LEXINGTON, KY (Aug. 26, 2025) – On September 1, bourbon enthusiasts will witness the rebirth of a legend nearly lost to time, smoke, and ash. Named for a twice-burned and rebuilt legendary tavern in Garrard County, Kentucky, Burnt Tavern Bourbon carries a subtle whisper of smoke, echoing its fiery past in every sip. The first release is uniquely crafted, by esteemed whiskey pioneer Chip Tate.

Burnt Tavern Bourbon is a 7-year-old premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 105 proof. After aging in traditional bourbon barrels, the bourbon is double-barreled in two unique, slowly toasted and charred barrels. In these secondary barrels, the whiskey continues to develop to offer rich and complex layers of burnt sugar, caramel, and vanilla, as well as luscious notes of oak and an elegant wood smoke.

This new frontier in bourbon will be released in the Central and Northern Kentucky markets, with plans to expand throughout the state later this year.

“Burnt Tavern Bourbon doesn’t follow trends. It honors the history of the fire and the journey of those who came before us. Each sip tells the story of smoke, char, and resilience. For those who appreciate the slow char and bold character of bourbon, Burnt Tavern delivers,” said Bennett Clark, President William Berkele Distillery.

Master Distiller Chip Tate Lends His Vision
Created for the adventurous palate, Burnt Tavern Bourbon was developed by famed master distiller and wood-finishing expert Chip Tate. Inspired by William Berkele’s centuries-old bourbon, Tate infused it with his vision and artistry to craft a distinct new brand that honors the past while illuminating the future.

“I have a long and storied history making whiskey with fire and smoke.  Wood smoke and its ability to impart subtle and complex flavor to spirits has been a part of my distilling journey from the early days. Burnt Tavern Bourbon represents the intersection of classic Kentucky bourbon with rich new layers of smoke and oak added by our special finishing process – a new medley of classic American flavors,” said Chip Tate, Master Distiller for William Berkele Distillery.

Burnt Tavern’s aroma profile includes a whisper of smoke, apple cobbler, blackberry jam, baking spices, smoked caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak. Flavor notes include caramel, brown sugar, bananas, toffee, ginger, and baking spice.

“We came to Chip with a story rooted in legacy, fire and revival and he turned it into something you can actually taste. Very few distillers can take a brand’s origin and build a flavor that truly lives up to it. It’s not just bourbon; he captured the soul of Burnt Tavern. In every sip, a Kentucky story is told,” said Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, William Berkele Distillery.

The Legend of Burnt TavernIn 1794, Rev. James Smith and his family built a travelers' rest along Zanes Trace, in what is now Bryantsville, Kentucky. The tavern was destroyed by fire and rebuilt twice, becoming known as Burnt Tavern. It served as a respite for travelers, frontiersmen, and locals alike and stood as a symbol of resilience, strength, fortitude, and pure Kentucky grit. In 1868 William Berkele founded his distillery on land he purchased near the site of the legendary Burnt Tavern and began production of handmade sour mash whiskey.Brand and Packaging Tell the TaleBrand Identity Designer, Tara Lubonovich, brought the story of Burnt Tavern to life in a visual language rich in Kentucky history. The packaging was designed to illustrate the many characters and events surrounding the historic tavern, notably the two fires and highlights from its unique history since 1794. The design also incorporates the original seal of the William Berkele Distillery.

“We wanted to create a label that draws you into the journey of the Tavern, down to the last detail. The Burnt Tavern logotype was designed to feel like it’s branded into wood, and the shape of the label evokes an old hanging sign from the stagecoach days”, said Tara Lubonovich, Creative Director for Burnt Tavern Bourbon.

About William Berkele Distillery
The William Berkele Distillery was originally founded in 1868 near the site of the legendary Burnt Tavern in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. The William Berkele Distillery is proud to introduce its first release – Burnt Tavern Bourbon – a premium, double-barreled Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey known for its bold flavor and whisper of smoke. Every bottle reflects the resilience, heritage, and independent spirit of Burnt Tavern. Twice Burned and Reborn.