Shawn McCormick, owner & founder of B. H. James Distillers, proudly announces the release of their first barrel of Kentucky Grit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This release celebrates a major milestone for the small distillery, which used a tiny 26-Gallon still to produce the spirit. It was mashed, fermented, and distilled all in-house using 81% Logan County-grown Non-GMO Yellow Corn, 10% Logan-grown County Rye, 5% Kentucky-grown & caramel Malted Barley, and 4% Midwestern Oats. The bourbon aged for 2 years and 2 months in a new American white oak 25-Gallon Kelvin Cooperage #4 Char Barrel. Small amounts were removed from the barrel as it aged at 6, 12, and 18 months to be part of a commemorative gift set containing 100ml bottles of the unaged new make whiskey, along with the 6-month increments to show how the bourbon changed during the aging process. After the angels had their share and removal of small amounts every six months, the remaining bourbon was proofed down to 48% ABV or 96 Proof. Only 72 – 750ml of the historic bottles are available for purchase for $99.99 at the Adairville, KY distillery on Saturday, November 8th, during their third anniversary celebration, 11 AM to 6 PM.
B.H. James Distillers is also launching a new “Reserve” line of extra-aged whiskeys. The first in the lineup to be released is Burton James Uniquely American Reserve – Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a two-barrel blend of 10-year-old bourbons. These two barrels are the last of the first 16 barrels McCormick purchased as new make in January 2015, as he pursued his passion for opening a distillery. Both bourbons were distilled in Indiana from 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley and patiently aged in charred new American white oak barrels for 10 years before being blended and bottled at barrel proof of 60.85% ABV or 121.7 proof. It will be available for purchase for $99.99 at the distillery starting November 8th, and then at a few select Kentucky retailers.
Adding to the excitement of its 3rd anniversary on November 8th, B.H. James Distillers will be recognized by the Kentucky Corn Growers Association for its Burton James Uniquely American Bourbon – Batch 1, winning “Best of Kentucky” in the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition at 1 PM. McCormick stated, “This is a cherry on top of all the hard work leading to this milestone.” Reflecting on the long hours and stress of running a business by himself, he couldn’t imagine doing anything else, and it seems like a lifetime ago when he had a ‘real job’.” He adds, “he is thankful to the city and community of Adairville for their continued support of both him and the distillery.”
All guests to the distillery on November 8th can memorialize their visit by signing a freshly filled 3rd Anniversary Kentucky Grit Bourbon barrel. As part of the anniversary celebration, B.H. James Distillers will be donating a portion of the sales from November 8th and collecting new and in good condition used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and fleece throws to benefit Lucy’s Coat Closet. “This is the third time we’re collecting the gift of warmth and donating $1.00 from every bottle of spirits and adult beverage sold during our anniversary,” said McCormick. He continued, “It is an honor for me to donate to Lucy’s Coat Closet, a charity of the First Christian Church of Russellville, as my mom, Lucy McCormick, ran it for many years. The Coat Closet was renamed as a tribute to her after she passed away in 2016.” In addition to the coats and other items, new socks and cash donations are also welcome. These items can be brought to the distillery on November 8th for collection. The community is welcome to select items from Lucy’s Coat Closet at 201 West 7th Street, Russellville, KY, the following days and times: November 5th 11 AM – 1 PM (sack lunches available), November 19th 11 AM – 1 PM and 5-7 PM, and December 3rd 11 AM – 1 PM (as inventory allows).