This bottle might be a little tough to find (unless you’re in Kentucky), but don’t you love the look of it? DeHart Whiskey is a new toasted-barrel bourbon created by a Louisville-based family that shares a passion for great bourbon, art, design and fulfilling lifelong dreams.

Brothers Mike and Dan DeHart always had a dream to create their own bourbon together, and it was fodder for many Thanksgivings spent around the table talking about names, mash bills, styles, finishes, and proofs. Growing up in Louisville, they were no stranger to the whiskey industry and spent most of their adult years “researching” all types of bourbons.

Finally in 2019, they purchased some slightly aged bourbon barrels from MGP in Lawrencburg, Ind., and moved them to Stanford, Ky., to age gracefully among the Kentucky countryside.

Now it was time to activate the twin powers — twin sisters Doreen (Mike’s wife) and Jeaneen Barnhart — to help with the look and packaging.

Doreen is an award-winning graphic designer, while Jeaneen is a renowned equine artist in Louisville. Her artwork has appeared in television and movies, on Kentucky Derby Festival posters, and even on well-known bourbon brands like Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark.

Doreen got busy creating the logo and bottle design, and Jeaneen started conceptualizing an image on canvas.

The image she came up with features a sassy and sexy woman with a holster around her hips. The artist wanted a playful vibe and something that would be eye-catching on a shelf with other bottles. That goal has definitely been achieved.

The Whiskey is Frisky

As for the whiskey, I can attest to the quality and rich flavors. Full disclosure: I was invited by Doreen, Mike and Jeaneen to help write some of the tasting notes for the website, and I used it as a way to get the scoop on this new release and enjoy some great bourbon in the process. Win-win!

There are five different releases in DeHart’s first launch, and each is a cask-strength single barrel that was aged 7 years in new, charred oak barrels.

The bourbon was then transferred to a toasted barrel for an additional 9 months. The mash bill is 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, and the proofs range from 108 to 112.

Mike explained that he and his brother love the toasted-bourbon category and wanted to play around with their own finishing techniques. This will be the first release of many planned, as the brothers have more inventory (and different mash bills) they’re tinkering with.

Just like fine bourbon, they’re in no hurry to flood the market with their brand. Instead, they plan on taking their time and getting it exactly right to their tastes.

Where to Find It

DeHart Whiskey is slowly trickling into local and regional liquor stores.

You should be able to find it in Bardstown, Lexington, Elizabethtown and Pikeville, and there are a handful of bars and liquor stores carrying it in Louisville as well, like Evergreen Liquors in Middletown, Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop in the Highlands, and Taste Fine Wines & Bourbons in NuLu.

Check this link for all the places you can find the whiskey, which will continue to be updated. And stay tuned for more DeHart Whiskey releases in the future. I can’t wait to see the artwork on the next one!

DeHart Whiskey retails for a suggested price of $69.99.