Dread River to launch first bourbon distilled in Birmingham, available May 1st

Nearly three years after opening their doors in Birmingham, Dread River Distilling Co. is set to launch its first bourbon distilled in The Magic City. Distilled from a mash of corn, wheat and malted barley, aged for more than two years and finished in Caribbean rum casks, this 90-proof spirit is said to be complex and flavorful.

The first commercial bourbon distilled in Birmingham in 100+ years

Named after a mythical river that is said to have once flowed under Birmingham itself, Dread River Distilling Co. is Alabama’s largest distillery. Inside its 24,000 square-foot facility on 7th Avenue South, Dread River distills their own vodka, whiskey, rye whiskey, rum, gin and bourbon. In additional to their spirits, Dread River brews a number of their own beers and wines, which guests are invited to enjoy at the distillery’s tasting room.

Now, Dread River is gearing up to release their newest product: Dread River Bourbon. Aged for more than two years, Dread River Bourbon will have a complex flavor of corn, wheat and malted barley, aged together in Caribbean rum casks for a unique spin.

“Bourbon is what we got into this business to create. That has been the goal from day one, and almost since day one, we have been laying down barrels of bourbon, waiting for this day to come. It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we are very proud of everything we have accomplished in creating this product.”  

Dread River Co-Founder Jeff Dugas, in a press release

Want a sneak peek of Dread River Distilling Co.’s new bourbon?

Dread River Bourbon will be available throughout the state via the Alabama ABC distribution network beginning May 1st. However, you don’t have to wait that long—Dread River will be hosting two launch events in the coming weeks.

First, Dread River will officially launch its bourbon during the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, from April 29th through May 1st.

“The Indy race at Barber is one of our favorite events of the year and coincides perfectly with the release of our bourbon. We are so excited to share this new product with local race fans and those who travel to this event from across the country. The Barber and Indy brands both totally align with our standards of excellence and our thirst for adventure, so it’s an ideal opportunity for us.” 

Dread River Co-Founder John Cubelic, in a press release

In addition to its launch at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, Dread River Bourbon will be available in a limited release at the distillery prior to statewide release. Pre-orders began on Wednesday, March 28th and will be available for pickup during Dread River’s Pre-Release Party Weekend, from April 8th through 10th. At the Pre-Release Party Weekend, you’ll find speciality cocktails and merchandise, live music and exotic cars—just in time for a Sunday afternoon watch part for the Indy Grand Prix of Long Beach at 2PM CST.

“I wasn’t here at the time, but my understanding is that the Batch 1 bottles of the original whiskey Dread River released were very highly sought after and hard to come by. I imagine the same will be true here, since this is truly a Birmingham original and the first of its kind. We are excited about everything else we have aging, but there’s nothing quite like your first.” 

Dread River Master Distiller Colton Weinstein, in a press release

Want to reserve a bottle of Dream River Bourbon? Visit their website, call 205.588.1744 or mail info@dreadriver.com to reserve your bottle. Tag us @bhamnow to let us know what you think!