What You’ll Find Inside: Winter Issue 2025

Welcome to the Winter 2025 issue of Bourbon+, where we offer a collection of stories, spirits, and personalities that capture the spirit of bourbon as we head into the new year. This issue, our first of 2025, is packed with stories to warm your heart and spark your curiosity.

Gracing our cover is country music star Dierks Bentley, who introduces his new Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Row 94. Bentley, a bourbon enthusiast, admits his venture is no fleeting project. “There are different ways to do this,” Bentley tells Bourbon+. “I’ve had friends put bourbon out, and it’s tied to an album release, or there’s some sort of short-term connection between the two of ‘em. But this is not like that. It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time to get out there. It’s a standalone deal—and I mean, I don’t know how you don’t go all in if all your money’s into it because it’s expensive. This shit’s not cheap.” Bentley’s trek with Row 94 began in 2012 when he opened Whiskey Row bar in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he envisioned creating a signature bourbon that reflects his passion and commitment. Now, after years of work and investment, Bentley’s bourbon has arrived.

From the Bourbon of Kentucky, we travel to Nebraska, exploring its spirit scene, which offers a blend of hospitality, flavors, and experiences. In addition, we get an inside look at The Vampire Diaries stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley’s Brothers Bond Bourbon. Their brand is built on a philosophy of sustainability and regenerative agriculture, already making an impact that goes beyond the whiskey world.

For those cozy winter nights, we’ve curated whiskey and cigar pairings with Paul Pearse from The Ariston, a cigar lounge in downtown Nashville. Tucked just off bustling Broadway, The Ariston has become a place where cigars, and spirits combine in a rich experience. Pearse shares insights into the art of pairing cigars with whiskey, bringing a new depth to the ritual of sipping and smoking.

If you’re looking to shake up your winter routine, we caught up with Dante Wheat, bar manager at Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop in Louisville, Kentucky. Wheat creates cocktails inspired by the flavors, aromas, and sensations he encounters daily. His approach to mixology is one you’ll want to check out.

We’re also thrilled to introduce you to Tutto Pepe, a stunning Italian-inspired cocktail destination in LaGrange, Georgia. It combines bold aesthetics with savory drinks, setting a new standard in cocktail creativity. In “Back in the Day,” we take you on a nostalgic journey through a Southern hunting tradition rooted in Tennessee whiskey and the spirit of camaraderie.

There’s something in these pages for everyone. So, pour yourself a glass, settle in, and let the warmth of these stories and flavors carry you through the cold months ahead. Here’s to good company, great whiskey, and a season filled with the tales and tastes we love.

Stay warm and enjoy.

Cover Photo by Robby Klein

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