Bourbon, moonshine, and astronomy lovers unite. To mark the upcoming total solar eclipse, Hopkinsville, Kentucky-based Casey Jones Distillery announced the launch of its new four grain Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon (SRP: $49.99 for a 750ml) and the re-release of its previously sold out Total Eclipse Moonshine ($29.99 for a 750ml). Created by master distiller Arlon (“AJ”) Casey Jones, both the Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Total Eclipse Moonshine are the perfect companions for THE celestial event of a lifetime. The eclipse will cross the continental U.S. on April 8.
At an approachable 100-proof and made from locally sourced corn, wheat, rye and barley (mash bill: 75% corn, 10% wheat, 10% rye, 5% malted barley), Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a perfectly balanced, four grain bourbon aged for a minimum of two years. The whiskey is distilled in small batches in a hybrid pot still by AJ Jones, who has a storied family legacy of still building, bootlegging, and American whiskey production. On the nose, the whiskey yields aromas of baking spice and butterscotch while the palate reveals a semi-sweet body of orange zest, toasted oak, and a pecan nut finish. Donning the requisite solar safety glasses, stargazers may enjoy an Eclipsed Old Fashioned while experiencing the eclipse from their prime viewing location.
Named the “Official Spirits of the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse” by Sen. Whitney Westerfield on the Kentucky Senate floor, 100-proof Total Eclipse Moonshine was inspired by a Prohibition-era family recipe distilled from equal parts corn and cane. Debuting in 2017 to coincide with the previous total solar eclipse, Total Eclipse Moonshine offers a velvety smooth sipping experience with sweet corn and vegetal sweetness – heavenly inspiration for the signature “Moonarita” – a spin on a classic Margarita.
Seven years ago, Casey Jones Distillery was at the heart of the total solar eclipse, as it was positioned within the optimal viewing path of this cosmic phenomena. That weekend, the distillery hosted a remarkable 12,000 astronomy buffs, and sold out of its initial run of 50,000 bottles of Total Eclipse Moonshine. To commemorate the occasion, the distillery laid down a Total Eclipse Cask Strength Single Barrel, which will be released as a distillery exclusive on April 6.
“Twice in my lifetime, I’ll experience the shadow of the eclipse over our land here in Hopkinsville – a rare and spectacular gift that inspired me to create something special,” said Jones. “In 2017, we introduced our Total Eclipse Moonshine, and for the upcoming eclipse in April, we’re proud to introduce our four grain Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon – a nod to our rich distilling traditions and those once-in-a-lifetime moments that bring us together/
Casey Jones Distillery will host an intimate gathering for friends, fans and locals on April 8, where guests can mix and mingle while sipping on signature cocktails and enjoying nature’s majesty. “Come on down, meet the folks behind the bottle, and let’s share in this magic together. Here in Kentucky, we’re all about hospitality and good spirits, and we’re eager to pour you a glass of both,” Jones continued.
Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Total Eclipse Moonshine are available for purchase online at caseyjonesdistillery.com. The bourbon has select retail availability in KY and OK while the moonshine has select retail availability in CA, GA, KY, IL, OK, TN, TX, NY, NJ and WI.
For more information, visit Casey Jones Distillery at caseyjonesdistillery.com and follow the company on Instagram @caseyjonesdistillery and on Tik Tok @caseyjonesdistillery.