Three Stories Worth Sipping
Posted by Alayne Gardner-Carimi on
Three New Bourbons Have Arrived.
We've added three new single-barrel, cask-strength private bottlings to our bourbon lineup, and they couldn't be more different from one another. What they share is a commitment to doing things the hard way—the way that creates whiskey worth talking about.
Every bourbon has a story.
Some stories involve generations of family farmers. Some involve stubborn craftspeople who refuse to take shortcuts. Some involve innovative distillers proving that great bourbon doesn't have to come from Kentucky.
And sometimes, if you're lucky, all three show up at vomFASS at the same time.
So grab a glass. Let's take a little road trip.
Wisconsin Nice? More Like Wisconsin Exceptional!
J. Henry Straight Bourbon
50% ABV • Aged 7 Years • Wisconsin
Wisconsin isn't exactly known for being loud about its accomplishments. That's probably why so many people are surprised when they taste a bourbon from J. Henry.
Our exclusive barrel delivers rich notes of maple, butter, and beautifully developed oak from seven years in the barrel.
Founded on a family farm in southern Wisconsin, J. Henry & Sons helped put Wisconsin bourbon on the map by proving that local grains and patient aging can create something truly special.
What sets J. Henry apart is their commitment to using Wisconsin-grown heirloom red corn, a variety prized for its rich flavor and character. Combined with locally sourced ingredients and years of careful aging, it creates a bourbon that couldn't come from anywhere else.
It's the kind of bourbon that makes people pause, look at the label again, and say:
"Wait... this is from Wisconsin?"
Yes. Yes it is.
And with a single cube of ice, it becomes dangerously easy to enjoy.
Kentucky Bourbon, Heritage-Focused
MB Roland Straight Bourbon Whiskey
53% ABV • 5 Years • Kentucky
Some distilleries talk about craftsmanship.
MB Roland Distillery just quietly goes about doing it.
These folks embrace a true "grain-to-glass" philosophy. They grow or source their own Kentucky grains, distill in small batches, use wood-fired barrel production, and bottle unfiltered. In a world obsessed with efficiency, they're still focused on authenticity.
And frankly, you can taste it.
Our single barrel starts with a distinctive mash bill of 78% white corn, 17% rye, and 5% malt. The result is a rich, full-bodied bourbon packed with sweet grain character, warm spice, and a finish that sticks around long enough to make you immediately want another sip.
This isn't bourbon chasing trends.
This is bourbon doing bourbon things.
Very, very well.
Iowa Has Entered the Chat
Cedar Ridge Barrel 16 Straight Bourbon
59.5% ABV • Aged 4 Years • Iowa
If you're still thinking of Iowa primarily as a producer of corn, we'd like to introduce you to what happens when that corn meets serious whiskey talent.
Cedar Ridge Distillery has been quietly building a reputation as one of the Midwest's most exciting craft distilleries, and this private barrel makes it easy to understand why.
The nose opens with sweet oak and tobacco. Then things get interesting.
Apple. Baking spice. Crème brûlée.
At nearly 60% ABV, you'd expect it to be all muscle. Instead, it's surprisingly graceful, with layers of flavor that keep unfolding sip after sip.
Add a single cube and watch it transform.
It's bold enough for the bourbon enthusiast and approachable enough to convert a skeptic.
That's a pretty neat trick.
Three States. Three Personalities.
If these bourbons were guests at a dinner party:
- J. Henry would arrive with a homemade pie and somehow become everyone's favorite person.
- MB Roland would show up in well-worn boots and have the best stories of the night.
- Cedar Ridge would bring something unexpected and convince everyone they need to try it.
Different styles. Different philosophies. Different flavor profiles.
All selected because they made us stop, smile, and pour another taste. Just don't be surprised if you leave liking all three.
After all, good bourbon makes friends AND great bourbon starts conversations.