Bluebird Distilling adds 2 spirits in annual Black Friday release

PHOENIXVILLE — As it does every Black Friday, Bluebird Distilling this week released two spirits — one is new, while the other marked the return of a fan favorite.

In its annual release, the Phoenixville distillery began sales of its new Sportsman Bourbon, a wheated bourbon whiskey, as well as Winter Whiskey, a favorite of Bluebird Distilling’s fans.

Sportsman Bourbon is the first release of a new and ongoing series of well-aged bourbon whiskey inspired by the rugged, refined spirit of the outdoorsman, according to a release. Sportsman Bourbon is high-proof bourbon featuring experimental blends, and aged for 7½ years. Those sipping Sportsman Bourbon will be able to smell notes of honeysuckle, old oak and vanilla, flavors of light honey, soft corn and leather at mid-palate, with a finish of baked pie and honey-laced vanilla, the company said.

“Sportsman Bourbon is the start of an intriguing experimental series — I have been laying to rest different bourbon recipes for over eight years. This series gives us the room to experiment and truly create some of the best and most unique bourbons on the market,” Jared Adkins, master distiller and founder of Bluebird Distilling, said in a statement. “While we’ll still be making our tried-and-true spirits like the Winter Whiskey, we’re excited to be adding more unique spirits to our catalogue that are inspired by the outdoors and adventure.”

Bluebird Distilling’s Winter Whiskey is so popular, according to the company, that in years past it has sold out in less than a day. The distillery’s seasonal whiskey is made by taking Bluebird Distilling’s Four Grain Bourbon, adding a pinch of brown sugar and steeping it in a variety of winter spices. Warm notes of vanilla, baking spices, orange zest and toffee fill every sip of the spirit, the company said.

Bluebird Distilling released Sportsman’s Bourbon and Winter Whiskey on Friday, Nov. 24. They can be purchased at the distillery, 100 Bridge St. in Phoenixville, in addition to the bottle shops at both Char & Stave locations in Ardmore, 21 Rittenhouse Place; Chestnut Hill, 8441 Germantown Ave.; and online at https://www.bluebirddistilling.com/shop for nationwide shipping.

Bluebird Distilling produces small batch whiskies (including limited releases of  Wheat Whiskey, Four Grain Bourbon, Rye Whiskey and White Rye Whiskey) and other craft spirits, using a state-of-the-art hybrid copper still. Led by Adkins, Bluebird Distilling recently launched national shipping capabilities via Big Thirst, expanding its operations beyond the retail stores and on premise locations across markets in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Illinois. Bluebird’s Phoenixville headquarters location features a bar and adjacent tasting room plus outdoor patio space, featuring an outdoor bar.