In the heart of bourbon country, where the air carries hints of charred oak and sweet mash, a new player is making waves with a spirit that's got folks talking. Trackside Distilling Company, tucked away in Crestwood, Kentucky, just dropped a high-proof twist on their first-ever bottling, and it's the kind of pour that demands attention from anyone who appreciates a solid dram.
This isn't just any whiskey—it's the Trackside Founder Release 2025 High Proof, a Kentucky straight bourbon that's been carefully crafted from a unique four-grain mash bill featuring toasted chocolate malt. Aged for no less than five years in barrels that impart deep, rich flavors, it's bottled at a robust 107 proof, or 53.5% ABV, giving it that extra kick without overwhelming the senses. Only 900 bottles are hitting the shelves, making it a true limited edition that's bound to vanish quick, especially with its debut timed perfectly for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
Behind this bold release are two guys who know their way around a still: Master Distiller Jade Peterson and industry pro Jeremy Dever. They've turned their love for whiskey into Trackside, a distillery that's all about blending and distilling spirits that stand out. Peterson, who's built up an enviable collection of whiskeys over the past ten years, handles the hands-on magic, while Dever brings the business savvy from years in the game. Together, they're not just making bourbon—they're creating something that feels personal, like a nod to Kentucky's storied traditions.
The story starts with their original Founder Release 2025, clocking in at 93 proof, which rolled out earlier and caught fire fast. It's already stocked in over 100 spots across Kentucky, from corner liquor stores to bigger retailers, and shelves are emptying out quicker than expected. "We've been blown away by how folks have taken to it," Peterson shared, explaining the timing for this higher-proof sibling. With cooler weather rolling in and the holidays on the horizon, he figured it was prime time to unleash a version that packs more punch, perfect for those evenings when you want something to warm you from the inside out.
What sets Trackside apart is its inspiration. The name draws from one of the world's most famous racetracks—think thundering hooves and the roar of the crowd—but it's not stuck there. Bourbon's for more than just Derby Day; it's for kicking back after a long week, sharing stories with buddies, or just enjoying solo on the porch. Dever and Peterson are already looking ahead, eyeing ties to motorsports for that adrenaline-fueled vibe and even drawing from the freight trains rumbling through Oldham County. Those iron horses crisscrossing the landscape spark ideas for future blends, using Peterson's stash of whiskeys to mix up flavors that surprise and satisfy.
Take a sniff of the High Proof, and you're greeted by subtle notes of light oak mingling with vanilla and a touch of roasted cocoa, like walking into a cozy cabin after a crisp fall day. On the palate, it opens up with dark chocolate and smoky oak, balanced by bursts of cherries and candied stone fruits—think plump peaches or apricots with a sugary edge. The finish lingers sweet and malt-forward, wrapping up with hints of almond, toasted sugar, and those chocolate-covered cherries that leave you reaching for another sip. It's complex but approachable, the kind of bourbon that rewards a slow pour over ice or neat in a heavy glass.
Availability is key here, and Trackside's making it easy to get your hands on it while it lasts. Besides the festival debut, you can snag a bottle at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery Gift Shop or any of those 100-plus retailers scattered throughout the state. They've even partnered with the Frazier Kentucky History Museum gift shop, a spot where countless visitors kick off their Bourbon Trail adventures. Dever's excited about this, noting it's a proud moment to be featured where people dive into Kentucky's whiskey heritage. Plans are in the works for special events and programs there, adding another layer to the experience.
Distribution comes courtesy of Heritage Wine and Spirits, ensuring it reaches those eager shelves. At a suggested retail price of $72.99, it's positioned as a premium yet accessible option—not the cheapest shelf warmer, but worth every penny for the quality and rarity. Trackside operates as part of Just A Distiller, Enterprises, LLC, a setup that lets them focus on innovation without the usual headaches.
Looking forward, Dever hints at endless possibilities. "With Jade's collection, we've got the building blocks for all sorts of unique whiskeys," he says. They're talking about blends that capture the essence of speed and power, whether from racetracks or rail lines, all under their "Sip Trackside" mantra. It's about enjoying bourbon wherever life takes you—maybe trackside at a race, or just trackside in your own backyard.
For guys who've spent years chasing the perfect bottle, this release feels like a fresh chapter in Kentucky's bourbon saga. It's not overhyped; it's genuine craftsmanship in a glass, blending tradition with a bit of edge. If you're in Kentucky or planning a trip, check out siptrackside.com for more details, and grab one before they're gone. In a world full of mass-produced spirits, Trackside's proving that small-batch dedication still wins the race.
