In the rugged heart of Kentucky's bourbon country, where the air still carries the scent of charred oak and distant thunder, Wheel Horse Whiskey is firing up something special this fall. Forget the factory-line stuff—these are two limited-edition releases that hit like a well-tuned engine after a long haul. One's got the salty kick of a Rhode Island brew running through its veins, the other's like kicking back in a leather armchair with a stogie clamped between your teeth. Both pour out at 101 proof, that perfect burn that warms you from the inside without knocking you off your feet. If you've ever nursed a glass after wrestling the mower through the yard or firing up the smoker for a rack of ribs, Wheel Horse's latest drops are calling your name. They're built by folks who know the value of a slow burn, drawing from a family-run distillery that's been perfecting straight bourbon since the late 1800s—back when men like us rolled up our sleeves and made things last.
Wheel Horse isn't some flashy newcomer chasing viral hype. This is a outfit rooted in the dirt and sweat of American craftsmanship, named for those trusty old tractors that powered farms through thick and thin. Every barrel they touch carries that same grit: patient aging, bold finishes, and zero shortcuts. This season, they're teaming up with neighbors old and new to drop bourbons that feel like reunions with buddies from way back. Picture settling into your garage workshop as the sun dips low, toolkit spread out, with one of these bottles within arm's reach. The fire pit's glowing outside, maybe a football game murmuring on the radio. That's the Wheel Horse way—simple, satisfying, and tough enough to handle whatever the day throws at you. With production caps tighter than a rusted lug nut, these aren't shelf-fillers; they're conversation starters for your next card game or backyard roast.
Image credit: Wheel Horse Whiskey
Let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the first one: Wheel Horse's Narragansett Baltic Porter Beer Finished Bourbon Whiskey. Tagged at $42.99, it's the kind of price that lets you grab a couple without blinking, then watch 'em disappear faster than ice on a hot grille. Wheel Horse didn't just slap a label on this—they joined forces with Narragansett Beer, that gritty Rhode Island brewer sharing the same late-19th-century bones. Founded when clipper ships still ruled the waves, Narragansett's been pouring out brews that taste like hard work and ocean spray. It's like two old-timers from different towns swapping tools over the fence, each bringing something real to the table.
The bourbon kicks off strong, resting over five years in fresh charred oak barrels that soak in all the deep caramel and vanilla a man could want. That's the Wheel Horse foundation—steady, no-frills aging that turns raw spirit into gold. Then they slide it into barrels that held Narragansett's Baltic Porter for four to five months. This beer's a beast: dark as midnight, with roasty molasses and coffee-ground edges that scream New England winter. The finish weaves that right into the whiskey, creating a Kentucky straight bourbon at 50.5% ABV that's got backbone for days. It's four years in the making overall, but every minute shows.
Crack the bottle and give it a swirl in your go-to rocks glass. The nose sneaks up first—cocoa powder like the stuff you spike your morning coffee with, teamed with a crisp peppermint snap that wakes everything up. Take a pull, and it unfolds smooth: milk chocolate syrup coating your tongue, then toasted almonds crunching in with that nutty warmth. Deeper in, the porter magic shines—chocolate malt balls popping sweet and fun, backed by a straight shot of espresso that keeps it grounded. The finish drags on forever, just how you like it: chicory's sharp bite mellowed by gingerbread's homey spice, and a whiff of leather that smells like your favorite worn-in jacket or the cab of your old Ford. It's the pour that pairs like a champ with a slab of grilled steak or a wedge of sharp cheddar by the fire—echoing that beer barrel soul without stealing the show.
But here's the kicker: Wheel Horse only bottled 2,100 of these babies. That's scarcer than a dry spell in July, so you'll want to scout your local liquor stop or hit up wheelhorsewhiskey.com before your buddy beats you to it. Imagine pulling one out at the deer camp, passing it around while stories flow—it's got that everyman appeal, bridging Kentucky corn with Rhode Island grit. Wheel Horse crafted this for guys who appreciate a twist on tradition, proving you don't need fancy gadgets to make something memorable. Stock it for those quiet nights tinkering in the shed, or break it out when the crew rolls in for burgers and brews. Either way, it's a reminder that the best collaborations come from rolling up next to folks who get the game.
Image credit: Wheel Horse Whiskey
Now, shift gears to the heavyweight: Wheel Horse's Cigar Blend Bourbon, rolling out for Fall 2025 and already turning heads like a fresh-polished chrome bumper. This isn't just another release—it's the distillery's top dog, racking up 97 points and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Double Platinum from ASCOT, and a rock-solid 91 from Whisky Advocate. Those aren't participation ribbons; they're hard-earned nods from panels who've swirled more whiskey than you've got tools in the box. Wheel Horse took a five-year bourbon and finished it for at least eight months in a killer lineup: Port for juicy fruit, Cognac for smooth class, Sherry for nutty depth, and Armagnac for that rustic kick. It's like hand-picking the finest cuts for your smoker—each one amps up the flavor without overpowering the meat.
Starting with five years in charred oak, the base is pure Wheel Horse muscle: caramel waves and spice that bite back just right. That multi-barrel finish? It transforms the whole thing into a symphony at 50.5% ABV and 101 proof—hot enough to feel alive, balanced enough to sip all evening. With 6,000 bottles total, it's a hair more reachable than the Narragansett, but these'll fly off shelves quicker than the last parking spot at the home game. Wheel Horse knows their crowd: men who've earned their stripes, savoring pours that match a good maduro cigar or a slow-seared ribeye.
Pop the cork, and the aromas roll out thick: chocolate-covered cherries begging for a bite, mixed with candied orange peels that brighten the whole deal. Hit it with your lips, and boom—orange zest and cranberry relish explode like holiday relish on hot toast, tart and alive. Then the shadows creep in: juicy plums and ripe figs, all jammy and deep, unfolding slow like a well-laid plan. The finish sticks around like that one buddy who never leaves early—cherry cola's fizzy throwback, vanilla cream rolling smooth, and chocolate raisins capping it with sweet chew. Light up a full-bodied cigar to match, or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for dessert—it's versatile gold for the grill master in you.
Wheel Horse Whiskey poured their soul into these, limiting runs to keep the quality sky-high and the bragging rights real. The Narragansett's your road-trip buddy, blending brews and barrels for unexpected thrills. The Cigar Blend's the lounge king, rewarding those long, earned evenings with layers that keep revealing. Together, they showcase why Wheel Horse stands tall: honoring the past while twisting it just enough to keep things fresh. Head to your corner store, check the distillery's site, or call ahead—these hit shelves now, but with numbers this low, you'll need to move like you're chasing the last fish in the pond.
Tuck one—or hell, both—onto your shelf, and you've got your bases covered for tailgates, holidays, or those solo sunsets with a deck of cards. In a world of watered-down quick fixes, Wheel Horse delivers the real deal: bourbons that grip tight, warm deep, and leave you grinning for the next pour. Raise one high to the craft that powers through—because nothing beats a sip that tastes like victory earned the hard way.
