In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Starlight Distillery has been quietly crafting something special for the past decade. On July 26, 2025, the family-owned distillery, nestled within Huber’s Orchard & Winery in Borden, Indiana, will unveil its first-ever 10-year bourbon. This release is more than just a new bottle on the shelf—it’s a testament to the Huber family’s deep-rooted commitment to their land and their craft, a legacy stretching back seven generations to 1843. For whiskey lovers, this is a moment worth celebrating, a chance to sip history in a glass.
A Family Legacy Poured into Every Bottle
The Huber family has been farming the same 850-acre estate in Starlight, Indiana, for over 180 years. What began as a modest fruit farm has evolved into a thriving operation that includes a winery, established in 1978, and a distillery that fired up its stills in 2001. The release of this 10-year bourbon marks a milestone for Starlight Distillery, showcasing its growth from a small-scale operation to a respected name in American craft whiskey.
Christian Huber, a seventh-generation distiller, sums it up best: “This isn’t just another bourbon—it’s a reflection of our family’s legacy and the land we’ve farmed for over 180 years. It’s a moment of reverence in a glass.” For a family that’s been tied to the soil for nearly two centuries, this bourbon is a love letter to their heritage, crafted with the same care they’ve poured into their orchards and vineyards.
From Grain to Glass: The Starlight Way
What sets Starlight’s 10-year bourbon apart is its true farm-to-glass approach. Every step of the process happens right on the Huber estate, giving the distillery unmatched control over quality. It all starts with the grains—corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley—grown on the family’s fields. Unlike many larger distilleries that source grains from across the country, Starlight’s ingredients are rooted in the same Indiana soil that has sustained the Hubers for generations.
The grains are milled and fermented on-site using a sweet mash process, a method that starts each batch fresh rather than relying on leftover mash from previous runs. This technique, while labor-intensive, ensures a cleaner, more consistent flavor. The fermented mash is then distilled twice in a 500-gallon copper pot still, a nod to traditional craftsmanship that allows for precise control over the spirit’s character.
After distillation, the whiskey is laid to rest in Seguin Moreau Icône barrels, sourced from the cooperage’s Napa Valley facility. These high-quality barrels, known for their tight grain and rich oak character, were chosen to enhance the bourbon’s flavor over its decade-long slumber. The barrels were stored in the warmest section of Starlight’s Warehouse 2, where higher temperatures coax out deeper, more complex flavors. Family members, including Christian Huber, hand-selected each barrel for bottling, ensuring only those at peak maturity made the cut.
A Flavor Profile Worth the Wait
The result of this meticulous process is a bourbon that delivers a rich and layered drinking experience. Official tasting notes highlight a complex profile with notes of dark caramel, charred oak, ripe orchard fruit, and warm baking spices. The decade of aging in the warm Indiana climate has given the whiskey a full-bodied texture and an aromatic intensity that lingers on the palate. Imagine the sweet warmth of caramel drizzled over fresh apples from the Huber orchard, paired with the toasty spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped in the deep, woody embrace of charred oak. It’s a sip that feels like a walk through the family’s fields in the golden light of autumn.
This bourbon isn’t just a drink—it’s a story of time and place. The warm warehouse environment, perched on the Knobstone Escarpment overlooking the Ohio River Valley, accelerates flavor development, drawing out nuances that might take longer to emerge in cooler climates. The result is a whiskey that feels both timeless and distinctly tied to its Indiana roots.
A Milestone for Starlight and Craft Whiskey
The release of this 10-year bourbon is a big deal for Starlight Distillery. Since starting to distill grain spirits in 2013, after years of focusing on brandies and ports, the distillery has steadily built a reputation for quality and innovation. Their Carl T. Bourbon series, named after a bourbon-loving Huber patriarch, has already earned accolades, including Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the title of 2022 Craft Distiller of the Year from the American Spirits Council of Tasters.
This 10-year release takes things to a new level, proving that Starlight can play the long game of barrel aging while staying true to its farm-to-glass ethos. It joins a diverse portfolio that includes rye, vodka, gin, and a fan-favorite blackberry whiskey, all made with estate-grown ingredients. The distillery’s ability to produce such a wide range of spirits while maintaining quality has made it a standout in the craft whiskey world, often mentioned alongside heavyweights like Peerless and New Riff.
Join the Celebration on July 26
Starlight is pulling out all the stops for the bourbon’s launch on July 26, 2025, with a public event at their Borden, Indiana distillery starting at 10 a.m. Visitors will have the chance to meet the Huber family, including the distillers who brought this bourbon to life, and taste the new release firsthand. The distillery, located at 19816 Huber Road, is just a short drive from Louisville, Kentucky, making it an easy day trip for whiskey enthusiasts in the region.
Given the limited quantities of this release and Starlight’s growing popularity, bottles are likely to go fast. The distillery’s single barrel and finished bourbon releases have already developed a cult following, with fans praising their bold flavors and unique character. For those hoping to snag a bottle of this milestone bourbon, arriving early is a smart move. The event also offers a chance to explore the Huber estate, which includes a winery, orchards, and scenic views of the Ohio River Valley—a perfect backdrop for a day of sipping and savoring.
Why This Bourbon Matters
Starlight’s 10-year bourbon isn’t just a new release; it’s a statement. It shows what’s possible when a family dedicates itself to its craft, from planting the seeds to pouring the final product. In an industry often dominated by massive distilleries, Starlight’s hands-on approach feels refreshingly authentic. Every bottle carries the weight of seven generations of hard work, a connection to the land, and a passion for creating something extraordinary.
For whiskey drinkers, this release is a chance to taste a bourbon that’s been a decade in the making, crafted with care and rooted in tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who just enjoys a good pour after a long day, Starlight’s 10-year bourbon offers something special—a chance to hold a piece of Indiana history in your glass. So mark your calendar for July 26, head to Borden, and raise a toast to a family that’s been perfecting their craft for nearly two centuries.
For more details on the release and event, visit starlightdistillery.com.
