Bear Fight, a whiskey brand made by Raleigh, North Carolina-based Next Century Spirits, is extending its whiskey portfolio with the launch of Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve, a bourbon finished in reposado tequila barrels. Crafted with precision in Zebulon, North Carolina, Bear Fight leveraged bourbon distillate aged for a minimum of three years and then finished it in ex-reposado tequila casks.
Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve has aromas of toasted oak and vanilla with a touch of cloves and a hint of black pepper. With each sip, you’ll experience notes of vanilla and caramel, followed by a subtle peppery spice that provides a nuanced kick that most whiskey drinkers have yet to experience. This unique bourbon expression delivers an exceptional finish with a subtle smokiness that lingers long after the last drop has disappeared from your glass.
“Coming off the success of our initial brand launch with Bear Fight American Single Malt, we wanted to push the boundaries of what a bourbon can be,” says Anthony Moniello (co-CEO of Next Century Spirits). “We wanted to craft an innovative bourbon that allowed us to tap into two growing liquor categories and by leveraging ex-reposado barrels to finish our whiskey, we know we will not only stand out on shelves but also index our business into the thriving bourbon and tequila categories.”
The mash bill for Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve stands up strong with a mix of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley to deliver a well-rounded sensation of flavor. This approachable expression comes in at 45% ABV giving a slight heated effect down the palate. Available at $34.99 per bottle at select liquor stores in CT, KY, IL, MN, NJ and BearFightWhiskey.com. Further distribution will roll out throughout the remainder of this year into next.