Tennessee-based spirits company, Ole Smoky Distillery, has announced the launch of their small-batch premium whiskey brand.
James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, commemorates the remarkable history and spirit of James Ownby – the 5th generation great-grandfather of Ole Smoky Distillery’s Founder, Joe Baker, handing down a family tradition.
The 94-proof whiskey is a rich, warm, deep caramel, easy-sipping spirit with a distinctly southern soul. It is aged in American virgin charred oak barrels and filtered utilizing the Lincoln County Process, passing through sugar maple charcoal before ageing.
“James Ownby lived a life so epic we still tell his tale,” said Baker. “A son of the revolution, a soldier – he was dedicated to his country. He enlisted at 17 and served six tours of duty throughout his esteemed military career.
“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 tide of success,’ in the Revolutionary War.”
In the late 1800s, James set down roots in East Tennessee, just a stone’s throw from where Ole Smoky operates the distillery today on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Ownby family became known as one of the original families who settled in the area and brought their knowledge of distilling.
“James Ownby Reserve pays tribute to my family’s heritage and legacy,” Baker continued. “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 James Ownby Reserve bottle and label design celebrates Tennessee with the state’s three stars found on the Tennessee State Flag, each representing the areas of Tennessee, middle, east, and west. It includes a personal message and signature of Joe Baker as he carries the legend forward through the whiskey created to honour his ancestor’s remarkable life.
For more information, go to jamesownbyreserve.com