A New Tennessee Classic: Ole Smoky’s Straight Bourbon (finally) Lands Nationwide With Flavor, Heart, and Heritage

Ole Smoky’s new Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, four-year aged, rich flavor, nationwide release, and crafted with true Tennessee heritage.

The rise of Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been impossible to ignore.

Bars from Manhattan to Miami Beach have been leaning into American whiskey’s comeback, and drinkers from Aspen to Hong Kong crave bottles with real roots.

So when Ole Smoky Distillery, the most visited distillery in America, announced the nationwide release of its new Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the buzz felt different.

Personal. Authentic. Even a little fun-loving.

After a four-year barrel rest, the whiskey finally steps onto shelves nationwide this month.

It’s a moment shaped by heritage, by the Appalachian spirit, and by the growing crowd of bourbon fans who want something flavorful without needing a hedge fund to afford it.

And yes, it’s also a moment to pour something smooth, lean back, and enjoy.

A Bold Step Into the Premium Whiskey World

Ole Smoky’s newest Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey isn’t just another release; it’s the brand’s push into the premium straight whiskey arena.

For decades, Ole Smoky dominated flavored spirits — moonshines and creative whiskey riffs that made the brand a staple from Las Vegas rooftops to Chicago cocktail dens.

“This bourbon reflects everything Ole Smoky stands for: authenticity, craftsmanship and exceptional quality,”

Will Ensign

VP Marketing, Ole Smoky Distillery

“Based on tremendous excitement and demand at our distilleries as well as growing consumer interest in premium American whiskey, we’re thrilled to make our Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey available to bourbon enthusiasts and our loyal fans nationwide.”

The four-year barrel aging delivers warm, smoky flavors layered with char and caramel — a profile that feels right at home in a Brooklyn whiskey bar or on a Washington, DC back patio. And at $24.99, it’s a bottle that doesn’t require a trust fund to enjoy. (Lucky us, right?)

Why Now? America’s Bourbon Boom Isn’t Slowing Down

The timing is strategic but also inevitable. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), nine-liter case volumes of American whiskey skyrocketed 125.9% between 2003 and 2024 — a surge you can feel whether you’re in Berlin speakeasies or Atlanta hotel lounges.
Source: https://www.distilledspirits.org

This launch taps into that long-running wave, but Ole Smoky rides it with its own Appalachian swagger. With over five million distillery visitors annually, the brand has cultural momentum that many whiskey newcomers only dream of.

Add in the fun-loving spirit the company is known for, and you get a bourbon that hits the premium notes without taking itself too seriously. Which, honestly, is refreshing in a world where some bottles act like they need their own security detail.

Flavor First: A Bourbon Built for Sipping and Sharing

Flavor is where Ole Smoky leans in hard. The Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey brings:

• Smoke, subtle but steady

• Char, a nod to Tennessee tradition

• Caramel, warm and approachable

It’s an easy sipper; friendly enough for beginners, layered enough for collectors, and absolutely built for fun-loving gatherings. Picture it at a Chicago loft party or tucked into a weekend bag for a getaway to Aspen.

It’s also a reminder that flavor doesn’t always need to be fancy or fussy. Sometimes it just needs to be delicious. And, speaking of relatability, it’s nice to meet a bourbon that doesn’t act like it’s auditioning for a role in a prestige drama.

Ole Smoky’s Expanding Universe

The company already produces 25+ moonshine varieties and 17 whiskey styles, holding more than 500 awards. From Gatlinburg to Nashville, 2023 tourists tasted the new bourbon early — and demand exploded. Now the nationwide release completes the arc.

Heritage is still the backbone: the moonshine-making families of the Smoky Mountains, the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee, and the reputation that’s earned them multiple Inc. 5000 honors and Hot Brand Awards.

This new bourbon? It feels like the natural next chapter.

FAQ Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Q1: Is Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey truly aged four years?
A: Yes. It is barrel-aged for four full years to achieve its smooth, rich, Tennessee-style flavor profile.

Q2: Where can I buy the new bourbon?
A: Beginning this month, it is available nationwide at major retailers and local liquor stores across the U.S.

Q3: What does the bourbon taste like?
A: Expect warm notes of smoke, char, and caramel — a refined flavor that remains approachable for casual drinkers.

Blends heritage, flavor, and fun

Ole Smoky’s Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey blends heritage, flavor, and fun into a bottle worthy of any top-shelf lineup — whether that shelf lives in Los Angeles or a cozy cabin in the Smokies. As bourbon demand climbs, this release offers a fresh, accessible entry point for enthusiasts everywhere. If you’re ready to discover a new Tennessee classic, now’s the moment to pour, sip, and enjoy what Ole Smoky has created.