NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Monument Valley Distillers announced today that it has added DUKE Kentucky Straight Bourbon to its DUKE Spirits portfolio. Named for American icon John Wayne – a larger-than-life film star affectionately known as “The Duke” – DUKE Spirits is a line of hand-crafted fine spirits crafted to honor Wayne’s dream to distill and his enduring legacy.
“My father thrived on new projects and adventures and he always loved a great glass of whiskey at the end of the day,” said Ethan Wayne, a partner in Monument Valley Distillers, makers of DUKE spirits. “Our goal with the DUKE was to make a Bourbon that embodies the spirit, strength and richness my father personified while realizing his unfulfilled dream of distilling fine spirits.”
For the Monument Valley Distillers team, Kentucky Straight Bourbon was a natural choice. Based on original bottles dating back to the early 60’s in John Wayne’s private collection the team meticulously blended rare batches to recreate the flavors and aromas preferred by the Duke. Made the old-fashioned way, the team employed small-batch aging in new, heavily charred American oak barrels.
“When Ethan told us the story and we saw the original bottles from his Dad’s collection, we knew that we had to work to bring this vision to life and create a Bourbon that John Wayne would be proud to have in his whiskey glass,” said partner Jayson Woodbridge.
The DUKE Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the second spirit crafted in the great tradition of The Duke. It joins a limited-production DUKE Special Reserve Brandy, introduced in May 2013. DUKE Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $34.99 and will be available in select markets in May 2014.
About Monument Valley Distillers
Monument Valley Distillers is an artisan distiller crafting small batches of superior bourbon, whiskey and brandy. Monument Valley Distillers was born in Calistoga, California, many years ago, over an epic dinner featuring wine, shared memories and laughter between founders Ethan Wayne, son of John Wayne, renowned vintners of Hundred Acre Wines, Chris Radomski, and great friend Richard Howell. Creator of DUKE Spirits, Monument Valley Distillers is committed to preserving the legacy of John Wayne by creating authentic products bearing his name. For more information visit www.dukespirits.com. Please enjoy all Monument Valley Distillers products responsibly.
