Union Horse Distilling Co., a family-owned craft distillery based in Lenexa, Kansas, has unveiled a new limited-edition bourbon that showcases a unique twist on its traditional offering. Known for producing high-quality spirits, Union Horse has taken its Reserve Straight Bourbon and given it an extra layer of complexity by finishing it in Malbec wine barrels. This release is particularly exciting for whiskey enthusiasts, as it is one of the first forays by the distillery into bourbon finished in wine barrels.
Image credit: Union Horse Distilling Co.
The bourbon itself is based on the same mash bill as the original Reserve Straight Bourbon, which consists of 80% Missouri corn and 20% rye sourced from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This combination of ingredients creates a rich, flavorful base that the distillery has been perfecting over the years. The whiskey spends its first six years aging in new white oak barrels, which is where it develops much of its depth and character. However, what sets this release apart is the additional 25 months it spends finishing in Malbec wine barrels from Argentina.
Buy the Malbec Finished Edition here!
This careful, extended finishing process has resulted in a bourbon that offers something truly special. According to Union Horse co-founder and director of sales Damian Garcia, the Malbec wine brings out additional sweetness and fruitiness in the bourbon that pairs well with the underlying flavors created by the mash bill. “Coming from Argentina, their Malbec wine is a little bit sweeter, so it blends nicely with the sweetness of our corn in the whiskey,” Garcia explained. The tasting notes for this bourbon include hints of blackberry, vanilla, tobacco, and baking spices, making for a well-rounded and distinctive profile.
Image credit: Union Horse Distilling Co./Seelbach's
Union Horse has only produced 450 bottles of this Malbec wine barrel-finished bourbon, making it a highly limited release. The majority of the bottles will be available in Missouri and Kansas, with select markets in the Midwest also receiving small allocations. For those in the area or dedicated collectors, the bourbon is also available directly from the distillery. Priced at $59.99, it offers an accessible entry point for those curious about trying a whiskey with this kind of finishing.
The release marks an important milestone for Union Horse as it explores new ways to innovate within the bourbon category. As Garcia noted, “We've been playing with a bunch of finishes and this is kind of our first step into the bourbon side of finishing a whiskey.” The distillery previously experimented with finishing when it released a Port-finished Barrel Strength Reunion Rye Whiskey in 2021, but this is its first time applying the technique to a bourbon. For Union Horse, this represents just the beginning of what could become a broader range of finished spirits. Garcia hinted that fans of the distillery can expect more unique releases in the near future.
Founded in 2010, Union Horse Distilling Co. has built a reputation as a reliable producer of craft whiskey in the Midwest. The distillery, located at 11740 W. 86th Terrace in Lenexa, remains family-owned and operated, which is reflected in its hands-on approach to creating its spirits. With this new Malbec wine barrel-finished bourbon, Union Horse continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots, delivering a product that appeals to both traditional bourbon drinkers and those looking for something a bit different.
Buy the Malbec Finished Edition here!
About Union Horse Distilling Co.
Union Horse Distilling Co. is a craft distillery based in Lenexa, Kansas, known for producing high-quality, small-batch spirits with a focus on tradition, craftsmanship, and family values. Founded in 2010 by the Garcia family—brothers Damian and Patrick along with their sister Mary—Union Horse has quickly established itself as a key player in the American craft spirits scene, particularly in the Midwest.
The distillery is named after the concept of unity and strength, symbolized by the image of a horse, which reflects the family's bond and their commitment to producing spirits that are both exceptional and rooted in tradition. Union Horse Distilling Co. takes pride in being a grain-to-bottle distillery, meaning that every step of the production process—from milling the grain to bottling the final product—is handled on-site. This level of control ensures a high standard of quality and allows for a deep connection to each spirit they produce.
Union Horse Distilling Co. offers a range of spirits, with its flagship products being Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Reunion Straight Rye Whiskey. The Reserve Bourbon is aged for a minimum of four years in new American oak barrels, resulting in a rich and balanced whiskey with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. The Reunion Rye, also aged for at least four years, is known for its bold, peppery character, with layers of dried fruit, spice, and oak, making it a favorite among rye whiskey enthusiasts.
In addition to their core whiskey offerings, Union Horse Distilling Co. also produces a craft vodka called Long Shot White Whiskey, which is distilled multiple times to achieve a clean, smooth spirit. They also produce a variety of limited-edition and experimental releases, showcasing their willingness to explore different aging techniques, finishes, and mash bills.
Union Horse Distilling Co. has garnered a loyal following not only for the quality of its spirits but also for its commitment to transparency and authenticity. The distillery is open to the public for tours and tastings, offering visitors a firsthand look at their meticulous production process and an opportunity to sample their range of products.
The distillery has also played a significant role in supporting and growing the local craft spirits community, often collaborating with other local businesses and participating in regional events. This commitment to community, along with their dedication to craft and quality, has helped Union Horse Distilling Co. build a strong reputation both locally and nationally.
In summary, Union Horse Distilling Co. is a family-owned and operated craft distillery known for its high-quality, grain-to-bottle spirits. With a focus on traditional methods and a deep connection to their Midwestern roots, the distillery has become a standout in the American craft whiskey landscape, celebrated for its rich and flavorful bourbon and rye whiskeys, as well as its innovative spirit offerings.
