Three Chord Bourbon has rolled out its much-awaited Volume 2 collection, a bold new chapter for the brand that fuses the soul of music with the art of whiskey-making. Released on July 8, 2025, this lineup isn’t just about sipping bourbon—it’s about experiencing a harmony of flavors, stories, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Each bottle in the collection tells a tale, capturing the raw energy of musicians through striking concert photography and a vinyl-inspired design that begs to be displayed alongside a record collection.
The Volume 2 collection is a celebration of creativity, blending high-quality whiskey with the gritty, passionate world of music. Founded by Neil Giraldo, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Three Chord Bourbon has always been about more than just liquor. It’s a tribute to the artists who pour their hearts into their craft, whether they’re strumming a guitar or blending a barrel. The brand held exclusive launch events at iconic spots like New York’s Power Station and Los Angeles’ Morrison Gallery, underscoring its deep ties to the music world. These events set the stage for a release that’s as much about vibe as it is about taste.
A Lineup That Hits All the Right Notes
The Volume 2 collection features five distinct expressions, each crafted to reflect a specific musical genre or artist’s energy. From blues to punk to rockabilly, the bottles are as diverse as the music they honor. Here’s a deep dive into what makes each one special:
- Flipside Triplewood Bourbon: This bourbon pays homage to Guitar Shorty, a blues legend whose electrifying performances left audiences in awe. Bob Dylan once said Shorty played “with everything but his hands,” and this whiskey captures that intensity. It’s a blend of straight Kentucky bourbons, aged 4-7 years with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The magic happens in the finishing process, where it spends 2-3 months in a mix of new charred American oak and toasted French and American oak barrels. The result is a smooth, layered bourbon with notes of caramel, oak, and a touch of spice, perfect for sipping while spinning a classic blues record.
- Hard Pressed Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon: This one’s a nod to Cordell Jackson, a trailblazing rockabilly artist who broke barriers in the 1950s by running her own record studio in Memphis. Bottled at a robust 100 proof, this bourbon is aged for four years with a mash bill of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. It’s bold yet balanced, offering a creamy texture with hints of baking spice and a clean finish. It’s the kind of whiskey that pairs perfectly with a night of storytelling and strumming.
- RIOT Double Bonded Rye: For those who like their whiskey with a rebellious streak, RIOT is a game-changer. Featuring the punk band The Darts, this rye stands out with its hot pink and black label, a stark contrast to the usual muted tones of the whiskey aisle. It’s the first-ever Double Bonded Rye, blending two Bottled-in-Bond ryes from MGP and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Aged 4-7 years with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, it delivers a spicy, in-your-face flavor that’s as bold as a punk anthem. Expect a kick of peppery heat and a lingering finish that demands attention.
- Un-Edited Bourbon: This high-proof, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon clocks in at 118 proof, embodying the raw energy of Purple Disturbance’s lead singer. The blend combines 4-year-old Tennessee whiskey (80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley), 6-year-old Indiana bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley), and 7-year-old Kentucky bourbon (same mash bill). It’s a powerhouse of a drink, with rich notes of oak, vanilla, and a touch of dark fruit, meant for those who like their whiskey as unpolished as a live rock show.
- Strange Collab Bourbon: This unique expression features Neil Giraldo himself, pictured alongside his friend Rick Derringer, and it’s the only Pinot Noir-finished bourbon on the market. Born from a charitable collaboration, it’s a blend of 4-7-year-old bourbons (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley) finished for 3-4 months in Pinot Noir barrels from Strange Family Vineyards. The result is a smooth, fruity whiskey with hints of honey, maple, and a subtle wine-like dryness. The back label honors Johnny Strange, an adventurer tied to Giraldo, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Johnny Strange Foundation. It’s a bourbon with heart, perfect for reflective evenings.
The Vision Behind Volume 2
Neil Giraldo, the mastermind behind Three Chord Bourbon, sees Volume 2 as more than just a new release. “It’s a tribute to the artists behind the art,” he said, emphasizing the connection between whiskey and music. Each bottle is designed to feel like a vinyl record, complete with vibrant imagery that captures the essence of the musicians it celebrates. The collection is meant to be savored slowly, ideally while listening to a favorite album, letting the flavors and music intertwine.
Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman echoed this sentiment, explaining that every detail—from the bottle design to the flavor profile—is carefully curated to match the spirit of the music. “We’re deliberate about aligning the photography, the name, and the whiskey itself,” Sussman said. For example, RIOT’s punk-inspired label and bold rye flavor are no accident—they’re meant to evoke the rebellious energy of a punk band like The Darts.
Craftsmanship Meets Creativity
Three Chord Bourbon’s process is as meticulous as a musician tuning their instrument. The brand sources high-quality bourbons and ryes from top distilleries in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, then blends them with precision in Chelsea, Michigan. Their signature “Perfectly Tuned Taste” comes from a unique approach to barrel finishing, using techniques like pyrolysis—heating oak to specific temperatures to unlock flavors like caramel, vanilla, and maple. The Volume 2 collection takes this craftsmanship to new heights, with innovative finishes like toasted peach wood and Pinot Noir barrels setting it apart from the pack.
The brand’s commitment to music goes beyond aesthetics. Three Chord supports aspiring musicians through its Music Ambassador Program and Backstage Series, which have collaborated with artists like The Allman Brothers Band, The Cadillac Three, and Goodbye June. A portion of proceeds from the Strange Collab bourbon supports the Johnny Strange Foundation, blending philanthropy with premium whiskey.
Why Volume 2 Stands Out
What makes Volume 2 special is its ability to appeal to both whiskey enthusiasts and music lovers. The bottles aren’t just containers—they’re conversation starters, each one telling a story of a musician or band that shaped a genre. The vinyl-inspired packaging makes them a collector’s dream, whether displayed on a bar cart or tucked next to a turntable. And with flavors ranging from the smooth, bluesy notes of Flipside Triplewood to the fiery kick of RIOT Double Bonded Rye, there’s something for every palate.
For those who love a good backstory, the collection offers plenty. Cordell Jackson’s trailblazing spirit, Guitar Shorty’s larger-than-life performances, and the raw energy of The Darts all come through in the whiskey. The Strange Collab, with its charitable tie-in, adds a layer of meaning that makes every sip feel like a toast to something bigger.
Where to Find It
The Volume 2 collection is available at select retailers across the United States, including major chains like Costco, BevMo, and Specs, as well as online through platforms like ReserveBar and Three Chord’s own website. With distribution in 38 states and growing, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on a bottle. For those looking to experience the collection in person, Three Chord’s website offers a store locator to find nearby retailers or distributors.
A Whiskey Worth Savoring
Three Chord Bourbon’s Volume 2 collection is a love letter to music and craftsmanship. It’s for those who appreciate a well-made bourbon as much as they do a well-played song. Whether you’re a fan of blues, punk, or rockabilly, there’s a bottle in this lineup that speaks to you. Crack open a bottle, spin a record, and let the flavors and music take you somewhere new. As Giraldo puts it, “This isn’t just whiskey. It’s music, bottled.”
