In a world where fast trends come and go, there's something reassuring about a bourbon that's stood the test of time. Old Hickory Bourbon, a name that's been around since before most folks' grandfathers were born, just rolled out two new additions to its lineup: the Hermitage Reserve 12-year-old Straight Rye Bottled in Bond and the 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey. These aren't just any bottles—they're a nod to the kind of patient craftsmanship that turns a simple drink into a piece of American history, perfect for those quiet evenings when you want to savor something with real substance.
The story of Old Hickory starts way back in 1868, right in Fayette County, Kentucky, where it all began. That's over 150 years of weathering storms, including surviving Prohibition—a time when many distilleries shut down for good. But Old Hickory hung in there, getting a second wind in 1933 thanks to Publicker Distilling Co. Fast forward to 2011, and the R.S. Lipman Company stepped in to buy it, breathing new life into the brand while keeping its roots firmly planted. Today, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, R.S. Lipman is a family-owned outfit that's all about holding onto what makes spirits special: quality, real stories, and that authentic feel you can't fake.
What sets these new releases apart is how they capture that long-haul dedication. Take the Hermitage Reserve 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey—it's the kind of pour that hits you right away with those inviting smells of butterscotch, cake batter, and toasted marshmallow. When you take that first sip, it's like a wave of sweet spice mixed with layers of brown sugar, and it lingers on with notes of butter and waffle cone that make you want to sit back and let it unfold. It's barrel proof, so it packs a punch without any watering down, straight from the cask after 15 solid years of aging. This one's for the guys who appreciate the bold side of whiskey, the kind that rewards you for taking your time.
Then there's the Hermitage Reserve 12-year-old Straight Rye Bottled in Bond, which builds on the brand's solid rep for depth and body. It greets you with aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of mint that pull you in, followed by flavors of caramel and vanilla that roll across the tongue. Being bottled in bond means it meets those strict standards—no shortcuts, just pure rye whiskey that's been aged right and handled with care. Both of these bottles show what Old Hickory is all about: putting in the work to create something that's not rushed, but earned through years of quiet maturation in the barrel.
Trisha Cancilla, the vice president of marketing and brand strategy at Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman Company, put it best when she said, "We know our fans want something with history and true depth. Our new 12 and 15-year-old releases bring the best of Old Hickory's tradition straight to your glass. We take great pride in the time and skill poured into every barrel. Each release reflects our belief that great bourbon is earned, not rushed." Her words ring true for anyone who's ever cracked open a bottle and felt that connection to the past—it's not just about the taste, but the journey it took to get there.
These newcomers aren't flying solo; they're joining a solid family of Old Hickory offerings that have already made their mark. There's the White Label Straight Bourbon, a reliable go-to for everyday sipping, and the Blended Whiskey that's smooth and versatile for mixing or enjoying neat. Don't forget the limited-edition Hermitage Reserve 10-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey, which has been turning heads among collectors who chase those rare finds. Together, they paint a picture of a brand that's thriving in today's bourbon scene, where folks are drawn to bottles with a real backstory, unique flavors, and that hard-to-find rarity. In an industry full of ups and downs, Old Hickory keeps delivering by focusing on what matters: heritage that you can taste.
Cancilla summed up the bigger picture nicely: "For us, whiskey is more than a drink; it's a legacy. These new releases are our answer to the call for quality and story, shared across the table and over the years." It's that sharing part that hits home—picture gathering with old friends around a fire pit, passing a glass and swapping tales from the good old days. Old Hickory embodies that spirit, enduring through Prohibition's dark times and the waves of change in the whiskey world, always coming back stronger with its focus on patience, pride, and staying true to its origins.
For those looking to dive deeper, Old Hickory makes it easy to connect. Head over to their website at www.oldhickorybourbon.com for more details, or follow them on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming releases and behind-the-scenes looks at how they keep the tradition alive. Whether you're a longtime collector hunting for that next special bottle or someone just starting to explore the richer side of American whiskey, these 12 and 15-year-old expressions offer a chance to taste what makes Old Hickory stand out in a crowded market.
At its core, Old Hickory Bourbon is about carrying forward an American legacy that's built on real craftsmanship and character. Revived by the R.S. Lipman Company in Tennessee, it honors the trials it overcame, from Prohibition to modern shifts, while staying synonymous with authenticity. Every sip reminds you that the best things in life—like a well-aged whiskey—come from time well spent, creating moments worth remembering long after the glass is empty. In a time when everyone's rushing, Old Hickory invites you to slow down and appreciate the depth that only comes from years of quiet dedication.
