Today I’m diving into the legend behind a bottle that has just made its way to the Nashville, Tennessee, area: Burnt Tavern Bourbon.  

 You might have seen the name popping up on shelves, a nod to something both historical and fiery. But this is not just about a bold name; it’s about a whiskey uniquely crafted to carry a whisper of smoke in every sip, echoing its resilient past. I was invited to their brand debut last September in Lexington, and I was back for their Nashville debut a couple of weeks ago at Amendment XVIII in Franklin.

 The True Legend of Burnt Tavern

Let’s start with the name taken from the heart of bourbon country: Garrard County, Kentucky. The story begins in 1794, when Reverend James Smith and his family built a travelers’ rest along Zane’s Trace, a legendary frontier road. This vital outpost, located in what is now Bryantsville, was designed as a sanctuary for frontiersmen and locals alike.

 Its true test came when it survived not one, but two fires. After being burned twice and rebuilt, the local landmark became known as “Burnt Tavern.” It stood as a lasting symbol of resilience and the unyielding independent spirit on the edge of the American frontier.

 Master Distiller Chip Tate’s Artistry with Fire and Smoke

To bring this powerful Kentucky story to life, William Berkele Distillery turned to a true whiskey pioneer. Master Distiller Chip Tate (pictured above), a legendary figure and expert in the art of wood finishing, took on the task with a very specific vision. This was not a project for just another blender; Tate is a creator known for his history of making whiskey a unique way.

 “I have a long and storied history making whiskey with fire and smoke. Wood smoke and its ability to impart subtle and complex flavor to spirits has been a part of my distilling journey from the early days,” Chip Tate explained. “Burnt Tavern Bourbon represents the intersection of classic Kentucky bourbon with rich new layers of smoke and oak added by our special finishing process—a new medley of classic American flavors.”

How did Tate translate a legacy of fire into a flavor profile? The foundation is a premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged 7 years and bottled at 105 proof.

 After its initial aging in traditional bourbon barrels, the bourbon undergoes a truly distinctive second maturation. It is double-barreled, spending additional time in two unique, slowly toasted and charred barrels. It is in these secondary barrels that the whiskey continues to develop its robust character, creating rich and complex layers of burnt sugar, caramel, and vanilla. Crucially, this second barrel finish introduces luscious notes of oak and an elegant wood smoke, providing that intended “whisper of smoke.”

The adventurous palate will find:

On the nose: Smoked caramel, vanilla bean, apple cobbler, blackberry jam, baking spices, and toasted oak.

On the palate: Caramel, brown sugar, bananas, toffee, ginger, and baking spice.

 Design that Draws You In

The bottle itself is designed to be part of the storytelling journey. Brand Identity Designer and Creative Director Tara Lubonovich brought the Burnt Tavern legend to life using a visual language rich in history. “We wanted to create a label that draws you into the journey of the Tavern, down to the last detail. The Burnt Tavern logotype was designed to feel like it’s branded into wood, and the shape of the label evokes an old hanging sign from the stagecoach days,” she explained.

The final packaging illustrates the many characters and events surrounding the historic tavern, focusing on the two fires and historical highlights since 1794. The design also incorporates the original seal of the William Berkele Distillery, which was founded in 1868 near the original tavern site.

An Award Winning Heritage Now in Nashville

Burnt Tavern Bourbon, the inaugural release from the revived William Berkele Distillery, is already making waves and earning top industry honors across prestigious competitions in 2025 and 2026. The brand’s achievements include multiple gold and double gold medals, Straight Bourbon of the Year, and top tasting and design awards from organizations like USA Spirits Ratings, the New York World Spirits Competition, the Global Spirits Awards, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, to name just a few.

Following its successful launch last September in Kentucky, Burnt Tavern is now available to bourbon lovers in the Nashville market. “Nashville is a thriving market, and we’re thrilled to bring our distinctive brand to bourbon lovers in this part of the state,” said Bennett Clark, President of the William Berkele Distillery. “Burnt Tavern has been extremely well received. Its unique flavor profile has struck a chord with bourbon drinkers.”

We invite you to pour a glass and taste a story of resilience, grit, and craftsmanship. Give Burnt Tavern Bourbon a try, twice burned and reborn.