Gig Harbor, Washington-based Heritage Distilling Co. is expanding into the Kentucky market in partnership with Keg 1 River City.
Heritage’s exceptional suite of spirits now offered in Kentucky includes: Cocoa Bomb, Salute Series’ D-Day Land, Air and Sea, and ARMY Special Operations Forces Whiskey, at select on-premise and off-premise retailers throughout Kentucky. Created in November 2023, the Salute Series is a super-premium whiskey collection dedicated to honoring, celebrating, and raising funds for organizations supporting U.S. military veterans and their families. In less than a year, the program has raised more than $130,000 for partner charities.
“Craft bourbon and whiskey is at the heart of Heritage Distilling and was among the first products we went to market with,” said Heritage Distilling co-founder and CEO, Justin Stiefel. “We have a healthy respect for the distilling industry in Kentucky, and bringing craft spirits of the Pacific Northwest straight into Bourbon Country has been a sought-after milestone since our inception.”
“The Stiefels have created something truly unique in the spirits industry,” said Keg 1 River City VP of Wine and Spirits, Russell Glass. “They understand the craft of distilling spirits and have created brands that resonate with the marketplace, like the Salute Series. By partnering with charities dedicated to helping U.S. veterans and their families, consumers feel good knowing that their hard earned dollars are going to causes that support our warriors.”
What initially started as a limited fundraising initiative with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) – raising nearly $150,000 for Special Forces-related charities local to Joint Base Lewis-McChord eight years ago – has evolved into a nationwide initiative through partnerships with organizations such as: Green Beret Foundation, The Honor Foundation, Marine Raider Foundation, Joint Task Force K9s (JTFK9s), Shields and Stripes and others. Non-profit organizations interested in raising funds for their organizations through the program can complete an intake form on the Salute Series webpage.
Founded in 2011, Heritage Distilling has built a stellar reputation, earning accolades from prestigious institutions such as the American Distilling Institute, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the World Whiskey Awards. The company’s expansion into Kentucky will allow consumers to experience a diverse lineup of craft spirits.
For more information about Heritage Distilling Company, its products, or wholesale inquiries, please visit heritagedistilling.com.