Time to turn on the way-back machine! Bourbon de Luxe has a remarkable legacy that dates back to the early 1900s, when it was first created by Milton Epstein, a whiskey merchant in Fort Worth, Texas. Epstein’s Bourbon de Luxe quickly gained popularity in the pre-Prohibition era for its quality and accessible price. However, when Prohibition began in 1920, the brand’s growth faced a sudden halt.
After Prohibition ended, Bourbon de Luxe was acquired in 1926 by Kentucky’s R.E. Wathen Co., which incorporated it into the American Medicinal Spirits Co. (AMS), where it thrived under the new “medicinal” whiskey laws. In 1929, AMS merged into National Distillers, making it one of the largest bourbon producers in the country. Bourbon de Luxe became a signature brand alongside Old Grand Dad, Old Crow, and Old Taylor, positioning it among the industry’s iconic names. National Distillers held onto the brand until 1987, when it sold its portfolio to the Jim Beam Company, which continued producing Bourbon de Luxe until the early 2000s.
Rolling Fork Spirits has now revived this storied label. Turner Wathen and Jordan Morris, co-founders of Rolling Fork Spirits, are bringing it back with a fresh take that respects its historic roots.
Bourbon de Luxe presents a somewhat light amber color, with legs that quickly descend the glass, signaling a spirited mouthfeel.
The aroma is classic and nostalgic, beginning with sweet vanilla and caramel—typical of a Kentucky bourbon. There are layers of toasted oak, orange peel, and a subtle pepperiness that add depth, echoing the bourbon’s long lineage.
The first sip reveals a classic, well-rounded bourbon profile. Instant pepper notes greet the tongue but quickly give way to a sweet caramel, honey flavor with notes of cinnamon and clove adding warmth. Mid-palate, there’s a delightful touch of dried fruit, reminiscent of raisins and apricots, which adds a complexity that feels timeless.
Oak and vanilla remain prominent, underscoring the bourbon’s Kentucky heritage, but there’s a twist—a faint citrus zest and peppery edge that lend an unexpected brightness. Rolling Fork Spirits’ modern touch shines here, enhancing the familiar profile with added depth and nuance.
The finish is the most surprising experience. Its smooth and long, with lingering notes of toasted oak, black pepper but mainly a honey citrus sweetness. This sweetness lingers, blending perfectly with the residual orange peel taste. It’s a very unique finish that feels historical yet fresh and vibrant.
Rolling Fork Spirits has masterfully revived Bourbon de Luxe, delivering a bourbon that honors its historic legacy while presenting a refined, modern profile. For bourbon aficionados, this release is a nod to a bygone era when Bourbon de Luxe stood alongside America’s most cherished brands. It’s approachable, has your traditional bourbon oakiness but with the addition of a citrus and honey sweetness that is like no other.
Bourbon de Luxe by Rolling Fork Spirits is a homage to one of bourbon’s forgotten classics, resurrected with a skillful balance of tradition and innovation. This release feels like a piece of history, bottled for a new generation of bourbon lovers.
Cheers!
This bourbon receives 4 out of 5 barrels.
