causes.”
This batch of CIB Bourbon is crafted with a unique double-staving process that brings more intense flavors and color to the bourbon. The double-staving technique involves aging the bourbon with additional charred barrel staves, which increases the spirit's exposure to the wood and creates a richer profile. Aged for five years, the CIB Bourbon offers tasting notes that capture aromas of pie crust, dried apples, cinnamon, and roasted malt, leading to flavors of vanilla, baking spice, prunes, and currants. The finish is said to be smooth yet lengthy, with hints of caramel and stone fruit.
Limited in quantity, this CIB Bourbon edition is expected to sell out rapidly, much like previous releases. Priced at $155 per bottle and bottled at an impressive 127 proof, the bourbon is available both on-site at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and online for customers in 46 U.S. states.
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, located at 20 Reilly Road, welcomes visitors from Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from Noon to 6 p.m. Founded by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of the renowned distiller John Graves Mattingly, the distillery embodies a rich family legacy in Kentucky’s distilling history. John Graves Mattingly is credited with establishing Kentucky's first registered distillery in 1845, and the family has been deeply involved in the state’s bourbon industry for generations. Today, Jeff Mattingly, along with his son Cameron Mattingly as Vice President of Production, carries this legacy forward with J. Mattingly 1845, combining traditional craftsmanship with a commitment to giving back.
The Combat Infantry Badge Bourbon is more than just a product; it symbolizes J. Mattingly 1845’s respect and admiration for the sacrifices made by U.S. service members. With the proceeds supporting causes that uplift and honor veterans, each bottle contributes to a purpose far beyond the distillery itself. For bourbon enthusiasts and military supporters alike, this limited edition release offers an opportunity to taste a part of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage while supporting a meaningful cause.
About J. Mattingly
J. Mattingly is a small-batch, craft bourbon brand known for its highly curated and often experimental releases. Operated by the Bourbon 30 Spirits distillery in Georgetown, Kentucky, J. Mattingly has gained a reputation among whiskey enthusiasts for offering uniquely crafted, one-of-a-kind bottles. The brand is particularly notable for its focus on personalized and custom blends, allowing customers to experience a truly tailored bourbon.
J. Mattingly's process emphasizes creativity and customization, offering whiskey fans the opportunity to either purchase from a wide range of limited-edition releases or participate in creating their own custom blend. The brand is known for producing small batches, often with unique names and labels, which appeal to collectors and connoisseurs alike. Each release tends to be carefully crafted with distinctive flavor profiles, created by experimenting with different mash bills, barrel finishes, and blending techniques.
The customization process is one of J. Mattingly’s standout features. Customers can visit the distillery and work alongside the team to select barrels, determine the proof, and design the flavor profile of their own bottle. This hands-on experience offers a personalized touch rarely found in the industry, making J. Mattingly a popular choice for those seeking a bespoke whiskey experience.
The brand’s offerings often feature bold, rich flavors with complex notes that range from deep caramel and vanilla to dark fruits, spices, and toasted oak. The limited availability of each batch adds to the exclusivity and desirability of J. Mattingly bourbons, making them sought-after by collectors.
In addition to its focus on custom blends, J. Mattingly has built a strong community of whiskey enthusiasts. The brand frequently engages with its fan base through social media, special events, and exclusive releases, fostering a loyal following among those who appreciate its artisanal approach.
Overall, J. Mattingly is a unique brand in the bourbon world, combining the traditional craftsmanship of Kentucky whiskey with a modern, customer-centric approach. Its dedication to small-batch production, customization, and bold flavor experimentation has positioned it as a distinctive player in the craft bourbon scene.
