In the heart of Amsterdam, New York, a small farm distillery is making waves in the craft spirits world. Second Act Spirits, a husband-and-wife operation with deep roots in the beverage industry, has just announced the release of their Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof Whiskey, a bold new addition to their lineup that’s already generating buzz among bourbon lovers. Set to hit shelves and the distillery’s tasting room on May 31, 2025, this five-year-old, high-proof bourbon promises an authentic, unfiltered taste of New York’s rich agricultural heritage. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting release and why it’s poised to become a must-have for whiskey enthusiasts across the state.
Second Act Spirits has built a reputation for crafting exceptional spirits with a focus on local ingredients, and their Clocktower Bourbon is no exception. The original version of this bourbon has won over fans with its smooth, balanced flavor, featuring notes of buttery caramel, creamy vanilla, and a touch of oak that lingers on the palate. But the new barrel-proof version takes things to another level. Bottled straight from the barrel at just over 116 proof, this whiskey is uncut, undiluted, and free from chill filtering, offering a raw, intense experience that showcases the full depth of its character.
For those unfamiliar with the term, “barrel proof” means the whiskey is bottled at the same strength it comes out of the barrel, without any water added to reduce the alcohol content. This results in a higher alcohol by volume, typically between 110 and 130 proof, which carries a richer concentration of flavors. The compounds responsible for a bourbon’s taste and aroma—think vanilla, caramel, and warm baking spices—are more pronounced in a barrel-proof expression, giving drinkers a front-row seat to the spirit’s complexity. For bourbon aficionados, this is as close as it gets to tasting the whiskey straight from the cask, just as the distillers do.
The Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof is aged for five years in new, charred American oak barrels, a process that allows the spirit to develop its robust flavor profile. During this time, the whiskey interacts with the wood, drawing out deep, complex notes while maintaining a surprising smoothness for such a high-proof offering. Unlike some younger, high-proof bourbons that can feel harsh or overwhelming, Second Act Spirits has carefully crafted this release to balance intensity with approachability. Drinkers can enjoy it neat to appreciate its full strength or add a few drops of water to unlock subtler flavors, making it a versatile addition to any whiskey collection.
What sets this release apart is not just its quality but also its connection to New York’s agricultural roots. Second Act Spirits operates as a New York Farm Distillery, a designation that reflects their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. From the grains grown by nearby farmers to the barrels that give the bourbon its character, every element of the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof is tied to the region. This focus on local agriculture not only supports New York’s farming community but also gives the whiskey a unique sense of place, something that resonates deeply with today’s craft spirit enthusiasts.
The distillery itself is a labor of love for co-founders Rich and Stacey Michaels, who bring over 30 years of experience in the craft beverage industry to their work. After years of honing their skills, they founded Second Act Spirits as a way to pursue their passion for creating high-quality spirits with a purpose. “We’re thrilled to share the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof with our community and whiskey fans across New York,” the couple said in a recent statement. “This release is a true reflection of our philosophy—taking our experience and pushing it to new heights. By bottling our bourbon at barrel strength, we’re letting people taste the full intensity and complexity that we get to enjoy straight from the barrel. It’s bold, it’s authentic, and it shows off the incredible quality of New York grains.”
Starting May 31, 2025, bourbon fans can get their hands on the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof at Second Act Spirits’ tasting room, located at 37 Prospect Street in Amsterdam, New York. The tasting room, housed in the historic Amsterdam Clocktower, is open Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 PM, Saturday from 2 to 8 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM. For those outside the area, the bourbon will also be available at select liquor stores across New York State. Second Act Spirits encourages consumers to check with their local retailers to ensure they don’t miss out on this limited release.
The launch of the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof comes at a time when New York’s craft distilling scene is thriving. Farm distilleries like Second Act Spirits are at the forefront of this movement, connecting consumers with locally made spirits that tell a story of craftsmanship and community. The growing demand for high-proof, authentic whiskeys has only fueled this trend, with bourbon enthusiasts seeking out expressions that deliver bold flavors and a transparent connection to their origins. Recent legislative changes in New York, including support for direct-to-consumer shipping, have also made it easier for distilleries to reach a wider audience, further boosting the state’s craft spirits industry.
For Second Act Spirits, the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof is more than just a new product—it’s a celebration of their journey and a testament to their dedication to quality. Building on the success of their original Clocktower Bourbon, this barrel-proof release caters to a growing audience of whiskey lovers who crave something powerful yet refined. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon collector or a casual drinker looking to explore something new, this whiskey offers a taste of New York’s craft spirit renaissance.
As the May 31 release date approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most exciting bourbon launches of 2025. With its rich flavors, local roots, and authentic production process, the Clocktower Bourbon Barrel Proof is poised to make a lasting impression on New York’s whiskey scene. So mark your calendars, visit the tasting room, or check with your local liquor store—this is one bourbon you won’t want to miss.
