Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon represents the culmination of John Wayne’s personal dream, discovered in his sealed memories from 1979. This exceptional spirit is crafted at the historic O.Z. Tyler distillery, founded in 1885 on the banks of the Ohio River. The bourbon follows a traditional recipe of 75% American curved corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, aged for 5 years in heavily charred American oak casks. Each bottle embodies the values of strength, dignity, and respect that The Duke himself championed.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich notes of caramel, vanilla, cherry paste, and fresh fruit with subtle floral undertones
Palate: Medium-bodied with prominent apple and pear, complemented by vanilla and cinnamon.
Finish: Perfect harmony of cinnamon and pressed fruit juice, featuring apple, pear, and cherry notes
Character: Best served at room temperature in a rocks glass to appreciate its full complexity
Duke Bourbon represents the intersection of legacy, authenticity, and quality in every bottle. This exceptional spirit honors John Wayne’s dream through meticulous attention to traditional bourbon crafting while maintaining unwavering quality standards. From the carefully selected grain bill to the patient aging process in charred American oak, each step reflects a commitment to authenticity that pays tribute to The Duke’s values and vision for an exceptional American bourbon.
More than 40 years after John Wayne’s passing, a remarkable discovery in his sealed archives revealed a dream that would transform into reality. Among his personal spirits collection and memories preserved since 1979, his son Ethan found evidence of The Duke’s ambition to create his own bourbon. This discovery sparked a mission to honor his father’s legacy through an exceptional spirit that would embody the values of strength, dignity, and respect that John Wayne represented.
The journey began when Ethan Wayne partnered with Chris Radomski and Jayson Woodbridge, one of the world’s finest winemakers, to recreate the magic his father envisioned. Their collaboration led them to the historic O.Z. Tyler distillery in Kentucky, established in 1885 and holder of the state’s 11th distilling license. Here, on the banks of the Ohio River, they developed a bourbon that John Wayne would have been proud to put his name on.
The team assembled master distillers and consultants to honor the recipe that John Wayne worked on in the early 1960s. Their dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of production, from the selection of premium grains to the careful aging process in heavily charred American oak barrels. The result is a bourbon that captures the essence of The Duke himself – timeless, authentic, and uncompromising in quality.