Ole Smoky Distillery Announces New Premium Whiskey Launch

One of the nation’s fastest-growing spirits companies has announced a new launch.

Ole Smoky Distillery is launching its small-batch premium whiskey brand. This launch is their first expression that will honor family ties: James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Known for their moonshine, Ole Smoky has been a leading craft distiller in the U.S. since 2010.

The whiskey is aged in American virgin charred oak barrels and filtered with the Lincoln County Process, where it passes through sugar maple charcoal before aging. The 94-proof-whiskey will be released in less than 200 barrels this month.

This whiskey launch honors the remarkable history of James Ownby, who was the 5th generation great-grandfather of Ole Smoky Distillery’s founder, Joe Baker.

“James Ownby lived a life so epic we still tell his tale. A son of the revolution, a soldier – he was dedicated to his country. He enlisted at 17 and severed six tours of duty throughout his esteemed military career. James fearlessly fought for our young country’s freedom, for his beliefs, and for a better way of life. His most notable service came as a member of the renowned “Overmountain Men” regiment under the command of Colonel John Sevier in the Battle of Kings, Mountain – the battle which Thomas Jefferson fittingly deemed “the turn of the ride of success,” in the Revolutionary War”
– Joe Baker

James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey

During the late 1800s, the Ownby family became known as an original family who settled in East Tennessee. They were known to have brought their knowledge of distilling as they settled a stone’s throw away from where Ole Smoky operates their distillery today.

“James Ownby Reserve pays tribute to my family’s heritage and legacy,” said Baker.

“This new brand embodies our creativity and commitment to creating small-batch whiskey, and the team at Ole Smoky is proud to bring the product to market.”

The bottle and label design of the launch celebrates Tennessee with three stars, the same as the Tennessee State Flag. Each star represents the middle, east, and west of Tennessee. The bottle design also includes a personal message and signature of Joe Baker, who is carrying forward, through whiskey, the legend of his ancestor’s life.

James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey is warm and rich with deep caramel color. It’s an easy-sipping spirit with a distinctly southern soul. The launch is available in big markets and at the Ole Smoky Distillery.