dread river edited 1 Dread River Distilling announces new series with Birmingham whiskey blender — Dread River’s Master Series No. 1 (Ellie McKenzie)

Dread River Distilling Co. emphasizes their spirits as more than “just a product” and instead, a way to connect with the community and offer a taste of who they are. Keep reading to learn about their new series that does just that with Birmingham-native whiskey blender Eboni Major.

Major’s ode to Birmingham

Birmingham, Dread River Distilling Co., New Years Eve, speakeasy, parties — Dread River Distilling Co. (Mollie Master)

Eboni Major, one of the first Black female whiskey blenders in the United States, faced racial discrimination at her previous job and in turn, followed the calling to change the trajectory of the whiskey industry. In December, Major announced the first installment of her Master Series, which is available through Dread River Distilling.

According to Gear Patrol—Master Series is a “blend of 2017 and 2019 bourbons with notes of cherry, apples, oak and light vanilla to go along with a smooth finish accompanied with hints of spice and warmth. It’s bottled at 100 proof, and is intended by Major to be a “smooth and spicy ode to her hometown.”

“I call this project a love letter to Birmingham. When I decided to move back home in 2020, I decided to move back home to rebuild myself and really be in a place where I knew I could regain everything that I grew to love, and this product is a symbol of that.”
Eboni Major, interview with Mayor Randall Woodfin

Major was featured in Forbes‘ series “Women Running The Liquor World” This feature highlights Major for her trailblazing role in an industry typically dominated by men.

“The process requires sharp sensory capabilities. This gives me a great sense of pride, knowing that my job is creating consumer satisfaction and ensuring product consistency.”
Eboni Major, “Women Running The Liquor World,” Forbes

Where you can purchase Major’s blend

dreadriveroutside edited Dread River Distilling announces new series with Birmingham whiskey blender — Dread River Distilling Co. (Mollie Master)

This Kentucky bourbon blend is available at both Dread River’s and Major’s websites. The bottle is available for online pre-sale only, as well as on-site at Dread River.