Dick Burks definitely comes from what some would call obscure bourbon royalty. But now he’s on a path to change that as he introduces Burks Spring Bourbon — bottled here in Crestwood — and shares his family’s unique story behind it.

Burks Spring Bourbon was founded by Dick Burks, a descendent of Charles Burks who founded a grist mill and distillery near Loretto, Kentucky. That distillery is now Maker’s Mark. Dick Burks had this Bourbon contract distilled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery using the mash bill that has been passed down in his family. I am always happy to see old distilling families get back into the industry and revive old mash bills. I recently purchased a bottle of this Bourbon and Matt and I sat down to taste it. Here are our tasting notes.

Some new bourbon brands want to come out with multiple expressions — and new-age flavors.

Some, though, just want to reconnect with their family’s past.

The latter is true for Burks Spring Bourbon.

Launched in April, it only comes in one expression — a high-rye, 100-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged a little less than six years.

The company was formed in 2016 by Dick Burks with the help of a group of nine other investors of family and friends. His name might be familiar to many Louisvillians, as he served as an insurance agent for 54 years in the city before retiring last year.

OVER 100 YEARS OF BOURBON HISTORY BEING BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE WITH ‘BURKS SPRING BOURBON’ BY DESCENDENT OF ORIGINAL DISTILLER.